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Explanation of Foreign Transaction Fees & Charges

Jeremy Winter — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 02:07:59 +0000

You may have noticed some new charges being posted to your bank statements in recent months. These new charges, which are actually more likely fees, are often called Foreign Transaction Charges. You might think these are normal everyday charges that have been happening for years, but in reality they’re in response to the recent government legislation that has placed limitations on how banks can collect and charge for services.

Kind of ironic if you ask me.

Why is the new fee being charged?

In the past, Foreign Transaction Charges were only charged when there was a currency conversion. So if your US currency had to be converted, the fee covered the cost of converting the currency. Now regardless of the currency in question, the fee is applied.

Banks and card companies are now claiming that the fees are to cover the overhead from running international services. Consumers claim the banks and card companies are trying to cover the losses from not being able to charge ridiculous fees for overdraft charges. If you can’t charge a large fee to consumers, one of the provisions in the recent legislation, charge small fees and bleed the profit from the account and card holders.

Who is charging the Foreign Transaction Fees?

Your fee is coming from either:

Your credit card issuer. For example Visa or Mastercard.
Your bank itself.
Or both your card issuer and bank.

While these fees are usually in the 1-5% range, the overall income from these charges should prove to be quite high for the card companies and banks.

Of course with only $4.4 billion in profits, like Bank of America had last year in 2010, you can see why they need to increase their bottom line.

Occupy Wall Street Photo and Observations

Jeremy Winter — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:51:30 +0000

Does any one else remember when these people were called law breaking lazy slobs? I’m guessing most of the protesters for the Occupy Wall Street Movement do. #OWS

Some interesting tweets for a reminder:

Bank of America received a $1.9 billion tax refund from the IRS last year, even though it made $4.4 billion in profits.
If you make less than $392,000 per year, you’re part of the 99%.
Exxon made $19 billion in profits in 2009, paid no fed income taxes & received a $156 million rebate from the IRS.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu
CEO gets 40 mos for $3bn fraud. Homeless man turns self in after stealing $100, gets 15 yrs.

Wedding Photography Tips and Techniques

Jeremy Winter — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:45:57 +0000

When it comes to wedding photography, these tips and techniques are essential to getting the perfect photographs for your wedding album. You will need to know how to use just the right lighting indoors and out as well as how to balance the scenery to give your subjects the ideal image in the wedding photos.

Quite often the environment will not be the best but you can still take the perfect picture if you choose your camera and lenses wisely as well as making certain that you have adequate lighting that will highlight the images you are attempting to convey. Scenes with the bride and groom need to show the couple as clearly visible with the scenery kept subtly in the background.

Listed here are a few wedding photography tips and techniques to help you achieve the perfect wedding photographs.

Indoor Wedding Photography Tips

When taking the photos indoors, it’s best to make certain that you are familiar with the angles of the space and where the lighting is going to fall naturally during the ceremony so you can plan on where it would be best to set everything up. One of the best ways to do this is to visit the church or area where the wedding is going to take place before hand and possibly even take a few pictures to get a better idea of how everything is going to look so you can make any adjustments that might be needed.

Make certain the lighting is behind the cameras to get the best effects and be aware of what is going on so that you can get some spectacular spontaneous photos as well. Another technique for ensuring the best pictures during the wedding or reception is to have anyone wearing glasses either remove them or have them tilt their heads away from the light to minimize any glare.

Quick Tips

Check the indoor lighting angles in advance of the ceremony
Take a few test photos on location before hand
Keep the light behind the camera if possible
Stay alert for the more spontaneous moments

Outdoor Wedding Photography Tips

When shooting wedding photographs of the couple or wedding party outdoors, you want to be certain again that the lighting is behind the camera and also be aware of the scenery that is going to be behind the subjects. You don’t want to end up with some dying plants or falling down structures ruining the perfect picture.

Quite often the bride and groom may already know where they want some of the pictures taken so again, if possible, you may want to visit the area at around the same time during the day that you will be taking these photos as well. After all, it is going to be your reputation as the wedding photographer and making sure you have stunning pictures is sure to bring you plenty of references.

