William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-01-01 / 1. szám
Did you know they're Hungarian? Did you know singer-songwriter Paul Simon is of Magyar ancestry? He was born on Oct. 13, 1941, in the Hungarian section of Newark, N.J. Both of his parents were born in Hungary. His mother was an elementary school teacher, and his father was a bass player, college professor and bandleader. Before emigrating to the U.S., the elder Simon was a pioneer in radio broadcasting at Radio Budapest. At age 11, Paul teamed up with school chum Art Garfunkel to form their first group, Tom and Jerry. In 1964, the duo signed a recording contract with Columbia Records. During the next six years, as “Simon and Garfunkel,” the team produced many hits, including "Sounds of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” They were one of the first performing groups to use their real ethnic names for their group name. Most of their songs were written and composed by Simon. The duo broke up amicably in 1970 but has reunited for special events. Simon continues to compose and perform and has given much of his time and efforts into charitable endeavors. In 2006, Time magazine named him of the “100 People Who Shaped the World.” Simon has received 12 Grammy Awards and was enshrined into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. In 1990, he was inducted with Garfunkel, and in 2001, as a solo performer. □ 12. Does your porcelain collection contain such names as Herend or Hollóházi? 13. When away from home, do you browse through the local phone directory in search of Hungarian restaurants, businesses or names? 14. Do you own a Magyar embroidered blouse or vest? 15. Do you bake a Hungarian cake or cookie at least once a year? 16. Do you think Attila the Hun was not such a bad guy after all? 17. Do you sprinkle a loved one with perfume or water on either Easter Monday or Tuesday? 18. Do you know the words or can you hum the tune to "Az a Szép" or "Mennyből az Angyal"? 19. Do you know where to buy hurka, szalonna or kolbász? Give yourself three bonus points if you make your own. 20. When visiting the cemetery, do you play loudly on the car stereo Hungarian songs for the dearly departed Magyars to hear? 21. Do you know of at least two internationally acclaimed Hungarian-American entertainers, musicians, athletes, scientists or movie/television stars? 22. Do you attend at least three Magyar functions-such as picnics, dances or club meetings-each year? 23. Are you a member of William Penn Association? 24. Do you know what a cimbalom, tárogató, csárdás and halgató are? 25. Do you own at least three Hungarian items that were handed down to you from past generations of Magyar loved ones or family members? Tibors TaKe ^3 Bonus Questions: Give yourself one extra point for each of the following you can answer correctly. A. Who were Kossuth and Petőfi, and what did they try to do? B. In what year was St. Stephen crowned King of Hungary? C. How do you make or obtain real Hungarian rétes? D. How do you make sárga túrói E. Do you know the words or melodies to at least five Hungarian songs? F. What was the "Verhovay"? Tally up your "yes" answers and remember to add any bonus points. What your score means: 25 or above: Consider yourself a son or daughter of Árpád! 22 to 24: A very good Hungarian-American. Kossuth would be proud of you. 19 to 21: A good Hungarian-American. Petőfi would be proud of you. 16 to 18: Overall, a good Hungarian-American, need to be with other Magyars more often. Celebrate life Hungarian Style! 13 to 15: Your Magyar heart is in the right place, you just need to attend and volunteer your services at some Hungarian functions. 10 to 12: You must have forgotten all the Magyar stuff your parents and grandparents taught you. Listen to your local Hungarian radio program to increase overall Hungarian presence. 0 to 9: You need a major infusion of Hungarian culture. My prescription: join WPA, join a Hungarian church or club; get some Hungarian musical recordings, a Magyar dictionary and Hungarian Cookbooks (start with the WPA cookbook); contact Liz at Magyar Marketing for media and books to get you up to snuff on being a good Magyar-American. Éljen a Magyar, Tibor II Tibor Check Jr. is a member of Branch 28 Youngstown, Ohio, and a student at Cleveland State University. He serves as host of the “Souvenirs of Hungary” weekly radio show broadcast on WKTL-90.7 FM in Struthers, Ohio. Let's hear your take Let me know how you enjoy my thoughts and views on growing up Hungarian Style. If you have any questions or comments about me or my column, please email me at: SilverKingl937@yahoo.com, or drop me a letter in care of the William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233. William Penn Life 0 January 2011 ° 9
