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Ethiopian Royalty Goes to Chicago June 2014 - Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie

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This June, African Americans in Chicago welcomed His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie and his wife Princess Saba Kebede. The prince who is the grandson of King Haile Selassie I, visited Chicago June 27-30 in his first official visit and was hosted by the president of the Chicago-based Queen of Sheba Foundation, Wolette Selassie. The purpose of the Prince's visit was "to renew bonds of friendship and brotherly love with civic, business and religious leaders in the black community." He attended The Sweet Holy Spirit Church and also did a presentation at the DuSable Museum of African-American History on the "The Origins of the Solomonic Dynasty and the Throne of David in Ethiopia." His visit occurs on the historic 60th anniversary of King Haile Selassie I's 1954 visit to Chicago.




Highlights of Prince Ermia's Chicago Visit by Mystic Vibes TV
Executive Producer Zezel McKenzie

It's encouraging to see Ethiopian Royals re-engaging with the African American community, because it's time not only for Ethiopian royals but other African royals to step up to the plate at this time. Since King Haile Selassie I stepped down during the communist coup of 1974/75, Ethiopia has been a poster child for all that's been wrong with Africa - epitomizing African pathos so well. When you think of Ethiopia in recent years, what comes to your mind are starving children, famine and war. Who knows anymore that Ethiopia was the first Christian nation/empire in the world!  (Go read Acts of the Apostles), if you're not sure. Or the fact it's ancient Ethiopia that is one of the first territories mentioned in the Hebrew Book of Genesis as part of the Garden of Eden. It seems that with Ethiopia's fall, the rest of Africa fell too.

Significance of the Ethiopian Monarchy


King Haile Selassie I's Office

In the Hebraic culture and spiritual order, the King of Kings of Ethiopia is the king over all the kings of Africa and the world. Simply put, the King of Kings of Ethiopia is the rightful ruler of the Earth and rules over the first King Adam's children. The Hebrew Book of Genesis is a genealogy of kings! More specifically, the King of Kings of Ethiopia is the highest ruler over all the black peoples in the world whether in Africa or not. This is significant, because many black peoples who have suffered exile and slavery in other lands are often limited in knowledge to their existence as slaves, as if that's all they ever were and that's simply not true.

The Hebrew Bible and the Hebrew Prophets explain the reason why many African Hebrews were sent into other lands and enslaved and also why Africa has been colonized and exploited by foreigners for the last 2000 years (See Hebrew Bible Book of Deuteronomy Chapter 28 - blessings and cursings and Book of Jeremiah Chapter 2 which specifically outlines the case against Israel's leadership and people).

Criticisms of King Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian Monarchy and True Leadership


With that said, there is a lot of criticism of King Haile Selassie I from many camps especially within Ethiopia itself, mostly tribalistic complaints. The criticisms range from the issue that many do not consider King Haile Selassie I the rightful king, because he was the first cousin of the original heir to King Menelik II's throne. King Menelik II was the 224th Solomonic king, and Haile Selassie I ruled in place of his cousin Lidj Yassu who was uncrowned. Not to get into the detailed politics of that time, but the critics of King Haile Selassie I act as if there is no precedence for a son to be removed from ruling. The ruler can be from the males in the family, but there are conditions. Let's go back to the official title of the Solomonic Ethiopian kings, at least in English:
THE LION OF JUDAH HATH PREVAILED:
Name of King
Elect of GOD
King of Kings of AEthiopia
The title Elect of GOD is tantamount to understanding why King Haile Selassie I was ruler of Ethiopia from 1930 - 1974/75 and also gives us the keys to understanding the nature of true leadership, something we are desperately needing right now.

The "Elect of GOD" title refers to the fact that God at the end has the final say on who sits on the Throne of David or who rules over His people. There are many examples in the Hebrew Bible of sons who were not deemed fit to rule. The Patriarch Jacob's first born son Reuben was disqualified from his father's throne, because he slept with one of his father's wives. The Patriarch Isaac's oldest son Esau didn't care one bit about upholding his divine heritage and valued it as much as a cup of soup. His younger brother Jacob was given the direct inheritance of his father's throne. Even with the Hebrew priesthood, there is the story of the priest Eli who had two sons that were supposed to take over their father's hereditary office. Priest Eli's sons were disrespectful, slept around and took bribes. God was not pleased and both of his sons died. God replaced Priest Eli and his family with a young boy named Samuel.

The ultimate story about a king who got himself removed by God was Israel's first king - King Saul. King Saul was removed as king, because he was a people-pleaser. He wanted to make everybody happy and do what everybody wanted him to do. He wanted to be popular. He was a great man.  A fearless warrior. Handsome. You name it. But this need to please and make other people happy at the expense of the truth made him unfit in God's eyes, because King Saul was not looking at what God wanted him to do and fulfilling that responsibility and higher calling. 

Even King Yeshua (Jesus Christ), the Messiah, said that what people value can and most often is an abomination in God's sight. Because too often, we are not ruled by the right spirit - we are ruled by selfishness, envy, anger, greed, superficiality and other things that lead to bad consequences. True leadership requires the ability to make unpopular but right decisions - DO THE RIGHT THING.

The Solomonic kings derive their right to rule from a covenant that was made between the God of the Hebrews and the Great King David. King David's sons/descendants are fit to rule as long as they uphold God's laws and govern with justice and righteousness. There is only one time in history that King David's official throne is empty and that is before the coming of Israel's Messiah King Yeshua (aka Jesus Christ of Nazareth).

King Menelik II, King of Kings of Ethiopia
The Throne of Great King David, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

True Leadership and Honoring the King

The 18th Dynasty Amenhotep III statues in the Brooklyn Museum and British Museum. He was also the King of Kings of Ethiopia AND Egypt. He ruled for almost 40 years. His empire was the richest and most powerful empire on the planet. He was also known as a Great Builder, building the largest religious complex in the world. Amenhotep - meaning the Prince of Amen or simply the Prince of Peace.

The critics of King Haile Selassie and the anti-monarchy crowd need to examine their hearts and true motives. Ethiopia, Kenya, the rest of Africa is very tribalistic and spiritually off-center. These tribalisms are narrow-minded and childish. At our worst, African peoples are backstabbing, complaining, griping, IGNORANT and lazy. We are mean to each other but bend over backwards to be nice to foreigners.
We perpetuate poverty curses on our continent by our ignorance, which can be fixed with knowledge and a willingness to learn. Western Christianity is defunct and without power, because it's too hypocritical. Yet we follow these precepts blindly, not thinking for ourselves and studying the Holy Scriptures diligently. "It's a Do One Thing but Say Another Thing" culture and incorporates too much heathen, pagan junk. Too many of us, go to the witch doctor and "talk" to our ancestors. We need to examine ourselves. You can look at the fruits of colonialism, slavery and then see our spiritual bankruptcy parallels.

True Christianity and the Hebrew faith that the Solomonic kings are responsible for upholding says YOU LIVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE. Your actions should reflect what's inside, and if you're listening to and worshipping the Spirit of Truth, which is the Spirit of the True God and Creator of the Universe - then it would show in your family, in your community and in your nation.

The Earth is being destroyed by its current rulers sitting in Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia. Ethiopians and Africans are fighting about what? Which poor man gets the crumbs from the rich people's table? Why are we going down the road to materialism and vanity? A godless abyss?

King Saul, Israel's first king, was so angry, when he understood that God was removing him from the kingdom and replacing him with King David. King David was his son-in-law and a cousin of his. (King David's father and King Saul's father - go check out their relationship). King Saul and his two sons were killed in battle against the Philistines in what is now the modern-day state of Israel. And King Saul's family, even after he and his sons were killed, kept fighting against King David.

In the end, the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah prevailed and King Saul's family figured it out and submitted to King David's leadership. If you're a Christian, understand very clearly that the return of Jesus Christ (King Yeshua) will be to sit on the Throne of David, like it or not (Read Hebrew Bible First Book of Chronicles 17 - God's Covenant with David). 