Quick Tips

Be aware of the background scenery in your photos
Again, keep the lighting behind the camera if possible
Try to visit the location during a similar time of day
Watch the weather forecast

A few more great wedding photography tips and techniques are knowing exactly what the couple wants as well as understanding a little about their lifestyle so you can incorporate that into some of the photos as well. A few examples of this would be if they are passionate about animals, you might want to try to have a few pictures of them before hand with their favorite pets or if they are really into motorcycles you can try to get a few shots of them on their bike as well as having some of the wedding party gathered around with several motorcycles to really get the effect.

These are just a few wedding photography tips and techniques that can help you take some fantastic pictures but it takes time and practice to build up a great portfolio of stunning wedding photos for prospective clients. Make sure you understand your cameras, lenses, and memory cards ahead of time to give the bride and groom the best wedding photos ever.

Here are some great examples of Hawaiian wedding photographs you might want to draw some inspiration from!

Technorati Tags: wedding photography, wedding photography tips, wedding tips, photography tips, wedding photography techniques

Japan 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami Videos and Links

Jeremy Winter — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:06:59 +0000

The massive disaster created by the 9.0 earthquake and at times, 32 feet tall tsunami in Japan has turned out to be one the largest natural disasters ever. In addition to the fact of being one of the worst disasters ever, it is also turning out to be one of the most documented as well.

Videos, pictures, and graphics have been popping up all over the place. Japan happens to be one of the most “wired” countries in the world. This has lead to a outpour of documentation and footage. This will an attempt at cataloging them.

Videos

Dramatic Video of Tsunami hitting Japanese Coast

Natorigawa River Tsunami Earthquake in Japan (15:31)

First Person Video of Tsunami in a Japanese city

Second Larger Explosion at Fukushima Nuclear Plant

Donation Links

Technorati Tags: japan, japan earthquake, japan earthquake videos, japan video, japan tsunami, japan tsunami video, japan tsunami photos

How to Change Bank Accounts

Jeremy Winter — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 04:26:47 +0000

If you’ve been making plans to switch bank accounts, we may have some information that may help you with the process. Some may think that changing an account is as simple as closing one and opening another. It’s almost that simple but not quite.

There are some things that you may want to consider first before moving forward with that plan. Closing your old account is not difficult, you just need to make sure everything is done in a process to avoid any fees or breaking any rules.

To change bank account information:

1.) You start out by opening your new account at the bank of your choice. Have your new checking account completely set up before closing out your old account. Make sure you get your new debit card ordered and have new checks coming because you want to have access to your money at all times.

2.) Discontinue using your old bank account today. Make sure you do not cancel your old account before every single check you’ve drawn on that account has cleared, this may take up to three weeks. This is the biggest stumbling block for most people because it’s easy to forget you have checks out or re-occurring debit card payments related to this account. This process will also help you with balancing you checking account, and to make sure once all of your checks have cleared, you will know what your ending balance refund will be.

3.) Now it’s time to discontinue all automatic withdrawals and direct deposits from the account to be closed. Any automatic payments for things such as retirement savings, insurance premiums, utility payments, and so-forth. This is the time to make a list of items that need to be switch over to the new account. The best way to do this is to look at 2-3 months of bank statements and check them completely for any payment methods that need to be transferred to the new account. This process may go on for about 3-4 weeks.

4.) If you have anything at your old bank like a safe deposit box or savings account you will clear these or switch them as well.

5.) Once the processes listed above have been completed and you are satisfied with the changes, close you old account. The proper method for this is to go to your bank in person, close your account, make sure any over draft protection or cash reserve accounts are cancelled, and pick up a check for the remaining balance if there is one. Make sure that your personal records at this bank reflect that your account is officially closed.

