Even if the world really is coming to an end this December, there are plenty of things that are sure to make the year memorable. So forget about the supposed apocalypse for a minute and take a look at what else is to come!
1.    Big Movies
An impressive collection of comic book movies are set to hit the screen this year, including “The Dark Knight Rises,” “The Amazing Spider-man,” and “The Avengers,” all of which are jam-packed with some of Hollywood’s biggest names.  Fans of the incredibly popular novel “The Hunger Games” can finally look forward to seeing it come to life this March and the final installment of the Twilight saga is being released in November with “Breaking Dawn – Part 2.” J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” also premieres after being long awaited by fans of the Lord of the Rings series.
2.    The Presidential Election
Has it been four years already?  With the big voting day still 11 months away, it gives all of you potential voters the chance to start learning about what issues are salient to you in this year’s election.  Whether you’ve voted in a previous election or were waiting until now, don’t miss this huge opportunity to have a say in determining our country’s next leader.
3.    New Apple Products
It is without a doubt that Apple will be releasing their latest and greatest this year, such as the iPad 3 and iPhone 5. Â There is already buzz generating about what features and upgrades the products will include. Â If you are already a lover of all things Apple, then it will likely be a good year of technology for you.
4.    Summer Olympics
When you’re flipping through TV channels this summer, you can bet that the Olympics will catch your attention.  With everything from swimming and volleyball to fencing and table tennis, you will surely find at least one event worth watching.  You don’t even have to be a huge sports fan to enjoy watching all 204 nations compete for the gold this year in London, England.
5.    Hot Concerts
Each new year brings an assortment of popular tours, and this year is no exception! Â Check out artists like Lady Antebellum, Drake, Coldplay and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as they travel around the country. Â Even the Beach Boys are getting back together for a reunion tour and album in 2012.
6.    Nintendo Wii U
For all you gamers out there, get ready for Nintendo’s newest console to be released later in the year.  Its features include 1080p high definition graphics and a new controller with a built-in touchscreen.  The Wii U will also allow the user to continue playing the game on the controller even when the television is turned off.
7.    Taco Bell’s Doritos Locos Tacos
It’s their supreme taco now in a nacho cheese Doritos shell.  It was originally only sold in select locations in southern California, but will be making its way to Taco Bells around the country in 2012.  Hey, it’s worth trying at least once.
8.    New Fashion Trends
While it’s not always easy to predicate what will be the next hit style, many have weighed in on what trends will likely be hot this year.  Texture and prints, particularly floral, are said to be big this season, as well as bold patterns and bright/neon colors. Certain 90’s trends like Bomber Jackets are also predicted to make a comeback.
9.    Return of television shows like “30 Rock” and “Mad Men”
For those of you who have been anxiously awaiting the end to the hiatus of your favorite television shows, you’re in luck.  The season six premiere of “30 Rock” airs Jan. 12th, and the fifth season of “Mad Men” begins Mar. 25th.  New seasons of popular reality programs such as “The Voice” and “American Idol” also return and your favorite fall shows will be back for the rest of their seasons, as well.
10. A New Girl Scout Cookie
When the Girl Scouts begin their cookie-selling season, be sure to snag a box of their latest treat: Savannah Smiles, which, according to their website, are “bite-sized, lemon-wedge cookies dusted in powdered sugar and bursting with lemon flavor.”  The cookie is part of the Girl Scouts’ 100 year anniversary celebration.
11. Pottermore Opens
The Harry Potter series’ author J.K. Rowling has created a website which will feature her notes and even pages of text that never made it into the books. It will also sell e-book versions of the novels and have even more additional background information about the series available.  Fans can look forward to following the world of Harry Potter despite the fact that both the books and films have come to an end.
12. Dec. 21, 2012
Okay, I doubt you are excited about this (or maybe you’re just waiting to laugh on Dec. 22nd).  But, like it or hate it, the end of the world still deserves to be on this list.
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Sources:
http://wamjo.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/fast-forward-5-trends-to-look-forward-to-in-2012/
http://www.hercampus.com/style/10-hottest-trends-look-forward-2012
http://www.london2012.com/
http://www.fresnobee.com/2012/01/02/2668204/looking-forward-to-hot-picks-in.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/midseason-tv-2012-returning-shows_n_1171709.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2012/01/apple-ipad-3-rounding-up-the-rumors.html
http://www.gotickets.com/concert/2012_concert_tours.php
http://e3.nintendo.com/hw/#/introduction
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/08/taco-bell-doritos_n_1137364.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/04/new-girl-scout-cookie_n_1184573.html?ref=mostpopular
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pottermore
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