Film Theory Linked to Marxism, Research Paper In the Works

Marxist Government/Leadership Still Around, History Runs Deep

By Amir Ali Said

Marxism is a topic I plan on delving further into. Last week My father (A.K.A. Amir Said) and I were discussing film theory. We had no clue how much Marxism influenced film theory in France and Europe. After about a fifteen minute discussion, we realized that Marxism is practically embedded in some of the greatest filmmakers in France. That thought was then followed up by how Marxism was and still is an influential political system that is frowned upon in society. My thoughts on the topic were limited, because I didn't have any background on Marxism. But I've done a little research.

In order to discuss Marxism in great detail, it's important not only to research Marxism itself, but socialism, economics, and communism as well. After gathering some sort of knowledge on at least those three topics I suggest you research the main leaders and founders of Marxism. After you've accomplished that task, try and look into how each one of those leaders went about their business while they were alive. But your not finished yet, take a look into politics and the many different governments that were controlled by a Marxist leader. But even all of that research won't even get you into the third layer of this system.

The fact that Marxism spans over so many years goes to show the flaws in practically every economic system. Marxism is a very intricate detailed system that doesn't bode well with most people. However, in some countries, Marxist rule is in effect. I think Marxism is going to exist in years to come, its an economic system like any other that will continue to have support from some leaders. After I finish doing more research I think I'll be able to show how the system will stick around. But look at it this way, since the mid-1800s Marxism has been around. It's now 2010 and Cuba is under Marxist rule.

After the discussion Pop and I had, I did a light skim of research on Marxism. But I soon realized that isn't the route to go. There was too much information for me to skim through. It got to the point where I just started reading full passages to get some of the information in my head. But while I read paragraphs on end about Marxism I realized I'd have to write a paper to truly gather all of the information I want. For that reason, and many more to come, I plan on doing a research paper on Marxism.

Key 85 Bears Players (Part 2)

By Amir Ali Said

I always knew Mike Singletary played for the 85' Bears. I also knew that he played a big role in the success of the 46 defense. Singletary was known as "The Heart of the Defense" for the Chicago Bears. Since he was a linebacker, he was key to the 46 defense. The linebacker had to be quick and strong. Run stoppers where needed, but everybody had to contribute to stopping the pass.

Singletary was the definition of a great linebacker. He was selected to, a Chicago Bear team record, ten pro bowls. He finished the season for eleven years as either the first or second leading tackler on the Bears. During the Bears Super Bowl season in 85, Singletary had one hundred-nine solo tackles, (fifty-two assists), three sacks, one interception, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and ten defended passes. The same year, Singletary won defensive player of the year. That's not a surprise! He sure did deserve it. Singletary earned the nickname, Samurai Mike for his stellar defense. Singletary also had success on the sidelines.

After a great pro career, Singletary was elected to the hall of fame. Then he went on to have a coaching career. He started off slowly with the Ravens in 2003 as a linebackers coach. Following the 2004 season, Mike Nolan was hired as the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, Singletary went with him. Singletary was also an assistant coach with the 49ers. In 2008, Nolan was fired and Singletary became interim head coach. Following the 08 season, Singletary was offered the head coaching job, which he accepted. He was given a four year, $10 million contract as the 49ers head coach. This year, Singletary and the 49ers finished 8-8, 2nd in the NFC West to the Arizona Cardinals. I have high hopes for the 49ers because I think they have potential and Singletary can handle the job.

Tale Of Two Cities Update (Part 2)

By Amir Ali Said

I've read eight chapters of Book Two,"The Golden Thread", part of A Tale of Two Cities. The past eight chapters haven't ceased to impress me. Plus the story has only gotten better. Book Two gets heavily into the story. It gives a backdrop to the story that isn't written in Book One. Book Two may well be the most important book in A Tale of Two Cities. It's good, like Book One, but even better. There is more action and description of the actual story. However, Book One is still significant in itself since it gives context to the story. Here's a brief description of Book Two (up to chapter eight).

Book Two opens up in the year 1780. It's five years after the beginning of the story. Book Two dives into the life of Tellson's Bank. A very sinister bank, for reasons I can't disclose, or it would be a huge spoiler. Then Book Two takes you on a journey with Mr. Cruncher. Cruncher is a odd-job man who works outside of Tellson's Bank. He also happens to be a messenger, a good one at that. That's the most important part. Mr. Cruncher is a messenger, one that sees and hears a lot of different things. But what he sees in the second and third chapter, brings Book Two to life. He is a witness to a prosecution of a prisoner, being held for treason. Through Mr. Cruncher's eyes the reader learns of the story in Book Two and you meet up with Mr. Lorry and Ms. Manette again. Plus, in the first eight chapters, the reader can gain knowledge on the importance of the title, The Golden Thread. That's all I can say for now, but I'll be back tomorrow, to give a spoil free summary of Book Two.