6.) DO NOT, throw away any old checks or debit cards from your old account without shredding them first! This will protect you from anyone trying to steal them, or make sure that by accident you do not use them in anyway.
There are many reasons that one may have to close a bank account; it is normally do to rates and bank fees. Many banks today are changing their rates and fees due to tightening budgets, layoffs, and bank restructuring. Because we are the end users we end up footing the bill. It doesn’t have to be this way and here’s why.

The banking industry does understand that without the end user to keep money in their accounts the banking industry suffers in the end. Because of this, items such as fee’s and free checking will always change from bank to bank and it’s just good business to look for ways you can save on all front’s especially in today’s economy. So if you are looking for a bank with no fees, you are in the right place.

Technorati Tags: change banks, change bank accounts, switch banks, switch bank accounts, new bank, new bank account

Seattle Area Wedding and Portrait Photography

Jeremy Winter — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:03:57 +0000

Here are some great wedding photographs that were shot in Hawaii. These photos got me thinking, what makes a great photo? Is it the lighting, the subject, or the happenstance of the perfect storm? I guess it never hurts to start with an amazing Hawaiian beach.

Finding a wedding photographer is easy, finding one that fits your style may prove to be more difficult. See the rest of the photos from the wedding by following this link View More Wedding Photos

Hire a Seattle Wedding Photographer

Technorati Tags: seattle, wedding, photos, photography, hire photographer, seattle wedding, seattle photographer, seattle area

New Netflix Dvd Releases

Jeremy Winter — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:44:38 +0000

Here are the newest DVD releases for Netflix rentals. This list is automatically updated when new movies and videos are released. Check back regularly for the newest releases.

You may also be interested in the newest instant streaming releases which you can find here. This list is also automatically updated regularly.

Killer Elite February 9, 2012

This globe-trotting thriller, based on a true story, follows Danny Bryce, a former British special ops tough guy forced to come out of retirement when his mentor is kidnapped by a ruthless criminal. Enraged, Danny has to dodge three top assassins.
The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption February 9, 2012

The Mummy franchise expands with this prequel-sequel that follows fallen king Mathayus into his new life as a deadly assassin. No longer in charge of his own kingdom, he must now protect another land from an evil invader’s army of “ghost warriors.”
Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred February 9, 2012

When Fred’s music teacher goes missing, he’s convinced that the replacement, Mr. Devlin, has something to do with it. Could he really be a vampire? With the help of his Dad and his friends, Fred must stop Mr. Devlin before it’s too late.
What's Your Number? February 9, 2012

Ally is a twentysomething who begins to suspect that her one true soul mate may be among the many lovers she has left in the dust. Turning to her neighbor for help, Ally begins a quest to locate her exes to see which one might be Mr. Right.
A Warrior's Heart February 9, 2012

Unable to cope with his military father’s sudden death in combat, quick-tempered teen Conor (Kellan Lutz) starts getting into serious trouble. During an intense lacrosse camp, his father’s old friend challenges Conor to get his life on track and become a man. Cary Elwes, Ashley Greene, Gabrielle Anwar and William Mapother also appear in this sports-themed movie about respecting others and maturity.
Cyberbully February 9, 2012

Teenager Taylor Hillridge finds herself a target of bullying by fellow students through a popular social website in this topical drama with a message. After the abuse makes Taylor afraid to face her classmates, her mother gets involved.
Fireflies in the Garden February 9, 2012

In the wake of an unexpected family tragedy, novelist Michael Taylor (Ryan Reynolds) is forced to confront his fractured relationship with his father (Willem Dafoe) while dealing with painful memories of his mother (Julia Roberts), a woman who moved mountains to protect him. Emily Watson, Hayden Panettiere, Ioan Gruffudd and Carrie-Anne Moss also star in this semiautobiographical tale of rage and redemption from writer-director Dennis Lee.
The Sunset Limited February 9, 2012

After stopping a desperate man from jumping in front of the speeding Sunset Limited subway train, a Good Samaritan discusses the meaning of life and death with the person he rescued. This HBO drama is based on Cormac McCarthy’s stage play.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn: Part 1 February 9, 2012

Not long after immortal soul mates Bella Swan and Edward Cullen say “I do,” a strange sensation begins to build inside Bella’s burgeoning belly. But the couple’s unborn child is at risk before she’s even born.
There Be Dragons February 9, 2012

Roland Joffé directs this epic tale of love and betrayal set during the Spanish Civil War. When a present-day journalist (Dougray Scott) investigates Opus Dei founder Josemaría Escrivá (Charlie Cox), he uncovers a surprising link to his own father, Manolo (Wes Bentley). Manolo and Josemaría were childhood friends who followed different paths when the war broke out. Josemaría pursued his faith, while Manolo joined the rebels to fight Franco.

