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Best Slideshow Module
About Hin Nam No
Organisation / Project Team
From the Units
Database Unit
Area Management Unit
Research & Patrolling Unit
Outreach Unit
Eco-tourism Unit
Xe Bangfai River Cave
Natural trials in Hin Nam No
Mu Gia Pass & Ho Chi Minh Trail
Livelihoods Unit
Tourist Destination
Links & Contact
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Natural trials in Hin Nam Nor
Xe Bangfai River Cave
Mu Gia Pass & Ho Chi Minh Trail
Raising Environmental Awareness for young students
Drawing competition "Nature and Biodiversity Conservation"
By Viriya Vilavongsa
Capturing and understanding the environment through art is a fun way for young students to reflect about their natural surroundings, habitats and landscapes. To capture the beauty and diversity of the Hin Nam No National Protected Area (HNN NPA) through the eyes of local kids was the aim of recent activities of the HNN NPA outreach unit. Hence, a drawing competition for students of two schools in Boualapha district, Khammouane province was conducted on 26 and 27 May.
On the first day, the outreach team has started the drawing competition in Ban Khayou – Ban Sa Ang Primary School. At first, the team has created basic understanding for all participating students from grade 1 to grade 5 about nature and biodiversity conservation through a brief lecture and question-and-answer games, such as: What are the benefits of nature and biodiversity conservation and what are the reasons why we should conserve it? In addition, the outreach team has explained to the students the rules for the drawing contest. Then, the students had enough time to think about the topic and to draw their pictures using the provided colored crayons and pencils. Once they have finished their artworks, some of the students even continued to compose slogans about nature and biodiversity conservation. They wrote down these statements on paper and stuck them on the walls of their classroom.
On the second day, the outreach team has repeated the drawing contest with the secondary school in Ban Dou. The introduction and explanations were given to students from grade 6 to grade 8 and they were a bit more detailed. The task of drawing a picture about the students' perception of their environment remained the same.
The drawing contest about "Nature and Biodiversity Conservation" was carried out as a new approach to engage young students in thinking about the environment. Students were invited to think about and draw their perception about the environment. Although the output of the contest was surprisingly uniform, it showed that according to the students' understanding, the natural environment is composed of the surroundings of and including their village. On most of the pictures, an intact forest with big trees and wildlife, a river with plenty of aquatic life and a traditional style Lao village show what they consider as a well conserved environment.
Without having ever heard about it, the students have sketched what is internationally recognized as Biosphere reserve. On the other hand, the drawings confirm that for the local villagers their biosphere consists of elements inseparably tied together. Exact boarders, distinction of agricultural land and protected areas do not exist in their mindset. Thus, the drawing contest has shown more need for clarification on the one hand, and positive experiences with nature on the other hand. However, there have been also some challenging points, namely that students do not know a lot about distinctive features of the Hin Nam No NPA. The so-called key species or typical habitats of HNN are hardly reflected on the drawings.
Nevertheless, art can serve as an introduction to the environmental education process and gives some insight to the students' perception. They might be encouraged to observe better, to question and to try to understand. In other words, curiosity and fantasy are enhanced. This was also stressed during this contest, as some of the winners were asked to present their drawing and narrate a short story about the picture's content.
As a next step, it is planned to compile some of the drawings and stories into a small booklet which can be used for educational and entertainment purposes around Hin Nam No.
Villagers learn about HNN NPA by-laws
Win-win for people and ecosystem in HNN NPA
Raising Environmental Awareness for young students
How a school garden can contribute to nature conservation
Awareness campaign about biodiversity conservation in Nongping village
Awareness Raising Unit of Hin Nam No NPA supports the ProCEEd Tour in Khammouane province
Hin Nam No team receives JOOMLA training
Awareness Raising Unit contributes to National Tree Planting Day 2015
Participatory Zonation and Boundary Delineation in Hin Nam No
Capacity development and co-management lead to more effective management of Hin Nam No
Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment of Khammouane Province
Forest Resource Management Section
Anouvong Road, Laoh Phoxai Village, Thakhek District, Khammouane Province
Tel/Fax: +856 – 51 – 213 344
© 2014 Hin Nam No | created by


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Thursday, March 31, 2011
Launch Day for Jessica McCann
19 comments:
- Lisa Tawn Bergren said...
Great story! Thanks for sharing it. And with that perspective, I do believe you are ready for the wild walk yet to come...that of the Published Author. Hang on!
- March 31, 2011 at 7:58 PM
- Lisa Tawn Bergren said...
Great story! Thanks for sharing it. And with that perspective, I do believe you are ready for the wild walk yet to come...that of the Published Author. Hang on!
- March 31, 2011 at 7:58 PM
- Rebecca Rasmussen said...
Congratulations Jessica!!! XOX
- March 31, 2011 at 8:11 PM
- melissa Crytzer Fry said...
Congratulations, Jessica. YOU DID IT. Wahoooo! I remember all those years ago when fiction writing was a question in your mind (Can I do it? Should I try it?). Well, you've answered that question, dear! Yes! Yes! Yes! You deserve this fabulous day. It's all yours, so enjoy it, relish it, remember it. All Different Kinds of Free is breathtaking, heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. I'm sure your readers are going to love it, just as I do. You're simply the best! Looking forward to the next.
- March 31, 2011 at 8:16 PM
- Becca said...
I love these kinds of stories - they give me hope and inspire me to take my dogs for a walk (literally and figuratively!)
Congratulations Rebecca and Jessica :) Can't wait to read both of your novels!
- March 31, 2011 at 8:20 PM
- Lisa said...
Jessica, I love your walk in the park analogy, especially the supportive words from your husband: ""No...That was awesome! I'm so proud of you. You held on." He's a keeper. :)
Congratulations!! All Different Kinds of Free is definitely on my to read list.
- April 1, 2011 at 4:58 AM
- Jessica said...
Thanks for all the kinds words everyone. It really means a lot. And a BIG thank you to Rebecca for allowing me to celebrate my release day on your blog! I feel so honored to be part of such a supportive writing community.
- April 1, 2011 at 5:13 AM
- Marion Roach Smith said...
It is always a joy to discover a site that celebrates writers. So glad, Jessica, that you risked getting bloodied, and got the job done. Write on, sister.
- April 1, 2011 at 9:10 AM
- Hope Clark said...
Big congratulations, Jessica. I know you are on cloud nine, and while my cloud might not be as high as yours, I'm up there with you. The color is beautiful, and I imagine the content is too from the contents of this blog.
Fly high, girl.
Hope Clark
- April 1, 2011 at 8:31 PM
LOVE this Jessica! Your husband's reaction was great: "That was awesome! I'm so proud of you. You held on."
I'm so happy for you and can't wait to see what else lies ahead on your path.
We are ALL so proud of you!!
- April 2, 2011 at 5:32 AM
- Jessica said...
Hi Marion, Hope and Hallie. Glad you enjoyed the post. Gotta love my crazy doggies (and my hubby). Thanks for the kind words about my novel. And, Hope, I can't wait to read your forthcoming mystery novel. So excited for you, too!
- April 2, 2011 at 8:35 AM
- Stephanie Faris said...
This is so beautifully written. I'm always inspired by other authors' stories of their struggle to publication. It feels like I've been writing forever but I think the difference between someone who eventually gets published and someone who gives up before it happens is that for those of us who stick it out, we'd probably write all our lives even if we knew we'd never be published. We love to write...publication is just the icing on the cake. (Although icing is really, really good!)
Congrats on your launch. I'm off to Amazon to track down your book. (BTW, I'm also repped by Natalie, so I cheered your victory along with all our other "agent sisters!")
- April 2, 2011 at 4:40 PM
- Lynn(e) said...
this is an awesome story...i can definitly (sp?) relate to the unruly dog.
- April 3, 2011 at 7:00 AM
- Jessica said...
Hi Stephanie, you're so right about how important it is to just keeping writing and sticking it out. Publication is truly the icing, but the cake is what helps sustain us in life (at least cake is typically what sustains ME. Ha.) And I'm sure you'll be enjoying your icing one day soon. Natalie is a wonderful agent! I'm looking forward to the day when we get to trumpet the news of your book contract. :)
Lynn(e), glad you liked the story. Maybe I need to write another about my other unruly dog (yes, I have two of them). They keep our lives interesting, don't they? Thanks for stopping by Rebecca's blog and for sharing your comment.
- April 3, 2011 at 9:20 AM
Congrats on your launch!
And good for you on not giving up on your dog! so many people do....
- April 5, 2011 at 8:46 AM
Fantastic analogy, Jessica, indicative of a creative writer.
I just finished your novel yesterday and quite enjoyed it. I found myself identifying closely with a protagonist whose life bears no resemblance to mine, not an easy task for an author to pull off. You had other challenges -- historical setting and dialogue, the need to shift POV, mixing a legal tale with a personal one -- and you pulled it off.
Thanks for a great read.
- April 6, 2011 at 6:26 AM
- Mike said...
- This comment has been removed by the author.
- April 6, 2011 at 8:42 AM
- Jessica said...
Thanks, Carla. I appreciate the support, on both counts. One of my biggest peeves is people who treat their pets as somehow disposable.
Patrick, thanks for investing the time to read my book and for your amazing comments about it. I love your blog and respect your creative talent. So I'm thrilled to know you enjoyed my book. It means so much to me.
- April 6, 2011 at 8:44 AM
- Maria Papadopoulou said...
This is so inspiring, I feel I can cry. Will definitely take a look!
- April 20, 2011 at 7:22 AM

