The Fin de SiŠcle is on its way and the world might end, or our modern electronic systems could crash, leaving us to forage in the forest and wash our clothes in the river. Some might prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime event in many ways but there are also those who don''t even worry.

Mark Fidler

Age: 37

Occupation: Bytes Internet Cafe Owner

Resides: Bytes Cafe

Do you think the Y2K problem is overrated? The problem is made by a lot of companies who want to make a lot of money.

Are you making any special preparations? No, because everything I bought is new and Y2K compliant. Other people who don''t upgrade will have problems.

Where do you want to be on Jan. 1? In Vegas. That''ll be the place.

Michael Wilson

Age: 20

Occupation: Student

Resides: CSUMB

Do you have any fears about 2000? No, but worst case scenario, gas stops pumping and computers stop working.

Where will you be on Jan. 1, 2000? I''ll be far away from society, in the middle of a forest.

Is the turn of the century important? Fairly important. Many things will change and I''m glad I''ll be here to witness it.

Andrew Jackson

Age: 28

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Fine Artist

Are you making any special preparations? Not a whole lot because I deal with paint. A big celebration with all the havoc.

Where do you want to be at the turn of the century? Las Vegas. If it all goes down, I want to be smashed by the biggest buildings.

How important is 2000? It''s the start of Andrew''s life, turns 30 and kicks ass in art.

Kwang Young

Age: 26

Occupation: Student

Resides: Monterey

Do you have any fears about Y2K? I''m afraid of the Y2K problem because in my country [Korea], they don''t prepare very well. In the U.S. you prepare very well.

Is the Y2K problem overblown? No, I think too little attention is given to it. Not here in the U.S., but in Korea.

Is the turn of the century important? Yes, I think it''s a transitional period and we can change many things.

Mary Bautch

Age: 34

Occupation: Artist and College Student

Resides: Monterey

How do you feel about the new millennium? There might be world catastrophes, not just with computers, but the Bible says major things might happen.

Do you think Y2K is overblown? I think people are just trying to put fears into people.

Where do you want to be on Jan. 1? I''m hoping to take a trip to Australia, I want to dive the Great Barrier Reef.