Astrophoto for December 21, 2012: Stars over the Temple of Quetzalcoatl

Astrophoto for December 21, 2012: Stars over the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. by Nancy Atkinson on December 21, 2012. Want to stay on top of all the space news? Follow @universetoday on Twitter

It's time to save some of that hard-earned cash with our Daily Deals, featuring a handy list from Dealnews and our own hand-picked selections that.

(Will Lester/Staff Photographer) The annual Chino Hills Boat Parade makes its way through the streets of the city Friday evening December 21, 2012. Close. Chino Hills Boat Parade - December 21, 2012. 1 of 14. ON22-HIL-BOATS-16-WL (Will Lester/Staff

Astrophoto for December 21, 2012: Stars over the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. by Nancy Atkinson on December 21, 2012. Want to stay on top of all the space news? Follow @universetoday on Twitter

As Doomsday Flops, Rites in Ruins of Mayan Empire

The worldwide hype over a supposed Mayan prophecy that the world would end on Friday may have been mildly amusing to most of us. What is not so funny is a finding that 1 in 10 people actually believed it. Read more

(TheBlaze/AP) -- As the sun rose from time zone to time zone across the world on Friday, there was still no sign of the world's end - but that didn't stop those convinced that a 5125-year Mayan calendar predicts the apocalypse

Just as the world sighs in relief at having escaped the Mayan Armageddon, the ancient prophesy may still hold true. According to one archaeologist, the end could come as early as this Sunday.

TULUM, Mexico — Midway through the supposed end of the world here, searing solar rays blasted a group of people lying on the beach. One of them turned to a visitor and with no trace of apocalyptic agony reported on what was obvious.

Despite countless articles published over the course of several years to the contrary, despite videos and interviews with some of the world's most prominent and well-respected astronomers, despite new archaeological

Olivia Culpo wins Miss Universe 2012: Boston University sophomore becomes ...

LAS VEGAS -- A 20-year-old Boston University sophomore and a self-described "cellist-nerd" brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade when she won the televised contest Wednesday. Olivia Culpo

Should the Miss Universe pageant be re-named Mrs. Universe?

Photos: Miss Universe 2012's Most Bizarre National Costumes. On Dec. 19, women from around the world competed at the 61st annual Miss Universe pageant. Here's a look at the contestants' wacky—and occasionally tacky—national ensembles. Share. prev

Plus, the 20-year-old Miss USA tells Us about her idol, her celebrity crush, and her "chubby" past.

Olivia Culpo is crowned Miss Universe 2012. Category: 2012 MISS UNIVERSE.

Larry L. King, Texan Author and Playwright, Dies at 83

NEW YORK (AP) — Larry L. King, . has died. He was 83. More at link 28393.

And Other Dirty Stories, and wrote that its author, a Texas Tech graduate-turned-journalist-turned-Congressional aide named Larry L. King, was a “social necessity.” He compared King to Honoré de Balzac, to H. L. Mencken

Former CNN anchor Larry King tweeted to his followers that he was still alive on Friday, despite some followers believing otherwise. Following the death of famed playwright Larry L. King earlier that day, many users on Twitter

Larry L. King, a famed writer and Tony Award-nominated playwright, dies Thursday at age 83. King became famous for a magazine article he wrote about efforts to close down a bordello in Texas. This became the basis for the Tony Award-nominated musical

Larry L. King, a famed writer and Tony Award-nominated playwright, dies Thursday at age 83. King became famous for a magazine article he wrote.

NRA Envisions 'a Good Guy With a Gun' in Every School

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Any chance for national unity on U.S. gun violence appeared to wane a week after the Connecticut school massacre, as the powerful NRA gun rights lobby called on Friday for armed guards in every school and gun-control

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Any chance for national unity on U.S. gun violence appeared to wane a week after the Connecticut school massacre, as the powerful NRA gun rights lobby called on Friday for armed guards in every school and gun-control

As a mom, the NRA's comments offend me. As a leader in Michigan's capitol, they anger me. It's time we put the politics aside and agree that while guns themselves may not be the cause of what took place last week in

In the aftermath of the shooting, the NRA stayed largely silent, making only a brief comment earlier this week when announcing today's press conference. In his remarks today, however, LaPierre vehemently defended the pro-gun agency against critics and

The NRA calls for armed police officers to be posted in every American school to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings." Former NRA regional political director and Independent Firearm Owners Association President Richard Feldman joins The News Hub.

The end of the world? Not quite yet

It's the end of the world! At least, that's what the Mayans say.

MERIDA, Mexico -- In the darkness before dawn Friday, spiritualists prepared white clothes, drums, conch shells and incense ahead of the sunrise they believe will herald the birth of a new and better age as a vast, 5125-year

(CNN) -- It's the end of the world as we know it. And yet the world feels fine. Friday was supposed to be the day life on Earth ceased to exist. The predicted apocalypse -- which spawned a disaster movie "2012," a TV show tracking "Doomsday Preppers

If they can't find something frettable in their daily lives — a job crisis, a health problem, a relationship meltdown — then they may take refuge in thoughts far worse, like the end of the world. (Here's where a newspaper comes in handy. Just page

If they can't find something frettable in their daily lives — a job crisis, a health problem, a relationship meltdown — then they may take refuge in thoughts far worse, like the end of the world. (Here's where a newspaper comes in handy. Just page

May Winter Solstice mark a shift in consciousness, a change in worldview

Saw winter light up downtown LA: winter-solstice-sunrise-lights-downtown-LA-vdt.jpg. A second later, the sun rose. winter solstice sunrise in Paradise Cove. More by Veronique de Turenne: Winter solstice sunrise · Tiny birds

Click through to see photos of Winter Solstice celebrations: In 2012, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Dec. 21, 2012 at 6:12 a.m..