subset: commoncrawl


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Posted March 10, 2004 by publisher in Cuban Sports
Email this article | Print this article | Search Havana Journal Tweet
By Adam McCalvy | MLB..com
PHOENIX—Once the hot new face in New York Yankees camp, "El Duquecito" is fighting for his baseball life on the opposite end of the game's spectrum.
No matter. This guy has been through some tough stuff already.
A Cuban defector nicknamed for his similarities to second cousin Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, Adrian Hernandez is in Brewers camp on a minor league contract. He is the only non-roster player among as many as nine pitchers vying for five spots in the starting rotation.
His name is always mentioned first when manager Ned Yost or general manager Doug Melvin are asked about dark horses to make the club. He has brief Major League experience—eight games with the Yankees from 2001-2002—and he brings a utility belt of pitches that he delivers from as many as three arm angles.
"I think he's a real sleeper," Yost said. "I don't think he ever got an opportunity to consistently pitch and show what he can do over there in New York at the big league level. He always had pretty good success at every other level."
Hernandez only improved his stock in his Cactus League debut by shutting down the A's in two hitless innings. He threw mostly fastballs and worked exclusively with an overhand delivery.
"I don't have too much pressure on me here," Hernandez said. "With the Yankees, I did my job but I was sent to Triple-A. Here I feel good with the manager, the coaches, and I think I have a chance. I feel really good."
Like former Brewer Alex Sanchez, Hernandez escaped Cuba for a new start in the U.S.
He defected on Jan. 2, 2000, using an exit visa acquired by his agent to slip through security and board a flight to Costa Rica, then to Guatemala. His face was well-known in Cuba at the time because he starred for the nation's top team, Havana Industriales, but convinced airport officials that he had permission to leave the country for a 10-day baseball exhibition.
"They believed me. They signed the papers and a lot of people lost their job because of that," said Hernandez, who exited in street clothes and not in drag as some New York papers initially reported. "I could have lost everything. But I said, 'OK, I have to do it.' I was scared. It was everything or nothing and I decided I wanted to go."
With Industriales, he made about $7 a week. After trying out for several Major League teams Hernandez signed with the Yankees for $4 million.
But he paid a price.
Hernandez did not tell his mother about his plans to defect until the day after and said he still speaks to her every day via telephone. He has two younger sisters in Cuba and an older brother, plus aunts, uncles and cousins.
"She cries, but at the same time she is happy for me," Hernandez said of talks with his mother.
He spends winters in Tampa, a 45-minute flight from Havana. But Hernandez has not seen any of his family in four years.
"This is what I chose," he said. "This is my dream. Now my dream is to someday go back to Cuba during the offseason like other Latin players do. That is the dream for all the Cuban people."
The Brewers are dreaming of Hernandez stabilizing a young and inexperienced rotation. Ben Sheets and Doug Davis are considered locks for starting gigs, with Hernandez and four others gunning for the last three spots.
Former Yankees scout Dick Groch, now a special assistant to Melvin, was in the group that originally signed Hernandez and believes he sometimes is hurt by his allegiance to "El Duque," who throws harder with more consistent control. Groch said "El Duquecito" would be well-served to pitch like he did against Oakland on Friday: Trust two or three solid pitches and throw from one angle.
"He can keep the nickname, just ditch some of the funky arm angles," Groch said.
Hernandez will pitch again Wednesday against the Rockies.
"I never worry about guys in front of me," he said of the competition. "I worry about working hard today. This is the best thing for me, pitching with Milwaukee. It is an opportunity. I'm excited."
is it you picture men


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ICER should include quality of life in the value of food allergy treatments – STAT
Walk into any classroom in America today and you'll likely find at least two children with a food allergy. More than 40% of such children have experienced a serious allergic reaction such as anaphylaxis, a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur suddenly after exposure to something you're allergic to, such as peanuts. This… Read More »


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Play House: An Evening of Multimedia, Art, & Movement
Imagine the opportunity to witness and engage in a multi-media artistic collaboration. The performance of dancers pulls you from room to room. A variety of live musicians play in complex harmony around you. You are both audience and participant. You choose the pace. You may linger or hurry but the experience created will be continuous. And it will be your own. How does it feel to create among artists? You will find out when the location comes alive and the journey is yours to create. Video art, installations, dance, music and more. Envision the opportunity. Visualize possibilities. Attend one day or both. The ride could never be the same.


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- Uniqlo Top: $6 (originally $13)
- Uniqlo Top (seen here): $6 (originally $13)
- Uniqlo Leggings: $15
- Uniqlo Skirt: $30
- J.Crew Factory Top: $18 (originally $42.50) *
- J.Crew Factory Top: $2 (originally $56.50; on promo + used a gift card) *
- Madewell Skirt: $47 (originally $88) *
- Madewell Tee: $18 (originally $39.50)
- Madewell Tee: $9.50 (originally $35; on promo + used a gift card) *
- Madewell Tee (seen here): $21 (originally $42)
- Anthropologie Top: $60 (originally $128)
- Banana Republic Factory Earrings (seen here): $13 (originally $30)
- Carrini Flats (via Hautelook): $6 (originally $40; used $10 store credit)
- Kate Spade Necklace (via Nordstrom): $41 (originally $58)
- Forever 21 Cami: $2 *
* The cost of these items was covered by PayPal funds thanks to eBay sales.
July Total = $216
$500 (quarterly budget) - $249 (June) - $216 (July) = $35 left for August
Even though I'm under budget, I'm not proud of my spending this month. I didn't include a couple of purchases because I'm mulling over them (I just received them), so the numbers above don't look that bad, but I'm about $160 over if I end up keeping everything I ordered this month. I'm having a difficult time because my need/want (mostly need, of course) list is quite long, and if I see something that satisfies something on my list at a good price, I get it even if I know I shouldn't because I'm trying to budget. It's hard for me to spread out my purchasing, especially if there's an amazing sale going on and if many things on my list are part of the sale. I'm hoping that eventually my list won't be so long...haha. To top it off, I didn't sell as much on eBay as I was hoping to. It was a sad month. August is going to be difficult for me!
Anyway, let's discuss what I purchased! I placed a Uniqlo order at the end of June, and I purchased enough to get free shipping, though I picked things that were on my list. I could have waited on the leggings because it feels nothing like winter outside yet, and I wish I would have waited on the skirt because it went on sale (no price adjustments--boo), but I'm quite pleased with everything (especially the tank tops!). I placed a giant J.Crew Factory order expecting to keep two items, but I decided to only keep the striped top. I must admit that the second JCF top I saw on Instagram and immediately needed it (haha), so I placed an order. It ended up working out since I had a gift card from an old return and some PayPal funds to cover the last couple of dollars.
I took advantage of three Madewell promos, and I love everything. I also purchased a jacket that I haven't made a decision on yet, but it'll be in next month's budget post if I end up keeping it. I've written a lot about how much I love linen tees, so picking up two during Madewell's sale-on-sale promos was an easy decision. The crop tee I actually purchased at full price, and the next day it went on promo so I got a price adjustment. I wore it the day after I got it and am in LOVE with it! I can't wait to show it to you guys.
As far as my Anthro purchase goes, I've been obsessed with this top for weeks, so when it was on sale I snatched it up and later got a price adjustment when they had their sale-on-sale earlier in the month. It's HUGE, but in a good way, and I'm planning on featuring it on the blog here soon!
Most of you know that I was in New Hampshire earlier this month. There's no sales tax in NH, so I was hoping to make some purchases at the outlet mall. All I found were these gorgeous earrings from Banana Republic Factory. I was hoping to find the red striped top from J.Crew Factory, but they were all out of my size. I'm trying not to dwell on the fact that I could have gotten it for $6 if it was available. (Grrrr.)
I placed a Hautelook order for the leopard d'Orsay flats and also a pair of Hudson jeans. The jeans I returned; I want to try a different size, and the price was a little too high at $90. I've had leopard flats on my list for years, so I was excited to snatch these for so little. They're cheap flats so if they only last through a couple of seasons, I'll be okay. If I end up loving them in my wardrobe, I'll invest in a nicer pair.
Of course, I took advantage of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and grabbed this pretty Kate Spade necklace! I also purchased a sweater and handbag but am still making a decision about those. There's so much more I want to order, though. I had to cut myself off. The first order I placed was actually less than an hour after it opened, and sadly, my order was cancelled a few days later. It was for emerald green Kendra Scott earrings, and I was so looking forward to them! Ah well.
If you read my novel, thank you! :) How'd you do this month?
Linking up with Franish & my fellow budgeting bloggers


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~ Do you like to have FUN?
~ Do you make the best chili in town?
~ Do you have a real competitive spirit?
~ Do you like to give back to your community?
~ Are you looking for a unique team building opportunity for your staff?
If you answered "YES" to any of these questions, then THE RIVERWALK CHILI COOK OFF IS THE PLACE FOR YOU TO BE ON JANUARY 27th!
On Saturday, January 27th, Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale will be hosting our annual Riverwalk Chili Cook Off at Esplanade Park. The goal of this annual event is to bring together professional, amateur and teams of aspiring and non-aspiring cooks together for a friendly chili cook off competition where "YOU BE THE JUDGE." The event is FREE to attend for Chili lovers of all ages, Riverwalk supporters and well-behaved dogs on leash. For $5, attendees will be able to sample multiple chilies and vote on who they think makes the best chili. The afternoon will be complete with live entertainment, vendors and fun activities for all to enjoy; while raising funds for Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale and other local non-profit organizations.


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Our highly trained and licensed staff at Mercy Clinic Sleep Medicine - Fort Smith perform sleep studies that are interpreted by board-certified sleep medicine specialists. We provide the best possible patient care and plan of treatment in the area.
If you have any two of these symptoms, check with your primary care physician to see if you need to be tested for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA effects over 20 million men and women in this country alone and many have yet to be diagnosed and treated.


