12 Notable Endings in 2012

As another year comes to a close, we’re reminded that all good things (debatable) must come to an end. Here’s our list of significant “endings” in 2012. What would you add?

Mayan Calendar — Prior to the arrival of Europeans, people living in Central America followed the 5,125-year Mayan Calendar to organize time. The calendar’s last day was December 21, 2012. Many recognized this as a prophesy for the end of the world or end of time as we knew it. Well… this might actually be an “ending” that didn’t happen! To those who no longer have a calendar, I highly recommend the Gregorian calendar.

Twinkies — Hostess brands filed for bankruptcy and announced they will be winding down production of their world-famous treat, the Twinkie. Children and adults grieved the loss of the beloved pastry. People flocked to grocery stores and eBay to stock up on Hostess products and keep the sugary snacks stocked well into 2013.

Livestrong — The yellow silicon LIVESTRONG bracelets became a fad in 2004 in an effort to fundraise for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. After Lance was caught using performance-enhancing drugs, he was stripped of his tournament titles. Nike, who helped develop the bracelets, decided to drop its sponsorship. But no need to throw your bracelet out, just cross out the “v” and wear a LIE STRONG bracelet.

Encyclopedia Britannica’s printed edition — Make a plan for the extra room on your bookshelves! Encyclopedia Britannica announced in March that it will no longer publish a print edition. Instead, one of the world’s most popular encyclopedias will focus on its online edition. Longing for (or do you even remember?) the days when you actually flipped through the pages of a book to find out who was pope in 1539? Now, they have an app for that.

Empire State Building: Tallest Building in NYC — After the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Empire State Building reclaimed its original title as the tallest building in the Manhattan skyline. However, in April, One World Trade Center (more affectionately called the Freedom Tower) climbed higher. When President Obama visited the construction site in June, he signed a beam that would later be added to one of the top floors saying, “We remember, we rebuild, and we come back stronger.” Upon completion, One WTC will be the tallest building in the United States and the tallest office building in the world!

Transit of Venus (for now) — The Transit of Venus is one of the rarest predictable astronomical phenomena and occurs when Venus passes directly between the Earth and the sun. Taking place July 5-6 this year, astronomers — professional and amateur alike — gathered in optimal viewing zones to witness this extraordinary event. The Transit of Venus won’t be seen again until 2117. So, while you may never have the chance to see it “live” again, there are always exciting celestial events to look forward to. Or you can just listen to the album of the same name by Three Days Grace.

Cancelled — Dirty Jobs, Weeds, CSI: Miami and American Chopper (one of the first family-based reality shows on TV). The Secret Life of the American Teenager and House have also called “Cut!” for the last time this year.

Safety like we knew it — This year, the United States was shaken with news of more public shootings, including one at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado, on the opening night of The Dark Knight Rises and most recently, the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. It’s scary to know that we live in a world where such brutalities occur. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all victims of gun violence. May we be stirred to action to halt such horrible events in the future. Lord, Hear our prayer.

Celeb Breakups — Looks like Taylor Swift has material for a new album! She broke up with her boy-toy Conor Kennedy and it’s rumored that her latest single “Being Again” is about him. Other news from splitsville: Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis — all done.

George Lucas piloting Lucasfilm — The film production company responsible for the series Star Wars and Indiana Jones has a new leader. In late October, the announcement came that the Walt Disney Company will acquire Lucasfilm (founded by George Lucas) for more than $4 billion. Fans are nervously excited (probably more nervous than excited) to see what types of Star Wars-themed rides and attractions will appear at Disney theme parks and what Disney-Star Wars-inspired flick will await them in movie theaters.

Jersey Shore: TV Show and destination — MTV’s popular reality series based in New Jersey came to an end this year after six crazy seasons. The cast fist pumped their way through several locations such as the Jersey Shore, Miami, and Florence, while they became household names. Unfortunately, the actual Jersey Shore took quite a beating this year, and it wasn’t from the cast’s crazy antics. Hurricane Sandy destroyed many parts of the shore and severely damaged others. But with endings there are new beginnings and efforts to rebuild.

Dame Judi Dench as “M” — Since 1995’s Goldeneye, the head of Her Majesty’s Secret Service Foreign Intelligence wing (and James Bond’s boss) has been played with perfection by British stage and film actress Judi Dench. Offering us a counterbalance to Bond’s misogynistic spy, Dench’s M was willing to put her subordinate in his place when he spoke out of turn, but also place her trust and faith in his abilities. Though she lasted through seven films and two Bond actors, it turns out Javier Bardem’s revenge-seeking, psychopathic Silva was too much for her. We’ll miss you, female M; Voldemort has nothing on you!