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

234 years of service

Today is a day not unlike any other day for most Americans. People will get up and go to work, take care of kids, go to school, and so on. And just like so many days prior we will be able to do so because long before this day started, before we woke up and long after we go to sleep there are Marines making sure that it will be just another day.



234 years ago, before there was an America, the Marine Coprs was created. There was no pomp or ceremony to the creation. In fact it took place in a bar. Such is the humble beginings of a vital piece of America.

Overall the Marine Corps maintains about 200,000 in active service when not in an active war. While many hope to be part of this small brotherhood, few are selected and even fewer make it through training. There is a reason why the commercials correctly state

"The Few. The Proud. The Marines."

Compare that for a second to the roughly 1.1 million or so in the Army, 900,000 in the Navy, and 600,000 in the Air Force. Marines can do aspects of every other sevice, are active across the globe, and are the smallest portion of the active military of America. We are also some of the best known to our allies and feared by our enemies in the world.

That is not to take away from any other serviceman or woman in the U.S. military. It is just what the Marine Corps is and has been for 234 years.

I know this about the Marine Corps because my father was a Viet Nam Marine. I too served in The Corps. And like so many before and after us, the Marines will remain a beacon of what is America and a wall that protects the nation night and day.

To our allies, Marines have always been there with you. If there is any question you need only ask the French why the Germans named us Devil Dogs. Look to history to understand where our sword came from and why we sing about the halls of Montezuma and the shores of Tripoli.

To our enenmies, remember this and dread

"The purpose of EVERY Marine is to be a basic rifleman. The mission of EVERY Marine is to seek out the enemy, and through superior firepower and manuever remove their willingness and ability to fight." Senior Drill Instructor Sgt. Williams 1986 Paris Island

I know what it is to be a Marine. I understand what we volunteer to give for our nation. And I too thank our Marines for the service they provide without question or glory.



But today is the Birthday of the Marine Corp and I celebrate my fellow Marines, in active service or not, with us today or not, in peace where possible and in combat where not.



Because once a Marine, always a Marine.

And for those that have never known a Marine, or never tried to join us, or misunderstand what we have pledged to give to our nation, I share the following videos to give you a small taste.







To be a Marine is not to seek glory, nor reward. It is a calling. It is Semper Fidelis.

Halloween - not just kid fun

So I hope everyone had a good time over Halloween. I had some fun myself. As the following video will show, adults enjoy dressing up as much as anyone else.

The best part for me was once I was fully transformed into the Ghoul, I had to go out for cigarettes. I ran into several people that I know, and none of them recognized me. It took one person more than 5 minutes of me speaking to finally place who I was.

Of course now my head is freezing in this weather without all my hair. Thankfully it will all grow back soon.

How was your Halloween? What do you think of my costume?




**And even though Halloween has past, the pendants, goblets, skulls, earrings and other items at Alchemy at World of Vass are still a great buy. Plus there is always Christmas and birthdays to consider. Check it out. Thanks for your support.**

6 months after tragedy in Binghamton, NY

You know what I hate? Well among other things, the hit and run nature of the major media. It's something that really has always annoyed me. The way they swoop in and get a few headlines but never really get the full story, or follow-up. Its a bad change from just a decade or so ago.

Take for example the Civic Center shooting in Binghamton, New York. It was a dark day for the city and tragic. I recall getting a call and a text from friends concerned about me when they heard the news. That's how I found out what was happening 6 blocks from my house. And of course I went to cover the breaking news.

It was a cold rainy day. I spent hours getting photos and finding out whatever I could. The number of rumors that day was incredible. Many thought it might have been a terrorist attack early on. But as I continued to seek out facts the situation became more clear. It was the deranged actions of a single troubled man.

There was of course lots of news media around. They traveled from Ithaca, Syracuse, and I recall a few from New York City in the day or so afterwards. But it was just a day or so before they were all gone, moving on to other stories. Which would be fine, except it nagged me that in all the stories almost none of the media bothered to find out what Binghamton was like before the shooting.

I let it go, expecting that at some point there would be some kind of follow-up. Yet it has never happened. Binghamton was marked as a place with a potential danger or some kind of scarlet letter. And while most people in the nation may not thnk of Binghamton's shooting, when the name comes up it has been something they recall. Which I can't abide.

So I have sought out to tell a bit of the real nature of Binghamton. The city that I have called my home for 5 years now. A city that is small but filled with a diversity of people from across the nation, and more than a few countries. Its a place that is perhaps the safest place I have ever lived, and generally filled with good people.

Part of my desire is to set the record straight. Part of it is as a minor member of the press (I'm no CNN) I believe that the positive side of Binghamton deserves to be shown. And of course part of it is the fact this is where I call home.

Thus I start my ongoing coverage with a 15 minute interview with Mayor Matt Ryan. We discussed some of the events of that day. The difficulties that the local authorities had, and how they were resolved. We discussed what has changed in Binghamton, and more importantly what has not. Overall we spoke about the strength of a community and the ability of its people to overcome adversity.

Thus I present my interview with Mayor Matt Ryan of Binghamton, NY





I hope that this helps complete the part of the news cycle that never got finished back in April. I will have more on this soon.

M V Consulting, Inc. Announces the Creation of 2 New Divisions

New York, New York (PRWEB) October 13, 2009 -- M V Consulting, Inc. announced the creation and launch of 2 new divisions for the diversified company. This new expansion creates a total of 6 separate divisions within the Company. Besides the Search Engine Optimization, Investor Relations, professional Blog writing and online store for the Company's 21 unique designer clothing lines, the Company now includes a Video Production (http://www.vassconsult.com/videoproduction/index.html) division and the Alchemy at World Of Vass (http://alchemy.vassconsult.com).

M V Consulting, Inc. president Michael Vass stated,

"This has been a trying year for all companies and individuals around the globe. But in these times of struggle it is my firm belief that diversifying and growing the services and products we provide to clients and consumers is critical to continued exponential growth."

Mr. Vass went on to say,

"So far this year we have been able to increase the unique fashionable designer clothing lines available via our online store. We have remodeled our well known political blog site that was featured on TV One's online coverage of the 2008 Presidential election cycle. We have expanded our base of writing for commercial blogs, while covering issues from the most serious to the most entertaining - such as the Oscar Grant murder in Oakland, the debate on Health Care Reform, Movie previews and reviews, and more.

We feel the effect of the tight economy as much as any business in America. But we intend to use the opportunities it provides to be around for the recovery and long after."

The Video Production division

With the growth of the internet and various visual and electronic media, millions of individuals are seeking ways to share their moments of pride, family gatherings, and everyday activities. There is no question that there are dozens of products and services available, in fact too many for the average person who has to balance a busy work schedule, family, and recreation if possible.

Thus M V Consulting's Video Production division is the answer. We take video and/or images and combine them into a seamless and high quality format. Essentially we create the modern version of home movies that can be shared with family and friends via CD's, or on social networking sites like Facebook and Youtube. These videos can even be enhanced with music creating personalized music videos. All for a reasonable fee without hassle or purchases of massive amounts of technology.

Alchemy at World of Vass

This division deals solely with the high quality product lines created by Alchemy of England. As a reseller of the Alchemy consumer goods, we seek to provide consumers with access to the finest in genuine English Pewter and Swarovski crystal handmade imported items. Via the online store consumers can directly order as few as 1 item to hundreds including earrings, pendants, belt buckles, flasks, cigarette cases, goblets and more from the entire Alchemy product line. Whether the purchase is for a birthday, a holiday adornment, or just personal expression consumers can enjoy the knowledge that all goods are imported directly from England, and are of the highest craftsmanship.

About M V Consulting, Inc.

The Company is a diversified company primarily focused on business activities involving or interacting with the internet. The Company has been in existence since 2006, with President Michael Vass having nearly a decade of experience extending before the creation of the Company. The Company is familiar with the real world needs of corporations and individuals in creating effective internet properties. From websites to blogs to creation of content, even direct sales, the Company has been involved with it all.

