Sean Penn and Haiti

Sean Penn is a quality actor, and politically the kind of American I would expect from a B-grade spy movie about communist sleeper agents. He has long put himself on the forefront of criticism for his views, his socialist preferences, and his blatant love fests with unsavory leaders like Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro.

But given those facts, there is no question that in regard to Haiti and the relief efforts Penn has been putting his XX where his mouth is. He has directly brought doctors (11), water filters, donated huge sums of money, and actively helped to save lives of those buried in rubble. He has directly done what many entertainers only speak about from afar.

I started to search through various posts and news articles on Penn and his activities in Haiti because of the most recent comments by Penn about the efforts of the American military in Haiti. Penn has uncharacteristically stated that

We have worked very closely with Colonel Mike Foster and Sergeant Keith Horn (ph), who have been -- who are truly exceptional men in the 82nd Airborne. And it has -- it has been such an experience working with these people."

"JENKINS [partner of Penn in his Haiti specific charity]: Because I -- in Bosnia, I associated the army with killing. And in my life, they came too late, because I lost everything.

But when I got to Haiti and I've seen what the American Army has done, all I can say is God bless America and the American Army, because they work so hard. And the only sense of order that is there, I think it's them. And they are trying so hard to help, to distribute, to do anything they can to help these people."

"PENN:I would like to tell all my lefty friends out there, these guys are doing an amazing job and they're doing it with the greatest intentions in heart and in conjunction with all of the other organizations. It's a -- and it is an amazing amount of cooperation."

Talk about shock. The only problem I have with these comments by Penn is that it took this sad crisis in Haiti for him to open his eyes and notice the great good the American military does everyday.

But somewhere it seems someone is upset with Penn. Why? I have no idea. Who? I don't know because I can't find it. I imagine it has to be some of the very same far-left wackos that Penn normally rubs shoulders with. But his response to those critics on this issue in Haiti is the very same Sean Penn that we expect to hear about

"...the outspoken actor says he hopes any cynic who dismisses his efforts as a star turn will "die screaming of rectal cancer."

It's extreme all right. And at the moment I don't care as long as Penn continues to help the people of Haiti.

But if I gave myself a moment to look at this situation, I might suggest to Penn the fickle nature of what I presume is the extreme far-left when anyone does anything they don't like. Which includes those that they normally support, as Penn has now found out.

Stepping away from that, I applaud Penn (I can't believe I'm saying that) for what he has done and continues to do in Haiti. I love celebrities that give to those in need and use thier star power to provide for those that most need it. Penn deserves the positive attention he has earned, and I hope this just brings more help for the people of Haiti.

We are the World - Haiti edition

So I'm in NYC, talking to my accountant and enjoying the rapture that is the Obama Administration. But that's not why you are on this blog.

I think that enough time has passed that discussing the "revisioned" We are the World song will not hurt the donations to Haiti that it can provide. By now everyone that planned on buying the song has done so.

Basically I hate the idea. Yes charity and donations from celebrities are always positive. Still you would think they could have been a bit more original. Instead they took the Hollywood approach and just copied something that was far better in the past and redid it.

Of course, considering the "talent" involved something new probably wouldn't have worked. Some might take that to mean that I don't believe T-Pain, Akon (criminal), Kanye West (egoist), (criminal) Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg (criminal), and several others are without talent. And they would be right.

Think about it. Of the original artists and singers in the original, not one of them came back for this remake. It says something about what was being made and why. This group was filled with current day fads, and non-singing gimmicks, but hardly any substance. It was filled with a majority of people that need huge promotion and attention to remain relevant and interesting. I doubt if half of these people will be making records in 10 years, let alone any of the younger talent ever making it into a hall of fame (unless the criteria drops massively).

The original was something that was done, without a media blitz, purely to help people. The number of Hall of Famers and entertainers with decades of experience and ability dwarfs the same counterpart in the new version. And the new kids just had to have lots of advance and post publicity.

There is an old saying in Russia,

"If you have to advertise it, it can't be that good."

Well in America everything is advertised. But the amount of advertising often is in direct proportion to the waste of money you will recieve. Massive non-stop advertising = a piss poor product that is trying to collect money before word of mouth kills sales. Then again that also describes American Idool, modern rap, and most of the artists involved in this effort for Haiti.

Am I glad this made millions? Well yes, if the money goes solely to Haiti relief. As long as the money doesn't pay for this or that other interest and function, at least 85% of the money actually getting to the people, then yes I am glad it existed.

But, I have to believe that if some effort was applied to make something new, and that was presented to the very best of the new and old artists around, the money that could have been made would have been 3x as much or more. The key is that little word effort. Like talent, it's not popular these days, nor as important as it used to be.

What I said at the start is still the most important thought though. To be honest about the hodge-podge now won't hurt sales and thus the donations. Just a few egos, that are way to inflated anyway.

Valentines for Haiti - a thought out loud

I just need to get this off my chest.

Back on the 15th of January I started the Valentines for Haiti promotion. I offered to provide 50% of all profits, from any sale of any item at Alchemy at World of Vass and/or World of Vass, to the Red Cross and other reputable aide organizations working in Haiti. I thought it was a great idea.

It would seem that it was too good an idea. Recently I checked Google for the term "Valentines for Haiti", on the suggestion of a friend, and I was surprised. There were hundreds of references, which didn't exist before about 30 days ago.

The part that annoys me though is that there are so many websites and blogs that took my idea and ran with it. I realize I did not copyright the term, nor was this an idea that was only mine. And I hope that each of these copycats are honorable and forthright in their efforts to help the people of Haiti.