Saw winter light up downtown LA: winter-solstice-sunrise-lights-downtown-LA-vdt.jpg. A second later, the sun rose. winter solstice sunrise in Paradise Cove. More by Veronique de Turenne: Winter solstice sunrise · Tiny birds

They were celebrating the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter. People wore costumes, drank cider, staged skits and launched luminaries to bring light to the longest night. Zara Dowling says, "I think there can't be

Click through to see photos of Winter Solstice celebrations: In 2012, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will occur on Dec. 21, 2012 at 6:12 a.m..

Police search for Footlocker crooks

The Nike Air Max Speed Turf “Raiders” is available at Foot Locker and online at Footlocker.com now for $135. A link to buy online can be found below. Tags - Air Max Speed Turf, football, nike, raiders. Posted In - Releases &

“It is such a sense of accomplishment to qualify for Foot Locker nationals,” Fischer said. “With Hannah having a year of cross country already under her belt, a successful track season, racing well at Great American definitely makes an impression that

On November 16, Foot Locker reported fiscal third quarter adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16.7% and last year's earnings by 47%. Results were driven by impressive top-line growth and solid expense

When officers arrived in the area, they located a car which went out of control on Dr. King, drove over a sidewalk and into the front of the Kids Footlocker location in the 3600 block of Page. Rescue workers were dispatched to assist the driver of the

The Nike Hyperdunk 2012 retails for $160. The two new colorways are available at Foot Locker, House of Hoops by Foot Locker, and online at Footlocker.com. A link to buy online can be found below. Nike Hyperdunk 2012

Brothers Grimm saved classic fairy tales by changing them forever

For the 200th anniversary of the Brothers Grimm, Google has a pretty sweet doodle today that's a wordless comic retelling the story of Little Red Riding Hood. It's a very cute little illo; unfortunately the actual doodle doesn't

As previously reported, Google was running a doodle for “Grimm's Fairy Tales” in parts of the world where Thursday came sooner than it does here in the U.S. Interestingly, now that the doodle has made its way to our neck of

Google has created an interactive Google Doodle to honor the 200th anniversary of Grimm's Fairy Tales. Click on the image embedded above for a visual exploration of the “Little Red Riding Hood” story. To celebrate the milestone, we've rounded up free

Today's Google Doodle honors the 200th anniversary of the Kinder- und Hausmärchen (known as the Children's and Household Tales), first published in 1812 by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Though six more editions followed, this iconic collection of folk

the glass slipper fails to fit them, they cut off parts of their feet. And if that's not enough, at Cinderella's wedding, what the Grimm brothers seem to view as karmic doves fall upon the stepsisters and peck their eyes out so they are blind for

Red Raiders crown 5 WestPAC champs

Runners of Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School were awarded a proclamation by Alameda's Mayor Marie Gilmore for winning the school's first-ever State Cross Country Championship.

Students at the University of Texas at Dallas are this year's American Institute of CPAs Accounting Competition champions, receiving $10,000, with Albion College students taking second and $5,000 and North Carolina State University bringing home $2,500

For a while there, I had to ask myself, Old son, did you really change your first name to 'Homer'? Because that's what I was getting called by many of.

Runners of Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School were awarded a proclamation by Alameda's Mayor Marie Gilmore for winning the school's first-ever State Cross Country Championship.

Conemaugh Township's Cahill brothers were the other repeat champions. Tanner Cahill won the same 145-pound title he did a season ago, while his younger brother, Taylor, captured the 152-pound crown – two weights above where he did it in February.

Police search for Footlocker crooks

On November 16, Foot Locker reported fiscal third quarter adjusted earnings of 63 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16.7% and last year's earnings by 47%. Results were driven by impressive top-line growth and solid expense

Hardin Valley Academy junior Aaron Templeton and Morristown West junior Quintin McKinnish blazed their way to Foot Locker All-American status Saturday morning. Templeton finished seventh and McKinnish was 13th in the Foot Locker National High

Police responded to 911 calls for shots fired in northern St. Louis last night. Whey they got there they didn't find any evidence of guns but they did find this car that had driven plum through the front of a Foot Locker store.

When officers arrived in the area, they located a car which went out of control on Dr. King, drove over a sidewalk and into the front of the Kids Footlocker location in the 3600 block of Page. Rescue workers were dispatched to assist the driver of the

When officers arrived in the area, they located a car which went out of control on Dr. King, drove over a sidewalk and into the front of the Kids Footlocker location in the 3600 block of Page. Rescue workers were dispatched to assist the driver of the

Six Degrees of News: Dec. 21, 2012

(Major) Earthquakes list December 21, 2012. Last update: December 21, 2012 at 11:54 pm by By Ashish Khanal · REAL TIME EARTHQUAKE LIST S – WORLD – REGIONS – COUNTRIES – STATES Felt an earthquake ? Click on I FELT IT

Dec 21, 2012 10:36 PM EST. The Washington Post. Here's a transcript of President Obama's remarks on the status of the fiscal cliff negotiations delivered on Dec. 21, 2012. Statements were being updated as the remarks unfolded. PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good

With segments of the population worrying that today, Dec. 21, 2012, will mark the end of the world, NASA has pulled out all the stops to answer questions from those concerned the apocalypse is imminent. The space agency has a Web page devoted to

It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five.

Dec 21, 2012 10:36 PM EST. The Washington Post. Here's a transcript of President Obama's remarks on the status of the fiscal cliff negotiations delivered on Dec. 21, 2012. Statements were being updated as the remarks unfolded. PRESIDENT OBAMA: Good

NRA Envisions 'a Good Guy With a Gun' in Every School

One week exactly after a horrific shooting at Newtown's Sandy Hook Elementary claimed the lives of 20 children and half-dozen adults, the National Rifle Association (NRA) is imploring for guns in every school across

The NRA vigorously promotes hunting with all manner of weapons, from crossbows to rifles, which is why PETA parents and others are out protesting this week as the NRA mounts the bully pulpit to try to distance itself from a

The NRA just wasted its chance at redemption and used its highly anticipated press conference to shift the blame to video games, and insinuate about a conspir..

