World History - Block Public Feed

Create a Post

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Estefan Carrillo in World History - Block on

​

For history class we had to create 3 monologues in different perspectives about the keystone pipeline that is going to travel from the tar sand in canada to refineries in texas. The monologues I wrote are from the perspective the owner of transcanada who is trying to persuade the american government to pass the pipeline but in my other monologue his son is trying to convince him that its not a good idea. My final monologues was from the perspective of Al Gore. 



saving the world while putting up with dad

Uhh dad, just shut up !!!
The pipeline is not a good idea.
It might seem like a great idea right now but think about the future.
My future-the future of your only son!
I know that we like to argue over some dumb things
but you have to listen to me for just once.
The tar sands in Canada are filthy and are going to pollute our environment
and as the head of the tar sands blockade I am not going to let you go through with this.
Did you know that the emissions from the tar sands is twelve percent higher than regular crude oil? Do you know what that means Dad????
That is going to destroy the world!
Please Dad listen to me just this one time.
You can make money off of something else
but don't put the world
and my future in risk.

What are you serious you don't care about my future only about money.
I can't believe my mom married you, you're such a douchebag.
all you care about if dumb money
money does not bring true happiness.
Just think about all the people you're going to screw up with this.

You're going to screw so many people with this pipeline
people that make the economy better.
You say you're a true american but your actually not.
If you were a true american you would stop this pipeline and do something to help climate change
Its either me or the pipeline dad it's your decision do you want to lose your only child or do you want to destroy the atmosphere while making money.


this is my video of me reading my monologue 


Screwing the world while making money

(standing in the middle of the room in front of his son)
Let me do my job, I don't care that you're the head of the tar sands blockade
I’m going to get the approval of the nation!
The USA is going to be the most powerful nation, if
Obama passes this, then the economy will get better.
Just think straight for once, would you rather die poor, or die a rich man like me?
You know I'm right son, there is nothing in your power that will be able to stop me.
Stop trying to bring up what your mom would say if she were still alive,
she died 6 years ago that’s a long time ago, son.
Just leave her in the past we are in the future now,
and the future is going to bring us wealth and power with
these tar sands.

Do you know how many barrels of oil will be brought to Texas per day????


It would be 510,000 barrels per day can you believe how much money will be made just from one day of drilling it would be millions son!!

Just think straight you could be the son of a very very rich man you will be able to have anything you want.
(Dad opens car door and gets in) `



saving the world even with its issues

I can't believe this is really happening right now.
are they out of there mind.
building a pipeline carrying pure disgusting crude oil is crazy.
the world is already messed up enough and these dumb politicians want to build a dumb pipeline that is going to make the green house house gases in the world sky rocket.
Did they not watch watch my movie the “inconvenient truth” it clearly told them that if they were to do something like this the world would never be able to recuperate.
If I had won the election in 2000 this stuff would not even be talked about

(jams pen on table from anger)

THIS IS ridiculous uhhhhhhhhh I hate george bush so much it was all his fault
that global warming is so bad right now. If Mitt Romney beats obama things are going to get even worse. Romney is going to approve the pipeline immediately after if he wins.
I can't let that happen I’m going to have to do anything in my power to make sure my
sweet planet earth is safe from those blood sucking demons that only care about money and not about the people.

Pipeline monologue project

Posted by Alexa Eddy in World History - Block on

​I wrote all three of these monologues so I can expand my mind and think about how inanimate objects or how little kids would feel. I didn't want to go the obvious route and pick a senator or a president or what not. I also tried to put in more facts into my monologues so that people can know more about the projects and the monologue won't be so focused around the main character. 
The Key-stone worm infection

*Shake and cough in a bed*

Damn! (coughing)

Marsha!

*Say it in a sarcastic way*

YES I FEEL JUST FINE, THATS WHY I’M SITTING IN THIS HELL HOUSE BURNING UP!

(Takes her pills)

Ah that’s better...

Throw in some more cold rainstorms,rainstorms, snow storms, or something! I don’t feel so good.

I know something is wrong with me, I’m not stupid.

*Say it in a sarcastic way and begin to look up “Ways to shut up a nurse on google”*

OH WOW I HAVE GLOBAL WARMING? YA DON’T SAY? WHO KNEW?

And a Key-stone worm?...What the heck is that? No no I don’t wanna hear the whole story. Just give me basics. kay..hm...okay its a worm...3 months old..mhm okay...Made of metal...mhm... speed the dying process. Speed the dying process? What do you mean?  The infection can’t be stopped! Well, I shouldn’t be surprised... I am dying.

I’ll never get better will I?

No? Well, I guess that’s why I’m in the intergalactic hospice. I was hoping to die in happiness. But uh, I came to realize that your pamhlet is pretty full of it “Best comfort in the galaxy” my ass.

How can I not be depressed?

Happy? What the heck is there to be happy about?

*Say it in a sarcastic way*

Because I’m living? Okay so... I’m living, I’m in a hospice, I can’t see my husband and kids and you want me to be HAPPY? Well I might as well just dance on my own grave marsha!

No, I’m not getting mad at you. I’m just dying ya know?.

Hand me my galaxy phone please. Oh, its in the drawer? oh okay.

*Picks up the phone and sound sickly*

Hello? Mars! Hey babe.

No, They said I had a worm. Called a Key-stone.

Yeah, It’s some sort of pipline. It’s a baby, only half grown about 3 months.

The doctor said once it matures it’ll be pumping 900,000 of oil a day. Yes honey, I know I know, hopefully it won’t be soon okay?

My immune system is getting worse honey, some of my cells are trying to stop it but they’re too weak. Not even the moon nurse can help me.

The Doctor said, if the pipline is fully mature and that I would die for sure.

I miss you too! I can’t wait to see you during visiting hours. Also, stay away from jupiter. I know she’s been eying you ever since they put me in here. Put Venus on the phone for me please.

Honey don’t cry okay? Baby, listen to me okay? My ice is melting, I’m getting hotter, my carbon levels are up. It was inevitable. In the case that I should go, take care of little baby mercury for me okay?

Don’t blame God either. My cells aren’t aware of the harm they’re causing me.

Meanwhile in the tarsands...


*sounds all cheery and excited (sound like a beverly hills blonde *Sounds stereotypical*)

OH MY GAWD ROSEY GUESS WHAT I JUST HEARD!

Jenny, told jenna, that told rodrick, that told john, that told gabriella, who told mark, who told me that we’re like TOTALLY taking a trip down to America.

We are cruisin in a shiny pipeline in 900,000 thousand barrels a day! Oh I can like, see it now! We’ll be used in the best cars! Feraris, mercedes, and a Lexus!

I know right? Who do these space ship losers think they are? Trying to steal the spotlight away from mel. Trying to stop us from coming over! Ugh! It’s just SOOO annoying!

OMG I know right? Like, now its my time. Forget the earth, I’m WAY too important. I’ll be the main reason why all of those humans have jobs and I’ll help America back on its feet!

OMG YEEEEES! Can’t you just imagine it Rosey? Hot dudes digging us up and travel down the brand new pipeline like VIP!


What ever.

Adolescense

Kurosaki?

*tugs on his pant leg*

Whats a pipeline?

Because everytime Daddy talks about it he gets happy cuz’ he owns the oils

REALLY? How much does it bring?

900,000 barrels! THAT’S alot of barrels!

No mommy, I’m not hungry, I’m talking with my friend

Kurosaki, from next door.

Sorry *cuddle onto his leg and look up* isn’t this good though? Because now momma can stop cryin everytime she sees the pwices!

What do you mean?

Just because mommy cries doesn’t mean it’s bad. Daddy just smacks her and tells her to suck it up because it’ll bring in more money for us.

Because he says women oughta be taught their place.

Momma said she wants a dee-vorce but I don’t know what that is.

She says if Daddy builds it then she’s gettin a dee-vorce

She says because Daddy is a bad man. Because they’re teawing down twees in Amewica. Mommy even showed me a website dat shows me ower time how much land has been torn!

*stands back and backs away*

What do you mean MY daddy is a bad man! He’s not! He even bought me a Gyoza maker, it may be the only thing he bought me but he’s not bad!

NO HE WON’T KILL ALL OF US! Global warming is a myth!

*Whine very VERY loudly*

Fine! DADDDDDYYYYY!!!!! DADDDDDDDYYYYYYY!!!!!

Pwease tell Kurosaki that the pipeline does not boost Cawbin levelz and oil

spills. And that we’ll be fine!

Thanks Daddy! Now can we go to the park?

But DADDY! What do you mean they tore it down? FOR THE PIPELINE?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Appendix  (quotes above sources)


"Global warming? Wow Rosey, don’t be such a LOSER! Everyone knows that the science dudes just make that stuff up to get all famous."

1. http://ostseis.anl.gov/guide/tarsands/index.cfm

"Take care of little baby mercury for me okay?"

2. http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=active&sa=N&biw=1264&bih=587&tbm=isch&tbnid=HUvEe5NB8gC5cM:&imgrefurl=http://earthsky.org/space/ten-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-solar-system&docid=2nGNnylnbigRoM&imgurl=http://en.es-static.us/upl/2011/02/solar_system.jpg&w=600&h=328&ei=3FV9UO_cN4WR0QG4zoGwBA&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=7&sig=107734826763078348713&page=1&tbnh=129&tbnw=249&start=0&ndsp=16&ved=1t:429,r:3,s:0,i:83&tx=88&ty=83

"I’m getting hotter, my carbon levels are up. It was inevitable."