The Company owns: www.blackentertainmentblog.com, www.mvass.com, the corporate website www.vassconsult.com, the new alchemy.vassconsult.com online store and provides its clothing line via www.cafepress.com/nova68

Halloween is coming - are you ready?

Halloween is one of the biggest holidays of the year. When adults get to have as much fun dressing up as kids do. Maybe even more.

People spend huge amounts of money and time on their costumes. One year I went all out and decided to make a halloween costume that would be the perfect disguise. It came out to look like this



Here is a closer look. Can you tell it was me?



It was so good that even after speaking some people still had no idea it was me. But the halloween costume was missing a couple of items I really wished I had at the time. Just the bit of extras that would make it complete.

Thinking of that, and you my readers, I am making every effort to provide a huge line of Alchemy products. They are just the thing for that bit of personalization, and making your outfit better than the next.

Not that the Alchemy line of products are only for this upcoming holiday. They make excellent gifts for any time of the year, as well as just something for yourself. I myself am getting a couple of goblets, cufflinks (both coming soon), and cigarette cases just for me.

The latest addition to the Alchemy line offered at World of Vass are rings. Hand cast and many with high quality crystals or other quality materials. They are fashionable and extraordinary, just like you.

Just click the picture or this link Alchemy to check out the growin list of Alchemy products.



Thank you for your support of my blogs, and I hope the Alchemy products make you the star of your Halloween party and night.

Sincerely

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

Michael Vass comments on AP photo of Marine

Dear Readers,

Sometimes being a member of the press sickens me. It happens in times where the press and media reach below the bowels of the lowest common denominator and dredge up muck. We all learned about one such instance when Entertainment Tonight published a photo of the dead body of Michael Jackson on a stretcher as doctors struggled to save his life. I spoke harshly of that decision and those that would benefit from the suffering of a family in a time of grief.

Yet again I find myself having to denounce a decision of another news organization. This time it the Associated Press. Normally this is a news agency of high regard and solid reporting. But I assume that the need to make a profit in a recession exceeded the obvious and declared standards of good taste and respect. Such is the media of today.

The AP published a photo of a Marine, Lance Cpl. Joshua M. Bernard, as he was dying from wounds received in a firefight in Afghanistan. This went against the multiple requests of the family NOT to publish this photo.

“Bernard's father after seeing the image of his mortally wounded son said he opposed its publication, saying it was disrespectful to his son's memory. John Bernard reiterated his viewpoint in a telephone call to the AP on Wednesday”

Not only did the AP decide that the wishes of the family were unimportant, they ignored requests via phone and in writing from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Gates directly contacted the president of the AP Thomas Curley in a phone call and then again with a letter that states in part

“Out of respect for his family’s wishes, I ask you in the strongest of terms to reconsider your decision. I do not make this request lightly. In one of my first public statements as Secretary of Defense, I stated that the media should not be treated as the enemy, and made it a point to thank journalists for revealing problems that need to be fixed – as was the case with Walter Reed.

I cannot imagine the pain and suffering Lance Corporal Bernard’s death has caused his family. Why your organization would purposefully defy the family’s wishes knowing full well that it will lead to yet more anguish is beyond me. Your lack of compassion and common sense in choosing to put this image of their maimed and stricken child on the front page of multiple American newspapers is appalling. The issue here is not law, policy or constitutional right – but judgment and common decency.”

I believe the wishes of the family should have been respected. I believe that Gate’s request should have been honored. I see no benefit to the stories of Afghanistan, or to history, from the display of the final moments of this Marine. The only attempted result of this picture (that I will never publish) is to create controversy and profit.

Not only did the AP use the death of this Marine, the Buffalo News, (Wheeling, W.Va.) Intelligencer, Akron Beacon-Journal and the St. Petersburg Times all ran the photo. I denounce the use of this photo. I am appalled by decision of the editors of each of these news organization in seeking to gain profit and circulation via profiteering on the death of a Marine and controversy that can only amplify the anguish of the Bernard family.

The Bernard family has my most sincere and deep condolences. Lcpl Bernard gave his life for this country, something I deeply respect and understand. His memory should be honored, not disgraced.

I recommend to all my readers to avoid the AP, Buffalo News, (Wheeling, W.Va.) Intelligencer, Akron Beacon-Journal and the St. Petersburg Times if at all possible. While it cannot right what has been done, perhaps losing the circulation and profits they have held above dignity and respect will prevent another such travesty.

Sincerely

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

Fun in the sun

In case any of my readers thought that the time in Las Vegas was all work, or pool tournament, and no fun - I offer the following. Just me and some friends goofing off.



Plus here are a few pictures of us just relaxing.











Just a couple of the photos from the trip. It was a great time and both Endicott teams are great people. But more photos of the actual competition are soon to come. Just need time to edit it all.

Phoenix Airport - Homeward bound, eventually

The time in Las Vegas has been great. I was able to speak with a few teams from across the country, saw the Chris Angel show, had a great meal in the Cat House in Luxor (review coming soon), saw various sites and got a bit of a tan.

Then my team and I headed home.

Some 2 1/2 months ago we were told by our APA league operator that our flight home was the best he could do. Chris W. had scheduled my team to go home via Las Vegas to Phoenix, to Detroit, to Wilkes Barre from which we could drive almost 2 hours to get home. When we were at the Las Vegas Airport we were told by a ticket agent

"Whoever got you these tickets really doesn't like you."

That was said because we were on the last flight out of Las Vegas to Phoenix. It meant that we would be in the airport some 7 1/2 hours before continuing our flight. This is how grand an experience Phoenix is at 12:30am



Now at the time of the video I have been up some 16 hours and was wearing a hat earlier - so forgive my look. Were there a place to sleep in Phoenix I wouldn't be writing this. Or if there was a bar, a newstand, a television, a comfortable chair. Anything. But there isn't, especially since everything closes at 8pm reportedly.

How bad does it seem that Chris W. feels about my team?

Well our sister team from Central New York (Endicott) left Las Vegas 3 hours after us, and will arrive home some 8 to 10 hours before us. This is a team who flew to Las Vegas with us on 2 of the 3 flights we took to Vegas. Somehow, as we were told at the time, there was no way to get from Las Vegas to anywhere near home without taking 17 hours with 8 people on the same flights. Though our tickets were booked 2 1/2 months in advance. And there was obviously another way to get the other team home sooner. And we are taking an entirely differnt route than we took to get here.

Even worse is the fact that the ticket agents in Las Vegas let us know that there was a flight roughly 3 hours earlier that had the seats we needed and would have gotten us home the same night.

To be fair, our flight was set this way (we were told) in case we made it to the finals of the competition. Of course we did not know that if we did, it would have meant that we would have had to win the competition in less than 2 1/2 hours, get paid, get team photos, get into a cab/limo, race thru Saturday evening Las Vegas traffic, get our tickets, rush through security and make the plane with a spare 5 minutes before departure. And that's the best case scenario. Suffice to say that doesn't work any better than the other facts I have learned.

So with that wonderful news I sit in Phoenix, while my team is sleeping on the floors and chairs in an airport that is closed, without access to anything until 4am at the earliest. It's 90 degrees outside and humid. There are major restrictions on where you can smoke, the place is empty of everyone but TSA guards (especially one woman with an attitude and an aversion to questions about the airport) cleaning crews, and 5 people besides my team (2 of which are on last minute flight changes).

Is this return home spoiling the experience of the APA National 8-ball competition? Oh yeah. Do I personally think that better could have been done? On several levels I have come to the conclusion that it seems so.

These are of course my thoughts. They are not those of my team. And the fact that I have another 15 hours of traveling is not improving my thoughts about this matter.

More coverage of the good parts of the Las Vegas trip and competition some time after this journey ends. (Hey, do you know if it took this long for Lewis and Clark to find Mississippi?)