As for Ethiopia and the rest of Africa. It's time for all of us to grow up, to stop being selfish and to stop worshipping demons. By not acknowledging our King, we are following a spirit of evil and deception. Why do we love our enemies but hate our friends and family? We need to repent and honor our King. Only when King Saul's family submitted themselves, did Israel rise to its full stature (Just read anything about Ancient Egypt 18th Dynasty and onwards - also Read Hebrew Bible Book of Isaiah Chapter 19 especially verse 25). 

The Davidic and Solomonic Monarchy needs to be restored plain and simple, and as Africans we need to start taking responsibility and leadership for the things that are going wrong in this world. We are the children of the Earth. We are the ancient people and there's a wisdom that goes beyond the modern Eurasian civilizations we are living under now. At the end of the day, it's not about white supremacy or colonialism or whatever ism is going on...it's about we as a people and a family returning to the God of the Hebrews  - Yahweh, respecting His Son THE KING Yeshua - Doing what He says in spirit and truth and respecting His choice of godly leadership and organizing under His way of governance.

Ethiopia's civilization goes back to the very first man made from the dirt. Forget about what everybody else out there is saying. It's time for us to wake up and pull it together and that begins with restoring our Solomonic kings.

The Duke Is Tops - Sunday Movie Matinee

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Summer has now come to an end, although the heat hasn't. For our lazy summer Sundays, we watched some classic movies from the 1930s. Love the classics! Great story lines. Interesting characters. Alot more personality and love in the movies then than you see in the overproduced and tired story lines these days.

We discovered this movie, The Duke Is Tops starring Lena Horne and Ralph Cooper. Lena Horne, world renowned African American singer and actress was a pioneer in Hollywood and the music industry. This was her debut movie when she was 21 years old! Ralph Cooper, her co-star, was a well-known producer who headed this all black-cast and produced some wonderful movies, some which never saw the light of day unfortunately due to racism and the typecasting Hollywood is infamous for. This movie is from 1938. Ralph Cooper was also responsible for the legendary Amateur Night at the Apollo, where many black American icons and now global icons were discovered. It's refreshing to see a black man and a black woman in a romantic movie that's not ghetto, with gross over-characterization, over-sexualization and silly. It actually inspired us to throw a 30s glam party.

You can find the movie on YouTube but pick a copy or order a DVD.

You can read more about Lena Horne at the Brown Sugar blog and here are some additional websites on the making of the movie and Mr. Ralph Cooper. Let's remember and appreciate those who came before us.



Stay tuned for our upcoming Fall issue. Destination this Fall is surprise - Ethiopia. We've got some awesome stories, fashion, you name it.

Happy End-of-Summer Everyone and Happy Rosh Hashana. It's a brand, new exciting year!

President Obama's 2014 UN Speech - Climate Change

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President Obama is always a mesmerizing speaker. But if you haven't watched his speech in full, be sure to do so. Too many times, all we hear are carefully edited soundbites. We need to stop accepting Media For Dummies 101.

The president touched on Ferguson, Missouri's racial incident, the terrorism of the Middle East's ISIL or ISIS group and Boko Haram, climate change, the importance of tackling religious extremism, and extolling young Muslims to showcase the best of their culture. Sometimes, it's like the president is two different people...saying very contradictory things...he clearly takes some of his policy sayings about the UN, global human rights and anti-terrorism from King Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia and then he spouts some ridiculous things. But you have to listen to the whole speech. It's 40 minutes.

On one end, the president is a pioneer, an admirable speaker. He seems to really love young people and that seems to be his motivation for getting up and inspiring the next generation. On the other hand, you have to wonder who he is beholden to, because given his policies and the U.S. stated actions - his words seem a bit empty and not truthful. He talks about the importance of democracy, yet his version seems to be defined as freedom is only for people who are muslim  and like to run around beheading people, corporate interests that support black genocide in Africa  - ebola anyone, gmo? anti-christian, anti-the real jesus Christ whose real name is King Yeshua. it's all  anti-human...




Judge for yourselves. Again, watch the whole thing. We need real leaders who stand up for what is truly right...not just give lip service to it and then promote ideas and ideologies that undermine true human civilization and culture. President Obama is not an African leader, but there were plenty of African leaders there. It's time they acknowledged, THE OLD MAN and his wisdom and stop following after this craziness that we seem to be headed to under this modern leadership that calls good evil and evil good and full of so much double-talk you don't know if you are coming and going or if you are standing or lying down.

Watch President Obama's speech here

To The Nation of the Cross

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Happy 2015 Everyone!

Time flies. We've been enjoying our hiatus but have been busy writing up a storm for our first 2015 issue. We've got some awesome stories, cool travel girls and some of the best destinations you can think of. Patience is a virtue so they say. Hang tight for us!

In the meantime, we've been living life and keeping our pulse on world events. Some of the saddest world events are happening with the pervasive worldwide terrorism and unnecessary loss of innocent life.

We came across a horrible story this week, entitled "Isis - To All Christians...You Will Soon See An Ocean of Blood For All The Nation of the Cross."

Check it out here

Honestly, we were stunned at the vitriol, unadulterated inhuman hatred and audacity of this story. This past weekend 21 Egyptian Copts -ie Egyptian Christians were beheaded by this demonic terrorist group that calls itself Isis. Their threat is two-fold - the continued murder of innocent people and two, the COMING SOON...threat to anyone that is a Christian and a true follower of Jesus Christ.

We had to ask ourselves, how do we as global citizens and Africans specifically respond to this bold and evil threat - for the nation of the cross? We all have a responsibility to not sit idly by while our neighbors are suffering under tyranny. We need to speak boldly about what is right and wrong, because clearly the leadership and the people that run these organizations don't know the difference between right and wrong. Good thing...we do!

So here goes.

1. TO THE NATION OF THE CROSS


Lalibela, Ethiopia

What the bloody hell does this statement mean? Is this a threat to all Christians and who is the nation of the cross? We as black Africans need to critically assess the messages being promoted in global media. It takes large amounts of funding and resources - human and otherwise to use social media, get media coverage, producers, create sound bytes etc...To the point that this so-called "Isis" terrorist organization is able to show executions on global media platforms in an attempt to produce a trauma-based mind control that creates a spirit of fear. Try starting your own media company and see if any of these so-called global media companies will pay 2 seconds of attention to you. It's called they have big money. Let's get to the real story and who this threat is really aimed toward.

Islamo-fascist groups such as "ISIS, ISIL, BOKO HARAM etc....have one aim. That is for the HUMILIATION, DEGRADATION AND SUB-HUMAN BONDAGE AND ENSLAVEMENT OF ALL BLACK AFRICAN peoples and cultures.

Of course, for now, they are content with destroying their own tribes and peoples who don't agree with them, but as they said "COMING SOON" to a neighborhood near you.

How exciting for all of us that are not amoral, indecent and evil! One thing we can be certain of no matter what they call themselves, Black Africa's enemies - the enemies from within and the enemies from without have never changed.

This threatening message is aimed toward the TRUE NATION OF THE CROSS - ETHIOPIA and by extension BLACK CHRISTIAN HEBREW AFRICA. Most people don't realize due to the prevalent philosophy of racism and white supremacy in the world that Ethiopia was the first Christian nation/empire.

Instead of just accepting what you're told. Read it for yourself. It's in the New Testament Book of Acts of the Apostles. Acts of the Apostles is a detailed account of the apostles of the man known as Jesus Christ. One of His apostles, Philip, studied and explained an almost 400-year-old prophecy to his fellow Israelite, the governor of Gaza, who was an Ethiopian from the tribe of Judah. Yeah...you heard us, Gaza, which is now considered to be part of Palestine/Israel was at one point under the control and jurisdiction of the Judean Ethiopian empire.