"Pwease tell Kurosaki that the pipeline does not boost Cawbin levelz and oil spills. And that we’ll be fine!"

3. http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline

"I’ll be the main reason why all of those humans have jobs and I’ll help America back on its feet!"

4. http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/k/keystone_pipeline/index.html

"900,000 barrels! THAT’S alot of barrels!"

5. http://www.nwf.org/Global-Warming/Policy-Solutions/Drilling-and-Mining/Tar-Sands/Keystone-XL-Pipeline.aspx

"We’ll be used in the best cars! Feraris, mercedes, and a Lexus!"

6. http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/keystone-xl-pipeline-creates-sticking-point-in-us-canada-trade-relations/2012/07/06/gJQAxcrtRW_story.html



Bibliography:
"About Tar Sands." N.p., n.d. Web.

"Google Images." Google Images. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1>.

"Friends of the Earth." Friends of the Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline>.

"Keystone XL Pipeline." Keystone XL. N.p., 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/k/keystone_pipeline/index.html>.

"Global Warming." National Wildlife Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.nwf.org/Global-Warming/Policy-Solutions/Drilling-and-Mining/Tar-Sands/Keystone-XL-Pipeline.aspx>.

Mufson, Steven. "Keystone XL Pipeline Would Add Link in U.S.-Canada Trade Relations." Washington Post. The Washington Post, 08 July 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/keystone-xl-pipeline-creates-sticking-point-in-us-canada-trade-relations/2012/07/06/gJQAxcrtRW_story.html>.


EARTH MONOLOGUE from Alexa Eddy on Vimeo.

Keystone Pipeline Monologues

Posted by Anonymous in World History - Block on

          In my World History class, we have been learning about big world issues and how they affect certain people and different environments. The Keystone Pipeline is something we are currently talking about. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the keystone pipeline and the controversy surrounding, it is basically a Pipeline that the United States government is trying to run from the Tarsands in Canada to the oil reserves in Texas. There are a lot of people who are pro Pipeline because they believe it is a resourceful way to save money, and a lot of people are con Pipeline because they believe the long term affects will ruin the ecosystem. This lesson was all about getting in the heads several different people with several different points of view and seeing how they think. As you go on, you will read 3 monologues I have written about the Keystone Pipeline, I was able to place myself in different characters minds and write on how the Pipeline would affect them personally. I hope by the end you will be able to do the same. Enjoy :)
Monologue # 1. GoodBye Ranch.

    What is it son? ..Slow down, slow down. They’re what? Who told you..? Okay, okay, daddy will take care of it. Now go get your sister from the barn its almost grazing time.
(Big Mac turns his bag on the little boy, and starts pacing around.. he turns around suddenly..)
I said i’ll take care of it, Oh.. sorry i thought you were, T-bone.. No no, everything is fine.. (listens to the wife, puts his hooves up to his face) I’m telling you nothings wrong. Why do you keep trying to press the issue. There is absolutely nothing going on, that I can’t take care of. They call me Big Mac for a reason, I handles the issues, it’s fine.. (Big Mac sighs and motions towards Cleo to have a seat,You know me too well.. Sit Down, we dont have much time to talk.. the kids will be back soon to graze. T-bone came in here not too long ago and said he overheard the farmer talking about a trade.. Honey, no no shhh.. shhh, its okay its okay.. (Big Mac puts his head in his hooves) Dammit Cleo i’m going to need you to get a grip. We can’t let the kids see us getting worked up, they’ll get scared.
The Farmer is thinking of selling us.. because he wants to sell the land, to the government ofcourse, so they can build some dipthe vine or something or other, something like that..Yea, yes! That! A Pipeline.. whatever in Sams Hell that is. How’d you know? I should’ve known the hens overheard something. They’re always sticking their feathers in places that it has no business in. we’ll take care of it dont worry. (Big Mac sighs and moves to the fare left hand side of the stage.. he looks out into the pasture.)

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Margaret Hohenstein in World History - Block on

I. Introduction

The Keystone XL Pipeline has been the main topic of the first quater in my World History class. We started off with basic researching, finding out about the people who wanted it stopped so badly they would sleep in trees to the fact that Obama has approved some of it but not all of it. We discovered arguments for or against it and everyone slowly came to their own conclusion of wether it was right or wrong. Then once we were all firmly on our own side we were told to write monologues from different perspectives. That was the hard part, trying to think the way someone else would, trying to see why they would or wouldn't want the pipeline to be completed. I chose some people who were similar to myself because they weren't so sure one way or the other. I also chose a worker who was all for it because it meant a new job and a new house. It was hard at first but once you got into the proper mindset everything seemed to flow. In the following you will see a sample to a truly infinite number of opinions. 


II. Monologues

IIa. The Indigenous Runaway

(Kneeling in front of suitcase, calls out) “Yes mom!” God, she’s so annoying of course I’m packing. She thinks I want to -, “In a second mom! I’m packing!” god I can’t wait to get out of this hell hole. To get away from her. “MOM STOP NAGGING! COME IN HERE IF YOU THINK I’M NOT PACKING!” (pause) Aww shit, “No, mom, I’m sorry. No mom don’t cry.” Ugh. (Slams suitcase) 

She always does this. I don’t get why she’s so upset. It’s not easy living here. We finally have an excuse to leave but I seem to be the only one who sees it. That’s why I’m leaving tonight, not tomorrow, with the group, tonight. I can’t wait any longer, (re-opens suitcase) “Hey Mom! (pause) Yeah! I know I’m still sorry. Where’s my sock? (pause) Why are you crying?! IT’S A SOCK MOM CALM DOWN!” 

I guess she has a point. I mean I never really did think about why we’re leaving. That fucking pipeline. I don’t even know what it’s about, just that there’s oil and it’s coming from here.  So we gotta leave. It’s dumb really. I don’t even get the idea of transporting that much oil. Like why? Especially if it’s causing this many people this much pain. That’s all. It’s killing my family and I don’t want that to happen but.... (Closes suitcase), “MOM! (pause) No sorry I’ll stop.” I start thinking like her and then she goes and says something like that. Thanks mom, glad I’m annoying and ask too many questions. Shit though, she’s gonna make so hard to run away. Shit brain, I don’t want to see that. She’s gonna cry isn’t she, she’s gonna cry hard. 

She shouldn’t. I’m not worth it, and this is my only chance. I may never be allowed to leave again but, (pause) well I’m taking advantage of a bad situation. It’s not a good thing. At least, that’s what they told me. It just runs through everything and chops down everything. That’s what papa told me. That those other men just cut down all the trees so they can get all the oil out of the ground to use to drive their cars. I probably.... shouldn’t.... use that to run away but, but, but, I have to get out of here. No matter what.  “MOM! ONE LAST QUESTION! (pause) Please mom? (pause) Would you kill me if I ran away?”

IIb. One In Thousands

Not many people know that my “kind”, the sensors exist in the pipeline but the people that do think that we are like superstars. (One sided conversation)“Pleaseee!!! Just shut up.” (Sigh) “Momma, stop yelling at me!” I should have never said anything. “Am I even your daughter? (Pause) “Then why are you yelling at me? I just...wanted to express my feelings towards our new home. I don’t like it. Is that wrong?” (Pause) (Roll her eyes) “I don’t care if we all need a new job. (Hand gestures)There’s plenty of jobs out there that won’t have such high expectations of us.”


(Pause)(Sound apologetic) “No, no. That’s not what I mean. I didn’t...” (Pause) Mom! I’m sorry. I’m not saying that you aren’t good enough. It’s just that, I’m just afraid that if we fail... you know. What will happen to us? The company already put in a lot of good words for us and made us sound amazing and if we made a mistake...all the other sensors will blame us. And not just them but everyone else also. Mom...don’t walk away, please...” (Sigh) “Dad.. where are you going? I just..” Great just great. My parents are having another “deep” conversation. I guess, I’ll just take a walk around the neighborhood.


(Stare to the right)Look at those kids. Laughing and playing without a worry in their mind. Little do they know what they are going to grow up having to deal with. All 16,000 sensors will have to go through years of pain and hate. The company? They don’t care about us. They only think about themselves and money. Greedy people. If something goes wrong, they’ll just blame us. “Oh, there’s something wrong with our sensors.” Pathetic. Why is it that I’m the only one that could see that we shouldn’t be here?


I always knew I was different. Ever since I was little, I would express my feelings and if I disagreed with something, I would tell people why. Suddenly, one of the kids starts to brag about how awesome they are. I can’t stand it anymore. I had to talk to them. “Are you guys not scared of working here?”


(Pause) “Of course I am. You guys won’t ever understand why.” (Pause) They’re laughing at me. I’m not going to waste my time explaining to them. No one ever listens. “Hey, don’t tell me to get lost.” (Pause) “SHUT THE HELL UP!” Gosh, they are so rude. Wait..get lost? Why not? That’s a brilliant idea. If I don’t wanna stay here, I don’t have to. I’ll make it. Find a new place to stay or even go back to our old home.


(Rrrrrring...) “Hello? Oh hey aunt Sally. What’s up?” (Pause) “Really?? Mom and dad would definitely be okay with it. Nooo, you don’t have to talk to them. I’m sure they’ll let me go. Okay, see you soon. (Hangs up phone and throws it away) Bye bye pipeline.


History BM from Lisa Kang on Vimeo.

