HYSTERICAL PRECEDENT: Any way you slice it, things are scary out there. But when your modern misery requires a little historical camaraderie, consider the poor Mayans, who in the 9th century saw their entire, elaborate civilization tumble into a mysterious archeological heap. Millions of them simply up and vamoosed for no obvious reason. Thriving metropolitan hubs were suddenly vacated, once-vigorous temples fell to folks in woven blazers cutting quick deals, and other remaining souls were relegated to slaving away for grumpy Spanish tourists. Okay, maybe that's not exactly how it happened. Indeed, discoveries over the last three decades do render this otherwise enlightened scenario somewhat questionable, a point firmly driven home by Dr. T. Patrick Culbert with his lecture, The Collapse of the Classic Maya Civilization. The anthropology professor and recognized Mayan expert speaks at 4 p.m. Thursday, December 5, in Room 201 of the Franklin Building on the UA campus. Lecture is free, with a reception following. Call 577-9041 for information. GULCH O' GOODS: The peaceful inhabitants of Cascabel open their desert doors for a Christmas fair, featuring paintings, wreaths, stained glass, rocks, books, pecans and musical instruments. There will also be live tunes, a raffle, plenty of grub, and several homes and studio sites welcoming visitors. The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. To reach Cascabel, take I-10 east to the Pomerene exit (milepost 306) just past Benson, and drive north, following the signs. Stops are scattered along a 17-mile stretch, starting at Gammons' Gulch (Pomerene Road, milepost six), and ending at the Cascabel Community Center. The road is primitive, so tote a good set of tires and a spare jack. For information, call 212-5212. FIBROUS SOUL: The Arizona State Museum hosts Weaving, the Soul of Fiber, an exhibit and show Saturday and Sunday, December 7 and 8. This year's outing focuses on the history of Indian blankets in the Southwest, and gallery talks on Saturday include a discussion of regional Navajo designs at 1 p.m., led by Lenora Davis, a Navajo weaver and assistant administrator of the historic Hubble Trading Post. At 3 p.m., Pat messier of Morning Star Traders will trace the past and future of Pendleton blankets. Laurie Webster, a curator at the museum, will present a slide presentation at 1 p.m. Sunday titled Threads of Time: Pueblo, Navajo and Rio Grande Weaving Traditions. The museum is on the UA campus, main gate entrance on Park Avenue and University Boulevard. Call 621-6302 for information.

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