While the temperature is cooling down our online hours is heating up, as we are pleased to commence our latest urban inspired fall design. This season we wanted to blend our strong African influences by infusing the colors of Rastafarians, the spirit of Fela Kuti, and our love affair with earth’s color.

Afrobeat

Afrobeat is a term coined by Nigerian born band leader Fela Kuti. Popularized during the 1960/70s, Afrobeat encompasses musical styles from various genres. Kuti used native African harmonies and rhythms combining different elements like jazz, funk, fusion, African chant and structured them. The rich sound echoed the political struggle not only by Africans but also by African-Americans during this period.

Our aim for the Afrobeat concept was to encompass both the political struggle of blacks and the influence music plays in strain for survival. The bernos Afrobeat is available in Cranberry Red American Apparel Shirt for $19.95!

Argyle Rasta

Argyle pattern which consists of diamond shaped blocks against a colored background has its roots in Scotland as early as 16th century. Although the pattern has been used in fashion through the 19th century; the preppy look brought back the argyle with a vengeance in the 80′s and it’s been commercial every since.

The Rasta Argyle concept is an establishment of ‘Rastafarnism’ in popular culture. Our design with bright Rastafarian colors of red, green, and yellow is juxtaposed within the Argyle pattern. The bernos Argyle Rasta is available in Heather Grey American Apparel Shirt for $22.95.

d’afrique II

Why refurbish and re-stock you might ask? The answer is simple…We got your blog comments, emails, text messages, and from some of you, your voicemail. We get it! You want d’afrique…you get d’afrique! We are re-launching the popular shirt with bigger font and more prominent graphic. Now you can claim your roots from miles away. As stated before, d’afrique represents our portrait of life in Africa layered with the rich detail of our struggle, celebration of our roots, and our hope for unity. The bernos d’afrique is available in Brown American Apparel Shirt for $19.95.

So I was stunned, I think that’s the best word I can use, when I saw the amount of people that came out for this year’s Soccer tournament. Granted it was the 25th anniversary of ESFNA, regardless I have never seen so many Ethiopians in one place.

By popular demand bernos had decided to showcase our shirts at one of the booths. We saw so many of you there…it was GREAT!!! Worth every effort, headache, and sweat!

A little video Nyalasmoke created for us featuring Andromeda‘s iRock Joint.

I’m overwhelmed in attempting to recap all that took place. Let’s see there was our fantastic booth, the opening ceremony, the people throughout the week, and food, and parties (the bARTIES)!!! The opening day…INSANE!!! We definitely didn’t expect that many people to be there. I think all the “in-towners” came out that day!

The opening ceremony was great too. Monday was light, but as the week went on the crowd grew more and more. I want to say thank you to all of you that stopped by to say hello, those who whispered your press names (ababiru). I think it’s easier to count who didn’t show up rather than who did…

I tried to pretend to know who Masinko was but failed miserably!

The Barties

Promoters from the DC metro area and some out of towners came together to throw an an azing week. There was DC Dynasty (that included talk of dc), DC ALL STARS, and of course the Mansion parties. The YoDiddy and her DC Dynasty crew that include veterans Danny Davis, Dee and TAZ kicked things off right with a party for the classy.

The hottest party was on Wednesday night, ABREN ENE FORRIF, but I guess not surprising since our very own Beshou was the host. Six hundred people inside and another 100 plus still waiting outside! It was INSANE!!! Beshou next time way bigger venue…

Bernos Fashion show

Thursday night LOVE was the place to be. With a bernos fashion show and Big Tigger as the host, it was a grown and sexy party! There was a live performance by Kilenm that kicked off the show.

“The show was AMAZING!” We had so much fun putting it together. Our fantastic make-up artist and stylist was Amber Lucas. In addition to Beshou, Our photographer was JC…who simply is the BEST!! Also, I want to say a special thank you to Matt Andrea who took some of the pictures shown here. As you can see they’re great!!

Friday was a chilled hangout at THE MASION. We needed to relax after all stress from the fashion show. The outside atmosphere with the stars, the pool, and lounge chairs, oh and the ridiculously cheap bottle prices (for the drinkers) was just right. People had mixed reaction to this party, but the bernos crew and I had a great time!

With Wayna and Queen of Sheba performing Live it was a Cali kinda party. People jumping in the pool by the end of the night, the girl in the white dress that didn’t know she shouldn’t have done that…priceless!

Saturday was bitter sweet since it was the last day. We were happy all the stress was soon over, but the finality of it was sad. The festivities ended with a DC All STAR party at Union Station that had the Fire Marshall come out to shut it down. I didn’t know Ethiopians partied so hard.

Have you heard? If you haven’t, the Ethiopian Annual Tourney is going to be in DC this year. Bernos is going to be there! So make sure you find our booth.

For our customer around the world, I am sorry we won’t get to meet you in person but as promised, you get 1st dibs on the reprinted shirts.

We have by popular demand, conceded and brought you two of the most popular’ Ethiopian themed bernos tees.

Ethiopian-Alien: The Traditional Ethiopian Scroll portrait is both a religious and cultural image which has represented Ethiopian for many generations. This iconic imagery has been and is currently in use in both commercial and fine art. This face has special meaning for those living outside of Ethiopia, because it has resemblance to the extra terrestrial face, which we happen to be while living as aliens. Ethiopian-Alien in gold available now for only $19.95.

Desta Keremela: Desta is the brand name of a popular candy that was made in Ethiopia. Keremela means candy and Desta means happy. Desta Keremela is the first candy ever manufactured in Ethiopia. The bernos Desta Keremela tee is also available now for only $19.95.

We think we got enough tees produced for everyone in all sizes, but we wanted to give you, our online customers 1st dibs before we sell them all out at the bernos soccer booth.

The Big $6 OFF

Last but not least, we do have a sale, a big $6 off on the Addis Ababa Classic tee. This one is dedicated to all recent college grads that are broke and jobless. For $16.95 which is less than 4 gallons of gas, less than 2 drinks at the club, you can have one of the few left. So get your tee now while it lasts.

The above picture is from our booth at the the African Dance Explosion event last week. Unfortunately we can’t show you the other pictures since we don’t want to show the images of the new bernos tees we are launching next Thursday.

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the Ethiopian Soccer Tournament hosted by Ethiopian Sports Federation of North America (ESFNA). As most of you know the ET Soccer tournament is HUGE and especially when it’s in DC.

You all know how DC is the capital of Ethiopians North America. Usually when there is an event in DC everyone seems to flock here in great numbers, and the soccer tournament is no exception.

Here at bernos we have been debating whether or not to sell bernos shirts at the tournament. Until now our shirts have only been available online. Many of you have suggested that we sell at the tournament

We also thought it would be a great way to introduce bernos shirts to those who are not that tech savvy. So many talks later, we have decided to reserve a booth in order to sell our shirts. We hope to see all of you there.

Also, everyone has been demanding that we reprint the old shirts. We’ve been debating whether to reprint or not. I voted to give the people what they wanted but someone (shhh…nolawi) said, “NO we shouldn’t reprint!!!”

But finally I won!! (With the support of Dawit of course)

So to meet your demands we took some votes reprint the most requested shirts. Below is a list of the shirts up for reprint.

• Ethiopian-Alien
• Desta Keremela
• Afrocode

Thanks guys and we love you all for loving bernos!!!!

We are still here and around. We have in the past couple of month been somewhat busy working on two designs of which one concept called Heart Africa will be available in the next two weeks.

We have also been approached by wholesalers who have shown interest in carrying the bernos brand in their online and physical stores. Although that is our goal and plan we are still putting the finishing touches on the packaging of the bernos t-shirts.
For instance while bernos tees come with hangtags we didn’t have permanent markers. The label is the final touch to your t-shirt, the final stamp of approval and the identification mark of the bernos brand. The labels as seen will be screen printed inthe top-inside location of the American Apparel tees. The tees will appear tag less as is popular these days. So, we have now finalized the design of our label and thus moving on, all bernos shirts will come with.

Over the past two month we also have been getting more businesses from a more diverse market. A lot of African, African Americans and some we have no idea. We just know the names on the shipping addresses have been more interesting.

We have also been getting several email inquiring reproduction of bernos tees that are currently out of stock. Although we are retiring some of our designs we are in celebration of ESFNA 2008 DC going to reproduce 3of the currently 7 out of stock bernos tees. Details will come as we proceed over the coming months.

Well this is the beginning of many things so stay tuned for more happening news about bernos… Cheers!

It’s about five a.m. and I’m barely getting through the collard greens. I’m exhausted!! My feet are aching, my back hurts, and I have a headache. The only thing keeping me going is the thought of seeing the whole family sitting together and enjoying all this meal.

I cook once a year and that time is during thanksgiving. No one is allowed in the kitchen the day before and on thanksgiving and I cook up a storm. There is the turkey, the macaroni and cheese, the mashed potatoes, the chicken salad, the potatoes salad, the collard greens, the sweet corn cobs, the candied yams, and of course the pies! There is apple pie and my specialty sweet potato pie. All these meals are prepared from scratch and if I must say so myself…Delicious!!! Even the cranberry sauce and the gravy are made from scratch.

Luckily, in my family we celebrate the American way and only have traditional American foods. But I know nearly all my friends have the turkey and rest is all abesha foods. I say luckily because can u imagine adding doro wot to my already exhausting menu?!?!?! That’s why I have nothing to do with Christmas dinner. It is the same in my friend Ratisha’s house, who is Indian or Samuel’s house who is Ghanaian. I think its great how people take the American culture and add their own to it.

Keeping with the spirit of the holiday my mother always finds several people to bring home for thanksgiving, people whom otherwise might be spending the holiday alone. Dinner invitation is for 4pm…since you know everyone will be late and we actually get to eating around eight. By the end of the day all my hard work pays off when I see everyone enjoying the meal.

But then the problem becomes trying to get people to leave…

Instead of just saying happy holidays I though I share a little about my family’s experience. I hope all of you have a wonderful and stuffing thanksgiving.

After the much awaited Millennium chefera in Ethiopia, the next deges has to be in South Africa.

On May 15, 2004, history was made as it was announced that South Africa will host the 2010 Fifa Football World Cup. History was also made as I started a savings account.

Thanks to a new policy to rotate the event between football confederations, the world’s premier sporting event will be held on African soil for the first time in the history of the great game. South Africa, the home of Nelson Mandela, out voted Egypt, Libya, Morroco and Tunisia to win the great honor.

Besides the inevitable dent in my bank account, sold car and arrata beder, I can only thing of the positive effects of this momentous occasion. The world cup is only the most watched event in the world ( yemen olympics?) not to mention the incredible socio-economic benefit. For a change, the world cup will put Africa on the map for something positive!

Preparation

Our bafana bafana brothers are preparing to put on quite a show with 10 major venues to be used in Bloemfontein, Cape Town , Durban, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Nelspruit , Orkney, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria and Rustenburg. I have to say the photographs look absolutely breath-taking, second to none…. watch out Europe!

Five new stadiums are being built for the tournament (three match venues and two practice grounds), and five of the existing venues are being upgraded. Construction costs are expected to be R8.4bn (around $1.5bn). Needless to say, the revenue generated by this occasion is going to be much, much more. With improved public transport infrastructure, and increased emphasis on the safety and security of local and international tourists, this promises to be quite an event.

Of course preparations are not without obstacles as, some FIFA execs (including Franz Beckenbauer- haters) have expressed concern over South Africa’s preparations and even complained about ‘the slums‘ you know the stuff we are ‘famous’ for. Only to be silenced by Sepp Blatter re-iterationg that “Plan A…Plan B…Plan C is that the 2010 World Cup will be stage in South Africa.”

Rain or shine ‘ I’ll bet on shine,’ the world cup is going to South Africa. The most important question is are you? And if you are not can you send me J?

Memories and Predictions

Perhaps it is unfair that a continent of 51 nations gets 6 berths (up one from last year) in the world cup, but lets stay positive people. African nations have been making their presence know more and more in the last two decades. Who can forget the Cameroon of 1990, with Roger Miller dancing by the corner flag as his goals took his beloved to the quarter finals? I still remember the stunning strike from Okocha in ’98 as Nigeria beat none other than Maradona’s Argentina. Senegal were

magnifique in 2002 defeating the then defending champs, France. Ghana, the black stars in 2006, carrying a whole continent with pride and grace…Chale! I am over it, Brazil is our brother from another mother.

Maybe it is too optimistic to wish for an african nation to win the World Cup in 2010, but I’m a positive person! I sure hope Cameroon reach the final with Brazil and Samuel Eto scores the winner after dribbling Ronaldhino and Kaka.

Ye Hager Guday

Chances are Ethiopia will not make the world cup but we can take some positive incentive from this and hope our great, great, great, great, great grandkids can one day watch the world cup in Ethiopia ‘I kid I kid.’ Seriously, when do you think Ethiopia will host the world cup? I say 3050 ‘I kid I kid.’

Seriously, seriously this time, how many Ethiopians do you think will get a chance to enjoy the world cup from South Africa? Does the average Ethiopian (in Ethiopia and elsewhere) have the means to go to South Africa? Do you think other African nations will show up in numbers? Or will it be the usual suspects from the West, Europe and far, far east ‘ya gotta love Japanese tourists?‘ I wonder….

In the beginning I had assumed he was Ethiopian, but then later learned he is an African American born in Ethiopia. I was impressed by the video since his art primarily involved Ethiopian culture. He is a spoken word artist, a lyricist, an actor and above all a humanitarian. He has been featured in several major publications such as VIBE and has appeared several times on HBO’s Russell Simmons’s Def Poetry series.

His music is not only entertaining but also inspiring. It is a message of hope and change. Many of you might have come across Mike E this past soccer tournament in Dallas. Therefore you are familiar with his amazing performance. He exudes an energy that consumes the audience.

His battle for improved lives for people in Ethiopia is so moving. His charity is not only to those in Ethiopia, but also for those living in Detroit. He is part of the fight to improve the education system for inner city student.

It is rare to find a rap artist whose lyrics are not about bling and hoes but rather about hope. His expression of his art has fueled his goals to change the world. He continues to work tirelessly to bring about change in all his path of travels.Beyond his talent it is his humility that is remarkable.

His modesty about his talent and his charitable work is refreshing. This is a person who is solely devoted to his cause. I was surprised to learn nearly all his earnings are donated to the several charities he works with. He is involved with the HIV/AIDS Prevention Care and Support Organization (HAPCSO), the Ethiopian North American Health Professionals Association (ENAHPA), the Fistula Foundation, and most recently with the American Cancer Association. His integrity and character are admirable.

We are huge fans of this fantastic artist and we hope you enjoy his music as much has we have. It is with great pleasure we introduce Mike E. and Podcasted is two songs from his much anticipated Afroflow album.

We happen to have in our hands 3 autographed copies of the Afroflow album, and we will include in the package of the next 3 customers who buy at least 2 bernos tees.

I was similarly surprised once when I had a layover in Minnesota and I noticed there were so many Ethiopians working there. It was just something I didn’t expect to find. He introduced himself as Biratu Debella. We exchanged the expected greetings and he asked where I was going and so on. Shortly there after, he offered to get me ‘ shay/ buna.’

I tried to politely decline since I really needed to use the internet but he insisted and I gave in. Consequently with the coffee he offered to also buy me lunch, even though I just said I already had lunch.

He was very sweet. He was so happy to see another Ethiopian and so proud. He told me about his wife and kids and how he’s planning on moving back to Addis for good; how he used to be a runner and about life in Switzerland and the Ethiopian community there. After awhile he said he had to get back to work so he left me to finish my coffee and pointed out where I can use the internet. I sat there for awhile thinking about the kindness of our people and our culture. More often than not I make a note of how my culture conflicts with my lifestyle rather than what it adds to it.

I decided to finish my coffee and make my way to use the internet. Just then I noticed he was walking towards me. When I met him halfway he said,

I thought maybe I should get you some chocolates or something…you can take it to your mother since you wont eat mesa.”

I thanked him for his offer and tried my best to assure him I was perfectly fine. But he seemed disappointed, he told me how he wishes there is more he can do, but we were in an airport and he’s obviously working. I sincerely thanked him and told him he has done enough. As I said my goodbye and began to walk away, I can see his disappointment in not having done more.

I was so touched. Here is a man that doesn’t know me from anything…but he treated me like an old friend, a family. This because I belonged to a bigger family, ‘the Ethiopian family.’

I thought about that all the way back. I reminisced about my days in Ethiopia where ‘your gorobet was a relative.’ Lately it seems everything I hear about Ethiopia is so negative. Countless times I’ve heard stories about how people come to the States to stay with some Ethiopian, even a relative and they are mistreated so badly. I can go on to list many more stories, but I’m sure you get my point. So it was a pleasant surprise to find this reminder about the kindness of our people. I only hope that I will always remember and exemplify this aspect of our culture.

Can you believe Biratu called to make sure I made it home safely?

I love my mother. She’s a strong and loving person. But sometimes she is unbearable. As long as I can remember I have translated things, filled out forms, and made phone calls on behalf of my mother.

Although never discussed it was always assumed anything that involved speaking English would be handled by me. Oh I should note my mother speaks English well enough to get whatever she needs done. In fact I’ve seen her do it and been amazed!

Recently, I find myself frustrated by the list of things my mom has for me to do. My day is already full with the crap that I have to get done without anything else added. Also, it’s bad enough she asks me to do things at the most inopportune times, but then complains if it is not done to her liking. I believe beggars can’t be choosers; you want it done differently…do it yourself!

Of course I can’t say this to my mother, or so I thought. I uttered these very words this past weekend. I was annoyed and frustrated.

I am tired of being a fulltime secretary for tedious things. Furthermore, the one that irritates me the most is when I’m volunteered to do things without my knowledge for other people!! This is my mother, “Oh, weey Mittu tadergewalech.” Or “Your child is not doing well in school? Ok Mittu will tutor him, Mittu will write you the letter, Mittu will take you to work, DMv, airport…Mittu will do this or that…”

BEQA!!! No more!!! Mittu is no longer available.

There is no concern what so ever for my time or for what I might have going on…nothing.

The more I think about it, it doesn’t make sense. Why is it my mother has lived in the U.S. longer than I have, yet I’m the one who handles most of her dealings? I’m not the only one either. My friends and I spend hours complaining about this very thing. I have a friend whose mother refuses to get an oil change on her own. So not only does my friend has to get the oil change but also has to remember when the oil change needs to get done.

My other friend’s mother refuses to pay the bills…instead she makes her write out the checks and mail them. These are things they are very much capable of doing. In fact doing it will give them independence; they don’t have to wait on anyone to get it done for them.

I understand our parents needing some help now and then. But to be completely dependent on your children is ridiculous. Additionally, it’s the entitlement that they feel; since I am the daughter then it is my responsibility. It’s ridiculous. Why don’t our parents want to be independent and do things for themselves?

Joro yalew yisma, Yesema yAsema…Ayein yalew yaanbib, Yanehbebe yasinebeb…

They are hot, sexy and new…and I’m not just talking about the models. Bernos been in business for over a year now, and have had three sets of bernos tees out, each one exciting and loved by so many. And now the fourth set of bernos t-shirts are available!!!

our popular Addis Ababa Classic concept rebranded as part II on Red/White ringer American Apparel T-shirt priced at $23.95,

and the Afrocode on Army American Apparel T-shirt priced at $19.95 are now for sale on our home page.

Shipping

As per our customers’ requests we did get it just in time for those of you going to the Annual ESFNA Soccer Tournament in Dallas. Also, shipping generally takes up to five business days; however, for any orders placed today (Wednesday) we have made an arrangement to have them delivered priority next day delivery at no extra charge so you are able to sport your shirts at the tournament. That means all orders from North America should receive the shirts by Monday.

In addition, the shipping charges have also been adjusted so that you receive a discount if you’re planning to purchase more than one shirt. Shipping and handling for one bernos t-shirt in Europe and North America will be only $3.99. For any two or more orders the shipping and handling will only be a flat rate of 4.99!

Sale

Given the special occasion of The Ethiopian Millennium…the Bernos Ethio Milli shirt is available at amazing discount price of $19.99. That’s a discount of $5.00!!! There are only a few shirts left and your last chance to be part of the Ethiopian Millennium movement.

Security

As most of you already know bernos offers a safe, dependable, and proven customer service. We use PayPal which is a trusted company used by companies such as Ebay, Amazon. We have fast shipping and satisfaction guaranteed customer service. Be assured your online bernos purchases are safe, and really fast.

Sizing

Since we use American Apparel T-shirts here is a sizing chart to help you identify which size is best for you… We now have tees in 6 different sizes in most cases; running from XS to XXL. If you have any questions, email us at info@bernos.org.

Furthermore we would like to thank everyone for your continued support and feedback. We have a blast coming up with innovative ideas and providing you with high quality shirts. You may view more pictures and also place your orders.

I often remember this feeling when opening a Coka tehrMuse; right before the Doro Wot is served!

Even yet’eb’er’za Coka had its satisfaction. Whether mixed with water or not I didn’t care!! For a long time after coming to the states I still used to water down my Coke.

There is the reason why the Addis Ababa Classic is our most popular selling shirt. I can only conclude you all share my affection for Addisaba.

It says “Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia” on my passport! Ye’Piassa lij negn. I is Arada!

Sold out of the Addis Ababa Classic…,”

you called, emailed, ask, begged, pleaded, and even threatened. And we thought…what the heck?

RE

Reloaded, Refurbished, Renovated, Restored, Revamaped, beqaaaa every ‘RE’ you can think of, its done Addis Ababa Classic Part II is here!

We took the classic concept and then we “RE” minamined it on American Apparel ringer Tee. We went back to the drawing board on this; we asked what we would do if we had to redesign the Addis Ababa Classic concept from scratch.

We concluded it’s almost perfect, but we would incorporate the Coca Cola Stripe somehow & also make the print larger on the tee. At first we thought about incorporating it on the Addis Ababa motif, but we went to the American Apparel store in DC.

We saw the ringer design for the first time, in blue, if only they made it in red and white it would have been perfect. Well its now a perfect merger, its classic.

With no future a due, the revamped version of the bernos Addis Ababa Classic concept! This and two new concepts, including the bernos Awaze Hot tees will be here before the end of this month.

Podcasted is the orginal version Addis Ababa Bete by Alemayehu Eshete. Enjoy!

I have lived in the US for the past thirteen years. In all my years here I had never left the country. Like most people I always wanted to travel and see the world, but just never got around to it. This year I decided it was time to see the world.

The past several months I traveled to three different countries; first to Mexico, next to Argentina and then to Greece. On my way back from Greece I noticed I have become more like an American. I have always looked at myself as an Ethiopian and nothing else.

Sure I lived in the US most of my life, but it never occurred to me to see myself as an American. I haven’t even applied for my citizenship yet.

In my trip to Greece I was surprised to hear my friends saying,

God, you’re such an American…”

They mentioned I was arrogant at times and unwilling to understand the ways of other countries. They also said I glorified America. In hindsight they are right. I did make several comments that started with, “This would never happen in the US…” or “If this were the States…”

It is true that I appreciated living in American much more than I ever did after traveling outside the US. I realized I was really fortunate to live here. So many things happened that showed me living in America is the best place for me, especially as a black person. You might be thinking I shouldn’t haste to make such a bold statement. However, I only say this because of what I experienced while traveling. Every negative experience reinforced by partiality to the US. There were times I felt there was no place like the US and found my self proudly thinking,

God Bless America.”

I wondered where this new nationalism came from. Without knowing it I have assimilated and adopted American ways. I found myself not understanding the ways of other countries. For example in Buenos Aires in order to recycle they have people that go around and go through people’s trash, leaving the opened trash bags spilled all over the streets until the trash company comes to pick it up.

This not only left the city dirty, but also gave it a disgusting smell. I couldn’t understand why they just didn’t have recycling bins instead of going through everyone trash. When I asked a local he said, “This is the only way to do it because otherwise no one will recycle.”

here was the instance where I missed my connecting flight from Houston, Texas to Acapulco and I had to fly to Mexico City first in order to connect to another flight to get to Acapulco. Everyone I encountered was so out of the loop about what to do it was so frustrating.

And rather than getting the actual help I needed I was met with either of these two responses:

1. the wrong answer just to get rid of me; which pissed me off because not only do I not have my answer now I’ve also wasted my time.
2. NO! That’s it. There is no “Oh I don’t know but let me find out for you.” Just NO! This also happened in the hotel I was staying in.

They don’t have the policy the customer is always right. In Acapulco I was told my private pool that I paid for will be rented out to someone else one of the days therefore I will not be able to use it. In Greece, my hotel didn’t have hot water and when I called to tell the front desk person she tells me it will be an hour before someone could come fix it.

I was upset since I had made plans to shower and leave my room in the next thirty minutes. Her response, “Well, I’m going to call the technician if I find him, then it will be less if not than it will be an hour.” This did not make sense to me at all.

