Landelani Lodge

01 December 2005, 18:37

Mad Dog

Landelani Lodge

Anybody here hunt with JJ Hack, in the last year or two? I've looked over his website, and it looks good for a 1st timers plains game safari. Thoughts, experiences, or pms appreciated.

Mad Dog

01 December 2005, 19:07

Muletrain

Jim is a great outfitter, nice guy and serious hunter. The lodge and staff are first class. The property is great for stalking. Highly recommended.

01 December 2005, 19:33

Saeed

We hunted Landelani in 2000, and had a great time.

We did not hunt with my friend Jim at that time. But, we have had several of our Moderators hunt with him.

They all had a great time with him.

I don't think you can go wrong hunting with Jim.

01 December 2005, 23:28

RAC

I went on my first African Hunt with Jim in June of this year at Landelani. The accomodations were excellent and even my wife was impressed. To say we had a great time would be an understatement. Lots of game and the shooting plentiful.

02 December 2005, 04:38

fairchase

If you guys dont mind me asking, were you pleased with the trophy quality at Landelani? Also, what types of plains game was most plentiful? Thanks.

02 December 2005, 08:01

Puddle

I hunted Landelani with JJ in 2002. My wife came along as well. I think it is ideal for the 1st timers plains game hunt. I went primarily for Kudu, and we saw some excellent examples there. After more than my fair share of stalks (they don't call them the Grey Ghost for nuthin') I was able to bag a very nice one for myself. Go - you won't be disappointed.

pud

02 December 2005, 08:52

Mr Mike

Hi MadDog,

I hunted with Jim in 2002 as well, had a wonderful time at Landelani, if fact so much so that I just booked a return trip with Jim for May/June of 2006 and this time I'm taking my 18 year old son with me.

If I hadn't enjoyed myself and thought it was a great place, I sure as heck wouldn't be re-booking for a return!!!

Hope this is helpful,
-Mr MikeHi MadDog,

03 December 2005, 00:58

Mad Dog

Curious, what was your average shot length on the game you hunted?

Mad Dog

03 December 2005, 05:28

Puddle

My warthog was ~200 yards, which was unusual. Everything else (Impala, Kudu, Blesbok, Wildebeest) was ~100 yards or a bit less.

btw, chasing warthog is A LOT of fun!

03 December 2005, 06:09

Mad Dog

Puddle, they are HIGH on my priority list[along with bushpig and zebra]. I love hog hunting here in the states[going to S.Tex. in Feb. for a hog safari], and they are more interesting to me than some of the more "glamorous" game in Africa.

Mad Dog

04 December 2005, 18:27

Labman

I hunted with Mr. Mike and Puddle at Landelani in 2002. We all had a great time and everyone got all their animals. Would recommend it highly. First class operation.

04 December 2005, 23:58

Canuck

I was there at the same time as Don_G, Mr Mike, Puddle and Labman in 2002. It was a great time. The accomodations were first class and the food was even better. Game was abundant and we all did well. The only thing I didn't get was a warthog, but had lots of chances. Hi-lites included a great 39 1/8" eland, an old worn-down blue wildebeeste, and a near 26" impala.

My pictures are posted here....Landelani 2002

I was back to Landelani in 2005, this time sharing camp with Pete E and RAC. The hunting, the camp and the food was just the same...GREAT. This time I made up for not getting a warthog by taking two. I also got a fantastic Kudu and a great RHB. Representative nyala, waterbuck and impala were also taken, and a close call with a pair of black mamba's and a dose of tick-bite fever on the last day rounded out the trip and reminded us that we were indeed in Africa!

I haven't had time to assemble pictures and narrative yet, but an initial thread on the trip can be found here...Landelani 2005

FYI, my average shot distance for both trips was probably around 70 yards. Closest was 25 yards (wartie) and furthest about 200 yards (eland). The rest ranged between 60 and 100 yards.

Cheers,
Canuck

05 December 2005, 06:26

Puddle

I had planned a second trip back to Landelani for 2005, but our adoption requests finally came through in early 2003. After two short-notice trips to Russia and setting up a college fund for the little guy after bringing him home, we managed to burn through $35,000 cash in 1 year.

That's ok. I'll choose Gregory over Nyala anytime

Besides, at 3 1/2 years old, he's already pestering me to take him shooting.

