uforn
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Post by uforn on Aug 18, 2010 19:56:37 GMT 1
How To Identify A UFO Hoax Are you fascinated by UFOs, but at the same time skeptical about their validity? If so, then you are not alone. Due to all the new technology, it is easy to fake photographs and videos of UFO sightings. That is why it is important to learn how to spot a fake. This guide will provide the necessary information to help you identify a UFO hoax. Introduction Do you find yourself wondering whether life exists on other planets? Are you fascinated by the possibility of unidentified flying objects? Have you ever questioned the validity of some of the so-called UFO sightings and crop circles? If so, you might be interested in learning how to identify a UFO hoax. This guide will provide you with information on how to spot such hoaxes. Step 1: What is a Hoax? A hoax is a humorous or malicious prank or deception that has long been prevalent in regards to UFOs and other extraterrestrial related sightings and events. UFO hoaxes are often designed to: 1: Challenge the credibility of other UFO sightings 2: Discredit targeted individuals 3: Scare people 4: Make people laugh Step 2: Is the Source Reputable? Determining whether or not the source of the UFO sighting is reputable is an important part of distinguishing whether or not a UFO sighting is a hoax. Credible sources include: 1: Esteemed people in their respective fields 2: Someone you know and trust personally 3: Someone your friend may know or trust personally Step 3: Types of Hoaxes There are many types of UFO hoaxes, including but not limited to: 1: Stories 2: Photographs 3: Video footage 4: Internet hoaxes 5: Government or conspiracy related hoaxes Due to all the advancements in technology, it is easier to stage a UFO hoax today than it was ten years ago. People can more easily manipulate photos through digital photography and computer programs. Therefore, it is imperative to scrutinize any type of evidence you receive in order to determine its validity. The best photographs are those that were taken with a manual camera. Step 4: Tips for identifying HoaxesA hoax is a deliberate deception that may be intended to make people laugh, but will often have more harmful results. In order to accurately disprove a hoax, it is important that you learn to recognize one. Some tips for identifying hoaxes include: 1: Look for the types of props and artifacts typically used in hoax related deceptions such as balloons and strings to elevate or hold objects down 2: Always question and find out as much as possible about the circumstances surrounding the sighting. How many people actually witnessed it? 3: Were there any other related occurrences? 4: Try to find out as much about the person and there backgrounds as possible to determine whether they are genuine or not. 5: The information presented is one-sided or the claims can only be validated by one or two people - this includes Alien & UFO sightings. It also pertains to e-mails sent that only present one side of the story. 6: There are usually no references to back up claims - this is often used in internet and e-mail related hoaxes. The person or company referenced is often made up, so there is no valid contact information provided. 7: Appeals to the emotions 8: Always questions the validity of crop circles Step 5: Look for Commonalities Next you should find hoaxes that have already been disproved and compare them to the hoax you are trying to discredit. Some suggestions for getting started include: 1: Finding doctored photographs or videos of a hoax similar to the one you have targeted. 2: Searching for previous e-mail hoaxes that may mention the same people or company names as a hoax you are investigating Step 6: Research An important part of disproving a hoax involves research. By gathering accurate information you will be able to make a better case for your claims. You should: 1: Gather background information on the subject of the apparent hoax. If the hoax involves Aliens & or Ufos's for example, gathering information refuting the scientific existence is a great place to start. 2: Gather historic information. This type of research is excellent regarding scientific or government related hoaxes. 3: Is the information presented in the suspect hoax valid? For example, does the person or company exist that is the subject of a particular e-mail related hoax? Often technical jargon is used that sounds very convincing, but is often just a means of distracting you from the falsified statements or concocted subjects discussed in the e-mail. Make sure you do a thorough background check on the hoax you are investigating. Finding inconsistencies in the information presented is often the best way to refute a hoax. Step 7: What Makes a Hoax Successful? Most successful hoaxes have similarities, so it is important to know what these are so you can spot the hoaxes that are often missed by others. Successful hoaxes usually: 1: Arrive in the form of a credible source 2: Utilize impressive, technical language or industry jargon 3: Involve a sympathetic person whose life and death hang in the balance - these usually arrive in the form of an e-mail hoax 4: High quality equipment makes otherwise outrageous images appear more realistic Conclusion As hoaxes become more elaborate and much easier to stage, it is important to arm yourself with the means of discrediting them. Remember to do your research and always be aware of the subjects most likely to be presented in the form of a hoax. UFO or alien sightings - these are usually presented in the form of a photograph and can easily be faked using programs such as Photoshop. Or in the case of video footage CGI. In today's internet environment new hoaxes appear daily, especially in people's e-mail inbox. Knowing how to spot these hoaxes and others like them is important as we continue to use and rely on the internet in our everyday lives. Technological advances have made it easier than ever to concoct UFO sightings, so always pay close attention whenever someone claims to have spotted a UFO. Investigate the claims thoroughly and if possible make certain the source is reputable.