By PHILIP ELLIOTT, The ASSOCIATED PRESS WASHINGTON -- The nation's largest gun-rights lobby is calling for armed police officers to be posted in every American school to stop the next killer "waiting in the wings."

WASHINGTON — After a weeklong silence, the National Rifle Association announced Friday that it wants to arm security officers at every school in the country. It pointed the finger at violent video games, the news media and lax law enforcement — not

'X Factor's' Tate Stevens, 'Voice's' Cassadee Pope ... Who's best?

The X Factor ended on a particularly high note for one of the show's finalists Thursday night. L.A. Reid's "Over 25" contestant Tate Stevens, 37, is the winner of season 2. He's a dad of two and a road worker from Missouri. After performing live one

Carly Rose Sonenclar was arguably robbed last night on the "X Factor" finale -- when country singer Tate Stevens was crowned the winner -- and now,…

On "The X Factor," country singer Tate Stevens won Season 2, edging out teenager Carly Rose Sonenclar and the girl group Fifth Harmony on Thursday night. On "The Voice" two days earlier, pop-rock singer Cassadee Pope emerged as the Season 3 winner

Backstage at “The X Factor”: Judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid and hosts Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez celebrate Season 2 winner Tate Stevens.

The X Factor ended on a particularly high note for one of the show's finalists Thursday night. L.A. Reid's "Over 25" contestant Tate Stevens, 37, is the winner of season 2. He's a dad of two and a road worker from Missouri. After performing live one

Taylor Swift's 'Red' Album Rules at No. 1, Bruno Mars Debuts at No. 2

LISTEN Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars — The smooth-as-caramel crooner has a huge hit with his 10-track sophomore album. His production team, the Smeezingtons (Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine), partnered with heavyweight producers Jeff

Bruno Mars has been a busy man, promoting his music over the last several months. His newest album, Unorthodox Jukebox, has already spawned a hit single, “Locked Out of Heaven,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has stayed on top

Rihanna performed Diamonds and Bruno Mars performed When I Was Your Man on last night's season finale of The Voice.

LISTEN Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars — The smooth-as-caramel crooner has a huge hit with his 10-track sophomore album. His production team, the Smeezingtons (Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine), partnered with heavyweight producers Jeff

Coming up with a Top 10 list always feels like a fool's errand. It's impossible to listen to all the music that I want to, so any list always has to come with the caveat that these were the songs that stuck with me throughout the year that I actually

Taylor Swift's 'Red' Album Rules at No. 1, Bruno Mars Debuts at No. 2

Taylor Swift Beats Bruno Mars To U.s. Album Number One. Bruno Mars has missed out on landing a Christmas chart double in the U.S. - his new album Unorthodox Jukebox has debuted behind Taylor Swift's Red on the Billboard 200. The R&B star secured

This week on the charts: Bruno Mars's "Locked Out of Heaven" holds at No. 1 on the Billboard 100, and his new album, Unorthodox Jukebox, debuts at No. 2 (192,000 copies sold). What's No. 1 on the album side, you might ask, if you had not read the above

LISTEN Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars — The smooth-as-caramel crooner has a huge hit with his 10-track sophomore album. His production team, the Smeezingtons (Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine), partnered with heavyweight producers Jeff

Bruno Mars remains atop the Billboard Hot 100, as "Locked Out of Heaven" spends a second week at No. 1. The lead single from his sophomore album, "Unorthodox Jukebox," which bows at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 with 192,000 copies sold, according to

Rihanna performed Diamonds and Bruno Mars performed When I Was Your Man on last night's season finale of The Voice.

Police search for Footlocker crooks

When officers arrived in the area, they located a car which went out of control on Dr. King, drove over a sidewalk and into the front of the Kids Footlocker location in the 3600 block of Page. Rescue workers were dispatched to assist the driver of the

A seasoned veteran and a youthful newcomer claimed championships during the 34th annual Foot Locker Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Balboa Park in San Diego, Calif. Edward Cheserek, a senior from St. Benedict's Prep (Newark, N.J.),

“It is such a sense of accomplishment to qualify for Foot Locker nationals,” Fischer said. “With Hannah having a year of cross country already under her belt, a successful track season, racing well at Great American definitely makes an impression that

When officers arrived in the area, they located a car which went out of control on Dr. King, drove over a sidewalk and into the front of the Kids Footlocker location in the 3600 block of Page. Rescue workers were dispatched to assist the driver of the

“It is such a sense of accomplishment to qualify for Foot Locker nationals,” Fischer said. “With Hannah having a year of cross country already under her belt, a successful track season, racing well at Great American definitely makes an impression that

Jackman, Crowe premiere 'Les Mis' in Australia

Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe had some fun with the photographers on the red carpet for the Australian premiere of Les Miserables Friday. The movie, which is earning rave reviews and plenty of Oscar buzz, opens in U.S. theaters on Christmas Day.

OBVIOUSLY my teacher wasn't an Olivia Newton-John fan. Why else would I have been rewarded with a detention for merely encouraging my classmates to join in an impromptu performance of Summer Nights one Friday afternoon in high school?

Australia's batting coach Stuart Law spoke of his desire to return to the nation's batsmen the sort of collective "ruthless streak" that limited him to one Test in a career that ultimately reaped more than 27000 first-class runs

OBVIOUSLY my teacher wasn't an Olivia Newton-John fan. Why else would I have been rewarded with a detention for merely encouraging my classmates to join in an impromptu performance of Summer Nights one Friday afternoon in high school?

A reader tip pointed us to an issue with Mazda's recent Skyactiv-D diesel engines in Australia. Apparently, the vehicle's particulate filter may be the.

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo: My Parents Didn't Think Pageants Were a ...

