We all know scamming on the internet is common... we've all received those emails about helping a desperate person in Nigeria funnel money out of the country. But i think with just a little common sense, we can all avoid being scammed on the internet.
I'm trying to sell my video camera, the panasonic ag-hmc150. I put the listing on craigslist (shameless self-advertising here) and within a few hours, the scammers were all over it. I received an email from a Jessica Walcourt asking if "your item is still available." I replied with a simple yet it is. The next day, I receive another email from a different person (female again). See below.

Obviously, this is a scam. First, two emails from two different people...RED FLAG. Second, they refer to the camera as "the item" instead of actually naming the item...RED FLAG. Third, they offer to pay me more than I ask...RED FLAG. Fourth, they can't spell...RED FLAG (you would think these scammers would be bright enough at least do a spell check). Fifth, they are asking me to ship the item overseas...RED FLAG. So how are they scamming me if they are saying they'll send me the funds via paypal first? Probably a stolen credit card. They use it to pay you. You get the funds. You ship the equipment. 3 months later, the cc company discovers the fraud and takes back the money from your paypal account. BAM..you've been scammed.
Just a little thought and common sense may spare you from falling for an internet scam. Trust your instincts. If it's too good to be true, then well, you know the rest. And if in doubt, just google it.
Have you guys ever wondered what happens to those reality TV show stars after their 15 minutes of fame are up? I mean, they're not really "stars" in the true sense of the word...they were regular people like you and me before they seized their "15 minutes of fame." So what do they do after their time is up?
James Sun, who was a finalist on Season 6 of Donald Trump's show, The Apprentice, answers that question by allowing us to see what he does now in a given day, several years after the show aired. If you ever saw that season of The Apprentice, you'll probably agree that James should have won as he clearly out-performed everyone on the show. However, in retrospect, it all worked out for James because he has been able to leverage his appearance on the show and the "fame" that followed to bigger and better opportunities. He not only runs his own internet company, Geopage.com, he is also currently hosting a new show to be aired on BBC and National Geographic called "Sun Tzu War on Business." Both in business and entertainment, I think it's safe to say that James is no longer an apprentice.
Here is a short trailer for "A Day in the Llife: James Sun". Main web feature is coming soon.
This summer, I had the opportunity to shoot a commercial for a Korean distributor of a nationwide wireless company. They hired Crown J, who is a pretty popular rap/hip hop artist in Korea. He is actually a pretty decent guy and is apparently trying to release an album here in the States.
I actually like his music and was a fan of his before he became really popular through a Korean reality TV show. So I was thrilled to be asked to be a part of the shoot. I did all of the camera work and some of the composition. It was my first real commercial shoot so I got to see how it all came together and all in all it was a great learning experience. I thought it would be cool to catch some behind-the-scenes footage so I handed my Lumix GH1 to a member of the crew. This is the first time I'm making an appearance in one of my own videos...but will it be the last??? Stay tuned..........
I shot with the Panasonic HMC150. I used the glidecam for all of the movement and low angle shots. Enjoy!
I didn't know dentists could have so much fun. :)
Rosana and Mike were married on 10/10/09 and I had the privilege of partaking in their joyous union and celebration. The day started off at the Bellevue Hyatt, where the bride and groom were getting ready separately. As I was visiting the bride and groom, it struck me how the environment of the guys' and gals' rooms were. The ladies room was filled with excitement and anticipation as the bride was preparing her hair, her make-up (waterproof mascara a must!), putting on the wedding dress and so forth. The guys's room, on the other hand, was a lot more relaxed as the groom was putting on his tux and the groomsmen were sprawled over the bed watching ESPN. But still, I could tell Mike was eager to see his beautiful bride as his hands were shuffling back and forth and his feet were pacing across the room.
The wedding was held at the beautiful St. James Cathedral near downtown Seattle and although they had to find a last second replacement for the cross bearer, all went well without a hitch. The reception was in the new Evergreen Ballroom of the Bellevue Hyatt. As the bride and groom walked into the reception alongside Egyption folkloric dancers and band, you could tell immediately it was going to be a fun night.
It was a pleasure to work with Craig of Chic Sound Productions and Jane Lee Photography. Thanks to George for helping with the shoot and most of all, thank to Rosana & Mike for a wonderful day. Congratulations to you both!!