Ethiopia's Judaic Hebrew heritage goes back to the Patriarchs with Father Abraham, who is considered to be the father of the world's main 3 religions. Father Abraham lived in ETHIOPIA with many of his 9 sons, including his son Isaac and grandson Jacob - the father of Judah. Jew is a shortened term...for someone from the tribe of Judah. It was actually a derogatory term used when the leaders of Judah were exiled in modern-day Iran/Iraq. The Patriarch Moses who we know from the Ten Commandments grew up in Egypt and was married to an Ethiopian woman and ruled ancient Ethiopia for at least 40 years.

So it's from this time over 3000 years ago and the from the early birth of Christianity, from the Judeo-Hebraic faith that Ethiopia and then Egypt and THEN Europe became Christian. All of the Judean/Hebrew apostles of Jesus Christ of Nazareth including Apostles Mark and James started and planted churches in Ethiopia and Egypt.


The TRUE CROSS has a meaning that is rooted deep in our holy, divine African heritage. The cross symbolizes eternal life and freedom.

ETERNAL LIFE is a gift from the Creator of the Universe to His children, the sons and daughters of the soil no matter their ethnicity or race. And it's our true and abundant life that ISIS, ISIL, BOKO HARAM and those of similar mind seek to destroy.

The cross also symbolizes FREEDOM because according to OUR BLACK AFRICAN PROPHETS AND APOSTLES, it is KING YESHUA, IESUS CRISTOS, known to many as Jesus Christ of Nazareth who purchased our freedom. He was hung on a cross, LYNCHED. His sacrifice was a spiritual offering to relieve us of our bondage, humiliation and degradation due to our weaknesses and failings as human beings. He was God in the flesh. Yeah we said it! For those of you who don't understand - you need to go back to the Hebraic AFRICAN roots of the faith so you can understand and not be ignorant and follow after so-called European Christianity which honestly is a joke.

King Yeshua aka Jesus Christ of Nazareth stated his mission as the following:

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and the release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

As we can clearly see, the threat to the nation of the cross is a threat to Ethiopia and black Christian Africa. It's also an unforgivable insult to our kings, our ancestors and those who fought and sacrificed for our freedom.

2. THE TRUE MEANING OF ISIS


If it wasn't enough, we have to ask ourselves why is the acronym ISIS being used to stand for the Islamic State? These barbaric terrorists are well-funded, can hire marketing firms and consultants to come up with names that have nothing to do with our BLACK AFRICAN HERITAGE.

Most of these terrorists, other than the sell-out black Ishmaelite Boko Haram tribes in West Africa...are Eurasian. They are spewing the vitriol and hatred which has been the foundation for much of Eurasian culture over the last 2000 years. This is why the ancient Egyptians called these tribes that make up ISIS, ISIL "hordes and uncivilized." And these same racists have the audacity to call us monkeys and khaffirs.

Don't they have their own mothers and their own words from their "own civilization" they can use to identify themselves? Why use a word that goes back to black African roots and has to do with black women. ISIS at its true meaning stands for the TRUE WOMAN.

So get this...when the politicians are saying "We are going to wipe ISIS off the planet." What are they really saying? We are going to wipe off the TRUE WOMAN from the planet? We are going to wipe off black women from the planet? What kind of witchcraft and sorcery is this?

The TRUE WOMAN - the black woman - as represented and symbolized by ISIS/AUSET represents the mother of Africa, the mother of all living. Using African words, concepts, ideas insulting our African ancestors, our cultures, our righteous spiritual fathers, our peoples, our mothers, our fathers. It goes without saying that our ancestors warned us of these people  - these ISIS, ISIL, BOKO HARAM terrorists.

Our ancestors described their armies being like locusts, because they devour and destroy everything in sight.

CHRISTIAN AFRICA!  Beware. This is just another dragon of colonialism albeit with a different face. It's time we we said "enough is enough! We need to get out from under our curse and stand up for our dignity, freedom and land!

3. Yekkatit 12 - February 19, 1937.





If beheading people and recording it on video for a global audience wasn't enough...we have to say another WOW to the fact that this very week when 21 Egyptian Christians were beheaded marks the 78th ANNIVERSARY of the YEKATIT 12 MASSACRE IN ETHIOPIA. 

February 19 1937 - 30,000 ETHIOPIANS were brutally massacred by ITALIAN-FASCIST forces spearheaded by the evil Benito Mussolinni.

Here's what happened.

How many are the young men, the women, the priests and the monks whom the Italians pitilessly massacred during these years? You know that in Addis Ababa alone many thousands perished during the three days following St. Michael's Day on Yekatit 12, 1929 (19th February, 1937). The blood and bones of those who were killed with spades and pickaxes, of those who were split with axes and hammered to death, pierced with bayonets, clubbed and stoned, of those who were burned alive with their little children in their homes, of those who perished of hunger and thirst in prison have been crying for justice. Everybody knows that this act of barbarism and cruelty was no perpetrated in Addis Ababa alone, but more especially in the provinces of Ethiopian. There is hardly anyone who has not been caught and beaten, kicked, humiliated and imprisoned.

Sounds familiar doesn't it? Sounds like ISIS, ISIL, BOKO HARAM, Italian-fascists, NAZIS hmmm....they may call themselves different names but THEY ARE ALL THE SAME!

Yekatit 12 happened in 1937.  Prior to that - Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1896 and was defeated at the Battle of Adua. Emperor Menelik II led Ethiopia to victory!!


One thing we know for sure, THE TRUE NATION OF THE CROSS is a nation of winners. A people blessed who in spite of IMPOSSIBLE ODDS always WIN. They are the children of faith. A faith that can move mountains!!!

We need to take courage and remember our kings who faced enormous obstacles. Men like King David whose courage and faith and just cause made him the most powerful man on the planet. A man no one expected much out of. He was a CHAMPION OF THE POOR, THE IGNORANT AND THE OPPRESSED EVERYWHERE!

How do we respond to the continued mockery and insults of our God and Father in Heaven, our Messiah King Yeshua (Jesus Christ of Nazareth), our kings, our mothers and fathers? True Christians everywhere need to salute our Fallen Egyptian brethren and applaud their courage to stand face to face with unadulterated evil AND THEN ACT ON FAITH!

Let's be practical. What do we need to do? Go back to our Holy Scriptures, the TRUTH and our king.

1. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

2. Meditate on the good old paths...OUR HOLY COVENANT with our Father in heaven that will last forever.

"The Lord will grant that the enemies who rise up against you will be defeated before you. They will come at you from one direction, but flee from you in seven."

3. Know this. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A hose is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Psalm 33.

THIS IS REALITY. Not some stupid tv show or video designed to make you believe in a reality that doesn't exist.

4. Lift up the flag of Holy Imperial Ethiopia.



Ethiopia and by extension black Christian Africa is being threatened. It's Emperor Haile Selassie I who put it best in 1936, when the Italian-fascist armies invaded our Empire and implemented a reign of terror just like ISIS, ISIL and BOKO HARAM. He stated that the GOAL OF Mussolini was to EXTERMINATE THE ETHIOPIAN RACE.

Let's be clear - the underlying motives of these actions and terrorists are the vile doctrines and philosophies of racism that direct all the actions of our worlds' global leadership. It's all about dividing Africa, removing the people from the land and destroying human liberty and freedom in the name of the dark spiritual forces that lead these non-human people on in their insanity and hatred.

"Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned....

Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will;

Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven;

UNTIL THAT DAY, THE AFRICAN CONTINENT WILL NOT KNOW PEACE.

WE AFRICANS WILL FIGHT, IF NECESSARY, AND WE NOW THAT WE SHALL WIN, AS WE ARE CONFIDENT IN THE VICTORY OF GOOD OVER EVIL.





COMING SOON! THE THRONE OF DAVID



THE CONQUERING LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH HATH AND WILL PREVAIL.

Peace out!

Ethiopia Condemns Massacre of Ethiopian Christians in Libya by the Islamic State

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Image Grab from April 2015 from a video released by the Islamic State group purportedly shows Ethiopian Christians Being Beheaded and Shot in the Head.