Technorati Tags: netflix, new dvd rentals, new netflix, new netflix dvd, dvd rentals

Current Tv’s InfoMania Looks Back at 2009

Jeremy Winter — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:37:40 +0000

As we near the end of 2009, now is the time to look back and reflect on our culture and how our culture has evolved over the past 350 something days. Current Tv’s InfoMania released this video to showcase all of the best-est and worst-est moments over the last year.

A few highlight of the video:

Sergio’s Top 5 Music picks of the week, this time though, he covers the top 5 songs on ITunes in 2009 and explains to his father what Lady Gaga really means by her “pa pa pa pa poker face”
Another great segment is Sarah Haskins review some of the best products of 2009. Plus you’ll learn why butts are stupid.

Enjoy and have a good holiday, see ya on the other side!

Technorati Tags: 2009, music, news, video, website, current tv, current tv retrospectacular, current, infomania, retrospective, sergios top picks

Yes Men Impersonate US Chamber of Commerce

Jeremy Winter — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:04:48 +0000

The Yes Men Strike again. If you are unfamiliar with the the Yes Men, they are a group of about 300 members who specialize in impersonating large corporations and criminal organizations in hopes of exposing the true nature and crimes committed by these organizations.

This time the Yes Men have impersonated the US Chamber of Commerce. The pretend claim was that the Chamber would be reversing it’s stance against the new climate change bill and would support a carbon tax. Needless to say, the Chamber of Commerce is highly against any regulation of green house gases or any tax associated with pollutants.

The news that the Chamber of Commerce was reversing it’s stance and siding with scientist even made it onto Fox News. This is the video coverage, from DemocracyNow, which shows the Faux News clips and a interview with the impostor.

Multiple members of the US Chamber of Commerce have withdrawn membership based on the fact that the Chamber’s board has decided to not back a climate change bill. This new spoof has put the spotlight on them, but they have yet to back down on their rejection of the bill.

Regardless of your stance on climate change, this at least show how easily major news organizations can be swayed to report false news. Apparently all you need is a suit, tie, and a microphone to make national headlines.

The Yes Men are currently releasing their new movie, The Yes Men Fix the World.

Technorati Tags: yes men, yes men fix the world, democracynow, democracy now, yes men 2009, yes men chamber of commerce, us chamber of commerce, chamber of commerce impersonation, climate change bill

Free Admission to Your Local Smithsonian Museum

Jeremy Winter — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:21:55 +0000

For one day only tomorrow, September 26th 2009, you and a guest can receive free admission to hundreds of museums nationwide. The free admission is not restricted to only Smithsonian museums, but is instead available for countless museums across the county.

I play on visiting the Experience Music Project \ Science Fiction Museum here in Seattle, WA. The museum features the Jimi Hendrix: An Evolution of Sound exhibit, which should be very exciting to see. The EMP is just one of 14 museums to choose from in the Seattle area alone.

Other Great Museums in the Seattle area to choose from are:

The Museum of Flight
Seattle Art Museum
Nordic Heritage Museum
KidsQuest Children’s Museum
Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture

This is a great opportunity to take your son, daughter, nephew, niece, cousin or just a good friend out for a nice day of fun and learning.

For more information and to download your free admission card you can visit the Smithsonian Museum Day page.

Technorati Tags: smithsonian museum, museum, free admission, free museum admission, emp, experience music project, jimi hendrix exhibit, seattle art museum, museum flight, museum day 2009