I read where most of the descendents don't even pay attention to it. Not like fool white hippies do.
Posted on 01/20/2011 11:25:56 AM PST by markomalley
(ANSA) - Rome, January 20 - Rome's Science Festival kicked off its 2011 edition on Thursday, dwelling on the likelihood of humanity's impending doom. "The End of the World" is the official theme that will be the subject of lectures, discussion panels, simulations, exhibits, cocktail parties and other activities organized at the Auditorium Parco della Musica from January 20 to 23.
Over 60 scientists will speak, including astrophysicist Brandon Carter, internationally renowned for his "doomsday argument" from 1983. He predicted, on the basis of statistical principles, that humanity has a 95% chance of being in the last half of its existence, with a possible lifespan of another 9,120 years. Other noteworthy speakers include physicist Lisa Randall, whose models of the universe hypothesize other dimensions; ecologist and bestselling author Bill Streever; and philosopher John Leslie, who is convinced of humanity's capacity to colonize other galaxies before depleting its possibilities on earth. The future of humanity on other planets is also the focus of an exhibit by the Italian astrophysical institute Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica (Inaf) called, "End of the world, the astrophysicists answer". One can even experience a touch of catastrophe through 3D simulations of volcano eruptions and earthquakes.
The theme "was a good idea that demonstrates the large popular appeal of the festival," observed Rome's mayor Gianni Alemanno, who presented the event.
The festival took its inspiration from a worry that has obsessed cultures the world over for thousands of years, inspiring stories and beliefs from the Bible's Apocalypse to the myths of the ancient Maya, for whom December 21, 2012 marks the last day of their calendar.
The Maya prophecy "is the least scientific theme that one can imagine," commented Carlo Fuortes, CEO of the Foundazione Musica per Roma, which organizes the festival. "Naturally, the end of the world will be spoken about in a scientific manner and will be an occasion for quality discussion without (being) boring," he added.
Fittingly, the festival will feature not only scientific discussions, however, but a good dose of irony, entertainment and culture, ranging from the "Bad TV Science" contest to a spectacle entitled, "The last spaceship", probing just what would go on the last spaceship from earth when humanity meets its doom. Celebrated author Ian McEwan will lead a session entitled "Blues for the end of the world," and the National Geographic Channel is proposing "We are the Martians", hosted by astrophysicist Giovanni Bignami. The Tashi Lama, leading singer of the Dalai Lama's monastery Drepung, will even put on a concert divulging the Tibetan perspective on the theme.
Curious, provocative, and humorous venues just add human interest to a gravitas of a serious event, explained Carlo Bo, the scientific director of the festival.
"In reality, the attention of science is focused on the depletion of the planet's resources, and most of the events will talk about this", he clarified.
What they are really experiencing is the death of the West, which the participants have elevated in scope to the end of the world.
Just read the bible, cause He’s comin back just like He said He would and have faith in Jesus Christ. For the most part, if the world is going to end there ain’t much we can do about it.
When the end of the world comes, what will it really matter what anyone does or thinks?
Great place to do some acid.......
Replies could be interesting
“In reality, the attention of science is focused on the depletion of the planet’s resources....”
... instead of focusing on the efficient and intelligent use of the planet’s resources, which will last far longer than the human race.
I bet George Lucas has a front row seat.
Doesn't much matter now.
What the Mayans were predicting (for DEC. 2012) was the civilization of South America taking over the civilization of North America. It was the End of the World(calendar) and the start of a NEW WORLD (new calendar)
And it is happening right before our very eyes.
Right after we finish paying the 0bama deficits.
Can’t see when it would ever really matter. Can’t plan much for it, won’t be anything afterwards.
Glad I like southern cooking...
And they say economics is the dismal science.
Some of these people are positively giddy about the prospect.
I read where most of the descendents don't even pay attention to it. Not like fool white hippies do.
will brother algore’s travelin doom show be there?
No mention of the Zombie Apocalypse? Their credibility is shot!
Can I have their stuff?
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