Here we go again. Thirty Ethiopians beheaded by the Islamic State in Libya this weekend. It's so amazing how the Islamic State relishes in the bloodshed and murder of innocent people. Their doctrine and philosophy of racial superiority gives them the right so they think to come after, desecrate, denigrate and humiliate black African Christian people on our beloved motherland and continent.

What did these Christians do to these criminal terrorists? All these Ethiopian men were doing was trying to make a living and support their families. But of course, they were black men and as we all know that was their only true crime in the sight of these bigots. Look at this picture - ,the black men kneeling in front of their murderers. Look at the black man in the picture killing his brother - what did the master promise this slave? Lynch a Black Man anyone?

In America, we  have the spectacle of yet another innocent black man being gunned down by accident (sarcasm here). Walter Scott was shot 8 times in the back, because he had some parking tickets and he ran away.

It's funny. I guess Spring is here and it's lynch black men season.




The Islamic State and their Gog and Magog hordes are nothing more than the racist and facist military of Mussolinni reborn. They can put on new costumes. It's the same crap.

Ethiopia - 3 days of mourning for your fallen heroes is not enough! Remember 1935 through 1941, when the same satanic and barbaric hordes came to Beautiful Africa. This is what these people do.

Ethiopia - Remember Battle of Adua. 1896.

How many more innocent men, women and children have to die before the people of Ethiopia come to their senses? Where are the true leaders? Where are our true kings and the true rulers of Africa - defending the freedom and rights of our peoples on the continent of Africa from these inhuman, demonic and satanic forces?

How long can we allow this travesty to continue? Doesn't anyone have a consience? Does anyone have any principles any more?


Emperor Menelik II


Here are the words of our Emperor Haile Selassie I:

Fighting Men of Ethiopia!

Do not lament or lose hope when you see a respected and beloved leader fall in the battlefield, for the cause of Our freedom. Instead, you must realize that anyone who dies for his country is indeed fortunate. Death comes to all whether in time of peace or war and takes those it chooses. It is better to die with freedom than without it.

Our forefathers preserved Our country's independence through the sacrifice of their lives. Let them be your inspiration! JULY 11 1934.

One of the Earliest Images of the RealJesus Christ - Egyptian Coptic Church circa200 AD.

It's funny. Jesus Christ of Nazareth - a man of Ethiopian Hebrew descent - a Judean - a black man was an innocent man (albeit the Son of God) who was killed due to the evil, murderous, satanic intent of men, people and angels sold out to lawlessness and the exploitation of others and the hope of condemning humanity to the eternal servitude of subhuman bondage.

We need to lift up the name of our savior Jesus Christ. His real name Yeshua means salvation. When we call on His name...He will save us from destruction and cast out our enemies.

The devil comes to STEAL, KILL AND DESTROY. Any doubt who the Islamic State is and what they and their backers represent?

Father Joseph and Mother Mariam's Flight Into Egypt - Vanderbilt University  Divinity School



Ravage and Terror

Emperor Haile Selassie further stated the aims of these kinds of brutalities such as the beheadings we are witnessing in northern Africa, West Africa and the Middle East.

"The very refinement of barbarism consisted in carrying ravage and terror into the most densely populated parts of the territory, the points farthest removed from the scene of hostilities. The object was to scatter fear and death over a great part of Ethiopian territory.JUNE 1936

In order to break down the resistance of My people and its refusal to abandon that independence which it has enjoyed for more than thirty centuries, the Italian authorities are counting upon propaganda with the object of demoralizing the people, and in this they make great play with the abandonment of Ethiopia... JAN 1940

The answer to this terrorism threatening Christian Africa is REPENTANCE.


We owe Emperor Haile Selassie I a public apology for our deplorable, rebellious and ungrateful attitudes and actions!

In 1975, 40 years ago, the same men, people, organizations,angels and demons that sought to overthrow the DAVIDIC MONARCHY in Africa - by organizing a communist coup - are bringing to Africa and have brought untold desolation, plundering, despair and war.

What did Emperor Selassie say:

Men of honour, wherever they may be, must be vigilant in defence of their freedom, so that they may be spared suffering and humiliation.

ETHIOPIA and the rest of AFRICA - it's all about the COVENANT...It's all about recognizing our God-given king.

We turn the tide of this satanic spirit around by going back to the WORD OF GOD, REPENTING AND TRULY HAVING THE CHRIST MIND - ACKNOWLEDGING OUR MESSIAH AND SAVIOR - KING YESHUA just as these Ethiopian men who died so bravely and courageously. It's not just about going to church and singing songs and treating our brothers and sisters with jealously and using witchcraft. It's time to grow up!

We need to come back under the authority of the Davidic Kings. Africa's rightful rulers. And they are not European!!

These terrorist criminals ravaging the African continent are only racking up a debt they will never be able to pay backs.  Our prophets were not liars, thieves and criminals - savages who hate for hates sake. Our prophets told us the truth in love and patience.

ETHIOPIA - For your sake, for Africa's sake, for the world's sake - RESTORE THE MONARCHY AND APOLOGIZE!






Emperor Haile Selassie I - Interesting Video Footage and President Obama's Visit to Ethiopia and Kenya

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Happy Summer Everyone!

We're plugging away on new stories and new projects. Haven't had much time to post anything new but stay tuned the next 6 weeks for some awesome stories and the coolest content ever!

We came across this amazing video of  Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie I. It's news reel footage from various times, including World War II and Mussolinni, the 60s and more. Awesome! Awesome!

There has been alot happening in the news. The terrorist forces of  ISIL sometimes called ISIS and Boko Haram are busy terrorizing Christians especially black African Christians and humanity particularly in the Middle East. These racists need a taste of their own medicine. And black African Christians and Middle Eastern Christians need to fight back and not take just being abused. The Holy Scriptures say Resist the Devil and he will flee from you. And Jesus Christ says to those who are His disciples that He's given them the power to TRAMPLE serpents and scorpions. We're confident their judgement will come soon and the people they are persecuting will have the last laugh. Life is always full of surprises.

Africa needs to wake up. If we just go back and look at Africa from the 1974/75 period and onward. The last 40 years! Africa is a basket case. Starvation in Ethiopia. Dictators such as Idi Amin popping up left right and center. AIDS. Ebola - rampant biological warfare. Basically, Africa's become the home of losers and the people the world feels sorry for. Beggars and Thieves. Wow. No wonder the next generation isn't that proud of being black or African! If you're all about the easy life, just go buy skin bleach and get it over with.


Wake up people! This is not real!

How different an Africa it was when Emperor Haile Selassie I was sitting on the Throne of David! It's a sad testament that we hurt the ones that love us the most. Our ignorance and pride always gets the better of us.

We remember sitting on an Ethiopian Airlines flight during the 50th Anniversary of the African Union or Organization of African States in 2013. The Ethiopian Airlines magazine had this small picture of Emperor Haile Selassie I and this huge picture of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Not that we don't love Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, but seriously Ethiopian Airlines!

What a joke! It was Emperor Haile Selassie I that forged ahead with the creation of the first African Airline - his brainchild, his baby - ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES; it was Emperor Haile Selassie I that introduced to Ethiopia the CONSTITUTIONAL MONARCHY which many Ethiopians at the time were opposed too. And now Ethiopia is all about democracy. Really?  It's amazing how ungrateful Ethiopians relish in the accomplishments of a monarch and monarchy they choose to despise at their own expense.... Anyone in Ethiopia read the Bible lately - try Exodus, Deuteronomy - remember the ungrateful Israelites who were slaughtered in the wilderness?

US President Obama spoke in front of the African Union to 54 member countries. Zimbabwe of course was not represented. Blessing in disguise, thank God! Anyway, President Obama spoke, people applauded his anti-Christian philosophy based on the Western greed agenda. Look at all these Eritreans and Ethiopians running to Saudi Arabia and Europe. Has anyone seen the stories about these African migrants! My God. Are they insane! Try praying to Jesus Christ and get your head right! You run away so the foreigner will take your land. It's totally idiotic. Poverty is not just the lack of material things, it's how you think. Can you solve problems? Can you think rationally? Clearly not!

