So everywhere there's talk of the end of the world and last days and whatnot. Hell, some of the most read blog entries on this site have dealt with the subject. And what gives with the folks who seem to be excited beyond repair at the prospect of the fat lady singing? Yeah, I understand that the more religiously inclined are all a-twitter that the diety of their choice (who may or may not exist) might be making a personal appearance, but why aren't these same people as passionate about showing respect and gratitude for all of the amazing things in the world that their creator has given them?

Now, one of my personal favorite ways to decompress when arriving home from work is ESPN's Pardon The Interruption. It's sports, so it doesn't require much heavy lifting (mentally speaking). The banter between hosts Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon is often priceless. Also, there's always the chance that, at Kornheiser's prompting, they'll show the bear video (which, if you're a regular viewer, you will know to what I am referring). PTI is a good time for all and more fun than killin' strangers.

You might be asking yourself, "Where is this nonsense going? What the hell do Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon have to do with the end of the world?" I'm glad you asked because, eventually, somebody will be accurate with an end-of-the-world prediction.

The other day, the two were discussing recent findings by scientists that the icebergs of Greenland are melting at a faster rate than had been theorized. They lead into the topic with Kornheiser stating, with his typical mixture of irreverence and paranoia, the news and asking, "Are we all doomed?" It made me think - if the end of the world was occurring, I'd certainly feel better having it broken to me by PTI and I could go out with a good laugh or two.

Kornheiser: Hello there, my pretties. Today, Wilbon and I yap about Terrell Owens, synchronized swimming, Rue McClanahan, and, in a PTI exclusive, impending armageddon.
Wilbon: I don't want to hear about it, big boy. People of your ilk have been jawing about the end of the world for centuries.

I wonder who they might pull in for the "Five Good Minutes" segment on such an episode? Perhaps Ron Jaworski.

Jaws: I've been looking at film all week and the Arizona Cardinals are simply the most complete team in the NFL which I take as a sign that this end-of-the-world talk is the real deal.

And what segment might they use to further discuss the dire state of humanity? Odds? Fortune teller? Heads on sticks? Good cop/bad cop?

Kornheiser: I'll be the bad cop, Wilbon. This whole end of the world is a terrible idea. I've just been named to ESPN's Monday Night Football team. Sure, I'm not thrilled about working with Joe Theismann, but I'm excited about possibly being a celebrity. You know what comes with being a celebrity, don't cha? Groupies.
Wilbon: See, this is exactly why it's a good idea. NO MORE CELEBRITIES. Besides, what makes you so sure that it's actually going to happen? You can't even predict who's going to win on Monday Night Football without riding on Jaws' coattails.
Kornheiser: They were talking about it on "Oprah" and if you can't trust her, who can you trust?
Wilbon: These alarmists need a beatdown. I've got the Duke/Georgetown basketball game tonight, so it can't be happening. Of course, if the world does end, how will you get along without daily discussions of the Yanks and Sawx? Huh, big boy?
Kornheiser: Look, just because your main concern would be no-strip clubs in a post-apocalyptic world...

And there's always the closing "Happy Happy" segment.

Kornheiser: A happy 24th birthday to the Olsen Twins, a happy anniversary to Franco Harris - it was 34 years ago that he made the improbable "Immaculate Reception," and a happy trails to Mother Earth. We're all going to miss you; a fond farewell to you, grand lady.
Wilbon: The Olsen Twins, Franco Harris, and Mother Earth...
Kornheiser: Sounds like the hot tub at Wilbon's. Give the peeps something to watch tonight.
Wilbon: I told you. I'll be at the Duke/Georgetown game which is where you should be if you weren't afraid of driving and the apocalypse.
Kornheiser: I'll be watching "Neurosurgery With The Stars" and my babe Morgan Fairchild.
Wilbon: You better hope it's not on past nine. See you tomorrow, you knuckleheads. We'll try to do better then.
Kornheiser: Good night, Canada.

I just hope that they find time to show the bear video one more time.