Pud

05 December 2005, 23:01

Canuck

Puddle, congrats to you and Mrs Puddle! I hadn't heard about your good fortune.

Home grown hunting buddies are the best kind...or so I hear anyways! In 14 or 15 years you'll probably doing a father/son trip to Africa, eh?

Best regards,
Chris

06 December 2005, 04:14

Canuck

Labman, Glad to see you around AR. I lost your new e-mail during my move...PM or e-mail it to me whenever you get a chance.

Cheers,
Canuck

06 December 2005, 17:03

Mad Dog

How large is the main property where the main lodge is located? How far of a drive is it to the other properties, to hunt for other game?

Mad dog

06 December 2005, 19:35

Canuck

The main property (where the lodge is) is about 50 sq KMs (approx 5000 ha's or 13000 acres). The bush is pretty thick throughout.

They hunt a property immediately adjacent to it as well. Not sure exactly how big that one is.

We also hunted three other properties in relatively close proximity to Landelani...on average about a half hour drive each.

Cheers
Canuck

06 December 2005, 22:23

Mad Dog

Thanks Canuck! From everything I have read, Jim and Landelani is definately on my "short" list. If you don't mind me asking, how much was your airline tickets to go? Did you use Kathy or Gracy, or did you just book them yourself? My son and I would be flying out of Indianapolis, and I am seriously considering trying to go through Dulles in Washington, D.C., so we could fly on the 747 instead of that d***ed airbus. I'm 6'3", and weigh 240 lbs., and will be 56 in the summer of 07, and don't want to be packaged in a sardine can

It'd take too many pry bars to get me out of the seat!

Mad Dog

07 December 2005, 02:50

Canuck

In 2002, I flew Calgary/Toronto/Atlanta/Johannesburgh. I used African Odyssey travel agents at Jim's request. The cost was about $1450 USD. Unfortunately, as a result of 9/11 I couldn't take my own guns through the US.

So, in 2005, I flew Calgary/Frankfurt/Johannesburgh. Since I wasn't planning on using SAA this time, I used my own travel agent (the one I use for business travel). The price had gone up in three years, but was still only about $1700 USD ($2100 CDN).

I am 6" 2" and 230 lbs. I didn't "enjoy" any of the flights. But, I travel a lot for my day job, and on much smaller planes than you get for international flights, so I guess I am somewhat used to it. I would endure much worse just to get to Africa! So I don't really give the aircraft much of a thought, really. (Actually, thinking on this more...on the way back, between Frankfurt and Toronto, I was seated next to a 22 yo Russian Law student (and she was HOT) and my buddy Cyril was surrounded by 6 members of the Swedish figure skating team! Neither of us noticed the seat pitch or lack of elbow room on that leg. Heck, I'da paid double for those seats.

Gotta remember to thank my travel agent!).

Cheers,
Canuck

07 December 2005, 06:12

Mad Dog

Damn Son you are my hero!

07 December 2005, 21:08

AEI

Those looking at referrals from this web site they might want to ask those who post glowing reccomendations if they paid for their hunt. I would be reall happy if Someone else paid my way as well. Also after the recent Fiasco with PVT and Ray you might want to log onto JJ's web sight and see just what he thinks about contracts. Remember he lives in the good ole US of A so that little sound bite about them being worthless paper is rubbish. I know a lot of folks have been happy there and the prooof is in the pudding so to speak. Thats all well and good until things go down the crapper and you have no contract. There is a proper way of doing buisiness.

07 December 2005, 21:35

Canuck

AEI, what exactly is your point? Do you have a beef with Jim or Landelani?? Or AR?

07 December 2005, 22:01

cats

trouble with referals is 1000 glowing ones are quickly forgotten when one poor one is mentioned.
Take Ray for an example I have no dog in his fight here or those bashing him. I have taken one trip that Ray setup for me and it went fine.When asked by other sportsmen if I would recommend the trip and book thru Ray I gave it my 100% thumbs up. I also booked another thru him that I had to be cancel...suffice it is to say because his outfitter was arrested. A refund took a LOOONG time in coming and didn't cover my loses for air,tags, etc. One can imagine the referal I'd give him after that.
THE BEST REFERALS ARE ALWAYS WORD OF MOUTH FROM RETURNING CLIENTS, WHOM YOU PERSONALLY KNOW. BOOKING AGENTS ARE IN BUSINESS TO MAKE $$$$ PLAIN N SIMPLE.IT IS THEIR REPUTATIONS THAT RELY ON REFERALS.

