Black Entertainment USA - Celebrity / Entertainment News - African American view
Entertainment and celebrity news, movie previews and reviews, sports events, television shows and commercials, music videos, interviews, and commentary. A less mainstream media view for exceptional visitors.
I believe a person's character can be found in their answer to this question: If you could go back in time to the begining of Civilization with 3 books, which 3 would you choose?
Comments found on this Blog represent my views and opinions only. All items found on this Blog are subjective, except where specifically stated and/or quoted otherwise. Quotes and statements are for clarification or further information only and do not imply or express any views other than my own.
There is no connection between this site and any other site, company, or organization of a similar name.
April 6th is the birthday of Michael Vass, president of M V Consulting, Inc. In honor of that, M V Consulting will be providing a rebate for items purchased from its Alchemy at World of VASS online store.
Starting at 2:41am on April 6, 2010 for 24 hours items purchsed will earn a cash rebate.
For any item or combination of items, over $20 up to $50, a rebate of 4% of the total (not including shipping) will be given back to customers.
For item(s) purchased equal to $51 up to $150, a rebate of 6% will be given back to customers.
For any purchase of $151 or more, an 8% rebate of the item(s) total will be given back to customers.
The more you buy, the more you will get back.
As an added bonus, a purchase of item(s) totaling $241 exactly, will get a 12% rebate.
Check out Alchemy at World of VASS and get everything you've been looking forward to owning. There are items imported directly from England for Men, Women, Goths, Emo, Business owners, everyone!
Plus lots more! Just check it out and see for yourself.
Your support keeps us going strong, and we appreciate it.
Well I just wanted to share an interesting item I received the other day. One of my long-time readers purchased a couple of items from my Alchemy at World of Vass online store. In particular was an early Christmas gift.
I was sent a couple of photos of the Christmas gift, a sweatshirt as can be seen below
I haven't been sent photos of people in the various items they have bought at my stores before. I think its rather cool to see real people using the high quality items I sell. And I look forward to getting more photos from my fans and customers out there.
Obviously if you haven't been to Alchemy at World of Vass, or World of Vass, you won't be able to send me a photo to get published. But if you would like to have you're photo (and a quote with the photo) appear on this site, with/in one of my items, please do send it to info@vassconsult.com - subject: happy customers. If I get enough of them I may dedicate a seperate page justr for my customers out there.
I appreciate the support that all my readers, fans, and visitors provide every day. And I enjoy seeing what you all might look like.
No matter how you support my blogs, I thank you. And I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
For your Black Friday online shopping consideration
I hope that all of my readers and their family and friends have had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I sincerely would like to believe that no one was without a meal or friends at least for that day.
Friday is of course an entirely different subject. It is a day dedicated to shopping, sales, and getting that one item someone you know will love. It is Black Friday, when retail store pray to be overrun, and shoppers deal with congestion the likes of which they would avoid at any other time of the year.
I realize that every mega-chain, local mom and pop, and online store is competing for your attention today. And I admit I too would like to have you purchase some of my products.
I can't offer television ads, or celebrities hawking my goods. I can't offer discounts that come from being a billion dollar corporation. Nor will I present inferior goods with prices so low you have to question which truck they fell off of.
You can find high quality hand-made English Pewter products adorned with Swarovski crystals here. Every item is authentic and imported directly from England. There are items from the unique resin skulls, to stylish and fashionable earrings and pendants. You can get classic steins, ornate goblets, unique shot glasses, original rings, elaborate t-shirts, and more.
To get a taste of what is available just look at this video and then go online shopping.
With over 1500 different items to choose from, you could spend hours just looking at each item at this online store. This online shopping site features t-shirts, coffee mugs, mousepads, sweatshirts, handbags, kids clothes, maternity wear, gift cards, calendars, teddy bears and much more. There are over 21 separate custon made designs that are available only at World of Vass.
The various designs found at this online store run the gamut of cute, friendly, sexy, naughty, flirty, bold, political, individuality, fasionable, and impressive. We believe that there is truly something here for everyone, geek or jock, young or old, man or woman, White, Black, Hispanic, or whatever.
"No matter which of our online stores (or both) that you choose to go to I, Michael Vass, can attest to the fact that I personally own many of the products found there. I can personally vouch for the quality and worthiness of every item we provide for sale."
