Thursday, December 18, 2008


Cultural Exchange:

Our world is increasingly becoming one of shared cultures and values. By looking at the cultural parts and how they fit and influence the whole, we can come to a better understanding of how our nation and the entire world thinks and functions the way we do. On Friday, you will bring in an edible artifact that represents your own personal ancestry and write a ½ page description on the blog of how that ancestral origin has influenced our world. What contributions have been made, what advancements were caused and what impact is felt because of that country. Sign up below with the nation and artifact you plan on bringing in!

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

Irish Sourdough Bread

For my edible artifact, I have decided to bring in my father’s homemade sourdough bread, passed down through his Celtic family (specifically Irish). Not many people know about how Ireland has impacted the world, but in its own way, it has. From 1919 –
1921, Ireland went through its revolution against England, stopping them dead in their tracks for a bigger empire. Ireland has contributed to the industry, for their wonderful potatoes and vast amounts of, well, beer. They even have their own holiday in the United States called “Lá ’le Pádraig”, better known here as St. Patrick’s Day. But the biggest way Ireland has contributed to the world is through its culture, because of religion. Ever since Ireland decided that it wanted to be a separate nation, religious battles with Northern Ireland and England have really driven Ireland into what it is now. Modern-day country music was derived from the folk music that is commonly found in Ireland (almost all traditional folk music in Ireland originated as poetry); many of these songs are about the revolution, or something caused by it. The Celtic art that comes from Ireland in the form of jewelry or religious symbolisms were created from their want to be different from England, and now we have beautiful and exquisitely unique art to enjoy. Because of all of the culture and other things that Ireland has contributed to the world, it is pretty much a peaceful country. The bulk of violent fighting between religions was put to rest, they still contribute to industry, and this keeps them a fairly-well loved country. I have decided to do Ireland because I am proud to be a Green from Éire. I chose to bring in bread, because my ancestors migrated from Ireland during the Potato Famine, and their only food was this bread. Not that that was a bad thing; this bread rocks!!!

Moira C.
Per. 3

Anonymous said...

Polish!

FOr my artifact i am bringing in polish sausage! yummy! it has been made in my family for many years!

The people of Poland also known as the Polish, have made many contributions to the world, and also have many traditions. A great number of Polish-Americans fought for the Colonial in the American Revolution. The people pf Poland felt that they had struggled like the Americans too, and so they assisted in the American Revolution. Also a Polish-American by the name of Edmund Muskie helped resolve the Iran hostage situation in the 1980’s. Since it is almost Christmas, I thought I would talk about some of the Polish traditions during Christmas. Some traditions included a manger set up in the house, the breaking of the traditional wafer, Oplatek, which brings good wishes and health, and a menu including; potatoes, fried fish, perogi, beans, dried fruit compote, and much more. AS they say in Poland, Wesołych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia I szczęsliwego nowego roko or wishing you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Taylor O.
Per. 3

Anonymous said...

For my artifact, i plan on bringing paper plates because my ancestors originated from the woods where they used alot of trees to create paper. i think that if it were not for the woods people, that we would not have had paper, or paper plates, of anyother sort of paper goods. we would also not have had any of those cozy log cabins which are also made of tree wood. so because of these contributions, the woods people have been a big part of the evolution of our society today.

Ellen G
Period 3

Anonymous said...

El Salvador


my mother, and her faimily come from El Salvador while the dish most popular there is pupusa, a thick tortilla with cheese and meat inside, i dont like them and am brining fried plantans. this dish is something that my mother grew up eating for breakfast .


El Salvador has experienced a violent civil war and is going through a time of extreme poverty and unrest. many citizens immigrated here because of the war, and with them they brought their anger. the gang MS-13 or mara salvatrucha, is mainly composed of salvadorian immagrants. MS-13 is a violent gang mainly in the LA area yet has spread to other major cities in the U.S. other this is one side of salvadorian effects, not all salvadorians are violent and angry!!!!

Kathryn N.R
Period 3
p.s dont mess with me i have a lot of relatives

Anonymous said...