07 December 2005, 22:53

TerryR

Canuck

For the last few years there has been an undercurrent of antipathy here towards outfitters, brokers, journalists and anyone else who has managed to make a buck in the hunting, and especially the African hunting, business. Since the Sheephunter debacle that undercurrent has become virulent. Anytime that someome comments positively about a broker, outfitter, Ph, etc we have to expect an attack on that broker, outfitter,etc's reputation. Unfortunately some posters seem to want to drive anyone connected to the Safari business off of this forum. They seem to believe that they have the right to come to Saeed's party and decide who gets to stay.

The post that you refer to is unfortunately getting all too common here.

By the way, I have never been to Landelani or done business with JJHack, or any broker or outfitter who posts here. I'm just getting tired of the unwarrented attacks that keep occuring here.

TerryR

07 December 2005, 22:55

AEI

Canuck, No In have no "beef" with anyone. I do think AR is a shithole of bad advice run by a bunch of groupies that follow a sacred cow. I do not doubt your experiences, In fact you seem very sincere. But look at all the glowing BS publicity Ray got. Even when selling hunts and guns that were flat out BS. Saeed is still trying to prop Rays rump up and make it smell good. Now being an articulate, intelligent guy don't you really feel its fair to say that a client who pays his own way might have a totally different perspective than someone who gets a free ride? Secondaly JJ makes it clear he thinks contracts are worthless. Just my 2.5 cents but there goes a big old red flag. On top of that JJ has said before don't expect to go to his camp chase one or two animals and then just pay the daily rate and fee for that animal. Call me confused but if I head out to camp, see a record book Kudu and decide to spend my whole ten days looking for him instead of chasing some mixed bag of leftovers as the client thats my choice. If there is a different rate for that and there is no contract then how do I know what I'm going to be charged? My only point is that there is a place for everyone. Make damn sure you do your research and don't go just because you read it on AR. Finally I would steer well clear of any outfitter who listed AR on his web site as a reference source!

07 December 2005, 23:13

cats

AEI what you say makes alot of sense.
I'd no sooner take advice on spending $50K on the recommendations of posters I've never met for a safari than I would drop that same $50K on a stock suggestion from a broker I've never used.
I always chuckle to myself when I tune in a hunting show on OLN, watch some celeb. kill a big buck or bull, then flash his name on the screen as the ultimate place to do such.....the week before it was another outfitter he was promoting as God sent...forgetting to mention all his trips are freebies intent on advertisement. Cats

08 December 2005, 00:41

Canuck

quote:
I'm just getting tired of the unwarrented attacks that keep occuring here.

TerryR, that was pretty much what I was thinking. There is no need to drag the PVT/Atkinson/Sheephunter debacle into every other discussion on this forum.

If anyone had a bad experience with JJHACK or Landelani, that would be a lot more relevant to this particular discussion, wouldn't it?

Cheers,
Canuck

08 December 2005, 01:00

Canuck

quote:
Originally posted by AEI:
Canuck, No In have no "beef" with anyone. I do think AR is a shithole of bad advice run by a bunch of groupies that follow a sacred cow. I do not doubt your experiences, In fact you seem very sincere. But look at all the glowing BS publicity Ray got. Even when selling hunts and guns that were flat out BS. Saeed is still trying to prop Rays rump up and make it smell good. Now being an articulate, intelligent guy don't you really feel its fair to say that a client who pays his own way might have a totally different perspective than someone who gets a free ride? Secondaly JJ makes it clear he thinks contracts are worthless. Just my 2.5 cents but there goes a big old red flag. On top of that JJ has said before don't expect to go to his camp chase one or two animals and then just pay the daily rate and fee for that animal. Call me confused but if I head out to camp, see a record book Kudu and decide to spend my whole ten days looking for him instead of chasing some mixed bag of leftovers as the client thats my choice. If there is a different rate for that and there is no contract then how do I know what I'm going to be charged? My only point is that there is a place for everyone. Make damn sure you do your research and don't go just because you read it on AR. Finally I would steer well clear of any outfitter who listed AR on his web site as a reference source!