One Book Down, Two More to Go

By Amir Ali Said

I've completed Book one of A Tale of Two Cities. What a great book indeed. It's funny how I'm saying it's a good book, knowing the fact that there are three books in one. Book one, "Recalled To Life," describes England and France (as I've stated in my earlier article.) Book one is outstanding. Here's a brief description of Book one.

Book one details Jarvis Lorry and his encounters. One very important encounter with Miss Manette. Miss Manette was informed to meet with an employee of Tellson's Bank. Something about new details have surfaced about her account. But what she doesn't know is that she's only be called for one specific reason. This reason is told to her by Jarvis Lorry. Once Miss Manette catches wind of her and Mr. Lorry's purpose, they embark on a journey together. A journey that will come to explain the importance of the title, "Recalled To Life." Here's where I stop, since like before, I would be giving spoilers. Spoilers that really would hurt your reading experience if and when you read, A Tale of Two Cities.

Lazy Dog, Dum Dum Bullets, and War Medals! Oh, My!

By Amir Ali Said

Going into Social Studies class today I knew we were going to see some weapons from W.W.I (World War I.) I was looking forward to seeing all the different weapons that my teacher brought in from World War I. Then there was an announcement, "All 8th Grade Homerooms, kindly report to the Auditorium, thank you." That SABOTAGED everything! Once my class got downstairs we waited for about 10 minutes, to be notified by another announcement that, "The Assembly has been canceled and rescheduled, sorry for the inconvenience, may all 8th Grade Homerooms please report back to class." If I decided to describe my anger, it wouldn't be such a great idea, so I'll continue.

Once my class finally got back, we immediately started the lesson, since we already lost a lot of time. We started off learning about the words Squadron and "Ace". Then we went into the airplane used by America during World War I and the weapons used. A squadron is a group of six to seven airplanes. A "Ace" is a pilot that is able to shoot down 5 or more enemy planes. The "Ace" was seen differently throughout the world. Each major nation in the war, had its own standards for their fighter pilots. Germany didn't allow their fighter pilots to gain the title, "Ace" until they shot down 20 enemy planes. France and Great Britain also had their own standards. America probably had the lowest standards for their fighter pilots high ranking.

The Speed and Altitude level of the airplane dramatically changed over a four year period. In 1914, the airplane could only fly up to 80 MPH, could reach 12,000 feet in altitude and could only fly for two hours. By 1918, the airplane could fly up to 125 MPH, could reach 19,000 feet in altitude, and fly for four hours. Also, airplanes had the M2 Machine Gun, Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun attached to the top of the plane. It shot 450-600 rpm (Rounds Per Minute), however, the gun jammed easily, so if it happened to jam on you, the fight was over, and you where going down. The airplane was really bulky and big, but over the years it improved.

The moment we've all been waiting for has come. Its time to announce the six out of about ten weapons my class should've saw (see paragraph 1). My class saw three medals handed out to fighter pilots. The Medals where given from America, Germany, and France. These medals were incredibly cool. We also saw the "hat" that American fighter pilots wore. Then we saw a round of Machine Gun casings, along with four bullets left, from the Browning .50 Caliber Machine Gun. I think that was the best thing we saw, those bullet casings and bullets looked incredible. I've never seen bullets before, but if you got hit with one of those it sure would do some damage. The last thing we saw was the Lazy Dog. The Lazy Dog was a small bomb during World War I. This little bomb did a lot of damage. As you may know, usually in a fighter plane two people are there. One in the front flying, and the other in the back watching the tail and shooting. Well the person in the back also had another job, to empty boxes upon boxes of Lazy Dogs onto the battlefield. This little bomb falling from 12,000 feet would instantly kill a wandering soldier. All of these weapons/medals were great, but I think the Machine Gun casings and bullets, and the American medal was the best.

My social studies teacher said he's brought most of these items at Army auctions, and I sure feel like taking a trip to one of them. These items are cool and valuable and they tell a lot of history. Tomorrow I look forward to seeing more weapons, if there isn't another assembly or assembly malfunction.