Vietnam

I think that if Vietnam didn't exist, then the U.S. wouldn't have wasted weapons and money in the Vietnam war. Also, the U.S. wouldn't have been as populated and wouldn't have had to accept Vietnam refugees. In addition, Vietnam helped the spread of communism.

Matthew Tran
Period 3

Anonymous said...

Shortbread Cookies

Good evenin chap! You look simply ravishing this nice evening! Yes, I am hailing from the land of funny accents, England! As my foreign delicacy, I am bringing shortbread cookies, a common treat around Britain. England has been very involved in worldwide affairs since the beginning of its conception. We played a key role in World Wars I and II, helping the Allies to victory in both cases. Winston Churchill has been considered our fearless leader of all time, he led us through very dark times. We have been a close ally with the United States and continue to play a major part in world affairs. Our troops are stationed in several places around the world and are fighting against terrorism to find a peaceful solution. Britain will continue to aid the world in solving its problems.

Brent S.
Period 3

Anonymous said...

Hi!!! I'm danish, and wanted to bring in abelskeiver, which are the best food ever!!! they are a ball of dough made in a special pan that have fruit, jam, meat, or cheese on the inside, and if the inside is sweet the outside gets covered in powdered sugar. But since they take about and hour to make seven, and since they get cold and ucky in five minuets, i decided to bring in pickled herring, a traditional Danish meal since denmark is on the water an the majority of theirlivlihood comes from fish, but i decided against that too ; i don't want everyone smelling like pickles and fish all day. so instead i'll bring in some danish butter cookies. there not nearly as good as home=made, but they still taste good^^

Anyways, Denmark is an amazingly important part of the world, even if noone knows it. The original Vikings came from Denmark, and spread everywhere raiding and stealing as they saw fit. amoung the most famous were Erikk The Red, who was in charge of hundreds of raids, and his sod, Robert, who founded the first collony on iceland. Danes came over to america over 500 years before Colombus, but left when they saw it was already inhabited. Now Denmark is less well known, but they still have a place. they are respected for being one of the few contries that doesn't have the death penalty, health issues, or money problems. Denmark has claimed the world's happiest country title sixteen years in a row, even though about two years ago theey made a political cartoon mocking a'jihad and are still on bad terms with many countries for that. denmark is one of the best countries there is, and will probably last long after everyone else kills eachother. Ironic, considering everything the vikings did and how angry the Norse gods are, but it's true. i hope you all enjoy my cookies^^

Miki Grim ^.^
Period 0

Anonymous said...

German Chocolate Cake!

My dad is part German and Native Indian, but I have chosen German as my country.
Germany was in both of the world wars and had allied power of the US, UK, France, and the Soviet Union. Germany is a small country located near central Europe, between the Netherland and Poland. Germany has a lot of floods. The capital of Germany is Berlin. Germany is a key member of the continents economic, political, and defense organizations. Germany leader was Adolf Hitler. He was best known for sending the Jews of to the concentration camps. In the cold war Germany has immersed two states called the western Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the eastern German Democratic Republic (GDR). Germany has been in all of those war and plus having Hitler there didn’t help.

Heather Morgan
Period 3

Anonymous said...

Huevos Rancheros(Mexican style eggs)

My edible artifact comes from Mexico. It is a breakfast entree containing eggs, tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos (spicy). My ancestry is Aztec, an early Mesoamerican culture. One of the most useful contributions of the Aztecs is a system of communication using roads. Moreover, they also enforced mandatory education for children to participate in either military service, as warriors, or in writing, astronomy, or other useful areas.The Aztec introduced the concept of raised field agriculture on floating platforms which were drought-free and produced as many as seven crops per year including two corn crops. the Aztecs also developed two calenders. One calendar is called the xiuhpohualli. It has 365 days, and describes the days and rituals related to the seasons. The other calendar has 260 days. It is called the tonalpohualli or the day-count.

Liz M.
Period 0

Anonymous said...

