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  VOLUME I NUMBER II MARCH-APRIL 2003

 


 


 

It is thrilling to know that our introductory issue was well received by our readers. The numerous positive feedbacks were beyond our expectations. "I am grateful to Tadias's immense contribution to our growing community", said a reader from Nashville Tennessee. "As a father, I am reassured that my child will grow-up to be proud of her heritage and be inspired by the extraordinary Ethiopians like Amsale." Some offered their compliments. As one reader put it, "Quality should be the name of your magazine. Keep up the good work and know that we are cheering for you." Others gave constructive criticism, "There are some things missing", one advised. "Every magazine has an editorial and a back-page column. You might want to consider creating a 'tech' section." Responses like these are what invigorate our commitment to continue this service to our community. We trust that this is only the start of an enduring relationship with our audience.

In this issue we remember the 107th anniversary of Adwa. Our history section is dedicated to the awe-inspiring contributions of Ethiopian women in military affairs. "Queens, Spies, and Servants" is a review piece by Tseday Alehegn that explores the role of Ethiopian women in major battles that kept Ethiopia unconquered for time immemorial.

In the same spirit, we inaugurate a new section entitled "The Diaspora". We hear from the people that gave us Little-Ethiopia, the Los Angeles neighborhood that became the first U.S. locality to be named after an African nation. It is our desire that this remarkable achievement will set off comparable efforts in other Ethiopian communities across America and hopefully in others parts of the world.

We also introduce two new sections: A column dealing with contemporary health issues that directly affect our community, and "CTO's Corner", a feature that gives us a glimpse of new innovations in the High-Tech sector and a quick look at selected equipments that could have mass use in the Ethiopian-American community.

In our cover story, Tasnim Fidali chronicles the exceptional life of Marcus Samuelsson. His journey from being orphaned in Ethiopia to his current position as co-owner and Executive Chef of Aquavit, one of New York's most prominent restaurants, is a classic example of the American dream. We expect his story will feed the imagination of others to follow in his footsteps.

We hope you will find this issue to your liking and we look forward to reading your submissions to our Speak Out section.

The Team


Culinary Genius: The Story of Marcus Samuelsson

"You should always try and also allow yourself to fail". This is the principle that Aquavit's co-owner and Executive Chef, Marcus Samuelsson, follows in his creative kitchen, where taste, texture, and aesthetics are put to the test and the outcome is a crisp taco filled with smoked herring served on a marble tablet or osetra caviar placed on broken glass. Innovative taste accompanied by flamboyant presentation is his trademark.

The Ethiopian-born and Swedish-raised Chef aims to create an unforgettable experience with every meal he serves by adding a touch of drama. With his brush, something he has had since childhood, he displays his artistic talent on plates, tiles, glass bricks, and other items that exist in everyday culture to enhance his out-of-the-ordinary presentation. Flavor that invigorates the palette is what inspires Chef Samuelsson, and to achieve this, he experiments with ingredients from around the world. He has revolutionized modern and classic Scandinavian cuisine by blending uncommon flavors, yet staying true to the basics. continued...

Also:

MISS VIRGINIA USA 2003: Dr. Meron "Mimi" Abraham 24-year old Mimi Abraham, a practicing Pharmacist in the state of Virginia, has always dreamed of becoming a star, but finishing up school was her priority. She told the pageant organizers, "becoming part of the entertainment industry has long been a dream of mine, however, education was always a major focus. Now that I have successfully completed the Doctor of Pharmacy program, I feel better prepared to pursue my dreams." continued...

How often do we find a 15-page illustrated ad on Ethiopia in the New York Times?

 

A new film on HIV/AIDS pandemic in Ethiopia premiered in California.

A Las Vegas based Ethiopian Artist held his first show in the United States.

 

A long time scholar of Africa and author of the highly acclaimed "A History of Ethiopia", died.

Little Ethiopia: How it happened A Perspective From the People Behind the Idea

Queens, Spies, and Servants: A History of Ethiopian Women in Military Affairs

Fashion accessories that make phone calls Have you ever wanted your mobile phone to match your attire?

The Power of Alternative Healing
Did you ever wonder why the first three letters in the word diet are die? Former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop reported that "dietary imbalances" are the leading preventable contributors to premature death in the United States. As Ethiopian-Americans, it is essential that we keep informed of the health risks associated with our diet. continued...

Beware of Fraud in Prepaid Phone Card Services Based on current reports it is apparent that Ethiopians in North America have been struggling to get good rates when calling back home. Until recently, it was arduous for many of us to keep in touch with our familes at an affordable rate. continued...

Travel Journal: My Humanitarian Journey to Africa I do not remember how and when it started but it had always been my dream to travel and work in Africa. As a child, I grew up seeing my mom traveling and working on different projects in villages throughout Ethiopia. continued...

Dear Tadias,
I just checked your magazine and website and I'm very impressed. It is well organized and well written. I'll definitely save it on my "favorites" list. In your future issues, I recommend that you cover the annual Ethiopian film festival. I am looking forward for volume 2 of your magazine.

Mr. Abdul
Via the Internet

Hello Tadias!
While composing a letter in response to one of your articles entitled "An African Writing system", a number of things came to my mind. One of which was of course, the future of your newly born magazine. And I said to myself with these good-looking young men and women on board, nothing unpleasant is expected to come about to Tadias. So I concluded, Tadias will be a shining example for the Diaspora. Good luck and I wish you the all best.

Aba-Nebso
Via the Internet

 

It is a pretty good start for a new magazine. The cover, content, photos, etc., stand out, and are very professional. The website looks very nice and has a good usability. Now, there are some things that are missing: every magazine has an editorial and a back-page column. In addition, the index has to be the first page of the magazine. I am sure the business side is tough. I know because I have helped start other publications. You might want to consider creating a "tech" section. Keep it up.

Demiss Taye
Via the Internet

I am grateful to Tadias's immense contribution to our growing community. As a father, I am reassured that my child will grow-up to be proud of her heritage and be inspired by the extraordinary Ethiopians like Amsale, who was featured on the cover of your magazine. Indeed the future seems bright. Keep it up.

Hailu Negusey
Nashville, Tennessee

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