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Revolution Guidebook Project

Posted by Amirah Bolling in World History - Block - B on

Revolution Guidebook Project from Amirah Bolling on Vimeo.

During this unit we have worked on revolutions. Working on revolutions have really changed my view on a lot of things. My view on the world is completely different now and it makes me appreciate the things that I am given more. We have researched different revolutions over the century's. One thing that has remained the same was that people are fighting for some type of equality. 

Some other things that I have noticed are the fight for power. When you're fighting for power you can't stop in the middle. You have to keep going and fighting for what you believe in. If you would stop it shows you're weak. In most cases fighting for power is not always pretty. It can be very violent but in some way you can manage to keep the peace. In almost every revolution things don't go as planned when the power is in your hands. When this happens I think it clarify's that a revolution is never really over and that is the most difficult part. It's not about who can have the power but more about what do you do when you're given the power. In my video you can see how the Egyptians fought for power and what happens when you try to "end" a revolution. 

Pipeline Monologue Project: Javier Peraza & Kevin Courtney

Posted by Javier Peraza in World History - Block - B on

​ In World History class my fellow peers and I have been actively engaged with a topic of herculean controversy that has even pondered President Obama on what should be done. We have dived into the research and collaboration of the Keystone Xl Pipeline and all the intuitiveness that is carried with it. Most people applied beginning questions such as “What even is the KeyStone pipeline?” and “How does this affect me?”. Over the course of the lesson we began to learn that the pipeline was a proposed idea for an independent refined oil source that would run through the United States from Canada. Everyone was tasked to understand the viewpoints of people who were pro pipeline and people who were against it. It gave us a chance to step into someone else’ shoes and think differently. This change of thought better supported growth in our minds and helped our ability to see multiple theorems and possibilities. Some standpoints included how the pipeline could do nothing but benefit us due to its extreme safety and economical abutment. Others argued that the pipeline would be dangerous to the environment and could cause feuds with other countries. The students of the history class were involved in much research and many activities. Our last and final project was to create monologues that represented different arguments and people who are somehow connected to the pipeline. The project itself was fun, manageable and gave the class an opportunity to matriculate a subject unique to us.5 

Key Facts about the Keystone Pipeline

 - The Alberta Tar Sands oil development is garnering attention again as pro-energy forces on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border increase pressure on the U.S. Government to approve TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline.

- Keystone XL is an export pipeline. According to the presentations to investors, Gulf Coast refiners plan to refine the cheap Canadian crude supplied by the pipeline into diesel and other products for export to Europe and Latin America.

- Reducing demand for oil is the best way to improve our energy security. U.S. demand for oil has been declining since 2007. New fuel-efficiency standards mean that this trend will continue once the economy gets back on track.

- “Its a given that the crime activity increases and hospitals are getting more use, and housing is so expensive. Sure, there are jobs, but you can’t find anywhere to live.” - Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water Supply Commissioner Bill Whitehead 

- “The Keystone XL pipeline is not in the national interest. This pipeline, which is proposed to carry Canadian tar sands oil to the Gulf Coast, is for the purpose of generating profit for a private company, it is for a private use. It will generate very few jobs, and the oil is destined for export markets.” - Northern Plains Resource Council 


Monologues:

Green Words

(Outgoing ring of telephone. Rings then goes to voicemail. Man waits for voicemail to be over then he leaves his message. Sighs continually before speaking.)

“Hey Maria, it’s uhm your husband Tom...you’re probably not home right now or you’d answer the phone. This is my uhm fifth time I’ve called you. Maybe you got a new number or something. Maybe I just have the wrong one. Ha-ha eh its been so long since I’ve been home I don’t even remember our number. Well I mean your number now so..I tried asking your mother but she won’t have anything to do with me. She says I'm no good for you but I know she’s wrong. I know I am plenty good for you. Good for us. Look I miss you Maria, I miss our son. That’s all I do anymore is think of the two of you. I just wanna come home and have things be like they were before. I have my shit together, I do I SWEAR I DO! REALLY! I even went to one of those head doctors, shrinks I think they call them. He said that I’ve improved tremendously since the uhm..accident. I just really wanna go home and be with you and our boy. Just please...hear me out. It was all because of that dreaded pipeline I swear to you it...”

(Hangs up phone, presses head against telephone box, and starts to sob while banging his fist against the wall) 

(Calls again later. After a few rings someone picks up on the other line. Tom doesn't hesitate to answer.)

“Hey bab-Maria. I mean uhm Maria. Yes Maria. Can we talk now I just really-..no I did not get the divorce papers yet. Yea well because-...but-..yes but..Can we just talk about this please? YES! THANK YOU! Thank you so much… I uhm you know I have been sober for two weeks straight now. No I’m not lying-yes I know thats why I stopped! I don’t want our Kevin to be exposed to that kind of stuff either. I can come home now, I’ve stopped really-Now just wait one minute he is my son too!! Of course he is OUR Kevin, HE IS OUR CHILD FOR GOD’S SAKE!!! No no I’m sorry don’t hang up on me please. I didn’t mean to yell. There’s nothing wrong with me honest! It just all changed on that morning….It wasn’t my fault.. I woke up that day and went to guard the pipeline from protesters. It was getting harder and harder to do. While those damn Americans took their good old time deciding whether or not to allow our pipeline across their country more and more riots had been breaking out everywhere. Meanwhile we are up here freezing our asses off with a potential source of refined oil that we can’t possibly use until we have their pathetic consent!-Yes I know you’ve heard the story plenty of times but not this one just listen please. Those damn full of manure tree huggers were having a huge protest right next to the pipeline. They were jumping up and down on the thing and smashing bottles against it. I honestly hate them all, making my job harder. My badge did nothing. The right and just presence of a state trooper phased them none. Well everything was happening so fast-I uhm I know you have work just please listen a little more-....there was a man there. He seemed like the big guy, the damn leader of those hippie liberals...eh-he uhm he uhm had an axe. Everyone was cheering him on as he delivered a vicious harangue and pretty soon things got even more out of control. He went to start hacking away at the pipeline. I don’t know what he was thinking-he couldn’t possibly damage all 329 miles of it in Canada but I-I-...when the bullet penetrated his body everyone went silent. It was one of the most horrific things I’ve ever witnessed...I’ve ever committed. All I could think about as his limp body hit the ground was who this man was. I later found out that he had a family. Wife, kids, a brother...I didn't want to leave our family after that but I was scared!-..I got to thinking and maybe them tree huggers-I mean people..maybe they have a point. I never cared about the environment and shit like that. I only cared about protecting the community but I’m starting to realize that protecting the community involves protecting where the community lies. The Americans are right. They should proceed with caution for such a matter. Maybe I’ll go on to write my own speech and dance around a tree like those hippies-uh those people that care ‘bout where we live. I don’t wanna drink through my nights anymore, I wanna be with you and Kevin. Just please give me that last chance I’ll even-what? You really have to go now?..Uhm tell Kevin his father says hi..I love you-”

(Phone hangs up on other line. Tom starts to sob)

I didn’t mean it...I-I regret.. everything.

The Thorn In The Birch

Green blades of grass bristled my hooves as I pranced through the open field.  The white, fluffy stuff that falls from the blue dome above covered the field in patches. My brown fur sheathed me from the cold while my horns of masculine dominance showed justly. Right hoof, left hoof, right hoof, left hoof. Moving was instinct. I was looking for my kith. Right hoof, left hoof. Look for kith. Right hoof, Left hoof. My kindred must be around somewhere. The field with the white, fluffy stuff was only a short breadth from where my kindred lie in home valley. A quick whisk through the tall beings that supplied nutrients was all that was needed to reach the lowland. I bobbed and weaved through the gracious beings with meshy, green camouflage and hopped over the lifeless grey spheres that strived on the ground. Quickly I bustled into the valley only to find it empty of my family. SNIFF SNIFF. I smelled for them. SNIFF SNIFF. No scent was picked up. SNIFF SNIFF. My only thought was that they went to quench thirst at the path filled with moving clear liquid. As I was about to right hoof, left hoof it out of the valley I noticed a strange monolith, grey in color, that reigned sideways through my home. All around it was pulled up grass and destroyed shelters created from branches. My home that I had lived in for my entire escence of time was gone. The monolith was not there aforetime ago but it certainly was relevant with the stranger stuff that was going on. I first saw them when the silver circle bequeathed the blue dome two times before today. Weird looking creatures with peach, mushy fur that stretched across their whole bodies. They galloped on twos instead of fours and had long tendril like things coming out of their arms. They emitted foreign sounds while creating abstract gestures. They held in their tendrils long strips with symbols on them in which they placed on the ground. After picking them back up they inscribed more symbols on a square board. When they left I thought no more of it but now after seeing this substructure in the valley I was almost certain it had to do with them. Suddenly the monolith shook and started oozing out a black honey that had a horrible stench. Singing creatures that soared in the sky got stuck in it as they landed. As it spread, the tall nutrient bearing beings cloaked in green fumed up in red and emitted intolerable heat. I turned, dashed away immediately and in an instant was taken hold by aptitude. I barely noticed the other creatures rush by me in blurs as the rest of the forest was overwhelmed more by that heated, red element. The furry creatures that dig holes in the ground blew up in red. The flying beings fell from the blue dome as black ghosts puffed in the air. Soon I was out of the chaos and stood alone in an empty clearing. Alone. With no great alpha to guide my journey in the forest. Alone. With no kindred to buckle antlers against. Alone. With no mate to even dare attempt continuing legacy. Alone. With nothing but a grey monolith whose purpose in the forest I surely hoped was greater than the lives of my cousins that called such forest home first. 