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IBM System z Mainframe Continues to Be an Engine of Progress
IBM System z Mainframe Continues to Be an Engine of Progress
by Darryl K. Taft
Business Connexion
Developing areas of Africa lack energy infrastructure to support the data centers required for Internet services, resulting in fragmented access to services such as banking and education. However, using IBM mainframe technology, Business Connexion, an African managed service provider, is developing a "cloud-in-a-box" solution to help telcos bring the Internet to these previously untouched areas.
First National Bank
Seventy-three of the world's top 75 banks rely on the IBM mainframe to manage endless transactions, including First National Bank in South Africa. Recognized as the world's most innovative bank in 2012, FNB handles more than 158 million mobile transactions a month with an average end-to-end transaction response time of less than 30 milliseconds. These new mobile users expect fast service at all times, and the mainframe delivers.
Bank in a Box
With its new mainframe-enabled mobile "bank-in-a-box" solutions, First National Bank is now delivering financial services over any channel and in near-real time—and helping Africans across the continent improve their quality of life.
The Met Office
When severe weather conditions threaten, people all over the world look to U.K.-based Met Office for forecasts they can trust. Global industries count on the Met Office's forecasts to make better, faster decisions and keep business moving forward—and at the heart of those operations is a mainframe.
Managing the Unpredictable
The mainframe can handle the unpredictable workload spikes severe weather can bring, processing and delivering critical forecast reports quickly and without error. The Met Office depends on the mainframe—which runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, collecting 10 million weather observations every day from around the world—to digest and translate that massive amount of data into critical forecast reports, enabling industries like aviation to use wind to their advantage and providing critical early warnings that help cities better prepare for natural disasters.
Citibank and the Mainframe
Former Chairman and CEO of Citicorp Walter Wriston once said, "Information about money is nearly as important as money itself." As the largest financial network in the world, connecting more than 200 million people in 160 countries, Citi relies on the mainframe to host and process this massive amount of data across industries. The mainframe underpins the systems Citi uses to deliver today's technology—around 150,000 transactions per second—keeping its customers ahead of information and providing more insight at the point of impact.
Visa Transactions and the Mainframe
As one of the largest electronic payments networks, Visa connects merchants and customers to move 90 billion transactions annually that total nearly $7 trillion in payment volume. These transactions take place every second of every day in every corner of the world, and for the last 20 years, Visa has counted on the mainframe to deliver 100 percent availability—enabling innovation and commerce for billions of consumers.
Walmart's Volume Retail
Walmart, the world's largest retailer, serves 250 million people a week and has built an empire on one simple value: The customer always comes first. Walmart adopted mainframe technology in 1975 and still relies on the technology today to harness, analyze and process big data; enable cloud technology; and give customers access to the products the retailer sells.
Swiss Re Reinsurance Agency
As a reinsurance agency, analyzing risk is core to Swiss Re's success. Swiss Re puts its expertise and knowledge to good use—helping companies and governments alike rebuild lives and create more resilient cities in the event of a natural disaster. Gaining insights from billions of transaction records can take days or weeks with traditional methods. To get the best results for its customers, Swiss Re needed a more powerful solution: a mainframe.
Faster Claims Processing
With the IBM System z mainframe as its backbone, Swiss Re began to process reports and claims 70 percent faster—from days to less than an hour—which gave its users across all lines of business timely insights to make better decisions. Supporting more than 120 billion instructions per second, the mainframe helps Swiss Re enable companies and people to take on challenges they wouldn't have dared to in the past.
New York Municipalities' Shared Services & Cloud
Inefficacy and government waste are enormous problems that affect all 1,600 local governments in the state of New York. Municipalities in New York spend about $8 billion on IT infrastructure and services. Based on prototypes and models for shared services and cloud computing, the mainframe can help reduce that number by at least 25 percent—allowing New York to deliver better citizen services with greater efficiency.


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Seven gay and lesbian couples from China were married in West Hollywood after winning an online competition. The couples were selected by the public from among more than 2,000 who submitted videos detailing their love stories.
Ten couples were chosen by users of Taobao, a popular Chinese online shopping site similar to eBay and Amazon, but only seven managed to get visas. The contest was also sponsored by Blued, a Chinese gay chat and dating app.
West Hollywood Mayor Lindsey Horvath officiated at the group wedding, and transgender activist Coco Lachine served as bridesmaid.
While these couples' marriages are recognised in California, which legalised gay marriage in 2013, their unions will not be legal in China. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1997, but China does not allow gay marriage.
"Because we are both the only son in our family, in Chinese tradition, the family needs us to procreate and continue the family line. They want us to follow that path," said Hu Zhidong, 32, who met his partner, Liu Xin, also 32, at a party where they found out they shared the same birthday.
During the ceremony many of the couples shed tears as they recited their vows in both English and Chinese.
Geng Le, founder and chief executive of Blued, said that while many online media outlets in China were interested in covering this event, Chinese television stations might hesitate, because homosexuality was still a sensitive topic there.
"I hope today's marriage can make the Chinese media and society be aware of the missing part in the law that gay couples cannot get married in China. But in a lot of states in America, they can. I hope China could expedite this step," said Geng.
He continued: "The biggest challenge they are faced with is the lack of acceptance and discrimination from family and society. But young people are getting more and more brave. And the society is becoming more and more open. When Ireland recently voted on the same sex referendum, it was reported on by the national media in China. So the progress has been pretty quick."
Xu Na, 29, and Xue Meng Yao, 21, the only lesbian couple participating in the ceremony, said the opportunity to use this event to come out was important.
"I hope [our marriage] is an encouragement to others. I hope they can get braver and everyone can find his or her happiness. I hope everyone can marry his or her loved one," said Xue.


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White LED Color Changing Rose, One Dozen Roses
Sold OutFB-11371-12
This assortment of one dozen white roses use long lasting multi-color LEDs that can be used to light a bouquet or can be given as a gift on their own. There are 7 individual color options that you can set the rose to with no flash or chose to cycle through all of the colors with the rainbow option. Each 12.75 inch rose includes 3 installed AG-13 batteries. The cellophane pictured is not included. See all the lighted flowers.


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The Wise Owl Preschool in Ft. Thomas offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where their professional, dedicated and compassionate staff creates an optimal setting for learning and fun. The teachers truly care about each and every one of their students and really take the time to get to know them on a personal level. It has been a consistent pleasure to interact with a school where we can send our children with confidence.
-Ashley & Nick W.
A few words about Benji's Wise Owl experience...He made it easy for me: Barely two weeks after the school year ended, Benji said: "Mommy, I think I am done with my summer break. Let's just start going to school again." I guess I am in trouble since there are 3 more months of summer break ahead.
What more is there to say? ...He loved it from the very first day, looking forward to another day of school each time. He has learned so much, improved his verbal skills, enjoyed socializing with other children, made new friends. I was a bit scared at the beginning knowing he will be one of the youngest in his class but he fell in love with school and the Wise Owl team made it so easy for him to catch up with all other children.
-Marci R.
Wise Owl preschool was a nurturing, wonderful, safe, and a fun place for all three of our children to begin their education. Our children received encouragement, understanding, lots of love, creativity, physical activity, friendships, affection, as well as exposure to music, spanish and a variety of animals. All three of our kids emerged from Wise Owl with good social skills, confidence, and an excitement about learning! The teachers went above and beyond any of our expectations. We will always have warm, fond memories of this wonderful preschool and it's teachers.
-Kristan & Kevin V.
My kids loved their preschool years at Wise Owl, waking up each day asking eagerly, "Do I have school today?" The teachers and staff genuinely care about each and every student. Wise Owl fostered a love of learning that will serve as important educational foundation for the rest of my child's life.
-Caroline W.
Like many Ft. Thomas residents, Wise Owl has become a family tradition for us. My children are second generation students and I feel very blessed that they have been given the opportunity to experience the wonderful early learning environment that I did. Watching their growth from week to week is so special. The kind, knowledgeable, caring, and compassionate teachers and staff at Wise Owl make my children excited to go to school.
-Julie M.
Our children loved going to Wise Owl, they were excited to go and we loved the environment – it is such a loving and nurturing place.
-Jennifer D.
Wise Owl is like family. The staff is amazing and have nurtured and helped both my girls grow. When my oldest went to kindergarten she and 3 other kids were excelling in reading (3 including her Wise Owl graduates). My girls have learned more than the basics. They have developed friendships and learned important social skills. Wise Owl is the best!!!
-Katy L.
The first time we dropped our son off at Wise Owl was the first time we had left him in the care of a non family member. The routine was familiar as I was once a Wise Owl student myself, but we were nervous to leave. The grin he had when we picked him up let us know we had made the right choice for his first school experience. His teachers helped him develop the foundation for the love of learning. He was cared for, he was exposed to a well rounded curriculum, and he was enjoying himself. Wise Owl gave us all precious memories and we cannot wait for our other children to have the same experience.
-Casey & Lauren K.


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Central Park with American Apparel
Yan Yan Chan
I fell in love with Central Park about 7 years ago - maybe even before then. I'm not sure if an 11 year old knows what love is let alone a 13 year old. But the feeling of seeing Central Park from above, being present within it & experiencing the change of season 3 times in a row - for the first time ever is a feeling similar to a reunite with a first love. It's pretty spectacular. So, when I got to hang out with American Apparel last year and wonder/shoot in Central Park and Rockefeller a few days before Christmas.. it was sort of a cherry on top & New York moment situation that I know I'll always look back on. There's something about the air of New York.. you just feel it when you walk down each street, knowing that there's a long and detailed history behind every corner, pavement, subway & building.. something that always drew me to the aesthetics of the past, particularly the 90's, 70's & 60's. Perhaps it was the endless NYC based films I watched as a child from previous eras and all my favourite artists from decades before. Having the chance to work with American Apparel during my stay in New York, was kind of more then timely perfect. I've always been drawn to the aesthetics of American Apparel but after being living in New York pieces I hadn't paid attention to before, stood out to me.. pieces that were reminiscent to me from a scene from Woody Allen's Manhattan, Jane Birkin or my imagination of what Patti and Rob would wear when walking through Chinatown or something.. I guess that's one of the reasons why half my wardrobe is currently American Apparel.


text:
In order to develop my projects, I've been researching a lot about "The Gift Theory". Apparently, there are some societies where the big part of the economy is based on spontaneous exchange of goods and services which are performed without any specific reward in mind. But, since it's part of the culture, those gifts are always circulating. Is that old story of what goes around comes around, but within specific cases.
The interesting part of it is that, if you receive a gift, you're supposed to spend it, because in case you use it to generate profits, you're ruining the chain. The same way that if you return a favor directly to the person who gave it to you, you're not creating a chain either. The idea is always to expand the gifts the most you can.
So, this whole introduction was to describe a particular situation that happened to me and made me very happy: every week I go to Le Pain Quotidien to have lunch. In fact, I go so much that the waiters already know by heart what I want (I don't vary either). Last time, however, I skipped my favorite part: the mini brownie for dessert, because I was starting another diet that I wouldn't follow.
When I was already paying the bill, the waitress left a mini-brownie on my table and said: – This is for you! She completely made my day! And it made me think that maybe my chocolates for help/ free coffee are returning to me, but in a much better way! Isn't it wonderful? Time to think for the next intervention, then…


