Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label culture. Show all posts

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Sheen, Barbara. Foods of Afghanistan


Sheen, Barbara.          Foods of Afghanistan            
Cengage (Gale,Lucent,Kidhaven/Blackbirch
 2011   64p     30.00  978-0-7377-5420-9           
elm/ms             A Taste of Culture(Cengage)      VG-BN 

Through a variety of recipes and an introduction to the
different foods used in the recipes, the author presents the culture and food of
Afghanistan.   What better way to learn about a people and their culture than
through their food and traditions. This delightful little book does just this
for Afghanistan. From full color illustrations of different aspects of society
and food, to sidebars that highlight  specific aspects of the culture such as
"Eating in Afghanistan" (page 7) and "Afghan homes and families" (page 42), and
simple ecipes such as "Chicken norma" (page 23) and "Spiced chickpeas" (page 33),
this easily read book presents the reader with a great overview of not only
Afghani food, but its rituals, culture, religion and society. Metric
conversions, notes (substantial for both print and nonprint resources), glossary
and an index conclude this book.    This series afford readers the opportunity to
learn about different nations and cultures through the food they eat, and the
rituals that often accompany this process. A wonderful way to learn about
different cultures. Elementary and middle school students will find them easy
and a fun way to learn new recipes and about different cultures. High school
students will find the book useful for culinary classes.    Fisher, Lynn



Saturday, February 7, 2009

A Musical Journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark by Anne and Ridley Enslow

Enslow, Anne and Ridley. A Musical Journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark.
Enslow, 2008, 128p, $31.93, 978-0-7660-3288-0.

In the introduction to this unique musical journey, Professor Gary Mouton states that while Lewis & Clark and their entourage have been studied and applauded for their accomplishments, “the story of the party’s music has remained largely an unexplored landscape.” By using music of the era, including Mandan music, as well as earlier music that the Corps would have been familiar with, students can appreciate the role of music as part of the expedition. The Corps members themselves, in their journals, noted that music was a form of entertainment. Many students are familiar with primary source documents but perhaps do not realize that music itself is a primary source. In addition to the cd containing thirty selections, the authors have provided a teacher’s guide that provides activities and connections to music, American history and English curriculums. The cd is also accompanied by a detailed booklet with color photographs, maps, chapter notes and side bars, that relates the musical selection to a specific event or timeline of the expedition, and provides excellent background information for the teacher to present and use the selections in class. Lyrics to some of the songs are included. The musicians have recreated the period music with intensity and meticulous attention to detail. Listening to the music that was part of the lives of the intrepid expedition may help students musically experience the joys and tragedies of the expedition.
Discusses the role of music in the 1804-06 expedition led by Lewis & Clark, and provides examples of music, including lyrics, common at the time. RZ