Hola! Como estan? Hopefully doing well. For my artifact I am bringing flan. Everybody love a good flan. Yes, I am making it myself with my daddy. This delicious desert comes from Mexico. When my mom was 17 she came to the United States with her wonderful cooking skills and now I am here =].
Mexico has done a lot with the United States. We had the Alamo which was a major fight where the U.S. won Texas from Mexico. Also there are many immigrants who come to the United states to start a new life an produce many of the products that people use in their every day lives. Mexico has also brought many intelligent and bilingual speaking people here. Such as doctors and lawyers and translators helping out those who cannot speak English or for people who do not understand Spanish helping out their issues.

Anonymous said...

For artifact I will be bringing "bolios" which is a Mexican entree or sidedish. This sidedish is hot fluffy bread which taste good with any spice entree.
My background or family is from Mexica from Durango in a city called Nombre de Dios. Mexico has helped impact theis world in many ways on which is most known is by food which is globally know around the world. Although Mexicans in United States are sometimes seen as a problem theyr'e wrong cause we are hard working and dedicated to help families. Mexicans have overtim shown perspectives of religon and architecture which haas also shown to be globally know.

Edwin Duran
Period 3
12/18/08

Anonymous said...

The “Edible artifact” I have chosen to bring to school is air, because I’m not going to be there. But on the contrary, I would like to talk about my culture and contributions it has made, even though I have no other choice but to present my cultural influences to today’s modern society. The cultural background that I have chosen to write about was about Italy, and their contributions to today’s world. Our life as we know now would be completely different without Italy’s contributions. Firstly, the Romans were the first civilization to use paved roads, which are vital for our modern day living. The Romans managed to make concrete around 230 BC, but that advanced technology was lost years later, and was not to be recovered until a few centuries ago. Our cars couldn’t drive on paved roads without having to change the tires multiple times a month. Paved roads are not only for our transportation, but they also serve as a place to commute for social communities. There would be nowhere to commute but in houses and dirt roads.
Which brings up the point of their architecture. First, their complicated aqueduct was a vital step towards the advancement of our modern day plumbing. Without that contribution… I don’t even need to say what would’ve happened. Also, their coliseums have a semblance to our modern sports stadiums, and what would America do without a place to play sports? (I really don’t care, but some people live for sports.) the impact of these “state-of-the-art” influences is gigantic, and the world couldn’t live in its current state without extreme problems. Those are some of the contributions made by the country of my descendants, and without those progressions, our world present times would be totally screwed.




EDDIE RUSSEK
per3

Anonymous said...

Feliz Navidad!Hola soy de Mexico. haha Merry Christmas my father's side of the family is from Chihuahua, Mexico. For my edible artifact I am going to bring in tortilla chips and homemade salsa!!! Mexico is home to a unique and strong culture including spicy food and passionate dancing such as the salsa. Along with dancing and food, Mexico is known for their mariachi music. Mariachis are a band of men dressed with sombreros and decorative suits that play music and instruments for people. The music is usually fast-paced and happy. Mexico is known for its unique culture that has added its own accent to American culture. In the United States, the Mexican people have immigrated here to lead off better lives. With their immigration, they brought with them many popular foods such as burritos, tacos, enchiladas, tamales and tortilla chips and salsa!!! :]
Gabby Reta

Anonymous said...

My ancestral history draws back from Sweden. For my artifact I have decided to bring Swedish Fish to class. Swedish fish originated in Sweden and were exported to North America as their popularity grew.

Sweden is located near Northern Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea, the Gulf of Bothnia, Kattegat, and Skagerrak, between Finland and Norway. Their main languages are Danish, Swedish, Norwegian and Iceland. The king changed the original Catholic religion to Protestants in order to gain political power. All public power in Sweden comes from the people. This is the first sentence in the Swedish constitution. The people are represented by parliament, it has 349 members who are elected in a time span of four years. Their form of government is a parliamentary democratic monarchy. The head of the state is the king, but he is elected by the people and therefore not heretically inherited.

Sweden is involved in many exportation of goods to the United States. They are involved culturally in art and craftsmanship. Architecture is a very important form of art in Sweden and their style is seen in many buildings throughout the world.