Obama Turnover

(Walking through the hallway towards her husband’s office and immediately calling for him for plans for the night.)

“Barack...Barack. Are you in there I need to ask you something about tonight? Hello there gentlemen how are you doing today? Thats good I’m doing fine. Is the president in there? Thank you. (Opens the door of the office.) Barack...Barack. Are you in here? Hmm... He might be in the bathroom or he’s just not here. Barack can you hear me? Are you hiding from me, I want to talk about dinner tonight...you know with the kids. Its the first in a month we get to have dinner as a whole unit.”
(Cell phone rings..)
 “Hello? Oh Barack hi... umm Where are you? Your where? Atlanta! What the hell are you doing down there? Barack you know were suppose to be having dinner with the kids even my parents are coming over. Oh your sorry that I told you this plenty of times Barack c’mon...umm like really I had this all planned out. You better be back on time. Ok FINE!!!... Love you too, see you soon. 
(Starts walking away and hears a folder full of papers hitting the ground softly, and turns around.) Hmm....What's this? Is this.....(gasp of silence). What’s going on here? Is this one of Barack’s plan? The Keystone Pipeline. I’ve never heard of this. (Starts reading the proposal) The Keystone pipeline is ....(gasp)Oh No I have to call Barack. (Dials the phone and goes to voicemail) BARACK!!! You have a lot of explaining to do when you get home later today. I know you're probably doing a speech right now like you always do every time you visit a state but, its about this Keystone Pipeline thing..umm What's this all about? We need to talk in private later tonight. Bye. (hangs up phone.) (Reads more of the proposal) The keystone pipeline is suppose to be in service by 2015. It suppose to run 329 miles through Canada and 858 miles in the U.S. This will create 20,000 jobs to help people. $585 million in taxes!! Ok this is not right...right for our environment. Ohh Barack(pause) I can’t wait to yell at you. Why would you agree to this. Thats a shit load of oil being pumped for that amount of miles. This can hurt the people. This...this....this can hurt the whole environment. (She throws the paper runs out the room).  

Mended Spirits

(Kenny is walking with his boss. The phone rings and Kenny picks up the phone and hears bad news about his brother Louis, while walking near area )

“Hello? Oh hi mom. What’s going on? And why you sound like you're about to burst into tears. Wait What!!!! What the fuck you mean Louis is dead. Stop playing a joke on me mom this isn’t funny. ARE YOU BEING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW. no no No No NO NO NOOOO!!!!! How did he get killed ?!! Pipeline? What Damn pipeline theres plenty of pipelines throughout Canada. The Keystone pipeline. That new pipeline that is “suppose” to help us canadians. Wait he was shot. By who? A cop?! Why was he even shot. Mom I got to go...No I’ll call you later.”
(He hangs up the phone and starts screaming) “AHHHHHHHH NOOO WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHY? WHAT DID HE EVER DO WRONG. (Kenny’s Boss ask what's wrong) What’s wrong with me? Oh umm let me put it this way. MY BROTHER WAS SHOT AND NOW HE IS DEAD! Don’t tell me calm down! Im sick and tired of all the negativity that gets put on. You know what I’m done. I QUIT MY JOB! Now get out of here before I take out all my anger on you.” 
(Kenny’s Boss runs away. Kenny then kicks down a trash can and pulls out his phone and hits the record button on his camera) “Listen up Canada and people in the U.S and listen up real good. Ask yourself this. Is the Keystone Pipeline affecting our environment? Well let me tell you a little story. Moments ago I don’t know when..umm My brother has been shot to death for purposely “attacking” the pipeline. Now I’m not sure if you love the pipeline or you hate the pipeline, but if you’re a person who hates it, I agree with you (Pointing his finger to the camera). I can already see of what’s happening. People starting riots, holding up signs that say stop the keystone pipeline. Now I’m a shy guy, but now its time to stand up and raise our voices to protect our land and our freedom. Us Canadians and quite frankly Americans don’t want to have higher taxes. This is all just for oil. Are you kidding me? Now let me ask you this. What if all of the oil oozed out, what do you think would happen to our land? What would happen to the wild creatures that live on our land and protect their own kindred. As of right now I’m going to be a protester to support my brother who didn’t deserve to die over this dang pipeline. Obama or anyone specific working on this pipeline is watching at this moment...we're going to take this pipeline down. You don’t know who you're messing with. (Hits the stop button on his phone)     


A Toppling Democracy

(Governor of Nebraska walks into office and sits at desk. After reading a report from one of his officials, he sighs and pulls out his personal voice recorder in which he uses to journal is thoughts. He leans back in his desk, turns on recorder, and starts speaking)

“It has been two years since the Keystone Pipeline has been introduced into our pinnacle of society...yet my campaign to creating a better economy has gone nowhere but south. I consented to the pipeline due to the benefits that it could bring to our country. Only a few on our side of the border stand with me to seeing those benefits. To seeing true reason. The need for independence in energy renewal for this country is at an all time high. We must reduce the conflicts for oil in other countries and start coming to tangible solutions for energy resources with actual allies of us. Not lead our own country men into war when there is something we can all agree on that causes no violence. I was subtle, strong as a wall but still subtle. I have tried not to take the more radical approach but I think the call for radicalness is upon us. If even the President can not come to a conclusion soon then who can? I believe I am that person. I am quite aware of what the duties as the Governor of Nebraska are and what kind of social respect comes with such but these are hard times and hard times come with even harder reprimandations. I believe it is time for diplomatic immunity. I don’t see myself as a bad man but one who wants to see his country and countrymen thrive to their potential. Because of this I am warranting the arrest of any protester that dares raise a single finger against the Keystone Pipeline in the borders of Nebraska. I want those traitors to our country to be locked away in a cell far underground. I want them to feel pain, I want them in my grasps- uhm hi baby girl…-no Daddy can’t play right now. Because Daddy has work to do...NO DON’T TOUCH THAT SWEETY- No-

(Voice recorder ends suddenly as little girl grabs it and turns it off accidentally) 


Videos:


 

large from Javier Peraza on Vimeo.

large from Javier Peraza on Vimeo.

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Eamon Kelly in World History - Block - B on

Over the course of the unit, we have been learning about the positives and negatives about the Keystone Pipeline. Basically, the government is in the process of making a 1661 mile pipeline, carrying oil barrels from Canada's tar sands. Some things that are good about the pipeline are that the pipeline will create 20,000 new manufacturing and construction jobs, and it is the purpose of making the American economy stronger. Some consequences are that if the pipeline spills, a large portion of the drinking water will be polluted by the oil.

1: Everyone is worried that the pipeline will put pressure on President Obama.(http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2011/08/pipeline-protesters-keystone-xl-tar-sands)

2: there are no significant impacts. (http://keystone-xl.com/about/the-project/)

3: President Obama doesn't need congress to do anything about the pipeline.(http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2011/08/pipeline-protesters-keystone-xl-tar-sands)

4: Everyone is starting a peaceful protest against the pipeline. (http://www.motherjones.com/blue-marble/2011/08/pipeline-protesters-keystone-xl-tar-sands)

5: The pipeline will start a crude oil production. (http://keystone-xl.com/about/the-project/)

THE FATHER PROTEST

[construction worker is about to enter gate; son runs up to him]

Oh my god, where is he? Dad? Dad! Hey. I’m fine. Listen, I need you to do me a huge favor. You absolutely have to quit your job. No, really. You need to stop working on this pipeline. It’s not going to help the world. It’s going to pollute everything. Dad! Dad! Look, you need to listen to me. This is important. I did research at home, (yes. Yes, I did research) and I need to tell you what the pipeline will do to us.