 It's funny. Eritrea especially leaned towards the Italians during Emperor Haile Selassie's reign. He had to deal with many groups within Eritrea that were allowing the Italians and Europeans to destroy their unity with their family and wanted to divide, conquer and separate. And look what pandering to the Italians got them?

They run to Italy. The Italians hate them, let's be honest! As much as America has had racial issues, what's it like being black in Europe? Sweep the floors. Drive taxis. Get a government job and destroy white Europe. Please! You need to go home. The Europeans are building fences to keep the animals out! Pathetic! You go to Europe and what do you contribute? Nothing. More self-hate. More blacks in jails because your children can't handle it. You do nothing. Create nothing and become nothing. Whatever! Pride. Pride. Pride.


Black people showcasing once again how they are the biggest losers on the planet! Read this article
http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2014/sep/06/eritrea-dangerous-trek-to-britain-slavery-trafficking

But of course, Ethiopia rejects its own monarchy and its own royal families for foreigners of dubious lineage.As goes Ethiopia, so goes the rest of Hebrew Africa. Madness indeed! Africans, our spirituality and religions being the foundation for the WHOLE WORLD don't believe in Darwin's ridiculous and racist theory of evolution. But leave it to America and President Obama to pay homage to a monkey and not his ancestors worthy of respect. What does paying homage and respect to his ancestors mean? Go to church! Show some character and real wisdom. Why can't you be a real leader with true moral authority? The potential so awesome. The reality that truly sucks!

Didn't King Solomon say in the Holy Scriptures in Proverbs 24 :
My son, fear the LORD and the king: andassociate not with them that are given to change:
22For their calamity shall rise suddenly; and who knows the ruin of them both?

 True wisdom indeed.



It was a sad day indeed. Anyway, as our Ethiopian Hebrew prophets foretold, there are alot of ungrateful, hateful and evil people out there in the world...but their day and their judgement is coming. It's like using a credit card...eventually you have to pay.

Watch the video. Africa pre 1974/75 was awesome. There were many countries that were independent. When young African people came to America and Europe, they came to get an education and with a plan for doing something real in their lives. Not just live the gangsta Jay Z life; live the life with papers or without papers; get shot in the street like a dog because oh my goodness you have brown skin.

There was an amazing plan put forth by His Imperial Majesty. Anyone read His 25-year plans? Before you judge, check out His Imperial Majesty in His own words and Ethiopia and Africa stop chasing after people who can't help you. If President Obama could help you, don't you think the blacks in America wouldn't be the object of satanic police brutality? Eventually it will lead to black genocide. Get real. It's all empty words. He'll sell you out just like you sold out Emperor Haile Selassie I. What goes around comes around!

We live and learn nest ce pas?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94V5EFu4uHo


Our Summer and Fall 2015 Issue Is Finally Here - Destination Addis Ababa

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Hey everyone,

So as a bi-annual and quarterly magazine, we save alot of our good stuff for one big surprise or maybe two big surprises. As you can tell from alot of our posts in the last year, we've been keeping a keen eye on events in East Africa and in Ethiopia. Aside from the political goings-on, East Africa and Ethiopia are just amazing destinations in their own right.

We had to check out Addis Ababa and one of the most amazing architectural wonders of the world - Lalibela.

Our cover girl is Ethiopian American Marti Diro who is a very cool fashionista of the style blog - Heels Avenue. She just launched a great leather collection, bringing in her East African and San Francisco vibe. She curates a fab collection of jewelry from Ethiopia and we bought this awesome necklace which is THE THING. Head to her website, check out her shop and support Heels Avenue.

Her online shop is called FOREIGN COLLECTIONS

We expect great things from Marti. She's a cool inspiration. We'll be posting our interview with her in the next few weeks.

We're also doing something new this year, we will be posting our magazine online in 4 different sections: Departure Lounge, Party Girl, Style Notebook and Travel Journal. We'll have the full magazine available at the end of our Summer/Fall Season updates.

Stay Tuned!


DEPARTURE LOUNGE - Sit Back - Relax - It's Take Off

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We're taking off. We're on our way to Addis Ababa with a weekend escape in Lalibela. As you all should know it's not always about the destination but the journey. Our itinerary for this Summer and Fall Adventure takes us to the French Riviera, Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Dallas hanging out with our cover girl Marti Diro and then on to Italy - where we'll be exploring Venice, Florence and Rome as we continue our Part 2 of Finding the Real Jane Austen.

You know that getting ready for a trip you have to prepare yourself for layovers - and all those in-between times when nothing is going on and you need to entertain yourself. It's a great time to read a book - yep READ A BOOK and listen to some favorite tunes.

Our favorite tunes for this summer - MICHAEL JACKSON. 

Here are our favorite tunes and some of our cover girl's selections.

1. Human Nature by Michael Jackson
2. Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson
3. Hold My Hand (Duet with Akon) by Michael Jackson
4. Scream by Michael Jackson
5. You Are Not Alone (Radio Edit) by Michael Jackson
6. I Just Can't Stop Loving You by Michael Jackson
7. They Don't Care About Us (Remastered) by Michael Jackson
8. Unbreakable by Michael Jackson
9. Stranger in Moscow by Michael Jackson
10.Break of Dawn by Michael Jackson

Here are some of our cover girl Marti's favorite artists:

1. ABC's (Chubb Rock Version) K'naan
2. Soldier of Love by Sade
3. Luxury: Cococure by Maxwell
4. Bank Head (Extended) by Kelela




Soundtracks - Here's What We Are Listening To - DJ Absolute - Alaine Dancehall Session White Smoke Entertainment

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One of our favorite artists is Jamaican-American singer Alaine. Lovin this mix from DJ Absolute. Other favorite Alaine tunes: Us Against The World, Nakupenda Pia (feat. Alaine) and Better Than This.

Cool summer beats.

Check it out here - ALAINE DANCEHALL SESSION WHITE SMOKE ENTERTAINMENT



Booksmart - Here's What We're Reading - The Art of Leadership

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October 1963

the art of leadership - chocolate chick power

Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I (1918 - 1967) Published by Lion of Judah Society, New York - www.lojsociety.org/books.

Life is full of alot of challenges. Sometimes it seems that things/life can keep going in the wrong direction. There are frustrations, overwhelming obstacles, that can discourage even the most positive of us. Largely, our success in life is determined by our attitude to such challenges, our skill and knowledge and our ability to be flexible in ever-changing realities. As this magazine is geared towards chocolate chicks, we need to remember that we have an incredible power inside of us that we need to develop and hone. The world in every area is suffering from the lack of excellent leadership. We need to understand what good leadership is, what our responsibilities are, so we can move the mountains with our faith. This book is a must-read and we've included the speech for leaders in our next post from our favorite King that you need to read at least once a week!

October 1963

It may not seem this way now, but from 1930 to 1974/75, Africa was on a path that was simply awesome. Many African nations had thrown off the chains of colonialism. America was finally giving credence and respect to the African American population in the United States who were the building blocks of this great nation with their free labor. Few people seem to realize how much of that global momentum to free oppressed people came due to the leadership of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I. Often His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I is put in this category of a cult figure for "Rastas," but prior to the rebellions and overthrow of the Davidic Monarchy in Ethiopia in 1974/75, His Imperial Majesty was the leading voice for human rights in Africa, in America and all over the world. He spoke fearlessly against the philosophy and doctrine of white supremacy and is shown in the photos with American President John F. Kennedy who was an eager student who paid with the cost of his life. 

President Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963

Think about this. In 1920s when the precursor to the United Nations, The League of Nations, was established there were only two African nations that were part of this global organization - Ethiopia and Liberia. There were no other African nations or states as we know them today. When the UN was established in the 1940s, it was Ethiopia that sat as the ONLY INDEPENDENT AFRICAN NATION not under the domination and not a territory or colony of various European nations.