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Aug 18, 2010 19:58:43 GMT 1
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Post by homasT on Sept 20, 2010 3:38:54 GMT 1
If it is too good to be true, its a hoax. .
ie Billy meier and his fraudulent 1000+ photos that were shot pre photoshop on Kodak film, (and anylysed by JPL CA US and found to be of a distant metal object, approx. 7metre dia., and surrounded by an energy field); or the fraudulent 8mm cine, pre video; or the examination of et metal, by prominent IBM scientist, M. Vogel, recorded on tape, and found to be of a process unknown on earth; or his fraudulent sound recordings, analysed by MGM Studios, and found to be analogue and of an unknown source.
So easy to spot a fraud.
We must include in this massive hoax the 1600 pages of contact notes, published by Rtd. USAF Intel. Officer Wendell Stevens, of the converstions between et and BM. These recorded by the onboard et craft`s computors, then relayed telepathetically to BM to type up.
We are alone, lets face it, and even if were were not, nobody would have the time or will to visit. its that simple, if you are a scientist. To disagree with any of that, your carreer as a scientist is finito, no more funding, no more positions.
Toe the line and be a good scientist, and let the amateurs do their bidding, for they know not the true meaning of science, only of the truth!!
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Sept 21, 2010 19:46:25 GMT 1
We are alone, lets face it, Are we ? So what are all these UFOs that people have been seeing for hundreds of years ? Even Astronauts have come forward and are willing to swear an oath that UFOs / Aliens are real.
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Laurance
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Post by Laurance on Sept 24, 2010 19:35:00 GMT 1
If it is too good to be true, its a hoax. . ie Billy meier and his fraudulent 1000+ photos that were shot pre photoshop on Kodak film, (and anylysed by JPL CA US and found to be of a distant metal object, approx. 7metre dia., and surrounded by an energy field); or the fraudulent 8mm cine, pre video; or the examination of et metal, by prominent IBM scientist, M. Vogel, recorded on tape, and found to be of a process unknown on earth; or his fraudulent sound recordings, analysed by MGM Studios, and found to be analogue and of an unknown source. So easy to spot a fraud. We must include in this massive hoax the 1600 pages of contact notes, published by Rtd. USAF Intel. Officer Wendell Stevens, of the converstions between et and BM. These recorded by the onboard et craft`s computors, then relayed telepathetically to BM to type up. We are alone, lets face it, and even if were were not, nobody would have the time or will to visit. its that simple, if you are a scientist. To disagree with any of that, your carreer as a scientist is finito, no more funding, no more positions. Toe the line and be a good scientist, and let the amateurs do their bidding, for they know not the true meaning of science, only of the truth!! I have to disagree, many scientists are admitting that life in the Universe is possible and mathematically viable. Yes there is many hoaxes out there, yes many UFOs are most likely Government projects but to say that we are alone in the Universe is nothing short of close-mindeness and inability to change with the times. Science is always changing, what was true yesterday is false today, that is Science.
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Post by fireflyfan on Sept 26, 2010 0:17:46 GMT 1
Great video, you doing anymore soon?
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Sept 26, 2010 0:33:39 GMT 1
Great video, you doing anymore soon? Manxboz is on doing a video at the min 5 reasons for alien life
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Laurance
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Post by Laurance on Sept 26, 2010 0:41:23 GMT 1
Great video, you doing anymore soon? Manxboz is on doing a video at the min 5 reasons for alien life Yep and will be finished sometime in the next 5/6 days, so watch this space.
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Sept 26, 2010 0:54:41 GMT 1
Manxboz is on doing a video at the min 5 reasons for alien life Yep and will be finished sometime in the next 5/6 days, so watch this space. Cant wait m8 as they are cool as ;D
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Post by fireflyfan on Sept 29, 2010 12:27:33 GMT 1
Wow, only a few more days left, 5 reasons for alien life, that sounds exciting.
