Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Should I mix Nikon DX Lenses with FX Cameras?

Short answer is a big NO.

The reason is DX lenses on FX camera may give you a worse picture quality than DX Lenese on DX Camera.
This is purely based on my camera. I used to have Nikon D70 with 18-200mm. When I D600 was released, I tried to find recommendations on if we can use DX lense on FX camera. I did not find my answer apparently and went ahead and bought the Nikon D600. After using it with my 18-200 DX lense for a few months and tried all kind of tricks, I couldn't get sharp images. The pictures seemed worse than when I had the lens on the D70. I contacted Nikon and sent them sample photos of from both cameras using the same lens. They told me it was normal. I was shocked but soon realized that I probably should upgrade my lens as well. So I bought the 28-300mm (FX). I can tell you that the image quality is much better than the 18-200mm (DX).

So if you're not sure if you want to upgrade to FX body, ask yourself this question.
Do I also want to upgrade my DX lenses as well.

If the answer is no, I would strongly recommnended you to stay with DX body.
Hope this is helpful.

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Saturday, August 17, 2013

Dong Hai Chinese Restaurant (Garland, TX)


Yummy Ga Hap Gung (Steamed chicken).

I always comment about restaurants should be using walking chicken (free range) with my wife every time we had a chicken dish at a restaurant and my wife always said they would never do that.

Well, my wish has been granted. Dong Hai uses free range chicken for the steamed chicken dish.
It is so yummmmy. And the price is about the same as other places that uses normal chicken.
I guess only a Chinese-Vietnamese can understand Vietnamese.

I have also tried other dishes like Bot Chien, Hu Tieu Xao (Chow fun), Fried pork chops and they all ranging from OK to good.

Saw a few people eating Bo Luc Lac (Shacking beef). Will definitely try it next time.

VL Rating: Excellence (for Ga Hap Gung)

Address:
3575 Walnut St #27A
Garland, TX 75042
Phone
(214) 703-0026


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Tuesday, May 14, 2013

List of Craigslist Scammers and Spammers

I have had it with these scammers on Craigslist.
At first, I didn't know what to do until I saw this blog: http://craigslistscammer.blogspot.com/2009/03/mess-with-scammers-once-you-know-its.html .
That made me want start a new blog just in case people can't find his blog.


Here is what I have so far. Post the emails that you think are from scammers on the comments section including the scammer 'fake' names and email addresses so when people do a search on google, they can find your comments. 

Also, if you see an email with just your item and no question or something that does not make sense, don't reply to those emails. It is most likely from the spammers/scammers and they want to get your email address. A lot of time, you would get an email from a different email address after you replied to them. 


Read more about scams on craigslist here:
http://www.craigslist.org/about/scams


IMPORTANT:
- What ever you do, do NOT click on the links or open the pictures or reply to them.
In dealing with this, I would strongly recommend using an email address other than your personal one to avoid spams in your mail box in the future.
- If the buyer want to come by your house to pick up the item, never give out your address until you have confirmed that they're not a scam.
- Never tell the buyer when you're away from home especially when you have given out your address.
- Don't let the buyer come into your house and always have others watching you from the inside of your house with a defensive equipment and a phone ready to dial 911 if needed.
- Don't forget to click on the Craigslist link to report them as scam/spam.



VL


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: Wilfred Accosta (whitebusterman008@gmail.com)
date: 04-05-2012


Thanks you so much for the quick reply to my email.I will purchase the


item from you and will be adding $50 extra for the item asking
price,so please kindlywithdraw the advert from CRAIGSLIST.and i will
be paying you via bank certified check from my Bank and the payment
will be delivered to you via Fedex next-day and i will like you to get
back to me with the following information to facilitate the mailing
out the check to you... .I will need the below details to mail the
payment as soon as possible.

Name to be on the Check_____________
Home or office address(No P.O.BOX)___
City__State__Zip Code_______________
Phone Numbers_____________________

FYI:You will not be responsible for the shipping of the item..and I
will have my mover come over for the pick up as soon as  you have the
check cashed at your bank,and i will get back to you once my secretary
made the payment out to you immediately

    Wish You Longlife & Prosperity in the  New Year In Advance

-- Get back to me if the above item with pic if available
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: sandy powell (sandypow01@gmail.com and dfkhjdfskhjdf@gmail.com) date: 04-05-2012

Hello,

 I really appreciate your response to my email.I want you to
consider it sold, pls do withdraw the advert from  craigslist to avoid
disturbance.I want you to know that i will be paying via bank
certified check . I will like you to provide me with the following
information to facilitate the mailing of the check to you .