So as you spend your busy day looking for the cheapest whatever on super discount, or the hottest advertised widget or gadget, I ask you to take a moment and support the efforts. Look through our online store. Make a purchase (all items can be delivered to your home before Christmas at this point) or several. And tell your friends bout our online stores.
Your word of mouth is far more valuable to me than the anonymous and less than heartfelt advertising on television and other media.
Thank you for your support. It makes a differnce and helps me to provide the very best I can for all my readers.
Sincerely,
Michael Vass President - M V Consulting, Inc. info@vassconsult.com
It's that time of year again. Since Halloween every department store and retailer has gone full blast on getting the Christmas decorations up. Already there are discounts of incredible proportions being offered for cars and men's suits and so on.
The internet has equally gone crazy. I've gotten more spam in the past 2 weeks than in the months prior combine. Everyone want you to buy something, now!
Well I want you to buy something too. At least I'm honest enough to not try to slam it down your throat or hide it behind some kind of jingle. But like ever other retailer the economy has made life difficult for me as well. So I appreciate if you you check out my online stores.
The Alchemy at World of Vass online store features authentic English Pewter and Swarovski Crystal items that are imported direct from England. Virtually every item is hand-crafted. The workmanship is of the highest quality.
This store features earrings, pendants, shot glasses, goblets, skulls, wall decorations (flags), bracelets, rings, cell phone charms, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more. There is something for people who love the goth style, dragons, faries, alchemy, the middle ages, vampires, werewolves, the unique and the original. There are items for men and women.
Suffice to say that I think most anyone will find at least one item that they will like and want for themselves or for someone they care about.
The World of Vass online store is filled with over 1000 items. You can find cooking aprons, teddy bears, coffee mugs, beer steins, mouse pads, calendars, postcards, t-shirts, sweatshirts, jewlry boxes, even underwear and far more.
Every item offered at World of Vass is a unique creation of M V Consultng, Inc. You can't find these designs in any store in the world, just at my online store. We have over 20 separate designs - some funny, sexy, political, or just interesting. There are designs for men and women. There are designs specific for Whites, Blacks , Hispanics and completely nuetral.
If you can't find something for someone you know, or yourself, then you are far richer than most (so buy something anyway - call it a donation to all my work). Honestly, I think that everyone can find something they will enjoy at the store.
No matter which store you choose (or both) I can guarantee several things:
I personally own several of the items that are on sale, and thus can stand behind the quality (you may have even seen me with various items in my video commentaries and photo shoots).
You get what you are buying. There are no imitations.
Speedy delivery. No need to go out and face the hordes fighting over a sale item that you don't really. It will be delivered to your door.
Your information is private. No one will ever get your information from M V Consulting, Inc.
Ok, I won't go on. But I do appreciate every visitor to my blogs and my stores. Your support is vital to me, because without you I'm just writing in the dark. So I thank you for reading this, and if you elect in checking out my stores.
And if you do like what you find, please do pass on the word.
Thank you. And now back to the real reason you are here.
France and Australia have more in common than you think
Wait, France and Australia? They are on opposite sides of the world. Literally. They don't have a share history. The people in Australia like beer, France has wine. Australia is mostly a big desert known for Mad Max and Mel Gibson. France has the Eiffel Tower, cheese, and hasn't won a war (or really mattered) since a short guy named Napoleon.
These things are all true. But they are very similar in their desire to display buffoonery that mocks Blacks. For Australia its the Aborigine people that are the special focus of this backwards kind of thinking. In France it's usually Moroccans, but they really stepped up the insults with the latest venture into pugnacious "art".
The French Vogue magazine, in all its brilliance, decided that supermodels needed more attention. Which is fine if not a bit absurd. But when it came time to have photos of Black models they decided that blackface was a far more appropriate and fashionable thing to do. Yes, blackface. The key part of the minstrel show that the uneducated and repugnant of the 19th century loved.
I realize that there aren't a lot of models, or supermodels for that matter, that are women of color. It's a problem the entire fashion industry can't seem to figure out. Then again, in my experience, it's far easier to find White women the size and flat board curvaciousness of Olive Oil. And as I have said before
Still I find it hard to believe that none of the Black supermodels were available. I mean there is Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Iman, Alek Wek, Liya Kebede, Chanel Iman. I mean the photographer, Steven Klein is an American. Couldn't he have had the balls to simple say what Harry Connick Jr. said to the nation of Australia? Did Klein think that no one in America would notice, or care?