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Post by dbh on Nov 29, 2012 16:51:25 GMT 1
Since the day has pretty much passed of using analog camera's, is there an acceptable method that can be used to test the validity of digital photos?
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Nov 29, 2012 17:08:30 GMT 1
Hi dbh, digital images contain Exif data, if an image has been altered using software such as photoshop, then it will show up in the Exif data, however this can be altered aswell if the person knows how to do it
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Post by dbh on Nov 29, 2012 18:07:37 GMT 1
Thanks! I located this little online app that allows one to view exif data... exifdata.comI know it allows me to view exif data. So... here is a little expereiment that I tried. I went to MUFON and located a random picture. in my test I used this picture... www.mufoncms.com/files/44195_submitter_file1__E41A0082.JPGthis little app, did not provide exif data from the URL (as it claimed) but I was able to download the picture and view the exif data by browsing to the file... this is what I found.... Make - Sprint
Model - Taho
Aperture - 3
Exposure Time - 1/1802 (0.000554938956715 sec)
Flash No - flash function
File Size - 252 kB
File Type - JPEG
MIME Type - image/jpeg
Image Width - 1200
Image Height - 1600
Encoding Process - Baseline DCT, Huffman coding
Bits Per Sample - 8
Color Components - 3
X Resolution - resolution 72
YCbCr Sub Sampling - YCbCr4:2:0 (2 2)
YCbCr Positioning - Centered
Date and Time (Original) - 2012:11:19 16:33:48
Color Space - sRGB
Custom Rendered - Custom
Exposure Mode - Auto
White Balance - Auto
Digital Zoom Ratio - 2.5
Scene Capture Type - Standard
Compression - JPEG (old-style)
Orientation - Horizontal (normal)
Camera - Sprint Taho
Date of Creation - 2012:11:19 16:33:49
Resolution - 1200x1600Is there anything here that tells me anything? Or... do we need to get into the "1's and 0's of the data? Please note I just picked this picture at random and I am not claiming it to be altered or a fake, it is just a random picture found on MUFON
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Nov 29, 2012 18:14:10 GMT 1
Thanks! I located this little online app that allows one to view exif data... exifdata.comIs there anything here that tells me anything? Or... do we need to get into the "1's and 0's of the data? Please note I just picked this picture at random and I am not claiming it to be altered or a fake, it is just a random picture found on MUFON Thats one of the sites I use dbh, to test it go to google images and find an image that you know has been photo shopped then post the exif data here and Ill show you what to look for.
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Post by dbh on Nov 29, 2012 18:33:36 GMT 1
This is info from a faked UFO source - www.forumromanum.de/member/forum/images/15/user_464215/normal_1085634.jpgran through exifdata.com here are the results... File Size - 32 kB
File Type - JPEG
MIME Type - image/jpeg
Image Width - 550
Image Height - 733
Encoding Process - Baseline DCT, Huffman coding
Bits Per Sample - 8
Color Components - 3
X Resolution - 1
Y Resolution - 1
YCbCr Sub Sampling - YCbCr4:2:0 (2 2)My first clue would be... not as much information..... but any other clues?
