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The Circle of American Response to Occupy Wall Street

Jeremy Winter — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 03:49:10 +0000

This is the climate we live in each day. ha

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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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.
5 Star Day February 5, 2012

When his horoscope forecasts a five-star day full of perfection and possibility, Jake Gibson (Cam Gigandet) is more than a little miffed when he finds himself on the wrong end of everything, from getting fired to being cheated on by his girlfriend. Convinced that astrology is bunk, Jake tracks down a group of people who share his birthplace and birth date to see what kind of cards life has dealt them.
A Warrior's Heart February 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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 5, 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.

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

Chase Ultimate Rewards Debit Card Review

Jeremy Winter — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:43:49 +0000

Over the past year I have been using a Chase Ultimate Rewards Debit Card for most of my purchases. The program advertises “4 points for every $5 you spend on purchases made without using your PIN!” and “earn up to 10 bonus points for every $1 you spend shopping online at the Ultimate Rewards Mall!”. Unfortunately the program is less than realistic and appears to be full of multiple loopholes.

First off, those 4 points you earn from purchases made without you pin, rarely seem to appear. On the info page, Chase claims that internet purchases will count as points, you would assume that seeing how it’s impossible to use your pin online, but sadly they have never manifested for me. I make many purchases online and have almost never seen those points appear. Secondly, if you earn points at a certain store, don’t expect points the next time you make the same purchase. The fact is that not all qualifying purchases will be counted. I have charged multiple similar transactions, all without using a pin, and only some of those counted for points.

Beware Of These Loopholes And Cancel Early!

Not all (or more like most) purchases will not count as points, even if you are not using your pin.
The Annual fee is $25 dollars and is charged 17 days after the card is activated. You must cancel your card in advance of those 17 days or you will be charged a second year.
Write down the date your card was issued, you will only be reminded of the yearly fee the day after it is too late to cancel.
If you spend $40 dollars at the grocery store and earn points the first time, don’t expect to earn them the next time. The program appears to balance how many points you earn for similar transactions.

The Ultimate Rewards Mall

This may be the biggest joke of the whole program. The Ultimate Rewards Mall is where you can shop online and spend you Reward Points. I warn you now, it is a sad joke. Everything in the store is massively over priced and is usually complete junk. The selection is abysmal and is limited to very few categories.

Do you really want to spend $10,000 to get a free toaster? That is what the mall boils down too, spend $1500 and get a $10 gift card at sears. Wow. Now I’m excited.

Learn From Others Mistakes

Take my word for it, the Ultimate Rewards Program is just a way to get people to pay a yearly fee. There is no reward at the end of the rainbow. In the end I can’t say I’m surprised, its Chase after all, they have never been known for their honesty and integrity.

Save your energy and avoid this program like it’s a plague.

Technorati Tags: chase, chase bank, chase ultimate rewards, ultimate rewards, rewards debit card, chase debit card, ultimate debit card, chase online, chase purchases, chase online purchases

Yahoo Ad Attacks Google By Pretending It’s Google

Jeremy Winter — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:10:33 +0000

Yahoo’s new ad is bright, ear catching, and filled with positive thoughts. The one thing it isn’t though, is realistic. In the new ad, Yahoo states that their homepage is all about you. It’s your sports, your news, and your entertainment all rolled into one!

Disclaimer: I admit, before writing this, I had not used Yahoo’s Search in over 5 years. Therefore to be fair, I signed up for a Yahoo username to “experience” the new Yahoo of today.

After signing up, here is the Yahoo homepage I was greeted with. This is a random page and the first one that loaded for me. It’s an example only.

Wow, I have to look at all of this just to search for bread recipes?

Not only is this information completely unnecessary for my goal of finding bread recipes, it’s actually the complete opposite of what Yahoo claims to be in their new ad.

We will start with exhibit A and only focus on Yahoo’s and Google’s Search homepage.

My Sports

According to Yahoo, these two sports articles cover all of “My Sports” needs. I am not a huge sport nut, I do follow soccer quite a bit, but I don’t follow baseball or golf one bit.

These articles are worthless too me. I don’t want to see them, but I have no choice if I want to find a soccer forum on Yahoo’s Search Homepage.

I did find a link called “soccer” that takes me to a general Yahoo sports page about soccer. While the page gives a good general overview of soccer news around the world, it doesn’t provide me with all of the latest Seattle Sounders news or even just MLS news, which is all I really wanted anyways.

Yahoo claims, Google Delivers

Here is a better option to get “Your Sports”. Go to Google’s Homepage, log in, and then click on “News” up at the top. Next, off to the top right click, “Add Section”. Now, either search for your favorite sports team or create a custom personalized section for you team. Now you can get all of the sports news you want and none of the sports news you don’t want.

My News

I do have to give a little bit of credit to Yahoo for taking my geolocation and providing me with some local news stories from the Seattle Times and the Seattle Pi, but that is where my praise ends.

My first question, what is all of this finance rubbish? Why does Yahoo assume that I want a specific section on finance? Do I care that the DOW is down 0.54%?

You wouldn’t even need the Yahoo sponsored stock search on Google. You can type any stock symbol right into Google Search and get instant realtime results. Once again, “My News”, is nowhere to be found.

Yahoo claims, Google Delivers

Just go to Google’s homepage and click on “News” at the top. It’s more organized and incredibly more comprehensive then what you will see on Yahoo’s homepage.

My Entertainment

I don’t need a lesson on what type of language to use in different social situations and I really don’t want to have to hear another story about Justin Bieber.

Does Yahoo assume I am a 13 year old boy or girl?

Yahoo claims, Google Delivers

Just go to Google News already!

What really separates Yahoo’s Search Page and Google’s Search page apart is their focus. Yahoo tries to make a simple search a “experience”, while Google makes it a simple search. Attempting to appeal to every person in this world with one handful of random popular topics is actually counter productive. In the end Yahoo’s attempt at mass appeal ends up being, mass disillusionment.

Here is the ad from Yahoo. To me the ad is a absolute hypocrisy, but as always, think for yourself and if you wish, post your thoughts in the comment section below.

Technorati Tags: google, yahoo, yahoo ad google, yahoo ad, yahoo against google, yahoo search, google seach