Besting Miss Philippines Janine Tugonon and Miss Venezuela Irene Sofia Esser, the 20-year-old Boston University student brings the title back to America for the first time in 15 years.

miss-usa-olivia-culpo-winner-pics-2012-photo- Miss USA Olivia Culpo may have taken the Miss Universe 2012 crown on Wednesday (Dec. 19), but her pageant beginnings just over a year ago were somewhat meager. "My parents didn't think it was a good

Olivia Culpo is crowned Miss Universe 2012. Category: 2012 MISS UNIVERSE.

Photos: Miss Universe 2012's Most Bizarre National Costumes. On Dec. 19, women from around the world competed at the 61st annual Miss Universe pageant. Here's a look at the contestants' wacky—and occasionally tacky—national ensembles. Share. prev

LAS VEGAS — Miss Venezuela came in third in the Miss Universe contest, a disappointment for the South American nation that has won more crowns in the pageant than any other country besides the U.S.. But Irene Sofia Esser Quintero was the talk of the

'The X Factor': Tate Stevens wins second season

Last night country singer Tate Stevens was crowned the Season Two winner of The X Factor, walking away with a $5 million recording contract and a Pepsi-produced video that will premiere on the Grammys in February. The Belton, Missouri, native, who was

Last night country singer Tate Stevens was crowned the Season Two winner of The X Factor, walking away with a $5 million recording contract and a Pepsi-produced video that will premiere on the Grammys in February. The Belton, Missouri, native, who was

Last night country singer Tate Stevens was crowned the Season Two winner of The X Factor, walking away with a $5 million recording contract and a Pepsi-produced video that will premiere on the Grammys in February. The Belton, Missouri, native, who was

“The X Factor” finale kicks off in style with a rented red carpet, a pack of rented paparazzi, a rented cheering crowd, and some rented limos to drop off the show's judges, where Ko-Hosts Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez are able to snag the first

Simon Cowell calls the Sandy Hook X Factor tribute the hardest thing he's ever done on TV. Details here.

Instagram Rolls Back Policy on Advertising

After its users rebelled, the photo-sharing app did a full retreat from its new proposed terms of service; The Boston Globe named a new editor, Brian McGrory; and the iconic MTV series ended on Thursday after six seasons

But wouldn't it just be easier to fold Instagram's filtering and editing features into a photo application or social network that already exists? Why yes, it would be. Twitter and Flickr have already done just that, and Aviary is the company whose

As you tense your loins, waiting for the end of the world, those in charge at Instagram are squeezing other muscles. For rumors have emerged that the site's most popular user, Kim Kardashian, is considering shutting down her account and taking all of

Instagram just released a new version of its iOS app which allows people to login through Facebook's iOS 6 single sign-on integrations. It also adds a n..

Instagram has formally updated its Terms of Service, making changes based on user feedback. The photo sharing site -- which Facebook purchased in April -- introduced its plans f

End Of The World 2012? Not Just Yet

December 21, 2012. Many say Dec. 21, 2012, is the day ancient Mayans prophesized the world would end, but scholars say that is not what the calendar said. The day is the end of a cycle in Mayan life, but not the end of the world. Share. 1Facebook

The Maya Long Count calendar reads '13.0.0.0.0' ('thirteen b'aktun') for the first time in 5,125 years, believed by some to mark the end of civilisation. Our correspondents report on preparations for the apocalypse around the world, which turned out to

MERIDA, Mexico — Dec. 21 started out as the prophetic day some had believed would usher in the fiery end of the world. By Friday afternoon, it had become more comic than cosmic, the punch line of countless Facebook posts and at least several dozen

Well, supposedly it is the end of the world. The Mayans said so. That means that we need to think of great and wonderful things. Now, to be honest, football should be the furthest thing from our

A woman dressed as a unicorn watches the sun rise, as druids, pagans and revelers take part in a winter solstice ceremony at Stonehenge, Dec. 21, 2012 in Wiltshire, England. Predictions that the world will end today as it marks the end of a 5,125-year

Jabari Parker deals with backlash

Well, Duke is still doing Duke things, apparently. If you thought the nation's top black Mormon whose father played in the NBA would commit to some other school—like Michigan State, say, or BYU—you were truly mistaken.

Jabari Parker, a skilled and talented 6-foot-8 forward out of Chicago, chose the Blue Devils over Michigan State and Florida on Thursday afternoon. Parker will team with Mississippi State transfer Rodney Hood, who is sitting out this year, to form one

As soon as Jabari Parker announced his decision to become a Blue Devil, you could literally hear national championship expectations going through the roof of Cameron Indoor Stadium. When a player like Parker heads to a place like Duke, people don't ask

Depending on whom you ask, most people feel that Duke and Michigan State are the frontrunners at this point.

On Thursday afternoon Jabari Parker, one of the top basketball players in the country out of Simeon High in Chicago, announced on national television that he will attend Duke. Parker agonized over the decision for months and he still wasn't completely

2012 Extreme Weather Sets Records, Fits Climate Change Forecasts

While Washington bickers over the fiscal cliff, and normal people frantically finish their Christmas shopping, numbers geeks have been eagerly awaiting the 2012 census population estimates. These are the annual revisions

MERIDA, Mexico — Dec. 21 started out as the prophetic day some had believed would usher in the fiery end of the world. By Friday afternoon, it had become more comic than cosmic, the punch line of countless Facebook posts and at least several dozen

To Jimi Hendrix, music was a religion. To Twitter users, music is a conversation starter and so much more. Here's how music ruled Twitter in 2012.

The year in technology: 2012. CBS. Looking back on 2012, it's hard to believe that this year brought us two new iPads and a mini, a jump from the edge of space and an Internet blackout. 18 Photos

Last week, we posted a long and varied collection of our contributors' favorite books of 2012. Since then, a few more writers have weighed in.

