Yes we know its been a while but we are still here!

Summer of 2010 is almost over but it was very good. We went to San Jose for ESFNA in July. It was exciting to meet some of our west coast bernos™ fans. While in San Jose, we introduced our new bernos™ shirts.

If you were there, then consider yourself lucky since you received a preview of what was to come. It seems as though we’ve been quiet and maybe not doing too much. Au contraire, Nolawi has been putting man hours in revamping the site and making it more easy for you to shop and navigate. Many new features, including but not limited to moving our site from bernos.org to bernos.com although both urls will direct you to the main site.

bernos™ kids tee

Our customers have been bombarding us with request for a kids version of the bernos™ tees. We’re happy to announce our new bernos™ kids tees; we are starting with two concepts — ET alien & Baby Afro.

bernos™ kids ET Alien is available now in 3 different sizes on Orange American Apparel tee.

Baby Afro

The Afro — is the natural hairstyle for people of African descent, although there is variation of the Afro Hairstyle each represent genuine beauty of African people.

The Baby Afro concept came about our appreciation of African beauty and aesthetics, as embodied by the Black is beautiful movement; from a 2 year old child to your 90 year old grandma. The bernos™ Baby Afro tee for kids is available now in 3 different sizes on baby blue American Apparel tee.

Everyday people

Introducing new bernos™ tee called Everyday people, inspired by the 1968 single by Sly & the Family Stone The concept with varieties Djembe drums not only represents a traditional African musical utensil but also the wide variation of cultures and history within the continent that have coexisted throughout history.

The Djembe in Africa represents the gathering of people and listening to music. DJe means Gather and be means everyone in bambara language.

bernos.com

We are currently in the testing phase the next couple of weeks so if you encounter issue please email us at info@bernos.com; and let us know.

If you order more than 2 tshirts at this time, you get free shipping.

Can’t imagine being  estranged from their own parents for 27 years, but Sandra Laing, a “black” South African woman experienced that during the apartheid era. Born to White parents, she was born with “African features” which caused much controversy & eventually forced her to claim the race that the South African government classified her as – Colored.

A while back someone wrote about the  effects of skin color on bernos, and I wrote about beauty. When I think about skin colors, I think of house Negros from the field Negros. House Negros intermingled with the white bosses and even had children with them and through generations they became lighter than their brothers and sisters in the field.

Regardless though, the blood of a black person automatically classifies one as black. Refer to Obama for this one. He is Black; no one even talks about him being half white, not predominately anyways.

This is one of those stories, a true one at that, we can learn from and understand why, even as Africans, it’s engrained within us to view lighter skinned people as superior that those of that are darker.

Nolawi wrote a piece about Munit’s video “Noro Noro” a little over a year ago. He was referring more to her style of music and how much he loved the fact that it was not synthesized, or over synthesized, like a lot of Ethiopian music nowadays.

I don’t remember how I met Munit, but I remember the first time I saw her sing. It was 6 years ago at an event organized in DC  by the Ethiopian Student Association . I remember seeing this tiny woman with so much energy walking around and talking to mutual friends. Her laugh was infectious. Little did I know,  she had a voice that could render a room silent.

Munit sang back up for Wayna and has collaborated with countless artists. For those of you who had a chance to go back to Ethiopia in the last few months, she had a successful few months at Club Alize.

I could go on and on about her and her music, but I’d rather you come and see her perform and be blown away. Bernos’ 4th year anniversary on  Sat May 29th is at The Warehouse Loft. She’ll be performing alongside BSheba and Meklit Hadero. Make sure to purchase your tickets for the show.

I remember when I attended my first ESAi summit. I remember the trouble I went through to get there and I’m pretty sure those around me then can vouch for it too. It was one of the most invigorating and unforgettable experiences of my college years.

It was the 3^rd annual Summit in Berkeley, CA.  I was excited to meet some new faces and see what they hype about these summits were about.  I may be biased, but that was my favorite summit. I then went ahead and ran for a position in ESAi and proud to say that I loved each and every moment of it.

