EARTH DAY

 

What can you do for the earth?

RECYCLE!   Teach your children about throwing things away in the proper places and reusing things before throwing them out.

When you hike or go to the beach, take your trash home with you.

THREE BLOOMS and a BUD

 

COLD TUNA PASTA FROM BOXED MAC and CHEESE : FOOD BANK RECIPE

 Hello Friends!

This recipe is one of a few I've posted to help you make more of the free food that is given out at food bank distributions. People appreciate the help but I know from volunteering at a food bank that there is a lot of repetition. Some of what is given away comes from stores that are throwing it out and still getting a tax deduction for donating it even if it's clearly not fresh. A lot of packaged food and canned food is given away because at least it doesn't go bad right away. At the food bank I volunteered at, we rarely had time to check the expiration dates on meats, which were rare, and we barely ever got fruits or veggies. This is a variation on the popular "Mac and cheese" but you don't mix it with butter and milk to activate the cheese and eat it hot.

COLD MAC AND CHEESE PASTA

One box of Mac and Cheese - the kind that has a packet of powdered cheese or cheese substitute.

One small can of tuna fish

One can of peas (which are already cooked before canning)

One heaping tablespoon of mayonnaise (about eight packets of restaurant give away mayo)

One level teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Salt as you please.

Boil the pasta, drain, rinse with cold water till cool, drain again so that there is near no water left.

Open the can of tuna fish, drain. 

Open the package of dried powder cheese and set aside.  Add the garlic powder to it if you like.

In a bowl add the ingredients as follows.

Tuna, peas, cold pasta.

Sprinkle the dried powder cheese over the mixture and stir in.

Stir in the mayo, mixing well.

That's it.  This cold pasta needs no refrigeration if you eat it right away. Makes about four portions.

C 2024 Magyar American BlogSpot

Click the label Food Bank Recipes to get to other recipes posted.

IN THE POD

 

WANT TO CONTACT ME TO TELL ME ABOUT INTERESTING THINGS TO DO AND SEE?

 WANT TO CONTACT ME TO TELL ME ABOUT INTERESTING THINGS TO DO AND SEE?

Would you like to tell me about your Hungarian-American Club or places to go and things to do that are of  interest to Americans with Hungarian /Magyar heritage, recent immigrants from Hungary, or Hungarian tourists to the United States?

I moderate (read before making a decision to publish) all comments.  That means that you can leave a comment with the heading DO NOT PUBLISH that includes your e-mail or other contact information and IT WILL NOT APPEAR ON THE NET!   You can leave a comment without having a Google Account.

You can leave any information that you would like me to review, and if I like what you tell me about I may publish that information on this blog.  MAGYAR - AMERICAN!

THANKS!

JESUS PULSING WITH LIGHT

A friend sent me this Sacred Heart of Jesus.  I think the origin of it is somewhere in Poland.

PEACE? WAR? HUMANS?

I have a friend who is a veteran and peace activist. He networks with a great variety of other persons and organizations that are pro-peace.

We talked the other night after he returned from a Write In.

Why does it seem that all this peace activism has little to no effect?

Has evil taken over the earth?

We talked about the sociopath criminals - from those who rob stores to those who rape - and what is happening in Gaze - Jerusalem.  It seems that there are creatures walking around who only look human.

HUM

HUMAN

HUMANITY

HUMANITARIANS

Humans used to be thought of as basically good.

We thought in terms of HUMAN RIGHTS, honoring the assumed basic decency of conscious and living beings with the right to food, shelter, clothing, housing, medical care...

What has happened?

HUNGARIAN AMERICAN ENTERPRISE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

 Here's an opportunity for you!  Internships, education, and much more....https://www.haesf.org/

The Hungarian-American Enterprise Scholarship Fund (HAESF) was founded in 2004. Since then, we have helped more than 400 high-achieving and accomplished Hungarians gain professional skills in the United States.

