I'm talking to them tomorrow, so watch for it this week. I think I'll talk to them about the problem and what can be done about it by regular middle class people. Here's what I'll say, if they want:
Peak Oil Visit
Peak oil is the point when we have used up half of the world’s oil. It is also the point when we hit maximum production. From here on out we will get less, and the demand will increase. This will drive up the price. At some point it will be difficult for middle class people to afford to drive a regular car and heat their house exclusively with fossil fuel.

We saw this coming five years ago and made some changes to prepare for it. We now use half the fossil fuel. We save about $3000 a year from the changes we’ve made:
1) We traded both our cars for the most fuel efficient models we could get. My wife’s car gets 43 mpg, and my small truck gets 29 miles per gallon.
2) We insulated the basement and wrapped the hot air ducts. We replaced windows and caulked any place we felt a draft. We insulated the attic also.
3) We cut our electricity costs by getting a new high efficiency washer, energy efficient appliances and compact florescent bulbs. We switched to green power that has saved us money since it’s locked in for a three year contract.
4) Installed a small woodstove near the thermostat. The room the stove is in stays warm, and attracts every person and pet in the house, while the rest of the house stays cooler.
5) Bought a woodlot and have harvested it sustainably for over 7 years. We make maple syrup there as well.
6) Built the solar wood shed to hold and dry a cord of wood.
7) Installed solar hot water system, makes around 2/3rds of our hot water. Our teenager can take a long shower if he wants when the sun has been shining! Installed a solar panel that runs LED lights, charges cell phones and runs CD player.
9) We live in town and walk most places. There is a farmer’s market every week where we buy local produce.
10) We are getting a solar electric car that will get the equivalent of 250 miles per gallon.
11) We grow a garden that provides some of our veggies.
12) Our house is only around 1000 square feet, which is what the average American lived in up until the 1950’s. It is easier to heat a small space.

Al of these things are fun, and they save energy and money. Try them!

Peak oil is a problem that isn't going away. Better do something about it while you still have some time and money. Once energy gets expensive it's going to be hard to make changes.

That's what I am thinking of saying. I think the mention of peak oil will have them looking around for it, and they'll find out what it's all about.

I will try not to sound like a wacko, and to get the message to a wider audience.
Maybe they will get it. Who knows?
It may be just a minute or so.

Personally I think All The Pretty Horses is more instructive.

What is that little solar car he had? Looks interesting. Is that fellow a member here?

How about "No Country For Old Men", except pretend the role of Anton Chigurh is played by peak oil.
[Paraphrasing the villain talking to civilization:]
"The values you've adopted, if they brought you to this point...of what use were they?"

What is that little solar car he had? Looks interesting. Is that fellow a member here?

We're taking it to the Solarfest this summer in Vermont.

Incidental note: I'm not a "doomer". I don't want to see economic hard times. I like my life as it is, and I want to live in an age of continued prosperity. But I also want to know what the hell is going on. And so far this topic has been confusing to a neophyte such as myself. The talking heads are talking past each other. I don't trust the Pollyannas, and I disdain the doomers.

I just want to know the truth