QA Graphic
October 16, 2023

iPrint and 1-800-Dentist

Classic 90s Commercials

If you're a certain age, you probably remember classic commercials like iPrint.com and 1-800-Dentist. These commercials were ubiquitous on TV in the 1990s and early 2000s, and they're still remembered fondly by many people today.

iPrint.com

The iPrint.com commercial was a simple but effective one. It featured a man sitting at his computer, printing out a document. The voiceover said, "iPrint.com: Your one-stop shop for all your printing needs." The commercial was catchy and memorable, and it helped to make iPrint.com a household name.

1-800-Dentist

Suzie Barrett was the 1-800 Dentist girl. She was the one who tried to convince you to call 1-800-Dentist and not use the Yellow Pages. Simple but effective advertising.

Interesting note: The commercial was done in one cut. There is no camera switching in this commercial.

Why these commercials were so effective

These commercials were effective for a number of reasons. First, the commercials were both very simple. They didn't have a lot of complex storylines or special effects. Instead, they focused on getting a single message across in a clear and concise way.

Finally, the commercials were both very relevant to their target audiences. The iPrint.com commercial was targeted at people who needed to print documents, while the 1-800-Dentist commercial was targeted at people who needed to find a dentist. By targeting their ads to specific audiences, the companies behind these commercials were able to reach more potential customers.

Watch the Two Commercials

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October 9, 2023

Trip.com Job Scam

Watch Out for Text Message on Your Job Search

Trip.com is a popular online travel agency, but it's also the target of job scammers. These scammers pretend to be Trip.com employees or recruiters and offer fake job opportunities to job seekers.

How the scam works

Scammers typically contact job seekers via text message. They may post fake job listings on job boards. The scammers will often promise a high salary and flexible hours, and they may even send you a fake job offer.

However, if you accept the job offer, the scammers will likely ask you to pay a fee upfront, such as a processing fee or training fee. They may also ask you to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number or bank account number.

If you send the scammers any money or personal information, you are likely to lose both. The scammers will not give you a real job, and they may use your personal information to commit identity theft.

Sample Text Scam

Trip.com

How to protect yourself

There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from Trip.com job scams:

  • Be wary of any job offer that comes from an unsolicited email, text message, or social media message.
  • Do your research on the company before applying for any job. You can check the company's website and social media pages, and you can also read online reviews from current and former employees.
  • Never pay a fee upfront for a job. Legitimate companies will never ask you to pay for a job.
  • Never provide personal information to someone you don't know and trust. This includes your Social Security number, bank account number, and date of birth.

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October 2, 2023

YouTube Shorts Template

Template to make sure you don't exceed the Max Length

YouTube Shorts are a great way to share short, engaging videos with your audience. But if you have old 720p videos that you want to use in your Shorts, you may be worried about how they will look.

That's where the new YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro comes in. This template makes it easy to showcase your old 720p videos in 1080p format, with a black top and bottom to make them look more polished and professional.

How to use the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro

To use the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro, simply download the template and import it into your Final Cut Pro project. Then, drag and drop your 720p video clips into the timeline and then drag and drop the template above the video.

You can use the template as a marker for the length of the show.

The template will automatically scale your videos to 1080p and add the black top and bottom. You can then customize the template to your liking, such as adding text, music, and other effects.

You Tube Shorts Template
Download Template

Tips for using the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro

Here are a few tips for using the YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro:

  • Make sure your 720p video clips are at least 60 seconds long. This will ensure that your Shorts are the required length of 59 seconds.
  • You can use the YouTube Short Template to create Shorts for any topic, but it is especially well-suited for showcasing old photos and videos.
  • Be sure to add text and music to your Shorts to make them more engaging. You can also use other effects, such as transitions and filters, to make your Shorts more visually appealing.
  • Once you are finished editing your Short, export it from Final Cut Pro and upload it to YouTube.

Final Thoughts

The YouTube Short Template for Final Cut Pro is a great way to showcase your old 720p videos in 1080p format. The template is easy to use and can be customized to your liking. With a few simple tips, you can create engaging and visually appealing Shorts that your viewers will love.