Don’t walk away from your own son! I’m serious. Look, just listen. There are a lot of consequences, and I mean a LOT, that’s going to affect the economy. What happens if the pipeline spills? Don’t laugh at me! I am serious about this. You could be part of the construction that’s going to ruin the US. The pipeline is going over, like, 70 streams of drinking water. What happens if it spills? There goes our water! Plus, some researcher in Nebraska estimated that there’s going to be about 90 more spills in the next 50 years, depending on how you construct this monster. Also, (Dad, shut up) the pipeline’s going over the Ogallala Aquifer. Do you understand what’s going to happen there? It spills, and that large amount of water supply is polluted. You need to listen to this information. If this is going to be one of the most longest pipelines in the US, then the oil will probably pollute, like, a hundred fresh water streams. 180,000 oil barrels….into the water supplies.

Oh yeah! You know how there’s going to be 20,000 new construction and manufacturing jobs once the pipeline is finished? Well think again, dad! Those “new jobs” are only for short terms. They’re not going to help anybody. What do you think about that?!

Now, I think I am done here. The tables have turned, dad. You need to listen to me. See those protestors gathering right now? Well, I’m joining them. That’s right. I’m protesting against this pipeline. Your own wife could be out there. And you know what? I don’t care if I get arrested, because that’s going to be me proving a point. Think about it!


THE JAIL CELL JOURNEY
(protestor is being taken to the police station by an officer)

Listen, officer. I’m not gonna fight, I’m not gonna argue, but you need to listen to me...can you just watch those handcuffs of yours, they’re scraping my arms. You see? Just taking my though the front doors is not gonna solve anything. More and more people are going to end up here, you know that, right?...not gonna listen to me?...Not at all? Fine, but this time, you don’t tell me to stop, I tell you. Yeah, that’s right. You! So, while you explain to the nice gentlemen up front why I’m here, I’ll explain my side.

Do you have any idea...any idea at all, what everybody was doing at the construction? The pipeline construction! That’s all I need to say. The pipeline construction. (okay now we’re walking) That new one that’s being built right now. The one that’s already surrounded by hundreds...maybe thousands of protesters! I suppose you don’t know what I’m talking about….I’m pretty sure that everyone in this neighborhood knows that the pipeline is totally bad for the environment. That keystone pipeline….how many times did it leak already? One, two, three, four, five, a DOZEN! a dozen times it has already leaked! And this one? It’s going over, like, 70 rivers, streams! Who knows how many times it’s gonna leak! Do you also know about the Ogallala Aquifer? Yeah, that’s right. The pipeline is going to go over that. The Aquifer has a large amount of water supply for about, I don’t know, about 2 million people? No, I will not be quiet. I don’t care if “anything I say can be used against me in a court of law.” The courts need to hear this. Let’s say that the pipeline is constructed over the Ogallala Aquifer. Then what? It leaks….and they lose their drinking water. Boom! gone! You know what else? some researcher from the University of Nebraska is saying that there’s going to be more than 90 spills in the next 50 years.

Oh look. Here we are. My jail cell. I hope you know what you’re doing. It doesn’t matter if you put me in here. There’s going to be more people coming through those front doors. There’s going to be more. Just remember to what I said. Just wait and see what that pipeline of yours does to our country. Just wait and see.


The Pipeline Excitement

[a man is sitting in the living room, going through tv channels]

Oh, lord. These channels are so boring. Honey! Did you see anything good on tv yesterday? No? Knew it. Hmm….Huh? What’s this? Hey, the keystone pipeline. Oh my god! They already started working on it. Wow! I’m am impressed. Honey, the pipeline is in progress. You know, I’ve been looking stuff up on the internet, and I actually found a lot of good things about this. You know what? I gotta call my friend.

[he takes his phone and dials a number]

Hey, Rich. Good News. No I’m not getting a divorce. You know the pipeline thing? What? You’re protesting against it? No. You can’t. Oh, my god! I’m looking at the construction right now on tv. A lot of people! They don’t even know the positive side. There are a lot of good things about it. Just listen first. First listen! You know that once the extension is finished, the pipeline will create 20,000 new manufacturing and construction jobs. Yeah. That’s right. 20,000. All new. And you know what? Everybody may be complaining that the pipeline will spill, but this one’s being made with stronger steel! It’s like impossible for it to spill! Plus, you know, it’s gonna be one of the longest pipelines in the country. yeah, bet your money on that! Hold on. [He puts him on hold] Honey! My buddy here’s protesting against the new pipeline! I know! I know! It’s weird. [He returns to his call] I’m back. What? You’re still protesting. Huh. Some people are getting arrested? This can’t be. You haven’t even heard the rest of my facts. Because of the pipeline, we’re gonna get more access to markets in the mid-west side of America. Plus, its purpose is to make the economy stronger. Oh, come on! You know what? I don’t care what you think. I’ve set my own mind, already. You can just get arrested and be stuck there for a while. Goodbye. [He hangs up.]

Pipeline Monologue Video from Eamon Kelly on Vimeo.

Pipeline Monologue

Posted by Christian Moore in World History - Block - B on

In the early part of the year in World History, we are learning about the Keystone Pipeline XL. We are learning about the benefits and the consequences that the pipeline could bring. The pipeline would be a extension from the already existing Keystone Pipeline, built by Trans Canada. The project is proposed to create around 20,000 jobs for American but only about 30 people will be able to keep those jobs one the pipe is built. The 7 billion dollar project is also projected to make a total of 20 billion dollars. The only problem with this is by building this pipeline we now have a opportunity to damage the land beyond repair.


                                            Facts About Keystone Pipeline XL
1. Has a projected inservice date of 2016
2. Creates green house gasses
3. Would contribute to climate change
4. Run from Alberta to refineries in Texas
5. Cost 7 billion dollars to build



Monologues


Presidents Speech


Were set to go live in 30 seconds and i still don't have my water.   (Clears throat ) 5 years ago, a friend came to me and asked me to read something over for him. SO I told him sure and kept on with my day. About a month later my schedule allotted me some time to read over this document presented to me from my northern friends in Alberta, ( Quickly Clears throat ). It was a proposed document to extend a pipeline that runs through the great plains of our majestic country and you know what I did. ( quick sarcastic laugh ). Well when I got back to him a couple of months later I told him its plausible. I mean why not right, creates jobs for our depriving economy. Why not, if it brings in millions of dollars more in tax money. I don't see a problem with that I stated. But being the democracy this is, I figured before I made any big decision I would talk it over with the people. And when I mentioned the idea of the pipeline expanding, I got mixed reactions. Reactions of joy and reactions of sadness, reactions of hatred and of approval. So I got back to this friend again and told him that we as a group of united people will talk over the proposal another time and as soon as we came to a definite decision I would let him know. Here we are 4 years later and still have not made up our minds. Maybe because we have been focusing on bigger things such as the war and funding the troops, but I feel we have waited long enough. We as a people need to decide, make a decision. Weigh the benefits and consequences of our choice. Should we go with the benefits we see beforehand. Or should we take a chance with the environment. Well personally I’d love to call my friend back and say sure, you can start building tomorrow, but I’m not sure that can happen. I am not sure we want to damage the environment beyond repair by taking a risk a chance a leap of faith. I don't think thats what we should do America, but at this point its not up to me its up to you.        



The Alberta News



“Hi, my name is Jeff Hankrich and I am reporting to you live at the building of the Keystone Pipeline XL. (walks around trying to get a better idea of what's going on) Here at the scene, there are hundreds of people, from corporate executives to angry mobs blocking the construction site. I mean it’s just ridiculous out here. To get a better view, we’ll go inside the crowd to find out exactly why all of these people are here. ( whispers “pss come on” for the camera man to follow ). Here with me today is Ms. Cindy Lou who traveled all the way from right here in our beloved city of Alberta, Canada to tell us exactly what is happening here. ( Says I see every now and then ). Well folks this is just in, Ms. Cindy Lou told us that the oil executives have lied to us and don't care about the safety of the pipes, they just want the money. Wow, I don't know who to trust anymore. Lets go inside enemy lines and get there take on the statement made by American Cindy Lou. Ok folks were here with Russ Girling to get his views on the matter. Hello Russ, I would like to know what you think on the whole pipeline idea.... Well you heard it here first on Alberta's number one news station Transcanada CEO Russ Girling feels these reports are outrageous and says we need to keep our oil out the middle east. Well I don't know about you but that idea sounds pretty good to me. We’ll keep you updated on the situation happening here but remember, protecting the environment is key to being able to live here for years to come.