text:
Cruel Choices
Excerpt: Chapter One
Paris, 15 April 1788
Lucie woke from a troubled sleep. In her dream the village priest had tormented her again, with threats more cruel than ever before. "Satan holds you tightly in his claws," he had said. His eyes, bright as burning coals, his grizzled face twisted into a dreadful scowl. He had raged, "Before highnoon, you will be in Hell."
She felt groggy, but managed to shake the priest out of her mind. Her eyes focused poorly. Sunlight was pouring into the room. Half the morning must be gone. She lay on her back, staring at shifting shadows on the ceiling, bringing up impressions of her visit. They were strange and exciting—and frightening.
Last night at supper she had drunk wine. Perhaps too much. She remembered feeling light-headed afterward when making love with Denis. She looked around. No sign of him. Must be downstairs, dressing his master. Prior to coming here last night, she had seen the Marquis de Bresse only from a distance, had admired his fashionable clothes, elegant manners, handsome features. But at supper, she had noticed his eyes, pale blue, cold as ice, even when he smiled and gave her compliments. He had studied her as if she were a choice cut of meat. She shuddered. How would it be to work as a maid for such a master?
He would teach her, he said. And last night at supper, he had dressed as a waiter in pink livery. Denis, playing the host, had on a splendid pink suit with silver embroidery. She was supposed to be a distinguished female guest, a courtesan, Denis had said. Whatever that meant. He had dressed her in a fashionable, low-cut silk gown, taught her how to sit at the table, and how to comment on food and eat it properly.
During the meal, she boldly asked the marquis how much he would pay for her services. He gave her an odd look. "As much as you're worth."
She needed a more encouraging answer than that! Madame Tessier and Denis had loaned her money, much more than she could hope to repay. She had no job. They were losing patience with her, would turn her over to the police and she'd go to prison. Her only options were to work for the marquis or to sell her sexual favours at the Palais-Royal. She could never ask her father for money. He would mock her.
She recalled the day that she had left home for Paris. The priest had confronted her in the village street. "You are a vain, obstinate, ungrateful girl," he had shouted. "You should obey your parents, stay at home and work hard like your mother and sisters." He had shaken his finger at her. "Paris will be the death of you. And you will surely end up in Hell." At night, while she was asleep in her garret room, he would sneak into her dreams like a hideous monster, his piercing red eyes reproaching her shameful pleasures.
She heard steps outside the room. Her heart leaped. She clasped the cross hanging from her neck. At her confirmation the priest said it would ward off evil demons. Denis didn't knock, just opened the door for the marquis. He walked in, still playing the waiter, carrying a breakfast tray. She pulled the thin woolen blanket up to her chin—she was naked. Unbeckoned, terror was setting in.
What was going on? There was a sinister air about these men.
"Sit up," Denis commanded and shoved a bolster behind her back. Meanwhile the marquis set the tray on a table, then came to her with a cup of coffee.
"Drink this," he ordered. "It will do you good. I made it myself and spooned in much sugar."
The coffee was black, its aroma strong. She took the cup with trembling hands, nearly spilling its contents. The taste was curious, sweet and bitter at the same time. She drank half the cup and handed it back to the marquis. He frowned, waved his hand. "Finish it." His gaze had become intense, as if his eyes could bore into her head.
"I can't drink any more. It's too strong."
"Finish it, or I'll pour it down your throat. It's expensive. I'll not have you waste it."
All the frustrations of these past few months in Paris without money or friends came crashing down upon her. She felt utterly defeated. Tears came to her eyes. But she took the cup, this time shaking it so much that drops spilled on her hands. When she finished the coffee, the marquis took the cup, then pulled away the blanket and leered at her. She clutched her cross, tried to protest, but she couldn't speak. Then a powerful sensation of unease and fear raced through her body and seized her mind. Suddenly, she choked, couldn't breathe, ripped the cross from her neck, flailed her arms wildly. Her body jerked and twisted out of control. The marquis's leer turned into an angry frown. He lifted the cup, glared at it.
Moments later, Lucie fell into a dark abyss.


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Hello from Michael. I am guest blogging while Debbie wraps her head around our Serengeti safari. Sorting the pictures alone could take her a week! Here's the story of the next leg of our African travel after leaving Zanzibar.
We said goodbye to the exotic (and very wet) island of Zanzibar and boarded a 125' catamaran for the three hour crossing to Dar es Salaam on the Tanzanian mainland. The journey was filled with rain, rough seas and seasick passengers. Fortunately, our years of sailing helped us get to a Zen-like state and we arrived a little bedraggled but with breakfast intact. Our two days in "Dar" were spent at our hotel because of heavy rain, so we were happy to get back in the air with a flight to Nairobi on Kenyan Airways to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.
Back in January we decided 2017 was the year to visit Africa so Debbie could fulfill her life-long dream of going on Safari. We knew we wanted to visit South Africa (Cape Town for sure) because both of our sons and several friends had said it was the most beautiful place they'd ever been. The other country on our "must visit list" was Rwanda. We wanted to visit an all-girls secondary school outside of Kigali that two of Debbie's friends from her years on Seattle Children's Hospital Guild Board, Soozi Sinegal McGill and Shal Foster founded in 2009.
We began our journey on March 6th, Debbie's 61st birthday, with 6 weeks in South Africa. We did indeed, fall in love with Cape Town and spend almost a month there. We also visited Johannesburg and Durban (two not so lovable cities) and ended with a wonderful week-long safari near Richard's Bay. From there we spent a week in Stone Town on the island of Zanzibar. Further plans would include this visit to Rwanda as well as stops in Kenya and Ethiopia.
From the moment we arrived at the Kigali airport, we could tell there was something very different about this tiny, land-locked country in East Africa about the size of Maryland but with twice the number of people.
It seemed green, clean and, thankfully safe. Who knew there were so many shades of green? Even from the airplane we could see rolling hills in every possible shade of green. It was lush and beautiful on the ground as well. And it was clean! It is the only country we have ever visited where it is illegal to bring plastic bags into the country and signs at the airport made it clear that your suitcases could be searched. And, if you had duty free or other shopping in plastic bags, there were multiple stations where you exchanged them for paper. And once we got outside the airport we sensed order and tidiness all around - from the lack of litter to the carefully planted flower beds along the roads. We learned that the 4th Saturday of every month is called Umuganda Day and everyone, including the President, is obligated to come out and clean public spaces. How's that for walking the talk?
After spending time in Johannesburg, Durban, Stone Town, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi, the city of Kigali also felt safe wherever we ventured, even at night. Of course we were approached by the usual individuals selling souvenirs and taxi rides - but we never felt we were going to be mugged!
Our Airbnb host in Kigali arranged for a driver to meet us at the airport which meant that we wouldn't have to worry about finding our 138th Airbnb. That was especially good in this case because the directions from our host were: "My house is the 4th on your right side when entering KN 48 St. with the bamboo fence and brown gate (opposite the house with a blue gate). Try putting that into Uber.
Our hosts, Lan (Vietnamese) and her husband Jeff (Belgian) were super welcoming. They have a lovely home where they live with their two young daughters and a groundskeeper on a large plot overlooking the city. There weren't many Airbnb's to choose from in Kigali, and this was the best we could find. It appeared to be a converted garden shed with no more than 250 square feet of living space with the small kitchen, exposed shower and WC located outside! But it was sparkling clean and comfortable - and certainly something different! Here is a link. It turns out, we loved the place, maybe because of our especially gracious hosts. The only real challenge in the end, were the trips across the garden to the loo in the rain.
On our first two days in Kigali, our Canadian friend Daniel Kerzner arranged for his friend Gadi to show us around the city . We quickly became attached to this young man - an accomplished photographer and recent college graduate who helped us understand the 1994 Rwandan Genocide by sharing his personal story of losing his parents at the age of three and being raised in an orphanage. He took us to visit the Kigali Genocide Memorial, and also to the Nyamata Memorial at a catholic church where 5,000 Tutsis were slaughtered in a single day.
While we where there, we watched young volunteers, both Hutu and Tutsi cleaning the bones recovered from a mass grave on the site, preparing them for reburial in hundreds of new caskets at a commemoration ceremony in June. We were thankful we had someone to help us understand just how this country fell into the dark abyss that led to the deaths of almost 1 million men, women and children. On a lighter note, we also attended a rollicking gospel church service and a local 1st Division football match with Gadi.
Although Rwanda did not go through a formal "Truth and Reconciliation" process like South Africa after apartheid, they did find a way to reconcile the differences between Hutus and Tutsis and begin the long healing process. On the surface, they have made incredible progress in just 20+ years but as visitors it is impossible to understand the true feelings of Rwandans today.
Hopefully, the wounds are indeed healing and differences are slipping into the past.They say much of the credit goes to their President Paul Kagame who has led the country since 2000. If you have not seen the movie Hotel Rwanda, and are interested in learning more about the Genocide, you should watch it. We saw it years ago but downloaded it while we were in Kigali and watched it with fresh eyes after having lunch at the hotel that is the center piece of the movie called the Hotel Des Mille Collines - now beautifully rebuilt. Some suggest that the movie makes the Hotel Manager out to be a bigger hero that he was, but regardless, it helped us better understand this modern tragedy, and the prevalent "Never Again" message.
Before we left for Africa we met with Soozi and Shal back for coffee back in Seattle to learn more about the school they founded - and as it turned out, they would be in Rwanda leading a small group of supporters on a visit in early May. We arranged our travel schedule so we could meet them and join the tour of Gashora Girls Academy. It was one of the highlights of our wide range of experiences as Senior Nomads.
On the appointed day, we met the group for breakfast and then 30 of us caravanned in eight shiny black SUVs for the hour drive through countryside to the school. We made quite a sight on the road.When we arrived we were paired-up with two students who gave us a tour of the amazing campus, followed by a typical lunch in the cafeteria.
After a few speeches we were invited to enjoy the weekly all school assembly that the girls organize themselves. Beyond the usual school news, there was dancing, drumming, poetry reading, a eye-popping fashion show, and a tearful goodbye to the graduating class. The next day, we returned to the school to tour the 15 acre school farm! That's a story in itself.
Just in case I am getting ahead of myself, here is the Cliff Note's version of what Shal and Soozie accomplished thousands and thousands of miles from their home in Seattle: After visiting Rwanda on a coffee-buying trip for Costco with her father, Soozi fell in love with the country and the people. She had to give back somehow. From scratch, she along with her best friend Shal and a few avid supporters dreamed big and created an all-girls school for grades 10, 11 and 12 that is focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The girls live on campus, wear uniforms and only pay what they can afford. The first class of 90 students graduated in 2013 and almost all are now attending university all over the world, including the most prestigious colleges in the US. The school is now fully operational with 270 students. Words cannot describe how humbled we were to see what they've accomplished.
A non-profit organization called The Rwandan Girls Initiative guides the school. Here is a LINK to the page on their website that is full of information and also has a series of five really excellent short videos called "Educating Girls Changes Everything" that tell the incredible story of Gashora. Watch at least the first and last one if you have time. We watched all five twice. As our week in Rwanda was coming to a close we promised ourselves to keep our eyes open for ways in which we can contribute to this inspiring example of making a difference.
One of the most rewarding parts of our travel is the luxury of time to read books on our Kindles! And once we realized we can download books for free from The Seattle Public Library, the possibilities seem endless. We often search for books based in a country we are visiting and in the case of Rwanda we found a gem called"Baking Cakes in Kigali" It is a perfect story filled with wit and wisdom on life in Rwanda today.
Thanks for following along, and letting me guest blog!
Michael and Debbie
The Senior Nomads