Three-time Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton admits to being a Las Vegas escort

For the last year runner Suzy Favor Hamilton, a 3 time U.S. Olympian and 9 time NCAA individual champion, worked for Haley Heston's Private Collection escort service as a $600/hr prostitute under name Kelly Lundy.

For the last year runner Suzy Favor Hamilton, a 3 time U.S. Olympian and 9 time NCAA individual champion, worked for Haley Heston's Private Collection escort service as a $600/hr prostitute under name Kelly Lundy.

Three-time U.S. Olympian Suzy Favor Hamilton admitted to working as a Las Vegas escort for the past year, reportedly offering her services as recently as Dec. 5 in a secret life that she said only her husband had known about

Olympic track star Suzy Favor Hamilton shocked her family and fans when she revealed that she was living a double life as a $600/hour call girl in Las Vegas. “I realize I have made highly irrational choices and I take full

End Of The World 2012? Not Just Yet

MERIDA, Mexico -- In the darkness before dawn Friday, spiritualists prepared white clothes, drums, conch shells and incense ahead of the sunrise they believe will herald the birth of a new and better age as a vast, 5125-year

21, 2012 could possibly bring the end of the world,” says Buset. “And even these people were careful to say that ultimately, the fate of the world was in God's hands. It's important to note that the Maya Long Count calendar fell out of use hundreds of

The Maya Long Count calendar reads '13.0.0.0.0' ('thirteen b'aktun') for the first time in 5,125 years, believed by some to mark the end of civilisation. Our correspondents report on preparations for the apocalypse around the world, which turned out to

The Maya never predicted that 2012 would be the Year of the Cigar Box Guitar. They missed the most important story. The end of the world, which ought to be in a couple of hours, is not this year's crucial event.

(CNN) -- If the world comes to an end today, it won't be the first time. At least on film, planet Earth has been destroyed, decimated, and rebuilt countless times over, from a myriad of causes and in a variety of situations that even the Mayans couldn

Why Robert Bork Didn't Belong on the Supreme Court, in 85 Words

Reason contributor Walter Olson has a piece in the New York Post recalling one of the most hotly contested issues surrounding the recently deceased Robert.

Robert Bork, a former solicitor general perhaps best known for his controversial Supreme Court nomination which failed in 1987, died Wednesday due to heart complications, PJ Media and National Review report. He was 85.

Robert Bork.,53567780AW001_Bork_Discusse. Robert Bork in 2005. Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images. The last time I spoke to Robert Bork, who died Wednesday, was 30 years ago this week. In mid-December 1982, I was a second-year law student at Yale

At one point during his failed confirmation hearings, Judge Bork famously told the senators that he looked forward to the “intellectual feast” of being on the Supreme Court. Well, he didn't get that chance, but he certainly left behind something of an

Robert Bork, the conservative judge and scholar whose 1987 nomination by President Ronald Reagan to the Supreme Court sparked an epic battle which has defined Senate judicial politics ever since, has died at age 85. The Senate voted to reject Bork's

End Of The World 2012? Not Just Yet

Last week, we posted a long and varied collection of our contributors' favorite books of 2012. Since then, a few more writers have weighed in.

The Times pop critics discuss the best songs of 2012.

You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the.

From clean air regulations to clean energy installations and requirements for better gas mileage, here's the year in environmental progress, according to the Sierra Club.

From clean air regulations to clean energy installations and requirements for better gas mileage, here's the year in environmental progress, according to the Sierra Club.

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo: My Parents Didn't Think Pageants Were a ...

Attention, gentleman: Olivia Culpo is officially single -- despite being linked to Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte in September. The Rhode Island native, who.

Miss Angola Marcelina Vahekeni competes in an evening gown of her choice during the Evening Gown Competition of the 2012 Miss Universe Presentation Show at PH Live in Las Vegas. Photo: Reuters. Miss South Africa 2012 Melinda Bam competes in an

While watching the evening gown portion of Miss Universe 2012 Wednesday, we noticed dozens of white dressess with trains, mermaid skirts and sweetheart necklines that distinctly resembled wedding gowns. Was this a pageant or a bridal expo? They were

Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe on Wednesday, December 19 2012. She beat out 85 other contestants.

Olivia Culpo is crowned Miss Universe 2012. Category: 2012 MISS UNIVERSE.

Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo: My Parents Didn't Think Pageants Were a ...

Meet the new Miss Universe 2012! Boston University sophomore Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 Wednesday night. Miss USA since June, the Cranston, Rhode Island native, 20, was the first American to win the Miss Universe title since 1997.

Meet the new Miss Universe 2012! Boston University sophomore Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 Wednesday night. Miss USA since June, the Cranston, Rhode Island native, 20, was the first American to win the Miss Universe title since 1997.

Photos: Miss Universe 2012's Most Bizarre National Costumes. On Dec. 19, women from around the world competed at the 61st annual Miss Universe pageant. Here's a look at the contestants' wacky—and occasionally tacky—national ensembles. Share. prev

Olivia Culpo is the first Miss USA to win the Miss Universe crown since 1997 and the eighth American overall.Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, finished as first runner-up. Plus, pregnant pro beach volleyball player and pageant judge Kerri Walsh walks

Miss Angola Marcelina Vahekeni competes in an evening gown of her choice during the Evening Gown Competition of the 2012 Miss Universe Presentation Show at PH Live in Las Vegas. Photo: Reuters. Miss South Africa 2012 Melinda Bam competes in an

Tim Tebow, Camilla Belle: It's Over!

With rumors revolving that the quarterback is looking to be transferred from the Jets, a new report has come forward alleging a breakup between him and girlfriend Camilla Belle. Tebow and Belle have been dating for two month, but sources told Us Weekly

Bench-warming quarterback Tim Tebow, who could split from the New York Jets after this season, has already split with his girlfriend, actress Camilla Belle. Us Weekly Wednesday said Tebow, 25, and Belle, 26, were breaking up after dating for less than

Bench-warming quarterback Tim Tebow, who could split from the New York Jets after this season, has already split with his girlfriend, actress Camilla Belle. Us Weekly Wednesday said Tebow, 25, and Belle, 26, were breaking up after dating for less than

After less than two months of dating, the New York Jets quarterback and actress Camilla Belle have called it quits, a source tells Us Weekly exclusively. Explains the source of Tebow, 25, and Belle, 26: “It just didn't work out.”

