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

I just wanted to take a moment to update all my readers on the things happening here at M V Consulting, Inc.

Like everyone, we have felt the impact of the economic crisis. As such we have had to delay some of the promotions, photo shoots, and clothing line launches we had planned for this year. I emphasize delay and not that we are canceling anything. We are moving forward, just at a slightly slower pace.

As such the 2 photo shoots planned to have been done by this point are pushed back to later this year. Though I can state that Todd Messinger (who took the latest photo shoot at Guys & Dolls pool hall in Endicott, NY) and Michael Rolston are slated to be the photographers of these upcoming shoots. We are still selecting several models for these photo shoots, so for those aspiring models or those already working, we are looking over head shots. You can contact us at info@vassconsult.com for more details.

Another item that was pushed back is a free promotion (give-away contest) we are working on. While I will not give out details yet, I can say that this will help those looking to start or expand a career. With the international exposure that M V Consulting can provide, we hope that someone will be able to say that their future fame and fortune was started via our company.

Something that we are not pushing back is our efforts to support the men and women of our military and the charities we donate to. Several efforts are upcoming, in conjunction with local VFW and American Legion posts, to help provide support and attention to the needs of those that have pledged to maintain the quality of life each of us enjoys everyday.

Additionally, I have confirmed with Mr. Gregg Cordero that the Memorial for Madden Cordero will be having its second annual fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. This will be in the 3rd quarter of this year, and M V Consulting will again be a contributor to this cause. We hope that those of you that wish to, will also join us in raising funds for the families that the Ronald McDonald Charities helps every day. More details on this will be forthcoming.

One thing that has been delayed far more than expected has been the re-launch of the VASS political blog. The sheer volume of material, and the technical time involved has turned out to be far more than what was initially expected. That combined with the economic slowdown, and the increased needs of our clients, has delayed the full re-launch.

Currently the VASS blog is up, and current posts relating to politics and other issues are being made. The revamped site is being updated on a regular basis with every post and comment that formerly was found at the blogger driven site. Until the re-launch is completed, the old site will remain available, and old posts will continue to be found there.

In a related matter, we are currently working on creating a detailed coverage of the entire 2008 election process. This will provide information on several of the candidates from the moment they announced their desire to run for President, up to the results of the election itself. In total this will cover about 2 years of the election cycle. We believe that this will be both a useful tool for new voters in the 2012 election cycle, as well as an interesting point of view for those that are more familiar with the political process.

Separate of these events, we want to thank all of our readers for your continued interest in M V Consulting, and our blogs. It is solely because of our readers that we continue to grow, now reaching over 125 countries and tens of thousands of readers each month. This is no small achievement, and we acknowledge that it is only possible via your support.

We also thank our readers for checking out the clothing lines of M V Consulting, as well as the ads of our advertisers. Neither is the primary focus of our site, nor will we allow it to become so, but it does help us to maintain and grow the Company. With your continued support and interest to the advertisers and our clothing lines we are ever more capable of providing more free give-aways, promotions, and donations to organizations like Not On Our Watch and the Ronald McDonald Charities.

For those that wish to advertise on the sites of M V Consulting, Inc. we refer you to our advertising rates, and ask you to present any inquiries to our info@vassconsult.com email. While we will never flood our sites with advertising, we are always willing to work with potential advertisers as long as space permits. And we are confident that our advertising rates are among the best in the industry for the reach and depth of the world that we touch.

Lastly, I want to note that in August – September M V Consulting will be doing a series of posts focusing on Las Vegas and the APA National Pool Tournament. We are working on providing video of the event, interviews with players, and insight about the tournament.

This is part of our continuing effort to provide entertainment interviews and coverage that is unique and interesting. So far this year we have been able to have several interviews with independent film directors – some were Sundance winners, others were featured at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. We are working on interviews with several writers, additional film directors, actors and actresses, a couple of politicians, and a few surprises.

In summation, we at M V Consulting are striving to live up to the confidence and commitment you give us every day that you return to our sites. It is something we never forget. It is the reason we work hard to maintain high quality in all that we present to you. It is the reason we never stop.

I personally thank you, and on behalf of all those at M V Consulting, Inc.

Sincerely,

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

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

Where have I been?

I know some must be wondering why they have not heard anything from me in a couple of days. Sadly, I have not been on vacation.

I have been working on gaining interviews from directors that will have their film shown at the Tribeca Film Festival. I plan on meeting with Cynthia Basinet again to update what is going on with her.

I have decided to work on converting all my product found in the online store, into items available for direct sales. There are plans being made for several new calendars and photos shoots. I am reviewing several potential models for the shoots.

I am continuing to expand the company, and an interviewing a couple of potential new writers, to assist me in covering all the subjects and issues that matter most to you my readers. Plus I am working on several local projects.

All of this while I have picked up my own 9-ball team in the APA league I play in. My original team (we had to split the team) currently stands to win 1st place in 8-ball and 9-ball this season. In a month we go on to play for a chance at the nationals and a trip to Las Vegas.

And of course I am continuing to fix up and decorate my house.

All of this while having an increased work load with my clients, and trying to ensure both they and I are ok through this economic downturn.

It has been quite the month, and the last couple of days have been busy. But never fear. I am still on the job. More will come shortly.

Video introduction of M V Consulting, Inc. models

Here is the promised video introducing the models and photographer of the latest designer clothing photo shoot. Plus a bit of humor too.

