Nerf - too real or just right?

I was speaking with friends about the state of Black buying power, the economy, and what I noticed about the Audi television commercial when the subject of Nerf toys came up. It may sound odd but it made sense in the course of the conversation. With the holiday season about to go full blast with Black Friday mere days away, there is no end to commercials targeting the latest gadget that a kid today might want. But the question is what are they really getting?

I remember Nerf from almost the beginning. The first Nerf toy I recall was the Nerf football. They were spongy and small, but cheap and useful indoors as well as in the street. You only need to throw one bad pass that hits a car or a window to appreciate the Nerf foam. In the middle of the Bronx playing in the street you are bound to hit one or the other. So suffice to say I have fond memories of Nerf.

And then as I grew up, Nerf grew up faster. And not only for my generation, for all of the ones afterwards as well. Their were Nerf guns of every sort, but at first there was no comparison to an actual gun in any manner. On Saturday I noticed the latest toy commercial from Hasbro, the NERF N-STRIKE LONGSHOT CS-6

What the hell has happened. Nerf is selling guns, military guns to kids. The abovementioned toy is a kids version of a sniper rifle. And there is the NERF N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25 YELLOW which I defy anyone from describing as not looking like a SAW or M60 machinegun. And people wonder if kids are getting violent because of video games.

Now I’m not against guns, nor do I think kids shouldn’t be allowed to rough-house. It’s part of growing up and it has it’s own lessons to teach kids. Within reason.

There is a big difference between kids playing cops and robbers, to planning out and executing small squad tatical assaults. There is a dramatic difference of teaching a kid to hunt and respect a weapon and sitting in the backyard with a foam sniper rifle waiting for the neighbor to get home. It’s just wrong. And there is no comparison to when I grew up.

Yes kids live in a world with terrorists, 24 hour news, drive-by shootings, and drug gang wars. Given. Still how helpful can it be when we are arming these children and sending them out to play wargames with weapons fashioned after the military? How can we be surprised when some of these same kids go out and use a real gun?

I’m not blaming Columbine, or the recent double murder committed by an 8 year old, on Nerf. Nor is it guns that I am upset by. A gun is no more dangerous than a rock, until it is picked up with intent. I’m upset with the media and parents.

The media selectively chooses to pick on aspects of the lives of children to blame when something goes wrong. Oblivious to the force-feeding they do in the name of marketing and advertising dollars. They blame video games for more violent kids, while advertising those games and more importantly these real world military assault weapon substitutes. And then say they have no connection to the problem at hand.

And parents that buy these toys for their kids. What are they thinking? That if they give little Tommy a gun similar to the one in their video game, and send them outside to shoot the neighborhood kids, it’s ok because they got him up from the television set? IF that’s the choice, leave them on the video game At least some of those games involve creatures that can never be confused with a human being.

I admit that I like the Nerf Longshot. Then again I am a 40 year old man, that served in the military, and find the resemblence of the toy to a sniper rifle appealing on a level. I can’t begin to imagine what a 6 year old (which this toy is recommended for) is going to think. I can’t imagine how a parent can convince that child that their toy is not like the gun in the attic that looks the same. How they might explain why it’s ok to shoot someone with this rather realistic toy but wrong to do the same with its real counterpart.

I’m not against guns. But I am for the responsibility that goes along with gun ownwership – which in my mind includes replicas and toys made in that same image and style. And I can’t see a responsible way to own these toys and not create a conflict.

I’m single, my friends I spoke with on this subject are all adults some with grown children. None of us either have kids in the range of 6 – 15 or at all. So this is a question we could not resolve. But some of my readers surely do have kids in that age range right now. So I want to know what do you think.

Are these Nerf guns too realistic? Is there a difference in a kid’s mind? Is there a way to play with this toy that is not indicative of harm to fellow human beings? Can young children understand the difference?

Holiday gift ideas – from M V Consulting, Inc.

I recently displayed the new Wanna Ride? line of clothing at my online store (www.cafepress.com/nova68). And I promised that there would be more on the way. I always work hard to live up to my promises.

So in addition to the Wanna Ride? selection of mousepads, coffee mugs, t-shirts, Teddy bears, sweats, thongs, and other items I present the new Cowboy line.

