Sean Penn and Haiti

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

New at Alchemy at World of VASS

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

The Alchemy line includes:

Flasks




Posters and Flags




Goblets




Crystal Glassware
T-shirts (for Men and Women)







Earrings
Pendants and Neclaces




Handbags
Canes
Bracelets
Shot Glasses
Chalices
Rings




Cigarette cases and Lighters
Cell Phone chains




and more

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely

Michael Vass
President
info@vassconsult.com

Valentines for Haiti

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sacremental Rood Pendant

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



or you thought your boyfriend might enjoy

The Black Rose Ale Glass

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



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

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



That too will help those in Haiti.

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

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Sincerely

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

Movie inspires feeding the hungry

Here’s a story I saw the other day that I wanted to mention. It covers the music, a movie and people who are having a difficult time right now. It’s a message of the better nature we all can have.

The movie is The Soloist. This is a film that I think will be huge. It was originally supposed to come out in 2008 but instead will open in April. I can only hope that it has been delayed so that it can capture the bigger spring-summer market.

The film is based on the true story of an exceptional cellist who becomes homeless, and an L.A. reporter who befriends him. It’s a very uplifting story, and stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx. Based on the trailers I have seen it will be an early contender for Oscar nominations next year.

But it is this movie that has inspired orchestras across the nation to reach out and help the communities they are parts of. There are some 163 orchestras that are currently planning food drives just prior to the release of the film. The food is to be distributed locally to Americans in need by Feeding America.

Orchestras that will be involved, and dates of specific events include:

• Rhode Island Philharmonic and Music School on March 19 and 21
  
• Detroit Symphony on March 27
  
• New York Philharmonic on March 28
  
• Gemini Youth Orchestras on April 19
  
• Louisiana Philharmonic on April 22
  

Considering that orchestras in 45 states are involved in this drive to help those in need, I expect that there is likely an event coming up near most of my American readers. So if you have the ability, I hope you can become involved. No family should ever have to starve, especially children.

List of 25 thoughts on 2008 in review

In a year where the general mantra was change, 2008 lived up to the hype. Yes it's time to look back at the year and reflect on what surprised us, amazed us, disappointed, and angered. Here are some of the best and worst that I have noted about the year.

1. Senator Obama wins the Presidency - After facing rampant rumors and internet smear emails about his race, religion and plans for the nation, not to mention direct insults and racial attacks from the campaign of his now proposed Secretary of State, Senator Obama defied all the pundits and pollsters. With almost 10% of the nation admitting they would never vote for a Presidential candidate that was not White, and a mere 40 years after the Civil Rights Movement, Senator Obama broke through one of the highest and hardest glass ceilings in the nation. Many never expected to see the day a Black man became President. Nothing else could take first place in this year.

2. Amy Winehouse - She is still alive. I am incredibly amazed. She has been in more rehab and hospitals than Britney Spears, and that says a lot this year. I am sure there were odds in Vegas running almost 50/50 on her dying this year. It is merely the miracle of the human body in youth that seems to keep her going, not that she isn't pushing the limits.

3. The mortgage crisis - It started the year depressing the financial industry, raising up gold and commodities, and took out Bear Stearns. This of course gave us the quick action of Treasury Secretary Paulson, Barney Frank, and Fed chairman Bernanke. Thus it got much worse. As oil peaked at $160/barrel, gold topped $1100, mortgage foreclosures hit all-time highs, and home prices dropped across the nation the overseers just mentioned promised more action and the security of our institutions. Then Freddie Mac and Fannie Mac failed on cue. And as the scramble to fix the fix became more important it became an election issue. But not before we were told the sky was about to fall; it didn't but the stock market did. This then became...

4. The credit crisis - Money for everyone got scarce. New home purchases bogged down as banks said no to even highly qualified borrowers. Big businesses couldn't get loans, including Mc Donald's. The stock market continued down in a crash not seen in 2 generations. Banks failed at an unprecedented rate, brokerages became banks to get in on a bailout that HAD to happen. And the Government scooped up positions in private business, for our good, as they poured a trillion dollars into the economy. Which still has not stopped the overall downturn in the economy.