Sweden was a military power during the 17th century, and has not participated in any wars in almost two centuries. They were armed neutrally during both World Wars. Their very successful economic formula of a capitalist system was challenged in the 1990s by high unemployment and in 2000 to 2002 by the economic downturn. But the king, head of the state- has lead Sweden out of this economic fink.

The Sweden society is very important and influential in the Untied States government today.

Lauren E.
Period 3

Anonymous said...

For my artifact I will be bringing "frijoles", beans, and "tortillas" which is the main course in Mexico. These two foods are used in every meal you serve yourself, in a Mexican dish.
My family is from Guerrero, Mexico. Mexico has helped the world by many important people making them understand the respect of others belongings is peace. That was said from famous person known in Mexico, Benito Juarez. In January 1994, Mexico joined Canada and the United States in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)and in January 1996, it became a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Immigrants from Mexico have also done U.S. agriculture, growing and picking out our food.

Mildrid Maganda
Period 3

Anonymous said...

Samosas and Gulab Jamun

Both my parents are from India so of course I am 100% Indian. (Also I am not entirely sure where Indians were from 100,000s of years ago)

India is a very cultural and interesting country to discuss. India has contributed many great acievments to the world. The Ancient Indians created the theory of "0" and that has greatly helped the world in the area of mathematics. In addition, most people in India chose to major in the field of mathematics and become engineers. A great portion of America's engineers are Indian. We have also created many software companies such as Vipro, Infosys, Sathyam, and many other companies that have changed the world.

Indian architecture is also somethig to marvel upon. One of the greatest palaces in the world is the famous Taj Mahal palace. This amazing structure was built by the great Shah Jahan for his wife. It symbolizes love and commitment between families. The Taj is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

I have decided to bring samosas and Gulab Jamun because they are both very different. Almost all Indians love sweet and extremely spicy food. Samosas are a triangle shaped food that are usually stuffed with peas, potatoes, and spices. Gulab Jamun is a fried ball of a special type of floue that is soaked in sugar water with turns into syrup. It is very sweet food that all people usually enjoy. Both of these foods are very popular in India.

Sravya Chilukuri
Period 3

Anonymous said...

For my artifact I have decided to bring aroz con leche. This is a delicious dessert from Mexico that has been made in my family for several years. Aroz con leche is made from rice, milk, sugar, lechera( sweet milk), and for a final touch you may add raisins. Aroz con leche could be eaten with other things such as bread.

One really good and important contribution, was made by a mexican man who was only seventeen years old by the name of Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena. He constructed the very first T.V. in color,which spreaded internationally in various countries. On August of the year os 1946 Guillermo made the first transmission in Mexico from his laboratoy. This was a huge advance and thanks to this, we are able to watch T.V. in color. This left an impact not only in Mexico, but all over the world.
Acosta, K
Period:3

Anonymous said...

I'm Bringing....Paranthas!!!!! (I’m sure that you share my excitement, even if you don’t yet know what the are ;-})

In India, paranthas are delicious flat breads that are made of dough, and other ingredients. They are very delicious, and are very YUMMY!!!

India has been and continues to be a great influence to the world. Indians have created one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, a great exmaple of excellent architecture and history. Mahatma Gandhi is also one that has contributed to the world, by expressing his views on world peace and non-violence. He was a great leader that inspired others like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to stand up for their beliefs, but in a way that does not harm others. India has definitely advanced the world because of our inventions, such as binomial confidents, which were discovered by the Indian mathematician, Pingala. The first record of the use of buttons was recorded in the Indus Valley, in 2000 BCE. India has greatly impacted the world, because without these inventions, our present existence would be very difficult, and uncomfortable.

Aditi S. ☺
Per. 0 ♥

Anonymous said...

For my artifact I have decided to bring peach cobbler. This is a delicoius desert from the southern states.

One of the great contibutions from african americans is developing crop-rotation and discovering the many uses of the peanut. he also discovered penicilan.

Ryan Winters
Period 3

Anonymous said...

