Consumer questions

"Oil Junkies," a free presentation sponsored by Linn-Benton Community College's Peace Studies Club will be at 7 p.m. Friday, April 15, in Westminster House, 101 N.E. 23rd St.

Oil Junkies is a production based on a panel of players representing big oil, environmentalists, the U.S. government, scientists, developing nations, and internationalists who have been brought together and are being questioned by a consumer.

Every other year the group raises money to send members to an international Peace Symposium. One of the outcomes of attending these symposia that club faculty advisor, Doug Clark, hopes for is that the students give something back to the community.

Last fall, the students who attended the 2004 Symposium in Poland, met with the Corvallis chapter of Citizens for Global Solutions and shared their experiences. As is often observed by Americans traveling abroad, these students, too, found stark contrasts resulting from differences in standards of living. For these students, the use of oil in the United States seemed to be the basis for many of these differences.

This realization has resulted in a collaborative presentation to the community by members of the Peace Studies Club and the Citizens for Global Solutions entitled "Oil Junkies."

Topics pursued by the consumer include the following: Why are gas prices so high? Exactly how much oil is left? What happens when it runs out? What are the alternatives, and, can they replace oil? Why is the demand for oil of the developing countries skyrocketing? I don't know if I believe global warming exists, convince me! What can we do?

The responses given are based on "The End of Oil" (Paul Roberts, 2004), articles in National Geographic, and a wide range of authoritative resources. There will be opportunities for audience participation.

The Ditchwater Trio will provide music, and refreshments will be served.

Citizens for Global Solutions is a national organization that educates citizens and lobbies lawmakers to promote greater U.S. cooperation in the international arena.

Farmers' market

The doors will close on the Indoor Winter Farmers' Market for the season. The last indoor market will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, in Guerber Hall at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

The market features fresh, locally grown vegetables, free range eggs, nuts, seafood, wild mushrooms, cheese, meats, baked goods, artisan cards, beeswax candles, soaps, fresh flowers, potted plants, unique crafts and more.

Meet raptors from the Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and learn about wildlife rehabilitation. Free admission. Please no pets. For more information call 456-2004 or 929-2762.

— Gazette-Times