 

The Protest


Hello chief,

Sargent Buchanan told me that I was supposed to come here to fill out a report on the surveillance of the protest.. Thank you sir... do you have a pen I can borrow... I appreciate it... Ok so here is what happened today, the construction workers came to the sight as planned. And protesters threw themselves on the ground the the vehicles were supposed to be working. ( Sighs ). I just don't stand the inconsideration of those people. Just not too much goes on in this here. Where was I sir,... thanks, so like I was saying, the trucks were there as planned and these protestors just threw themselves on the ground ground making sure the workers could not get through. At this point Sargent Buchanan called in for back up but since its such a small town he found out we were the only troopers in the state of Nebraska. So he pulled out his megaphone and started shouting orders, (takes a sip of tea) and by that point every last one of them put there hands in front of them as if they were saying arrest me. But as we both knew there was not enough prison vacancies in the state to arrest these people. So we thought starting the truck would surely scare them away. But we were wrong. Its like they were fighting to save something. It was deeper than just some pipe being built. It brought all different types people throughout the state together. Its like this all had a meaning now. They were fighting for what they call home. They didn't want to see the land destroyed by the chemicals running through that pipe. Now I see why they did it, I understand how they felt. After all they need food and shelter just like the rest of us. So you see chief, I feel we should let them protest them fight, they are standing up for themselves.. ( takes pause ) they are protecting the only thing they know as home.


Keystone Pipeline XL from christian on Vimeo.

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Isabella Beato in World History - Block - B on

​I learned a lot about the environment and human behavior in this unit. I liked learning about all this stuff because i find it interesting. We definitely have enough information as a class to be experts on the pipeline. 

850 miles (1,368 km) in the United States (transcanada)

"This pipeline will allow Canadian and American oil producers more access to the large refining markets found in the American Midwest and along the U.S. Gulf Coast." (transcanada)

"require 9,000 skilled American workers" (transcanada) 

"With more than 60 years of experience building and operating pipelines, TransCanada has successfully reclaimed thousands of acres of native rangeland on pipeline rights of way throughout North America." (transcanada)

"Despite growing domestic oil production, both the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency have forecast that the U.S. will continue to import 3.5-to-7.5-million barrels per day into the year 2035, to meet American demand." (transcanada)

Monologue One (Secret Service Agent)- 

(Secret service walked into his house late but just in time for dinner. He sat down at the table with his family.)

Boy have I had a hell of a day. All these hippie weirdos have been outside of the white house for days now. There hooligans! I can't stand them! They think they can do whatever they want! Not on my watch! So this hippie thought it would be a good idea to walk onto the White House lawn and run for the president! So of course naturally doing my job I ran at him and tackled him. Then he tried to fight me for tackling him! The nerve of this man! We had to evacuate the president and go threw all these security measures which made me late to come home. I don't know why this pipeline is such a big deal to them. Who the hell cares? Well anyway what's for dinner? Ohh pizza my favorite! 
 
Monologue Two (Pipeline Worker)-
(worker walks onto site and has a conversation with another worker about all the controversy)

Ya know I really don't know why people make such a big deal about this pipeline. Were making a decent living right now. I just really need the money for my family right now. I’m professionally trained. I went threw the training program like everybody else here and got certified to work. Everyone thinks were gonna mess this up. Do you get what I’m saying? I mean people make mistakes and stuff but I feel like we can't. They'll fire us and just replace us at the drop of a dime. Well, I guess we should get back to work before we actually get fired. See ya later.

Monologue Three (a fox living near the site of the pipeline)  

(The fox trots along, past the pipeline looking for a new home)

I can't believe these stupid workers would tear up my home and put this worthless piece of metal on top of it. I was living here peacefully until they ruined it. I had such a beautiful home. Now there going to destroy the earth and possibly spill oil all over the continent. WHats wrong with this human species? Why would they want to do such bad things? I just don't understand humans. I have no home, no food, no water and all they're worried about is this pipeline. Not the safety of all the other species in this world. Well, I guess its time to start over somewhere else. 


Pipline from Bella Beato on Vimeo.

Q1 Monologue- Alejandro Bautista-Garcia, Ameer Holmes

Posted by Alejandro Bautista-Garcia in World History - Block - B on

Monolouge #1 - Ameer


(Son of a construction worker of the keystone xl)x2

Two children meet up at a construction site and talk about their father’s work


Peauterbread is sitting on an oily pipe

Peauterbread: aww man I soiled my trousers sitting on this stupid pipe!

Peauterbread: ehh... What

*smacks himself in the face softly

Peauterbread: what is peasant mean?

P: I'm not a kid. I'm 6 years old now

*holds up 4 fingers

P: anyways you don't look too old yourself

P: wow a rich amount of money... must be a lot...

P: Well what’s your name dude

P: Uhhh… ok… My names Peaturbread. My daddy works here... He knows a lot about the keystone XL project they're working on

P: My daddy says that it helps out a lot with the green house gasses...

P: The world has too many greenhouse gasses… wha? So… this is actually bad? Hey! my dad's not stupid!

P: well maybe that's not what my dad said but he's not stupid.

P: my dad says jobs help the economy... So it would be a good thing that he's working here, and those

P: How is what I said dumb? It helps the economoly, or the umm... The umm.. Economy

P: What not true!!! And I never called youuu smart at all.

P: Well no... But my daddy sure knows a lot about the pipeline.

P: whhaaaaaat boooring!!! All i know is that its a one way pipeline and its giving my daddy a way to support his family

P: I’m not a child!

P: I don’t want to hear about this stupid pipeline. It’s just a reason for my father to get a little extra money

P: My father is working on the pipeline.

P: My daddy only needs to work here because he takes care of me by himself… so he needs the extra money.

P: What is divorced mean?

P: Well my mom left when I was 2… so I guess thats what you mean?

P: What do you mean my parents only separated because of me?

P: My Parents do love me!... My daddy does all he can to take care of me… and my mommy only left because he was abusive.

P: Shut UP!!!! you act like your family is sooo perfect, Shut  up!

P: See You have problems too. Don’t go around attacking other people you big hypocrite!

P: Do you think it’s all going to be all right? Because you know your father might get poorer and poorer! Don’t think everything is going to be all right.

P: Wait so you don’t actually like this pipeline? All this time...

(Peauterbread slowly walks away…)

P: How sad.



Son  number one:


Who: Son #1 Peauterbread

What:  Talking to a horrible bratty kid

Where: construction one keystone xl

Why: His father works their

How: he is board.. another kid is bored. the other kid walks up for convo… conversation… argument… explain facts about keystone fathers come to pick them up


Monolouge #2- Ameer


Sean walks up

Sean: Peasant!

Sean: peasant. entertain me

Sean: hmf never mind that. What are you doing here? This place isn't for kids.

Sean: I'm 9. and my father is a rich man. He has a lot of money

S: I’m Sean… I don’t really need to know… your name

S: If he knew a lot about the Keystone XL why would he be working here?

S: This world has too many greenhouse gasses, and the Keystone XL emits too much of it. If he thinks that greenhouse gasses help the environment your dad is stupid.

S: He is stupid! He’s definitely not as smart as my father.

S: anyways with those rags you're wearing your family must be working here for the 20,000 jobs it's opening up.

S: Those 20,000 jobs it opens up however, don't help the economy. It’d be killing more jobs than it creates… I know I’m smart, don’t thank me. Hah, you made your father sound dumber than you realise, or maybe you're just the dumb one.

S: Do you actually know anything about this pipeline?

S: well this is a 1700 mile pipeline. So this pipeline will cost a looot of money and make my daddy a lot of money-

S: ugh children… I’m trying to explain to you trash… how this works. Maybe it’s because you’re only a six year old child.

S: This line runs from Canada all the way to the gulf . It’s a one way North American Pipeline.

S: Wait… What does your father do here?

S: Oh haha! He’s one of those guys. Doing manual labor.

S: So. wait your parents are divorced or something?

S: Like Separated

S: Your parents only separated because of you..

S: Your Parents don’t love you.

S: Simple... lame... laborer problems

S: My family is perfect. Or… at least it will be again once my dad makes money off of the pipeline...

S: that’s a big word for a little boy like you… hypocrite… wow! My family is only in a temporary financial crisis. My father made a bad business deal is all.

S: No… No I’m not talking to you anymore… I don’t even like this silly pipeline… Your right. This is probably a bad deal


S: If one thing goes wrong with this pipeline it’s all over… I single pipeline traveling 1700 miles… a 7 billion dollar project… If one thing goes on it’s all over…

(Peauterbread slowly walks away… leaving sean to sulk)



Son number two:


Who: Son #2 Sean Paul Smith the second

What:  Talking to a kid who is poor

Where: construction one keystone xl

Why: His father works their

How: he’s bored.. another kid is bored.he walks up for a convo… conversation… argument… explain facts about keystone fathers come to pick them up


Monolouge #3 - Alejandro


News reporter doing a bit on the keystone xl (actual tv)


Who: Bob Robby the Reporter

What: Doing news on the show

Where: In Tar sands reporting

Why: Because he wants to get paid (he hates his job)

How: Gets cued in to report… Goes to jane the weather girl… Finishes report then contemplates quitting his job.