AEI, it sounds like you do have a beef. With Jim and me in this instance at least, and maybe others.

First off, lets be clear...this thread has nothing whatsoever to do with Ray Atkinson.

Second, you say you do not doubt my experiences and that I seem sincere, and yet you cast doubt on the references given by those on this thread that have been on hunts they didn't pay for. As near as I can tell, I am the only one on this thread that your statement could apply to. All of the other respondants here so far are not moderators of this site, and to the best of my knowlege (having hunted with all but Muletrain), paid their own way. Therefore, you are obviously calling into question MY credibility. While I might agree in theory that there could be a difference in perspective between one who pays his own way and one who doesn't, it isn't necessarily so. My opinions and experiences are posted here as I saw them or as they happened...good, bad or indifferent. My integrity is not for sale.

Last, Jim/Landalani did not comp my hunt, and no discounts were given in exchange for advertising or anything like that. My safari was paid in full as far as the agent/outfitter is concerned. The situation I was in is nothing like cats' references to outdoor writers and outdoor show hosts.

While I agree with you in your issue about hunt contracts, I don't agree with, or like, your style. I have read almost all of your 75 some odd posts, and they are all intended for shit disturbing or denigrating someone or something.

Since you decided to cast aspersions my way, and given that my identity has been made known here many times in the past and can be seen in many locations here, I have one small request....why don't you do us the honor of identifying yourself? Or maybe at least let us know what your prior identity here was? It is clear that you have been around here longer than your registration date would lead one to believe.

One more thing...if you really think AR is a shithole, why do you waste your time here?

Sincerely,
Canuck

08 December 2005, 01:18

dogcat

Canuck,
Well said.

08 December 2005, 01:36

cats

TerryR & Canuck: My using my experience with Ray was as an analogy only. As mentioned I have no dog in his fight an realy don't give a darn what happened to whom. In the hunting world you take your spin at the wheel and play the number it lands on. It is up to you as a paying client to research which wheel you wish to spin. Nothing more nothing less!

08 December 2005, 02:33

AEI

Canuck, Thats a really slick way of sliding around weather or not YOU paid for YOUR hunt. You dont think your integrity is for sale and maybe its not but I sure think a LOT of us would want a contract when paying VS not giving a rats behind when someone else is buying your hunt. I did not slam JJ or any one I just simply pointed out some cold hard facts. The kinda stuff that gets you AR freaks in a tizzy because you know damn well its true. Secondly Ray Atkinson and PVT are relevant. The management and moderators of this site tried dilligently to burn down anyone who told the truth here for years about the scams Ray was running and you guys backed him up. In fact you still are and that gives serious cause for suspuscion to any refernces you might dole out. Especially to another outfitter who coincidentally likes to work without a contract. Finally you do a pretty damn good job of denegrating yourself. Even though you agree you have to pick a fight because its the only way you know how to dance around the facts.
PS You dont have to quote my posts. You wont find me trying any of that kiddy stuff like deleting posts, a technique that your good buddy Ray Asskisson perfected.

08 December 2005, 02:59

Muletrain

quote:
Originally posted by Canuck:
quote:
Originally posted by AEI:
Canuck, No In have no "beef" with anyone. I do think AR is a shithole of bad advice run by a bunch of groupies that follow a sacred cow. I do not doubt your experiences, In fact you seem very sincere. But look at all the glowing BS publicity Ray got. Even when selling hunts and guns that were flat out BS. Saeed is still trying to prop Rays rump up and make it smell good. Now being an articulate, intelligent guy don't you really feel its fair to say that a client who pays his own way might have a totally different perspective than someone who gets a free ride? Secondaly JJ makes it clear he thinks contracts are worthless. Just my 2.5 cents but there goes a big old red flag. On top of that JJ has said before don't expect to go to his camp chase one or two animals and then just pay the daily rate and fee for that animal. Call me confused but if I head out to camp, see a record book Kudu and decide to spend my whole ten days looking for him instead of chasing some mixed bag of leftovers as the client thats my choice. If there is a different rate for that and there is no contract then how do I know what I'm going to be charged? My only point is that there is a place for everyone. Make damn sure you do your research and don't go just because you read it on AR. Finally I would steer well clear of any outfitter who listed AR on his web site as a reference source!

AEI, it sounds like you do have a beef. With Jim and me in this instance at least, and maybe others.