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Piranha is a simple yet powerful tool to manage virtual IP and service with its web-based GUI.
As refer to my previous post on how to install and configure Piranha for HTTP service: http://blog.secaserver.com/2012/07/centos-configure-piranha-load-balancer-direct-routing-method/, in this post we will complete over the Piranha configuration with HTTP and HTTPS load balancing using direct-routing with firewall marks and MySQL load balancing using direct-routing only.
HTTP/HTTPS will need to be accessed by users via virtual public IP 22.214.171.124 while MySQL service will be accessed by web servers using virtual private IP 192.168.100.30. Kindly refer to picture below for the full architecture:
All Servers
SELINUX must be turned off on all servers. Change the SELINUX configuration file at /etc/sysconfig/selinux:
Load Balancers
1. All steps should be done in both servers unless specified. We will install Piranha and other required packages using yum:
$ yum install piranha ipvsadm mysql -y
2. Open firewall ports as below:
$ iptables -A INPUT -m tcp -p tcp --dport 3636 -j ACCEPT $ iptables -A INPUT -m tcp -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT $ iptables -A INPUT -m tcp -p tcp --dport 443 -j ACCEPT $ iptables -A INPUT -m tcp -p tcp --dport 539 -j ACCEPT $ iptables -A INPUT -m udp -p udp --dport 161 -j ACCEPT
3. Start all required services and make sure they will auto start if server reboot:
$ service piranha-gui start $ chkconfig piranha-gui on $ chkconfig pulse on
4. Run following command to set password for user piranha. This will be used when accessing the web-based configuration tools:
$ piranha-passwd
5. Turn on IP forwarding. Open /etc/sysctl.conf and make sure following line has value 1:
net.ipv4.ip_forward = 1
And run following command to activate it:
$ sysctl -p
6. Check whether iptables is loaded properly as the kernel module:
$ lsmod | grep ip_tables ip_tables 17733 3 iptable_filter,iptable_mangle,iptable_nat
7. Since we will need to serve HTTP and HTTPS from the same server, we need to group the traffic to be forwarded to the same destination. To achieve this, we need to mark the packet using iptables and so it being recognized correctly on the destination server. Set the iptables rules to mark all packets which destined for the same server as "80":
$ iptables -t mangle -A PREROUTING -p tcp -d 126.96.36.199/32 --dport 80 -j MARK --set-mark 80 $ iptables -t mangle -A PREROUTING -p tcp -d 220.127.116.11/32 --dport 443 -j MARK --set-mark 80
Load Balancer #1
1. Check the IP address is correctly setup:
$ ip a | grep inet inet 184.108.40.206/28 brd 184.108.40.206 scope global eth0 inet 192.168.100.41/24 brd 192.168.10.255 scope global eth1
2. Login into Piranha at http://18.104.22.168:3636/. Login as user piranha and password which has been setup in step #4 of Load Balancers section.
3. Enable redundancy. Go to Piranha > Redundancy > Enable.
4. Enter the IP information as below:
Redundant server public IP : 184.108.40.206 Monitor NIC links for failures : Enabled Use sync daemon : Enabled
Click 'Accept'.
5. Go to Piranha > Virtual Servers > Add > Edit. Add information as below and click 'Accept':
6. Next, go to Real Server. This we will put the IP address of all real servers that serve HTTP. Fill up all required information as below:
7. Now we need to do the similar setup to HTTPS. Just change the port number for 'Application port' to 443. For Real Server, change the real server's destination port to 443.
8. For MySQL virtual server, enter information as below:
9. For MySQL real servers, enter information as below:
10. Configure monitoring script for MySQL virtual server. Click on 'Monitoring Script' and configure as below:
11. Setup the monitoring script for mysql:
$ vim /root/mysql_mon.sh
And add following line:
#!/bin/sh USER=monitor PASS=M0Npass5521 #################################################################### CMD=/usr/bin/mysqladmin IS_ALIVE=`$CMD -h $1 -u $USER -p$PASS ping | grep -c "alive"` if [ "$IS_ALIVE" = "1" ]; then echo "UP" else echo "DOWN" fi
12. Change the script permission to executable:
$ chmod 755 /root/mysql_mon.sh
13. Now copy over the script and Piranha configuration file to load balancer #2:
$ scp /etc/sysconfig/ha/lvs.cf lb2:/etc/sysconfig/ha/lvs.cf $ scp /root/mysql_mon.sh lb2:/root/
14. Restart Pulse to activate the Piranha configuration in LB#1:
$ service pulse restart
Load Balancer #2
In this server, we just need to restart pulse service as below:
$ chkconfig pulse on $ service pulse restart
Database Cluster
1. We need to allow the MySQL monitoring user from nanny (load balancer) in the MySQL cluster. Login into MySQL console and enter following SQL command in one of the server:
mysql> GRANT USAGE ON *.* TO [email protected]'%' IDENTIFIED BY 'M0Npass5521';
2. Add the virtual IP manually using iproute:
$ /sbin/ip addr add 192.168.100.30 dev eth1
3. Add following entry into /etc/rc.local to make sure the virtual IP is up after boot:
$ echo '/sbin/ip addr add 192.168.100.30 dev eth1' >> /etc/rc.local
Attention: If you restart the interface that hold virtual IP in this server, you need to execute step #2 to bring up the virtual IP manually. VIPs can not be configured to start on boot.
4. Check the IPs in the server. Example below was taken from server Mysql1:
$ ip a | grep inet inet 220.127.116.11/24 brd 188.8.131.52 scope global eth0 inet 192.168.100.33/24 brd 192.168.100.255 scope global eth1 inet 192.168.100.30/32 scope global eth1
Web Cluster
1. On each and every server, we need to install a package called arptables_jf from yum. We will used this to manage our ARP tables entries and rules:
$ yum install arptables_jf -y
2. Add following rules respectively for every server:
arptables -A IN -d 184.108.40.206 -j DROP arptables -A OUT -d 18.104.22.168 -j mangle --mangle-ip-s 220.127.116.11
Web 2:
arptables -A IN -d 184.108.40.206 -j DROP arptables -A OUT -d 18.104.22.168 -j mangle --mangle-ip-s 184.108.40.206
Web 3:
arptables -A IN -d 220.127.116.11 -j DROP arptables -A OUT -d 22.214.171.124 -j mangle --mangle-ip-s 220.127.116.11
3. Enable arptables_jf to start on boot, save the rules and restart the service:
$ service arptables_jf save $ chkconfig arptables_jf on $ service arptables_jf restart
4. Add the virtual IP manually into the server using iproute command as below:
$ /sbin/ip addr add 18.104.22.168 dev eth0
5. Add following entry into /etc/rc.local to make sure the virtual IP is up after boot:
$ echo '/sbin/ip addr add 188.8.131.52 dev eth0' >> /etc/rc.local
Attention: If you restart the interface that hold virtual IP in this server, you need to execute step #4 to bring up the virtual IP manually. VIPs can not be configured to start on boot.
6. Check the IPs in the server. Example below was taken from server Web1:
$ ip a | grep inet inet 126.96.36.199/28 brd 184.108.40.206 scope global eth0 inet 126.96.36.199/32 scope global eth0 inet 192.168.100.21/24 brd 192.168.100.255 scope global eth1
You are now having a complete high availability MySQL and HTTP/HTTPS service with auto failover and load balance features by Piranha using direct routing method.
In this tutorial, I am not focusing on HTTPS because in this test environment I do not have SSL setup correctly and do not have much time to do that. By the way, you may use following BASH script to monitor HTTPS from Piranha (nanny):
#!/bin/bash if [ $# -eq 0 ]; then echo "host not specified" exit 1 fi curl -s --insecure \ --cert /etc/crt/hostcert.pem \ --key /etc/crt/hostkey.pem \ https://${1}:443 | grep "" \ &> /dev/null if [ $? -eq 0 ]; then echo "UP" else echo "DOWN" fi
I hope this tutorial could be useful for some guys out there!


text: Kayak Fishing video shoot on the Great Lakes June 20, 2013 After Chicago I headed north to meet up with Rob Wendel and head out to his favorite fishing location on the Great Lakes. Rob Wendel is a Hobie reginal fishing team member that fishes from a Mirage Pro Angler 14. Rob explains why he chooses the PA14, how he has rigged his hull and shares some of his techniques for fishing in the Great Lakes. My favorite shot from the trip, rob trolling his lines through a canal that leads out to Lake Michigan from Door County, WI Fighting a small mouth bass. A long day of offshore fishing in the sun netted Rob this reward. ← Family kayak and Paddleboarding in MichiganChicago photoshoot for Urban Hobie kayaking →


text:
Hoya 72mm 82C Color Conversion (HMC) Multi-Coated Glass Filter
Product #27215
Usually ships in 2 - 3 weeks
An 82C is a "cooling" filter. Whereas an 82A will raise the temperature from 3000K to 3200K, an 82C will raise the temperature from 2800K to 3200K. This light blue filter absorbs the excessive yellow-red light from daylight in the morning and evening hours and keeps skin tones close to natural. Whereas the 81 Series of filters creates a feeling of warmth, the 82 Series creates a feeling of coolness.
Multicoated to minimise reflection at the filter surfaces which reduces flare and ghosting.
Filter factor 1.2 (+2/3 stop)