Samosa-
Samosa is an Indian type of snack, which generally consists of spiced potatoes, onion, peas, and sometimes "paneer", which is cheese. This snack was to be originated in the 10 century, and became really popular in the Indian subcontinent. It also became popular during the hard times when the muslims came to conquer, and the muslims spread the popularity of the samosa to the middle east. It is also popular in the great United Kingdom, because India and the UK had like a culture clash when England ruled India. The samosa is greatly popular in India, the Middle East, ENgland, and even Portugal, when Vasco de Gama wanted to take over India. Everyone is India knows about samosa's. The bad news is that I won't be able to bring the samosa's to class tomorrow, due to last minute planning, but i encourage you to go to some Indian Cousine's to try out the samosa's. Thank you to all and Namaste!

Anonymous said...

Fried Rice
China/Vietnam

China has made many contributions to the world. China is a major manufacturer and distributor of a HUGE percentage of the world's materials. On almost anything you buy, you can find a "made in China" sticker on it.

Vietnam has set an counterexample for the rest of the world. Vietnam displays the type of government that we don't want, communism, where you are told what to do, and when to do it. The country has also taught us that we can't win in everything. We fought in the Vietnam war for what was moral, to help those who weren't as fortunate as us. However, we lost that war.

Noël H.
P.3

Anonymous said...

the samosa food is from navraj kaler period 0, forgot to write my name, again...stupid.

Anonymous said...

Arroz! Mexican Side Dish I am sure we all know as Mexican Rice!

Well first of all the traditional way in preparing the side dish is with the type of rice needed and flavored with tomatoe sauce and onions, garlic, and simmmered in broth. The way the side dish contributes to our world was by it was mostly served in U.S. restaraunts but was mostly introduced to the Philipines then Acapulco in the famous ship of Nao De China. The phrase "rice and beans" is mostly well known for completing the meal and it is typical throughout regions of Mexico. In making rice you are to use long grain and as a relevance to the United States, that is where it was founded. In choosing rice my background was from Mexico and that is where Rice was mostly created and grew popular to other nations and I am really glad that it was invented because I LOVE MY MEXICAN RICE. My grandmother she is a very traditional woman and my favorite specialties of her is the rice she prepares. Now in shraing to the whole class what I enjoy, i hope they are able to enjoy it as much as I do.

Samantha L.
Period 0

Anonymous said...

As my artifact I am bringing in strawberry scones, which are English. Scones are often served with tea, but can be eaten on their own as well. England has made a great impact on the world, and the United States began as a British colony. England created the Magna Carta, which our own constitution is modeled after. England also helped with the spread of western civilization, setting up colonies in many different countries. The English have long been and continue to be a great ally to the United States.

Courtney B.
Period 0

Anonymous said...

As my artifact I am bringing arroz, orange rice, which is usually served with beans in every meal in a Mexican dish. Mexico is known for eating spicy food, but this rice isn't spicy. Both my parents are Mexican, my mom being born in the United States and my dad in Michoacan, Mexico.

Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. Spain ruled Mexico, brought its religion, customs and colonization policies, and changed the landscape completely. Mexico celebrates many things that Americans don't. They have a special party when the girl turns into a women, and that is a quincanera. They also celebrate Christmas different and do things like posadas and have big parties. Mexico has had many contributions and one is when Mexico joined the US and Canada in belonging to North America, in the year of 1994.

Valerie M.
Period: 3

Anonymous said...

ok to start this thingy off,my artifact of the vietnamese food i have decided to bring vietnamese eggrolls. this dish started in east asia and soon spreaded througout the whole world like atomic bombs. they are made in many ways but the most common way to make it is to fry them like some good turkey. the eggroll is a staple of asian cuisine like how yogurtland is the staple of todays trend and it has said to be started from the spring role which is another asian dish and soon evolved from there but the spring rolls don't taste that good though....

the eggroll is made by wrapping the combination of vegatables and meat, but it has to be good meat, then dipped in egg wash and finally fried. oh yea, and people like too cook and make it with like some of there own stuff. but the one i have 'broughten' is a pretty basic one. if you would like to go try other ones, i suggest to go to any asain restaurant and asked for them. uh they usually sell them anywhere and whatnot. a good place i guess to eat them and be that PHO NOODLE store nexts to that stater bros. ok well i think i blabbered enought so i guess im done. ok... bye


-Jayson Nguyen

Anonymous said...

hello! i am bringing........Pan Dulce.