First off, lets be clear...this thread has nothing whatsoever to do with Ray Atkinson.

Second, you say you do not doubt my experiences and that I seem sincere, and yet you cast doubt on the references given by those on this thread that have been on hunts they didn't pay for. As near as I can tell, I am the only one on this thread that your statement could apply to. All of the other respondants here so far are not moderators of this site, and to the best of my knowlege (having hunted with all but Muletrain), paid their own way. Therefore, you are obviously calling into question MY credibility. While I might agree in theory that there could be a difference in perspective between one who pays his own way and one who doesn't, it isn't necessarily so. My opinions and experiences are posted here as I saw them or as they happened...good, bad or indifferent. My integrity is not for sale.

Last, Jim/Landalani did not comp my hunt, and no discounts were given in exchange for advertising or anything like that. My safari was paid in full as far as the agent/outfitter is concerned. The situation I was in is nothing like cats' references to outdoor writers and outdoor show hosts.

While I agree with you in your issue about hunt contracts, I don't agree with, or like, your style. I have read almost all of your 75 some odd posts, and they are all intended for shit disturbing or denigrating someone or something.

Since you decided to cast aspersions my way, and given that my identity has been made known here many times in the past and can be seen in many locations here, I have one small request....why don't you do us the honor of identifying yourself? Or maybe at least let us know what your prior identity here was? It is clear that you have been around here longer than your registration date would lead one to believe.

One more thing...if you really think AR is a shithole, why do you waste your time here?

Sincerely,
Canuck

For the record, I paid full price for my hunt with Jim, and as far as I am concerned got more than my money's worth.

08 December 2005, 03:10

AEI

quote:
Originally posted by Canuck:
[

Canuck:
you say you do not doubt my experiences and that I seem sincere, and yet you cast doubt on the references given by those on this thread that have been on hunts THEY DIDN'T PAY FOR.

AEI;
OOOOPS So you admidt that you didn't pay for your own hunt!

Canuck;
Therefore, you are obviously calling into question MY credibility.

General cencesus:
YUP. You are a bright one.

Canuck:
While I might agree in theory that there could be a difference in perspective between one who pays his own way and one who doesn't, it isn't necessarily so. My opinions and experiences are posted here as I saw them or as they happened...good, bad or indifferent. My integrity is not for sale.

AEI;
Well that seems subject to interpretation. You seem to think Ray is a stand up guy and I think thats in no small part due to the fact that Saeed thinks Rays a swell guy, Did Saeed pay for your hunt at Landelani? HMMMMM. How do you spell Integrity ? $$$$$$.

Canuck;
Last, Jim/Landalani did not comp my hunt, and no discounts were given in exchange for advertising or anything like that. My safari was paid in full as far as the agent/outfitter is concerned. The situation I was in is nothing like cats' references to outdoor writers and outdoor show hosts.

AEI;
I don't believe that I ever said or inferred that it was. Nice side show but that dog won't hunt.

Canuck;
While I agree with you in your issue about hunt contracts, I don't agree with, or like, your style. I have read almost all of your 75 some odd posts, and they are all intended for shit disturbing or denigrating someone or something.

AEI;
Awwww Now come on, Thats not true. I was just expressing my ever so humble opinion. I think you meant to say you have to agree but it really pisses you off that someone pointed out the very obvious truth.I'm weally sorry you don't like me though.

Canuck;
Since you decided to cast aspersions my way, and given that my identity has been made known here many times in the past and can be seen in many locations here, I have one small request....why don't you do us the honor of identifying yourself? Or maybe at least let us know what your prior identity here was? It is clear that you have been around here longer than your registration date would lead one to believe.

AEI;
Another typical AR sideshow. I do not have any other identity here and never have. Back to your old tactics of denegration and insults. That seems to work well for you. I am AEI the same as I have been on every post I have ever made here. Period. This is an intersting thing you point out Canuck. I say that because its the very reason I would NEVER accept an internet forum as a reference. You could have 15 different posts by what looks to be 15 different posters and they could all be the same person.

Canuck

08 December 2005, 04:05

Canuck

AEI...you can't possibly be serious!?

What exactly is it that you are trying to accomplish here? It appears to me that you are just trying to goad me into a scrap. You won't do it that way...your arguments above are childish at best, and anyone that knows me from this site can spot the errors in every one of your "sound bites" above.

