Dear Chris, Here are my idears about introducing the uninitiated to the concept of oil peak etc. In Sydney we have been doing some "awareness raising" at the Farmers' Market. As in any social situation, customers are at different levels of understanding of the notion of peak oil. It is interesting feeling people out and seeing what they are interested in and where they are at, with respect to their knowledge about oil depletion, etc. I find that if you have basic information in view, then this can lead to an interesting discussion. If the person is found to be more aware, then you can give them copies of some more "punchy" information that they can take away with them and read at home. Everthing is connected. One week I had a table with information about organic food and why it is best - "for the future of the human race, for your health and for the environment". Also we had information about supermarkets. Both these topics are interesting to talk about and you can introduce the concept of peak oil in a basic way, or in a deeper way if the person has an awareness of this topic. This spring, we are hoping to have a competition for young people (aged 5-15?). We hope to interest some teachers in schools, and some children whose families shop at the Farmers Market. One or two of the stall holders/farmers will make a presentation about how to grow vegetables, and the young people will be given some heritage seeds, and/or a heritage tomato plant. The goal is for young people to think about the need to learn how to grow their own food, learn from their elders, maybe keep a diary/take photos, and we will also let them have a table at the Farmers Market so that they can sell their veggies and make some money. They will also learn about seed saving. There may be some prizes too. We will try to get all aspects of this story reported in the local media so that the general public will also get the message about the need to grow their own food. I feel that local Farmer's Markets are a very good place to start educational events, as people are interested in healthy fresh food. People like the plant and animal foods that are grown on small farms in Cape Breton without many chemicals etc I showed "The End of Suburbia" one Saturday. We had three showings - about 5 people each time. I also made a 5 minute presentation at a General Meeting of the stall holders about the LETS Trading System. There are a few people who are interested... I am thinking of showing another video at the Farmers' Market. It is about someone building his own windmill... It is interesting that over the past couple of years, people who denied there could possibly be a problem, are now talking about oil depletion - It is difficult for people to change/plan/act. I know that for myself, there is so much that I don't want to change..... Frances PS. I am very interested in the psychological aspects of people hearing about the "bad news" about peak oil and how life is going to become very difficult. People need to go through the mourning process - the stages of grief. This takes time, and I think we don't have much time. PPS I made a presentation to some NS MLA's. Their reactions were predictable - anger and denial (the first two stages of grief). see www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/hansard/comm/pp/pp_2004jul or go to the NS Government website and look in Hansard. ppps I have been trying to get G.P.s and psychologists and palliative care doctors to come out to see The End of Suburbia. They are not responding. It is only natural as they have so much to loose. But who is going to help people when they start to have problems? i will stop now and send you another note some other time. Frances