New’s reporter is standing in front of the camera

News reporter: Bob Robby broadcasting here from Canada vancouver ehhh, I am standing

in front of where the horrendous and maybe unstable pipeline is going to be made it will go

from canada Alberta through The United States of America to the Gulf Coast of Texas

eh, several civilians are concerned by the propaganda because it will destroy the earth and

it will also be too wide in distance in order to cover for spills eh, the makers of this project

and some politicians think this is a cheaper and easier way to get oil from our allies Candanias

civilians all around America and Canada our forming big protest against this horrifying project  they are also forming barriers were the trail of this project will be or chaining themselves to bulldozer and trees ehh this project WILL infact destroy and ruin earth by polluting it and ripping

the land apart. Thank you all for listening good bye canada eh.













Monolouge #4 -Alejandro


Protesters in  tar sands


Who: James Mcfarlen

What: Protesting along the construction site

Where: Along the construction site

Why: He is a hippie and cares about nature

How: He camps at tar sands over night then wakes up…Protests... has conversation with another protester… protests again


Hello everyone my name is Matthew Jones and I’m here protesting about this disgusting

horrible pipeline it will destroy our beautiful mother earth, the way this so called friendly

cheap project will work is by getting oily sand from our friends the indigenous people

and taking all this sand through America until it gets to the goal coast of Texas which

from there it will be refined but what they don’t realized is that we are taking peoples

lands like nothing and also it will raised the pollution in the air!! which will also contribute

to the climate change. Now I am proud that all of us got here to stop this irreversible

disaster, I want you all to stay strong and keep protesting in front of the white house

because they will hear our voices, I’M TELLING YOU THEY WILL HEAR US!!!!.

 



Monoloque #5- Ameer


IM conversation


*Ughh* I  had the hardest day at work/  

This couch is so comfy/

yess.../

lets see… whats on the tv right now/ oh the news, cool i guess/

This global warming crap again/

Oh my god../

wait what this tar sands crap is amazing.../

Let me hit up my girl… Ellie-o/
*typing* hey ellie im watching the news right now and theirs this thing on about tar sands.../

No not tarzand, tar sands! stupid auto correct./

*Typing* no babe  shumafafumma auto correct  *ughhh*./

Why should she care hugh why shoooould she care/

*typing* because did you know…. that uh… that uh… oh that

*typing* it probs gonna create 20,000 jobs, but its a major threat to the environment/

You dont care! oh, oh she doeesn’t care… *typing* well you should care/

how is it a threat? well I’ll tell you… as soon as the news shows me lol/

*typing* oh well it is harder to get  anddddd, it releases more carbon in than other oils/

It’s not my fault your bored with this conversation/

well what do you want me to do/

I’m done with her/ *texting* you know what I’m done with you/

*texting* Not with the relationship bay/ now your getting into some other stuff/

im just going to go to bed now./ what noooooooowww/ She’s always complaining/

*texting* I’m sorry it’s just… It’s just that since we always text I can’t really convey what I really feel to you... I just can’t handle what going on in the relationship./

She is telling me it’s over oh no!/ Fine fine fine… CHUCK FROM ACCOUNTING IS NO LONGER YOUR MAN!!!


Better sound directions

Why are they having the arguement

missing peices


Who: Chuck Fromacounting

What: Im ing  his gf

Where: Home… at dinner… eating lamb

Why: He sees a news segment on his cable tv

How: Comes home from work… Plops down the couch turns on tv its the news…. texts his gf about news… they break up and he goes to bed sleeping alone.
https://docs.google.com/a/scienceleadership.org/file/d/0B9A4NllBn0QCaXdXcE9TTnA1MFU/edit?usp=drive_web

The Supporter

Posted by Maggie Clampet-Lundquist in World History - Block - B on

​
In our world history class we focused a lot on humans and how we interact with the enviornment. One of the topics we focused a lot on was the XL Pipeline. To understand the pipeline situation more real we looked into both sides, the supporters and the nonsupporters. In order to show we understood this issue we had to create three monologues, with characters on either sides. 


Monologue#1

I was walking along the trail of where the XL pipeline would be with the man who’s idea it was to build it. I was interested in working on the pipeline once it was built. Normally I wouldn’t take this job but since the economy isn’t stable and I just lost my job this seemed like a pretty good option to me. As the man talked I zoned out thinking about being employed again,it had seemed like so long.

“Now there are some thing I need to ask and discuss with you before I can allow you to be part of my crew.” he said.

I left my happy space and listened. I was prepared to hear about the side effects of working on the pipeline but surprisingly he asked me simple question like where were you employed before, why did you leave, where do you live, why would you be good for this job. I answered quickly but made sure to make my answers sounded professional.

Monolouge#2

Dear Mother

I appreciate you keeping me updated about the news through your letters. I found one part of your letter especially intriguing the section on the pipeline. All though I disagree with some of your thoughts. I agree that creating jobs would be a plus since dad needs that but what about the environment and people's safety. Say for example the pipe were to break and oil leaked like the Exxon leak, even though they were able to clean up the mess in the process the environment was still damaged not to mention how much money was invested in this act. Now I know what you would say in this instinct who cares at least they got it cleaned up, but not only is the environment  getting harmed its the people around the spill. People who are working to clean it up can be affected in so many ways from an oil spill for example exposure to toxins, cancer later in life, and respiratory problems. So in actuality your point about it creating jobs is wrong, because these side effects could be a turn off causing less people to want to be working on this pipeline. You would have to be really desperate to want to work on something that would expose you to toxins. I can’t wait to see what president Obama decides to do. We’ll talk more when I get out of prison!

Lots of love,

Johnny.


Monolouge#3
I could hear the cars overhead of me as I leaned against the wall to keep out of the rain, with my cup for money and sign when I heard many footsteps rounding the corner. I stuck my head out to look and saw what looked like to be a mob of people shouting and holding sign with red slashes through the words they wrote. The curious  side got the best of me so I decided to ask someone what was going on. He was tall, and thin with a black leather jacket. I found out that this mob of people was in support of something called the XL pipeline, they put slashes on their poster to show they did not support the who supported the pipeline, which to me is confusing. From what the man I pulled over was telling me, this pipeline sounds like a pretty good deal. I mean it could create 20,000 jobs maybe I could change my living situation. I have been homeless for over eight years, I feel as though this is a calling from god. I got up and put my worn down hood on my head preparing to go out into the rain and march with the supporters. I felt alive marching for something I believed in for only two minutes. We rounded the corner now standing in front of the white house, the people were protesting with passion. The police soon showed up, but I continued to protest, when people were starting to get arrested that’s when I started to move away from the crowd a little bit




http://vimeo.com/76018890

Movie on 10-2-13 at 4.48 PM from maggie on Vimeo.

Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Jasmin Gilliam in World History - Block - B on

In history class we have recently learned about a proposal of the Keystone XL pipeline. The pipeline is proposed by the company TransCanada starting in 2010 with Phase 1. The pipeline is a 1,179-mile (1,897 km) long pipeline that starts in Canada and travels it's way into the United States and ending in Illinois (This is because of the revised plan the original plan was for it to end in Nebraska). This pipeline transports crude oil and is supposedly a much safer and faster way for the oil to travel. Since there are many convincing bias opinions on the proposal it was very challenging to conduct a personal opinion on the idea of this contraption. Personally, I am against the idea of the pipeline. For example, TransCanada has stated that this will be the best way for us to get energy but I believe that there are alternative ways to get the energy we need without disturbing our environment or how little we have left.


  • "We are also one of the largest providers of natural gas storage and related services, with more than 400 billion cubic feet of capacity. That’s enough to meet the needs of nearly four million homes each year.  See more at:  - Transcanada  
  • “ The total carbon pollution impacts of Keystone XL are the equivalent of putting 9 million cars on the road when considering the total emissions of tar sands and refining processes.” More here


  • “Keystone XL will contribute dramatically to climate change. The State Department confirmed that tar sands fuel is up to 19% more greenhouse gas intensive than conventional fuel, and the tar sands industry admits that Keystone XL will lead to more tar sands production. More here   


  • "The pipeline will have capacity to transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day to Gulf Coast and Midwest refineries, reducing American dependence on oil from Venezuela and the Middle East by up to 40 per cent. - More here


  • "The pipeline will cross more than 1,000 water bodies across 3 states and 875 miles threatening drinking water for people, farms, and ranches with a devastating tar sands spill"  More here 

Why Me? from Jasmin Gilliam on Vimeo.