You should really try reading other people's posts more carefully. I really have no idea where you have come up with this stuff.

Sincerely,
Canuck

08 December 2005, 04:38

Mad Dog

HEY THIS WAS MY POST!!! THIS IS THE EXACT REASON I DON'T POST HERE TOO OFTEN!! I ask a simple question, and I am gonna check everything out. Everybody is bein nice then you AEI go on a tirade[sp]. Jesus Christ can some of you people get a life!!!

Mad Dog

08 December 2005, 04:44

Don_G

AEI,

I went to Landelani with Canuck, but did not hunt with JJ. I really enjoyed the shooting there, and would not hesitate to go back there if I went back to RSA. I get nothing from nobody for saying so. (I do think I might get a free warthog if I went back, because I did not get one the last time. If you think I am for sale for a warthog, then we need to meet face-to-face.)

My hackles raise just a bit when I get around JJ, so we did not hunt together. But if I wanted to book a hunt at one of his sites I would not hesitate at all to book through him using one of Terry's forms.

I have hunted with Canuck several times - once in Africa. I will tell you that he is as honest and straight as the day is long. If he had not enjoyed his successful hunting trips to Landelani you would have heard about it.

A case in point is that Canuck got sent some free GS Custom bullets to try out on his African hunts. His report on them was not glowing. I paid for all my GS Custom bullets, and was really impressed by how they performed in my 416 Rem Mag. I won't order any more since the shipping from RSA sucks (to put it mildly). The point is that we differ on this subject, but it is an honest difference.

As far as Canuck or Terry toadying to Saeed, you are again wide of the mark. Both of them have gone on record with their thoughts in the recent super-thread, and they do not agree with Saeed on Ray.

Saeed has his honest opinion, Terry has his, Canuck has his and I have mine. There are not many men around with Saeed's character to let people disagree with him on a site where he pays the total freight. If you think that Ray or PVT has enough money or power to infuence Saeed, then you have not been around long. Saeed has enjoyed his hunts with PVT, and there is nothing that will make him say differently. Since he has had only good experiences, he has an honest opinion to express. Do you think Ray would have lasted as long as he has if he shafted eveybody? Hell no, at least 90% of his customers have to be satisfied or you'd have heard about it here long ago.

I think that Canuck, like myself is willing to make a flat out statement: "I have never taken advantage of any other hunter to get free hunts, or get discounted hunts either past or future. All of my opinions are my own, and not influenced in any manner by repayment for, or expectations of, any past or future reward. "

There ain't much wiggle room in that.

This site has been for years the best international hunting site around. It will be again, because most people here are interested in hunting, not in selling hunts or in international politics.

The people who sell hunts here are welcomed by Saeed just as is any other party interested in hunting. If they are not honest, or fail to deliver a reasonable hunt you will hear about it -- HERE.

Maybe you think you are some sort of special "champion" or something here, but if you stick around you will see that this site works. Why don't you listen a while?

08 December 2005, 04:54

Mad Dog

Thanks Don! Sorry I got my hackles up, but it seems like this is all that is on this sight anymore. would you pm me about why JJ got you "tuned up". Thanks.

Mad Dog

08 December 2005, 05:01

AEI

Mad Dog aka Carmello. Now tell us how your goona take your mighty 45-70 guide gun to Africa. LMAO.

Don, I appreciate your input.
Canuck, You got back just what you spit out. All I started by doing was sharing my opinion. It remains the same. If you didnt pay for your own hunt then the value of your reference is diminshed. You took great exception when I was just callin it as I see it. No contract, No deal and I sure wouldnt book with any one whose primary reference is an internet forum. To me thats a no brainer.

08 December 2005, 05:06

AEI

quote:
Originally posted by Canuck:
AEI...you can't possibly be serious!?

What exactly is it that you are trying to accomplish here? It appears to me that you are just trying to goad me into a scrap. You won't do it that way...your arguments above are childish at best, and anyone that knows me from this site can spot the errors in every one of your "sound bites" above.

You should really try reading other people's posts more carefully. I really have no idea where you have come up with this stuff.

Sincerely,
Canuck

No errrors their buddy boy. Direct quotes from your hand.

08 December 2005, 05:12

AEI

By Bye Carmello. Going to talk about the Garret Hammerheads now!