A day after New York Jets coach Rex Ryan passed over Tebow and played Greg McElroy, Us Weekly reports the quarterback and his actress girlfriend Camilla Belle have broken up. RIP Jelena and TomKat! Check out the most shocking celebrity splits

'X Factor' winner is headed to Nashville

The X Factor ended on a particularly high note for one of the show's finalists Thursday night. L.A. Reid's "Over 25" contestant Tate Stevens, 37, is the winner of season 2. He's a dad of two and a road worker from Missouri. After performing live one

The X Factor wrapped up its second season on Thursday with a holiday-themed blowout, crowning its winner at the end of the two-hour episode. So long as you're unafraid of spoilers, read on to learn what Simon and co. had to say about who took home the

The Missouri country singer will head there with a $5 million recording contract he won Thursday as the second-season champion of The X Factor. In a finale of contrasts, Stevens, 37, one of the oldest competitors in the Fox singing competition, drew

Backstage at “The X Factor”: Judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid and hosts Khloe Kardashian Odom and Mario Lopez celebrate Season 2 winner Tate Stevens.

The X Factor ended on a particularly high note for one of the show's finalists Thursday night. L.A. Reid's "Over 25" contestant Tate Stevens, 37, is the winner of season 2. He's a dad of two and a road worker from Missouri. After performing live one

Were the Mayans Just Predicting the End of the NHL?

The Winter Solstice this morning was a letdown in Ireland, just like in many other places where cataclysmic revelations were expected due to Mayan predictions of the end of the world just when the queues were forming at Dunkin' Donuts. Of course, the

The much-anticipated date for the end of the world is finally coming, as predicted by the Mayans, and we've got the latest updates on how the globe is dealing with 'Armageddon.'

Is it possible that the Mayans, in their infinite wisdom, somehow anticipated that Boehner would fail to bring any legislation that might patch the cliff? The Boehner “fail” happened last evening, it was already 12/21 in Asia.

Some interpretations of the Mayan calendar say Dec. 21, 2012, is doomsday, but that doesn't seem to be a concern among the Mayan descendants in Brooklyn.

Did the Mayans predict the NHL lockout? Game On! Josh Cooper, USA TODAY Sports10:19p.m. EST December 20, 2012. CommentsShare. 2012-12-20-hal-gill. Nashville Predators defenseman Hal Gill, left, and Phoenix Coyotes forward Taylor Pyatt tangle

Happy Winter Solstice!

Friday, the first day of winter and the year's shortest day, will kick off a wet weekend as a storm moves across the Bay Area, bringing rain, cold and winds of up to 25 mph in places -- if the world doesn't end. If we're still here, the storm will

That entire storm system will push east, and send a windswept rain into southern New England… right as we mark the arrival of the Winter Solstice at 6:12am EST. The national weather service this morning placed areas south and east or Providence and

Amidst the hoopla of the Mayan 'End of the World'-hype, I hope folks have not forgotten Winter Solstice - which happens to fall also on December 21st this year - which sees the shortening of a single day and lengthening of

So let this Solstice be a time when we all put our intention toward the change, and draw forth the strength, the courage and the determination to bring that new world into being.

Amidst the hoopla of the Mayan 'End of the World'-hype, I hope folks have not forgotten Winter Solstice - which happens to fall also on December 21st this year - which sees the shortening of a single day and lengthening of

First Day Of Winter 2012: Solstice Signifies Beginning Of New Season On ...

Holiday 2012: What's on your gadget wish-list? If you could get Santa to bring you anything at all, what would it be? Find out my picks, then share yours! Rick Broida. by Rick Broida. December 21, 2012 8:58 AM PST Follow @cheapskateblog. The Parrot AR.

While 2012 was a banner year for new music, it was also a year in which I rediscovered (or newly discovered) older albums. Sometimes it takes a couple of years to get to know an album well enough to review it. It's difficult to fully judge an album on

While 2012 was a banner year for new music, it was also a year in which I rediscovered (or newly discovered) older albums. Sometimes it takes a couple of years to get to know an album well enough to review it. It's difficult to fully judge an album on

While 2012 was a banner year for new music, it was also a year in which I rediscovered (or newly discovered) older albums. Sometimes it takes a couple of years to get to know an album well enough to review it. It's difficult to fully judge an album on

With no real trends or whipping posts in 2012, it was, surprisingly, just a great time to enjoy metal on its own terms. In fact, the only unifying theme of 2012 was a strong showing from the lifers who have made metal what it is today. Vital releases

Miss Universe 2012: Language barrier took the spotlight

LAS VEGAS — A 20-year-old Boston University sophomore and a self-described "cellist-nerd" brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade when she won the televised contest Wednesday. Olivia Culpo

Meet the new Miss Universe 2012! Boston University sophomore Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 Wednesday night. Miss USA since June, the Cranston, Rhode Island native, 20, was the first American to win the Miss Universe title since 1997.

Meet the new Miss Universe 2012! Boston University sophomore Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 Wednesday night. Miss USA since June, the Cranston, Rhode Island native, 20, was the first American to win the Miss Universe title since 1997.

Miss USA Olivia Culpo was crowned the 2012 Miss Universe on Wednesday. The 20-year-old beauty queen beat out 88 other contestants, including first runner-up Janine Tugonon of the Philippines, to win the highly-coveted

Olivia Culpo is the first Miss USA to win the Miss Universe crown since 1997 and the eighth American overall.Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, finished as first runner-up. Plus, pregnant pro beach volleyball player and pageant judge Kerri Walsh walks

Instagram Regulations Get Tweaked After Uproar -- But The Worst Part Is Still ...