Pan Dulce is sweet bread and it originated from Mexico. Pan Dulce is usually eaten in the morning with milk or hot chocolate. There are different type of Pan Dulce, some a long, round, and have bright colors. to be specific, i am bring Conchas. Conchas are a type of pan dulce. Conchas are round and the word concha means shell, so they look like shells. Mexico has kept peace amoung countries. Mexico does not like war and keeps away from war as much as possible. adding to what Liz said, the Aztects came from Mexico and the azects have made the calender. the Mayans also were form Mexico and they made the idea of scoocer and ivented the number zero.


-jenny m.
period 0

Anonymous said...

I bet you think I'm bringing rice because i'm chinese, but NO! I am bringing Soba, a type of Asian noodles made from a type of wheat. I love the taste of it, but some people do not. But i don't care because the less you eat, the more I eat, and the happier I get. SO it is a Win-Win situation. I win and you lose. HA!!!

Chinese people and culture and influenced the world in many many many many many many many many many many ways. For instance, it all started out during the Ancient Chinese times when China discovered gunpowder, the compass and many other things. Now, America Economy depends on Chinese products because they are dirt cheap and not very safe. Gunpowder lead to better weapons development and the compass led to better navigation in the sea. Without these, the world would be nowhere.

Joey K
Per. 0

Anonymous said...

"We all live in a yellow submarine" Yes the Beatles came from England as well as fish n' chips and i will be bringing fish n' chips in as a my edible artifact.

The Beatles have influenced people in the world by clothes, music, and desegregation. In 1967 when "colored" people were trying to over come segregation, the Beatles came out with the song, " All You Need Is Love." This song was referring to everything that was happening in the World and it met that we should all love each other no matter what the color. Also they wanted to unite people and change the world. Their music spread across the world sends the message to everyone. They also set a trend with their clothing and their hair styles.

Hanna S.
Per. 3

Anonymous said...

Potato Chips
Potato chips were invented on accident in 1853 by a chef in New York. Since their invention, there have been quite a few adjustments to the potato chip. There are now many types of flavors and shapes. Today, America is a major importer and exporter of goods. Our trade helps not only our economy, but also the global economy. America is pushing the world to become more advanced in technology, medicine, and other important aspects of life.

Amanda D.
Per. 0

Anonymous said...

Ireland-POTATOES!

I am Irish so the artifact I decided to bring is potatoe chips. Ireland is known for their potatoes, although the potatoes came to Europe from South America. Ireland was the only part of Europe which was not dark during the dark age. Ireland is known for its literature, a.k.a. the Island of Saints and Scholars. It was known also as a center of learning as early as Roman times. Two great men, President John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, are of Irish descent. It has been said that Ireland's biggest export is it's people, and it's people are probably it's greatest contribution to the world.

Jordy Z.
Per 3

Anonymous said...

Flan
Mexican

Mexico has been the neighbor country of the United States. The most uncommon factor about Mexico is that it has the larrgest culture hertitage. The country of Mexico was once the world's major source of pearls. The worlds first patent for a color TV was granted to a Mixican inventor. I also know that dating back to the early ages of the mexican civilzation, the Mayas had developed the concept of zero.
Mexico has also provided the world with a fabulouse tourist site filled with culture and historic background, the Mayan pyramids of Teotihuacan

Omar P.
p3

Anonymous said...

Vietnam

Noodles from Vietnam has influenced the world because it inspired Chinese to make chowmein and it inspired pasta.

Patrick Nguyen
Period 0

Anonymous said...

Vietnam

Vietnam is an ally of America. Vietnam has also played an important role in the world because of the Vietnam war. Also, it's culture is rich in southern California.

Chris H.
Period 0