IIc. Be Like a Tree and "Leaf"

(Holding arms straight at sides, look tired eyes nearly closed)

“Ahhh the forest, so peaceful. So quiet. So... so.. lonely.” (pause) “Jimmy shut up. I wasn’t talking to you. Yeah I know you’re ‘always there for me.’ Trust me, I can tell when you’re branches come flying into me. You don’t have a choice.” (pause) “I didn’t mean anything by it. Just that I’m kind of bored. Ooooh look people, Jimmy shut up.” 

Who are they? Wait, what was that they just said? Pipeline what’s that? Oil? Oh is that what that taste has been. I hope they get it out. OH GOODY THAT’S THEIR PLAN! (pause twiddle thumbs) Wait hold on, what was that? Cut down all the trees? Hold on.. Wait. Cut down? I mean- well- It’d be different scenery. Well, no scenery. Doesn’t sound so bad I guess. It’d be quieter. Actually, it sounds great. (smile) I never noticed that this is what I wanted. (frown) But it all makes sense now. Wait hold on, but the rest of the forest, and the people- the natives. They’ll all have to leave, everyone else will get cut down. 

Oh thank god they're gone, “Jimmy (pause) Yeah I know. (pause) Is it bad that I want- Is that what they said, 1700 miles long? That’s really long.” I’m not that important but if they don’t cut me down I could be here for another hundred years! I can’t last 100 years with Jimmy. I just can’t. Not that I really have a choice. I just feel like I need to have a side, “Hey Jimmy (pause) Wait I’ll ask in a second, more people are coming,” It’s the natives. (listening) Did he just say that this pipeline thingy thing would run through the aquifer? That’s not- that’s not okay. But gosh what it would be like not to have to live here anymore. Not to have to carry these branches or taste the oily water through my roots day after day after day. Wait hold on, spills? What kind of spills are they talking about? Wait like, like the oil here? Other plants, maybe even animals are gonna have to taste this? 


That’s, not good. I don’t want other people to go through this. I don’t think I have a choice in sides. Oh and there go the natives. At least I have time- well maybe not. More people.. What is that their carrying? It looks like, ladders? A little ironic of them to be carrying wooden ladders. You know through a forest and all. Ow! Get off!! (flinch arm) No one said you could do that. Why the hell are you climbing up there? That’s my branch! (Glare at arm) Excuse you! Holy shit how many of you are coming. No, no let’s stop there. Oh, oh yeah, no let’s not kick the ladder down either. Ohh kay then. Guess we’re hanging out then huh. Guess my side has been chosen, pipelines are bad... apparently.

IId. Spinning Slowly

(Surprised)(Look over to the left shoulder) “WHAT??? YOU WANT ME TO DESTROY THE HUMANS? SAM, YOU MUST BE CRAZY!!!” (Pause)(Look over to right shoulder) “What do you think, Sammy?... Okay! (Angry) NEVER MIND. STOP FIGHTING!! (Sigh) (Cover ears) Will both of you just go away? (Whining) Please.. I need time to think on my own so would you please do me a favor and leave?” (Sigh) 

(Frown and sound disappointed) What’s the point? Telling them to go away is the same as telling myself to go away. (Look straight ahead) Have you guys ever had that weird feeling...when you hear tiny voices inside you, that keep on telling you things? Oh, right it’s call your conscious. Well, I have 2 of them and they do not like each other. And when I say that they don’t like each other, (Slowly and out a lot of emphasis on the word “hate)I mean they absolutely hate each other. Sometimes I wonder how they both could be inside of me without destroying me. But that’s not what I should be worrying about. Well....at least for now. 

For such a long time now, I’ve been very stressed and it’s all because of ruthless humans. If they could hear me, I would ask them why. Just why are they still trying to destroy me. I have given them a shelter for many, many years now and they just don’t seem to care about me. That pipeline is going to harm me and all living organisms on the planet. But they don’t care. (Look and sound evil) Maybe Sam is right. If I destroy them all, then I would be a much happier planet. I could live like all the other planets. It would work. (Trying to sound convincing) Yeah, I mean if they don’t care about me, then I don’t have to care about them right? I could drown them all and that’s what I’m going to do. (Sigh) (Frown and sound disappointed) Ahhh, but I... can’t. I want to do it but Sammy also has a good point. I could wait and just watch them slowly destroy themselves. (Sigh) I guess I’m just not heartless. I can’t do it. I won’t do it... well at least not now.

IIe. A Brand New Job

(Standing stage right as if just got home) “Shut up!” (storm stage left and lift two bundles out of cradle) “You’re always crying.” (begin to rock bundles) “I guess I would be too. Living in this house” (walk to seat stage right, sit) “But don’t worry sweeties (smile) I got a job now. That’s right (pride) you’re big ol’ dad went and got himself a job. A good job too, pay me good and keep my mind off things. Awww don’t worry Lil, (stop rocking one child) Mama will be home with you. Mama works at night. That’s right. She gets to play and I gets to sleep. 

Oh but let daddy tell you about this new job. (stop rocking both kids, hold out) Daddy’s building a pipeline, that’s right. For all the oil way up here in Canada to get all the way down to Texas. Probably the longest pipeline in history. I don’t start just yet. Got to get the okay from the big man down south. (pause) That’s right Lil, Obama. He ain’t approved it yet but I don’t know why he wouldn’t. It’s a damn good thing for them to get the oil from us, they don’t need nobody elses. Anyways its cheaper up here. And you know what the man who hired me said. He say that the pipeline gonna lower gas prices. Mmmmmhhhhmmm. I mean, I heard some rumor that this oil is tons dirtier but rumors are rumors. (Sad, worried) But der sure are a whole lotta rumors. People keep sayin’ it’ll spill or that it’s all corruption. (Smile) But ne’er mind all that.

Awwwww babies why you gotta start crying again? It’s a good thing! Daddy gonna get us some real money, to buy a real house. That’s right, (begins to rock again) We gonna get ourselves outta here right when that pipelines through and we gonna get ourselves down to the U S of A. Aww yeah that’s right Joe, you stop crying cause you know things gonna get better 

(pause calls out) Naw honey! I ain’t talking to the kids again. (pause) Aw shit Bertha, you make it sound like I’m crazy when you know I ain’t (pause) They were crying is all I was tryin’ to comfort ‘em. (pause) Ain’t no reason for you to be all snippy. (pause) Now hold up! I went and got myself a new job just today so you ain’t got no right to keep callin’ me that! I ain’t lazy anyways. (pause) I know it don’- (pause) 

Aww shucks sweetie I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you or nothing. (puts babies down) Aww girl you know I love you. (pause) Yeah I know. (pause) I could drive you if you want. (pause) The twins will be fine. (pause) Alright, you almost ready? (pause) Mhm yeah I can wait.(from here on out move more freely sits down puts feet up reaches for remote, clicks on t.v.) Naw I don’t want to listen to the news right now, let’s find a show huh kids? (looks to the left, smiles clicks remote a few more times) Oh look here’s that show you guys love, Curious george is it? Nah. Oh you ready? (pause) Alright lemme just grab the kids. (pause) Yeah, I know. (pause) Hey sweety (short pause) I’m sorry I got a little angry with you. (Stands taps pocket as if checking for keys walks stage left, picks up kids, one in each arm, waits, walks off screen stage right).

History BM 2 from Lisa Kang on Vimeo.

III. Apendix

1. The pipeline would run through the biggest aquifer in America. An aquifer is a source of clean drinking water. (PBS Newshour)

2. In the course of building this pipeline over 400 protestors were arrested. People feel really strongly about this. (PBS Newshour)

3. People keep saying that it will create jobs but it won't actually create that many and once it's done being built the jobs it did create will end. (The Undead Pipeline)

4. Pipeline are the safest way to get oil from one place to another and America needs oil (PBS Newshour)

5. The pipeline in total would cost more the $7 million dollars. It would be an extreme cost for the United States. (PBS Newshour)

6. The Keystone XL Pipeline would make america less stable on foreign countries regimes (Keystone XL Pipeline)

Works Cited

"Friends of the Earth." Friends of the Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands/keystone-xl-pipeline>.

"The Undead Pipeline Returns." YES! Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/madeline-ostrander/the-undead-pipeline>.

"Video: Tar Sands Pipeline Plan Renews Energy vs. Environment Debate | Watch PBS NewsHour Online | PBS Video." PBS.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://video.pbs.org/video/2110582932/>.

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Lisa Kang in World History - Block on

​ Over the past couple weeks, I learned about the Keystone XL Pipeline in my World History class. The Keystone XL Pipeline is a project that the company, TransCanada is trying to complete. This pipeline will be 1700 miles long and is estimated to carry 800,000 barrels of oil a day. While learning about it, I noticed that there were many different perspectives about the pipeline. There are people who thought it would be good, people who thought it would be bad and even people who do not care at all. We were assigned to write a 3-5 monologues. I worked with a partner for this project and we tried to make our monologues have many different perspectives, not just from people's perspective but of objects also. We tried to put ourselves in the position of these people and objects. Overall, I learned that we can not just look at something from one perspective but we have to look at it from many so that we could have a better understanding. I hope that after you read these monologue, you will realize the other perspectives of the pipeline. 
​Monologue #1: The Indigenous Runaway

(Kneeling in front of suitcase, calls out) “Yes mom!” God, she’s so annoying of course I’m packing. She thinks I want to -, “In a second mom! I’m packing!” god I can’t wait to get out of this hell hole. To get away from her. “MOM STOP NAGGING! COME IN HERE IF YOU THINK I’M NOT PACKING!” (pause) Aww shit, “No, mom, I’m sorry. No mom don’t cry.” Ugh. (Slams suitcase)


She always does this. I don’t get why she’s so upset. It’s not easy living here. We finally have an excuse to leave but I seem to be the only one who sees it. That’s why I’m leaving tonight, not tomorrow, with the group, tonight. I can’t wait any longer, (re-opens suitcase) “Hey Mom! (pause) Yeah! I know I’m still sorry. Where’s my sock? (pause) Why are you crying?! IT’S A SOCK MOM CALM DOWN!”