Following the loud Internet outcry against its new Terms of Service, Instagram is rolling back a section of its new rules that previously gave many angry users the impression that the photo-sharing platform planned to start

Following the loud Internet outcry against its new Terms of Service, Instagram is rolling back a section of its new rules that previously gave many angry users the impression that the photo-sharing platform planned to start selling people's pictures to

After an uproar over privacy concerns, Instagram's co-founder, Kevin Systrom, said the service would revert to its previous user agreement. Read more

Instagram just released an update for its iOS and Android apps that now allows people to login through Facebook's iOS 6 single sign-on integrations. It also adds a new filter called Mayfair, and returns the ability to share photos from any album on

Instagram just released an update for its iOS and Android apps that now allows people to login through Facebook's iOS 6 single sign-on integrations. It also adds a new filter called Mayfair, and returns the ability to share photos from any album on

Known for Faith as Well as His Play, a Top Recruit Picks Duke, Not BYU

Depending on whom you ask, most people feel that Duke and Michigan State are the frontrunners at this point.

Jabari Parker made a decisionon his mission. The hotly recruited basketball star will not go on an LDS mission, leaving five programs (including BYU) scrambling to get him for the.

Jabari Parker (Getty Images)It took only 11 words for Jabari Parker to exhilarate one fan base and crush the hopes of four others. At a press conference at Chicago's Simeon High School Thursday afternoon, the nation's No. 2 recruit paused, dug a blue

Jabari Parker leaned down from a podium crowded with microphones and pulled a bright blue Duke T-shirt from a backpack, providing a dramatic ending to the type of mystery that is becoming increasingly rare in high school recruiting. Simeon's Parker

Jabari Parker (Getty Images)It took only 11 words for Jabari Parker to exhilarate one fan base and crush the hopes of four others. At a press conference at Chicago's Simeon High School Thursday afternoon, the nation's No. 2 recruit paused, dug a blue

End of the world on 12/21/12? Not just yet, says the Vatican's top astronomer ...

Another road-heavy stretch left the San Antonio Spurs weary and looking forward to one of their longest homestands of the season. They'll try to begin that stay by avoiding their longest losing streak in more than 20 months Friday night against the

West Wing Week: 12/21/12 or "We Are There For Them". Adam Garber. December 21, 2012 12:00 AM EST. Share This Post. Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the President

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (www.incnow.tv) --- Less than three days until doomsday prophets say the world could be ending. It's a story about the approach of "12-21-12", and whether there's reason to feel afraid. Digital Daily

Sorry Links went up late. Got unduly involved in the gun control post and forgot to launch this one on schedule. Home at the End of Time: Robert Vicino Built an Underground City Where You Can Ride out the Apocalypse

Sorry Links went up late. Got unduly involved in the gun control post and forgot to launch this one on schedule. Home at the End of Time: Robert Vicino Built an Underground City Where You Can Ride out the Apocalypse

Instagram Regulations Get Tweaked After Uproar -- But The Worst Part Is Still ...

Kim Kardashian is afraid Instagram's new policies will torpedo the million-dollar empire she's spent years building -- and THAT'S why she's threatening to…

Instagram has backpedaled on changes to its terms of service that appeared to let the maker of the photo-sharing app sell users' images, with founder and CEO Kevin Systrom announcing today that the terms will revert to the version in place since the

Kim Kardashian is afraid Instagram's new policies will torpedo the million-dollar empire she's spent years building -- and THAT'S why she's threatening to…

After upsetting users with changes to its Terms of Service, Instagram announced tonight that it's discarding some of them for now, rolling back the.

After an uproar over privacy concerns, Instagram's co-founder, Kevin Systrom, said the service would revert to its previous user agreement. Read more

Staying In: Bruno Mars and Rebel Wilson combine for the perfect weekend indoors

LISTEN Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars — The smooth-as-caramel crooner has a huge hit with his 10-track sophomore album. His production team, the Smeezingtons (Mars, Philip Lawrence and Ari Levine), partnered

Bruno Mars' “Locked Out Of Heaven” locks up the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for the second week in a row.

The title beats the arriving Unorthodox Jukebox by Bruno Mars, which settles for a bow at No. 2 with 192,000. It's easily the best sales week yet for the singer/songwriter/producer, who previously earned his best frame when Doo-Wops & Hooligans moved

To the rest of the world, Bruno Mars is as harmless as a puppy in a fedora, an old-fashioned entertainer welcome at any mother's dinner table. Mars apparently doesn't see himself that way, though. On his sophomore album,

This week on the charts: Bruno Mars's "Locked Out of Heaven" holds at No. 1 on the Billboard 100, and his new album, Unorthodox Jukebox, debuts at No. 2 (192,000 copies sold). What's No. 1 on the album side, you might ask, if you had not read the above

Exclusive: Christina Aguilera's Birthday: The Bash, Cake and More Revealed!

Not seen during the festivities was Aguilera's son Max, who turns five in January, and her boyfriend Matthew Rutler, a musician and production assistant she met on the set of Burlesque in 2010. Bad Santa: The star covered her blonde bob with a festive

Christina Aguilera wears a Santa hat while leaving a late night birthday party on Tuesday (December 18) in Los Angeles. The 32-year-old The Voice coach wore a long coat over her Mickey Mouse t-shirt and fishnet stockings. Earlier in the evening

View Pics Christina Aguilera Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic. Another year older and Christina Aguilera still hasn't run out of new hairstyles to try! Sharing the sam birthday as Brad Pitt, 49, and Katie Holmes, 34, the "Your Body" singer turns 32 on

23,. Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images. You may have noticed them on "Mad Men," starring in their own sitcoms, or rocking the red carpet at the American Music Awards: curvy women, from Christina Aguilera to Christina Hendricks, are raising their profile in

We totally get that not every woman wakes up camera-ready like Kim Kardashian. But when a part of a celebrity's budget is allocated to professional hair and makeup artists, there's no excuse for stepping out on the red carpet

'The Voice' winner Cassadee Pope: 'A part of me didn't want to do this show'

Before Cassadee Pope was crowned season three winner, NBC tried mightily to pack the two-hour finale of The Voice with big musical guests from Avril Lavigne, the Killers, Smokey

New York. Cassadee Pope, who was country singer Blake Shelton's protege on the third season of NBC's "The Voice," has won the show's competition. Skip to next paragraph. Related stories. How much do you know about American Idol? Take our quiz.

