The end of the world...?

'It's not the end of the world.'

Have you ever heard this English expression? We say it to someone who is upset or disappointed, and it means, 'Don't worry. This situation is not as bad as you think it is'.

But today, perhaps this expression has a more literal meaning: an ancient calendar produced by the Mayan people stops on 21.12.12, which some people believe signals the end of the world. Others believe not that the world will end, but that great changes will happen.

Above: today's Google doodle.

This idea is sometimes called 'the 2012 phenomenon'. It was the subject of a movie, titled simply 2012; Google has today changed its logo to a picture of the Mayan calendar; and it has been written about in newspapers all over the world. In some countries, it was even reported that people were panic-buying essential items such as salt and torches.

So far, the world looks unchanged. But what would you do if today was the last day of your life? Why not leave us a comment? :)

Human Rights Day

Did you know that 10 December is Human Rights Day?

Click for photo source

On this day in 1948, the United Nations published a list of 30 rights which should apply to every human being, such as freedom of speech and movement. You can read the list of human rights in simple English by clicking here. Political conferences and cultural events are held all around the world on 10 December.

Although the list was written 64 years ago, there are still many places in the world where people do not have these rights.

Is it a good list? In Georgia, do people have all of the rights on the list? Do you think it's important to celebrate this event? Why (not)? Why not tell us your opinion below?