• To promote free enterprise and business development in Hungary
• To enhance the potential for personal contribution to Hungarian society by investing in human capital through practical training in the United States
• To build the framework for long lasting impact in Hungary
• To strengthen the ties between the United States and Hungary
• To create positive Central European attitudes towards the United States

TAKE A BITE

 

AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FOUNDATION : DIGITALIZING THEIR ARCHIVES : NEEDS DONATIONS FOR THE PROJECT COLLECT CONSERVE CELEBRATE!

AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FOUNDATION ORG Located in New Jersey

Since the 1950's and recognizing that the North Eastern United States has had a great number of Hungarian heritage persons, the American Hungarian Foundation is digitizing their archives and needs your help.

TARD VILLAGE : THE EPICENTER OF TRADITIONAL MATYO EMBRODERIE

This article is about the economic conditions in Borson-Abauj-Zemplen County in Hungary and the way women, especially elder women, are turning to their traditional artistry to improve their incomes.

RADIO FREE EUROPE : TARD VILLAGE MATYO EMBRODERIE

Excerpts: The practice of Matyo embroidery is through to have started around 200 years ago and has since been passed down through the generations.  The women living in Tard mastered their skills, embroidering the distinctive flowers and leaves, by watching their mothers, who had learned it from their own mothers.

According to local mythology, the technique was born when the devil kidnapped a man and asked for the most colorful flowers as a ransom.  In the dead of winter, in order to get her husband back, his young bride presented the devil with a set of richly embroidered flowers.

According to local mythology, the technique was born when the devil kidnapped a man and asked for the most colorful flowers as a ransom. In the dead of winter, in order to get her husband back, his young bride presented the devil with a set of richly embroidered flowers.

***

Like many towns and villages in Hungary's northeast, Tard has been in decline since the wider regional collapse of heavy industry and mining after the fall of communism.  Across Hungary, some 1.9 million people -- 12 percent of the population - now live in poverty.  According to 2019 statistics, 15 percent of people over the age of 65 lived in deprivation.

LOVE ME ANYWAY

 

OUR DRY SENSE OF HUMOR PROVES WE ARE TOO PESSIMISTIC TO SEE THE HUMOR IN THINGS : HUNGARIAN HUNGARIAN- AMERICAN STEREOTYPE

                                                    

HUNGARIANS are PESSIMISTIC and ALWAYS COMPLAINING.....?  Apparently we are only light-hearted when we dance.   Otherwise, we can bring anyone down.  That is, unless we unveil our DRY sense of humor.

OK, I've been accused of having a dry sense of humor, so dry it's imperceivable. On the other hand I've been known to laugh at my own jokes before I get to the punchline but I tell a jokes only once every few years and then it's usually the same old ones.  So I must not be insufferable...

What's wrong with looking at the dark side?  Well, to answer this we must be aware that we're in a hyper-positive culture in which every superlative is used to exaggerate importance, effort, as well as size.  Must we use so many adjectives?  Stunk and White would not be proud of our overuse of the English language in this way.  We should let words stand alone, allowing them the originally intended impact as is.

What about in Hungarian?

Do  you 'feel' this?

Let me know!

C 2023  Magyar American BlogSpot

WHAT ARE "AMERICAN SPACES" IN HUNGARY? THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES PROVIDES LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUNGARIANS

AMERICAN SPACES : UNITED STATE EMBASSY IN HUNGARY : EDUCATION 

• Educational advising for those who want to study in the U.S.,
• Workshops on a range of topics from career skills to English language learning,
• Classes and clubs introducing new technologies, 21st century digital skills, and academic resources,
• Films, discussions, and lectures on entrepreneurship, leadership, current events, international affairs, and much more.

VERONIKA SCHANDL'S ESSAY "A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME" FOCUSES ON CONTEMPORARY HUNGARIAN SHAKESPEARE THEATRICAL ADAPTATIONS

THEATRON : AN ESSAY ON SHAKESPEARE THEATER IN HUNGARY 

This is quite the literary essay!