I Hate You

(Pacing in the jail cell writing a letter: frustrated, babbling, angered) (Reading the sentences at a faster pace than normal)

This isn’t my fault… this just isn’t my fault…. it’s that bastard’s fault. (prison guard passes him a pen and paper) (phones aren’t working have to communicate it in an old fashioned way)

Look you idiotic moron, you are the most ridiculous protest leader out there. You my friend have a lot of things coming your way. Once I get out jail FOR THE SECOND TIME NOW, I’m coming for you. Jail changed me man. It changed me, I should not be in here for the ideas you planned for the entire group to sabotage the Keystone Pipeline. YOU. YOU SHOULD BE IN PRISON NOT ME. Yes, I admit that I wasn’t the best person before, ya know doing heroin and closely sending a man to his exile but that’s the past. I finally turned myself around, got help from you to construct my anger and psychotic feelings into something good, like protesting against the pipeline. Remember at the protest? Yeah, when the cops recognized me from 3 years ago, and simple mindedly arrested me for speaking my mind about this mental proposal for a lazy way of transporting oils across North America. YOU my group leader, my “supposedly” best friend deserted and abandoned me,  while rough man hands groped and violated my personal space to force me into a cop car yet once again. Therefore, I thank you, because I realized that I’m going to rot in prison for a while. Keystone XL proposal must be stopped but I do not trust you to be in charge of protesting. You know jack squat about this project and you’re defending it as if it was your own child. Quit the facade and learn the real issues.  People through fucking trash everywhere now a days, and basically we live in a pig house. All I’m saying is that we should care about this environment instead

of digging it up and replacing that land with a metal pipe. You shouldn’t call yourself a protest leader you’re just a creature who has no soul and no regard towards other people except for yourself.


Why Me?

Quinn- Protest leader

(Along the pipeline land with the other protesters reading the letter from Ian)

(Reads last few lines of the letter then starts her rant)

(Pacing just out of earshot of the protest)

Wow I didn’t realize that this would be taken so far... What happened to people just standing up for what they believe in. My parents and grandparents did not have to deal with the cruelty of going to jail for speaking their minds. At least not like this... (Stops pacing) I don’t think... Anyway I don’t know why they didn’t arrest all of us maybe there was someone still on the hunt for him... I mean I understand "The man" just as much, if not less than he does. He could have joined any protest and they might still have taken him. There was an article in the news the other day about the Native Americans blocking the construction workers from getting the supplies to where they need it to build the pipeline correctly. I only did this because I believe in something I thought thats what he believed in too but I am guessing he has have changed his mind because of the tone in his letter. Sometimes things happen to us because we need them to or we need a lesson so maybe instead of blaming me...You know what why the hell am I trying to explain this crap. (Throws letter to the ground) HE KNEW! He knew what he were getting himself into, he knew that there was a chance of getting caught and he OF ALL PEOPLE should know that this THIS would get you back in jail! THEY KNOW HIM FOR GOD'S SAKE!!!! If THEY are going to arrest somebody out of anyone here they would most likely go for him! I mean he has been there before. This was his choice not mine protests usually don't go to well when the police get involved but what do I know all I wanted to do was stand up for what I believe in and look where that got him...Maybe he's right... Why would anyone believe in me... I am the kid in the classroom who shares her ideas and questions and they get shot down because they are "stupid" or "immature." Why would all these people come here when I, I of all people... Aaaaaaahhh (Grabs hair like she is going to pull it out), forget it everything is my fault isn’t it everything I do good or bad is always.... Why me.... Why me... I was just trying to do something to change the world for the better that is all I ever wanted was to make something no matter how small better but now I’ve gone and screwed things up again why do I always do this?(Walks back to the protest)


New Perspective

The land surrounding the pipeline

(Resting on the floor of the ground to represent the land around the pipeline)

Humans have done some crazy things but I never knew that it could get crazier. This Keystone, XL program is supposed to destroy 1,179 miles of me. They Are saying that it will only have a 36 inch diameter but if my inhibitions are correct then these humans will just get crazier and either put more of these things here or they will make this one “bigger and better” That’s how humans work i guess, doesn’t make a whole lotta sense to me but you know I’m just the land under their feet i don’t do much but sit here and try to look pretty or as pretty as they will let me  be. It was much easier to be beautiful before the humans went bonkers. Hardisty, Alberta used to be this wondrous, lovely place now it will have a stinkin' pipe starting there. Also if you thought that was bad Nebraska is such a quiet state that most Americans forget about it in the Midwest just minding its own business now it is going to have a pipe ending there. Oh and lets not forget folks about the 181 million metric tons of carbon dioxide being sent up into my friend Air, who by the way I think has had it worse than I with the whole ozone thingy. Anyway I remember when the only thing that was being built on me was a place to sleep for a night or two but now they need to have everything for everyone so they build nonstop there are humans who specialize in this which I think is amazing that they can make a profession out of the simplest of tasks that everyone used to do together back in the day. I remember all the trees that would shade me from the harsh sun in the areas I needed and in the areas that needed the sun there was nothing blocking it I remember when the only thing running along me were my friend Water's gushing rivers and the pitter patter of the feet of animals being chased by humans or other animals. I remember, even when the first rode was built and it was such a new experience that I was excited for what was to come now I am not so excited I don’t think I have been happy or excited in a long time.
This Means the World and More

James- Construction worker

(In bosses office to talk)

Hey uh...boss? I don’t know how to tell you this but... Yeah there are some umm... I’m sorry but uh... There are some uh protesters sir... Yes, they are along they land where we are supposed to build sir... Well, the problem is, sir is that they are blocking us from doing the prep work and... Sir i understand but I would not have come to you if they hadn’t gotten in the way of our work...yes sir I already called the police but when they were here they only arrested one man and the rest were all left here...No sir they said that the land is not private land and there is no other way to get them arrested unless the protesters turn violent or they destroy property which they are not doing they aren’t even a disturbance because they are pretty much silent except when we come around.... I understand sir but... Sir I know but.... Sir...I want to get them out of here just as much as you do sir... Why sir? Because I need to bring home enough money for me and my bed rest wife who is staying home now because her job laid her off once they saw that she would not be able to do the work they ask of her... (Starts to pace because he is rambling) And sir we have been preparing for this baby for forever we had to try for the baby for four years and now that she is carrying I will stop at nothing to make sure she is happy. She was so upset when she found out she couldn't do more to prepare for the baby and I really want her to relax and just enjoy the time she has to spend alone but she doesn't want to unless everything else id perfect so I want, no I need to make sure everything is perfect. I need this job just as much if not more than you need all of us to work the job... I don’t know what I would do without this job right now because it is the only thing that is bringing in the money and things for the baby right now and though that isn’t much it is more than I could ever ask for at the moment so thank you for giving me this job. i know that there are many others that also thank you because this is just an amazing opportunity You don’t know how much this means to me but I will need to be able to work so if you could do something about the protesters that would be great... Thank you sir.

(Leaves office)


Oh lord, these things again. 


The CEO Boss :
 (In His office with employee)

Hey James... You can tell me... Just spit it out James... THE PROTESTERS ARE WHERE???DOING WHAT?????  Well Are you doing your work I mean that is all that matters, that is where the money comes from... Well I understand you wouldn’t be here if there wasn’t a problem but you have to do something, ANYTHING, CALL SECURITY DO SOMETHING BEFORE I BODOSE OVER THEIR TREE HUGGING BODIES MYSELF! (talks to self, squeezes squeeze toy for stress relief) Okay Charles calm down, the freaks will move it’s okay don’t worry (Calls to assistant) ANNA! WHERE ARE MY STRESS PILLS? Any who look James boy I’m going to try my best and get rid of those monsters... You want to get them out just as much as I do, why?... Yes I understand that you need money for your new expected child, unfortunately since the Keystone XL pipeline has YET to be built, I cannot pay any of my workers because I AM nor our company is getting paid. I get that you Need this job but now that these protester are here we need to figure out how to get them out so I can make- I mean we can make the money we need.They’re too busy worrying about their precious environment but I’m going to tell you a little secret. I honestly don’t give a flying fladoodle about any of it, I care about the profits, and the investment into this entire operation. Understood? So I need you to be on my good side and help me extinguish these rebellious human beings. That is unacceptable.  Ya get what I’m sayin’ man. Come back when the protester start to do something else because this is unacceptable. how in the hell did they even get here. There is no way for things to get any worse God!!! Alright... Dismissed. 


Pipeline Monologue Project

Posted by Sydne Hopkins-Baker in World History - Block - B on

In Mr. Blocks world history class we were learning about The Keystone XL pipeline. This unit was interesting because before this class I never knew there was supposed to even be an pipeline. The Keystone pipeline is a 1,179 mile pipe that will transfer over 830 million barrels of oil from Canada to oil companies in America. In class we read articles and  watched videos from both sides of the pipeline. The first was about the people who invented the pipeline, they said the pipeline will create more than 20 million new construction jobs.  It will give America independence when it comes to oil transportation. Which meant we wouldn’t have to depend on oil  companies across the sea. Then the counter video was about the protesters who were against the pipeline being built. They said that if this pipe is built it will cause more pollution to be put in the air which can increase greenhouse gasses that causes global warming. Another important reason of why the pipe shouldn’t be built was because if it leaks it can pollute the water sources that are near the pipe and it could kill any living being  who drinks the water. 