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September 25, 2023

iPhone and YouTube

Useful Information for YouTube Shorts

The iPhone 14 Pro Max has a stunning display with a native resolution of 1290 x 2796 pixels. This means that videos played on the device will look their absolute best, with sharp details and vibrant colors. However, not all videos on YouTube are uploaded in this resolution. So, how does YouTube scale up videos to meet the iPhone 14 Pro Max's native resolution?

The answer is a combination of algorithms and machine learning. YouTube uses a variety of techniques to scale up videos, depending on the original resolution and the device on which the video is being played. For example, if you are watching a video on a desktop computer with a high-resolution display, YouTube will use a different scaling algorithm than if you are watching the same video on a smartphone with a lower-resolution display.

In the case of the iPhone 14 Pro Max, YouTube uses a scaling algorithm that is specifically designed for high-resolution displays. This algorithm takes into account the pixel density of the display and the original resolution of the video to produce a scaled-up video that looks sharp and detailed.

In addition to scaling the video, YouTube also uses machine learning to improve the quality of the scaled-up image. Machine learning can be used to identify and remove artifacts from the scaled-up image, such as noise and blurring.

Overall, YouTube does a great job of scaling up videos to meet the iPhone 14 Pro Max's native resolution. This means that you can enjoy your favorite YouTube videos on the device's stunning display in all their glory.

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September 18, 2023

XFinity Phone Scam

Do not give personal information!

In this digital age, scams and fraudulent activities have become increasingly prevalent. One such scam that has recently emerged is the XFinity Phone Scam. Today, we will discuss a real-life incident where a caller attempted to deceive the victim into revealing a verification code, subsequently gaining unauthorized access to their XFinity account. Fortunately, the victim's quick thinking saved them from falling victim to this deceitful act.

The Caller's Deceptive Tactics

Imagine receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from XFinity, one of the leading internet and cable providers in the United States. The caller informs you that they have sent you a verification code via email and requests that you read it back to them. This may initially appear harmless, as it seems like a legitimate security measure to confirm your identity. However, this is where the scam unfolds.

The Trap Laid

The scammer's intention is to trick you into revealing the verification code, which they can then use to gain unauthorized access to your XFinity account. Once they have access, they can potentially exploit your personal information, commit fraud, or even make unauthorized changes to your account.

Quick Thinking and a Stroke of Luck

In the case of our victim, they had already discontinued their XFinity account before receiving the call. Consequently, the caller's efforts were in vain, as the victim no longer possessed an active XFinity account. The victim's refusal to provide the verification code left the scammer empty-handed. The jokes on them, indeed!

Protecting Yourself from the XFinity Phone Scam

While our victim was fortunate enough to escape unscathed, it is crucial to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to safeguard oneself from such scams. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself:

  1. Awareness: Stay informed about the latest scams and frauds, such as the XFinity Phone Scam. Being aware of the tactics employed by scammers can help you identify and avoid potential threats.

  2. Verification: Always verify the legitimacy of any phone call or email claiming to be from a service provider. Contact the company directly using their official customer service channels to confirm if the communication is genuine.

  3. Personal Information: Never share sensitive personal information, such as verification codes, passwords, or financial details, over the phone or through email unless you are certain of the recipient's authenticity.

  4. Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it difficult for scammers to gain unauthorized access.

  5. Reporting: If you encounter any suspicious calls or emails, report them to the appropriate authorities or the customer service department of the affected company. Your vigilance could help prevent others from falling victim to scams.

Listen to the Call

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September 11, 2023

Handicapped Veterans Service Dogs Initiative PAC

Phone Scam

In recent years, phone scams have become increasingly prevalent, targeting vulnerable individuals and exploiting their goodwill. One such scam that has caught attention is the Handicapped Veterans Service Dogs Initiative PAC phone scams. This blog post aims to shed light on these deceitful tactics, enlightening readers about the nature of the scams and providing a sample phone call to illustrate their modus operandi.

The Handicapped Veterans Service Dogs Initiative PAC:

The Handicapped Veterans Service Dogs Initiative PAC is a legitimate organization dedicated to assisting disabled veterans by providing them with service dogs. Unfortunately, some unscrupulous individuals have taken advantage of this noble cause, using it as a disguise for their fraudulent activities.