These are issues that aren’t that important. The one thing I couldn’t get past was the race issues. I know racism exist in the US. I’ve experienced it so I know it does. But outside the US it’s different. In Argentina I was confused when people asked to take my picture, or walk up to me to touch my hair. I was hurt when a little girl screamed when she saw me with my hair curly or when a man touched my skin and looked at his fingers as if I’d rub off on him. I was furious to hear the locals talk about black people and tell the stories of how they simply disappeared.

In Greece, I was annoyed when people would say to me, “No, you’re not from Africa. They don’t look like you there.” I couldn’t really be mad at the people for looking at me like an alien. I was sympathetic for I was aware of their ignorance.In every country the locals talked about their country with pride. But they all complained about how their government was corrupt. They expressed their frustration about being poor and having limited opportunities.

In Mexico, even my rich friends complained about how the system is crooked and you have to give “gubo” to get anything done. These complaints reminded of the things my parents complained about Ethiopia. All these things made me feel grateful to live in America.

I know America is not perfect; but now I see it is the closest thing we’ve got to perfection. I also know there is corruption in the States, but at least if I’m poor I can work hard to move up. There might be a cap to my growth, but that cap is higher here than anywhere else in the world.

I say this with some reservation since I don’t know what it is like in countries like Switzerland or Australia. But I know the opportunities we have here are countless. If you’re poor, black, a woman, or crippled America is where you should live. I know some of you will disagree with me, but I honestly believe that America is the greatest country in the world, especially for a black person.

Your smell intoxicating as an Areque shot. I imagine being under your influence. Your feel as smooth as Kibe, caressing my finger tips. Whether its warm or cool, your kiss burns my lips with desire. And I yearn for more…

Your taste like heaven and hell exploding in my mouth. My tongue feels your pleasure and pain as you fulfill my desire. The moment you enter me I begin to tremble and sweat. I scream for help…but nothing will ease the fire.

You’re so hot! I sweat more and more. I’m in ecstasy. I reach the point of no return and I can’t take anymore. Just then you arrive. You look so tempting…meraque meta! Your passion is apparent in your blood-red color. Oh, how tempting you look next to my lega tibs. I can’t wait to devour you.

I put Awaze on everythang and I mean everythang.

Every household has their own special recipe. My mother uses Areque, kibe, salt and little bit of water. Some use whiskey, others wine and others Tej. Some use kibe and others olive oil. There is yeberberae awaze and then there is yemitmita awaze. It can be a thick paste or more of a sauce. No matter how its made, everyone agrees Awaze is a must have. Whether having tibs or pasta, Awaze enhances the satisfaction. Even my brother who is ten can’t get enough of this hot sauce.

Incase you didn’t get the drift here at bernos and most likely everywhere, Awaze has some fans. I’ve been to countless dinners with Nolawi, Beshou and Dawit and each time if we agree on one thing it’s no matter what we eat there must be Awaze. What would tire siga, lega or dirq tibs be without awaze?

So it is for this reason we wanted make a shirt that displayed our fond affection. With no further or due we introduce our Awaze Tshirt concept …

Many things went into designing the shirt. We wanted to use the well known hot sauce symbol of the States, Tabasco, to make the connection to our hot sauce. It is our continued attempt to breach the culture gap.

Also note the “made in DC” since what most of us these days is one that is made here. I’m sure all will agree with the shirts color choice. It screamed awaze to us.

I’m really excited about this shirt. Probably the most I’ve been about any of our shirts. It’s HOT!!! So make sure this summer you’re HOT!!!

This concept as well as two more coming in really late June, we will keep you updated on the blog.

If there is one thing that puts a smile on all our faces it’s the mention of the phrase, “Sold Out!” To us the phrase is synonymous with a hit product. It marks a benchmark we set out to reach every time we introduce a new Bernos Tshirt concept.

Therefore, it is with great pleasure that we announce that Bernos Ethiopian Millennium T-shirts are sold out!!! This is particularly sweet since our goal was met in such a short time. Within 24 hours this concept was put up for retail, we sold approximately half of the stock.

Although we were positively enthused by the overwhelming response to the concept, we were prepared to handle the tremendous production of packaging shipping out such a large quantity of orders.

Our delight is not only by the purchase of the shirts, but also by the comments on the Bernos Blog, the Bernos Press & emails in which many of you expressed your satisfaction and gratitude when you received your [for some your first] Bernos Tshirt. Great feedback is the icing on the cake; we however would like to say thank you to each and every Bernos customer instead.