text:
Welcome to WebmasterWorld Guest from 188.8.131.52
Forum Moderators: open
When i was checking analytics i noticed under browsers that FF was still only 15 % compared to IE at 80 %. I expected FF to be a lot more popular by now, just wondering what others are experiencing.
I can understand why IE6 is still at 41% compared to only 30% on IE7 because a lot of us still use w2K so we can't upgrade if we want to.
So my stats say:
FX 1.x 18%
Safari 5%
FX 2.x 2%
Opera 1%
This is for a non-techie site (selling steam cleaners) so the users are probably nearer to the norm than the "in the know" web design fraternity.
Sounds silly, but maybe they don`t know an update is available? Did the earlier versions have the auto update feature?
I know people who have the shield in their task bar for months for a windows update and never bother to install them.
Not everyone is that computer savvy when it comes to updates.
*I returned the "favor" by telling him about Opera.
Renewing my AV at Symantec in Firefox a year or so ago, I came upon a page with no button to proceed. Had to use IE, which of course displayed the button. Argh. Thankfully such problems are becoming less common, but it's still a barrier to Firefox adoption.
IE: 49.17% of unique visits;
Op: 4.45%;
Sf: 3.04%.
Of the poor, lost souls still using Internet Explorer, 51.94% are now using IE7. I'd be pleased about that if it weren't for the fact that I recently discovered another CSS bug that still hasn't been fixed in IE7, so I still have a reason to wish people would use Opera or Firefox.
Remember somwhere between 90 and 99.9999% of the people who use the web have no interest in it whatsoever as a phenomenon, but just as a tool. They are no more interested in switching browsers than they are in switching their DVDs from PAL to NTSC
joined:Feb 12, 2005
votes: 0
I think we'll see a significant change in browser user base when Windows operating system gets real competition and that competition does not bundle IE with it.
joined:Oct 27, 2001
votes: 0
Not everyone is that computer savvy when it comes to updates.
I ran an IT company with a lot of computer savvy people who choose NOT to upgrade when new software came along. Not for Acrobat and certainly not for new versions of Windows (few exceptions apply). After spending some years with them I now wonder why anyone jumps to be the guinea pig and install the beta that software companies now sell as the finished product.
2.) Many people use the web at work. So the issue there is what their IT department think is right, and (in my experience) most corporate IT folk are MS believers because thats where most of the jobs are. They take a long time before they upgrade too (for sensible reasons mentioned in the other post above). I recently visited the offices of one of the worlds top brands (can't say who), but all of their PCs are still on IE6. When there is an IT problem these guys have several thousand PCs to think about so they are not about to boldly upgrade into unknown teritory.
3.) ISP support
I havn't checked this for a while - I think its still true: People with home computers need support from their ISP for email/browser problems. If they say "I can't get my email..." or "I've lost my internet connection..." - and then reveal they are not using the stardard IE/Outlook the support line will not help.
Until the above change, the marjority will be MS Sheep.
This is for a web design related website.
Something to consider... should you design your website differently if your audience is mostly IE? Should it be "dumbed down" and not be cutting edge?
I know many people who, when I ask what browser they use, give me the name of their ISP. I would say at least 25% and maybe 75% of the people on the web do not realize that this is something they can change and, more to the point, something they would want to change.
And there is the fear of "messing things up" if they try to change.
Not to mention the prior experience trying to communicate with an indifferent 18 year old service geek at the local computer store and not wanting to do anything to have to go back to the store.
But seriously, you are just looking at worldwide stats, now look at specific countries or niches and Firefox use is more than IE.
I've learned to stop worrying about the numbers and just enjoy the fact there is competition so we all win. It's a healthy market with four major browsers, just like if Google didn't have Yahoo+ASK+MSN they wouldn't feel the need to innovate.
The firefox I use which was bundled with Fedora doesn't have an auto-update, although the same version number for windows does. Very disappointing. In fact, 'Check for Updates' is disabled as well.
If you are running Fedora, updates to Firefox should be arriving through the standard system update (so they don't need to be done by Fedora itself). It can sometimes take a week or so for the Fedora people to package new Firefox releases, so just wait.
(If you're not getting system updates, then you have a bigger problem and should look into what's going on - try running an update manually.)
europeforvisitors, I agree. I'm trying to but....
I think some of the Firefox crowd is kicking themselves in their virtual behinds. I personally prefer IE but some developers are trying to force me to use Firefox. They use the same tactics they claim to disdain about Microsoft, the company they love to hate.
I visit certain sites that announce that they note I'm using IE and urge me to switch to Firefox;
One site I visited recently told me the site wouldn't function properly unless I used Firefox;
Some of the developers for web-based editors I use have chosen to make them more functional using Firefox, rather than IE. When contacting them about problems, I am often told to work with Firefox.
But Firefox doesn't do all the things I want it to do, so I'm forced sometimes to jump between two browsers.
For example, the latest version of Firefox doesn't allow me to right-click to copy, cut and paste in an online editor I use to work on my site. Whenever I try, I get a popup window about where to get instructions so I can tweak the code to enable this feature, but they don't work in Vista.
At least the latest version of IE gives me a choice if I want to copy and paste.
For many reasons, I want to use a single browser for my work, not be forced to jump between two because some high tech gurus judge that we common folk, or do they call us "slobs," should no longer be able to use a copy, cut or paste functions we've been using for decades. To tweak the code, you have to turn on hidden folders...how many "slobs" know how to do that...and, personally, I don't think they should have to.
The Firefox evangelists really tick me off, to put it nicely.
People just don't have any compelling obvious reason to change browsers. Yes, there are more security risks in some browsers, but these are increasingly subtle behind-the-scenes attacks which the user wouldn't notice even if they happened. If the user never sees any problems with their browser, they will never think about changing it, so they'll just stick with whatever came pre-installed on the computer.
And you have to wonder if most people even understand the concept of a browser. Someone above mentioned that many people say their ISP is their browser, well I often come across people who say that Google or Yahoo or MSN is their browser because this is their default home page.
The problem at the heart of all this is that most PCs today are bought as "plug it in, it works" consumer appliances, not as serious professional tools. They're very cheap, and they only occupy a small part of most people's lives, so most PC users aren't going to invest much time thinking about how to improve their PC.
The Firefox evangelists really tick me off, to put it nicely.
Couldn't agree more. I use FF for testing, but never for general use. IE makes a good attempt at rendering all pages, even if the html is broken.
As far as I am concerned, FF has two major problems. A poor bookmark system (I can remember raising Mozilla bug reports about it years ago), and poor fonts for the Chinese language. In FF, a Chinese site with small fonts can be virtually illegible. As the major growth in the internet is in Asia I can't see FF's takeup improving.


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Streamr's Marketing: The road ahead
Streamr's marketing strategy has been a hot topic within our community for many months. Since joining the project in mid-November, I have spent a lot of time reviewing our past and present marketing efforts and developed a better understanding of what we need to be promoting and when.
Despite the bear market, many token holders would like to see us focus on increasing the value of our DATA token by promoting DATA more aggressively. But many other community members also understand that "shilling" tokens is a very poor goal which, while it may appear to provide short term benefits, is likely to waste resources and do real reputational damage in the mid-to-long term.
Based on the market and audience research we have carried out, it's also clear that any promotional and outreach activity for Streamr must recognise our mission — to radically change the way real-time data is managed and utilised, and help decentralized builders to unlock their real potential. DATA is not a product we are trying to offload; it's a part of our movement.
In order to truly place power and value back into the hands of data owners, and reach a place where Streamr starts making a genuine change in the world:
- Our tech must be seamless
- Individual liberty and communal cooperation must thrive on our platform.
This means that any marketing efforts must commence at the right time. In 2019, our focus must be developing and growing the user base of the products we are rolling out, and creating a fully decentralized platform that works.
We do not want to utilise hype, and pay-for-play tactics, that are common in the crypto space. We want to invite users with the clear call-to-action (CTA) that the platform warrants their engagement. This CTA is dependent on the tech being user-friendly and the right fit for people's needs and demands.
The fact remains; there is still work to be done on the technical side. We are still in the process of building out our Marketplace, Editor, and Network. We are reviewing and deciding on which features will make the platform fully fit for purpose, for example, user feedback asked for easier onboarding and invoicing features on the Marketplace. We are building the platform to be the best it can be for users, and our marketing must reflect that.
When users build and thrive in our Streamr ecosystem, our brand story will write itself. The right projects and innovators will not only make the Streamr engine run smoothly, they can make it sing. We will develop use cases with practical application in the real world. This is where our existing (not yet decentralized) tech becomes newsworthy.
Show don't tell
The literary rule 'show don't tell' refers to the idea that an author must leave room for their reader's imagination to flourish and build on the subtle ideas planted in the text, and this principle can also be applied to marketing. Nobody wants to feel like they are being sold something. We need to be able to provide useful and interesting information about how we solve potential problems for users, and show users how these solutions are supported by our tech.
We have done a lot of 'telling' and we will continue to do so at key industry events, in our literature, on our website, and during interviews. This type of marketing is invaluable. However, 'showing' is an equally important core principle of marketing for Streamr; we must let the stack speak for itself through engaged users who are building, developing, and inventing dApps that shift public perceptions of what realtime data can achieve. We are already showing how we have created solutions for problems like payment scaling, which is what we presented at ETHDenver last week.
This year, we have already seen some great examples of our community showing what can be done with our stack, such as the Fitbit app, and the air quality data project. With more tangible use cases built by a passionate community (and sometimes supported by direct grants) we will have a much stronger story to take into the world. Radical applications of our technology set us apart, and from these USPs, Marketplace traction will follow. This is why we must make sure our registered users are empowered to thrive on the Streamr stack.
So, in 2019 our highest marketing priorities will be to grow and engage our user base, and the plan below reflects these aims.
How will we grow and engage our user base through marketing?
We will activate our thousands of registered users and reach out to new developer communities in the following ways:
- Product launches — new products on the Marketplace will be taken to market as full campaigns that incorporate multichannel marketing, including social media, PR, and advertising. Multichannel marketing will enable these unique propositions to reach a larger audience of potential users. This is different to what we have done in the past, because the tangible products and technology (not just the idea) will be revolutionary and gain attention for this reason.
- Website — Our Design team has been working hard on our upcoming website refresh, and we will be rolling out the new site in around a month's time. More help and user guides will be immediately accessible for existing and new users, empowering them to use our tech more effectively. New users will be able to gain in-depth insight into the Streamr stack and we anticipate that these resources will help them be more confident trying the Editor for the first time.
- SEO — After the refresh, our website will be optimised for SEO, to ensure anyone with an interest in our consolidated real-time data offering and decentralization mission can find us organically, use our Network, Editor or Marketplace, learn our story, and join our community.
- Tools — We are enhancing our tools to facilitate a better UI on the platform, and will promote these enhancements every step of the way. The DevRel team is also working on a robust user education programme to help on-board new users to the Editor and Network.
- Community Products — We will create awareness of this new and innovative Marketplace feature. We will ensure our community interacts with it, tests it and provides feedback. Then we will ensure that feedback is implemented to make this feature seamless. Because we aim to facilitate C2B transactions (what we're calling Crowdselling) for the first time in the data economy, there is a lot to shout about with this launch, and we are excited to amplify this story as much as possible in the market. We anticipate this launch will ignite new interest in the Streamr project as an industry game-changer.
- Monthly newsletter — Our Transmission videos have been replaced by a monthly newsletter for our community, Packet Switch. The first issue was sent yesterday! The newsletter is a great piece of content, which will provide our 10,000 strong subscriber base with a regular update on Streamr news, product updates, upcoming events and our industry insights. It also contains a CTA to try the Editor and you are invited to share it with your networks!
- Events — We will continue to make sure new developers and potential partners discover us through events and all associated PR. We are speaking at ETHCC in March, Paris Blockchain week in April, and are already signed up to events well into Q4.
- Community Fund — This is your project too, and we want to hear your ideas. With this exciting initiative, elected administrators will be supported with funds to promote the Streamr message. The first cycle is currently underway and thriving, and we've suggested some ways for you to get involved.
- Developer Bounties — Our DevRel team will support existing and new developers, especially within the Web3/Ethereum space, to continue to interact with the Streamr stack. Developers will also be supported with funds to bring their best ideas to life.
In conjunction with these focused efforts to engage and build our user base, we will continue to promote our overall vision and amplify brand awareness in the following ways:
- Thought leadership — We will continue to promote our digital ethics relating to decentralization and associate ourselves with the Ethereum community through opinion pieces, speaking slots and networking
- Promotion of the Streamr stack as a unified real-time data platform — When the Marketplace, Editor and Network are integrated seamlessly, we will have a truly unique proposition in the data industry, and this will make for a compelling campaign that we will promote comprehensively.
- B2B adoption — Our partnership team are consistently working on our B2B propositions, and there is exciting news in the pipeline. We will have a B2B use case integrated to the Marketplace by the start of Q3. We will promote any key partnerships in conjunction with our partners' own marketing efforts, meaning the news will reach a very broad network and show our capabilities to future partners, investors and users.
To conclude, there is a lot going on with marketing in Streamr. Even if the results are not always immediate, I hope that with this overview, our rationale is clear. There's a lot coming up too, and we're excited to head into the next phase of spreading the word!
Catch up with me on Friday 1 March on our main Telegram Channel where I'll be answering any questions you have.