5. Heath Ledger, Bernie Mac, Isaac Hayes, Buddy Dial, Jerry Groom, Janet Kagan, John Bliss, Julian Rathbone, Mike Smith, William F. Buckley, Jr., David Edwards, Buddy Miles, Genoa Keawe, Larry Norman, Richard Baer, Eagle Day, Dennis Letts, Stephen Marlowe, Steve Whitaker, Ben Chapman, Robin Moore, Bobby Lee Trammell, Jim Jones, Benigno G. Tabora, Jerry Karl, Bobby Lord, Johnny Weaver, Thurlow Cooper, Perry Lopez, Lionel Mark Smith, Roger Voisin, John Brunious, Preston Hanson, Freddie Bell, Steve Gerber, Roy Scheider, Robert DoQui, John Alvin, John Grimsley, Schoolboy Cleve, Kenny Konz, Winston Walls, Ken Hunt, Christopher Allport, Lance Clemons, Suzanne Pleshette, Bobby Fischer, Ernie Holmes, Allan Melvin, Brad Renfro, Johnny Grant, Brandi Borr, O.G. Style, Sean Levert, Heath Benedict, Chalmers Alford, Richard Widmark, Al Hofmann, Wayne Davis, G. David Low, Martin Fierro, Rafael Tufiño, Chuck Day, Gary Gygax, Ivan Caesar, Will Robinson, Paul Davis, Al Wilson, Orish Grinstead, VL Mike, John Marzano, Danny Federici, Sean Costello, Stanley Kamel, James Barrier, Gib Shanley, Charlton Heston, Ray Poole, Harvey Korman, Sydney Pollack, Tom McHale, Mitch Mullany, Camu Tao, Dick Martin, Michelle Meldrum, Zelma Henderson, Lloyd Moore, John Phillip Law, Heather Stohler, Dick Sutcliffe, Curtis Whitley, Eddy Arnold, Mildred Loving, Jim Hager, Don S. Davis, Dave Carpenter, Charles Dryden, John Furlong, George Carlin, Scott Kalitta, Mel Agee, Johnathan Goddard, Stan Winston, Mitch Frerotte, Jim McKay, Robert J. Anderson, Bo Diddley, Mel Ferrer, Luther Davis, Bruce Adler, Michael J. Daly, Joe Beck, Estelle Getty, Anastasia Blue, Paul Sorensen, Sherman Maxwell, Luke Kruytbosch, Bobby Murcer, Terrence Kiel, Larry Harmon, Phil Hill, Ed Vega, Kevin Duckworth, Steve Foley, Frank Cornish, Jeff MacKay, Jerry Finn, Julius Carry, LeRoi Moore, Pervis Jackson, Jack Kamen, Gary Mooney, Fujio Akatsuka, Paul Newman, Nappy Brown, Norman Whitfield, Joan Winston, Joey Giardello, Bill Meléndez, John Ripley, Estelle Reiner, Merl Saunders, Richard Blackwell, Dave McKenna, Chris Mims, Kevin Foster, Gidget Gein, DeWayne McKinney, Johnny "J", Robert Arthur, Doris Dungey, Derek Scott, MC Breed, Abraham Woods, Michael Crichton, Chris Thurston, Nathaniel Mayer, Tiffany Sloan, Shakir Stewart, Paul Benedict, Donna Stewart-Hardaway, Steve Bradley, Jimmy Anderson.

All passed away in 2008. Only Heath Ledger has been spoken about in any lasting and referential way.

6. The Shield ended is run on cable television. And so has The Riches in a move of network television cowardice (in my opinion). Leaving a serious void of realistic and/or quality programming.

7. American Idol continues to be on television. Creating a lasting void in the minds of viewers.

8. Top movies of the year starts with Batman: The Dark Knight. Which proves that hype and bad writing can make money. This is followed by Iron Man (a massively better movie), Indiana Jones 4, Hancock, Wall-E, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar 2, Horton Hears a Who, Sex in the City, and Quantum of Solace.

Considering the top 10 grossing films, you would think the nation loves kid films that are animated or movies based on long-running comic book characters. The exception being sluts and a guy with an accent and lots of violence. And you would be right.

9. The continuous flood of television shows that were successful (and better) on the BBC, that have now been Americanized and appear on U.S. channels (notably NBC). Generally these converted shows fail within a few episodes.

10. The massive blogosphere controversy over Ben Stiller's film Tropic Thunder failed to ignite onto the streets when the film came out in theaters. This is likely due to the failure of the film as anything watchable. But the controversy continues to this day.

11. The massive number of films that are 'revisioned' copies of comic books, television shows, and books astounds the mind. 70 % of the top 10 movies are either a sequel, comic book conversion, television show and/or a combination of these. The sheer number of copies for the entire year is to high to count, especially if you add in video game conversions to the mix. Witting in Hollywood seems to be completely dead.

