Thank you and Merry Christmas - 12.24.2007.1

As the Holiday spirit descends on the billions across the planet I want to take a moment to recognize those not here. Whether it was entertainers and celebrities we lost like James Brown and Washington Redskin Sean Taylor. Or those brave souls in our Armed Forces that are in harm’s way every day, fighting and dying for us in places like Iraq, Afghanistan, and all the far corners of the Earth. Even those that find themselves incarcerated or those without homes. All of them and so many more have someone who loves and misses them, if not dozens.

Too often the world seems to speed by and too many seem to be forgotten. So for whomever it is you miss and whatever reason, I want to express my condolences, pride, thanks and love. I, among multitudes, have not forgotten.

I especially want to thank, remember, and give my heartfelt best wishes to those who are serving in our Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard. Without your sacrifices and efforts I know that I could not sit comfortably and write to the blogs I do. Thank you for the freedom you ensure for me and America.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Feliz Navidad, and may the New Year bring everyone peace, prosperity and joy.

Sincerely,

Michael Vass

Inspiration and a World Record deserves media coverage - 6.27.2007.1

With all the negative media that hits the airwaves it’s great to hear something positive from time to time. Pay attention because you may not notice this being covered by the cable news networks.


Mr. Barrington Irving has just set a new world record, actually 2 of them. The records are for being the youngest to fly solo around the world. This young pilot, only 23, has just finished his world hopping flight after starting 93 days ago. He is also the first African American to make the trip.

Mr. Irving is a senior majoring in aerospace at Florida Memorial University, who started to learn to fly when he was just 16. His motivation to take on and create this world record?

“…inspire other young people to resist the negative influences of the streets and work toward their dreams.”

Mr. Irving did it, and he is no rich celebrity. He went to a community college with a partial Florida Bright Future Scholarship before his work and dedication prompted community leaders to provide him joint Air Force/Florida Memorial University Flight Awareness Scholarship to further his education and flight training. He has earned his Private, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor licenses. In addition he founded a nonprofit organization, Experience Aviation, Inc.

I, for one, and truly impressed and filled with respect for Mr. Irving. His plane, called Inspiration, was built from donated parts he collected. He had Chevron donate the fuel for his trip, Microsoft donated free Flight Simulator software to students of Experience Aviation, 2 satellite companies provided tracking software so people could follow him on his trip, and a software development company is making a flight simulator based on him.

All this came to Mr. Barrington Irving, who was born in Jamaica and raised in the inner-city of Miami, because he went for it. This is a story that needs to be covered more. Kids in cities can succeed. Black men can be more than a rapper, athlete, or drug-dealing pimp. Education, dreams and a will for more, when coupled with hard work can get you wherever you want to go. Don’t believe that because I said so, know it because Mr. Barrington Irving did it.

This is what I think, what do you think?