The Phone Scam:

The Handicapped Veterans Service Dogs Initiative PAC phone scam typically begins with an unsolicited phone call. The scammers, posing as representatives of the organization, often use aggressive tactics to manipulate unsuspecting victims into making donations. They prey on the empathy and gratitude people feel towards veterans, exploiting these emotions for personal gain.

Sample Phone Call:

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September 4, 2023

YouTube Shorts

Focus on Increasing Subscribers

In today's digital age, content creators are constantly seeking new ways to engage with their audience and expand their reach. With the recent surge in popularity of YouTube Shorts, a new vertical video format, creators have found a unique opportunity to captivate viewers and increase their subscribers. In this blog post, we will explore the potential of YouTube Shorts and discover how consistently producing original shorts throughout September can be a game-changer for content creators looking to grow their channel.

What are YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts are vertical videos of up to 60 seconds in length that can be filmed directly using the YouTube mobile app or uploaded from other platforms. This format allows creators to showcase their creativity and connect with their audience in a concise and visually appealing way. With the Shorts player prominently displayed on the YouTube homepage and the Shorts shelf on the mobile app, Shorts have become a prominent feature, offering creators unprecedented visibility.

Leveraging YouTube Shorts for Subscriber Growth

By focusing on producing YouTube Shorts throughout September, content creators can take advantage of the platform's algorithm that prioritizes Shorts content. This means increased visibility and exposure, leading to a higher chance of attracting new subscribers. Here are some strategies to consider:

  1. Consistency is Key: Posting new original Shorts regularly throughout September is crucial for maintaining engagement and maximizing reach. By establishing a consistent uploading schedule, content creators can build anticipation and keep their audience hooked.

  2. Captivating Introductions: With only a limited time frame, it is crucial for creators to grab viewers' attention from the very beginning. By crafting compelling introductions, using eye-catching visuals, and presenting a clear message, content creators can entice viewers to watch the full Shorts and potentially subscribe to their channel.

  3. Experimenting with Content: YouTube Shorts provide an opportunity for creators to think outside the box and experiment with different types of content. Whether it's comedy skits, educational snippets, or engaging challenges, diversifying the content can attract a wider audience and increase the chances of gaining new subscribers.

  4. Optimize for Discovery: To ensure maximum visibility, creators should optimize their Shorts for discovery. This includes using relevant keywords, tags, and a compelling thumbnail to make the Shorts more searchable and appealing to potential subscribers.

Engaging with the Community

Engagement is a fundamental aspect of growing a YouTube channel. By actively responding to comments and engaging with the community, creators can foster a loyal and dedicated fan base. Additionally, creators can encourage viewers to subscribe by incorporating call-to-action prompts in their Shorts, prompting viewers to hit that subscribe button.

Watch Today's Short

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August 28, 2023

Emmitt Smith Jersey Deal

Clip from the 1997 Sports Collectible Show

Welcome to the fascinating world of sports collectibles! This blog post will delve into an iconic moment from the Sports Collectible Show in 1997. This particular episode featured a jaw-dropping deal involving none other than the legendary football player, Emmitt Smith, and a case of cards. Brace yourself as we unravel the story behind what is widely regarded as the biggest deal in the show's history.

The Show's Background

The Sports Collectible Show, a beloved platform for sports enthusiasts and collectors, has been a hub for showcasing rare and treasured sports memorabilia. The show has captivated fans worldwide, from signed jerseys to vintage trading cards. However, it was the 1997 edition that witnessed an unparalleled deal that would forever be etched in the annals of the show's history.

Emmitt Smith: A Football Legend

Emmitt Smith, one of the most illustrious names in American football, needs no introduction. As a former running back for the Dallas Cowboys, he holds several records and accolades, including being the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Smith's impact on the game and his dedicated fan base made his memorabilia highly sought after by collectors.

The Deal that Stole the Show

During the 1997 Sports Collectible show, an extraordinary deal unfolded that left everyone in awe. The deal featured an authentic Emmitt Smith jersey signed by the man himself and an intriguing addition--a case of cards. The price tag? A mere $499. This unbelievable offer instantly became the talk of the town, drawing attention from all corners of the sports memorabilia world.

The Significance of the Deal

What made this deal so remarkable was not only the incredible value it offered but also the rarity of the items involved. The Emmitt Smith jersey, already a prized possession, became even more exceptional due to its autographed nature. The addition of the case of cards further enhanced the allure, as it contained a treasure trove of sports history waiting to be discovered.

Watch the clip of the Show

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August 21, 2023

Time Life Music Commercial

100 Kids Songs

In the realm of nostalgic music, Time Life Music has always held a special place. For many, their iconic commercial featuring the collection of 100 Kids Songs evokes a flood of cherished childhood memories. But did you know that you can now enjoy these beloved tunes for free through popular streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify? In this blog post, we'll delve into the magic of the Time Life Music commercial and how you can relive those cherished moments with just a few clicks.

The Time Life Music Commercial

The Time Life Music commercial for 100 Kids Songs is a true classic. It transports us back to a simpler time, where stories were sung and melodies carried us away to imaginary worlds. The commercial showcases a vibrant collection of children joyfully singing and dancing to timeless classics like "Old MacDonald Had a Farm," "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star," and "The Wheels on the Bus." The catchy tunes and adorable faces captured our hearts and made us long for the days when life was carefree.

Watch the Commercial

Free Access via Apple Music and Spotify

The beauty of technology is that it has made music more accessible than ever before. With the advent of streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, we can now enjoy the same 100 Kids Songs from the Time Life Music commercial, and so much more, for free. These platforms offer a vast library of children's music, allowing us to revisit our favorite childhood melodies anytime, anywhere.

Apple Music

Apple Music, with its extensive catalog of songs, has become a go-to platform for music lovers of all ages. By simply downloading the Apple Music app, you can explore the Kids & Family section, where you'll find a treasure trove of children's songs, including the classics featured in the Time Life Music commercial. Whether you want to introduce your own children to these timeless tunes or relive the nostalgia yourself, Apple Music has you covered.

Spotify

If you're more inclined towards Spotify, fear not - they too have an impressive collection of children's music. Just search for "Kids Songs" or explore the "Kids & Family" genre, and you'll find a plethora of playlists and albums to choose from. Spotify offers a seamless listening experience, allowing you to create your own personalized playlists or follow curated ones featuring all the songs that made the Time Life Music commercial unforgettable.

Conclusion

The Time Life Music commercial for 100 Kids Songs holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing the innocence and joy of childhood. Thanks to the convenience of modern streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify, we can now relive those cherished memories by listening to the same songs for free. So, whether you want to introduce your children to the classics or embark on a nostalgic journey yourself, take advantage of these incredible music services and let the melodies of your childhood transport you to a world of pure happiness.

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August 14, 2023

Autotrader Commercial

Classic 1990s Commercial

In the realm of television advertising, there are some commercials that leave a lasting imprint on our memories. Two such commercials that have stood the test of time are the Autotrader Commercial and the NBC Snap Tax Center Commercial. In this blog post, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore the significance and impact of these classic commercials.

The Autotrader Commercial

The Autotrader Commercial, widely recognized for its catchy jingle, captured the essence of the automotive industry. The commercial showcased various car models, highlighting their features and prices. With its vibrant visuals and upbeat background music, the Autotrader Commercial successfully enticed viewers to explore their dream cars. Its memorable tagline, "Find your perfect car," became synonymous with the brand, making it an iconic advertisement even years after its initial airing.

NBC Snap Tax Center Commercial

The NBC Snap Tax Center Commercial, on the other hand, targeted a completely different audience segment. This commercial focused on promoting NBC's Snap Tax Center service, which aimed to simplify the tax-filing process. The advertisement portrayed an individual struggling with stacks of paperwork and complicated tax forms, only to find relief through NBC's user-friendly platform. By highlighting the convenience and ease of using Snap Tax Center, the commercial effectively positioned NBC as a trusted resource during tax season.

Watch the Commercial

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