So this fact begs the question. How did Ethiopia being the ONLY INDEPENDENT AFRICAN STATE survive with NO OTHER African states to help it? In 1936, Ethiopia was invaded by the fascist forces of Italy's Mussolini. Mussolini along with Adolf Hitler was determined to unleash hell on earth and Satanic domination and destruction of humanity. At first no European countries would help Ethiopia, but Ethiopia stood against an army that was militarily stronger, against a people mobilized and full of hate who wished to wipe off from the planet all Ethiopian peoples.

It was out of these circumstances, when in 1941, Ethiopia with the help of Europe's Allied Forces kicked out the Italian fascists, that the independence for all the other African nations was born. His Imperial Majesty after seeing his people free wanted all the peoples of Africa to be free and fought for that end, funding freedom fighters from South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Africa, North Africa you name it. You understand why he's persona non grata now? 

His Imperial Majesty is an awesome example of leadership. Look at what we can do when we have faith, when we work hard, when we have a vision from on high, a just cause and when we believe in ourselves even when no one believes in us or sees any value in our lives. Take the time to read the following speech and BE A LEADER - the kind like His Imperial Majesty who brought the good, the beautiful and excellent things back into our world.

Photos of President John F. Kennedy and Emperor Haile Selassie I (Kennedy Library and Museum).






DEPARTURE LOUNGE - The Need for Leadership

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Queen Zewditu, Queen of Kings of Ethiopia ruled from 1916 - 1930


THE NEED FOR LEADERSHIP by His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, King of Kings of Ethiopia

We all know that the need for good leadership in every walk of life is much greater today than ever before. Every aspect of living demands guiding hands: business, the professions, the fine arts, the mechanical arts, all. And all of you young people, who have been given the enriching opportunity of an advanced education will in the future be called upon to shoulder in varying degrees the responsibilities to leading and serving the nation.


It is important, however, to remember that leadership does not mean domination. The world is always well supplied with people who wish to rule and dominate others. The true leader is of a different sort: he seeks effective activity with a truly beneficient purpose. He inspires others to follow in his wake, and holding aloft the torch of wisdom, leads the way for society to realize its genuinely great aspirations.

You have learnt from your study of history that the story of nations is often told in terms of the accomplishments of individuals. In every significant event in history, you will find a courageous and determined leader, an inspiring goal or objective, and an adversary who sought to foil his efforts.

In any normal society, every one has some opportunity to show himself as a leader. Even the mechanic or clerk who has an assistant assigned to him not to speak of the doctor with all his helpers, or the officer who commands his troops, is a leader. Within his own sphere, each has the same opportunities as has the leader of a government. The leader is marked out by his individual craftsmanship, his sensibility and insight, his initiative and energy.

THE SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY

Leaders are people who raise the standards by which they judge themselves - and by which they are willing to be judged. The goal chosen, the objective selected, the requirements imposed, are not merely for their followers alone. They develop with consummate energy and devotion their own skill and knowledge in order to reach the standards they themselves have set. This whole-hearted acceptance of the demands imposed by ever higher standards is the basis of all human progress. A love of high quality, we must remember, is essential in a leader.

Dependability is another requirement in a leader.To be dependable is to be willing to accept responsibility, and to carry it out faithfully. A leader will always be willing to take counsel from his people, but will often have to act on what his own mind tells him is right. This demands that the leader has trained himself out of any inordinate fear of making mistakes.

To embark successfully on a career involving leadership demands a courageous and determined spirit. Once a person has decided upon his life work, and is assured that in doing the work for which he is best endowed and equipped, he is filling a vital need, what he then needs is faith and integrity, coupled with a courageous spirit, so that, no longer preferring himself to the fulfillment of his task, he may address himself to the problems he must solve in order to be effective. One mark of the great leader is that he feels sufficiently secure to devote his thought and attention to the well-being of his subordinates and the perfection of his task, rather than being constantly worried about the approval or disapproval of others.


He who would be a leader must pay the price in self-discipline and moral restraint. This entails the correction and improvement of personal character, the checking of passions and desires, and an exemplary control of one's bodily needs and drives. Leaders have to submit themselves to a stricter self-discipline and develop a more exemplary moral character than is expected of others. To be first in place, one must be first in merit as well.


It should not surprise Us then, to find that the greater number of acknowledged leaders have been people who trained themselves in the art of discipline and obedience. He who has not learned to render prompt and willing service to others will find it difficult to win and keep the goodwill and co-operation of his subordinates.


A LEADER MUST STAY AHEAD

Further, a leader must possess initiative, which is the creative ability to think in new ways and do new things. The leader has always to stay ahead. He cannot afford to set up a procedure, and then fold his hands and linger lazily watching it work. He cannot be content merely to see new trends and take advantage of them. He must keep his imagination vividly alive, so as to originate ideas and start trends.

A word of warning is in order here. To help one's subordinates or dependents at the cost of harm to the public, is tantamount to sacrilege and blasphemy. It is unfortunate, that many in positions of leadership, both great and small, have been found guilty of such practices.

A good leader is devoted to his work and will willingly forego even the demands of sleep to see its accomplishment. This does not mean that he is impetuous. On the other hand, he maintains a balance between emotional drive and sound thinking.

His labours, which sometimes appear excessive, derive from his firm realization that unless a man undertakes more than he can possibly do he will never be able to do all he can do. It is his enthusiasm that stimulates his energy.

No matter what our point of departure in speaking of leadership, we reach the inescapable conclusion that the art of leadership consists in the ability to make people want to work for you, when they are really under no obligation to do so. The true leader is one who realizes by faith that he is an instrument in the hands of God, and dedicates himself to be a guide and inspirer of the nobler sentiments and aspirations of the people. He will kindle interest, teach, aid, correct and inspire. Those whom he leads will co-operate with him in maintaining discipline for the good of the group. He will instruct his followers in the goals towards which to strive, and create in them a sense of mutual effort for attaining the goal.

BASIC ASPIRATIONS

To sum up, there is no power on earth, in this University or elsewhere, that can take a clerk from his desk or a mechanic from his bench, and easily mould him into a leader. To develop oneself, one has to develop one's own initiative and perseverance - a man has to strive in order to grow.

As educated people, you will be looked up to, and much will be expected of you. You will be regarded, and rightly so, as those who have the necessary knowledge and the ability to inspire, to guide and to lead. It is for this reason that we expect from you to whom we have given the opportunity of education in your chosen fields, great and productive service to Our country.





Chocolate Chicks R Beautiful
Psst...Our hair rocks and brown skin is luscious. Love yourself!!!


PARTY GIRL - For The Adventurous Foodie

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Our next stop on our travels is to the French Riviera. You can learn alot about people by the food they eat. Eating is such a social activity. We don't spend enough cooking and eating with loved ones in our busy world.We love to cook and the French are the best inspiration! We checked out Nice in the southern part of France for a week - taking a cooking class with Canadian travel and food writer Rosa Jackson.

Be inspired!



A Roman Holiday - Carnival Cooking on the French Riviera

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Nice, France by Timehacker, Agency Dreamstime


You may be wondering what does going on a Roman holiday have to do with the French Riviera? Well, everything in fact. The Romans left their imprint on this region thousands of years ago. And Nice is not only the French Rivier'as capital, but it is also heir to a modern Roman influence, being France's most Italian of cities. It's a fab base to explore the flavors, colors and peoples of this Mediterranean region.

Stroll through narrow passageways of an old medieval city, a flower and food market, eating gelato (Italian ice-cream). Climb up the steep steps of a 17th century apartment where you spend the next five days creating your own masterpieces. Masterpieces that melt into your mouth - and no, you don't have to be an aspiring chef.

Then party your way through carnivals and music festivals. Take a weekend excursion to Venice. Hike through Provence's medieval villages and Roman ruins. And not to forget - a little Riviera glam from St. Tropez to Monaco.

Happy Travels!