Perhaps I'm not as artsy and cultured as our European "friends" or as burly as those down in Australia. But at least I am in the 20th century. Though the fact that both these nations consider racism and prejudice a normal and current way to deal with people of color in their own nations.
Vogue knows better than what they did. They had the ability to bring in Black models, they have the intelligence to know this is offensive. They knew that they were insulting tens of millions of people of color around the world. But maybe they are just like the Australian audience for Hey Hey, its Saturday night! in that they just don't care.
Considering that Blacks across the world have contributed to freedom (including saving the French in WWI, WWII, and Viet Nam), made innovations that have eased life and saved untold millions of people over the centuries, and the least of all - President Obama - you would think they might have a bit of a wake-up call. But it seems not.
I would suggest to every reader I have that buys Vogue to skip it for 3 months (or more if you would like). Send them a message in a color they are sure to respect and understand - money. Blackface is an insult. ANYWHERE in the world to ALL people of color. Perhaps France and Australia would like to join us in the 21st Century on that.
Just a quick reminder that there is still time to get a stylish and unique addition to your Halloween costume from Alchemy at World of Vass.
Of course you don't have to be just looking for an addition to the perfect look on Halloween to visit the store. With the addition of T-shirts (for men and women), as well as ciggerette cases, lighters, earrings, pendants, goblets, rings, shot glasses, cell phone chains and bracelets there is something for any occasion and everyone.
But that's not all. Soon we will be adding even more T-shirt selections, flags, posters, belt buckles, handbags, purses, wallets, flasks, cuff links, and more.
Whether you are goth or just a person that likes fine quality, authentic English Pewter, Swarovski crystals or something just a bit different, Alchemy at World of Vass has something I'm sure you will enjoy.
Like most people in the world I tend to find models too thin. Does that make them bad people? No. But it does make me wonder why they are so popular.
This all came up because of the actions of Ralph Lauren. In his quest to display his clothing on models that (after airbrushing) could moonlight as pipecleaners, he pissed off Boing Boing (a blog) and garnered far more negative publicity than he could have imagined. But a female friend of mine specualted why all men are so enraptured by women of few dimensions.
Honestly, I am aware of no one that likes a woman so bony a dog would pass them up. It's something that has completely bewildered me. For decades I have seen fashion models and been unimpressed. Of all my friends from high school and college, I cannot think of 1 that considered the weight of a model as attractive. Even the lesbian women I know think that feminine curves look far better than the sickly look of near-anorexia. And as for my models, they all are just natural women.
So where does the pressure come from? Why must the fashion industry near-exclusively use women of a size sub-zero?
I have to believe that the designers are the biggest group of fetishists in plain public sight. That's the only explaination. The women they use, or airbrush, are so far from the norm that Janeane Garafalow (her politics) is mainstream in comparison. Obviously they just saw one Popeye cartoon too many. Especially Ralph Lauren.
When you think about it, only a group of people obsessed with a singular fetish could gather together to make the most unwomanly women objects of desire. They are not the women that get married every day, they are not the moms that raised us all. They aren't even the women that a normal man looks forward to seeing in Playboy.
Why is this important? Well some so desire to be accepted that they will do anything to fit what they see as the ideal of society. And that means becoming anorexic or bulemic. Neither is a state that is worth the false impression of beauty.
The same thing applies to those that airbrush out the "baby bumps" or actresses and models, or lightens the skin of women of color - like L'Oreal did to Beyonce. As Jo Swinson said
I don't care if Lauren has a fetish about pipecleaners. I don't care that he wants to make a living while celebrating his appraent fetish. But I do care when anyone is put into a place where they feel that they have to behave unnaturally to match the fetish in someone else brain.
Let me be clear, looking like a model - especially in a magazine - is not beauty. No woman should ever be compelled to feel like it is. Because any normal man (or woman for that matter) will always prefer reality over someone else's fetish.
And if Ralph lauren doesn't like my opinion, he can piss off.
Catchy title no? Inspiration for my latest t-shirt design literally came out of a comment I made with several friends at a party not long ago.
Off the cuff, I hit everyone with this little phrase. As you might expect it floored everyone. We were all laughing for several minutes, and since it's become a bit of a catch phrase among us all. So I though I might share the humor with all my readers.
It's not political, or serious, in any way. It's just funny. I hope you enjoy it as well as all the other unique fashionable clothing designs that can be found at World of Vass. There is something for everyone, just check it out and see for yourself.