Preview of 8-ball tournament play in Las Vegas

I'm still in Las Vegas for a while more, but I decided to put together a quick little video of the Endicott team (playing for the Guys & Dolls pool hall) arriving at Circus Circus, and playing at the APA National 8-ball Pool Tournament held in the Riviera.

This is a quick video, I will have several more once I have a chance to edit all the videos and pictures I have taken.

This video features several members of the team, including:

Gregg Cordero
Bob 'Panama' Grabow
Gary Hinckley
Gage Majka
Zachary Majka
John Miller
Robert 'Coty' Miller
Michael Vass

Video highlights - Team arriving in a stretch limo, Zach Majka finishing off a game, Panama in a match. (video taken by Claudia Miller in visitor stands)

Video of APA Las Vegas National Pool Tournament

Here is the promised video of Round 2 of the Guys and Dolls 8-ball team at the Las Vegas 2009 APA National Pool Tournament. The quality is not perfect but it is the best that we could make without disrupting the other teams.



Vegas has been fun so far. The tournament is still going forward. More videos, soon.

Live from Las Vegas 2009 APA National Pool Tournament

Hey everyone. Well I arrived in Las Vegas Monday afternoon. A bit of jetlag and tired from the 3 planes we had to take to get here(the plane and room was paid for by the APA). The entire Guys and Dolls team from Edicott NY arrived safe and sound.

We got lucky and did not have to play until 8am today (tuesday). So I went out and played some craps in Circus Circus. So far I have been down, even, and back down a little. Which isn't too bad considering how fast craps can go. Hope to get comped and rated by the time we leave.

Enjoyed a nice buffett at Circus Circus, though the rooms in the manor are pretty poor - though large. I have a room (seperate of what was paid for) in the Sky Tower, which is far nicer.

The weather is great. About 105, dry, and sunny.

As for how things are going in the APA National Pool Tournament of 2009, things are even better. I played in the first match and won my games against a 6. It was a strong showing, 4 - 2, and helped my team win our first 3 games and thus the match. Gary Hinkley and Zach Majka also won their matches in the same manner.

Our next match will be at 6pm. We plan on continuing our winning streak.

I plan to have video of one of the games in my match up once Youtube loads the video. Quality is a bit low, but you can watch the whole game.

I also got to meet Jeanette Lee. I will have a picture of her shortly. She is great. There was a mentally disabled young man that came to have her sign a picture for her. He mentioned that she was his favorite. And Lee decided to do something special. She got one of her personal gloves, (which were not available for sale or signing) and signed it for the young man. Then took a photo with him. It was really swwet and everyone there cheered afterwards. She is really sweet, was talking to her fans and being very generous to us all.

Obviously I'm having a great time. I expect to speak with a few players, and have interviews for you soon. Most of it all will be after I get back.

Look for the video later. Need to eat and then go to my next match.

Vegas bound

Well in just a few short hours My 8-ball pool team will be off to the APA 8-ball National Pool Tournament. I will strive to provide updates and video through out the week.

More as soon as possible

Sen. Schumer responds to Michael Vass - repost from Mvass.com

***Due to the critical nature of this proposal, and how it will affect every American, I felt it important to post this here as well as at my political blog, VASS***

On August 11, 2009 I sent email and written letters to Senator Gillibrand, Senator Schumer, Representative Hinchey, and President Obama about the proposed Health Care Reform Bill currently in Congress. To date there has been only 1 response, from Senator Charles Schumer.

The entire email from Senator Schumer can be seen in the comments section of the post Asking Sen. Gillibrand, Sen. Schumer, Rep. Hinchey about the Healthcare Bill. This post is a commentary on the response I have received compared to what I asked.

First I want to thank Senator Schumer for responding. On an issue that is so critical to the nation, and so hotly debated, information is critical. I am happy to be able to share his response with all my readers, and the constituents of New York State that Sen. Schumer represents.

As to what I asked Sen. Schumer, I detailed 22 questions that I have found to be among the top questions Americans have about the health Care Reform and how it will affect American lives. Senator Schumer provided me what I believe is a form letter response. That response did not answer even the most simple question I asked,

“Have you personally read and understood all 1000+ pages of the proposed Health Care Reform Bill?”

Worse, the letter sent to me by Sen. Schumer assumes I support the Health Care Reform being proposed, and the public option.

“Thank you for contacting me and expressing your support for increasing access and coverage in health care reform.”

To be clear, I took a neutral stance in my letter asking that he provide answers to questions only.

Sen. Schumer further stated

“I also strongly support the establishment of a public health insurance option which would create a not-for-profit insurance plan, started by the government, which would compete on a level playing field with existing private health insurance plans. Because the public health insurance option would be not-for-profit, it would help to lower premiums and, therefore, exert downward pressure on the premiums of existing insurance plans. This change is pro-consumer because it adds competition to insurance markets, allowing New Yorkers and all Americans one more choice of affordable and comprehensive health insurance.”

It’s a nice pat response. But it does not address the question of why alternatives are not on the table. Like increasing competition by allowing Americans to pick ANY insurance plan in the nation and not just those in their state. Or the question of why any employer would continue to pay increased costs to maintain a healthcare plan (that workers may be happy with) when they can increase funds by dropping healthcare and forcing workers onto the Government plan (which they may not like or want). Or other questions that I directly asked about

“2) Does the current Health Care Reform Bill (HCRB) require any Americans to switch existing coverage to a Government plan? If so how many Americans are estimated to be required to change and where does that estimate come from?

7) Is there a punitive cost to the HCRB? To clarify, it has been stated that those electing not to take the Government plan will incur a 2.5% penalty assessed in their taxes. Is that correct? Is there any additional cost beyond that?

11) Will the American Government have access to private patient information that is currently restricted by law from the Government database?

12) What incentive will private insurers (who employ tens of thousands of Americans) have to compete with a Government plan that is paid for by taxpayers and thus can be run at an annual loss?
15) Will Congress and/or any elected official be mandated to be covered by the exact same Government program as the general public? If not why?

19) Why is there a need to pass the HCRB before the 4th quarter? Already we have seen that immediate passage of the Obama Stimulus package created unforeseen problems, as one example. Why is taking more time to review all aspects of the 1100 page Bill, and it’s most likely effects, counter-productive to the American public?

21) How many of the estimated 47 million people (roughly 12% of all Americans) without healthcare will remain without coverage based on the HCRB, if any?”

Notice that not one of my questions, and there are more, is answered. Not one of the issues that Americans across the globe have raised is covered. Not one reason other than Sen. Schumer says it’s a good idea and that he is working hard is provided.

Now I will not make a conclusion about the response of Sen. Schumer, beyond what observations I have already made. I leave that to you my reader.

Is his response to my 22 questions good enough? Is his answer enough of a reason for you to support the Health Care Reform? Are your questions answered?

I do not know if, or when, any other elected official will respond to my 22 questions on Health Care Reform. I do know that when the mid-term elections of 2010 come up, I will make sure that the several hundred thousand voting Americans that read my posts are reminded of the verbatim response (or lack thereof) our elected officials felt was worthy of giving the public.

In addition, I will be sending another letter to Sen. Schumer. In that letter, which I will provide to my readers on this blog, I will remind the Senator that he failed to address a single concern I mentioned. And that as a voting New York State resident, as well as member of the press, I am deserving of a bit more than what seems to be a form letter that fails to provide any direct or indirect information on one of the admittedly most important issues of our day.

Perhaps Sen. Schumer will respond better on the second try. In addition, I will attempt to contact the Senator via phone.

More as I have details.

Would you call Michael Vass a racist?

Recently I received a comment from my discussion of the upcoming Disney film The Princess and the Frog, that made several claims and challenges that I though would be best to deal with in total as a post. You can see the comment from Logan Calder at http://www.blackandwhiteblog.net/2009/04/22/movie-preview-the-princess-and-the-frog/ and in quotes below.