1.....Full name to write on the check
2.....Full Physical address to post the check...Not po box
3.....City, State and Zip Code
4.....Home & Cell Phone to contact you


*** Note that the payment will be shipped to your address via UPS NEXT
DAY SERVICE  and I will like you to know that you will not be
responsible for shipping i will have my mover come over as soon as you
have cashed the check** Thanks


Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


from: donnie jose (jose.donnie575@gmail.com and lhong154@gmail.com)
date: 04-06-2012


Thanks for the prompt response to my mail. I will be buying from you
so please kindly withdraw the advert from C.LIST. Please be
informed that i will be paying with a certified check from my Bank it
will be delivered to you via United Parcel Service (UPS), so I'll need
you to provide me with the following information to facilitate the
mailing of the check...

       Name to be on the payment...........
       Home address...........
       City..............
       State...........
       Zip Code..............
       Cell phone #................

I will make arrangements for the pick up as soon as you have your
money I am completely satisfied with the advert and the payment will
be delivered within 2-3 working days.** I use a hearing impaired phone
# and will receive your calls via email ** N.B UPS does not deliver to
a P.O box addresses.
Thanks
God bless

-- Do you still have the item available for sale?


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

from: Naoma Meilleur (naomat9894@hotmail.com)
date: 4/7/2012
Hello, is the item still available? I need much more details on it please. I've been struggling to find something alike for long term so not sure if it's the one. I uploaded a video of what I'm dying to buy along with my sensitive info so can you see if they are the same thing or not?


It would be awful to meet you in person and then find out they are completely different. By the way, I ONLY deal with adults so forget it if you are a young child trying to scam me, I'll not fall for that. You do have to sign up to see the video to verify you're real and legal of age but do not worry, there's no cost to join. Anyways, message me on there so we can proceed. Thank you!


http://postpeep .net


-Sent via my iPad
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: Sepich Gaud (sepichz25@hotmail.com)
date: 04-08-2012


Is your piece still offered? Umm...this might be odd but you seem extremely hot in your listing. Do you want to get coffee sometimes? I promise I'm not a weirdo, just feeling lonely. If you're interested, meet me on my private dating profile (it's like facebook for adults), there's no cost to sign up! My pics and my phone # are all on there so get in touch with me. There are too many phonies on here so if you're real call me and maybe we can meet to become friends and maybe more? You never know! Okay, I won't bother you again! You'll be taken aback to find out who I am! :) 

http:// alwaysremember .net 

-Sent via my iPhone


 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: Lynna Pickette (lynnagm3@hotmail.com)
date: 04-08-2012


I stumbled across your listing and decided to ask you something critical. I am in a relationship and caught my partner cheating on me so I must get even! My co-worker said cl would be the best place to find someone nearby who I can hook up with for one time only so thought the heck, I would email someone I thought sounded naughty in the ad and came across yours! You seem real and enjoyable so would you be maybe interested in chatting online first to see if we're wanting the same thing? To prove to you that I am real, I uploaded all of my photos, cell #, and a special note for you only under my private profile page. Can you call me today if you think I am hot? This way I can weed out bots and scammers as I'm tired of them! I bet you'll be surprised to see who I am! :) 

http://tastylemon.com 

-Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: Marybeth Hafeman (marybethugtou2799@hotmail.com)
date: 04-10-2012


Is your merchandise still attainable? Umm...this might be off topic but you sound attractive in your listing. Do you want to get together sometimes? I promise I'm not a weirdo, just feeling lonely. If you're interested, meet me on my private dating profile (it's like facebook for adults), there's no cost to sign up! My pics and my cell # are all on there so get in touch with me. There are too many fakes on here so if you're legit call me and maybe we can meet to become buddies and maybe more? It's up to you! Alright, I won't bother you again! You'll be taken aback to find out who I am! :)

http:// funbuddies.com

-Sent via my iPad

                                                                                                                             
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


from: Elizabeth Fenley <elizabethpxi20@hotmail.com>
date: 04-11-2012


, a person who's amazing hopes to hang out and sent you a private message below:

"Hello there is your stuff still on for sale? I saved money all ready. And umm, I saw your post and swallowed pride to give this a shot. Im down to hang out tomorrow after work around 2:30pm ish so let's get drinks. My phone # is 344-79XX (last 2 digits are covered up) so text me. Can you send me your pictures to my cell so I know you are real and I will reply back with mine too. I even uploaded a video for you on my profile, do you like it? I promise Im not a weirdo just want to become friends and maybe more!"

http://lickingfun.com

You MUST enroll for FREE on our adult facebook to get hold of our member's full phone number and video. Once you become a member, you'll be automatically taken to our member's profile. This is a way of guarding our member from harm. Thanks for your time and happy ending!

                                                                  

 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: Amal Mey <amalgrpm9@hotmail.com>
date: 04-11-2012



 Sup, is the item still available? I need much more info on it please. I've been searching for something comparable for period of time so not sure if it's the one. I uploaded a video of what I'm looking to buy along with my discreet info so can you check out if they are the same thing or not?

I would hate to meet you in person and then find out they are entirely different. By the way, I ONLY deal with adults so ignore me if you are a young kid trying to scam me, I'll not fall for that. You do have to sign up to see the video to verify you're real and legal of age but do not worry, there's no cost to join. Anyways, message me on there so we can proceed. Thank you!

http://itembeast .eu

-Sent via my iPad
                                           
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: Daina Ruddell <dainalri28@hotmail.com>
date: 04-12-2012

 Sup, is your post still valid? I need further details on it please. I've been trying to get something comparable for long term so not sure if it's the one. I added a video of what I'm hoping to buy along with my personal info so can you see if they are the same thing or not?

It would be bad to meet you in person and then find out they are entirely different. By the way, I ONLY deal with adults so forget it if you are a young child trying to scam me, I'll not fall for that. You do have to sign up to see the video to confirm you're real and legal of age but no worries, there's no cost to join. Anyways, message me on there so we can proceed. Thank you!

http://itemchecker .net

-Sent via my iPad
                                             
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
from: Tamela Telles <tamelasfpox0@hotmail.com>
date: 04-15-2012

Hey, is your listing still valid? I need far more information on it please. I've been struggling to find something same for very long time so not sure if it's the one. I uploaded a video of what I'm desiring to buy along with my personal information so can you make sure if they are the same thing or not?

It would be bad to meet you in person and then find out they are totally different. By the way, I ONLY deal with adults so erase this email if you are a young kid trying to scam me, I'll not fall for that. You do have to sign up to see the video to verify you're real and legal of age but no worries, there's no cost to join. Anyways, message me on there so we can proceed. Thank you!

http://personalitem .eu

-Sent via my iPad
                                                

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Habash Mondello (poellotk18@hotmail.com) Date: 08-10-2012


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Jennette Doyle (marlenans1275@yahoo.com)
Date: 08-10-2012

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Sage Maldonado (shawnnand680@yahoo.com) Date: 08-10-2012 In good condition.?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Daniel Combs
Date: May 14, 2013

Hi, Am Daniel and am interested or do you got buyer already ?
Do you have more pictures ? 
please email me directly from your email to my email danielcombs874@yahoo.com.
In order not to take your message to other folder in my email. Thanks

Daniel.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: May 14, 2013



10:25:30 AM Contact me - Ddtboy@live.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: May 14, 2013


7:42:33 AM Reach out to me - Wbcvci@live.com
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Bethany Fite

Date: May 14, 2013




How much are you asking for...


--
Sent from c•PRO for iPhone and iPod

Sent from ninja!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Berge Brofman

Date: May 14, 2013

5:38:08 AM Get in touch - Ltbpkn@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Birdie Elizarrara​s

Date: May 14, 2013

5:38:08 AM Contact me - Xahwro@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Perrodin Babin

Date: May 14, 2013

5:38:09 AM I need you to respond at Flripz@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Genous Cernoch 

Date: May 14, 2013

5:36:18 AM I would like you to e-mail at Lyqn@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Sagaser Monahan

Date: May 14, 2013

5:36:20 AM Contact me - Vcwsi@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Mcinnis Penister 

Date: May 14, 2013

5:36:18 AM Sup, this is e-mail address - Gebjjw@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Kishel Fetterman

