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.

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

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.

Which is your favorite?

It's one thing to have sales, but it is quite another to know what my readers and the general public prefers. It's one of the biggest questions in all advertising, and every company hopes to know the answer first. And I think there is no better source than just being direct.

At our online store - World of Vass we have over 9 women's fashion clothing lines, 5 men's designer clothing lines, and 12 unisex clothing lines (in addition to our model specific "bikini-style" calendars, mugs, journals, mousepads and more). Many of these unique designer clothing lines provide images to match African American, Hispanic/Latino, and/or White consumers, with more than a few just containing phrases that are both fashionable and eye-catching.

But I want to know what do you think? Which fashion clothing lines are the most interesting? Which catch your attention most? Which is your favorite? And why?

I can tell you that so far sales say that the following are the overall favorites:









I think they are all exceptional fashion choices. And as my models show, they look good on real people.

But are the sales the same as public opinion? Is there a direction you would like to see our next unique fashion clothing line take? Do you want more images or just phrases?

I know that one thing that has been requested has been an Asian line of clothing. It is something we are working on. We hope to have that developed and available shortly.

But what else. You tell us, and we will pay attention - as we always do.

And take the time to check out all our clothing lines at World of Vass. There is something for just about everyone, and we are working on getting something for the ones we have missed so far.

Remember the Dream - forced to be a dream?

For those that have taken a look at my catalogue, and noticed the Remember the Dream images with models Christina Blank and Tiffany Murphy, I have news. If you have gone to my online store, World Of Vass, you have noticed that the entire designer clothing line is unavailable. That is not by my action.

Cafepress has decided that the depiction of a drawn likeness of the public figure, Dr. Martin Luther King, in conjunction with the rest of the image, is illegal. I disagree.

I believe that Dr. Martin Luther King is a public figure. His image and words are used by millions of people and businesses every year, and especially on his birthday and during Black History Month. He is as visually accessible as President Lincoln, or Mahatma Gandhi, or President Kennedy.

But I am no lawyer (if any are reading this I would love to know the legal standing here). I believe that in a drawn image where Dr. King is not the focus, but included, it is legal and should be available for use. And until I am told otherwise, I will find other means to make this image available to the masses.

I believe that the message of this t-shirt is more important than just the corporate opinion of one group. Let me explain.

Did you notice that all the men, regardless of age, have the same face? Did you notice all the issues that are facing the Black community today in the background? Do you see the relevance of the words of Dr. King and the meaning of what he gave his life trying to attain? And there are more levels to it.

Like my other more political designer clothing lines (Never Again and Stop The Game) there is more at stake than just the look of the clothing.

Maybe I have violated the terms of Cafepress. But to my knowledge, and more importantly for my goal of making a point that can be conveyed visually, I have not violated the thoughts of Dr. King. Keep an eye out, I will find a way to provide this image for sale.

Celebrating my birthday with a re-launch of clothes

Yes, as of 2:41am I broke the barrier on 41. I think I look decent for my age. Plus I wanted to talk about something different than the recent tragedy that stuck Binghamton.

So I want to celebrate my birthday with the re-launch of my online store - World of Vass - and the recent photo shoot at Guys and Dolls pool hall in Endicott, NY. For those that have not taken a look at the 19 different clothing lines and over 1500 designer products offered at the online store, now is a good time to look it all over.

What you will see are designer clothes with something for everyone. In particular if you look over my models section, or go to any of the clothing sections of this site, you will see how good the t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other items look on real people.

Here is a sample of some of the models and clothes:

Christina Blank


Dorian Whitehead


Dylan Miller


Juliana Coates


Shawn Kennedy - the male calender model of M V Consulting, Inc.


Tiffany Murphy


These are just a few of the fun, sexy, political, intelligent, flirtatious and uniques clothes that we offer. And yes I too am a model of my clothing - as well as owning several shirts for my own use.



So I ask you my readers, to take a moment and visit World of Vass and or my catalogue. Let me know what you think of the clothing lines, my models, or just wish me a happy birthday. And if something catches your eye, I won't be offended if you buy it.