12. The absolute joy of the media and many White Americans at the thought, and then celebration of the OJ Simpson Las Vegas trial and conviction. Never mind the dubious nature of how the crime was setup, nor the quirky way the trial went. It could only be justice if OJ went to jail for a long time, which was a given the day he was arrested. Not to mention the guy where justice just evaporated and the media just passed it over.

13. The unmitigated bias and propaganda of the news media in promoting President-elect Obama throughout the election cycle. Never before has the media so blatantly given up its obligation to provide the truth without bias to the public. It wasn't yellow journalism, but it wasn't beneficial either.

14. The amazement of how the media continues to depict video games as inciting violence in children, while playing down events like the collapse of a boy because his father could not bother to check in on him for 20 hours. It's not the games any more than it's music or movies or cartoons. It's the lack of parents doing their jobs.

15. The belief of some that racism has ended because President-elect Obama won. This flies in the face of police actions this year, stereotypes in the media, events in the nation, and long-held views that were reflected in polls. Or did we forget Lindsey Lohan already (which is understandable).

16. Guns n' Roses Chinese Democracy finally made it out to fans. Considering it took well over a decade to get done you might have expected it to be a masterpiece - it isn't. Still it did get it's share of media attention mostly due to Dr. Pepper.

17. Hanoi Jane Fonda announced she is again trying to forget what she did in the past.

18. Even amid all the economic chaos many continued to make charitable donations. Some from the most unexpected sources. And sometimes the media just wants to throw garbage at such actions. Still giving is a great thing and especially in these difficult times.

19. Internet scams continue to be on the internet, and many are gaining steam. From fake IRS stimulus checks to going after the grandparents little is left to chance. Considering the information on the net you would expect these frauds to fail completely. Yet they are still out their. And more than a few are snake oil salesmen that do to well with incredible claims that only harm those they claim to help.

20. We all continue to remember Sept 11, 2001. And I hope we never forget or diminish what happened that day. Or how we came together as a nation in the weeks afterward.

21. The Olympics were a time of great unity in the world. And at the same time some nation chose this moment to show how backwards they can still be in the 21st century.

22. And the media continued to seek out ways to portray African Americans as poorly as possible. While at the same time ignoring the obvious racially motivated actions of institutions against Blacks.

23. Several black celebrities were able to get some extra media this year though. Some were for accidents that occurred (and the media sought to mine controversy out of tragedy). Some were for their rising stars as they continued to gain acclaim they deserved. And a few were just selling out just a bit more before their media inspired hype ends.

24. We had a moment where the Government almost did something important. But instead settled for something notable and that went unreported. Because how important could an apology for slavery really be? Besides important enough that no one wanted their names on it, yea or nea.

25. There were many cotroversies throughout the year. Some for silly items and some were quite serious.

26. And along the way some learned a few new things about this nation that they never knew before.

These are just some of the things in the year that I noticed. I am sure I missed a few things, or had an interpertation some disagreed with. There were events I didn't mention, or didn't convey in this list. And I really haven't mentioned one thing that I find personally quite important.

One of the most important things in 2008 was the continued and growing attention you my visitors have provided to my blogs and sites. Without the attention and input from all your voices in over 125 nations each month, I would be working in vain. And for that I want to thank you.

I continue my promise to let you know my thoughts on issues and events that I believe are important, and sometimes just silly, that catch my eye. I will work hard to respond to each comment and email that comes from you. I will endeavour to provide the quality of writing and attention to detail you have come to expect.

2008 has been a good year for the growth of my blogs and sites, but I realize that it only happens because of you.

So I end this review of 2008 with this thought. No matter the economic environment, the events of the day, we all can achieve success if we work hard and maintain a high level of quality. You have proven that for me, and if I can do it I am sure you my readers can do even more.

A rapper with charity: T.I. and Thanksgiving in Atlanta

I have a problem. As is well known to long-time readers of my blogs, I don't like gangsta rap. I find the music to be repetitive, pro-violence, pro-drug, pro-illiteracy, pro-death. I find the entertainers to be some of the worst examples of what (primarily but not exclusively) Black men are and can be. In general I believe that gangsta rappers deserve to be locked-up in a jail cell like the felons they are and/or wish to be seen as.