Date: May 14, 2013

5:36:18 AM Reach out to me - Matvj@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Hesser Seigworth 

Date: May 14, 2013

5:36:16 AM hope you understand if possible say hello - Rnjtw@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Vodicka Neidlinger

Date: May 14, 2013

5:36:17 AM i am sorry don't forget to write back - Ouwdnl@live.com



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Leader Thavichith

Date: May 14, 2013

5:25:41 AM Get at me - Rvzzeb@live.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rosales Wakeland

Date: May 14, 2013
\
5:20:53 AM i am sorry don't forget to reply back to me - Wyeif@live.com





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Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Problems upgrading Lenovo Tablet (A1_07) to Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) 4.0.4

Just went through upgrading my Lenovo tablet (A1_07 to Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) 4.0.4.
Ran into a couple of problems and just want to throw it out there just in case someone has the same problems.

The problem was installation. Apparently someone did not do a thorough QA on this.I had to try many times to get the it installed and boot up. First few time, it would just boot to "android" screen after the the installation and stuck there. I tried a few times and it stuck at the same place. I also tried some other suggestions from other sites but nothing works.
I was frustrated and put the version 2.3.4 back (and it was working fine). I then gave the upgrade one last time and amazingly, it got installed and boot up fine but it wouldn't recognize all of the internal memory and my external micro SD card. It only recognize 2GB of the 16GB internal memory.
Just as an experiment, I tried the "Factory Data Reset" and that resolved the problem.
I couldn't be happier.



Monday, April 8, 2013

Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch (Pilot Point, TX)

A Fun Place for Kids.

This place is not big or has as many animals as a normal zoo but it has what other zoo may not have.
Down to earth fun for the little ones.

The Tram ride was great where you can see animal up close. Literally next to you and you can pet them as they eat the food from the baskets hanging on the side. You can see Zebras, Camels, Cangaroo and others.

The Barrel train was a blast for my 3 and 5 year old. They also have petting zoo with cute little sheeps, bigs, rabbits and others. They were adorable. They also have up close encounter with snake. They have a number of endangered species.
Over all I was pleasantly surprised with all they have to offer in such a place so close to home.
My kids already wanted to go back again.

Also, the food was great.
BTW, Groupon is running a 50% off right now which make it even a better deal.

VL Rating: Excellence

Website:
http://www.sharkarosa.com/

Address:
​11670 Massey Road
Pilot Point, TX 76258

Phone:
940-686-4600



Thursday, January 10, 2013

NEEWER 48 LED Ring Light for Macro Canon Nikon Sigma Tamron Lens

Amazon.com has the NEEWER 48 LED Ring Light for Macro Canon Nikon Sigma Tamron Lens for $31.75 + FREE Shipping

Product Features

  • Unit has Flash mode AND Constant mode
  • orange, blue, oyster white, and transparent diffusers included
  • Visual LCD display with high definition
  • Swich for left and right light function. This feature make the picture appear mor dimensional

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Monday, January 7, 2013

MWAVE.com selling refurbished hard drive as NEW

WARNING: Stay away from MWave.com.

Got the Seagate hard drive from MWAVE.com a few months ago. When I received the package, the hard drive was just wrapped in bubble wrap. No box. I had a little doubt but gave it a try any way. Well, the hard drive failed after 1 week of using. Contacted MWave and get it replaced. The replacement hard drive came exactly as the first one, bubble wrapped without original box. The hard drive failed again after a few weeks. I tried to contact them again but they never got back to me. I contacted American Express to resolve the issue but MWave.com lied to Amex about me being not contacting them. Well I figure I would give them another chance and contact them again to get a refund. This time, I got the email with the RMA# but it was only for return/exchange. I called them up and they told me that they couldn't issue a refund because it has been more than 30 days since I purchased it. I also mentioned about the product does not come with the original box and the girl told me that they do send out refurbished products. I think what I got is a refurbished product and NOT a new one. I wanted to talk to her manager but she said the guy was out for lunch...at 2:30pm. I also asked to get the replacement in a different brand but she said theycouldn't do that.

Anyway, I'm going to try again with Amex and see if they can help me.

Advice:
If you have not buy anything from MWave.com, do NOT buy from them.
If you did and got a defect product, get a refund. Don't go through what I have been through.

VL Rating: POOR (for MWave.com)

Website: MWave.com



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