“Ok, fair enough. I want to add that I have no problem with your issues of unfair treatment of Blacks in this country. My issues and responses are based on what I see as your Afrocentrism, which basically is racism against Whites in a costume - why you need to concentrate on diminishing Whites can be understood if you are a racist Black person, but is no different than a racist White person.”

Ok, I am confused. Are there people in America that believe this? That they can state that they understand that African Americans have, and continue, to be treated with bias and prejudice; but if you identify such abuses, and are Black (or Black Puerto Rican in my case), then it is Afrocentrism and racist?

Let’s be clear. I am Black and Latino. I am an American. I love my country, and my heritages. But neither stops me from pointing out that in the greatest nation on the planet – a country I would readily die for as is – there is systemic abuses and problems in regards to people of color. Being American, of any color, does not preclude facts.

By the way Afrocentrism is defined as

“a world view which emphasizes the importance of African people, taken as a single group and often equated with "Black people", in culture, philosophy, and history.[2] The roots of Afrocentrism lay in a reaction to the repression of Black people throughout the Western world in the 19th century and as a backlash against the scientific racism of the period, which tended to attribute any advanced civilization to the immigration of Proto-Indo-Europeans and their descendants.[3] Part of this reaction involved reviewing history to document the contributions that Black people made to world civilization.”

I do not see myself as such, though aspects of this are surely part of me. As it should be for anyone of any particular group. I am proud of who I am, and what I do, and my ancestors. I will never apologize for that.

And I see no reason not to note the contributions of African Americans in this nation. Something that is all but ignored in basic educations, the media, entertainment, and general life in this nation. America tends to ignore people of color, especially African Americans, because to not do so means the nation has to deal with past and current biases. Which America is unwilling to do.

But is it racist? Am I racist?

Over the years of my writing I have had a multitude of people I know across the world, of most every nationality and background, read my writing. Only in America has anyone found my writing, about race relations, even somewhat disturbing. And of those in America, only those that don’t know me have ever made accusations of racism. Generally after reading just one post, instead of the thousands I have written. And generally they have taken a statement out of context or reinterpeted my words to fit a pre-existing view they have.

Still I wonder about this. When I discuss the fact that a photo of a Black man wading through post-Katrina waters with a bag is called a looter by national media, and an exactly the same photo of a White man doing the same thing is called foraging to stay alive, am I being racist? When I discussed the fact that repeatedly African American males are shot by police, across the country, in a hail of dozens of bullets while unarmed, and that I am unaware of there ever being similar treatment to White males, is that racist? When I note that some 90%+ of all media ignores completely people of color, or that specific and often insulting references are made just for people of color, is that too racist?

Or am I just commenting on a racial bias that is so ingrained in the society that most people ignore it as commonplace. Am I hoping to note the inequality and systemic problem that prevents true respect and societal bonding, or is it just one guy screaming Black Power?

“Ultimately I still dont know why any of this matters, pointing out who is Black and who is White. Blacks and Whites both want to claim king Tut, Jesus, and Bob Marley as theirs, as if they would justify that the race they belong to is the better. It is still a racist thought that is driving the force, to need to claim someone of mixed race is theirs. Do you get it?. Do you need to claim that “we are Gods first” if you are Black?? you are really saying “we are Gods real children and are therefore better than you” and then that same person gets mad if a White person is a racist.”

First off, Jesus, Bob Marley, and with some question King Tut are all Negroid (which I will call Black to simplify). Why is that important? Because in American society, where almost all positive actions and contributions of history and the nation’s development have been either ignored or rewritten, the truth is necessary. In fact the truth is always important. Because lies always lead to a problem down the road.

Plus I think that correcting misconceptions is important. Queen Nefertiti never looked like Elizabeth Taylor. To assume as much steals away the history of my ancestors and perverts history. It diminishes people when you relegate them to nothing. And any people that are nothing can be treated as less than human. Which American history is rife with. Such was the excuses to justify slavery and the invasion of “savage” people across the world. Not to mention the “saving” of Native American Indians. I don’t think it’s racist to correct that.

Though I have never claimed anyone was God’s first. I dare anyone to find such a comment on any post or comment I have ever made. To say that I have is to totally misunderstand everything I have ever written and to place words in my mouth I have never spoken. It is insulting.

“I simply get tired of a racial debate, that continually attacks White people in a racist and/or degrading manner for being racist. It is my belief that racism is absolutely equal among races, and that 80% of us dont really care too much, but do have racial or prejudcial views. The other 10% of radicals are at both ends - one hates their own race and the other hates everyone else. It is definetly NOT a White only thing. In fact, Whites are the only race taught (by the same media you claim is so racist) to be ashamed of being proud of who they are!!. If it were equal we wouldnt have Obama or Sotomayor in office.”

I don’t agree with attacking anyone, without cause. I am as willing to take on the Government, racists, corporations, global warming, political lies, and bad entertainment. The question is not the color, but the content. But I will not back away from critiquing President Obama because he is Black, just as I have no problem taking on ex-officer Mehserle because he is White.

But it is not racist to point out the systemic problems in the nation. Problems that benefit some, and hinder others. Generally those that are people of color. Is it racist to ask why the nation is so focused on Mexico and the potential threat from terrorists, when all terrorists that have entered the nation have come from Canada which is ignored? That’s not an attack on White people, but it does bring up the question of what factors are involved in such a mentality.

Is racism really equal among all people? I don’t know. But in America, my experience says that it is not. Partially that is because there are so many things taken as commonplace that it is not recognized as bias. But there are indeed those that are prejudiced. And it’s not 10%. If you recall the polls done before the election of 2008, fully 20% of those polled directly stated they could not vote for a Black man. And that’s those (in both political parties) that were willing to answer the question.

Because America has not move that far forward since the 1960’s, as much as we try to imagine so. We just generally prefer to avoid the questions or answers. It’s more PC and no one will feel socially awkward. This is not the same thing.

But you are right. Racism is not solely a White thing. While not nearly as common it does exist in some people of color in this nation. And I don’t support that either. But that is not the same as being willing to address the issues in this nation. Black or White or whatever, the issues exist – pointing them out is not racist.

As for Whites being ashamed, where do you see that? Maybe I missed it. Which you might understand as 95% of all characters in movies and television are White. 97% of all commentators and pundits are White. I believe that some 80% of all politicians are White. 97% of all major CEO’s are White. And on and on.

So where is the media saying it’s bad to be White? Considering that most people of color are not addressed in almost every form of media, except when a negative is expressed, how are we being lifted above anyone?

As for President Obama, and Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor, they are political and I have addressed my thoughts of both at my political site VASS. Though I will ask, how was a bias of their color created to benefit them? If every African American, hell every person of color in America voted for President Obama (which they did not) he would still need an overwhelming number of Whites to be elected (as he was). And Judge Sotomayor got nominated because she is a woman and liberal, not due to some benefit of her race.

“Lets say we all wake up tomorrow and agree with you, on the absolutely ridiculous notion that America is here because of Africans and would never have made it into the greatest country on earth without slave labor - a completely absurd notion and belief but it is yours, and based on a need outlined above.

Does anything change??? No!! - why not stick to current and the future instead of using the past to make wounds?? I have never yet met anyone, who has told me that their family had been on American soil long enough to have been a slave owner.”

First, you do wake up in that reality. Without slave labor America could not exist. That’s not opinion, that’s fact. Do the math, check the population numbers (where African Americans were counted). Add up the money that the labor of slaves should have made. Remove the manpower they provided and see what would have been left of the nation at the time. To deny the facts is absurd and revisionist dreaming. Thus my need is for people to accept nothing more than what has happened. Because less is insulting, and something that most Americans would not stand for if it were them.

As for families that were slave owners, you are either being obtuse or uninformed. Millions have traced back their lineages to find they were either slaves or slave owners. My family line goes back to about 1860, and the records end because the slave owners before that did not see a need to document their “property”. But I do have that slave owners name in 1860. So do a lot of people.