Later we had discussions about how we feel about the pipeline. I think it would be a great idea to have the pipeline but in order to get the oil we would have to dig up miles and miles of land to get the oil needed. We are already polluting our land and if we use for resources than can be reproduced eventually we’ll have nothing left and we’ll have to start depending on other companies again. It’s a good idea but America isn’t ready for the responsibility of a pipeline.

Facts from: Texas Observer (news article)

http://keystone-xl.com/



Monologues


The Lost Fight


(In the Akerman Home in Denton Texas (2012 ) Lilly Akerman is just getting home from work)


LILLY

(She’s all swole up because she had to go to a valuation hearing about her property)

How am I supposed to tell my family?

(sits in her chair thinking)

What am I supposed to say? Hey guys, guess what; Our house is in the way of that new pipeline. TransCanada now owns our land and there’s nothing we can do about it. But this money

(she looks at the check TransCanada wrote her)

We could get a new home and start fresh. But my kids, Timmy just started high school and poor little Katie Ann she’s just startin’ to walk. It would kill Timmy having to start at a new school again, it’s too much. And my folks! I need to be close to them, Ma’ needs someone to look after her I would have to move her too.

(starts to tear up but her husband walks in)

John I’m glad you’re home. I have to tell you somethin’ we have to move. I was called to court because that new gas company needs our land to build that big pipe of theirs, that’s why. ...No we can’t fight it, it’s happening all over Denton. I heard the Jentsons from down the block tried to fight the company last year  they’re just now getting done the case, they lost the case and a lot of money.

We have the kids to think about. Especially Katie, it’s hard enough that you’re working days and nights. If I try to fight this all she’ll see is Timmy. They did write us a check. It’s $655,332.19 (six hundred fifty-five thousand three hundred and thirty three dollars) it’s about $200,000 (two hundred thousand)less than what our house’s worth. What do you mean $655,332.19 isn’t enough for our land? You know those people are  tighter than bark on a tree . I’m surprised we got that much money. With that money we could find us a nice new house where my folks could live with us and everythang. John they’re taking our house whether you like it or not. It’s hard for me too, doctors are needed everywhere but it’s hard finding a decent job for female accountants.

(Lilly says while holding back her tears)

Come hell or high waters, I’m moving, you can stay here but I’m taking my kids and folks with me. We’re going far away from Texas its pipeline problems. I reckon’ this is it for us. I’ll go back tomorrow and tell them we’ll be tak'n'ta money. I know it’s gon’ be hard but we’ll make it through. For now we gotta get the yougin’s packing and start lookin for a new home. One where our kids will be safe, and Ma’ and Pa’ can stay with us and we’ll have a nice neighborhood, away from that nasty pipe. Now it’s time for me to start cookin’. Timmy should be home any minute now and Katie should be wakin up from her nap. Go on’ now, go get our daughter and Imma start gettin’ fixin’  dinner.

SCENE





The Protesters Daughter


(In the Brownwood’s home upstairs in Margaret's room)


MARGARET

(Slams the door shut & grabs the picture of her and her dad from her dresser  and sits on her bed)

Ugh dad you went and did it again. But this time you got yourself in a lot of trouble and who knows how long you’ll be this time. I know this pipe means a lot to you, but don’t mom and i  mean something too? You’re always at a protest trying to stop the pipeline from being built. You’re never home anymore and if you are it’s pipeline this, pipeline that.You’d think I’d be used to this. You’ve been protesting against everything since I was 4, but it’s still hard to not having you around. I just want my dad back.

(Knock on the door it’s Margarets mom Margaret puts the frame down)

Yes mom? Yeah I heard about dad, how long is he in for this time? Wait what do you mean 2-3 years? He was just standing outside the gates I was with him the whole time. He did what? Why would he ever do something like that? Daddy would never do anything to hurt someone especially something that dangerous

(sounds a little more angry)

I know it’s dangerous mom, you don’t have to keep telling me. This pipe is slowly killing our environment. Don’t you see all over America, TransCanada is moving people out of their homes?

They are taking their land and all you can say is it’s too dangerous for me to fight for what I believe in?  You’re supposed to support your family not hold them back. Why would I write a letter? What would that even do? It’s not like the president reads it anyway. He has so much to deal with that he sends out computer letters saying thank you for your time writting this letter and other b.s that makes you think he actually cares about you.... Grounded!!! Mom I’m sorry but you can’t ground me ,there’s another protest tomorrow. I need to show up in honor of dad.... Fine then but don’t expect me down for dinner. Ugh she just doesn’t understand. Well I have nothing better to do. Maybe writing the letter won’t kill me

(she grabs her notebook and pen)

Dear Mr.President,

If you do read this, I want you to know that it’s time to make a decision. This pipeline that’s supposed to “help” America is actually tearing us apart. My dad was one of the many protestors who was thrown in jail the other day. He is facing a lot of time for standing up for what he believes in. This pipeline, if made will force a lot of people out their homes My dad was standing up for those people who don’t have a voice. Their voices wouldn’t be heard if it wasn’t for him. I’m just asking for your help, can you just let my dad go please? You knew what it’s like not having a dad around. All I want is mine. I hope you actually read this and help me.

    

Margaret Brownwood  

(She looks at the letter and places it on her dresser)   


SCENE






Acceptance


(TransCanada company Calgary, Alberta Canada the room where the pipe is held in)


PIPE

My name is Steve, Steve Pipeline the 3rd.

All my life I was raised to believe I could change the world. I would be creating over 20,000 new construction jobs. I would be creating $58.6 million in new taxes.  Everything would be great. I would be giving America independence by transferring over 830,000 barrels of oil transferred across 1,179 miles of metal. In 2011 everyone was happy about me, there were award ceremonies, and news announcements life was good.  Every time someone drove by me or walked past I was praised. Everyone was my friend and everyone loved me.

(stops and takes a long breath)

Two years later when I came to America, these so called tree huggers said I was bad for the environment. Can you believe that? Me bad for the environment!! They said if leaked, which is only supposed to leak 2 times every 10 years of my existence which is not bad for me. I give Americas future generation a chance to have clean energy. There’s protests everyday about me taking away land from Texas landowners. I mean 1,000 homes isn’t a lot it’s just right for everything I want to accomplish. One day, people came up and started hitting and scratching me. It was terrifying, why would you ever hit a kid I mean everyone has feelings. The violence  got so bad I had to have body guards everywhere I go. I didn’t want to be in the spotlight but it followed me everywhere. Every single day someone’s at my house throwing rocks or saying the pipeline must go. They don’t even know me or what I was raised to do. But did they bother to learn anything, no they just know that I pollute the world and can cause environmental disasters. I just really want to crawl under a rock and never be seen again. But my family won’t let me stop there. They tell me I must go on no matter how people feel about me. I was raised to do one job and one job only and that’s to transfer 830,000 barrels of oil across 1,179 miles of metal.


SCENE





Pipeline monologue

Posted by Amanda Thieu in World History - Block - B on

​In this unit in history class we have recently learned about a proposal about the Keystone XL pipeline. Essentially, the pipeline is a 1,179-mile (1,897 km) long pipeline that starts in Canada and travels it's way into the United States and ending in Illinois. This pipeline transports crude oil and is supposedly a much safer and faster way for the oil to travel. Since there are many convincing bias opinions on the proposal it was very challenging to conduct a personal opinion on the idea of this contraption. Personally, I am against the idea of the pipeline. For example, Transcanada has stated that 100,000+ jobs are going to be created. They are only temporary jobs, and plus there are many experts saying that the Keystone pipeline can actually kill more jobs than it creates. For instance, there will be many " "job losses will be caused by additional fuel cost in the midwest, pipeline spills, pollution, and the rising cost of climate change." 