Veronika Schandl (Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest): “A rose by any other name”. Contemporary Hungarian Shakespeare Adaptations on Stage and in Cyberspace

HUNGRY

 

DONATING TO A FOOD BANK? : THE BEHIND THE SCENES REALITY : HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS AND MY PERSONAL BELIEFS ABOUT GIVING!

Having volunteered to sort and bag food for distribution, I'm aware that at some locations what is in the bag is pretty much the same every month.  Much depends on your location.  You may be eligible for food from a regional food bank - governmental - or from other locations, and there are some which have an agenda. Also if you are a senior, check with your local senior centers, you may be eligible for special distributions.

Please be aware of the following:

No food distribution needs your social security number. Even churches have been asking for this and I believe there is a potential for compromising your social security number - which has become a citizen ID number - for crime and privacy invasion. Most food banks do not put their volunteers through background checks. Churches are not social service with governmental ties. The only people who can or should be asking for your social security number is the social services of the United States or the state, and that is usually done in person at an intake. Seriously question and refuse any other church, non-profit, or other entity asking for your social security number. Never ever give it out over the phone.

If at all possible go to food banks that have a "no questions asked" policy.

Some churches are using giving out food, a Christian action, to pray over people in an attempt to convert them to their own beliefs.  I personally find this offensive.  If someone wants Christian credit for giving to humanity, let them have that credit with God, but some people are so hungry and poor that they go to a different food distribution every day or every week and are prayed over by many different faiths over that week. Implied also is that they would not need this food if they were not bad, or doing something wrong and that poverty is punishment.  If find this to be even more offensive.

The places I volunteered at had a no questions asked policy.

Being human and hungry is enough.

If you have never been to a food bank or food distribution in the United States, let me also tell you the following.

1) Food Banks and Distributions are often under special rules from the Health Department so that no one who eats that food gets ill. Food such as meats, fish, and produce is supposed to be picked up and distributed quickly -within hours - to eliminate the possibility that it may be spoiled or contaminated. They are taking a tax deduction in many cases. It is a win for them because they also do not have to throw the food out. However, the volunteer staff often does not have the time to inspect the dates on the food. I've seen spoiled meats and vegetables donated that were sorted and thrown out.  I've seen mold on bread. 

I've also been in a situation where I was the only person who showed up and had to do the work of several people to get bags loaded. 

You should inspect whatever you just got. 

Food distribution volunteers are supposed to be washing their hands, covering their noses and mouths with masks, and wearing gloves for sorting and bagging - but I can tell you that they are often not. Wash your own hands and wash fruits and vegetables, even if it looks like they have come from the store in a pack.

Sometimes volunteers with bare hands will remove bad fruits or veggies from a pack and repack.

2) Expiration dates are usually "sell by" dates. If something is past that date, the store will donate it, and it is still good, but it depends on what it is.  A spoiled part of an apple or onion can be cut off and can be seen but may not make it into a bag. Since I have a zero tolerance for food waste, I sometimes took these home knowing how to deal with them but in both cases some of the damaged or partly spoiled produce made it into compost.

Most canned goods are safe to eat for a few months or longer after the date on the can, but may loose some quality. Canned beans that have sat for a time can become gassy.  Be concerned about meat and seafood.  It should be cooked right away.

3) Although most food rescue groups are picking up from donating stores and distributing quickly, there are also "for profit" businesses that are acting as middlemen.  Some of them are moving food from one county to another and just the transportation time makes the distribution time a question.

4) For those who do not have a kitchen or cold storage, many food banks have what is commonly thought of as "homeless bags" and if this is you, ask for that consideration.  You may get salads that have been pre-packaged and have cooked meats in them. These need to be eaten right away.  If you open one and take a bite and the flavor of the meat is questionable, the whole thing needs to be thrown away.

DONATING TO FOOD BANKS?  CONSIDER NUTRITION

Years ago I met a man at my local library who was living in a van.  I got to know home better and he told me he was going to a local church for a food bag, but also mostly ate what was sold at the 7/11 store near the library.  What did he get in the food bag, month after month?  A can of apple sauce, a jar of peanut butter, lots of bread. He ate so much of these that he had an aversion to these items.  Peanut butter is thought to be a high protein option. Sadly there is a question about the oils used and how long they are unspoiled.