I guess she has a point. I mean I never really did think about why we’re leaving. That fucking pipeline. I don’t even know what it’s about, just that there’s oil and it’s coming from here.  So we gotta leave. It’s dumb really. I don’t even get the idea of transporting that much oil. Like why? Especially if it’s causing this many people this much pain. That’s all. It’s killing my family and I don’t want that to happen but.... (Closes suitcase), “MOM! (pause) No sorry I’ll stop.” I start thinking like her and then she goes and says something like that. Thanks mom, glad I’m annoying and ask too many questions. Shit though, she’s gonna make so hard to run away. Shit brain, I don’t want to see that. She’s gonna cry isn’t she, she’s gonna cry hard.


She shouldn’t. I’m not worth it, and this is my only chance. I may never be allowed to leave again but, (pause) well I’m taking advantage of a bad situation. It’s not a good thing. At least, that’s what they told me. It just runs through everything and chops down everything. That’s what papa told me. That those other men just cut down all the trees so they can get all the oil out of the ground to use to drive their cars. I probably.... shouldn’t.... use that to run away but, but, but, I have to get out of here. No matter what.  “MOM! ONE LAST QUESTION! (pause) Please mom? (pause) Would you kill me if I ran away?”


Monologue #2: One In Thousands

(Sitting down, Annoyed)Not many people know that my “kind”, the sensors exist in the pipeline but the people that do think that we are like superstars. (One sided conversation)“Pleaseee!!! Just shut up.” (Sigh) “Momma, stop yelling at me!” I should have never said anything. “Am I even your daughter? (Pause) “Then why are you yelling at me? I just...wanted to express my feelings towards our new home. I don’t like it. Is that wrong?” (Pause) (Roll her eyes) “I don’t care if we all need a new job. (Hand gestures)There’s plenty of jobs out there that won’t have such high expectations of us.”


(Pause)(Sound apologetic) “No, no. That’s not what I mean. I didn’t...” (Pause) Mom! I’m sorry. I’m not saying that you aren’t good enough. It’s just that, I’m just afraid that if we fail... you know. What will happen to us? The company already put in a lot of good words for us and made us sound amazing and if we made a mistake...all the other sensors will blame us. And not just them but everyone else also. Mom...don’t walk away, please...” (Sigh) “Dad.. where are you going? I just..” Great just great. My parents are having another “deep” conversation. I guess, I’ll just take a walk around the neighborhood.


(Stare to the right)Look at those kids. Laughing and playing without a worry in their mind. Little do they know what they are going to grow up having to deal with. All 16,000 sensors will have to go through years of pain and hate. The company? They don’t care about us. They only think about themselves and money. Greedy people. If something goes wrong, they’ll just blame us. “Oh, there’s something wrong with our sensors.” Pathetic. Why is it that I’m the only one that could see that we shouldn’t be here?


I always knew I was different. Ever since I was little, I would express my feelings and if I disagreed with something, I would tell people why. Suddenly, one of the kids starts to brag about how awesome they are. I can’t stand it anymore. I had to talk to them. “Are you guys not scared of working here?”


(Pause) “Of course I am. You guys won’t ever understand why.” (Pause) They’re laughing at me. I’m not going to waste my time explaining to them. No one ever listens. “Hey, don’t tell me to get lost.” (Pause) “SHUT THE HELL UP!” Gosh, they are so rude. Wait..get lost? Why not? That’s a brilliant idea. If I don’t wanna stay here, I don’t have to. I’ll make it. Find a new place to stay or even go back to our old home.


(Rrrrrring...) “Hello? Oh hey aunt Sally. What’s up?” (Pause) “Really?? Mom and dad would definitely be okay with it. Nooo, you don’t have to talk to them. I’m sure they’ll let me go. Okay, see you soon. (Hangs up phone and throws it away) Bye bye pipeline.


History BM from Lisa Kang on Vimeo.

Monologue #3: Be Like a Tree and 'Leaf'

(Holding arms straight at sides, look tired eyes nearly closed)

“Ahhh the forest, so peaceful. So quiet. So... so.. lonely.” (pause) “Jimmy shut up. I wasn’t talking to you. Yeah I know you’re ‘always there for me.’ Trust me, I can tell when you’re branches come flying into me. You don’t have a choice.” (pause) “I didn’t mean anything by it. Just that I’m kind of bored. Ooooh look people, Jimmy shut up.”


Who are they? Wait, what was that they just said? Pipeline what’s that? Oil? Oh is that what that taste has been. I hope they get it out. OH GOODY THAT’S THEIR PLAN! (pause twiddle thumbs) Wait hold on, what was that? Cut down all the trees? Hold on.. Wait. Cut down? I mean- well- It’d be different scenery. Well, no scenery. Doesn’t sound so bad I guess. It’d be quieter. Actually, it sounds great. (smile) I never noticed that this is what I wanted. (frown) But it all makes sense now. Wait hold on, but the rest of the forest, and the people- the natives. They’ll all have to leave, everyone else will get cut down.


Oh thank god they're gone, “Jimmy (pause) Yeah I know. (pause) Is it bad that I want- Is that what they said, 1700 miles long? That’s really long.” I’m not that important but if they don’t cut me down I could be here for another hundred years! I can’t last 100 years with Jimmy. I just can’t. Not that I really have a choice. I just feel like I need to have a side, “Hey Jimmy (pause) Wait I’ll ask in a second, more people are coming,” It’s the natives. (listening) Did he just say that this pipeline thingy thing would run through the aquifer? That’s not- that’s not okay. But gosh what it would be like not to have to live here anymore. Not to have to carry these branches or taste the oily water through my roots day after day after day. Wait hold on, spills? What kind of spills are they talking about? Wait like, like the oil here? Other plants, maybe even animals are gonna have to taste this?


That’s, not good. I don’t want other people to go through this. I don’t think I have a choice in sides. Oh and there go the natives. At least I have time- well maybe not. More people.. What is that their carrying? It looks like, ladders? A little ironic of them to be carrying wooden ladders. You know through a forest and all. Ow! Get off!! (flinch arm) No one said you could do that. Why the hell are you climbing up there? That’s my branch! (Glare at arm) Excuse you! Holy shit how many of you are coming. No, no let’s stop there. Oh, oh yeah, no let’s not kick the ladder down either. Ohh kay then. Guess we’re hanging out then huh. Guess my side has been chosen, pipelines are bad... apparently.


​Monologue #4: Spinning Slowly

(Surprised)(Look over to the left shoulder) “WHAT??? YOU WANT ME TO DESTROY THE HUMANS? SAM, YOU MUST BE CRAZY!!!” (Pause)(Look over to right shoulder) “What do you think, Sammy?... Okay! (Angry) NEVER MIND. STOP FIGHTING!! (Sigh) (Cover ears) Will both of you just go away? (Whining) Please.. I need time to think on my own so would you please do me a favor and leave?” (Sigh)


(Frown and sound disappointed) What’s the point? Telling them to go away is the same as telling myself to go away. (Look straight ahead) Have you guys ever had that weird feeling...when you hear tiny voices inside you, that keep on telling you things? Oh, right it’s call your conscious. Well, I have 2 of them and they do not like each other. And when I say that they don’t like each other, (Slowly and out a lot of emphasis on the word “hate)I mean they absolutely hate each other. Sometimes I wonder how they both could be inside of me without destroying me. But that’s not what I should be worrying about. Well....at least for now.


For such a long time now, I’ve been very stressed and it’s all because of ruthless humans. If they could hear me, I would ask them why. Just why are they still trying to destroy me. I have given them a shelter for many, many years now and they just don’t seem to care about me. That pipeline is going to harm me and all living organisms on the planet. But they don’t care. (Look and sound evil) Maybe Sam is right. If I destroy them all, then I would be a much happier planet. I could live like all the other planets. It would work. (Trying to sound convincing) Yeah, I mean if they don’t care about me, then I don’t have to care about them right? I could drown them all and that’s what I’m going to do. (Sigh) (Frown and sound disappointed) Ahhh, but I... can’t. I want to do it but Sammy also has a good point. I could wait and just watch them slowly destroy themselves. (Sigh) I guess I’m just not heartless. I can’t do it. I won’t do it... well at least not now.


​Monologue #5: A Brand New Job

(Standing stage right as if just got home) “Shut up!” (storm stage left and lift two bundles out of cradle) “You’re always crying.” (begin to rock bundles) “I guess I would be too. Living in this house” (walk to seat stage right, sit) “But don’t worry sweeties (smile) I got a job now. That’s right (pride) you’re big ol’ dad went and got himself a job. A good job too, pay me good and keep my mind off things. Awww don’t worry Lil, (stop rocking one child) Mama will be home with you. Mama works at night. That’s right. She gets to play and I gets to sleep.


Oh but let daddy tell you about this new job. (stop rocking both kids, hold out) Daddy’s building a pipeline, that’s right. For all the oil way up here in Canada to get all the way down to Texas. Probably the longest pipeline in history. I don’t start just yet. Got to get the okay from the big man down south. (pause) That’s right Lil, Obama. He ain’t approved it yet but I don’t know why he wouldn’t. It’s a damn good thing for them to get the oil from us, they don’t need nobody elses. Anyways its cheaper up here. And you know what the man who hired me said. He say that the pipeline gonna lower gas prices. Mmmmmhhhhmmm. I mean, I heard some rumor that this oil is tons dirtier but rumors are rumors. (Sad, worried) But der sure are a whole lotta rumors. People keep sayin’ it’ll spill or that it’s all corruption. (Smile) But ne’er mind all that.