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bazmatic
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Post by bazmatic on Nov 29, 2012 18:55:52 GMT 1
My camera (fuji s7500 dslr) has the option to strip exif data when downloading
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Post by bazmatic on Nov 29, 2012 19:04:46 GMT 1
I have got a version of photoshop, so in the next couple of days I will post two pictures, both with exif on. One will be photoshop and One will be the original. You can then compare the data
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Nov 29, 2012 19:06:50 GMT 1
Here dbh Ive got the exif for this photoshopped image below, Ive bolded the part to look out for Aperture Value F8 Color Space Undefined Components Configuration YCbCr Compression JPEG (old-style) Date/Time 2006:07:06 23:00:03 Date/Time Digitized 2000:01:01 05:10:16 Date/Time Original 2000:01:01 05:10:16 Exif Image Height 525 pixels Exif Image Width 700 pixels Exif Version 2.10 Exposure Time 1/338 sec F-Number F8 Flash Flash did not fire FlashPix Version 1.00 ISO Speed Ratings 100 Make SeaLife Model DC250 Orientation Top, left side (Horizontal / normal) Resolution Unit Inch Shutter Speed Value 1/337 sec Software Adobe Photoshop CS2 Windows Thumbnail Data [5959 bytes of thumbnail data] Thumbnail Length 5959 bytes Thumbnail Offset 590 bytes X Resolution 72 dots per inch Y Resolution 72 dots per inch YCbCr Positioning Datum point
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Post by dbh on Nov 29, 2012 20:24:27 GMT 1
In continuing to provide assistance for those looking to determine is a photo has been tampered with, I believe I have uncovered the "holy grail" of information. The link below is lecture notes from Professor Hany Fried of Dartmouth University from his Digital Image Forensics class. www.cs.dartmouth.edu/farid/downloads/tutorials/digitalimageforensics.pdfthis document covers in detail.. Lecture notes, exercises, and matlab code for a survey course in digital image and video forensics. Digital image forensics 0. History of Photo Tampering 1. 0.1: History 2. 0.2: Readings 1. Format-Based Forensics 1. 1.1: Fourier 2. 1.2: JPEG 3. 1.3: JPEG Header 4. 1.4: Double JPEG 5. 1.5: JPEG Ghost 6. 1.6: Problem Set 7. 1.7: Solutions 8. 1.8: Readings 2. Camera-Based Forensics 1. 2.1: Least-Squares 2. 2.2: Expectation Maximization 3. 2.3: Color Filter Array 4. 2.4: Chromatic Aberration 5. 2.5: Sensor Noise 6. 2.6: Problem Set 7. 2.7: Solutions 8. 2.8: Readings 3. Pixel-Based Forensics 1. 3.1: Resampling 2. 3.2: Cloning 3. 3.3: Thumbnails 4. 3.4: Problem Set 5. 3.5: Solutions 6. 3.6: Readings 4. Statistical-Based Forensics 1. 4.1: Principal Component Analysis 2. 4.2: Linear Discriminant Analysis 3. 4.3: CG or Photographic? 4. 4.4: CG or Photographic: Perception 5. 4.5: Problem Set 6. 4.6: Solutions 7. 4.7: Readings 5. Geometric-Based Forensics 1. 5.1: Camera Model 2. 5.2: Calibration 3. 5.3: Lens Distortion 4. 5.4: Rectification 5. 5.5: Composite 1. 5.6: Reflection 2. 5.7: Shadow 3. 5.8: Reflection Perception 4. 5.9: Shadow Perception 5. 5.10: Problem Set 6. 5.11: Solutions 7. 5.12: Readings 6. Physics-Based Forensics 1. 6.1: 2-D Lighting 2. 6.2: 2-D Light Environment 3. 6.3: 3-D Lighting 4. 6.4: Lee Harvey Oswald (case study) 5. 6.5: Problem Set 6. 6.6: Solutions 7. 6.7: Readings 7. Video Forensics 1. 7.1: Motion 2. 7.2: Re-Projected 3. 7.3: Projectile 4. 7.4: Enhancement 5. 7.5: Problem Set 6. 7.6: Solutions 7. 7.7: Readings 8. Printer Forensics 1. 8.1: Clustering 2. 8.2: Banding 3. 8.3: Profiling 4. 8.4: Problem Set 5. 8.5: Solutions 6. 8.6: Readings 9. MatLab Code 1. 9.1 JPEG Ghost 2. 9.2 Color Filter Array (1-D) 3. 9.3 Chromatic Aberration 4. 9.4 Sensor Noise 5. 9.5 Linear Discriminant Analysis 6. 9.6 Lens Distortion 7. 9.7 Rectification 8. 9.8 Enhancement 9. 9.9 Clustering 10. Bibliography
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Post by meldrew on Nov 29, 2012 22:33:33 GMT 1
meldrew points to all for bringing this topic to the fore ;D there are things here I needed to know this is due to the fact I have asked judge to check out any photos for me, lazyness on my part,
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Post by dbh on Nov 29, 2012 22:40:16 GMT 1
I agree, much in the same way in the post " A plan for research". I think it would be very useful to document the correct way to investigate UFO sightings, how to identify hoax, a methodical approach to analyzing data, and etc...