Fast forward 7 years later, I still hold on to those memories and look how far ESAi has come. For those of you who are not familiar with what ESAi means, Ethiopian Students Association, International. For the first time, ESAi is putting living up to the “I”. All summits have been held all over the US but never have they crossed the border. It’s great to see that this year’s host are located in Canada.

I wish I could make it. The other day I asked Mike Endale whether he was going or not, he said of course.  I was sort of worried that we’d only be the “seniors” and not too many to join us, so I’d feel out of place. He also said something poignant. When we used to organize past summits , we were always looking for folks to attend and it would only be right to support their efforts.

So if you live in Toronto, or you know anyone who lives in Toronto, please make sure to support these young, energectic individuals who’ve poured their heart and soul in organizing the summit.

10^th Annual ESAi Summit
March 25th -March 28th 2010
Toronto, Canada

Following the Summit on Saturday is the Selam Visual Arts Festival. The visual exhibit ranges from photography, oil paintings, motion graphics, textile and digital art and brings together Ethiopian and Eritrean artists from across North America and Ethiopia to Toronto, Canada. This year’s artists will feature : Abye Kifle, Assegid Gessesse, Naz Mebrahtu and Kal Assefa : For more info, please Click Here. 

That is what they call it, the republican pundits that is.  Currently I am in my office working but with my headphones on. I am quietly listing to the Obama’s bipartisan health care summit.

I and those around me, those of us that sacrificed money as well as time to get Obama elected are finally in consensus that this push for Health Care has been lame for lack a better word.

And now I am listening to preach to congress, and he is convincing, in fact he is very convincing. He has the right path for America, at least the start of it, by progressive standards; even though the bill is missing what is considered major, public option.

Then, one of the most powerful republicans, Minority House Leader John Boehner slapped Obama’s efforts down by saying:

Let’s scrap this Bill!

Basically, repeating what his has been saying for almost a year now. Obama just let is slide, saying that he viewed it significantly different.

They kept repeating it, rephrased in many different ways; and he only disagrees with it.

At some point he has to get mad, and angry, not calm like this. Moreover, I heard a friend say this, ‘maybe Hilary had a point when she said Obama was soft.’

Merry Christmas ladies and gentlemen, Obama has delivered a big present for all poor Americans.

Health care for all! Well not really; but it’s a start and the bill that just passed the senate will likely become law sometime in the next 3 months.

I first mentioned my unhappiness with Obama when he backpedaled on the Gates situation early in Aug 2009.

And I got a lot of pushback from all of you. Since Aug, 4 months he has sent 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, finish the war that was important according to what I heard him say live on the day before election. And then soon the health care bill will become a bill.

I am assuming that all you liberal immigrants who pushed back at me when I asked for real change; a black male president that is willing to change how black males are treated by the legal system, are happy.

Now, when can I get my present of real change?

the latest bernos

Inspired by the music Grand Kalle et l’African Jazz, we are proud to bring you the bernos Afro Jazz, featuring African Jazz musician playing the Sax with African motif. Presenting bernos Afro Jazz concept in Silver American Apparel Shirt only $23.95.

As seen on K’naan’s : T.I.A video, this shirt is back by popular demand. Make sure that you get it before we sell out. Presenting the bernos Made in Africa II, now available in Navy Blue American Apparel Shirt only $22.95.

Bringing back our most controversial shirt and ironically, the people’s choice. A common thread amongst bernos lovers, bloggers & supporters is that most of us hail from Africa. Bernos believes and stands for Africa. This is a way for us to pay homage to Africa. The Bernos Afrocode is now available in Olive Green American Apparel Shirt only $22.95.

We also wanted to thank everyone who was part of making our fall collection come to life:

- Our models: Seward, Adiam, Janic, and Hayat. Thank you for coming out on that rainy Saturday and for your patience throughout the process.
- Make up artist Lori: We recommend her for any events you may have.
-Marvins: for letting us use your facilities and accommodating our needs.
-Nana Boutique: Thank you for loaning us your fabulous jackets and other accessories.

Now…let’s do some shopping!

In my business, that is the web world words like SEO, analytics and great content are thrown around. For most of you they might not mean much but they break or make a business or a website.

At the end ‘Content is King,’ brings in the people. Magazine editors and web publishers knew this long time ago, and successful bloggers are making living. Of course, it’s a different world trying to compete in a niche market.

Here at bernos, I analyze the traffic. Where is it coming from? What are they looking for? It’s interesting in two aspects, for me. I am in the business and the topics interest me.

One of the most read bernos post is the “How to Ask Ethiopian Girls Out?” almost 400 comments and counting. The top searched key words that direct traffic to bernos are “bernos, bernos blog, and then Ethiopian girls.” People are coming to bernos looking for Ethiopian girls; and I find it fascinating that there are more people looking for Ethiopian girls as opposed to African Tees.

Google tracks top searched keywords via Google trends and that information is public up to a certain extent. I wish, much like many SEO guru’s and web marketers I could have a good look in their data for demographic tendencies.

How to land an Ethiopian girl?

How To Pick Up An Ethiopian Girl? According to Roosh you need to create a connection with her. Of course if you are already Ethiopian you can skip this step.

Don’t get intimidated by beauty? According to the guy that asked the question, it seems like he has a fetish like need for an Ethiopian girl. Of course, this approach will definitely get you turned down fast. Most Ethiopian girls do not know the reason some non-Ethiopian males want them for not who they are as opposed to what they are. You would have to make them think you are interested in who she is as opposed to what she is.

This dude apparently is intimidated by her Ethiopianess. At the end she is just a girl, just like every other girl. This outlook will definitely get you turn down real fast.

What you really need to know?

• Be straight forward, telling her your intention right away is a sure way not to get in the Ethiofused — friendship zone.
• Play it cool; girls do not respect men that are all over them.
• Be persistent, if you really want her. Ethiopian girls are more likely to be more confused than other women. She will change her mind if you are persistent.
• If she wants to be friends, run away. A girl whose intent is keeping many platonic male friends around tends to be selfish and just need attention.

Good Luck!

If you are like me… and like most people drinking coffee is an integral part of your daily routine. Be it one cup or five cups most of us drink at least once a day.

The few people I know that do not drink coffee; I call them decaffeinaterians, annoy me! I drink coffee first thing in the morning; and most of the time I don’t stop drinking till about early afternoon. I know that maybe a bit too much but my current office doesn’t have free coffee and I am been forced to decrease the input in my coffee.

The few days I am too tired or too behind schedule to brew my morning coffee… I pick it up from 7-11 or Starbuc {I say starbuc not Star Bucks).

Let’s get to the point of this post. I am sure most of you like Macchiatos Ethiopian style. For example, most Ethiopians haven’t had Cafe Americano before they left Ethiopia. Americano is the regular hot water drip coffee we buy in the US. The prevalence of American style coffee throughout the world is well I don’t know and I couldn’t find the details via Google.

I have had many types of coffees, including the ever popular Ethiopian style brewing as seen on bernos’ buna tee. I love the Turkish style infusion; I had the privilege of enjoying some 11 years ago when I had it at middle-eastern friends place. Cerve pronounced ‘Jez-veh’ is used to boil powdered beans and let tell settle before drinking.

A recent ‘fancy’ French restaurant served me coffee made with French press. I think it makes some really refined coffee, but the key to the French coffee is the freshness of the roast. Here in the US almost everyone buys roasted coffee, only a few of us do grind our coffee ourselves.

My favorite type of coffee has to be the Ethiopian style Macchiato, and no barista from Italy can make me the Macchiato the way I like. Ethiopian baristas since the days of Kebele 23 coffee shop have been making it the way; I started to drink between the ages of 8-11. Pictured scene above, enjoying my Macchiato at Dama Coffee & Bakery!

There is the pure Espresso, and there is the popular Cappuccino but the Caffè Macchiato is the middle ground and it’s the best. Caffè Macchiato is stained Espresso, the reason was according to how wiki describes it:

for the baristas to show the serving waiters the difference between an espresso and an espresso with a little milk in it; the latter was marked.”

the perfect ratio

There is a new trend; I haven’t seen this as Starbucks or any major chains but in a two city shops, one in the north side of Manhattan and in a small Shop in DC. They call it Latte macchiato but it’s basically a half a shot large Cappuccino. Not to be confused with a Misto or Café Au Lait, which is my sister’s favorite at Star Bucks, which is the Americano over milk.

The perfect Macchiato is not stained; it’s not dropped like the Portuguese. Its two tablespoons of at milk, and foam till it covers every surface of the serving dish.

There was a fantastic article of how the ratio of Espresso changes with the choice of serving paper cups at Starbucks.

A short and ‘Tall’ get one shot while a ‘Venti’ gets two shots of Espresso. Thus a ‘Venti’ is stronger that a Tall. A ‘Short’ which also comes with one shot is the strongest. A macchiato comes stained and bitter. I now have devised the best way to order a Macchiato at Star Bucks.

A short cappuccino has a 1 to 3 ratio; the latter being the steamed milk. Want you want to do is get to the 2 to 1 ration; you want twice the amount of Espresso to the milk to get to as close to the Ethiopian style as possible.

A Short double shot dry Cappuccino will get you 50/50. If you order it with extra foam or with room then the space needed will be fulfilled by the amount of steamed milk, and thus arriving to the perfectly blended Ethiopian style Macchiato.

A couple of months ago, we told you about this artist named K’naan. We also told you that we attended his concert in DC and that was great. I also wrote a short review of his album , Troubadour. We also had the chance to meet K’naan, his band and his management team.

At that particular moment, we gave them some Bernos shirts. Now, we didn’t think they were going to wear the shirts on stage for any concert. Most of the time, artists have a set wardrobe for their shows, or some prefer to wear what they feel. A few nights later, they had a show in philly, which I attended (yes again, sue me). Rayzak, one of the band members wore the ET ALIEN shirt. It was such a surprise! I did not expect it.

Yesterday morning on my way to work, I read online that K’naan’s wearing the MADE IN AFRICA shirt on his new music video, T.I.A (This Is Africa). Mind you, this on the train with a phone that I can’t really stream videos. I call Nolawi and he doesn’t pick up.

I call Dawit 6:30am and he thinks that something happened to me. When I informed him, he said “what? beshou I thought something was wrong with you! Call me back later” and hung up the phone. I don’t think it registered. So here I am on my way to work and no access to VIMEO.

Long story short, I saw the video later that day and was blown away. Not only is the video visually stimulating, but  K’naan was wearing the Bernos shirt throughout the video. It litterally made our day. Dawit and I were calling each other throughout the day and could not hide our excitement. I finally got a hold of Nolawi and expressed how excited I was.

We want to thank all of you for your support the last few years. We have a positive artist sending out a great message wearing our shirt. This is the greatest gift to us. Next on our list is to be in your local store, to go national and international. This is just the beginning for us and we hope you join us on our journey. Because without you, our customers, supporters, friends and family, Bernos would not be where it is at. Thank you!

Enjoy the following videos!

K’NAAN “T.I.A” music video directed by: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Wavin’ Flag

Over the past few years, this phenomenon of blogging has taken over the Internet. Personally, the only blog I religiously follow, and this may be because I am biased, is Bernos. Not to say there aren’t any good ones out there, because there are,  I just may not know about them or don’t have enough energy to muster up and search the world wide web.

However, an honorable mention would be Tse’s Senduq. That being said, in college we were used to web zines. What are web zines?  A prime example would be abesha . I actually used to submit short stories and poems to them, before i lost my knack for writing. More than a webzine, the writers, the individuals behind abesha became family to me over the years.

As the website grew, so did my thirst for perhaps something similar to abesha. Much to my surprise, I landed on Seleda . A friend of mine wanted me to read an article he had written to be submitted to them. I had no idea what they were about, who they were. One thing I knew is that they had peaked my interest. Here was a website (or webzine) whose contributors were not only writing in English but almost in Amharic. But the Amharic was not only in fidel, it was in latin. Seleda is/was from a different breed.

Call me naive, innocent, or what have you but I was impressed and intrigued. Moreover, these contributors were only known by their monikers and their identities remained a secret. So here I am, a 19 yr old college student, thinking I had found the best thing since sliced bread (in the case the sliced bread would be abesha ). A secret society of intellectuals who prefer to addressed as ‘Seledochu’ had me little old me mesmerized.

I’d engulf myself in their website and I could not wait until the next issue came out. One day, I waited, waited and waited. Nothing. Still Nothing. Rumor had it that they were coming out with a new one. Weeks passed, months passed and NOTHING.

The ‘Seledechoh’ had left the world wide web without a proper good bye.

Five years after their dramatic disappearance, they ARE BACK!! Back for one last hurrah! And this time they are going out with a BANG.I wish I could give you a preview of what is in the works, but I can’t. It’s not because I don’t want to, it’s because I do not know, which means it’s something great in the making. Nolawi told me they were coming back and I was ecstatic!

One last issue to quench my thirst and put me (and others) at ease. I’ve always wondered about the identity behind these fascinating characters, but I don’t want to kill my curiosity. So ladies, gather up the jebena and the senis, this is going to be one ‘Intin’ buna session you are going to gossip about for a while. Gentlemen, forget the politics chewata or the next barca vs ‘Intin’ game. This is one virtual event you do not want to miss. When is it you might ask? Well, we’ll leave that up to Seledochu.

The first time I saw Tilahun live, I couldn’t help the tears that fell down my cheeks. He was so humble when people would come and talk to him. He was on a wheel chair but yet he would try to raise himself up to show respect.

There are a few song by Tilahun I constantly listen too. He is the undisputed king of modern Ethiopian Music and I think that title is going to stay with him for the rest of my lifetime.

Tilahun Gessesse, 69, passed away at midnight on Sunday while he was being taken to the hospital feeling serious pain.

Rest in Peace Tilahun!

I’ve posted some old school videos of the Late singer so some of you youngins can listen and appreciate the style and grace.

I do have a few Tilahun jokes as well, which I would like to share with you guys but since it doesn’t translate that well, I might just podcast.

The number of ambiguous single words you made up; he excuses you came up with; the number of times you decide not to speak, all conspired so that you don’t have to express your self.

I recently had something scheduled in my calendar. One of those things the crew does together and as the organizer I canceled it. The crew got an email saying ‘it’s canceled.’

I got a reply, ‘why did you cancel the event?’

I could have said, I am busy, you didn’t confirm, I am really tired, we are too late in the planning, right now it’s just easier to cancel and reschedule; but I didn’t say that.

I said “BeQa’A”

Meaning, BeQa’A, for no reason; he replied, ‘ Ok.’

Usually I am not like this. I usually express the exact reason for my actions. And now that I think about it, it’s what I would want if I was in the other shoes.

This single word, the one who is so hip and so Arada is fine and dandy if it wasn’t so ambiguous.

Did I say BeQA, like enough! Or did I say it with an affirmation on the second ‘A.’ Like an offooy, but I couldn’t have said offoy, that could have meant, ‘I am tired of talking to you, you miserable man who doesn’t need an explanation.’

Be’QaA, you guys Offoooye.

I lied though, he actually replied by saying ‘AyeeeeE’ to my initial ‘BeQa’A.’

And what I think he meant was, ‘you are not going to give an explanation are you, you miserable man who is inconsiderate to his good friend.’

AyeeeE, how can you say that about me? Offoy BeQagn.

Meaning, I am tired, I don’t what to discuss this at the moment and/or permanently!

Now if we could just say that, there would be more understanding, now express yourself Aradoch!

They said record crowds, a moment in history and so on. So I went after a friend urged me. Although I was not looking to standing in the cold for hours, as I have done it a few times.

I have seen Obama a few times, at critical moments including the night before the election with 100,000 people.

Yesterday was crazy, I mean really crazy. The amount of people was astounding.

I was far, as you can see. I was my the monument, this form the statellite photos.

In context from the whole. Download this 51 meg picture of all the crowds.

Festivus -  a holiday born of necessity.

I am not much of a Gift Giver, but I do have to get a very few special people something for the holidays.

Something quick & easy; just to say I am thinking of you, or I am also giving you a gift for you giving me a gift; something more than a candy cane but not as fancy as an Ipod.

So here is your chance to let me know some gift ideas without knowing who the person is and what the person likes.

Obviously can’t buy it online so it would have to be something that can get picked up easily.

Miriam Makeba, known to fans worldwide as “Mama Africa,” was an international symbol of the anti-apartheid struggle and South African musical legend.

She died early Monday in southern Italy after performing at a concert against organized crime.

Miriam to me was one of a kind. She loved her country and loved our continent. During her lifetime, she was one of Africa’s most unifying figures from shoreline to coast. Africa will produce other great singers and greatly talented women. I am however certain that Africa will not produce another Miriam Makeba.

Here are a few songs that are my favorites.

Pata Pata

The Click Song

Barack Obama has a real chance of becoming the leader of the free world, on January 20th 2009. We have about 6 days left before the polling stations close.

He most likely will get elected barring any major stumbling blocks. Today there is an Obama TV; ie Obamercial. Watch it!

The world will watch as Obama closes the deal, makes the final pitch, in marketing terms— it’s the end of a long sales cycle; if you are not convinced you want CHANGE yet, then this might convince you. Other wise things will stay the same.

Why Barack?

Various reasons for several of us; for me there is one reason I want change. Call me an idealist moron if you want but a black president can be a reality.

The reality is life is so inflexible for ‘Black Males’ throughout the world but especially in the west.

‘Black Males’ are seen with an intimidating factor added to their persona. In 2006, I read an interesting article in the New York Times — Plight Deepens for Black Men, Studies Warn.

Duh! Obviously — I have been in many arguments with my female Ethiopian friends as to the new problems Black immigrant males encounter in the US; vs. the ease in transition for immigrant females.

I feel, some of the problems are more emotional, psychological and environmental a la Freud’s theory of nurture.

Thus, an Obama presidency might reinforce the psychology of “being able to achieve what you set your mind to” in the psyche of young black males, and unborn black males.

It might also open the eyes of people who are hesitant to give the benefit of the doubt as to the capability of a black man.

Consequently, even the possibility not the actuality for this change is enough for me to hope that change is possible.

About three weeks ago, we announced our biggest event project ever since the conception of bernos over two years ago. That is the planning committee minus a few that we talk to over the phone. Dawit was on a plane back during our first meeting the first week of August.

We have been very busy with weekly meetings, phone conferences and more; organizing for the event which is nicely titled, ‘Cocktails for Reading.’

We believe it will be a success, but we have been getting a few emails asking what the bottom line is on the event.

What exactly will happen on October 11th?

Well, it’s quite simple actually, we have invited Ethiopian authors and others involved in the publications industry to come and attend a cocktail soirée.

Latterly, it’s a party, a cocktail party. No loud music and no long self at the bar fighting to get your drink. ‘Cocktails for Reading’ will be held in Touchstone Art Gallery in China Town of Washington DC.

There is the Cocktail drinks, the people, the food, the authors, the books and a Free Gift Bag full of nice little things to remember us by.’

Our featured keynote speakers include recent CNN Hero,

Yohannes Gebregeorgis of Ethiopia Reads; and Elias Wondimu, founder & publisher of Tsehai Publishers and Distributor.

Event hosted by Ellias Fullmore from burntface.

If you are not satisfied @ the end, we will take the party to the Afrobeat

What is Afrobeat?

Afrobeat is combination of jazz, funk rhythms, Yoruba music, percussion and vocal styles. Oct 15th marks Fela Kuti’s birth day, the king of afrobeat! We’re starting the party early.

And this is also the Official After Party after the ‘Cocktails for Reading!’ party!

Let’s celebrate as we dance to sounds of afrobeat as well as an eclectic mix from the east, west, north and south. Afrobeat will be at Penang, 1837 M st NW.

This summer I made a call to a Jamhuri Guy in NYC to buy this Addis Ababa Hoody.

One of his t-shirts is called Tusker Nostaliga as in it reminds him of the Tusker beer.

I was fascinated with the image, and the representation of Tusker in commercial items.

So I started reading about Ivory and Tusks.

Also called Ivory! The word ivory disassociates it in our minds from the idea of an elephant.

We tend to lump Ivory with Gold, Silver, Amber and Teak, but there is a major difference; these things do not come from an animal. Ivory is a modified tooth of an Elephant.

“Unlike the from tiger bone and rhino horn, Ivory is not bound to any myth of pharmaceutical value. Nevertheless, it is luxurious, beautiful, durable, and easy to carve. From ancient times, ivory from elephant tusks has been classed among things precious and desirable. —Elephant Memories, by Cynthia Moss.

International Fund for Animal Welfare or IFAW has been on the for front of fighting Ivory trade since the Ivory trade ban in 1989; there have been fluctuations’ in elephant populations and ivory trade as bans have been placed and lifted.

Your Voice Against the Trade of Ivory is a campaign to fight sales of Ivory on sites such are Ebay. Some are claiming that Ebay is not doing enough to stop illegal internet trade.

The many voices

Many African countries including Zimbabwe, Namibia and Botswana claim that ivory trade is necessary—both to stimulate their economies and reduce elephant populations which are allegedly harming the environment.

In July the brits chimed in:

Britian was yesterday condemned for “signing the death warrant” of thousands of elephants by backing a deal to let China trade in ivory. Source

Stockpiles

Kenya and Zambia burn their stockpiles, worth millions of dollars every year.

Estimates total volume of ivory presently stockpiled in African countries is at least 462 tons, worth 46 million dollars. Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, the three countries now permitted to trade with Japan, hold 120 tons of ivory.

The Global trade ban resulted in prices plummeting, and Ivory markets dried up, Poaching decreased dramatically. Before the ban, poachers in Kenya slaughtered at least 2,000 elephants a year. By 1995, the figure had dropped to 35 and Kenya’s elephant population increased from 19,000 in 1989 to about 26,000 today.

Wonder why they are all not stockpiling like Petroleum.

13 Months of Sunshine; that is the title of this film by Yehdego Abeselom who I have heard about for a about 4 years. I have been unenthusiastic because of my indifference to the title since its close resemblance to the trademark of the Ethiopian Tourism commission.

Regardless, I have seen pieces of the film over the internet for a while, I had a slight understanding of the plot line, the cast – I met a few of them during the Ethiopian Soccer Tournament in DC.

So finally, I was able to catch this film via screening here in DC on Saturday. And since it’s been a long time in the making I had built up my expectation somewhat high.

The plot line had so much depth, intertwined with the theme of Coffee and 13 months.

It’s a story of a girl from Ethiopia who needs a green card and pursues it through a fake marriage by paying an Ethiopian man who is in need of cash to start a business.

It was a believable story that is somewhat based on reality – according to the posters. I can relate to it – excluding a modeling career in the within the Ethiopian community, the lead female was somewhat pursuing via an African American agent.

The film was all digital – and with great sound and clean cinematography. At the beginning there were some stylistic differences – meaning it seemed like the director was experimenting with different styles but once I got to about 20 minutes into the film I didn’t notices it much.

I was entrenched in the story- I loved the depth of each character with all the stereotypes of people we know.

The soundtrack – filled with Bole2Harlem and Burntface was amazing. Was singing along to all the songs I was familiar with.

At the end, some people were crying – I was emotional as well.

As critical as I was, with some part of the film – this was a fantastic film with a great story. Yehedego is a genius in the making. I look forward more films in the future because we have many stories that need to be told.

People of Berlin – people of the world – this is our moment. This is our time.

Everyone is drawing comparisons between Barack Obama’s speech in Berlin and those of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan; they were helped along by Obama, whose remarks made several references to their words.

Just amazing.

The walls between the countries with the most and those with the least cannot stand. The walls between races and tribes, natives and immigrants, Christian and Muslim and Jew cannot stand.

No fucken walls, we are people of the world.

Three young immigrants make a fashion statement

by Alysia Patterson – Jul 17, 2008

WASHINGTON — In the world of African affairs, Ethiopia and Eritrea are historically unfriendly neighbors. But in the fashion world style transcends geopolitical tussles.

Three young African immigrants — one from Eritrea and two from Ethiopia — joined forces to create a t-shirt line that fuses together their old and new cultures. And they’ve just found out it’s a winning combination.

I watched the final episode of Oprah’s Big Give, a show about charity and giving back last Sunday. And I was inspired; I was thinking about issues that people were having around them.

Sorry to be ambiguous, but I am talking about the state of mind; depression, lack of fulfillment, lack of confidence and many other issues that affect everyone especially here in the US.

I was thinking that the no one is incapable of giving a little; the consensus on the show was you don’t have to give money to give big. You just have to share what you can, it can be time or thoughts or ideas. It could be encouraging words.

Few of my longtime readers might remember when I asked them to give some money to Ethiopia Reads last march. Well, this world is so small that nearly a year later I found out my sister ended up working for this Organization; such a small shop, making giving big. I mean Huge.

You can read about Jane Kurtz, who I met and found to be inspiring person, and founder Yohannes Gebregeorgis on their website.

Guess what Yohannes is now going to be recognized on CNN as a Hero.

Watch Yohannes on CNN Thursday, May 1 during Larry King Live 6-7 pm PST; 9-10 pm EST times.

And then come back and report to me, let me know what you think.

Most of you have heard the recent controversy of the so labeled racist Rev. Jeremiah Wright, who according to the mainstream media made some incendiary remarks that are construed as racist and unpatriotic.

Context

I for one didn’t see anything erroneous with the snippets taken out of context. First, the remarks in context are not as inflammatory as the mainstream media made them to appear to be; and thus has been widely proven after the controversy died down.

As Sen. Obama explained in his “A More Perfect Union”

And I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and You Tube, or if Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures being peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way.

These snippets out of context appear to be unpatriotic but many media editorials have looked back at the controversy and now have made a semi-consensus that these comments are not as evil; given that they are a few words out of the millions of words that the pastor has spoken over the 30 year carreer.

William Von Hoene of Chicago Tribune explains the Reverend in a different light. As have other editorials written to show the context of these subsequently branded incendiary remarks, as in the LA Times examines weather the pastor is more outrageous than Frederick Douglass?

MLK

Friday marks the 40th Anniversary of King’s Assassination. It will be commemorated and talked about as Americans in general have used his legacy to learn about the history of racial divide in America.

The conservatives like to bring up MLK when talking about race to claim racial tolerance since some white Americans perceive that African Americans having a chip on their shoulder. Words like ‘reverse racism’ and ‘white discrimination’ on the bases of affirmative action and immigration policy are thrown around.

The fact remains African Americans are angry, although that anger is not baseless. Conservative white Americans have resentment, although that resentment is not baseless.

After the civil rights movement of the late fifties and early sixties which led to the lifting of some legally and racially intolerant laws of the US, Martin Luther King was regarded as one of the most important people of the world.

Despite tensions, MLK’s was given credit and was awarded Nobel Peace prize in 1964 followed by American Liberties Medallion and Pacem in Terris Award in 1965. These among many other recognitions held MLK as the pivotal leader of the American civil rights movement.

In 1965, MLK started talking about his opposition of the war in Vietnam. Much like remarks of Illinois State Sen. Barack Obama Against Going to War with Iraq in 2002; King delivered Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence.

In 2002, conservatives labeled then State Senator Obama and anyone else who spoke against the war in Iraq as unpatriotic.

And although white southern segregationists have always despised King; his speech against the war in Vietnam turned the mainstream media against him.

Time called the speech “demagogic slander that sounded like a script for Radio Hanoi“, and The Washington Post declared that King had “diminished his usefulness to his cause, his country, his people.” Source 1,2

Eventually, Americans as well as the media started to question US involvement in south eastern Asia. Before the end of the war in Vietnam in 1969, King was already assassinated. And in 2008, forty years after his death his speech against the war in Vietnam will not be seen as unpatriotic rather as good judgment; as has Sen Obama’s speech against the war in Iraq five years later in 2008. Not only is his then position seen as insight but also has catapolted him to presumably get the nomination of the Democratic party for the President of the United States.

To my point; what would MLK say about the Rev. Wright controversy? He would say that white American have a tendency to label other races they disagree with as unpatriotic.

The only difference is that he would use better words than I ever could.

I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community. I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother – a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe.

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama; “A More Perfect Union” Constitution Center Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 18, 2005.