While you're at it, check out the Alchemy of England products at Alchemy at World Of Vass. It's a collection of fine English pewter and Swarovski crystal rings, pendants, flags, cigarette cases, earrings and other accesories that is perfect for Halloween, Goth, emo, and just people that are into fine quality.
As always I thank you for your support in keeping the blogs of M V Consulting, Inc. alive and providing the information you won't get elsewhere.
Sincerely, Michael Vass President of M V Consulting, Inc.
M V Consulting, Inc. is happy to announce that our efforts to make or find the highest quality, most exquisite, and unique clothing and designer goods has led us to Alchemy of England.
We believe that the products we will provide for our readers will enhance the look for a night our, catch the attention of those in a class, or just make you feel good. And that is the point. We all want to look and feel good. Alchemy just makes it all easier.
We start our introduction to Alchemy with the Pendants and Neck Thongs line. So ladies please feel free to check out the items we have available for purchase. And guys, this is a great idea for early Christmas shopping.
But as always, M V Consulting is a place for everyone. So keep an eye out soon for the expanding line of goods we will have for men as well. In fact, we intend to have a selection of items that reflects something for everyone - just as our own designer clothing lines reflect.
The personal favorites of President Michael Vass are a tie between the Cigarette Cases and the Goblets, but we are sure that some of our younger readers will like the Cell Phone Chains. Then there are the Earings, Glassware, Rings, Cufflinks, Belt Buckles and more.
Check back often and just click the link for Alchemy and you will see the latest items we have available.
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.
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
Black Entertainment USA presents the Wanna Score designer clothing line for women
In the continuing effort to provide some of the sexiest, fun, flirtatious designer clothing to be found on the internet, M V Consulting, Inc. presents our latest clothing line: Wanna Score.
Similar to our Wanna Ride line of clothing, they share the same inspiration, a woman being as sexy as she wants to be. We think it's a great combination of sports and women, and of course flirtation.
On any day, at any event, this is sure to turn heads and grab attention.
As always we believe in diversity here at M V Consulting, Inc. As such you can see that we have a version for almost every type of woman.
But guys don't fret. We will be releasing a men's version of our stylish fashion statement in a day or 2.
As male models go, I think I'm not bad for my age (40). Hopefully the ladies will agree. Please do be kind.
Of course this is just one of the multiple lines I have for Men's clothing. And there is no shortage of ideas that are coming up. But I like to keep the model pictures somewhat even, and of course with realistic people. Because if you think I look good in my clothing, I'm sure others will look even better.
Of course there are the photo shotos of my other models as well. Like the recent 2009 calendar model Ashley France
And 2009 male calendar model Shawn Kennedy
And from my first couple of photo shoots, Amamda Chestnut
But check out the online store for yourself. I'm sure you will find something you like, or a great gift for Valentine's Day.
And I am still looking for more models, so if you are interested do let me know.
Just in time for the start of the New Year, M V Consulting Inc. presents our first model Ashley France. The latest shoot covered a multitude of the products found at our online store, but by no means did it cover all 1500 items that can be found for men, women, White, Black, Latino/Hispanics and more.
For the start of the year we featured Ms. France in a calendar that covers all 12 months of the year. This is in addition to greeting cards, posters, and other items that you might find useful. All of the items display clothing lines that have themes that can be used all year long, and Ms. France as the model.
Of course Ms. France is not unique in the fact that she looks good in our clothing lines. We believe that every woman in the world would look great with any of our custom original clothing. No matter the age, race, or country. And the men have hundreds of options too.
If you are interested in modeling one or several of our clothing lines - including the new Respect My Mind, Wanna Ride (Male and Female versions), Cowboys, and Fluffy & Lovable lines - you can either purchase your own clothes from our store and send us the photos, or if you are in the Binghamton New York area you can contact us about joining one of our product shoots.
[The various shoots planned do not require bikini photos, and nudity is never accepted. Any photos sent to M V Consulting, Inc. become the property of the Company. Any model selected will be notified by the Company. All models require proof of age, or parental approval for modeling. Professional photographers are welcome to submit their resume as well. Any further questions about photo shoots and/or modeling for M V Consulting can be directed to our email at info@vassconsult.com]
And in the next shoot I will be sporting the Male Wanna Ride Boxers among other men's fashions. We are fair in all things here at M V Consulting. So come see our store.
More importantly have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.