Five Quotes: 

1) "We are also one of the largest providers of natural gas storage and related services, with more than 400 billion cubic feet of capacity. That’s enough to meet the needs of nearly four million homes each year. See more at: http://keystone-xl.com/home/transcanada/#sthash.QzpQedZV.dpuf - Transcanada  (For)


2) “ The total carbon pollution impacts of Keystone XL are the equivalent of putting 9 million cars on the road when considering the total emissions of tar sands and refining processes.” http://act.350.org/letter/a_million_strong_against_keystone/ (Against)


3) “Keystone XL will contribute dramatically to climate change. The State Department confirmed that tar sands fuel is up to 19% more greenhouse gas intensive than conventional fuel, and the tar sands industry admits that Keystone XL will lead to more tar sands production.
Link:  (Against)


4) "The pipeline will have capacity to transport 830,000 barrels of oil per day to Gulf Coast and Midwest refineries, reducing American dependence on oil from Venezuela and the Middle East by up to 40 per cent. - See more at: http://keystone-xl.com/about/the-project/#sthash.G57gYy1h.dpuf"  (For) 

5) "The pipeline will cross more than 1,000 water bodies across 3 states and 875 miles threatening drinking water for people, farms, and ranches with a devastating tar sands spill" 
Link: (Against) 


I hate you. (Ian: prisoner)


(Reading the sentences at a faster pace than normal)

This isn’t my fault… this just isn’t my fault…. it’s that bastard’s fault. (prison guard passes him a pen and paper) (phones aren’t working have to communicate it in an old fashioned way)
(Pacing in the jail cell writing a letter: frustrated, babbling, angered) Look you idiotic moron, you are the most ridiculous protest leader out there. You my friend have a lot of things coming your way. Once I get out jail FOR THE SECOND TIME NOW, I’m coming for you. Jail changed me man. It changed me, I should not be in here for the ideas you planned for the entire group to sabotage the Keystone Pipeline. YOU. YOU SHOULD BE IN PRISON NOT ME. Yes, I admit that I wasn’t the best person before, ya know doing heroin and closely sending a man to his exile but that’s the past. I finally turned myself around, got help from you to construct my anger and psychotic feelings into something good, like protesting against the pipeline. Remember at the protest? Yeah, when the cops recognized me from 3 years ago, and simple mindedly arrested me for speaking my mind about this mental proposal for a lazy way of transporting oils across North America. YOU my group leader, my “supposedly” best friend deserted and abandoned me,  while rough man hands groped and violated my personal space to force me into a cop car yet once again. Therefore, I thank you, because I realized that I’m going to rot in prison for a while. Keystone XL proposal must be stopped but I do not trust you to be in charge of protesting. You know jack squat about this project and you’re defending it as if it was your own child. Quit the facade and learn the real issues.  People through fucking trash everywhere now a days, and basically we live in a pig house. All I’m saying is that we should care about this environment instead of digging it up and replacing that land with a metal pipe. You shouldn’t call yourself a protest leader you’re just a creature who has no soul and no regard towards other people except for yourself.



Why Me?

Quinn- Protest leader

(Along the pipeline land with the other protesters reading the letter from Ian)

(Reads last few lines of the letter then starts her rant)

(Pacing just out of earshot of the protest)

Wow I didn’t realize that this would be taken so far... What happened to people just standing up for what they believe in. My parents and grandparents did not have to deal with the cruelty of going to jail for speaking their minds. At least not like this... (Stops pacing) I don’t think... Anyway I don’t know why they didn’t arrest all of us maybe there was someone still on the hunt for him... I mean I understand "The man" just as much, if not less than he does. He could have joined any protest and they might still have taken him. There was an article in the news the other day about the Native Americans blocking the construction workers from getting the supplies to where they need it to build the pipeline correctly. I only did this because I believe in something I thought thats what he believed in too but I am guessing he has have changed his mind because of the tone in his letter. Sometimes things happen to us because we need them to or we need a lesson so maybe instead of blaming me...You know what why the hell am I trying to explain this crap. (Throws letter to the ground) HE KNEW! He knew what he were getting himself into, he knew that there was a chance of getting caught and he OF ALL PEOPLE should know that this THIS would get you back in jail! THEY KNOW HIM FOR GOD'S SAKE!!!! If THEY are going to arrest somebody out of anyone here they would most likely go for him! I mean he has been there before. This was his choice not mine protests usually don't go to well when the police get involved but what do I know all I wanted to do was stand up for what I believe in and look where that got him...Maybe he's right... Why would anyone believe in me... I am the kid in the classroom who shares her ideas and questions and they get shot down because they are "stupid" or "immature." Why would all these people come here when I, I of all people... Aaaaaaahhh (Grabs hair like she is going to pull it out), forget it everything is my fault isn’t it everything I do good or bad is always.... Why me.... Why me... I was just trying to do something to change the world for the better that is all I ever wanted was to make something no matter how small better but now I’ve gone and screwed things up again why do I always do this?(Walks back to the protest)




New Perspective

The land surrounding the pipeline

(Resting on the floor of the ground to represent the land around the pipeline)

Humans have done some crazy things but I never knew that it could get crazier. This Keystone, XL program is supposed to destroy 1,179 miles of me. They Are saying that it will only have a 36 inch diameter but if my inhibitions are correct then these humans will just get crazier and either put more of these things here or they will make this one “bigger and better” That’s how humans work i guess, doesn’t make a whole lotta sense to me but you know I’m just the land under their feet i don’t do much but sit here and try to look pretty or as pretty as they will let me  be. It was much easier to be beautiful before the humans went bonkers. Hardisty, Alberta used to be this wondrous, lovely place now it will have a stinkin' pipe starting there. Also if you thought that was bad Nebraska is such a quiet state that most Americans forget about it in the Midwest just minding its own business now it is going to have a pipe ending there. Oh and lets not forget folks about the 181 million metric tons of carbon dioxide being sent up into my friend Air, who by the way I think has had it worse than I with the whole ozone thingy. Anyway I remember when the only thing that was being built on me was a place to sleep for a night or two but now they need to have everything for everyone so they build nonstop there are humans who specialize in this which I think is amazing that they can make a profession out of the simplest of tasks that everyone used to do together back in the day. I remember all the trees that would shade me from the harsh sun in the areas I needed and in the areas that needed the sun there was nothing blocking it I remember when the only thing running along me were my friend Water's gushing rivers and the pitter patter of the feet of animals being chased by humans or other animals. I remember, even when the first rode was built and it was such a new experience that I was excited for what was to come now I am not so excited I don’t think I have been happy or excited in a long time.



This Means the World and More

James- Construction worker

(In bosses office to talk)

Hey uh...boss? I don’t know how to tell you this but... Yeah there are some umm... I’m sorry but uh... There are some uh protesters sir... Yes, they are along they land where we are supposed to build sir... Well, the problem is, sir is that they are blocking us from doing the prep work and... Sir i understand but I would not have come to you if they hadn’t gotten in the way of our work...yes sir I already called the police but when they were here they only arrested one man and the rest were all left here...No sir they said that the land is not private land and there is no other way to get them arrested unless the protesters turn violent or they destroy property which they are not doing they aren’t even a disturbance because they are pretty much silent except when we come around.... I understand sir but... Sir I know but.... Sir...I want to get them out of here just as much as you do sir... Why sir? Because I need to bring home enough money for me and my bed rest wife who is staying home now because her job laid her off once they saw that she would not be able to do the work they ask of her... (Starts to pace because he is rambling) And sir we have been preparing for this baby for forever we had to try for the baby for four years and now that she is carrying I will stop at nothing to make sure she is happy. She was so upset when she found out she couldn't do more to prepare for the baby and I really want her to relax and just enjoy the time she has to spend alone but she doesn't want to unless everything else id perfect so I want, no I need to make sure everything is perfect. I need this job just as much if not more than you need all of us to work the job... I don’t know what I would do without this job right now because it is the only thing that is bringing in the money and things for the baby right now and though that isn’t much it is more than I could ever ask for at the moment so thank you for giving me this job. i know that there are many others that also thank you because this is just an amazing opportunity You don’t know how much this means to me but I will need to be able to work so if you could do something about the protesters that would be great... Thank you sir.

(Leaves office)

The CEO Boss :
Oh lord, these things again.

Hey James... You can tell me... Just spit it out James... THE PROTESTERS ARE WHERE???DOING WHAT????? CALL SECURITY DO SOMETHING BEFORE I BODOSE OVER THEIR TREE HUGGING BODIES MYSELF. <talks to self> <squeezes squeeze toy for stress relief> “okay Charles calm down, the freaks will move it’s okay don’t worry” ANNA! (assistant) WHERE ARE MY STRESS PILLS. Anywho look James boy I’m going to try my best and get rid of those monsters, they’re too busy worrying about their precious environment but I’m going to tell you a little secret. I honestly don’t give a flying fladoodle about any of it, I care about the profits, and the investment into this entire operation. Understood? So I need you to be on my good side and help me extinguish these rebellious human beings. That is unacceptable. Yes I understand that you need money for your new expected child, unfortunately since the Keystone XL pipeline has YET to be built, I cannot pay any of my workers because I AM nor our company is getting paid. Ya get what I’m sayin man. Come back when the workers get off their lazy asses and do something about this pipeline. Dismissed.




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