If a store has a commitment to giving food to food banks, besides what they are throwing out and getting a tax deduction for, they will throw the items that cost them the least - corn, carrots, bread, pasta... All of these items are high in sugars and carbs and can not only put weight on a person but move them towards diabetic sugar. 

Some people go through their cabinets and pull items they have not used that are nearing the expiration date. Others donate money or go shopping and then donate.

I strongly urge you to go shopping and donate because some of the places that are taking money donations go out and get the same corn, carrots, bread, pasta.

We're supposed to be keeping people alive and healthy.

Things that are rare and very much needed include:

Olive oil.

Tomato paste in cans.

Fresh (not green skinned or showing sprouts) potato.

Fresh celery.  Time permitting a stalk can be separated.

Fresh cabbage.

Fresh herbs (If you have a home garden, check to see if the food distribution can accept these. Some will take tree fruits as well.)

Brown rice.  (There seems to be a lot of white rice, which does have some nutrition but generally is inferior to brown and can put weight on.)  

Meat : Although the canned is more expensive per ounce than fresh meat, this may be a welcome option. Consider having ground turkey or meat packaged in one quarter pound packages.  (Call ahead to be sure that the delivery of these packets will be about an hour before distribution. The store is going to label them with the day's date.

What will be distributed but in general is not helpful:

Some church groups and boys and girls clubs make sandwiches and donate them. Often these are peanut butter sandwiches. One time someone was giving out bologna sandwiches that each had one cut olive in the middle.  They meant well.

Consider making fresh salads instead.

The problem is that there is a question about sanitation again. If you are determined to make any sandwiches of any kind, or salads, or any other food, your volunteers should be washed, gloved, and masked, and be wearing hair nets.  These probably should be give to a homeless outreach rather than a food bank.  

Donations are always sought and always appreciated. 

C 2024 Magyar-American  BlogSpot

ALL CREATURES GREAT and SMALL

 

HUNGARIAN NATIONAL DIGITAL ARCHIVES - AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY AND CULTURE OF HUNGARY

 https://mandadb.hu/ (HUNGARIAN NATIONAL DIGITAL ARCHIVES)

The start page is in Hungarian.  You'll have to use your Google Translator to get to some English.  Here is what the Hungarian National Digital Archives has to say"

Back in 2015, the Hungarian government decided that it was necessary to prepare a digitization strategy, which would encompass the entire Hungarian public collection institution system as a long-term plan. Experts from Forum Hungaricum  also took part  in the creation of the strategy, together with professional and interest representation organizations, with the involvement of actors from the market, civil and scientific spheres  . The strategy was completed in 2017 as part of the Digital Nation Development Program. The finalization was preceded by a dialogue and social consultation process.

PROJECT GUTENBERG HOLDINGS INCLUDE MANY BOOKS IN HUNGARIAN

Project Gutenberg aims to bring you books to download and read at no charge and without a library card. 

Here is the start page for a search using the word 'Hungarian' :

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search/?query=Hungarian&submit_search=Go%21

These books are often what is considered to be classic Hungarian literature.

SHELTER OF LOVE

 

SZERETLEK - HUNGARIAN VALENTINE SHAPED GINGERBREAD COOKIES ARE NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS

Hungarian Valentine Shaped cookies are not just for Valentine's Day, but are also made at Christmas and for other evens.  Often of a honey or gingerbread cookie recipe, the decoration can be traditional motifs or quite elaborate.  If you're not talented with the icing, stencils are available so you can use some white powdered sugar over the set red icing.

This wonderful article from Atlas Obscura about decorating cookies will give you the full story of Hungarian traditions.

ATLAS OBSCURA - HUNGARIANS MAKE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GINGERBREAD by Anne Ewbank.