It’s just that a majority of people don’t want to face that truth. They don’t want to know. Just as they don’t want to know about racism, or prejudice, or bias. Because they feel bad. Because the system helps Whites and hurts people of color. And who wants to have to have that on their back – since the system is not being changed.

So the past is the present. To address one is to address the other. To fix one is to start on fixing it all. And to do nothing is to bask in the benefits some have at the cost of others. Which I do not agree with.

Am I a racist? No, I don’t think so. Those that know me across the world don’t think so. I’m just upfront about addressing what is and is not really going on in America. Which is not an accusation, just a reality. And for some such honesty is too harsh to deal with. And thus I must be at fault since their worldview cannot be so corrupt.

It still doesn’t make me a racist, but I understand why I absolutely have to be for some people.

Correction to statements made by Michael Vass

As many of you are aware, I write about political matters at my other blog VASS. Recently I have discussed the Health Care Reform - even sending out letters to Sen. Schumer, Sen. Gillibrand, Representative Hinchey, and President Obama to get answers. But at the same time I was challenged to prove a statement about President Obama's campaign promises.

I have now answered that challenge, and can state that I was wrong in my thoughts. You can find out exactly how I was wrong, and about what at I was wrong about President Obama.

For those of you that could care less about politics or health care, or even President Obama, I'm sorry for the interuption.

I would invite you to check out the great fashionable designer clothing lines at my online store World of VASS, see the models I have used in photo shoots with the clothing lines (nothing like seeing how good real people look in these fashion statements) at Fashion Models, click on one of my advertisers to the left, or just check out some of the other nearly 1500 posts here on this site.

Author Steven Van Patten interviewed by Michael Vass

About a year ago I had the opportunity to review a novel by author Steven Van Patten. The book was Brookwater’s Curse, a vampire novel that stands out among the genre on many levels. I found the story to be engaging, the characters unique and a refreshing change.

Since that time, Steven Van Patten has come out with the follow-up book to Brookwater’s Curse. I am currently reading that, and will be providing a review for that as well. But I took the time before finishing the second book to interview Steven.

Michael Vass: Congratulations on the second book being published. It must be a thrill to continue to see your work being in published form and accepted so well across the world.

Steven Van Patten: Thanks Michael. It has been exhilarating to hear the responses I've been getting. I mean, when this whole thing started, it was just me, a laptop and my overactive imagination. Now, it's non-stop e-mails and praise and I'm still very much an underground hit. I'm very grateful for whatever happens from this point on.

Michael Vass: For my readers that are unfamiliar with you, please tell us a bit about yourself.

Steven Van Patten: Well, I'm a Brooklynite -- born and raised. I went to Long Island University, where I majored in Media Arts and Minored in English. Grew up in Fort Greene but I'm currently living in Crown Heights. When I'm not our trying to grow the Brookwater's Curse franchise, or home writing feverishly, I'm usually out stage managing any number of TV shows. I've worked regularly on shows like Total Request Live, and BET Tonight with Ed Gordon, but I also done countless concerts, major sports events and things like that.

Michael Vass: Did you always imagine that you would be a writer?

Steven Van Patten: Well I always had a knack for it. In school, the grades spoke for themselves. And I always had this imagination thing. It's definitely my blessing and my curse. It's a blessing because it's definitely a gift from God. It's a curse because sometimes I can't control it.

Michael Vass: Was your education a major factor in your desire to be a writer? What did you take in school?

Steven Van Patten: Honestly, school was only part of it. I don't think my teachers expected what I was capable of, so many of them let me be. My mother pushed me pretty hard to broaden my learning scope past school. So I read voraciously as a kid and still would be if not for the fact that I've been too busy writing my own stuff to get into anything new these days.

Michael Vass: What were early influences for you? Are there specific books that inspired you?

Steven Van Patten: Aside from the million comic books currently living in a closet at my mother's, Stephen King, James Baldwin, Walter Mosley were big literary influences. So, Dracula, Frankenstein and Interview with a Vampire all got same time and attention as Go Tell It On the Mountain and Devil in A Blue Dress and The Fire Next Time.

I should also mention that movies were another big influence -- and the movie Blacula left an indelible mark on me -- no pun intended. From a special effects standpoint it certainly has not stood the test of time, but it is one of the first examples of a person of color maintaining a high level of dignity during a horror movie.

Michael Vass: What made you decide to pick a vampire story for your book?

Steven Van Patten: I wanted to explore how the world we currently inhabit would seem to a black man who had been around during the slavery era. So for me it was the matter of my taking two things I love -- vampires and black history -- and meshing them in a compelling way.

Michael Vass: What was your motivation to have almost all the major characters in the books to be African American, Hispanic, and Asian?

Steven Van Patten: I'm big on leaving stereotypes behind, and I wanted to create something new. The world is full of flavors -- so to speak -- so why not use them all? How often do we get to see or read about a black woman turning into a werewolf? Or an Vampire Samurai Lord? I mean, I look out my window and I see everyone, so why not put everyone in my story?

Michael Vass: How long did it take you to write the book? And your second novel?

Steven Van Patten: The first book, what with the trip to Africa and all the research involved, took 7 years. This is also during the time I was working at MTV almost full time. The second book took 3 and a half, because there was less historical stuff to double check.

Michael Vass: Was it hard to get the book published? Did you get any requests to change the characters or storyline?

Steven Van Patten: I'm self-published, so as far as all that goes, the decision making stops here.

Michael Vass: Often writers include a bit of themselves inside the stories they write. Is there any character that reflects a bit of you in these books? Do any reflect other people you know, or are famous?

Steven Van Patten: I'd say they all do, but none more than Christian Brookwater. He is my mouthpiece and my gauge. He is my Darth Vader, my Kermit the Frog, my Mickey Mouse, my Spider-man. He's the cornerstone of the franchise and I feel a certain kinship to him, even though he only exists in my head.

Some of his romantic exploits may mirror a few of my own in a vague sense, but I was careful to stay away from specifics. No one character in my stories is one person in particular exclusively. There is a lot of mix and match.

Michael Vass: How much has the works of Bram Stoker and/or Anne Rice, or the multitude of films about vampires affected your writing. You seem to have included some parts of the mythology and excluded others, how did you come to that conclusion?

Steven Van Patten: Every person who dabbles in this genre plays with the rules a little. From silver, to stakes to sunlight. No two writers agree completely. I decided that I wanted to be logical. I wanted to come up with some ways that vampires could have been around and just undetected. So yes, for example, my vamps cast reflections and eat real food, and therefore don't give themselves away to the general public so easily. When Bram Stoker and Anne Rice put their stories together, they did what made sense to them and ultimately, their belief in what they were doing helped the books resonant. I can only hope the same holds true for me.

Michael Vass: Your books have strong influences from Africa , werewolves, and Asia. How did that come about?

Steven Van Patten: My love of history, whether it be African-American, American, or Asian is a large part of who I am. I enjoyed Bruce Lee flicks as a child just like everybody else. The only thing is, Bruce Lee inadvertently led me -- thanks to a film festival, to the work of Akira Kurosawa... which led to a host of things, including me studying Kendo for two years. And of course, the birth of one of my other main characters, Lord Ebichara Tanata.

As far as werewolves go, they are just as fascinating as vampires, because they are part-time monsters who have to reconcile the two sides of themselves. It's the ultimate analogy for the addictive personality. I love it. The possibilities are endless.

Michael Vass: Taking a peek into the future do you see yourself continuing to write about the supernatural characters found in your first 2 books? Is there another genre that you want to delve into?

Steven Van Patten: I am going to draw the line with Volume III as far as Christian Brookwater goes. I may do a spin off book at some point featuring Jeremiah the new werewolf, maybe, but I feel this part of my work is over soon. The 2nd book really burned me out. Also, to be honest, the creation of the villain Emmanuel took me somewhere I don't normally go. Not sure how many times I can stare into that abyss, coming up with what motivates these evil creatures while I sit alone in the middle of the night.

