Going out

        Georgie Anne Geyer: The acclaimed author and journalist with a whole lot of opinions on a whole lot of things is here to talk about “Where the World is Going.” 8 p.m. today, Hall Auditorium, Miami University, Oxford, free tickets one hour before program. (513) 529-2730.

        Military orchestra: The United States Air Force Strings from Washington, D.C., dive into a lively round of classical and continental tunes spiced up by an all-American medley. 8 p.m. today, College of Mount St. Joseph Theatre, Delhi and Neeb roads, Delhi Township, free. 244-4863.

        Digging the dirt: The Year Round Gardening Series puts holiday decorating under the microscope with advice on using cut greens, pine cones and florals to create wreaths and roping. 7 p.m. today, Monfort Heights Branch Library, 3825 West Fork Road. 369-4472.

        Rap attack: Insane Clown Posse joins a trio of other irreverent acts — Dark Lotus,, Twiztid and Blaze — for a night full of rowdy rap. 7 p.m. today, Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, $22.50. 562-4949.

Staying in

        TV picks: On Boston Public, Principal Harper (Chi McBride) blocks a straight-A student from going to Princeton because she's pregnant (8 p.m., Channels 19, 45).

        • Critic John Kiesewetter also says American Roots Music features Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Lead Belly, Bill Monroe, Earl Scruggs, Bonnie Raitt and Sam Phillips (10 p.m., Channels 48, 54, 16).

What's in stores today

        OK, we give up: How does one escape a reindeer attack? And as long as we're asking, what is the proper technique for burying a fruitcake? These and other vitally important holiday questions (how to silence a group of carolers, how to extinguish flaming chestnuts) are answered in the Worst-Case Scenario Holiday Survival Cards, a box of 12 holiday cards from the people who gave us the best-selling The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook. They're $12.95 at book stores.

Planning Ahead

        24 hours out: World-renowned concert organist Frederick Swann (you remember, he used to be with California's Crystal Cathedral) is at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church for a varied program. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Observatory and Grace avenues. 871-1345.

        48 hours out: The Miami University Theater Department digs up something all new with the world premiere staged reading of Spirit Line by Native American playwright JudyLee Oliva. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, Miami University Art Museum, Oxford, free. (513) 529-2232.

        72 hours 'til Thursday: Joseph-Beth Booksellers gets magical as all get-out with a 20-minute video preview of the long-awaited Lord of the Rings, complete with artist and director interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and more. 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Rookwood Pavilion, Norwood. 396-8960.

        Contact Jim Knippenberg by phone: 768-8513; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jknippenberg@enquirer.com.

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