Excerpt: One of the reasons gingerbread is not solely associated with Christmas in Hungary is the popularity of these hearts.  Once traditional gifts from young men for their sweethearts, the hearts often feature small mirrors and the word Szeretlek, a declaration of love.  A girl might return the boy's regard with a gingerbread hussar, or soldier.

Image is from the linked article.  

Copyright Atlas Obscura 2018

CASTLE BUBBLES and A WHIRLING SOUND : ESTAS TONNE and FAMILY

WITH MY BEST LOVE

 

FLIRTING : HUNGARIANS VERSUS HUNGARIAN AMERICANS : A HUGE DIFFERENCE

I have it on good authority. FLIRTING is simply not the same for a Hungarian as it is for a Hungarian-American.  OK, I realize there are individual differences, but basically flirting as Americans know it doesn't exist in Hungary.

Consider these typical flirty things that Americans are known to do:

PAYING COMPLIMENTS - in particular about appearance.

GIVING GIFTS - especially gifts such as jewelry, bouquets of flowers - things that can cost money.

SAYING THINGS THAT ARE THOUGHT OF AS WITTY but not suggestive and never actual sexual harassment.

As it has been explained to me, the average Hungarian does not like gifts that are too costly or fussy in courtship. Something should be useful, sensible, and not a  "waste of money."  This ties into the fact that most people are on a budget, so it's respectful not to expect someone to go over their budget, or sacrifice, to impress you.  (So perhaps a live plant with roots or a package of seeds instead of a bouquet?)

Then, as for paying compliments, such as telling someone they look beautiful or handsome, well, Hungarians don't compliment each other much, so the most sincere a compliment may seem to be some outrageous attempt to manipulate. Besides there is a bit of an expectation that if you want to impress someone when you are attracted to them, you will care for your grooming and dress as nicely as you can.  (And let's face it that some Americans can be both clean and slovenly, such as wearing clothing that doesn't fit, or shows too much wear, especially broken down sports shoes.)

As for saying things that are thought of by Americans as witty, well Hungarians will note the irony in situations and they are also capable of telling stories on themselves. But Americans joking with another person as a way of showing interest or affection might mystify a Hungarian who could be sensitive tor what seems to them to be ridicule.

Sadly, I think flirting is a lost art, but gladly, in my case since I'm a Hungarian-American, once in a while I enjoy flirting and being flirted with. Everyone likes to feel noticed and special, talented or especially skilled, and all good flirts include sincere and believable compliments. So it might be wiser to appreciate something about a Hungarian's accomplishments than their appearance.

C 2024  Magyar American BlogSpot

WOLF OF THE MEADOW

 

UPDATING LINKS ON THE SIDEBAR inc GENEALOGY

Since I've been blogging here at MAGYAR -AMERICAN BlogSpot for many years, some of the links and videos have expired and it takes some time to check them and update.  I've been checking links on the sidebar and replacing some that expired. Many of the organizations and locations and websites still exist but changed their addresses, mainly because they went from http to https (secure) sites. Genealogy is of great interest to me and my readers and I note changes to various governmental sites within Hungary.

My comments are still turned on and if you find a link or video that's not working before I do, please leave me a message!

HUNGARIAN-OTTOMAN WARS! CASTLES! HISTORY! AMAZING WEB SITE BY GÁBOR SZÁNTAI

HUNGARIAN OTTOMAN WARS   Settle in to read all that this website has to offer!

ADOPT A CASTLE.  JOIN A REENACTMENT GROUP.

ESSAYS.  VIDEO LINKS

Here's a little taste, a history of Szepes (origin of the word is Latin) Hungarian Ottoman Wars - Szepes

HANDSOME WOLF

 

Athaira - Csillagok Tánca (Celestial Dance, Hungarian Shaman Song) CELESTIAL DANCE

In this image we see the sun, the moon, the TREE OF LIFE, an image of the shaman with seven fingers....

HELLO TO MY NEW READERS and OLD! LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW ADVENTURES IN THE NEW YEAR

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!