That being said, long-time readers also know that I love it when celebrities and entertainers go out of their way to make a donation or hold an event that benefits those of us in need. I am especially pleased when that entertainer or celebrity is Black. And I hate it when the major news media ignores or demeans the act of generosity with negative news that is not relevant to the charity.

I think you can see where this is going.

T.I., Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., spent Thanksgiving in Atlanta. He was there with 22.000 friends that day. And not one gunshot went off, nor did any woman lose her clothes while shaking her ass for a camera. I have to say this because of the extensive history of T.I. breaking the law, involvement in fights, illegal gun possession and other such acts.

This was not a rap event. This was charity. And it was an apparently record-breaking act of giving, though not the first time this rapper has done so.

This Thanksgiving Clifford Harris raised $100,000 for Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless, and did so in 2 hours. He followed this up with volunteering to help serve the 22,000 people that were fed at the Atlanta Brave's Turner field.

This had nothing to do with the various community service requirements that T.I. has had to serve for his multiple violations of law. He did it because for all his faults he believes in charity. Such can be seen from his history of giving.

He has helped with Hurricane Katrina relief, worked with troubled youths at Paulding Detention Center, provided scholarships for single parent families at Boys and Girls Clubs, and giving away 200 bicycles to neighborhood children in the Boys and Girls Club in Atlanta. For all the things I don't like about the rapper, I must commend his acts of charity (the ones he has done without court order).

So here I am commending the charity of a rapper that deserves to be lauded for his selfless acts. Yet I am severely at odds with his history of violence and breaking the law, and the music he performs.

Perhaps this is an example that even the most insulting, crude and ignorant of people have redeeming qualities. Perhaps I am too harsh a judge of things that I find offensive and detrimental. Perhaps Clifford Harris Jr. is growing up and becoming a man; not in terms of his age or ability to father children but in terms of his actions in society.

Whatever the case, I am glad to hear of and mention the good work that was done for so many this Thanksgiving.

Lane Brown bad mouths RED(WIRE)

If I mentioned HIV/AIDS to you, I would expect that you might say a horrible disease that needs to be stopped. If I said that your help, a donation of say $2.50, would provide medicine and research for a cure to HIV/AIDS most would say no problem. It’s a small amount of money and at worst you are losing a cup of coffee from Dunkin Doughnuts or an extra shot of espresso at a coffeehouse. If I suggested you make that same donation once a month I imagine that most would still say ok, again it’s not enough money to worry about the rent over.

Now here is the question. Does it matter if you actually made a donation of $5 and only $2.50 went to the research and medicine?

For VULTURE and Lane Brown it does. There is an article that takes on the RED(WIRE) charity which provides music from various bands to digital subscribers for a monthly fee of $5. It seems the problem Vulture has is that only half of the money gets to provide medicine for those afflicted with AIDS in Africa. A bit less than the other half the money goes to the artists, the rest to administration fees.

Musicians are getting paid for their effort on behalf of a charitable organization. The world is about to stop spinning. Seriously so what. At least the charity is getting 50% of the proceeds. Many organizations can’t boast that much. And it’s an extra $2.50 per subscriber per month that was not available before.

I understand that some might want to sit back and use the logic that 50% of a donation going to a great cause is not enough, justifying their refusal to make a donation. But I am not in favor of anything that uses such an argument to promote their own success and profit (note the 5 ads on the page). It’s a bit of a slap in the face.

How much I wonder of the advertising dollars is New York Media LLC (owner of the site) giving to AIDS research and medical aid in Africa or anywhere? If they are giving money to help end AIDS and help those in Africa, or anywhere, afflicted with this disease, how much is that organization actually providing after the fees of operation and whatever else. Are they just throwing stones from in their glass house?

Entertainers get paid to perform at charity events. Charities have administration costs. The bigger the venue, and/or entertainer, the higher the costs to operate. That’s the way of the world. Even charities can only run but so long without paying the bills.

If VULTURE or Lane Brown really are upset about the division of money being sent to fight AIDS I ask where their charity providing more than 50% of the donations exists? I want to see the entertainers and celebrities they have endorsing their events and services that help AIDS only. I want to see the media attention they give to AIDS and HIV prevention and cure.

In fact, searching the blog for AIDS provides 46 results going back to June of 2007. In that time, on this keyword, exactly 1 post comes up that deals with AIDS. And that is this post blasting U2’s Bono and RED(WIRE). I really think that with a record like this VULTURE and Lane Brown should shut the hell up when it comes to people actually doing something more than complaining about AIDS/HIV.