The new Cowboy line is a strong statement of self. It looks good in t-shirts, steins, pet water bowls, calendars, hats, hooded sweatshirts, and over a dozen other items. And the design is another original from HB Designs made exclusively for M V Consulting, Inc. So you can be sure this is a unique gift for anyone on your Holiday lists, or yourself.

But this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are even more unique clothing designs being worked on as we speak, covering thoughts from the sexy to the flirty to just funny. And each unique clothing design will be available on dozens of styles of clothing, and a huge assortment of other products like boxer shorts, kitchen aprons, keepsake boxes, throw pillows, coffee mugs, gift cards, 2009 calendars, coaster tiles, and more.



Out of the hundreds of items available, there is definitely something for everyone including yourself. And they all can be purchased from the warmth and ease of your home and/or office. So just click here and take a look at what is available.

Keep an eye out for our model photos that will be coming soon. This way you can see real people in the various clothing designs at our online store.

Sincerely,

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


** If you wish to submit a design or clothing idea please contact us.

And we are always interested in new models – male or female, of every race and age – for our photo shoots. If you wish to be considered please send a photo with your contact information to us here.

Just in time for the holiday’s

M V Consulting, Inc. has been busy over the last year seeking out artists and graphic designers that can capture the essence of the slogans and ideas emblazoned on the clothing and goods sold at the company’s online store. To that end the company is pleased to present the first in a new line of T-shirts, hoodies, maternity wear, sweats, mugs, mousepads, tile coasters, cooking aprons, teddy bears and more.



The Wanna Ride line of clothing and goods are the first line from HB Designs made exclusively for M V Consulting, Inc. This line exemplifies the sexy, flirty, vibrant nature of many of the ladies that are visitors to the sites of the company. There is no doubt that while wearing this attention will be gained, and you will stand out in any crowd.

And the company has not forgotten about the men out there.



We have several calendars, keepsake boxes, posters, hats, Flip MinoHD, thongs, throw pillows and more that you can purchase for that special lady (or yourself) as a gift this holiday season.

M V Consulting, Inc. sees no colors and as such we offer a version featuring Black, Latina, and White women.

And shortly we will be including another line featuring men as well – we think of you everyone.

So please do let us know what you think of the new product line. Visit our online store and check out what’s available. And purchase as much as you want.

If you have specific ideas, or improvements we can make, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

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


** Several items available in different colors. All items above are front or back only designs for clothing. Plus sizes are also available at the online store. **

A meal away from the holiday rush

**This can be also be found at Food & Wine Blog, where I am a contributing author.**

As the holidays approach there are many ways that people seek out to celebrate. There is nothing like trying something different or new among friends and in the spirit of holiday good will. If you enjoy fine dining, excellent wines, and have the time I may have found something that is of interest.

I tend to enjoy having sumptuous meals. I enjoy having the chance to taste various wines from here in the U.S. and abroad. And I truly enjoy the aura that spending time with good people provides. Often with the bustle of work, the need to meet deadlines, family issues and the pace of the world being able to sit back and just enjoy a meal is lost. To rejoice in friends and good company and a good wine is more akin to some old movies than modern life. But that does not have to be the case this December.

In a well decorated Victorian style mansion, on December 8th, you can have a traditional 19th century meal, replete with wines to satisfy any palette. Located in the Albany area, the 3 ½ star Saratoga Rose Inn & Restaurant will be providing a 4 course meal that would be the envy of most any you may have.

Rather than tell you all of the meal I feel that just tantalizing you a bit with the main course and some of the wines is sufficient. Sometimes a bit of the unknown adds to the spice of what you do know and expect.

The main course is Roast Goose with Sage & Apple Stuffing & Port Wine Sauce served with Rice Croquettes & Peas. This will be accompanied with a M. Chapoutier, Crozes Hermitage "Les Meysonniers" France - Northern Rhone wine. I’m sure this has the interest of many. The entire meal will feature several wines including 3 wines from here in the United States. Two are from Washington State and one from Oregon.

I’m sure you are interested in knowing what else might be had. For 3 hours a meal of this nature seems the perfect escape from the holiday gift buying season, or year end corporate reports. It’s the start of a weekend get-away that most of us can say we want to have. But don’t let me put ideas in your head.

All aspects of the meal are included in the limited seating for a cost of $75 per person. I for one find this to be a small price for a delectable meal. To find out details and to set reservations you can call 518-696-2861.