Also I want to mention that the photographer was Todd Messinger of Talent House Advertising. I think he did a great job. And I want to thank Guys and Dolls poolhall in Endicott, NY for allowing me to use their location.

The next photo shoot of M V Consulting, Inc.

Well it’s almost time for my biggest move for my online store yet. On Saturday M V Consulting, Inc. will be having the first multiple model shoot ever. There will be over 5 models on location, in almost every line of clothing that we have to date. I’m very excited.

For those that have looked over the store or the catalogue (soon to be redesigned) you have seen several of the different slogans and images that are the 19 designer clothing lines that we offer. But to see the image, or just the clothing, is just not compelling enough. I have realized that.

So seeing the various designer t-shirts and sweatshirts on the models will bring a new dimension of appeal. Especially since this shoot will feature men and women of various ages, sizes, and races. Because the clothing lines of M V Consulting are for everyone.

And yes, there may even be a few shoots of myself in a couple of the photos. Hey, I’m representing the older men out there. And I think the clothes look good on everyone, not just young people.

But to give everyone a preview of some of the outfits that will be included in the shoot, I have the following:

The Dream

The Battery Died

Besides these new clothing lines there are the older desiner clothes as well.

Cowboy

Wanna Ride

Do It Kinky

Ex’s Are Forever

Fluffy

Stop The Game

Never Again

Kinky

And more, like the I AM The Myth, I'm Done, Mystery Man and Woman. Check out the selection at www.cafepress.com/nova68.

Oh, and for those wondering, I will be creating a page dedicated to the models that have appeared in the clothing of M V Consulting shortly as well.

By the way, I need a new name for the clothing store, any suggestions?

President Obama and 2009 - what do you think?

Did you vote for President Obama?

	Yes
	No
	I didn't vote

Do you think the economy will improve this year

	Yes
	No
	It will stay the same
	I don't understand the economy

Do you think the nation is safer under President Obama?

	Yes
	No
	I'm not sure
	Fanatics make the world unsafe
	I'm worried about global warming more

Do you think an 'Obama effect' will create more opportunities for people of color in television, movies, and other entertainment?

	Yes, definitely
	Yes, as long as he is in office
	No
	No, Hollywood is racist
	No, some things never change
	The idea of an 'Obma effect' is insulting

Do you think the United State will ever apologize for slavery?

	Yes, now that Obama is in office
	Yes
	Maybe in the future
	No
	Never
	Why should America apologize

How likely are Reparations to happen in the next decade?

	10% or less
	20 - 40%
	50%
	60 - 80%
	100%
	Never

Which do you think are important for America? (choose all that apply)

	Improved race relations
	Education improvements
	Path to citizenship for illegal aliens
	Improving the economy
	Ending genocide and helping the world poor (ie. Darfur, and others)
	Middle East peace
	Allowing gay marriage
	Stem cell research
	Creating green energy alternatives
	Preventing 'global warming'

Lastly, and purely for my curiosity, have you ever been to www.cafepress.com/nova68 (my online store)?

	Yes, I bought stuff there
	Yes, I check it occassionally
	Yes
	Not yet
	No
	No, I don't buy clothes online
	No, the models don't look like me
	No, I think it's only for Black people

Respect My Mind...Screw the rest

Young, old, or inbetween every woman has a mind. Latina, Black, and/or White every woman deserves respect.

At M V Consulting, Inc. we know this firsthand. Mothers, daughters, wives, and every woman on the face of the planet were on our mind when we were thinking of an image that could convey all the aspects of being a woman.

The Repsect My Mind clothing and goods product line captures the essence of a Lady and a sensuous being. From a Governor to a Mom, from Secretary of State to the secretarial pool the Respect My Mind line encompasses you all.

This gift is welcome all year long. Men can buy it for the women in their lives, or women can buy it for themselves.

And once you are at our online store, take a moment to look around at the 1500 other items we have available. We believe there is something for everyone there, as a Christmas/Holiday gift or at any time of the year. [And yes it is still possible to get delivery before Christmas if you order now.]