Of course, I'll contradict that now by announcing that I have plans to do a serial killer story. As with the BC series, it will be unusually multi-cultural. But there will only be one of those. After that, I have a comedic side that I intend to start exploring soon.

Michael Vass: How has the publishing experience been?

Steven Van Patten: Like anything else, it has it's ups and downs. The hardest lesson for me has been that coming up with the story and selling the story involve two completely different sets of skills.

Michael Vass: Do you have any book signing or other appearances coming up that my readers might be able to see you at?

Steven Van Patten: I will be attending Wagfest in Atlanta the week of October 2-4. There may be some other stuff before that, but that's the big one.

Michael Vass: I like to ask in all my interviews if there is a cause or organization that you champion. I always like to help promote a good cause whenever possible. Is there any organization or cause you would like to present to my readers?

Steven Van Patten: Ever since the Iraq War started, I've made it my business to send a few bucks to Disabled Veterans of America as often as I can.

No matter what your stance on the war is, the troops deserve our love and respect.

Michael Vass: Speaking directly to my younger readers in the world, is there something you would like to share with them?

Steven Van Patten: Pull Your Pants Up. That and there is more to the world than just Hip-Hop. Not everyone is going to be a rapper, so let's get some other skill sets going.

Michael Vass: Where can my reader purchase a copy of your books?

Steven Van Patten: The easiest way would probably be Amazon.com, but if you want an autographed copy you can hit me up at www.brookwaterscurse.com.

I thank Steven for the interview. I hope that it has inspired future writers and given my readers the desire to check out Brookwater’s Curse and the follow-up book. I look forward to speaking with Steven more in the future as his next book is ready for the public.

Michael Vass comments on President Obama "beerfest"

Video commentary of the meeting with police, Harvard professor, and President Obama. In particular is the emphasis on the failure to create a positive discussion on the issue of race relations and interactions between police across the nation and people of color.

The transcript of the video is below.

The t-shirt worn by Michael Vass, President of M V Consulting, Inc., can be found at the World of Vass online store. Additional clothing lines for men and women are also available at the online store.

(Sorry, the audio appears slightly muddled.)






You know, with all the attention that the arrest of Professor Gates has been given you would think that real issues between police and African Americans across the country would be addressed. Hell, police policies and actions with all people of color in this nation for that matter. But it’s a subject no one wants to go near.

President Obama could have really made a stance on the issues of race relations and police. He could have taken a position that would have created debate that advances all sides. He could have used examples that I have covered for years now, or who knows how many that the Government has data on.

But he did none of the above. He instead jumped into a situation, stomping all over local authorities, with misinformation and an agenda that honestly was more fixated on defending his friend than addressing race relations.

Think about it. If President Obama really wanted to do something about race relations there have been no lack of opportunities. He could have noted that on the first day of this year 3 Black men were all shot, without provocation or cause, by police. 2 were killed, one seriously injured. Their names are Oscar Grant, Adolph Grimes, and Robbie Tolan. He could have addressed how Oakland BART officers have lied in court in the face of video that proves guilt.

There is something to address how stupidly the police can act. There is a question that needs to be made a national discussion. The fact that African American men, especially those between 18 – 35, are targets of police profiling, brutality, and overreaction.

President Obama could have cited the way the media blew past the attack of 3 Black men by 15 police officers in Philadelphia, or the way the media ignored the cause of the riots in Oakland, or how they failed to even hint at the potential guilt of officers in the California, Texas, and Louisiana cases. Which says noting of the abuses that have occurred in New York, New Jersey, South Carolina, and a dozen other places just in the past couple of years. And the trail of abuse can be seen clearly going back as far as Rodney King. Not that it didn’t happen before then. It just wasn’t reported, and there was no Youtube to press the issue.

President Obama has taken a hit in his approval rating because of the Professor Gates arrest (roughly 2 – 7 points). He is being mocked by comedians about the beerfest that will replace an apology. He has angered police departments across the nation. And he is being called a racist.

All of which promotes nothing positive and benefits no one.

Seriously, a beer is supposed to wipe away racial profiling? A casual chat with the President will alter police departments across the country from a predisposition to react violently towards African Americans (including in one study the finding that police would more quickly and likely shoot an armed or unarmed African American than any other group)? Is this really the best President Obama can do on a subject that this nation needs to address desperately, even as it vehemently hides its head in the sand to avoid.

I realize that president Obama is on a crusade to socially re-engineer America. It’s apparent that he is using all his approval rating to ram big Government and politically extreme laws up America without so much as grease or a ‘may I’. But since he opened the door on the subject of race relations, and he is getting slammed for it, he might as well do something positive.

If President Obama does nothing, as it seems he will, he cannot come back to this. Any future action will carry the mark this has brought him. A mark he does deserve. But a burden that will prevent any substantive change, as it will be mired in the mud of this fiasco.

Think, the precedent being set is ‘Race in America? Have a kegger and don’t worry about it.’

Is this what all those people that were looking to Obama as the fulfillment of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Dream imagined? Is this what all the suffering during the Civil Rights Movement was meant to culminate into?

Honestly, I expected little better from President Obama. It’s one of the many reasons I did not vote for him. But the little I have expected from the President seems to have been far too much to expect. Which makes the future of race relations seem moribund since the way he is screwing up so many things, another chance may not come for decades, if ever again.

Really great news

I hope that everyone had a great weekend, and for those in the U.S. a great 4th of July. This was a very special holiday for me, as there was news that I received that made it all the better.

This July 4th, my youngest sister became engaged.

My entire family was surprised with the news and we are all very happy for her and her fiancee. While the exact date has not been set yet, we are looking forward to the further details about the wedding shortly.

This news really raised the bar on my weekend, and I cannot share in words the joy I have. There is nothing so good as knowing that my sister has found the key to her happiness.

So I hope everyone else had a great weekend and hopefully had news equally as good.

Going to Las Vegas for the APA National 8-ball competition

Written by Black Entertainment USA

So some of my readers may be wondering where I was over the weekend. The source of my silence was linked to my American Poolplayer's Association pool league. As I have mentioned in the past, I play in the Central New York APA. My team in 8-ball and 9-ball represent the Guys & Dolls pool hall in Endicott NY.

Since my team has been formed, we have won the 2007, 2008, and 2009 season playoffs, which gave us the opportunity to play in the regional matches against all the season winners from the leagues in Binghamton, Ithaca, and the other surrounding areas for Central New York. The winner of this Championship Playoff gets a trip to Las Vegas to play in the National APA Pool Tournament. That takes place in August, and has some several hundred teams from across the nation competing for cash and pride.

Sadly, while my teams have always made the regional competition and gone to the final match, we had not won. Which is a tough feeling, as we have become odds on favorites to win every time we arrive. There is nothing like having to battle through multiple teams and hours of matches, to arrive at the key game and then not get to move forward.

That completely changed this year, as the Pandemic team out of Guys & Dolls for 8-ball won the Championship and will be going to Las Vegas this year, along with Dysfunctional Fighters who also qualified. I must admit that there was a good chance for the team to spend 10 days in Las Vegas and play both the 9-ball and 8-ball Nationals. But the week prior we had again played thru the pack right up to the final and missed the critical win.

Still I have no complaints. It was a long weekend, with massive competition. There were several very good teams, each with multiple great players, that we had to defeat. I commend every one of them. This was no cake walk, and any one of the teams could have gone to Vegas and represented our area with pride.

How well did our team do? Well we had one player moved up a rank before the final match. 3 out of 8 of team were at 67% in the competition, with another 3 that went 100%. So that gave the entire team an 83.5% win percentage over the competition.

So for a little heads up to our competition in Las Vegas, I give you the members of my team. [Yes we all look tired, it was a long weekend.]

Team Captian - Gregg Cordero




"Panama" Grabow




Gary Hinkley




Gauge Majka




Zachary Majka




John Miller




Robert Miller




Michael Vass


Oh, I am working on the video as we speak. It’s a lot to edit, and may wind up being several videos. But give me a little time for that.