A song from the "The Voice" is in the top 10 on the Hot Digital Songs chart for the first time since the first season's finale in June 2011. Coincidentally, the four artists with the highest charting songs were the first four to learn they were safe on

Christina Aguilera may no longer be a mentor on "The Voice," but come this January she will be the People's Voice. The singer will be honored with that very award at the People's Choice Awards next month. The award recognizes Aguilera's ability to

Less than 24 hours after being named the winner of the third season of The Voice, Cassadee Pope is still catching her breath. I don't think it's reall.

'The Voice' winner Cassadee Pope: 'A part of me didn't want to do this show'

What The Voice has not had yet, and I am going to piss off someone's fans here, is an honest-to-God star as its winner, a la Clarkson or Carrie Underwood. And it's clearly hoping to change things with Cassadee Pope, who, if you've been following this

A song from the "The Voice" is in the top 10 on the Hot Digital Songs chart for the first time since the first season's finale in June 2011. Coincidentally, the four artists with the highest charting songs were the first four to learn they were safe on

Cassadee Pope is riding high after becoming the first female winner of The Voice on Dec. 18. But her newfound happiness may be short lived, as her estranged father Lenny Pope is making some pretty outrageous allegations about her. He says that his

Cassadee Pope is riding high after becoming the first female winner of The Voice on Dec. 18. But her newfound happiness may be short lived, as her estranged father Lenny Pope is making some pretty outrageous allegations about her. He says that his

I can't say I was overly surprised by this season's winner of "The Voice" but before we get to that, let's look back at how the third season's finale played out.

The biggest Pinocchios of 2012

2012 is nearly over. If you were playing WoW on this date in 2011, you were playing a significantly different game, raiding the ultimate raid of Cataclysm with the Dragon Soul, or probably not doing much else. One of the

Alleged drug dealers, gang members, car stealers: these are New Jersey's Top 10 mug shots of 2012. The members of this rogues' gallery will not be remembered for their deeds, but rather for their look when they were booked. Whether it was crazy hair,

Van Noy's two defensive touchdowns key to Cougar win.

In 2012, YouTube adapted and anticipated trends in online video, seeking to become a major influencer of the future of how we watch, well, everything.

In hindsight, 2012 may well be the year that marks the biggest transition in Microsoft's storied corporate history. That statement might get some argument from Microsoft watchers, who would put the debut of Windows 95 and the retiring of co-founder

Mayan apocalypse fails, according to Australia

The humorous write-up by DIAC states that while Santa Claus knows obtaining his Australian visa is a streamlined process but they have reminded Santa that there are trainee elves on student visas who need to consider their options before their visas

CANBERRA, Australia -- A 3-year-old Australian boy was lucky to escape uninjured after a collection of eggs he found in his yard hatched into a slithering tangle of deadly snakes. Reptile specialist Trish Prendergast said Friday that young wildlife

JAMES Ashby will today lodge a fresh sexual harassment claim against former parliamentary speaker Peter Slipper with Fair Work Australia - despite a Federal Court judge throwing out his case last week for being an abuse of the court's process. Mr Ashby

I'm writing these lines on December 20, 2:54PM. In Australia, it's December 21, 6:54AM. If you are in Australia, please reply in the comments promptly. We want to know if the world is over yet there or not. Also, if you have

Match report of Australia v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Hobart, 5th day from Australia v Sri Lanka.

End of the world – live blog

And now a new TMZ game SPOT THE DOPES!!!Here we have a photo taken today at El Castillo in Mexico -- otherwise known as the Temple of Kukulkan, a…

The Alpacalypse arrives at midnight. You have heard of the Dec. 21, 2012 apocalypse, but that was just the Mayans' sneaky plan to distract from the real destruction set to doom

South Floridians who are part of the Public Insight Network, an online community of people who have agreed to share their insights with The Miami Herald, also had some ideas on what they'd do if Friday marks the end of the world. Nancy Dominguez, of

Mayan End of the World blog : Maya Code Exhibition A Mayan urn from Guatemala (900-1250) in the Maya Code exhibition at the Linden-Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Defying the end of the world, the exhibition opened on Friday and will run until 2 June

If you forgot to flip the page on your Mayan calendar this month, we have some bad news. The world is coming to an end on Dec. 21 thanks to the preordained Mayan Apocalypse. At least, that's what dubious sources have

Exclusive: Christina Aguilera's Birthday: The Bash, Cake and More Revealed!

The Voice coach celebrated her 32nd year at a surprise birthday bash with close friends.

We totally get that not every woman wakes up camera-ready like Kim Kardashian. But when a part of a celebrity's budget is allocated to professional hair and makeup artists, there's no excuse for stepping out on the red carpet

We totally get that not every woman wakes up camera-ready like Kim Kardashian. But when a part of a celebrity's budget is allocated to professional hair and makeup artists, there's no excuse for stepping out on the red carpet

The songstress rang in her 32nd birthday with a few well wishes from fans during the taping of the season three finale.

We totally get that not every woman wakes up camera-ready like Kim Kardashian. But when a part of a celebrity's budget is allocated to professional hair and makeup artists, there's no excuse for stepping out on the red carpet