Awwwww babies why you gotta start crying again? It’s a good thing! Daddy gonna get us some real money, to buy a real house. That’s right, (begins to rock again) We gonna get ourselves outta here right when that pipelines through and we gonna get ourselves down to the U S of A. Aww yeah that’s right Joe, you stop crying cause you know things gonna get better


(pause calls out) Naw honey! I ain’t talking to the kids again. (pause) Aw shit Bertha, you make it sound like I’m crazy when you know I ain’t (pause) They were crying is all I was tryin’ to comfort ‘em. (pause) Ain’t no reason for you to be all snippy. (pause) Now hold up! I went and got myself a new job just today so you ain’t got no right to keep callin’ me that! I ain’t lazy anyways. (pause) I know it don’- (pause)


Aww shucks sweetie I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you or nothing. (puts babies down) Aww girl you know I love you. (pause) Yeah I know. (pause) I could drive you if you want. (pause) The twins will be fine. (pause) Alright, you almost ready? (pause) Mhm yeah I can wait.(from here on out move more freely sits down puts feet up reaches for remote, clicks on t.v.) Naw I don’t want to listen to the news right now, let’s find a show huh kids? (looks to the left, smiles clicks remote a few more times) Oh look here’s that show you guys love, Curious george is it? Nah. Oh you ready? (pause) Alright lemme just grab the kids. (pause) Yeah, I know. (pause) Hey sweety (short pause) I’m sorry I got a little angry with you. (Stands taps pocket as if checking for keys walks stage left, picks up kids, one in each arm, waits, walks off screen stage right).


History BM 2 from Lisa Kang on Vimeo.

​Appendix:

1. We’re running this pipeline right over the biggest freshwater source (Aquifer) on our continent. (PBS Newshour)

2. The U.S. CO2 emissions have gone down and other countries have increased therefore the problem is not the U.S. but are the other countries. (PBS Newshour)

3. It is the cheapest, most effective and safest way for transportation of natural gas and oil is by pipeline. (PBS Newshour)

4. It would destroy the life and livelihood of family farmers throughout the midwest. (PBS Newshour)

5. It will be carrying the dirtiest oil on the planet. (Canadian Broadcast Corporation: Keystone Pipeline)

6. The company claims that the new route will bypass the environmentally section of Nebraska. (The Undead Pipeline Returns)
​Bibliography:

- "Video: Tar Sands Pipeline Plan Renews Energy vs. Environment Debate | Watch PBS NewsHour Online | PBS Video." PBS.org. PBS Video, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://video.pbs.org/video/2110582932>

- "Video: Environment, Economy at Heart of Keystone XL Pipeline Debate | Watch PBS NewsHour Online | PBS Video." PBS.org. PBS Video, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://video.pbs.org/video/2151198168>

- Davison, Janet. "The Keystone Debate: Forget the Pipeline, This Is about the Oilsands."CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 26 Sept. 2011. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/09/23/f-keystone-xl-pipeline-oilsands.html>

- Ostrander, Madeline. "The Undead Pipeline Returns." YES! Magazine. N.p., 29 Feb. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/madeline-ostrander/the-undead-pipeline>

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Kennedy Coverdale in World History - Block on

Introduction


Our assignment for this project was to create three monologues portraying three different views on the Keystone XL Pipeline. The Keystone XL Pipeline is a pipeline that’s going to travel from Hardisty, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska carrying Tar Sands oil, an unconventional petroleum deposit. This has sparked a lot of controversy regarding the environment and climate change. Even the presidential candidates have taken sides on the issue. My monologues are in the views of the Tar Sands oil, the Keystone Pipeline being built, and a regular man living in New York. The Tar Sands is at first excited to be used, but when they hear about her being mixed with water that could be possibly used, it gets upset and changes it's mind. The Pipeline is not excited to be built at all. She doesn't like the way she's being built and think she's going to be used for horrible purposes. And the last monologue focuses on Dave, a man with a newborn baby girl, worried about what her future holds with the Pipeline.



I learned that this pipeline can really impact the 2012 election. Many people are for it and against it. Both candidates are on opposite sides of this debate and their decisions regarding the pipeline can increase their votes or decrease their votes.


Like, Keep Your Water !

Phew ! Like, I’m getting so bored over here. I swear there is nothing to do ! All I do is sit here in this pit and just wait to be used. And I haven’t been used in like, sooooo long. I’m like, so lonely and I don’t have any friends here but like, me, myself, and I. And like, trust me, that’s not the greatest company in the world. I’m barely used for like, anything and it sucks. I’m bored, tired, and I feel like, absolutely worthless, like no one wants me --- Wait ! A visitor !


(pauses) ... Pipe ... line ? A pipeline ? Like, leading to America ? And like, me being used ?! Are you like, serious ? This is great ! This is like, exactly what I’ve been looking for. I was getting tired of like, sitting on my butt, doing nothing for the past ... who knows ? Took them long enough to get off their butts and make me useful. I thought I was going to like, waste away and not be useful for anyone. But all that matters is like, that I’ll finally be used and change people’s lives ! I’ll probably give people like, more jobs and everything ! Wow, this is nice ... Oh my gosh ! My visitors are saying more !


(pauses) .... Like, wait a second. Did they just say I’m getting like, mixed with water? Why do I need that ? I know I’m a little chunky and all, but I don’t need to be all ... watery. I think I like the way I am. I don’t need some stupid water. It’ll downgrade my quality and make me all gross. Plus, I like being by myself. I bet water is like, super annoying and everything. They’re probably a talk-a-lot and won’t know when to like, shut its mouth. I don't like, imagine being with something like that ! And don’t the humans need like, water ? Like don’t they drink it or something ? I always see the bottles that the humans carry and they always have like, water in it. I would like, think they need all that water that they’re trying to use on me. They can like, keep their water ! If water has to be infused with me for me to be sent down south, then I don’t think I want to move ... (pauses) Plus I’ll be moved down in America, which is like, really far from home ... (pauses, hears people talking more) ... Toxic waste from the water ? Gross ! Like, I told you that it’s a bad idea ! Water like, ruins everything. I really think I should like, stay ...


Don't You Know How To Treat a Lady ?


(southern accent) Ow! Watch it will ya! I’m fragile y’know --- OW WILL YOU STOP IT! That screw doesn’t go there and you know it! Do any of you workers know how to treat a lady with respect ? I understand you need to get your job done, but jeez ! That doesn’t mean hurt me in the process. It’s not like I really want to be built for this anyways. (sighs) Oh, you’re all done now ? I guess it is the end of the day ? Well go on then, shoo. (pauses, sits down) This is ridiculous. I mean, I appreciate not being separate parts anymore and actually becoming a whole, but its not like I’m bein’ built for a good cause. As parts, I was clean ! I was everywhere, in different countries and different communities. There was no dirt on me at all. I wanted to be built, because I was sick and tired of bein’ just ... parts !


And all I’m hearin’ from these workers is that even though buildin’ me is giving ‘em jobs, I’m actually bad for the environment. Or at least, the oil is. But I’m still bein’ used to transport it. The workers keep saying that the oil is dirty and crude. Yes, I’ve seen oil before, and let me tell you it does NOT smell or look remotely decent. I bet it’s disgustin’ too. My insides will be absolutely filthy. Especially if they’re mixin’ all the oil with water ! It’ll spread and such. (rubs sides a bit) And by the way they’re building me, I’ll break apart and the oil will probably leak everywhere ! I don’t care that they’re gonna be watchin’ over me twenty-four seven. It ain’t like they gonna get the leak under control in time ! I’m gonna end up like that oil rig out in tha’ gulf, explodin’ and causin’ all types of trouble. And I ain’t the one for trouble now am I.


Shoot, if I had it my way I would be used to transport water or somethin’. It ain’t gonna get me dirty and it’s good for the environment ! But whateva’, it ain’t like that’s gonna happen now will it. I’m only a little ‘ol pipeline, sittin’ here gettin’ built for the worst cause. I don’t wanna hurt the people and run through their properties and hurt the animals and spill the oil everywhere and just UGH. (sighs, stretches) I swear, this is ridiculous ! It sucks ‘cause I can’t even stop myself from being built ... This is just so stupid, I swear. (looks to her side, and sighs, it’s morning already) It’s already mornin’ and I got none of my beauty sleep !