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Giramonte is Tenuta di Castiglioni's single-vineyard cru, produced in limited quantities from Merlot and Sangiovese. A rich, luminous red, it boasts a surprisingly ample, complex bouquet and velvet-smooth palate.
Tasting Notes
Giramonte appears a deep, rich purple-red, notable for its vibrancy and luminosity. In its complex aromatic array impressions of ripe fruit predominate, with raspberry and sour cherry first to emerge, followed by blackberry and dried plum. In the background are delicious toasty notes of cocoa powder, vanilla, and roast espresso bean. The palate impresses with its seductive mouthfeel, velvety texture, and spacious warmth. The tannins, fine-grained, elegant, and already well integrated into the structure, contribute to these impressions, as does a lively, crisp acidity. Its lengthy, well-balanced finish is nicely laced with aromatic fruit. Overall, Giramonte is a smooth wine that exhibits a fine balance of all of its components.
Learn more at www.frescobaldi.it
Food Pairing Suggestions
Ideal with all roasts, grills, and barbecues, and with sauteed fillets of beef, but try it with delicate cheeses as well.
Browse our Italian recipe collection by wine pairing
Ratings & Reviews
2008 Vintage
90 points - Wine Spectator, September 30, 2011
2007 Vintage
94 points - Wine Spectator, Web Only, 2010
2006 Vintage
97 points - Wine Spectator, October 31, 2008
91 points - Wine Advocate #184, August 2009
2005 Vintage
94 points - Wine Spectator, Web Only, 2007
89 points - Wine Advocate #177, June 2008
2004 Vintage
94 points - Wine Spectator, October 31, 2006
90 points - Wine Advocate, June 2007
2003 Vintage
91 points - Wine Spectator, October 31, 2005


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The Flash Drive Saga Continues
Here at Cake Wrecks we've learned over the years that ordering a photo cake - and then bringing in your own photo on a portable flash drive - can be tricky.
First a baker just drew a copy of the drive itself on the cake - rather nicely, I might add.
Then a baker photocopied the drive and put that on the cake. (Yes, really.)
Well today, I'm happy to report that one baker has finally - FINALLY - figured it out:
Thanks to Johanna O. for sharing her birthday revelation.


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When we went down to Tennessee a few weeks ago (see some fun snaps from the trip here!), my sister planned out every little detail. From the places we'd eat to the coffee we'd drink to the places we'd hike and back again. It made the best trip ever because I didn't have to think about a thing! We got to enjoy Chattanooga to the fullest.
What she didn't plan for was a little impromptu shoot on the bridge. When I went to school here for my first two years in college, the bridge was a magical place. Top spot for photos, best spot for kissing, and the greatest views of the fourth of July fireworks. It's iconic blue color are what sets it apart from all the others and also what makes the photos so fun!
For our first night downtown, I found this adorable dress in Steph's closet (because where else?) It went perfectly with my milkmaid braid that I styled in the car while we drove down to TN. Claire Ashley's tutorial on youtube was so easy to follow - if I did it, anyone can! I can already tell this hairstyle is going to be a mainstay in my hairstyle rolodex since it's PERFECT for hot summer days like these
On Julien: Dress, Jessica Simpson (borrowed and majorly on sale.) Shoes, J.Crew (on sale!) Belt, Anthropologie (similar.) Earrings, Kendra Scott c/o. Clutch, South Moon Under (under $40!) Rings, Hanuel c/o, She's Unique and Elaine B Jewelry.


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ASXSW All Conference Volunteers may participate on up to two crews, which operate during SXSW EDU (March 4-7) and throughout all 10 days of SXSWeek (March 8-17). All-Conference Crews make up the majority of the volunteer crews that operate throughout the event and most require no special experience. Some All Conference Crews may require that you work your entire schedule with their crew. All-Conference Volunteers can accumulate hours to earn a Volunteer EDU, Interactive, Film, Music, or Platinum Badge.
Click here for more All Conference Volunteer information.
SXSW Music Venue Volunteers are around every corner of the SXSW Music Festival. Volunteers who choose to be a SXSW Music Venue Volunteer will volunteer on ONE crew. Volunteers will assist in official music venues, with the movement of music gear, or provide relief to SXSW Music Venue Crews in need. They volunteer a minimum number of hours to earn either a Volunteer Music or Platinum Badge. Music Venue Volunteers are not eligible for the Volunteer EDU, Interactive, or Film Badges.
Click here for more Music Venue Volunteer information.


