Roped In

Against my better judgement, I somehow (truthfully I am NOT sure how I got picked) have gotten roped into giving at talk at an environmental meeting this Sunday.  All I know is that for some reason, I did not notice, and therefore did not DECLINE the invitation in time to NOT DO IT, so now I am feeling a bit stuck.  

It is a "meeting/protest" sort of thing about global warming.  Since it is too late for me to back out, I spent some time yesterday, trying to figure out more about this event so I could plan my talk.  What I discovered that it is a sort of "granola-y," "hippy-esque", "tie-dyed", "protesting", "kumbaya" sort of rally-like affair being held either inside or outside at a BAR about 45 minutes away from me.  

While I am very much concerned about global warming, and hell, environmental issues broadly, I am not really overly comfortable in a "crunchy-granola" style engagement.... even though I do admire folks who are of that ilk for sure.  

I do not think a "dry" academic type speech (which I am comfortable with of course) would meet the needs of these folks.  But, I am not really a rabble-rouser sort either.  So, this will be very challenging to me psychologically.  

I am going to TRY to have fun with it, I guess.  But, I am not really sure how to go about this.  I am seriously considering having a beer (if the bar is open) before I give my talk.... but that would likely be foolish in and of itself.  

I really wish I hadn't gotten roped into this.  

Please wish me luck.

PipeTobacco