Carnival Cooking On the French Riviera - The Glamorous Life Day 1 and Day 2

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The French Riviera conjures up glamorous images of luxury yachts bopping along the Mediterranean coast. Medieval villages tucked away in the foothills of the French Alps. Movie stars and beautiful people hobnobbing at the Cannes Film Festival. And the ritzy nightlife of Monte Carlo in Monaco.

The Riviera or as it's also known in France, Cote D'Azur is these things and more. It's also a place with ordinary people trying to make a living. Tourism is the area's main industry. But with double-digit unemployment, most people who live here aren't extraordinarily rich in material things. But they are rich in a certain appreciation for simple and delicious food.

The food of the Cote d'Azur encompasses France's Provence region as well as the Italian flavors found in Nice. Provencal cooking's center piece is fresh, high-quality produce and meat. Think olive oils, Swiss chard, farmhouse goat cheese, fish stews, herbs such as rosemary and thyme for flavor. Great pizza of course in Nice. And all of this accompanied with some great rose wines. It's healthy, simple and delicious cuisine.







So it was a hungry stomach that brought me to Nice, during its famous Winter Carnival and into Rosa Jackson's kitchen. Rosa is a Cordon-Bleu trained cook, food writer and long-time resident of France. She holds market tours and hands-on cooking classes in Old Nice (Vieux Nice) in her beautifully restored 17th century apartment.

You can take a half-day tour where you explore Nice's local cuisine or enjoy a one-day cooking class with a four-course lunch afterwrd.  You can also gain and lose calories on an afternoon gourmet food wal. She's even got wine tasting and a meet the local farmers tour.  Or you can be as ambitious as me and take a 5-day intensive cooking course when it's available.

What drew me to the 5-day cooking course? Well first, it was spending time in Nice during Carnival. Nice, the capital of France's Cote D'Azur is known for its food and flower markets, sidewalk cafes and beautiful coastline. Nice's proximity to Italy makes it one of France's most Italian of cities in architecture, cuisine and culture. Niceonly became a part of France in 1864.


Carnival is a festival common in Catholic countries. Basically, it's a time to let loose before Lent when the spiritual discipline of fasting is required. Nice parties along with other global cities such as Rio, Venice and New Orleans. A 10-day public street party with parades and concerts and all sorts of performances.

The second reason I wanted to take a five-day cooking course. Well, Rosa got me with an enticing menu selection. We were going to make cheesecake, a veal dish sauteed with artichokes and lemons, some Nicoise specialties such as pissaladiere and socca as well as make apple, lemon and walnut pastries from scratch.

Day One. ME. MISSED IT. British Airways lost my luggage. Connection at Heathrow. Is Heathrow trying to be the worst airport in the world? Sometimes I HATE to travel.

Did check in to my cozy apartment in Old Nice. Booked through Riviera Pebbles, an apartment agency run by British expats with a great selection and wonderful service.

They met me at the Cathedrale de Sainte Reparate in Place Rossetti. A beautiful little plaza close to my apartment. Built in the 17th century, the cathedral honors Nice's patron saint, Reparata, a teenage girl who was maryred in the Holy Land. The architecture is Roman Baroque, modeled after Santa Susanna Church in Rome.

Less than five minutes away is Cours Saleya. Cours Saleya is Old Nice's biggest attraction and is full of colorful markets and cafes.

I didn't realize until I got there that it's difficult for cars to drive in Old Nice. Lots of narrow passageways and doors leading to who knows where. Had to go down and write my name on a blank spot on the mailboxes, so the British Airways people could find me. My apartment was right above a restaurant. Kind of noisy. Happy when luggage arrived. Completely jet lagged.



Day Two. Met Rosa finally. Out of breath. Her 400-year-old apartment does not have an elevator. She's at the top floor. Ok. I can do this.

My cooking partner Gina was from Brisbane, Australia and runs a bed and breakfast. I was clearly the novice here when it came to cooking. Butchered slicing the blood oranges, so Rosa had to improvise to make them look pretty. But also learned how to cut arichokes, heart, stem and all.

Met Sara, Rosa's assistant for this week. Sara's from Washington DC. Spending a year in Nice studying abroad. Ok, I'm jealous. Wish I had done that. Food turned out great. The mesclun salad and the veal sauteed with artichokes and lemon were my favorite course. Hmmm. I think I can do this.

Later that afternoon, joined Gina on a half-day exploration of Cannes, Antibes, Juan-les-Pins and Saint Paul de Vence. This is the glamorous life!

Carnival Cooking On The French Riviera - Artsy Medieval Villages and Fresh Food Farmers Markets - Day 3

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Saint Paul de Vence is the most impressive. It's in the heart of France's Provence region, in the foothills. The Romans invaded the region in the 2nd century BC and built the foundatoins of Provence's economy. It wasn't until the 9th century that Saint Paul was founded. It went through a lot of invasions and a succession of political leaders. In the early part of the 20th century, it attracted art's best. Artists such as Matisse, Renoir, Chagall, Modigliani called Saint Paul home at one point.

Saint Paul is a medieval fortified village. Has lots of art galleries, upscale boutiques, great little restaurants. Wonderful sculptures everywhere.




Antibesstarted off as a Greek village called Antipolis in the 5th century BC and later was occupied by the Romans. You can see ancient Rome everywhere - "walls, aqueducts, amphora." The coastline is gorgeous as Antibes sits on a peninsula that juts out to the Mediterranean. You can hike the Cap D'Antibes if you add an extra day.

Now, Antibes is often known as Antibes-Juan-les-Pins. Juan-les-Pins has sandy beaches and lots of resorts. During summer, it's party central with a world famous jazz festival.

Cannes, well they have the red carpets, lots of luxury hotels. Lots of conferences are held here. Of course, there's the International Film Festival that draws your pick of Hollywood's movie stars. Cannes owes its ascent into the international limelight to 19th century British aristocrats escaping the winter blues.



Day Three. The best way to see the Italian influence in Nice is strolling the markets. We met in the morning at La Civette du Cours Restaurant. Had coffee on the large terrace and watched a wonderful street entertainer.

Cours Saleya is in the heart of Old Nice and has well-known vegetable, fish and flower markets alongside quaint little shops and cozy pubs. The produce, fish and flower markets are open Tuesday through Saturday. On Mondays, only the antiques market is alive and well.

I simply enjoyed the bustle of Cours Saleya, while Rosa explained alot about the produce - spices, fish, vegetables and the history of Nice.

Experts date Nice's founding about 400,000 years ago. Later, the Greeks gave it the name "Nikaia," in honor of their goddess of victory, Nike. The Greeks got kicked out. The Romans came, built thermal baths, arenas and an amphitheater which is still around today.


Carnival Cooking On The French Riviera - Italian Nice and More Cooking - Day 4

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Italian Nice is everywhere. From the pastel-colored buildings, ornate facades and food. You can always find wonderful gelato and pizza. Cours Saleya is a tourist area though. We spotted 1kg of cherries selling for 32 Euros! Seriously, that was insane.

We then headed to Liberation, a market where most of the locals shop. Took the tram. Ate socca (chickpea bread) - a Nicoise specialty. You sit down at picnic tables and much away. Socca can also be found along the Ligurian coast in Italy.

Walked back to Old Nice. Stopped by an olive shop and tasted some wonderful oils. Who knew you could be a connoisseur of olive oil? I didn't. Had lunch at a local brasserie. I had pizza and salad. No idea where it is. We just followed Rosa through a maze of narrow streets.

Day Four. Our main dish was a rack of lamb with a mustard and herb crust. Simply divine. Didn't even attempt working with the lamb. Rosa gets her lamb from her local butcher. I don't even think there is a local butcher anywhere close to the vicinity where I live. Like taking a step back in time.

Also learned the French like their meat really really rare. Yesterday, when walking in town, noticed people eating rare steak (blood red) and French fries - steak tartare et frites. Ok. I  can't do it. Had to have my rack of lamb pretty much well done.