Performance of Monologue: <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/51530756?title=1&amp;byline=1&amp;portrait=1" width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/51530756">PIPELINE MONOLOGUE</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user14116191">Kennedy C</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>


Everything's Gonna Be Alright

(father sets baby into crib, leave room and goes to sit on couch in living room, turning on the tv quietly to the news.) No, not this again. The news is always boring. Lets see if theres any sports on. I think the Steelers might be playing today. (flicks through a couple of channels, adjusts sitting position while doing so and ends up back at the news) ... I guess not then. The news it is ! (says this with a sarcastic chuckle, sits back further into the couch and crosses arms. the news starts to mention the pipeline) Oh, it’s another one of those things. The government is always trying to do something to make the economy better. Same old, same old ... Whoa man, 1700 miles long ? Are you serious ? Why can’t we just import the oil some other way ? I doubt there’s 1700 miles worth of free land to build this pipeline. (shrugs indifferently) Well, it ain’t going through my back yard now is it ? The pipeline isn’t even going near New York. But that’d be weird, having some big pipeline going through my property. Can’t imagine what those people are feeling ... ---


(news anchor starts to interview protesters and people against pipeline, he leans in closer, clearly interested) So this Tar Sands is the dirtiest oil around ? Why would we risk a leak with such crude and disgusting oil ? Even if we’re mixing it with water, it’s still gross. I think the water makes it even more nasty. (pauses to hear more) ... So the government’s stealing the land from the people too ? People have lives to run, things to do. No one should have the right to take someone else’s land, even the government. Those people paid fair and square for each inch of the land they live in. Most of these people are farmers and they have children and they just ... they just kick them out ! (getting a bit angry, voice raises slowly with each word) I can’t imagine getting kicked to curb with nowhere to go ... It doesn’t matter if our economy is getting “better”. The government is destroying lives and ruining futures ! Even the future for my child is in danger ! (standing and shouting by now, runs hands through hair roughly, pacing back and forth and looking at the ground) What if she wants to leave here and go to college or move there ? What if this makes our economy worse ? What if ---- (baby starts to cry in the other room from his shouting. he hurries to the room and tries to console the baby) ... It’s gonna be alright, ssh, ssh, it’s gonna be alright.



Appendix


  • It takes about three barrels of water to extract one barrel of oil. More than 90 percent of this water, 400 million gallons per day, ends up as toxic waste dumped in massive pools that contain carcinogenic substances like cyanide. (Friend of the Earth: Tar Sands)

  • It will cross the Ogallala Aquifer, a major source of drinking and irrigation water for Nebraska and seven other states (The Undead Pipeline Returns)

  • Companies must destroy fragile forest ecosystems, waste enormous amounts of water, and disrupt the lives of indigenous people in the area. The forest is clear cut, the wetlands are drained, and living matter and soil are hauled away to expose the tar sands. (Friend of the Earth: Tar Sands)

  • The Keystone Pipeline System is monitored 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Pumps and valves are remotely started and secured. In the unlikely event of a spill or leak, pump stations and valves will be closed to limit spill volumes. The leak detection system uses a variety of methods to detect a leak of any size. (Trans Canada)

  • It encourages production of a particularly dirty sort of crude from oil sands and would threaten sensitive lands and water sources along its route. (NY Times: Keystone XL)

  • Some pipeline safety experts and environmentalists have raised concerns that the tiny federal agency that oversees the nation’s expansive network of pipelines, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, is ill equipped to oversee a project of Keystone’s magnitude. (NY Times: Keystone XL)


Bibliography


"Keystone XL Pipeline Project." Keystone XL Pipeline Project. TransCanada, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html>.


"Friends of the Earth." Friends of the Earth. Friends of the Earth, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands>.


"Keystone XL Pipeline." Keystone XL. New York Times, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/k/keystone_pipeline/index.html?8qa>.


Ostrander, Madeline. "The Undead Pipeline Returns." YES! Magazine. YES! Magazine, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/madeline-ostrander/the-undead-pipeline>.

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Anonymous in World History - Block on

​

Introduction


Our assignment for this project was to create three monologues portraying three different views on the Keystone XL Pipeline. The Keystone XL Pipeline is a pipeline that’s going to travel from Hardisty, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska carrying Tar Sands oil, an unconventional petroleum deposit. This has sparked a lot of controversy regarding the environment and climate change. Even the presidential candidates have taken sides on the issue. My monologues are in the views of the Tar Sands oil, the Keystone Pipeline being built, and a regular man living in New York. The Tar Sands is at first excited to be used, but when they hear about her being mixed with water that could be possibly used, it gets upset and changes it's mind. The Pipeline is not excited to be built at all. She doesn't like the way she's being built and think she's going to be used for horrible purposes. And the last monologue focuses on Dave, a man with a newborn baby girl, worried about what her future holds with the Pipeline.



I learned that this pipeline can really impact the 2012 election. Many people are for it and against it. Both candidates are on opposite sides of this debate and their decisions regarding the pipeline can increase their votes or decrease their votes.


Like, Keep Your Water !

Phew ! Like, I’m getting so bored over here. I swear there is nothing to do ! All I do is sit here in this pit and just wait to be used. And I haven’t been used in like, sooooo long. I’m like, so lonely and I don’t have any friends here but like, me, myself, and I. And like, trust me, that’s not the greatest company in the world. I’m barely used for like, anything and it sucks. I’m bored, tired, and I feel like, absolutely worthless, like no one wants me --- Wait ! A visitor !


(pauses) ... Pipe ... line ? A pipeline ? Like, leading to America ? And like, me being used ?! Are you like, serious ? This is great ! This is like, exactly what I’ve been looking for. I was getting tired of like, sitting on my butt, doing nothing for the past ... who knows ? Took them long enough to get off their butts and make me useful. I thought I was going to like, waste away and not be useful for anyone. But all that matters is like, that I’ll finally be used and change people’s lives ! I’ll probably give people like, more jobs and everything ! Wow, this is nice ... Oh my gosh ! My visitors are saying more !


(pauses) .... Like, wait a second. Did they just say I’m getting like, mixed with water? Why do I need that ? I know I’m a little chunky and all, but I don’t need to be all ... watery. I think I like the way I am. I don’t need some stupid water. It’ll downgrade my quality and make me all gross. Plus, I like being by myself. I bet water is like, super annoying and everything. They’re probably a talk-a-lot and won’t know when to like, shut its mouth. I don't like, imagine being with something like that ! And don’t the humans need like, water ? Like don’t they drink it or something ? I always see the bottles that the humans carry and they always have like, water in it. I would like, think they need all that water that they’re trying to use on me. They can like, keep their water ! If water has to be infused with me for me to be sent down south, then I don’t think I want to move ... (pauses) Plus I’ll be moved down in America, which is like, really far from home ... (pauses, hears people talking more) ... Toxic waste from the water ? Gross ! Like, I told you that it’s a bad idea ! Water like, ruins everything. I really think I should like, stay ...


Don't You Know How To Treat a Lady ?


(southern accent) Ow! Watch it will ya! I’m fragile y’know --- OW WILL YOU STOP IT! That screw doesn’t go there and you know it! Do any of you workers know how to treat a lady with respect ? I understand you need to get your job done, but jeez ! That doesn’t mean hurt me in the process. It’s not like I really want to be built for this anyways. (sighs) Oh, you’re all done now ? I guess it is the end of the day ? Well go on then, shoo. (pauses, sits down) This is ridiculous. I mean, I appreciate not being separate parts anymore and actually becoming a whole, but its not like I’m bein’ built for a good cause. As parts, I was clean ! I was everywhere, in different countries and different communities. There was no dirt on me at all. I wanted to be built, because I was sick and tired of bein’ just ... parts !


And all I’m hearin’ from these workers is that even though buildin’ me is giving ‘em jobs, I’m actually bad for the environment. Or at least, the oil is. But I’m still bein’ used to transport it. The workers keep saying that the oil is dirty and crude. Yes, I’ve seen oil before, and let me tell you it does NOT smell or look remotely decent. I bet it’s disgustin’ too. My insides will be absolutely filthy. Especially if they’re mixin’ all the oil with water ! It’ll spread and such. (rubs sides a bit) And by the way they’re building me, I’ll break apart and the oil will probably leak everywhere ! I don’t care that they’re gonna be watchin’ over me twenty-four seven. It ain’t like they gonna get the leak under control in time ! I’m gonna end up like that oil rig out in tha’ gulf, explodin’ and causin’ all types of trouble. And I ain’t the one for trouble now am I.


Shoot, if I had it my way I would be used to transport water or somethin’. It ain’t gonna get me dirty and it’s good for the environment ! But whateva’, it ain’t like that’s gonna happen now will it. I’m only a little ‘ol pipeline, sittin’ here gettin’ built for the worst cause. I don’t wanna hurt the people and run through their properties and hurt the animals and spill the oil everywhere and just UGH. (sighs, stretches) I swear, this is ridiculous ! It sucks ‘cause I can’t even stop myself from being built ... This is just so stupid, I swear. (looks to her side, and sighs, it’s morning already) It’s already mornin’ and I got none of my beauty sleep !



Performance of Monologue: <iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/51530756?title=1&amp;byline=1&amp;portrait=1" width="500" height="375" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe> <p><a href="http://vimeo.com/51530756">PIPELINE MONOLOGUE</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user14116191">Kennedy C</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>


Everything's Gonna Be Alright

(father sets baby into crib, leave room and goes to sit on couch in living room, turning on the tv quietly to the news.) No, not this again. The news is always boring. Lets see if theres any sports on. I think the Steelers might be playing today. (flicks through a couple of channels, adjusts sitting position while doing so and ends up back at the news) ... I guess not then. The news it is ! (says this with a sarcastic chuckle, sits back further into the couch and crosses arms. the news starts to mention the pipeline) Oh, it’s another one of those things. The government is always trying to do something to make the economy better. Same old, same old ... Whoa man, 1700 miles long ? Are you serious ? Why can’t we just import the oil some other way ? I doubt there’s 1700 miles worth of free land to build this pipeline. (shrugs indifferently) Well, it ain’t going through my back yard now is it ? The pipeline isn’t even going near New York. But that’d be weird, having some big pipeline going through my property. Can’t imagine what those people are feeling ... ---


(news anchor starts to interview protesters and people against pipeline, he leans in closer, clearly interested) So this Tar Sands is the dirtiest oil around ? Why would we risk a leak with such crude and disgusting oil ? Even if we’re mixing it with water, it’s still gross. I think the water makes it even more nasty. (pauses to hear more) ... So the government’s stealing the land from the people too ? People have lives to run, things to do. No one should have the right to take someone else’s land, even the government. Those people paid fair and square for each inch of the land they live in. Most of these people are farmers and they have children and they just ... they just kick them out ! (getting a bit angry, voice raises slowly with each word) I can’t imagine getting kicked to curb with nowhere to go ... It doesn’t matter if our economy is getting “better”. The government is destroying lives and ruining futures ! Even the future for my child is in danger ! (standing and shouting by now, runs hands through hair roughly, pacing back and forth and looking at the ground) What if she wants to leave here and go to college or move there ? What if this makes our economy worse ? What if ---- (baby starts to cry in the other room from his shouting. he hurries to the room and tries to console the baby) ... It’s gonna be alright, ssh, ssh, it’s gonna be alright.