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bazmatic
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Post by bazmatic on Nov 30, 2012 15:06:16 GMT 1
Picture 2.jpg[/img] The photoshop fake for comparison Attachments:
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Post by dbh on Nov 30, 2012 15:27:08 GMT 1
Thanks Baz!!
for convenience I have extracted the exifdata of the two files by Baz for comparision...
It is pretty obvious of the differences.... I guess the most striking difference is that lack of information compared to the original.
Original - Picture
Make - FUJIFILM Model - FinePix S5700 S700 Aperture - 4.5 Exposure Time - 1/240 (0.00416666666667 sec) Focal Length - 6.3 mm Flash - Off, Did not fire File Size - 79 kB File Type - JPEG MIME Type - image/jpeg Image Width - 640 Image Height - 480 Encoding Process - Baseline DCT, Huffman coding Bits Per Sample - 8 Color Components - 3 X Resolution - 72 Y Resolution - 72 Software - Digital Camera FinePix S5700 S700 Ver1.00 YCbCr Sub Sampling - YCbCr4:2:2 (2 1) YCbCr Positioning - Co-sited Exposure Program - Program AE Date and Time (Original) - 2012:08:02 00:22:17 Max Aperture Value - 3.5 Metering Mode - Multi-segment Light Source - Unknown Color Space - sRGB Sensing Method - One-chip color area Custom Rendered - Normal Exposure Mode - Auto White Balance - Auto Scene Capture Type - Standard Saturation - Normal Sharpness - Normal Subject Distance Range - Unknown Quality - NORMAL Sequence Number - N/A F Number - 4.5 Exposure Compensation - N/A Focus Mode – Auto ISO - 64 Color Mode - Standard Compression -JPEG (old-style) Orientation - Horizontal (normal) Camera - FUJIFILM FinePix S5700 S700 Date of Creation - 2012:08:02 00:22:17 Resolution - 640x480
altered - picture2
File Size - 121 kB File Type - JPEG MIME Type - image/jpeg Image Width - 640 Image Height - 480 Encoding Process - Progressive DCT, Huffman coding Bits Per Sample - 8 Color Components - 3 X Resolution - 72 Y Resolution - 72 YCbCr Sub Sampling - YCbCr4:4:4 (1 1) Comments - Resolution - 640x480 Warning: filesize() [function.filesize]: stat failed for ./images/thumbs/1354285276.36_Picture 2.jpg in /home/exifdata/public_html/exif.php on line 330
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bazmatic
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Post by bazmatic on Nov 30, 2012 15:44:41 GMT 1
I use an old copy of photoshop ver2.5 le There may be some file changes due to the uploading process compared to the original photo (image compression) you will have to check with proboards The original has a .jpg icon. the fake has an photoshop icon there may de data in that. I imagine you would get more information off of the memory card There may also be differences between Mac and PC files of the same photo
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Nov 30, 2012 16:18:21 GMT 1
Dbh how are you getting the exif data ?
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Post by dbh on Nov 30, 2012 16:23:17 GMT 1
using the exifdata app from exifdata.com
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uforn
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Post by uforn on Nov 30, 2012 16:27:15 GMT 1
OK Ive just done that and here are the results Ive bolded the important parts:
System File Namebaz.jpgFile Size29 kBFile Modify Date2012:11:30 10:23:05-05:00File Permissionsrw-r--r--
File File TypeJPEGMIME Typeimage/jpegCommentFile written by Adobe Photoshop¨ 4.0Image Width202Image Height165Encoding ProcessBaseline DCT, Huffman codingBits Per Sample8Color Components3Y Cb Cr Sub SamplingYCbCr4:4:4 (1 1)
JFIF JFIF Version1.01Resolution UnitinchesX Resolution72Y Resolution72
Photoshop X Resolution72Displayed Units XinchesY Resolution72Displayed Units YinchesCopyright FlagN/APhotoshop Quality12Photoshop FormatProgressiveProgressive Scans3 Scans
Composite Image Size202x165
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2012 17:02:35 GMT 1
Hello All,
This is a terrific example of why this is the best Forum around. Thanks you for doing this kind of investigation. I doubt other Forums would have even bothered. You guys are the best!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 30, 2012 17:07:32 GMT 1
Hello All,
Questions: Is there a possibility that an APP can be created to include the hoax parameters so all one has to do is run a photo through it and get an instant result? Also can this be applied to a video frame cut from a YouTube vid?
edit: spelling
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