Again I salute all the other teams we played. They gave it their all and we had a great time playing them all. I am sure that in next year’s competition we will see them all again.

Producer Abigail Disney discusses the independant film Playground

For my readers that recall my interviews at the Tribeca Film Festival, you will note that I had to cut my interview with producer Abigail Disney short. We were discussing Pray The Devil Back To Hell and Playground, but most of our time was spent on Pray The Devil Back To Hell (which documented the incredible success of the women of Liberia in creating peace in that nation).

As I mentioned, I have a follow-up interview with Abigail that delves into the independant film Playground. This interview was conducted via email, but is as interesting as when we spoke in person.


Michael Vass : When last we had the chance to speak the Tribeca Film Festival was still underway and one of the films you had at the festival was Playground. We didn’t have a chance to speak more about the film at the time. I’m sure many of my readers would like to know what the documentary is about, and how it did at the festival?

Abigail Disney : Playground is about the dark and lesser known world of child sex trafficking in America, which is the number one tourist destination in the world for travelers looking for sex with children. The film found very appreciative audiences at Tribeca, which was gratifying, since it’s a difficult topic.


Michael Vass : The subject of children forced to have sex and being sold as property is a difficult one for many to explore. But your film delves into the fact that this is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. Have you gotten any feedback for politicians anywhere?

Abigail Disney : Both activists and politicians have shown lots of interest in the film, and we are hoping to have an impact on policy by illuminating the human impact of some of our more counter productive policies around children and sexuality.


Michael Vass : I know you and the director of the film had a great deal of difficulty, and potential threats on your life, making this film. What was that experience like?

Abigail Disney : Well, I can’t say as I’ve had threats on my life directly, but I know that Libby Spears, the director has. She is an incredibly tenacious and dedicated woman, who is so passionately devoted to raising awareness of these kids that she was willing to face up to those threats to get the film done. She was going to get this film done no matter what the consequences for her personally. She is an incredibly brave human being.


Michael Vass : Of the women you were able to speak with about this subject, what did they have to say?

Abigail Disney : If you listen to the women in this film, the women who grew up in the world, you just want to curl up and cry. Or stand up and shout. I mean, the idea that prostitution is a “victimless crime” has got to be gotten rid of once and for all, regardless of the age of the prostitute. When you consider the percentage of women in the field who were sexually abused as kids, it is difficult to imagine that that experience did not have everything to do with their situations as adults.


Michael Vass : Are there any organizations that are working on this issue, any Governments that are actively trying to end this?

Abigail Disney : The government of Costa Rica has made admirable progress in confronting not only the sex-tourism trade, but also the corruption that so often goes with it. Cambodia is notably at the opposite end of the spectrum, and the numbers of girls getting sucked into the sex trade there and the ferocity of the people protecting that business are overwhelming. NGO’s and the UN are working hard to confront the sex trade, and particularly the trade in children, but frankly I believe we won’t make substantive progress until we significantly change our attitudes about gender and sexuality.


Michael Vass : Your film highlights that this is not just a problem in other parts of the world, but also here in America. Since the film was shown at Tribeca have you seen more attention on this issue here?

Abigail Disney : There has been definite movement among politicians interested in making strides on this front. Really, the film makes us look deeply stupid as a country on this issue!


Michael Vass : Are the conditions that the women and children go through as bad as what is in the film, or are those the best conditions and the others so severe you could not get them on film or past censors?

Abigail Disney : Libby concentrated on particular human stories, and so the film is not really a survey of conditions around the country. The conditions do vary depending on local laws and customs, and can get incredibly hideous in the hands of some people. The photos you see of small children in the sex trade give you a taste of how hellish their lives must be.


Michael Vass : For those that want to be more involved in this issue, or any of the issues you champion, where can they go for more information? What events do you have planned?

Abigail Disney : I would send people to two places. Playground has a website that has lots of information at www.playgroundproject.com and there is a section on resources to learn about how to help. Also the Center for Missing and Exploited Children is a remarkable organization that does great advocacy on these issues and they are a great NGO to support.


Michael Vass : Considering that you tend to produce movies on some of the more interesting and less discussed issues of our day, what is the next project you are working on?

Abigail Disney : Well, thanks for asking! Gini Reticker, who made Pray the Devil Back to Hell with me, and I are developing a series on Women, War & Peace for WNET/Wide Angle, the premier international affairs documentary series on American Public Television. We are incredibly excited about the opportunity. Not only have women always been WAY more affected by war than our culture has ever cared to admit, but their role in wars has changed in last 50 years in ways we would do well to attend to. They are not only more overtly and sadistically being targeted, particularly in the proliferation of ethnic and civil wars around the globe, but they are also stepping up more and more as activists, politicians, international figures of peace and even as soldiers and generals. Their participation in all aspects of war has subtly changed this eternal fact of human history, perhaps irrevocably.


Michael Vass : For those not able to see this film in smaller localities or who missed its initial run, when do you expect the DVD to be released, and how might they purchase it?

Abigail Disney : We are planning a limited release this fall and will be updating our website, www.playgroundproject.com, with details.

I want to thank Abigail Disney for our first and this follow-up interview, and apologize for running over time at the Tribeca Film Festival in the first place.

I also recommend to all my readers both films that Abigail has produced. I found them to be powerful and engaging films. They are well worth the time at a theater, and/or as a DVD purchase for your home.

Plus I am looking forward to Women, War & Peace which will be on American Public Television and WNET. Given the quality of the independant films mentioned above, I have no doubt this television program will be equally of high quality and importance.

Update from Michael Vass - President of M V Consulting, Inc.

Well the first half of the year has been quite a ride so far. With the economy in the faltering status that it is life has become a bit harder for us all - if not massively so. But I continue to strive forward.

So far the VASS political blog has been completely revamped. It has undergone a complete change, now using Wordpress a clean theme and a few add-ons like a rating system for each post (found at the bottom of each post).

While it is not completely finished, each and every post and comment is being hand transfered from the old site to this new one (both are active now). I expect to announce the re-launch shortly. And new posts are already being placed on the site now (the most recent is the latest on the hearing for trial of Johannes Mehserle - who killed Oscar Grant).

In addition to revamping my political blog, there has been the photo shoot at Guys and Dolls in Endicott NY. The shoot highlighted virtually every designer clothing line found at World of Vass. You can see the models and the various lines by clicking on the links at the top of the site, and clicking the images will take you to that clothing line for purchase.

We have also added a new line of designer clothing - Wanna Score. At this moment there is just the women's fashion line, with designs for Black, White, and Hispanic women. We will be adding a complete men's fashion line of this design within days (also for Black, Hispanic, and White men). I invite you to look it over, and buy a few too.

Of course I also direct you to our advertising. We are always looking for the best, most interesting, and highest quality advertisers for our blogs. In this market, its tough. But we have one of the best entertainment blogs in the world - focusing on people of color - not to mention the recognized political blog as well. Our ad rates are superior to many, but we always will be (limited in advertising space and) selective because you our readers are as well. So check out our advertisers from time to time, I believe in their products and services, so you can too.

Another change that will be taking effect shortly is an expansion to the writing staff here and at our other blogs. In the coming months we expect to add another 3 or so writers, covering a miriad of topics. I of course will continue to write, and at the same pace as always. But it's a big world, and there are far too many things we want to bring to you our readers.

For those interested in joining the new staff of writers for Black Entertainment USA or Vass the political blog, contact me at info@vassconsult.com - subject writing staff.

For those that are interested in becoming a model for upcoming calendar, t-shirt, and other photo shoots (with noted photographers like Michael Rolston and Todd Messinger) contact me at info@vassconsult.com - subject model photo shoot.

The economy is difficult, the clients of M V Consulting, Inc. are numerous as always, and I believe in expanding no matter the climate. We will not falter as long as you, our valued readers, continue to give us your time and attention.

Always let us know what you think of the changes and inspiration we have. Feel free to comment on the posts, we value the input. We are here to provide the best service we can. Your feedback and support will ensure we do just that.