We always say theirs Bernos people and the rest; as Bernos customers are repeat customers.

We understand that it takes a lot for the rest to have faith to make an online transaction. We can’t make you trust us, what we can do is show you that Bernos delivers.

Reprinting & Restocking

Is the most popular question! We have received an understatement countless emails requesting sizes we’re out of or asking when we will reprint or restock a particular Bernos Tshirt. This has especially stressed with Desta Keremela and Addis Ababa Classic concepts and even with the Bernos Ethiopian Millennium Tshirt before we started selling.
Nolawi had once un-carefully phrased it,

We are not in the ‘business of the masses!’”

Well at least in the ‘language of the masses,’ we do not reprint & restock any of Bernos Tees. Cost of production being the reason; when Bernos was established we set a goal to provide customers not only with best and most innovative designs, but also with the highest quality Tshirts. Accomplishing this task requires a huge amount of investment on production; on the tshirts, which we purchase from American Apparel and on the highest quality screen-printing available. We just cannot mass produce cheap t-shirts.

Being a small startup company and seeing as though having a limited budget, we simply cannot afford to print more a lot more than we generally do.

The more shirts we have in stock, the more money we have invested waiting to be turned into revenue. This takes away from future Bernos Tshirts concepts on the way.

This limited supply somewhat creates a higher demand causing the shirts to become ‘collector’s items.’ Although this was not our aim, we are satisfied with few people owning Bernos one of kind pieces. If you want to be part of the Bernos craze, you just have to buy it when we come out

A millennium exception!

Now with all that said, we made an exception; in the few hours we put the Milli Tees on retail, we knew we should have produced more, a lot more.

This past two weeks has been a roller coaster ride; we sold out not only the milli Tshirt but also the “Abebe Bikila Tshirt” as well as the “I dream of Amarigna Tshirt.” We now only have a Ethiopian-Alien and Sold in Merkato in a few size selections. At weeks end we would like to mention that Bernos is represented in Amesterdam & China.

Due to the high, extremely high demand for the shirt and an emergency meeting two days after going on sale we decided to restock the Bernos Ethiopian Millennium T-shirt.

The Ethiopian Millennium is momentous coming around once in a lifetime. Hence the significance to celebrate and commemorate this note-worthy moment in Ethio history. Bernos feels we can contribute with this small gesture to the celebration of this occasion. We have already placed the orders, and the new tees should arrive in about a week’s time.

This is a second chance, for those that thought about it but weren’t proactive enough to make the jump from sluggish observer to an active member of the Bernos Tshirts collectors member.

First step is to sign up in the Bernos email subscription list, which can be found in the Shop page and now on the blog page. Second is to wait till you receive that email. You know the one, for those that don’t know it will say, “Ethio-Milli is here again.”

Till then, I am podcasting a song in celebration of our Millennium; podcasted is a surprise.

while the children laughed
i was always afraid
of the smile of the clown
so i close my eyes
till i cant see the light
and i hide from the sould

i can hear the cry
of the leaf on a tree
as it falls to the ground
i can hear the call
of an echoing voice
and there's no one around

we're two of a kind
silence and i
we need a chance to talk things over
two of a kind silence and i
we'll find way to work it out

If there is one question I hate most in this world it is that! However, I despise the question only when it’s coming from an Ethiopian. At fist glace you might think I’m being extreme, but bear with me let me explain why.

I came to the states when I was eight. I’ve spent more of my life here than Ethiopia. When I initially came to the states there were not that many Ethiopians; now it’s a completely different story. I’m young for those with my educational background, but that’s only attributed to the fact I skipped a couple of grades. Besides I knew at least three or four other Indians who were sixteen years old freshmen in college, therefore it's not that big of a deal.

So when telling my age to anyone other than an Ethiopian, I never encounter any reaction other than maybe the surprise, “oh, you must be smart than…” but for some reason with Ethiopians I’m always met with this glare that I just told a blatant lie. Why is that?  My parents tried to explain that it’s because some Ethiopians lie about their age in order to come to the states. But does that mean all do? Should I then not trust when another Ethiopian tells me his or her age? What dereference does it make to them how old one person is?  What gets more is the animosity that comes afterwards. Why is that?