But in looking at numerous results from Google, not a single person that ran with this idea did so before or even on Jan. 15th. Thus they took my inspiration and watered it down. They muddied the waters, and perhaps restricted some readers from getting involved because of fear this was a scam or that by going to some other site and donating they were somehow linked to my actions.

None of the other sites, not belonging to M V Consulting, Inc., are connected to our Valentines for Haiti promotion. While some may be as legitimate as our own action, they are seperate.

I hope this clarifies the question some readers might have about this subject. It's nice to know that so many are listening to my ideas and running with them, I just wish they at least gave me credit and or help.

Concert for Haiti

An old friend of mine, Jonathan Cahr, recently was speaking to me about Haiti. He had noticed my Valentine's for Haiti promotion and mentioned that he was organizing a concert to raise money to help the people of that nation. That's something that I am always willing to help try to promote.

The details are coming in now, and the concert will be on

Monday, March 8, 2010
Time: 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Location: Temple Beth El
Street: 350 Roxbury Rd.
City/Town: Stamford, CT

Some of the confirmed bands and artists that will be playing include:

THE WHAT'S UP BAND

NESHAMA CARLEBACH

SOULFARM

SHELDON LOW

The Legendary PERSUASIONS

MARC WEINER

LAURA SHOOP(Broadway-Fiddler on The Roof)

and MORE

Tickets for the event will be available starting this weekend. Prices for the tickets and other details about sponsors are:

General Admission $18,
Reserved Seating in premium section $36,
Individual Sponsor $90 (includes 2 premium seats and listing in program)
Family /Corporate Sponsor (includes 4 premium seats and listing in program)

For more details you can go to www.whatsupband.net

It's not too late

With Valentine's Day soon approaching everyone is looking for ways to express themselves without breaking the bank, and without being a carbon copy of old traditions. With this current economy, the answer is hard to find, but a suggestion is World of Vass and Alchemy at World of Vass.

The World of Vass clothing lines are more than just clothes, they are unique designer items that your loved one can use/wear all year long. The quality is high, and best of all it's not something you will find anywhere else. Here is an example of what you can find.



and



But don't think there aren't gifts for him as well. There is something that everyone can love.

For those looking for something a bit more unique and imported there is Alchemy at World of Vass.

This is the authentic Alchemy of England line of products. Hand-made and imported from England, they feature English pewter goods, many with Swarovski crystals. Each items is the definition of an original idea, just for your loved one.












The best part is that 50% of the profit of any item purchased will be donated to relief organizations working in Haiti.

So why not take a look. You have nothing to lose, but you can gain the appreciation of a loved one that comes from a gift from the heart and help those that are in need.

New at Alchemy at World of VASS

The latest additions at Alchemy at World of VASS have just been added. Just in time for Valentine's Day. This brings the number of imported English pewter and Swarovski crystal goods to over 160 different items.

The Alchemy line includes:

Flasks




Posters and Flags




Goblets




Crystal Glassware
T-shirts (for Men and Women)







Earrings
Pendants and Neclaces




Handbags
Canes
Bracelets
Shot Glasses
Chalices
Rings




Cigarette cases and Lighters
Cell Phone chains




and more

There is something for every loved one you would like to share an expression of love with. Delivered direct to you, from England with the highest of quality.

And there is a bonus! Every item purchased at either Alchemy at World of VASS and/or World of VASS will have 50% of the profits donated to benefit the people of Haiti. These donations will continue on all sales up to February 14th.

So you will not only be expressing your love for those special people in your life, but you will be helping improve the lives of those in desparate need.

Take a moment and check out our online store. Pick up a small gift for your girlfriend/boyfriend/mom/dad/siter/brother or even yourself. Buy several dozen gifts and have something for everyone. Either way, you will be helping others with your purchase.

Thank you for helping M V Consulting, Inc. give to those that need all of our help.

Sincerely

Michael Vass
President
info@vassconsult.com

Valentines for Haiti

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love. Usually it's a day when a gift or expression of love is given to someone that you know and care about. But love is not limited to those in our immediate circle of friends, family, and relationships. There is also the love of our fellow human being.

Haiti has been devastated by an enormous earthquake. The news has been filling the airwaves, the magnitude of the horror can only be measured in the tens of thousands of lives this has affected. And the true giving spirit of humanity has come forward, as it always does in such a tragedy.

George Clooney is working with MTV to create a telethon to help the people of Haiti. Presidents Bush and Clinton have come together to urge donations for this island nation. President Obama has guaranteed at least $100 million in aide. But the need will be greater than even that.

M V Consulting is not a mega-corporation. Our wells are not without limit, and while I wish I could create a telethon it is not possible. But there is something that we can do. With your help.

Valentine's Day is 30 days away. During this time 50% of all the profits from the sale of any item found at the online stores of M V Consulting, Inc. (Alchemy at World of VASS and World of VASS) will be donated to American Red Cross at www.redcross.org and Yele Haiti at www.yele.org.

So if you were hoping to give your girlfriend a new necklace for Valentine's Day like

The Sacremental Rood Pendant

- Heavily carved cross from the Middle Ages featuring a red-enamelled Sacred Heart and suspended with large Austrian crystal dropper.



or you thought your boyfriend might enjoy

The Black Rose Ale Glass

- A classic straight-sided 1 pint ale glass, but in black glass and branded with an antiqued pewter badge of Triple X Black Rose Ale.



The proceeds will help out those in need in Hati as well.

Maybe you wanted to just get yourself or your brother/sister/mother/father something like



That too will help those in Haiti.

Whatever you choose, no matter how big or small, we will help Haiti with it. Because love of your fellow human being is not about how much you do, but that you do it at all.

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Sincerely

Michael Vass
President - M V Consulting, Inc.
info@vassconsult.com