The Crumpton Chronicles

  Why did you sign up, and did it meet your expectations? I don't often read fiction so this class was a good way to expose myself to some. I wasn't really sure what to expect other than to experience some contemporary literature so it met my expectations with flying colors. One of the main contributors to my joining is that Mr. Davidson told me to. I really enjoyed this class.  Which was your favorite novel and why? I really like Please Ignore Vera Dietz and it's probably one of my favorite books I've read in school, but I loved The Art of Racing in the Rain. I loved the unique narration and the how real the characters felt. The racing metaphors were really interesting - I would never have thought I could learn something insightful from racecars. This was also the only book who's ending made me cry.  Which was your favorite project and why? I liked the TED talk just because it gave me an excuse to rant about my interests. I also really liked learning from my class...

       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...