Appendix


  • It takes about three barrels of water to extract one barrel of oil. More than 90 percent of this water, 400 million gallons per day, ends up as toxic waste dumped in massive pools that contain carcinogenic substances like cyanide. (Friend of the Earth: Tar Sands)

  • It will cross the Ogallala Aquifer, a major source of drinking and irrigation water for Nebraska and seven other states (The Undead Pipeline Returns)

  • Companies must destroy fragile forest ecosystems, waste enormous amounts of water, and disrupt the lives of indigenous people in the area. The forest is clear cut, the wetlands are drained, and living matter and soil are hauled away to expose the tar sands. (Friend of the Earth: Tar Sands)

  • The Keystone Pipeline System is monitored 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. Pumps and valves are remotely started and secured. In the unlikely event of a spill or leak, pump stations and valves will be closed to limit spill volumes. The leak detection system uses a variety of methods to detect a leak of any size. (Trans Canada)

  • It encourages production of a particularly dirty sort of crude from oil sands and would threaten sensitive lands and water sources along its route. (NY Times: Keystone XL)

  • Some pipeline safety experts and environmentalists have raised concerns that the tiny federal agency that oversees the nation’s expansive network of pipelines, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, is ill equipped to oversee a project of Keystone’s magnitude. (NY Times: Keystone XL)


Bibliography


"Keystone XL Pipeline Project." Keystone XL Pipeline Project. TransCanada, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html>.


"Friends of the Earth." Friends of the Earth. Friends of the Earth, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.foe.org/projects/climate-and-energy/tar-sands>.


"Keystone XL Pipeline." Keystone XL. New York Times, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/k/keystone_pipeline/index.html?8qa>.


Ostrander, Madeline. "The Undead Pipeline Returns." YES! Magazine. YES! Magazine, n.d. Web. 16 Oct. 2012. <http://www.yesmagazine.org/blogs/madeline-ostrander/the-undead-pipeline>.


PIPELINE MONOLOGUE from Kennedy C on Vimeo.

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Anonymous in World History - Block on

This project is about the Keystone XL Pipeline that is being built in Texas. 
After reading this interesting subject our work is to write three monologues in the point of view of three perspectives. My first monologue is about a everyday normal office worker, since I wanted to imagine what a bystander thinks about this. My second is my own point of view about the subject. Since I really disagree with the pipeline my monologue is very optionated. My final one is about mother nature, but in this case father nature since I got a guy to do the part. The reason for this one was because I wonder what would the earth say if it could speak.
During this time I learned how terrible humans are when they are corrupted by greed.
Also how much this pipe will influence everyone's future.

Monologue 1- The Cubical Worker

(tired, walks to door and opens, LOOK DOWN) Lord what is wrong with the price of oil these day?
(angry) They cost more than a bar of gold!
(walks inside, irritated) If this blasted price don’t go down soon I’m going to have to walk to work. (sarcastic) Not like thats ever happening.
(sad) But I would really trade anything for cheaper gas...
(upbeat with a hint of tiredness, inside) (LOOK UP) “I’m home!
(crouches down) Oh what's this? That’s a very nice picture you have there.
(questioning) But why is the sky black, it should be blue.
(surprised) Wow you are learning about the environment so early on.
So tell me what you have learned?
"Wow that sounds very bad, but it’s your bedtime to go to bed.”  
(happy relaxed, lies down on bed) Ah! Finally a nice soft bed. (dark gloomy, in bed)  (LOOK UP) “hum, but is it alright?
I mean if this is true then by 2015 the air would be terrible!
I don’t want my family to be breathing toxic filled air! (confused) But what can I do? I’m just one person.
It’s not like if I stop everyone else would.
Besides biking is way too far I guess there is no other way but drive.
(questioning) Still if I do drive I would just help make the already terrible air worse and if what Josh said was true, (horror) than 100 million people will die because of it, and i’m helping to kill them.
Won’t that mean my hands are covered with blood too?”
(confused, LOOK DOWN) If I keep going with the car sooner or later it will harm my family.
But if I don’t how am I soposed to get to work on time?
(irritated) Ugh! It’s either I pay more or people die. (deciding) Money is important and all but family is more important.  
(enlightened) Yes, that right, family is much more important.
(amazed) What was I thinking!
(happy and questioning) Now, where did I put my bike?


Monologue 2- For a kid's point of view

(happy, sitting down in class, LOOK AT PRETEND LAPTOP) Yes it’s history class, this is going to be fun! 

What are all these for? (door opens) Mr. Block is back, gotta get ready for work. We are going to watch videos? Great! (interested, opens computer) Hum tar sands blockade, what is this about?

Interesting, that is a very big project.
Now let’s see where they going with this thing.
(angry) Wow, what is this nonsense?
Are they even allowed to do that?
(angry and questioning) Isn’t tasing someone like that and physically harming a unarmed person illegal?
What was the law that prevents that again?
Oh ya! “No cruel or unusual punishment” I say tasing some unarmed person should be protected by that shouldn’t they?
(normal speech, stands up, LOOK UP AWAY FROM COMPUTER) “Mr. Block I have a question.
(questioning) why isn’t the government doing anything about this?
(mad) This is madness!”
(normal speech) Ok, oh, ya. (surprised) *sits down*
Wow so much for the land of the free. Let’s see what else did they do.
(surprised) (excited) A video! Let’s see what this is about.
Ok so the old lady was just doing her daily routines on her land, ok.
(questioning and mad) Wait what? Why are the police coming? Wait a minute!
She got arrested? (inraged) For trespassing!?
(enraged and confused) On her own land!
(mad) What in the name of zeus is this?!
(mad and questioning) They go in on some old lady’s land and arrests her?
For what reason? Tresson? against what? Walking on her land? This is ludicrous!
(sarcastic) Good job US, you have finally done it, you make the rules you break the rules, what are we supposed to do?
Rob a bank and said I didn’t do it? Madness, just madness.
(surprised) Oh what's this? (questioning) Hum, a chat box.
“What is going on?” oh I can answer that one.


(in a on stage “I have a dream type of voice”, pretend to type)
“Is this the sound of liberty we hear? NO. It’s the screams of the people.
Is this the scent of freedom we smell? NO. It’s CO2 that is killing you and me.
Is this the land of the free we live in? NO. It’s a land where greed overpowers all.”


There, now send.


Monologue 3- Mothe.... Father Nature

 (use a chair to spin) (spin while reading the whole thing, sad, sarcastic and mad, waves hand wildly in the air)
Oh the sadness! Oh the pain! Oh the unjust I have suffered!
(slouched over)
Day after day I work hard to keep all my beloved creatures alive.
I feed them, I give them shelter, I care for them.
(questioning and mad)
But what did that get me?
(angry, quickly stand straight up)
I do my best for them and yet they are not satisfied! They want more and more!
(look confused)
Why can’t they see what they already have?
(mad and sad)
Now they are building this giant tube on me just to kill me faster, 800,000 barrels of oil a day? (mad) They have already done so much to me!
(sarcastic and depressed, speak in a shakespeare like voice)
Why, oh why do you do this to thy?
Look at this thing!
They dig out bits of me and makes it into this matalicy round thing.
Now they are using the tube to kill me more! What did I do to them?
They Strip off my skin and mine my bones, they drill into my flesh and drain my blood,
*hugs hair* they cut down my lush green hair to keep themselves warm.
(questioning mad) What have I done to deserve this kind of treatment? Where did I go wrong? (sad) I did what every parent would do, caring for her children.
Yet they keep on torturing me with their non stopped madness.
(questioning) Can’t they see that they are killing me?
Am I just that useless that they have to kill me off to be happy?
It is useless, they can’t hear my plead for mercy.
(mad and insane, holds hand out in front, gripping tightly) But there is one thing I still can do.
If I must die then they will join me!

Here is the Video of Father Nature!

https://vimeo.com/51521968

Due to Vimeo not working I can only place the link.

Keystone XL Pipeline- A large pipeline that pumps tar sand from Canada to Texas creating more then 800,000 barrels of oil a day. 
("Keystone XL Pipeline Project")


Tar Sand- Other wise known as "Oil Sand", the tar sand contains bitumen, a type of oil.
("About Tar Sands")

Green House Gases/Effects- The warming of the earth due to  large amounts of CO2.
("EnvironmentalChemistry")

Oil- A type of fossil fuel used to do many things, such as gas for cars.
("Petroleum Online")

Tar Sand Blockade- A group trying to stop the building of the XL Pipeline.
("Common Dreams")


Transcanada- The company who is responsible for building the pipeline.
("Keystone XL Pipeline Project")

"http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html." Keystone XL Pipeline Project. Transcanada. Web. 16 Oct 2012. <http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html>.