We made our own vegetable stock for the broccoli soup. Rosa added a touch of bacon and Parmesan shavings for a wonderful topping. Just perfect. Made our apple dessert - cored the apples, rolled the dough.

And sat down to eat it all. Wow.





Had to practically drag myself off to explore more of the Riviera. This time checked out Eze, Monaco and the famous Monte Carlo.

We stopped at Villefranche sur la Mer first. It's on the way to Eze, two miles from Nice and has a great view of the harbor. You can actually base your stay here and hop the train to Nice, which is five minutes away. Monaco is just six miles away to the west.

Villefranche is a beautiful seaside village with a 14th century Italian baroque church and a small, sandy beach. Less crowded than the Riviera's other more famous beaches. There's also a great French language school for adults called Institut de Francais that offers two to four week intensive French immersion courses throughout the year.




Carnival Cooking On the French Riviera - Bon Appetit - Day 5

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Eze is like an "eagle's nest," perched on a high cliff overlooking the Mediterranean. It has small narrow roads, stone houses and beautiful fountains. It's a lot like Saint Paul de Vence with a nice selection of art galleries, shops and boutiques. Wonderful restaurants. Just loved the views. Its history goes back to the Ancient Phoenecians who built a temple that no longer exists in honor of the goddess Isis.

Next up Monaco. Run by the Grimaldi family for the last 700 years, Monaco would be a blip on the highway to Italy were it not for gambling and the famous Monte Carlo. European powers played chess with this tiny kingdom as geographically, it's a strategic location. American actress Grace Kelly married into the Grimaldi family and the legends and stories of this ultimate jet setter's paradise have only grown over the years.

Monaco is fun. And it's worth spending a night here and having dinner in the old town for a little Riviera glam. There are a couple of two-star hotels and it goes all the way up to a standard chain hotel like the Fairmont Monte Carolo and beyond. Checking out the cathedral, aquarium, Grand Prix race track, the casino makes for a full day.

Day Five. Jason from San Francisco joined us today. Had a good time cooking, eating too much and chatting well into the afternoon about life and whatever else popped up. Had to have a glass of wine, ok, a couple of glasses of wine.

The best part about cooking. I learned a few more kitchen skills. Of course, practice makes perfect. And I guess I also learned to just take my time.That's the art of French Provencal cuisine - slow cooking dishes,simmering to perfection.

I also liked the fact that we made dishes from locally available produce - artichokes, lemons, broccoli etc...Cooking with fresh and great quality ingredients feels different, and your body understands that it's getting something delicious and nutritious.

And just presenting food in a delectable and artistic manner makes it taste even better.

Thanks Rosa! And Bon Appetit!

PARTY GIRL - Cuisine Nicoise - Cooking in the French Riviera

STYLE NOTEBOOK - For the Girl On-The-Go

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Hope you're enjoying life's adventures. Our next stop on our Summer and Fall adventures has us in Dallas. We chat with fashion blogger Marti Diro, the founder and creator of Heels Avenue. Marti has called San Francisco, Dallas and Ethiopia home. She's got a unique sense of style that rocks. We found her to be quite the inspiration because style is all about expressing your individuality. You have to have the confidence in yourself, not just follow blind media images and silly celebrities - know yourself and find what looks great on you. She just launched a small leather goods collection. 
NEXT STOP: Interview with Marti.

After chatting with Marti, we're going to be exploring one of the most amazing architectural wonders in the world - Lalibela, Ethiopia.

Stay Tuned.

Travel and Style with Heels Avenue's Marti Diro

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You're the founder of fashion blog Heels Avenue. What makes your fashion blog different from the countless fashion blogs out there? What are your ambitions/goals for Heels Avenue?

I contemplated this very question for a couple of years before I launched my blog. I concluded, as long as I stay true to myself and to my sense of style, Heels Avenue will always be different and that will be the very thing that sets me apart from other bloggers. My ambition for this blog is  to inspire my readers and to grow a strong brand. I also hope to launch a jewelry and small leather goods line in the near future.  

You're a mother and have a hubby to take care of. What's the hardest part of juggling life as a fashion blogger and being a mom and wife?

I think finding time to shoot is one of the challenges I encounter most of the time. My husband is truly supportive of my journey as a blogger, yet with his busy schedule along with my running after a 2 year-old...it can be a little challenging.

What's your professional background? How did it prepare you for creating Heels Avenue?

I studied Fashion Merchandising and worked at Gap Inc for a few years. My co-workers used to tell me I needed to launch my own blog at the time when blogging was relatively new. In hindsight, I should have started back then. Part of my job for the Gap was researching street style and our competition for inspiration...That was my Aha moment. I kept telling myself - I can do this!!! But it took another couple years 'till my blog was born.



You're originally from Ethiopia. But you've called San Francisco home for many years, and now you're based in Dallas. Can you give us the scoop on the things you like the most about Addis, San Fran and Dallas? And of course, what you like least?

Ahhh San Francisco has a special place in my heart. It' s a very diverse and eclectic city. I learned and grew as a woman from its  tolerant attitude towards almost everything. If it wasn't for its untouchable housing market, I would have lived there forever. Even as a fashion blogger, it has a significant impact on my style today. My love for vintage was born and got strong in San Francisco. Of course, Ethiopia is my motherland, where I was born and raised. I left Ethiopia 14 years ago, and it has changed immensely since then.

I just came back from  a short visit home, and I am all feeling nostalgic now. The social life aspect of Ethiopia is what I miss the most.  I have three of my siblings and my dad there so that will always be home. Now on to Dallas, well I can't lie to you, I am still working on liking Dallas. I've met incredible people and friends - that is keeping me going for now. But I hated the summer here, so the weather seems something I don't think I will get used to anytime soon.



We love your sense of style and color. Photos are gorgeous! You make the outfits look so effortlessly cool. Can you give our readers your Top 5 style rules? Also your Top 5 fashion essentials (accessories, the little black dress etc...)

I really appreciate the love. I think the main thing is to be comfortable in whatever you are wearing...Knowing your body is the most crucial thing. I don't think I have any strict rules - that's the whole thing about style. But If I have to pick some of the things that define my style, it would be, high-waisted pants, over-sized outerwear, jumpsuits and kind of Jumpsuits, cape or ponchos, always a good pair of shoes... to be specific high heels (the higher the better) and mixing a good vintage find with a high-end piece will always be the main things for me.

Who are your favorite fashion designers?

Rick Owen, Rachel Comey and William Okpo.


We're all about changing the negative stereotypes of Africa. What's the most negative stereotype of Ethiopia you'd like to change?

Ethiopia has been synonymous with famine for longer than I want to admit. That is the fact but that shouldn't be the only reason Ethiopia should be known. Ethiopia prides itself as one of the countries that was never colonized in Africa. According to CNBC Africa, Ethiopia has made great strides in becoming one of the fastest growing economies in Africa. We are also the home of all three Abrahamic religions. Christianity arrived in Ethiopia in the fourth century. The first Muslims arrived in Ethiopia as refugees and were taken in and protected by the Christian king. The history of Judaism in Ethiopia also goes back many thousands of years. Ethiopia is indeed the only country in Africa where different religions live together in relative peace.

Now for accessories and jewelry...your vintage finds are fab. Where do you shop? How do you incorporate vintage with fashion basics. What's the best way to shop for statement jewelry pieces and stay budget-conscious?

Accessories to me are what tie up the whole outfit and gives a good punch in whatever statement one is conveying in their outfit. It really can make a significant impact in even the most blah outfit. I like to hunt for funky and unique pieces in vintage stores. In my recent trip to Ethiopia, I spent a good amount of time curating cool pieces that speaks to my aesthetic, and I am hoping to launch an online store pretty soon. 

Of course, we have to ask you. Name your top three travel destinations.

Bora Bora, Seychelles and Turkey. I haven't been to any of these places but they are definitely on my list. Places I have visited and enjoyed - London because Londoners style is everything to me, Costa Rica it's one vibrant place and Paris.




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