Royal Wedding, Brazilians "Right" to Beauty, The Month of Ramadan

Cultures Collide at the Royal Wedding Guest: Gregory Jackson, PhD, Professor of Integrated Studies at Utah Valley University, Host of the “History Doesn’t Suck” Podcast The royal wedding – watched by nearly 30 million Americans on TV – was a collision of culture. From the British and American accents of the couple, to the contrast of musical styles during the ceremony. Here we discuss the cultural and symbolic contrasts on display during the royal wedding.  Brazilians ‘Right to Beauty’ Guest: Alvaro Jarrin, PhD, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology Much breathless coverage of the royal wedding focused on Meghan Markle’s simple, elegant dress and makeup that “accentuated her natural beauty” as many reports noted. The concept of “natural beauty” is an interesting one. How does a culture decide what’s beautiful? Meghan Markle is beautiful. She’s also bi-racial, which for a long time in the United States would have disqualified her from the ranks of beauty. Sociologist Alvaro Jarrin studies the changing cultural definitions of beauty, with particular emphasis on Brazil, where race and plastic surgery collide in dramatic ways. Observing Ramadan in America Guest: Mohammad Hassan Khalil, PhD, Associate Professor of Religious studies, Director of the Muslim Studies Program, Adjunct Professor of Law, Michigan state University Muslims around the world have just begun their annual fasting ritual, known as Ramadan. For roughly 30 days, they abstain from food and drink from sun up to sun down. But there’s more to it than simply fasting. Festival of Choreography Features Women Behind-the-Scenes Guest: Adam Sklute, Artistic Director of Ballet West When you hear ballet, you probably think “ballerina" - tutus and point shoes. Women have long been celebrated in the ballet world as dancers and teachers. But it remains relatively rare for women to hold positions behind-the-scenes, choreographing and directing ballet companies. Ballet West in Salt Lake City is currently hosting a group of company led by women from around the country, performing work by female choreographers. The National Choreographic Festival started over the weekend and continues this coming weekend. Parent Previews—Show Dogs Guest: Rod Gustafson, Film Reviewer for ParentPreviews.com The new movie Show Dogs features hip hop musician Ludacris as the voice of Max, a police canine going undercover as a contestant in a dog competition. Max’s human partner is played by Will Arnett, who is the voice of Batman in the LEGO animated movies. But Parent Previews warns a pivotal scene in the movie will raise concerns for parents. Tech Transfer—Pedal Booster for Young Organists Guests: Don Cook, Professor of Organ Music, BYU; Mike Alder, BYU Technology Transfer Office The deepest notes on the organ are made by pressing pedals with your feet. It’s one of the things that makes organ so tricky—playing the keyboard with your feet, while also playing on multiple keyboards with your hands. So what if your legs are a bit shorter than the average adult organs are built for? What if you’re a kid learning to play the organ? More information about technology developed at BYU is available at techtransfer.byu.edu.