. "2012 Tar Sand Shale and Tar Sand Programmatic EIS."About Tar Sands. http://ostseis.anl.gov. Web. 16 Oct 2012. <http://ostseis.anl.gov/guide/tarsands/index.cfm>.

. "CO2 Pollution and Global Warming."EnvironmentalChemistry. http://environmentalchemistry.com. Web. 16 Oct 2012. <http://environmentalchemistry.com/yogi/environmental/200611CO2globalwarming.htm

. "Welcome to Petroleum Online." Petroleum Online. Petroleum Online. Web. 16 Oct 2012. <http://www.petroleumonline.com>.
l>.

. "Tar Sands Blockade." Common Dreams. Common Dreams. Web. 16 Oct 2012. <https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/10/05>.

Jenny's Monologue Project

Posted by Jennifer Perez in World History - Block on

Introduction
In history class, we were told about the story of the Keystone Pipeline XL that will come from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico filled with tar sands. Together as a class we watched videos and read some articles about the pipeline that was going to be built later on in the future. Some of the pipeline has been already made. We watched how the people would go to the White House and start a protest. They argued how the pipeline is a disgrace to nature and how its in the way. Our history teacher, decided to do a project based on the issue of the Keystone pipeline. We were to do a 3 monologues, if you were to go solo on the project but if you decided to partner with someone then you'll have to 5 monologues, including one video of one of the monologues you chose to pick. I went solo in this project and I also put as much as descriptive I can be with one of my monologue. I also put in information as possible in my monologue. Hopefully I'm willing to get a good grade.
​Monologue 1

The Grumpy Man

What is this crap?
How dare, they build this pipeline its so stupid.
Watching this commercial makes me sick.
I think I need another beer, to calm myself.
Here I was just sitting on my favorite couch
relaxing from a day off I had from my job sitting
with a beer can in my hand, enjoying the day.
Everything was going great until it the commercial
came on and changed my whole entire mood.
This commercial is getting on my last nerve now.
An oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico to make a change?
Please! we should be worrying about other important things then this carp
What’s wrong with this world!
Spending money on shit we don’t need

BARK! BARK! BARK!
My dog, Sparky, came up running at the TV barking at the
people on TV every time the commercial comes up.
Even my dog disagree with this trash,
Sparky is sitting in front of me, scratching his ears with
curiosity while watching me, talking to myself.
Finally told Sparky, Why am I questioning Sparky?
Because its not right.
This is a project that's going to bring thousands of jobs to America?
and a lot of investment. A $7 billion investment by the company
TransCanada, that's building the pipeline, as well as the benefits to state
and local governments of property taxes.
You dogs may not understand all of this none sense but all you gotta
know is that I work for taxes!
I gotta tell the guys at work! I’m such in a bad mood right now?
A pipeline that can help america?
Our future does not run on oil!

Monologue  2


Bad News 


Gather around my friends.

I have some bad news

Everyone stared at me with curiosity

Questioning me and asking what’s wrong?  

I was hoping they’ll take this seriously,

I don’t want to look like a fool standing there 

about the news on what i’m about to tell them.

We gather around the coffee machine 

like every other employees do

You know how we work with taxes financial aids, right?

Theres an oil pipeline going from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. 

This project takes crude oil coming from 

a region known as the oil sands. I have heard that 

The Obama administration is facing a political problem regarding 

a proposal for a 1,700-mile crude oil pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. 


What’s wrong with it?

They told me,

You don’t get it just  think about it, 

Your looking at a $7 million project oil pipeline

You may be asking why do I care? 

Well first of all, Its a pipeline and wondering where 

and how will they get the money to build this non sense ? 

From us, were the one whos paying it.

Thats a lot of money!

We are the ones who are going to be suffering.

And we work for taxes and financial 

Money and taxes are hard these days 

I have heard estimates of 20,000 jobs? 

One of my friends from my job told me

Why not debate the number of jobs? 

Don't you think that's important?

Yeah but how does a fucking pipeline build up 20,000 jobs,

Of course its important for jobs to gain but by a damn pipeline?

I say lets go on strike 

They agree.


Monologue  3


Just Want to be Love 


Cold and dusty

On a fall day somewhere in november.

In the middle of nowhere

Winds blowing, silent trees, clear bright blue skies

And no one to be around with

Not a friend, not spirit

As I looked around my surroundings

No one visits me, at all

Just plain nature.


Its just me and mother nature now.

Nature is sensitive and its very hard to understand

Realizing that i’m all alone 

Feeling that no one loves me

I’m hard to be loved

No one wants me around

I’m so lonely, it makes me want to cry 

A Feeling I have that they want to be destroyed

Kicking me out of my own home

To go away because there property, 

Hated and dislike 

Wishing I wasn’t a problem

Its not the best thing to be hated


I see birds now

Flying around the beautiful sky 

Spreading their wings all around, up and down as they go

Feeling free, Living like nothing to care in this world

I want to be just like them, to be free

They never land at my place

Is it because im ugly?

Do I smell?

Am I a bad? 

Sometimes I beg them to come back, they never listen


I try scream but i remember I can’t talk

I’m just a sliver metal long oil pipeline

Going from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. 

What can I do? No one is there for me

But at the end i’m just me what can I do i’ll never change.


Appendix:

*Producing synthetic crude oil from tar sands generates three times the global warming pollution of conventional crude production. 

*Keystone XL would have diverted Canadian oil from refineries in the Midwest to the Gulf Coast where it could be refined and exported.

*$3 billion Keystone XL pipeline connecting us toCanada’s booming oil shale production, 

*We are already the world’s number three oil producer at 7.5 million barrels a day.

*The United States and Canada enjoy the largest trading partnership across the longest peaceful border in the world.

* President Barack Obama said in January he would postpone a decision until 2013 on whether to approve the pipeline

​Bibliography

http://www.aei.org/article/energy-and-the-environment/conventional-energy/fossil-fuels/americas-future-is-oil/?gclid=CJTQ3u7N07MCFQWe4AodWjIAlg

http://www.transcanada.com/keystone.html

http://www.nrdc.org/energy/keystone-pipeline/

The Grumpy Man from Jenny Perez on Vimeo.

Descriptive Essay- Learning Lessons

Posted by Marcus Burrell in World History - Block on

              Final Descriptive Essay


It was 3 years ago. The middle of summer in July. My family had took a trip to Virginia where we will spend our first day at Kings Dominion. After about 3 hours inside the park, we decided that it was time to check into the hotel where we will be staying at for the 4 remaining days. On the second day we decided to head down to the indoor pool after breakfast, after waiting at least an hour. Surprisingly no one was there. The long rectangle said four feet at both ends of the pool and then in the middle was the number 5, indicating that the pool was five feet deep in that particular section. The only people in the water were me, my sister, and both of my cousins. Everyone else was sitting in chairs at one end of the pool, talking. My sister gets out of the water because she begins to have problems with her ears, due to the water. When my mom is done treating her ear problem, my sister approaches the water, but doesn’t get in. She begins to run around the edge. “Girl! you better stop running before you fall in.’ My mother shouts. “I won’t.” My sister replies. While my sister was disregarding her warning, she slips and plummets into the water. She began splashing around and instantly panics. She resembled a fish out of water except she was in the water. My mom then gets up slowly, walks over to where she was “drowning,” lifts her out of the water and brings her to the chair that she was sitting in. Everyone begins laughing. My sister never realized that she was never drowning. Water had splash in her face when she fell in, which made her think that she was drowning. She was about 4’8 at the time and she was standing up in the part that was only four feet. She didn’t know that she wasn’t drowning. The water splashed in her face. The part that made it funny was at one point she actually squatted under the water, got up, and walked around with her arms in the air. I would have helped her but I thought she was faking.



School had just let out. Me and my sister were getting off the bus on a sunny afternoon about a week into spring. Our red summer uniform shirts shimmered on and off as we pass the shady areas that the trees long arms were providing. As we began to get closer to our house with my key in my hand I suddenly stop. My hand acting as a hand brake as I put in the middle of my sister’s chest. “Don’t move.” I whisper. A beast appears with a stick in its mouth, piercing yellow eyes and a black coat on. The stick drops from its mouth and at that very moment my sister takes off running down the street. The beast runs past me and heads after my sister. Down the street my sister runs, arms looking like noodles as she flails them in the air waving them back and forth while her back juggles her pink book bag and everything inside. I didn’t know what to do, I  just stood there frozen as if spring rewinded back to winter. The animal then turns off and runs away, as if someone had called it. My sister then turns the corner still running, eyes ahead and arms still in the air, not knowing that the animal had forgotten about her. I run after her screaming her name. “Simone!” When I finally catch up to her and calm her down, I am greeted with screams and punches. “Where did you go?” she yells. “I told you not to move.” I responded. “Do you really think I’m going to stand there with that dog in front of us?” She replies. I nod in agreement. “Well come on, we still need to get into the house.” I said hoping my sister’s bravery would grow. As were walking back up the street my sister picks up a stick. “This is for that dog. If we see it again, I’ll throw it and say fetch, ok.” She says with a stern look on her face. Luckily the angry beast never showed its face to me or my sister again.


Listening always pays off in some way, shape, or form. You should always listen, especially to our parents, for the smallest of things because eventually listening pays off. Listening can help prevent you from being chased by a dog, or  “drowning” in a pool.


WRLDHIST-009

Term
2012-13

Blog Tags

Teacher