FUTURE THINGS ARE COMING >>>

The end of the world is nigh. Unknown meteors are hurtling toward us. The poles are about to reverse. Global warming is about to kick into high gear. We don't know what's coming and that's not the point - the point is that it's coming and there's nothing you can do about it.

So why not party the night away?

Friday, Dec. 21, 8 p.m. to midnight, you could be trying to aim a telescope through our ever-present cloud layer to spot the incoming meteor hoard, or you could don your finest and go out in style at the End of the World Ball.

Dress can be anything from semi-formal to tuxes and ball gowns to Venetian masks. Like any good ball, this one will be in a ballroom - the Gothic Ballroom at the Landmark Event Center. There will be light refreshments and a no-host bar, as well as a toy drive for unwrapped gifts, cash or checks for Toys for Tots ... although, this seems to imply that the event hosts think we all might survive the night.

Fools! Naught but fools! The Mayans can't be wrong!

Tickets are $35 in advance via Brown Paper Tickets, Crescent Moon Gifts, Le Noir Bazaar and Meier's House of Clocks. If there are any tickets left (supply is limited), they will be $40 at the door.

LANDMARK EVENT CENTER, FRIDAY, DEC. 21, 8 P.M., $35-$40, 47 ST. HELENS, TACOMA, TACOMAZOMBPOCALYPSE.COM