The Crumpton Chronicles

       This presentation explores examples of how propaganda was used throughout history and how the same tactics used then are still working on us now. You are not Immune to Propaganda.  1. What I Knew  When I started delving into the topic of propaganda and its role in the imperial core, I had a basic understanding but many gaps in my knowledge. I was aware that propaganda is a key tool in shaping public opinion. However, I didn't fully realize just how deep and complex its use really is. For example, I knew the CIA was involved in spreading propaganda, but I was unaware about their role in creating Radio Free Asia, a major source of where we get our news on North Korea. My initial ideas were already shaped by reading about Lasswell's and Chomsky's models of propaganda. These models gave me a starting point to understand how propaganda works in controlling public opinion and serving the interests of powerful groups. As I dug deeper, I began to see the...

  Alistair Crumpton Contemporary Literature Mr. Davidson December 11, 2023         Please Ignore Vera Dietz Review   Please Ignore Vera Dietz by A.S. King is an enthralling novel that delves into the complexities of teenage life, featuring Vera Dietz, a high school senior who struggles with the death of her best friend and secret love, Charlie. The story unfolds through Vera's eyes, revealing her turbulent past with Charlie and her efforts to cope with grief, guilt, and the mysteries surrounding his death. King's narrative is celebrated for its authentic portrayal of teen angst and the journey toward self-discovery and forgiveness. The exploration of themes such as secrecy, redemption, and the impact of the past on the present is expertly done in Please Ignore Vera Dietz . King skillfully uses flashbacks and Vera's internal monologues to unravel the complex relationship between Vera and Charlie. This narrative technique allow...

View on Vocaroo >> Alistair Crumpton Contemporary Literature  Mr. Davidson December 8. 2023                                                                     This I Believe Art, for me, is more than just a hobby or an interest; it's a deeply ingrained belief that guides every aspect of my life. This conviction didn't appear suddenly; it grew over time, nurtured by my childhood adventures in museum trips to places like the DIA, The Henry Ford, and the blank space of 8” by 11” printer paper. Those museum visits were magical. I was always excited about wandering through the silent, story-filled halls of museums. Each painting, sculpture, and artifact wasn't just an object to me; they were portals to different times and places. They turned history from a subject I learned in school into a tapestry of...

  Alistair Crumpton Contemporary Literature Mr. Davidson November 17, 2023 Dark Matter Book Review Dark Matter thrusts Jason Dessen, a content family man and former scientist, into a mind-bending multiverse after being kidnapped and injected with a mysterious drug. As he navigates through universes, Jason discovers his own invention—the ability to travel between these alternate realities. The quest to reunite with his family leads him through eerily similar and nightmarishly different universes, exploring the consequences of choices and the complexities of his identity. Crouch excels in character development, particularly in portraying the nature of Jason across multiple universes. From the devoted family man to desperate and conflicted versions of himself, Crouch creates a spectrum of Jasons that engage readers emotionally and intellectually. The quote, "Every path you take through the multiverse is a crossroads, and every choice is a reflection of who you are" (Crouch 1...

  Alistair Crumpton Mr. Davidson Contemporary Literature, Period 2 20 October 2023                                    Art of Racing in the Rain Review ***Minor Spoilers Ahead*** The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a novel narrated by a dog named Enzo. The story explores the life of Enzo's owner, Denny Swift, a race car driver, and the challenges he faces, including legal battles, illness, and personal loss. Enzo observes these events and learns about human emotions and relationships through his unique perspective. The novel has received critical acclaim and has resonated with readers for its poignant storytelling and insightful themes. The use of racing metaphors in the novel is a brilliant and effective literary device. Example: The author seamlessly weaves racing terminology and concepts into the narrative to convey life's challenges and lessons. Enzo...

I enjoy reading fantasy most of the time, however, these genres are the easiest to mess up and make it look stupid. For example, in Harry Potter , how is poverty still a problem in the wizarding world? why does Hermione get a time travel device to take extra classes? For such a powerful device why is it so underutilized? The big problem that many fantasy books face is balancing their magic system, and Rowling just doesn't address it, in fact, she relies on it to further the plot in many cases. This is why in the LotR vs HP debate there is one clear winner: LotR.  There is one aspect that fantasy novels usually absolutely nail, and that is the setting. My favorite setting from a novel has to be Lothlorien, from The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. The home of the Western Elves. The homes and stairways built into trees have always amazed me and I thought that the movie underrepresented it by making it really dark, but in some ways it highlights it. If I could go on vaca...