Model photo shoot - March 28th

I just wanted to take a moment to thank the models and photographer that came to the March 28th photo shoot on location at Guys and Dolls Pool Hall in Endicott NY.

The shoot was great. We got a lot of photos, in virtually all of the 19 different clothing lines found at World of Vass (the online store). The models looked great, and we had fun. Which is always the best of both worlds.

The models include:

• Christine Blank
  
• Juliana Coates
  
• Shawn Kennedy
  
• Dylan Miller
  
• Robert Miller
  
• Tiffany Murphy
  
• Dorian Whitehead
  

and photographer Todd Messinger of Talent House Advertising

The youtube video introducing some of the models will be out shortly.

We took a huge number of photos, which I am going through right now. I will be redesigning the catalogue page, and creating a page dedicated to the models that have worked for M V Consulting, Inc. So fans and those interesting in our models and photographers will have a way to check them out.

I am already planning my next photo shoot. I have several choices of models in mind already, but as always I love to hear back from my readers. I am also always interested to hear from models that would like to become part of our photo shoots.

And for those wondering who designed the graphic arts for the t-shirts and other designer clothes and goods, they are - Mark Lewkowicz in Florida and Heidi Baker in Pennsylvania.

Give me about a week, and I expect to have all the photos and designs up.

Models, actresses, and Valerie Bertinelli on People magazine

So here is a question. What is fat? Because the answer is very different for men and women. And that answer is the motivation of tens of millions of dollars in weight loss programs, ads, diet fads, magazines and so on.

I was wondering this recently as I was looking for models for my upcoming model photo shoot for my designer clothing lines. I decided to write on it after seen the cover of People magazine with Valerie Bertinelli.



Now there is no question that Ms. Bertinelli looks good. Considering her age and being a mom, very good indeed. But it was not like she was a slobbering mass of fat previously. In fact, if you look across the nation, at 172 pounds and 5’2” just 2 years ago she was about the norm.

But such a shape won’t get you on the cover of a magazine, or in many a movie role. For a woman. Yet I have to wonder why?

I recall how the nation was ogling the shape of Jennifer Lopez. Because she was considered by Hollywood standards to be voluptuous and extremely curvy. But in fact she was just the normal size of just about any Hispanic/Latino woman of her age in New York City. Hell, in the Bronx you can walk down the street and see a dozen women with better figures every day of the summer.

I recall how I had a conversation with a friend, who informed me that Beyonce is a plus-sized woman. I still reel with amazement at that. Most Black women I know have her shape and weight – again if not better.

So why is it that women must strive to look like Gabrielle Anwar from Burn Notice. Who I equate with anorexia and would never want to touch for fear of breaking her.

This is especially true when you consider men are not held to the same standard. Jack Nicholson, which Hollywood still considers sexy, is hardly fit or trim. And there are a host of men, Will Pertersen, Sean Connery, Laurence Fishburn, ect. that have varying degrees of extra weight and yet are still considered good looking and ready to work.

Now there is nothing wrong with anyone who wants to lose weight. Or anyone losing an extra person in fat off of them. It’s great that looking and being healthy is acknowledged. But I don’t get the drama associated with it.

I have been told that some models and actresses are just too big. That they are not thin enough by industry standards. Yet I know that most men find the more realistic female models and actresses to be very attractive. In fact every model I have used or will be using in my next photo shoot is an attractive successful real woman. As opposed to the look of starvation found in say America’s Top Model.

So, I want to ask the women out there. Does it matter to you. Beyond any one woman losing weight, does it matter when you see an actress in a movie how much she weighs? Will a woman buy clothing modeled by a woman that looks anything but anorexic?

And to the guys, virtually all of whom date and marry a woman that is anything but a size 0, do you really want a woman with the shape of one of the Olsen twins – or Beyonce?

I really want to know, because I think all my models are beautiful and real examples of women. And I will not go with an anorexic looking model for my clothing lines. So I want to know if that’s shooting myself in the foot or not. I won’t change, but I want to know the battle I am facing.

Congratulations to the winners of the M V Consulting, Inc. Free Dinner Give Away Contest

Congratulations to the winners of the Contest!

So far 2 winners have responded to date, and certificates for a dinner for 2 at Instinct Restaurant have been sent out to:

• Kim M of New York State

and

• Sophia M of New York State

[they are unrelated]

As further winners respond and receive their gift certificates, or donations are made in their name to a charity of their choice, there will be further up dates.

I, M V Consulting, Inc. President Michael Vass, thank everyone that participated in the contest. I hope that everyone enjoys the meal, and/or feels pleased with the knowledge that they were able to help the cause of their choice.

I hope all my readers continue to view the site and look forward to my next give away promotion. Hopefully as the blog continues to grow I will be able to provide bigger and better promotions. [And I’m already working on the next one].

If you enjoy the various blogs of M V Consulting, I invite you to take a moment to see some of the latest clothing lines in the online store. If you see something you like for as a gift or for yourself, buy it and enjoy. Every sale counts and is greatly appreciated.

A new photo shoot is planned in the near-term to show off the latest lines. If you are interested in participating, and in the Binghamton area, send a photo (headshot and full body if possible) to info@vassconsult.com .

And if you just want to help out but t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, custom stamps and the many other items in the online store are not your thing there is the option of making a donation.

You can donate any amount you wish or think is appropriate. You can find the donation button at the left above the most recent posts, or below.

Thank You all for your readership and attention. It is noted and the reason why I work so hard to provide a positive and compelling experience.