// OK, here we are, at the height of human advancement.
We have:
i) split the atom and re-created the sun's power and control its power
ii) modified genes to create creatures that nature could not
iii) sent a probe beyond pluto and on its way out of the Milky Way
iv) made it possible to fly (on parachutes, gliders, planes and helicopters)
v) reclaimed energy from the sun and wind
Yet in this great generation, some of us choose to believe a civilisation 2000 years ago.
Mayan Apocalypse: the end of the world - live!
Thirteen long Baktuns ago, way back on August 11 3114 BC our time, the world began. We've had a pretty good innings ladies and gentleman - cured all sorts of disease, created great art, invented the printing press, jazz and the X Factor, and generally had a good laugh. But time is up. The Mayans predicted it and most modern scientists agree.
Image 1 of 4
Once at the heart of a conquering civilisation in its own right, the ancient city of Tikal is now a pilgrimage site for both hard-core Star Wars fans and enthusiasts of Maya culture Photo: Alamy
10.10 Ruth Sherlock is in Lebanon, where bad weather and slow download speeds suggest her promising career is now coming to an end. We met once Ruth, in the newsroom, and you seemed like a nice person. Cheerio!
It may not be happening elsewhere, but the apocalypse seems to have arrived in Lebanon. Thunder shook entire apartment blocks in Beirut last night and a rain storm seemed to be tryig to re-fill the sea. Internet seems to be the first thing that will go as the end of the world reaches this Paris of the Middle East (one episode of Homeland has taken more than 12 hours to download). Phone networks also seem to be giving up.
It has been great reporting from here folks, but I fear that my time is up.
09.58 Some dispatches from the world of social media: my colleagueKate Day points out that the most shared video in the UK today is REM's "It's the End of the World". Full marks for imagination, everyone.
Genuine full marks for imagination, on the other hand, to Telegraph trainee Ben Riley Smith.
09.52 Still here.
09.42 A reader has emailed us, an actual one, not made up, called Lloyd Dodd. He has fashion advice for the end of the world. I genuinely didn't make this up.
(I include here in full, but if the end is already underway where you are: smart casual is good, don't dress like a hooker)
Dear Friends, I have been pondering something important recently and was encouraged by a friend to share it with you. With my background in protocol and etiquette I feel that I have sufficient knowledge to speak authoritatively on this topic. This burning question that needs an answer is, of course, what to wear for the end of the world. Yes, I'm sure it has crossed your mind as well and here is my considered opinion on the matter.
Do not over dress. Evening jacket or sequinned cocktail dress is far too pretentious and, let's face it, just not that comfortable. A good rule of thumb is not to wear any outfit that requires a tie or expensive clutch.
Mind you, this option never crossed the minds of most people, but you're not most people now are you? You're the discerning type who likes to make a good impression, just remember that it might look like you're trying too hard if you over dress when meeting your maker. He/She will appreciate it more if you dress in a smart but casual manner.
On the other side of the spectrum are those who intend to meet their maker in a bathrobe and fuzzy bunny slippers. Mind you, God does enjoy the ironic aspects of mankind, but dressing is such a manner shows a lack of respect both for yourself and your Creator.
Your favourite jammies might be comfy, but let's face it, you wouldn't wear them to the grocery store so why would you become one with eternity in them? (If you do wear your pyjamas to the grocery store, or to breakfast in the hotel lobby, please unfriend me now ... right now.)
It's time to grow up and have a little respect for both yourself and the world around you. If you're going to dress like an adult once in your life, I recommend this be the day.
So what should you wear? As stated above, a smart casual look is perfectly acceptable. Blazers and open sports shirts are good for men, but it's always a good idea to just let your spouse dress you. Women should feel free to wear a demure knee-length dress or a nice pants-suit. Sandals are a definite no-no as it's December, I don't care how cute your feet look in them (our Antipodean cousins might have a little more leeway, but I try not to think about their sartorial escapades.) Also heels over three inches are out. You do not want to meet your Lord and Maker looking like a hooker.
Just dress like you're meeting Mitzie and Chauncie at the country club for dinner and drinks and you'll be dressed perfectly for the horror that will be the end of the world.
Best of luck to everyone!
Mr Lloyd Dodd
Thanks Lloyd!
09.40 Ben Lagle tweets me from North Carolina, where it is "pretty vold". Possibly Mayan lingo, don't know.
09.28 David Munk is alive. Our esteemed foreign editor did not come into work today and we natually assumed he'd met his end. But he writes me from Highbury, London:
All well so far in Highbury although a greyish hazey cloud can be seen in distance. Perhaps a sign of something to come?
It doesn't say anything about a greyish hazey cloud on the Mayan calendar, but then it doesn't say anything about the Apocalypse either, and yet here I am, writing all this stuff. I'm still firmly in the believer camp right now.
09.16 Brussels correspondent Bruno Waterfield, is in possibly the safest place on Earth - near Dutchman Pieter Frank van der Meer.
Pieter van der Meer inside his Norwegian lifeboat lying in his garden in Kootwijkerbroek, The Netherlands (EPA/ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN)
No sign of a second Noah’s flood yet here in the Low Countries but Pieter Frank van der Meer is ready for the deluge in the Dutch village of Kootwijkerbroek 14 miles from the sea.
“The Mayans weren't crazy, and if you also look at biblical prophecies, the mountains will melt like wax,” he said.
Mr van der Meer, 67, believes that solar flares generated by a unique alignment of planets at the end of the Mayan calendar will lead to earthquakes and tsunamis, flooding the Netherlands which is below sea level.
Around 35 people have reserved seats in his Norwegian-built life boat which has room for 50 – so he has places left. At the first signs of the approaching apocalypse, he expects his herd of goats to start behaving oddly, his family will board his “ark”.
“I will look at the sky, the sun, and the animals. If the goats start going weird, we take action,” he said.
Passengers include his children and grandchildren. His son Pieter is looking forward to a purer world after the bulk of humanity has been wiped out.
"It can only get better. Now we have natural pollution, abortion, divorce, wars, illnesses…,” he said.
Click here for the full van der Meer experience.
09.13 Frank Fisher, a reader, has sent us this update from somewhere:
