Now this is a blog posting.

April 19, 2005 - 12:03 PM by Israelity

Here’s an interesting tidbit of info that only could come out of Israel. Following the Pope’s death, the IDF’s pop-music radio station introduced a song that would help the listeners in dealling with the Holy Father’s passing. What followed the DJ’s introduction was “Big Poppa,” by (the also late) Notorius B.I.G.

If you don’t know the song, and it is a good one, you should check it out. You’ll fast understand why this is funny. Unfortunately – for you, the reader -I am not allowed to reproduce the lyrics at length in this puritan forum; however, the title comes from the line, “I love it when you call me Big Poppa.” To be sure, this is an erotic reference.

Unrelated, but damn interesting and similarly profanity benign, I am in Budapest at the moment. Walking around, I can’t shake the nagging suspicion that there’re supposed to be more Jews here. Where the hell’d they all go? Someone told me they had all been thrown into the Danube. I checked and they’re not there.

Still related, I have been getting a total kick from telling people that I am Jewish and from Israel. At a dive of a beer bar the other night I found myself in a room with just about five or six middle-aged and drunken men – not one of which spoke English. In broken language, one of the gentleman asked if I speak English. “Yes,” I answered, adding that I can also form sentences in Hebrew. I got a raised eyebrow. I wanted to ask him if he knew who killed my grandfather back in the 40’s. But the reality of the situation is that I’m fourth generation American, so the accusation would have seemed forced.

Wandering around downtown, I was stopped by a Harry Krishna or Moonie or some type of whatever. After requesting a smile, to which I acquiesced, he then asked for some money. I obliged, giving him a few coins. I can’t help it, I really like Krishna – no shit. He then asked where I’m from, “Israel,” I answered. Upon departing he said to me, “Todah, shalom haver.” And people say Clinton doesn’t have a legacy – silly Republicans!

Of utmost importance, a raging debate amongst my crowd has been whether Israeli commercials on MTV are seen throughout Europe. Afterall, we get the crazy European ones, so why wouldn’t disillusioned European teens be treated to an ad for the whacky “Esc.” cell phone brand now and again? It was just too hard for some to believe that our little state could have such international representation. My first night here I saw a SuperPharm commercial. Now, to move on.

The Jewish Connection

My first night in town I headed to this counter culture club. Called the Trafor, it’s kind of a Hungarian Dalia. I read about a poetry performance of English translations of the Hungarian poet Yoseph Atilla’s work. Reading the pieces were the team of Gabor, the Hungarian translator, and Michael Castro, an American artist who shapes the language. Castro, it turns out, is a fellow yid, who also preformed some fantastic work of his own. An infusion of spoken word, soul and jazz (he was accompanied by a bassist and saxophonist) his content has much to do with civil rights themes, the blacks, the Jews, music, and the good ‘ole American south (he lives in St. Louis). Really good shit. After leaving the club, I passed a flower shop where there were two aprons hanging in the window. Each had printed on it the same recipe for Hungarian goulash – one in the local tongue and the other in Hebrew. Interesting.

Clickety click

Tags: • Category: Travel 

Comments

2 Comments on Now this is a blog posting.

  1. GefPreesteTew on Tue, Mar 17th 2009 9:11 PM

    2. I’m new here.. just wanted to say hi!

  2. RaiulBaztepo on Sun, Mar 29th 2009 2:01 AM

    3. Hello!
    Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
    PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language ;)
    See you!
    Your, Raiul Baztepo

Leave a Comment





© 2009 ISRAELITY | Site by illuminea | Sitemap