M V Consulting donates to Ronald McDonald House Charities on behalf of the Madden Cordero Memorial

Well now that I shared the less than pleasant events that took place for me on Saturday night, let me share with you the great events of the day that preceded the night.

Saturday was the 1st Annual Pig Roast Memorial for Madden Cordero. I had mentioned that I would be attending this charity event previously. And the trip up to Hagaman New York was uneventful unlike the trip back.


Once at Tom’s Tavern I took the chance to look around. Hagaman, New York is a quiet town just outside of Amsterdam. It’s a nice place and filled with interesting people. Tom’s Tavern is a nice local establishment, filled with local humor and more than 20 trophies that the bar’s sponsored APA team has won over the years. In addition there are several Darts trophies as well. The bar is well stocked with a variety of liquor, and there are plenty of seats inside.

One thing that you may not notice upon entering the bar is something pointed out to be that day by Tom the owner. On a top shelf on the right behind the bar are 3 shot classes. Each is filled with a drink. Those 3 shots are for Tom, his dearly loved mother who passed recently at the age of 93, and Madden Cordero whom the event was being held in honor of.

The event had several items donated for it, including use of Tom’s Tavern, much of the food, several bottles of liquor, and other items. One local liquor store, upon hearing what the event was raising money for, chose to forgo giving liquor and drinks. Instead they chose to make a donation directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities on behalf of Madden Cordero. 100% of the funds raised at the event went to RMHC on behalf of Madden Cordero.

At the event there were several pig that were roasted, hamburgers, Italian sausages, baked ziti, roasted peppers, several types of salad and more. Several kegs of beer were available as well as drinks at the bar.

This was perfect as there were several families there, with children as young as 6 months on up at the event. I arrived early and stayed until about 7pm and counted a couple dozen people at the event, and I am aware of a couple dozen more that were to attend the event later that night. There was no planned end time to the event, and the DJ arrived at 5:30pm with plans to be there a long time.

If I were to say that the event was successful and fun, I would be underestimating and belittling the spirits at the event.

When I had the chance I was able to speak with Gregg Cordero and present him with a check for $200 dollars.



In addition I also gave him a mug, found at my online store, which states that “Character is forever”. And obviously the character of Gregg Cordero shone through the event and the dedication and love he had for his son.



And I also presented Gregg with a mouse pad (which oddly he did not have in his office he confided), also found at the online store, which states “I am the myth”. Again I felt this exemplified Gregg in that he defies the myth of fathers that don’t care (which the major media seems to believe) and lived up to the mythos of what fathers should be.



The event was a great day overall. Hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, were raised at the event and have been directly donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities on behalf of Madden Cordero. It was refreshing to see all the individuals that contributed and supported the event, as well as multiple companies across New York State, especially in a time of economic instability. It just proves that some things are worthy no matter how much money is in a 401K, or how badly Congress does it’s job.

I am happy to have supported and donated to this worthy cause. I’m looking forward to next years event, and plan on making a substantially greater donation. I encourage all my readers to make a donation as well, and for those concerned that they can only donate $5 or $10 dollars I offer you this idea.

You can donate via the donation widget on the sites of M V Consulting, Inc and I will ensure that at the end of this year all the monies collected will go directly to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Again I will donate 100% of all monies collected via the donation widget at the sites of M V Consulting, Inc at the end of 2008, so never worry about your donation being too small – even 50 cents helps and adds up with everyone else.

1st Annual Memorial Pig Roast for Madden A. Cordero - please read and donate if you can

There are several causes that I endorse and advocate for, as long-term readers may be aware of. From time to time I like to take the opportunity to mention them and to try to raise funds for them. Today I will do so again.

This time this is a cause closer to home than say Darfur. For those in the central New York State area I invite you to come to, or donate for (even if you are not in New York State or the United States), the 1st Annual Memorial Pig Roast for Madden A. Cordero at Tom’s Tavern in Hagaman New York on October 18th – donation for admission are $10 but you can give more if you want – starting at noon until.



Madden Cordero sadly lived a short life, but was loved greatly in his time here. He had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome which is a congenital disorder that can be found while the child is in the womb. Sadly, as in this case, it was not. Because this syndrome can be easily missed those born with the affliction often die within the first few days or months, but with quick treatment they can survive. Even with the required surgeries a child with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome will require life long medication and regular check-ups with heart doctors.