Thank you, I look forward to your continued readership.

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

Part 4 of the Michael Vass interview with Sundance noted director Dennis Dortch

Continued from Part 3 of the Michael Vass interview with Sundance noted director Dennis Dortch

Michael Vass : Well its all yours that’s true. Do you think that in your next film since this is more of an art house film are you going to look to the future to main stream traditional Hollywood or are you going to stay in more of the art house film direction?

Dennis Dortch : My next film that I am setting up right now and writing is going to be a mix of art house and commercial. I don’t think I’m ever going to go straight commercial it would just bore me. So I’d like to make money I’d like to make a living but I think at the same time when you try to do something that’s not you and try doing commercial your going to fail like you're not don’t doing the best you can do any way. My next film is definitely going to be a bigger film and a little more traditional in having more of a plot line maybe in the story, but I think the approach is going to be exactly the same.

I mean its going to say kind of that art house feel. I mean Steven Soderburg has probably the career I’d most likely follow that makes sense. Where he can go back and forth between Shay which is an art film, an epic art film. You know Erin Brochovich and then go do another small independent film and then do something else. All these films and retain their sensibility. Remain art house to a degree, you know what I mean. So I think that’s probably what I would like my career to follow. So I can have my hands in both worlds where I don’t feel boxed in on anything. I have that white script coming too, that’s going to break the mold a little bit.

Michael Vass : I imagine that was something that was going to come down the line at some point.

Dennis Dortch : It didn’t interest me at first until my lawyer brought the idea to me and I just really went with it. And I think probably coming out with Black & Sexy and the next film will be a surprise for me but I will definitely do it my way. But my heart really is in making black films always.

You know these kettle black films, how people say 'oh you only want to make black films'. No, I want to make good black films. I like black people but we’re not doing enough of our own films so there’s plenty of material and there’s plenty of opportunities. I think if you make good black films you’ll definitely be working, its just if you make a bad black film then your not.

Michael Vass : Well here’s something you touched on something that’s very important. Because you’ve gotten the recognition out of Sundance which is well deserved, is that influencing the… has that helped you in getting your next film? Are you looking forward to getting other work? Is that working for you? Or…

Dennis Dortch : Oh yes certainly. Its opened a lot of doors and has got people looking at me. I mean if I had the same film at another smaller festival or black festival per say , I would still have not gotten the attention I’ve got now. Its just something about Sundance and major film festivals that really opens the doors for you with the same damn film.

Michael Vass : Are we possibly going to see some of the bigger black actors and actresses or are you still looking to work with people who are lesser known and build them up? I mean if you can have Denzel in a movie would you go with him or a lesser known actor?

Dennis Dortch : Not at this point in my career, I mean if it happens I’m not going to sneeze at it and go ahh no. It hasn’t even crossed my mind because of the way I approach the film is very realistic. I like the characters to meld, the actors to meld to the characters. You don’t know who they are you just let form.

Denzel is such a good actor you just recognize him so much that my first instinct is not to use him. But you know there is a certain point in my career where you know the box office potential will be a factor. Then I’m going to have to consider the casting. And quite honestly this next film I’m thinking about is probably going to be set up somewhat bigger than my house as far as a studio. And that will probably come up but for now I will keep it out of my mind because I want the characters to be more themselves.

Michael Vass : You don’t want them typedcast, like Morgan Freeman. You look at him and you have this image of gravitas immediately. So your trying to stay a little bit away from that?

Dennis Dortch : Exactly I don’t want to write for an actor per say, I want the actor to act for the roll.

Michael Vass : That makes perfect sense and if Denzel reads this he should keep an eye out for the future. Because I think you both could do some great work together.

Coming towards the end of this I just want to ask you a question which is some what more detracting from what you’ve actually done. But something that I always find interesting to ask.

I find it very important you mentioned presenting a very positive image of African Americans. There’s a lot of things that are being said and to see that more of us are making positive statements is always important to me. But there are also a lot of things that we have not said. Are there issues or humanitarian aid that you’d like to emphasize or are looking to emphasize at some point.

Myself I do a lot of promotion of the work towards Darfur and the Child Soldier Prevention Act which you may or may not be familiar with. And a few other issues; is there anything like that, that your looking at that you either privately or publicly maybe emphasizing in the future?

Dennis Dortch : You know I’ve thought about a documentary form and make something a bit more narrative. This is more of a broad issue its not really a particular specific issue. Black on black crime, that’s something that I care about, because I do work in the child delinquent system and I just don’t like seeing kids sort of glorify gangs or violence or treating people in a certain way. It seems more difficult but seeing real kids believing this stuff and having a warped perception of what a real black man is and what a man is, that really bothers me a lot.

Its really our down fault overall and as people in this particular country we just are not organized and moving forward. Even having our own distribution system for our own stuff is really rooted in distraction by mosaic bull shit.

I know we’re kind of sort of sick and insane from the slave trade and a lot of issues that we have and some other races in this country do have. But I just think it handicaps us more than any one else. I think literally we are the first people on this earth , we’ve got the greatest minds and the greatest athletes and the greatest talent. Everyone wants to be like us, but we have this real sickening disease of being degenerate to ourselves. Those of us who were raised around it either got out of it or aren’t in it is great.

But kids growing up in it may not know what it means to be a man. You know a man is someone who takes care of his people, his family. That’s probably an issue I’d like to hit on probably in a narrative feature, in a documentary at some point. But those are some of the things I care about for me.

All the other issues I do care about, but it goes along with the honesty thing like the politics you can only be so honest. But it’s… a lot of it falls under the umbrella…but if your talking about art the biggest thing is going to be black on black crime. Us killing each other that is a small percentage but in the percentage that we are doing it and not seeing that as our brother or our sister, really its just kind of doing someone else’s work. It seems crazy to me, you know.

Michael Vass : No I understand that completely. I follow a lot in the writing that I do so I can understand the direction that your coming from. I agree that’s one of the big issues out there and I’ve addressed it a lot and I’ve been yelled at about it a lot. But its good to have that out there and speak about it so I understand completely.

Along that same line is something else which is more akin to what your doing. For those who are looking to get into the industry either as an actor, writer or director, and knowing that Hollywood is so two-faced in a sense where they maybe promoting a whole bunch of movies that maybe very liberal but at the same time there is almost ...what? Five percent of people of color in front of or behind the cameras when you look at the entire industry as a whole. For those who are looking to come up into this industry to become actors to become writers to become directors or a camera man or a sound man ...what ever it maybe. What in your experience would you say would be a way for them to do that? Are the opportunities getting bigger what do you think about that? Is there something you can say to them?

Dennis Dortch : Well you know I’m still outside the Hollywood system, I don’t even have an agent you know what I mean. I’m not really in the system, I’ve never worked in the system. So I don’t know much about the system and I don’t really think you have to be.

Michael Vass : So there’s another path ?

Dennis Dortch : There is another path, and its an interesting time for entertainment in general, it’s the era of DIY, the do it yourself film making. I mean literally we all have a cameras to HDV’s and they're affordable. All the equipment you need to do it yourself and the internet is suddenly exploding. I mean NBC, ABC everybody is getting online. Its almost the same playing field but it’s a little bit slanted towards the industry. But there is still a way to get in and do your thing if you have something different. Do it. You don’t have to try and get into the system if you have the talent.

People that get into the system know that they can do it and they have the talent and the gift of gab and they really know how to play the game. But for those of us who don’t, like me, if you have a vision then Hollywood will come to you. You know what I mean because they are always looking for the next new voice, the next new commercial thing. So all you have to do is do your thing.

I could have waited for an investor but I just took the money out of my house and made my film. I don’t have time and I’m not waiting. I have my collection of friends, my philosophy from college, and people that are sort of creatively my match; and they sort of share my sensibilities. We all got together and made the film. So that’s the way to do it is just make the film.

Michael Vass : Ok, that makes a lot of sense.

Concluded in Part 5