On Dec 21 2012 the sun will rise in the center of the galaxy, this has been referred to as the dark rift. Many people think the poles will shift because of this.
the Mayan calender ends 12-21-2012 as well.
I think 12-21-2012 will be just another day. The doomsdayers always need to find something to get all worked up over. Last time is was the big y2k, and we all know what happened then, nothing.
Sorry Lance - The sun will appear to rise in the center of the galaxy. I watched a show on discovery channel Monday night about this I am pretty sure that is what they said