In honor of Madden this pig roast will raise money to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House located in Albany.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has been around for 35 years. The purpose of RMHC is to help children and their families around the world. The RMHC is more than just toys and games for children as many of us might assume. They provide services that families and children with serious conditions require and could never be expected to be prepared for.

RMHC provided the Cordero family a place to stay, which was 40 minutes away from their home, and close to the hospital in Albany where Madden was being treated. They had the ability to sleep, shower, research the internet on the condition afflicting their child, and a shuttle to and from the hospital – allowing them quick and easy access to the hospital and their child without the worry and cost of taxis, traffic jams, bad directions, fatigue driving, or any other potential delay and complication.

Like at all Ronald McDonald Houses, the only thing families are asked it to provide is a donation, maybe $7/day, if the family can afford it while they stay at the House. Like for the Cordero family this was a simple bit of help in a time of turmoil emotion and difficulty.

While I would hope that no family would ever have to endure any problems in their child’s life, Ronald McDonald House Charities helps those that do have to encounter these unexpected and extreme situations.

The 1st Annual Memorial Pig Roast for Madden A. Cordero will provide food and some drinks for all those that come and make a $10 donation. 100% of the donations, plus the cost of the event will be given to the Ronald McDonald House of Albany.

There will be a 50/50 raffle, and prizes donated by corporations in the area are planned to also be raffled. Again all monies raised will be given 100% directly to the RMHC.

If you would like to donate $10, or more to this cause please contact Mr. Gregg Cordero at 607–797–3783 for further details.

If you own a business and would like to donate a product or service to be raffled to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House of Albany you can also contact Mr. Cordero at the above number.

I know that my readers are compassionate people. As such I will donate all profits from the sale of any item found at my online store, for the month of October, to this Memorial and RMHC. In addition, all donations made to M V Consulting and/or all of its blogs and sites for the month of October will be donated as well. And finally I expect to be at this event, and will personally be making a donation as well.

I thank you for your attention in this matter, and your generosity as well.

The things in the news - 10.12.2007.1

Well I’m tired. Not just tired from running my company and trying to set up bigger and better give away contests. Not just because trying to track down various celebrities, entertainers and notable people is difficult if you’re not a huge media conglomerate. No, I’m tired of seeing stupid things in the news.

I’ll give you an example. Snoop Dogg, an ex-convict, drug promoter and generally not a person I’d want to socialize with, was just given community service. This time the charges stem from his carrying a baton onto a plane going from L.A. to New York City. Now I won’t say this was too light a punishment, the crime was not that serious. But the fact that I have discussed several crimes committed by this one man in roughly a year is ridiculous.

The man seems to be a magnet for violence and criminal activity. Of course based on his background, as stated above, I am not shocked. But some judge had better get on the ball and put this guy back in jail for an extended period of time. Snoop Dogg, or Calvin Broadus as his given name, knows better than most entertainers and celebrities that there is no way he would be tolerated committing all these crimes were it not for his fame. His continued disrespect of the law, and his work in promoting drugs and disrespect for women, add up to probably one of the worst examples of what a Black man can be. Sadly he gets far too much media exposure highlighting these actions, as opposed to say Mr. Samuel Jackson or Mr. Denzel Washington or Mr. Bill Cosby who provide positive images and messages.

And there are the amounts of money being spent on silly items. Recently the watch worn by Mr. Peter Fonda in the movie Easy Rider was sold for $33,460. Now if the money was given to charity I’d be happy, but no such thing has been reported. Similarly a Batman comic book from 1939 was recently found in an attic and bought for reportedly $250,000. Again no details about the sale were provided but that just too much.

I don’t mind that someone made a profit and another got something they wanted. I myself wish that my mother had kept the comic books she and my father collected back in the late 60’s and 70’s before they could afford a television set. [For those that are too young to know, the price of a television was expensive back in those days, kind of like a PS3 or a decent computer now.] But the prices are just too much. I can only hope that some of that money was given to charity or used to help the homeless or AIDS prevention or something. Odds are though that they didn’t.

It’s not the money per say, but the fact that so much is being spent on such frivolous things, and there are so many things that could be done instead. Of course I’m trying to gain wealth as well as anyone. I have the T-shirts, mugs, and items I sell as well as ads on all my sites. At the same time I’ve given away motivational books, currently giving away dinners or making a charitable donation, and I’m working on setting up a chance to pay a year of tuition for a college student. It’s not a lot, but then again I couldn’t pay a quarter of a million dollars for a comic book if I wanted to.

Well enough of my gripes, more soon.