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Unavailable to record from Sep 10, 2019 until Sep 26, 2019
Denver, Colorado, US
★★★★★ TOM IS A 5-STAR PLATINUM MEMBER OF voices.com★★★★★
Ranked in the ALL TIME Top 7 Favorited and Listened-to male voices at voices.com by talent seekers and clients.
Check out Tom's website for FRY ON THE FLY PRODUCTIONS: (Website hidden)
You don't become one of the top talents on this site in just three short years without providing clients with timely and quality work. Tom prides himself on his quick turnaround times, high-quality studio sound and a finished voiceover which is second to none.
Not to mention over 90% of his business are repeat clients--people really like working with Tom Fry! If your company only works with licensed organizations, his production company, Fry On The Fly Productions, LLC, is a licensed corporation in perfect standing.
Tom has a very versatile vocal style . He can deliver a deep pitch which can be strong and authoritative, burly and tough or smooth and sexy. He has a mid-range tone which allows him to be warm and attractive, friendly, professional and upbeat or even quite younger. He can deliver a guy-next-door read which is very believable or matter-of-fact. He can also be very enthusiastic or high-energy when needed. His Dennis Leary-style attitude reads are very effective, as well.
Tom's vocal range is quite wide. With an upper-register he can sound like a teenager or young adult in his early 20's, mid-late 20's or 30's. His middle-age range is quite versatile as well. Early to mid 40's, late 40's or early 50's. His senior voice is best utilized for characters and testimonials. Tom can sound in his 60's, 70's and even 80's.
★★★★★Dubbed by The Denver Post as "The Man of Thousand Voices."★★★★★
Accents and characters are perhaps one of Tom's strongest suits. Dialects include: British (London, Liverpudlian, proper), Southern American (Texan, Country, Cowboy, redneck, hillbilly), Hispanic (Mexican, Central American, Latino--most Latin American Countries), Russian, Midwestern, Minnesota, Chicago, New York (New Yorker), East Coast and California (Surfer, West Coast). He can also sound Jewish, Middle Eastern, Arabic, Slavic and Indian. Tom does many characters, which include quite a few voice Impressions: Johnny Carson, Sam Elliot, Keeanu Reeves, Sylvester Stallone, Borat, Brüno, Bill Clinton, George W Bush, Ronald Reagan, Casey Casem, Bill Cosby, Elvis Presley, Walter Cronkite, Larry King, Mr. Miyagi (Karate Kid), Al Bundy (Married With Children), Napoleon Dynomite, Hulk Hogan, Karl Childers (Sling Blade), Scooby Doo and Shaggy, Sylvester the Cat, Yosemite Sam, Cleveland Brown, Quagmire, Mr. Herbert (Family Guy), South Park voices, Beavis and Butthead and dozens more... He can also sing like Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond and Bruce Springsteen.
Tom can also whistle very well. He's been hired as a whistler for some famous jingles. He also can do many animal noises. Including dogs (small dog, medium dog or a BIG dog). He can imitate a rooster, lamb, horse, monkey, dove/owl, duck, cow and many more.
Fry On The Fly Productions, LLC
English (North American), English
British, Central American, England - London (Cockney, Estuary, East End), England - North West (Liverpool, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire), Latino, Mexican, North American, US General American (GenAm), US Midwest (Chicago, Great Lakes), US New York (New Jersey, Bronx, Brooklyn), US South (Deep South, Dixie, Delta), US South West (Texas), US Upper Midwest (Fargo, Minnesota), US West Coast (California, Portland)
Voice Ages
Middle Aged (35-54), Senior (55+), Teen (13-17), Young Adult (18-35)
Special Skills
Animation, Audiobooks, Business, Documentaries, Educational, Internet Video, Movie Trailers, Podcasting, Radio, Telephone, Television, Videogames
Tom has done everything from voicing national commercials to regional and local spots. He has worked on many business projects including sales, e-learning, instructional, training and explainer videos and tutorial, as well as overview and launch video. He has voiced sizzle reels, spec spots, app teasers, phone systems, e-books, audio books, movie trailers and TONS of animation, casual games, cartoon projects and video games. He has voiced and acted in industrial films, web-broadcasts, network programming, television shows, film and cable.
>>Over a thousand local voice-overs for radio, television, and cable throughout the US.
He is the former stadium announcer for The Colorado 14ers of the NBA's D-League and was a finalist for the voice of The Colorado Rockies Major League Baseball team as well as The Denver Nuggets of the NBA.
He has done play-by-play for baseball, basketball and football at the high-school and college level, as well as hosted a nationally syndicated radio show heard in over 125 markets.
He's also a singer and ASCAP recording artist and composer.
His production company, Fry On The Fly Productions, LLC, is a licensed corporation in perfect standing.
*See partial client list below
Tom is a trained actor:
He graduated from the esteemed Sanford Meisner Center For The Arts (2-year program in Los Angeles).
Has a BA in Telecommunications and Theatre from Indiana University, Bloomington (4-year).
Graduated from the acclaimed "ICM's Marla Kirban and Frank Mueller's Intensive Voice-over Workshop"
Fry On The Fly Productions, LLC
Shure SM7B
Computer & Software
iMac with Logic Pro X software
Special Equipment
PreSonus 22VSL, Airtools by Symetrix 6200 Digital Voice Processor. Professional vocal booth measured at -46db.
Delivery Methods
Source Connect, FTP, e-mail, snail-mail.
Turnaround Time
2-24 hours (could be sooner if needed)
Service Description
Tom Fry is a very well-rounded talent (acting, voice-overs, musician, writer, stadium announcer, radio show host, and producer)
He's an excellent writer. He's written two screenplays (currently pitching "Wild World: The Cat Stevens Story") and has written hundreds of commericals and bits for radio, television and cable.
He has done play by play and stadium announcing at the college and professional level.
As mentioned, Tom is an actor, as well. He's done everything from network television and major motion pictures to stage productions, cable and local work.
Fry On The Fly Productions, LLC
Tom knows how to become the character he is cast, he acts gracefully and performs wonderfully. Great quality from hardware to voice. Quick, professional and wonderful to work with. Also, greatly patient, which is always a plus. Will hire again!s2 Games
Excellent and creative work from Tom Fry. The first reads were wonderful, the follow-ups with a few minor tweaks were better than originally intended. Great timing. Tom gave us different options so that we could match other voices' interpretations. He was also very quick to respond and deliver, a complete joy.Double Image Studio
Awesome job. He delivered it very fast, and with great quality. He understood precisely what we were looking for.Leander Games
I loved working with Tom! He's extremely professional, works incredibly fast, and has excellent creative input. Will definitely be using him again in the future!Gen11 Studios
Tom has done a truly great job for us. He is professional and very speedy with his work. He is one of my favorite artist and would highly recommend him! Great job Tom!Logical Trades
Great to work with, very comfortable with direction and quick to respond.Ad2, Inc
Quick Prompt service with attention to detail, and a positive attitude. Would hire Tom again!SAN Corp
Very professional, fast and attentive. Delivered exactly as requested. Will work with him again, no doubt.New York Film Academy
Tom understands how to inject excitement and feeling into a script that doesn't have much of either. He always turns projects in a timely manner and goes above and beyond expectations to ensure that he is giving the best possible read...a real pro...you won't be disappointed...Top Notch!! 5 stars *Treetop Productions
Tom is an amazing person to work with. Timely, responsive, and an all around nice guy. Would definitely recommend him for jobs in the future and will be a person that I keep in my contact list for future projects.Wheelchair Foundation
Darren Cox
Director of Marketing & Technology Coordinator
Tom is a true professional in every sense of the word. He nailed our script and his communication was the best I've ever experienced from Voices.com. You will NOT be disappointed when you hire him!S1-Holdings
Tom was very patient as we worked with client reviews, and did a perfect job, first try. Delivered just the right tone/character we needed for this assignment. High quality files, nice smooth levels, all pro all around.Kevin Brusie Productions
We have been extremely happy working with Tom. He is a true professional. He took time to check in with me before he recorded our documentary. He wanted to be sure he knew exactly what kind of voice we wanted. Then he made us a beautiful recording. His voice is perfect for what we wanted. (And he can do hundreds of other voices, too, judging from his samples! Not that we needed that variety, but he is extremely versatile.) He re-recorded a few pick-ups with no fuss whatsoever. And he got the job done well within our timeframe. We couldn't be happier. Thanks a lot, Tom!University of Wisconsin Aquatic Sciences Center
Voice Over Clients
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
National Geographic
Proctor & Gamble
My Blu E-Cigs
Cigna Health
Red Bull
Giant Bicycles
JP Morgan Chase
The Outdoors Channel
Cisco Systems
Optima Tax Relief
The Oakland Raiders
Summit Financial
Chappell Roberts
Bank of America
Burger King
United States Coast Guard
The Home Depot
Cummins Diesel
Knights of Columbus
Northwestern School of Medicine
Rutgers University
University of Colorado
Sanford Brown College
New York Film Academy
Milwaukee Brewers
Dream World Studios
First Data
National Tax Experts
Wheelchair Foundation
Colorado Lottery
Ocean LED
Armorer Link
USA Broadband
Brickyard 400
Wild Rose Casinos
Babble Language Learning
Dorsey Schools
Koala Bear Kare
Bellco Credit Union
Colorado Rapids (MLS Soccer)
Shell Oil Co.
Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union
Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP)
Tree Top Apple Sauce
Del Lago Casino & Resort
Dairy Queen
Kwik Stop
...and hundreds more.
The new voice of My Blu E-Cigs for all national radio and TV.
The voice of Optima Tax Relief (took over after their spokesperson Alan Thicke passed away).
Former voice of "Remington's PBR Great Outdoors" on The Outdoor Channel.
Official voice for Fox Sports Detroit
Voice for national TV shows, "Selling Yachts," "Selling Jets" and "Selling Mega Mansions" on AWE-TV.
Also, recently cast as the voice for "Selling Private Islands" on AWE-TV.
Don't forget to save Tom Fry to your favorites on voices.com and bookmark his website: (Website hidden)
Payment Terms
Payment to TOM FRY is made through Voices.com SurePay®, our escrow service that guarantees your project is completed to your satisfaction. Pay securely by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal through Voices.com and when your work is done, simply download the final files, and release funds to TOM FRY.
Learn more about SurePay® here.
Next Steps
To invite TOM FRY to audition for your project, simply invite them to a job. Share your project details to quickly and easily receive a quote.
Have questions about posting a job?
See how Voices.com works here.
Internet Video
Movie Trailers


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July 30, 1972, Section S, Page 3Buy Reprints
HEMPSTEAD, L.I., July 29— While it may have been just the first scrimmage of the sea son for the New York Jets with an opponent other than themselves, it was quite a bit more for the Long Island Chiefs today.
Mike Packer, a free‐agent rookie quarterback from Lock Haven State in Pennsylvania, threw three touchdown passes and Rich Ciemny kicked three field goals to lead the Jets to a 29‐3 victory over the Chiefs before 3,500 fans at Hofstra Stadium.
"I want you guys to remem ber the Jefs are not just an other team for us," Leonard Feldhun, the coach and princi pal owner of the Chiefs, told his players in the locker room before the game. "For us, this is the world championship."
"You don't have to give us a pep talk for this game, coach," said a voice from the assembled players. "We know what kind of team the Jets are, and we're up for them."
Drives 78 Yards to Jets' 2
The Chiefs' momentum at the outset took them 78 yards to the 2‐yard line of the Jets. There they stalled and settled for a 10‐yard field goal by Chris Saab, which turned out to be their only score.
Seike Murono, the quarter back of the Chiefs, completed 9 of 17 passes in the game for 80 yards. His favorite target was Bruce Cerone, who caught five passes for 54 yards.
The Jets got uncorked in the second quarter, moving 69 yards downfield and winding up with Packer's first touch down pass, a 17‐yarder to Joe Greco. Ciemny added field goals of 11 yards and 28 yards to give the Jets a 13‐3 lead at halftime.
Packer, who played the en tire game, completed 9 of 22 passes for 213 yards. His other touchdown connections came on a 44‐yard pass play to Rocky Turner in the third quar ter and a 49‐yard aerial to Vor non Studdard in the final pe riod.
Ciemny's other field goal, a 32‐yarder, also came in the last period.
The leading rushers for the Jets were Cliff McClain, who carried the ball 14 times for 52 yards and Steve Harkey, who ran it nine times for 38 yards. McClain also caught two pass es for 26 yards and Harkey caught three for 56 yards.
The game was a big boost for the 5‐year‐old Chiefs, who play in the Seaboard League, a successor to the Atlantic Coast Football League, where the Jets once had a franchise.
"We play our home games here in Hofstra Stadium," said Feldhun, an executive in his own men's wear firm, who also owns 75 per cent interest in the Chiefs.
"Our players average around $15‐$200 a game and we also set up some endorsements and personal appearances and have done a soft drink commercial," said Feldhun of his team, which works out four days a week at Hofstra. "We also have bonus arrangements and there are some players who pull down as much as $3,000 a sea son."
'71 Champion Shifts Leagues
This is the first year in the Seaboard League for the Chiefs, who won the Eastern Football Conference championship last year with a 12.0 record. They've never finished lower than second. That was in the New York Football Conference, where they were the champions twice and runners‐up once.
"Right now, I think we have some players who can play in the National Football League," said Feldhun. "One is Tommy Black, drafted ninth by the '49ers in 1970, and another is Cerone, from Kansas State Teachers, who are both receiv ers. Another is Charlie Wil liams, an offensive tackle from Tennessee State, who was down in the Dolphin camp as a free agent in '70, and there's also Blue, from North Carolina A. & T."
Feldhun also named Vince Hannigan, a defensive tackle from St. Lawrence, and George Gibson, a defensive halfback from Jackson State among his outstanding players.
"You might say I'm the Roy Boe of men's wear," said Feld hun, referring to the wealthy owner of the New York Nets' basketball team and Long Is landers' hockey team who was in women's wear. "But one thing is different. I'm not sell ing my business just yet.
"We have a budget right now of about $100,000," says Feld hun, a native of Miami, who played halfback in high school, about his expensive hobby. "It took me $100,000 just to start this team. Things are starting to look up now though. We have more than 500 season tickets sold already this year."
For the Jets, who charged $2 admission, the game was of a benefit nature for the athletic program at Hofstra. The Jets have been using Hofstra's fa cilities for several years.