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Issues & Experts Archive > iPhone, mortgages, archaeological dig
iPhone, mortgages, archaeological dig
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July 11, 2008
It’s here – Apple raises the bar
The long anticipated iPhone (3G) hit stores worldwide today – and in most major cities diehard customers lined the sidewalks overnight to be among the first purchasers. Despite some glitches – including initial problems getting the phones to work, low inventory stocks – sales have been brisk. Why so much hype? Richard Smith, a communication professor at SFU, can talk about how the technology – and ease of use – is drawing consumers. John Bowes, director of SFU’s School of Interactive Arts and Technology, specializes in the history of technology and can also provide comment.
Richard Smith, 778.782.5116 (o) is in today; 604.715.9916 (cell); smith@sfu.ca
John Bowes, 778.782.7440; john_bowes@sfu.ca
Ottawa tightens mortgage rules amid U.S. Freddie, Fannie woes
Amid escalating concern over the future of U.S. mortgage insurance and lending giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae – the federally chartered equivalent of this country’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. – Ottawa moved today to tighten Canadian mortgage insurance rules. SFU economics professor David Andolfatto says the new rules, which include reducing the maximum amortization period from 40 to 35 years and eliminating no-money-down mortgages, will certainly help prevent a U.S.-style sub-prime mortgage meltdown north of the border. But Andolfatto questions just how far governments should go to protect individuals from making bad financial decisions. “We could eliminate mortgages altogether and then we wouldn’t have any mortgage problems,” he says.
David Andolfatto, 778.782.5825; dandolfa@sfu.ca
Digging on the Sunshine Coast
An archaeological dig near Powell River is giving researchers and members of the Tla’Amin First Nation – as well as the general public – a first look at an ancient fortification and village at Scuttle Bay. It is believed to be the first lookout site ever excavated on B.C.’s northwest coast. SFU archaeologist Dana Lepofsky and a team of researchers from SFU are working until the end of July with members of the Tla’Amin First Nation to uncover clues that will enrich the area’s oral histories. Lepofsky can talk about the work and why the excavation is significant. Meanwhile, general public interest has resulted in a steady stream of visitors touring the site and taking a crack at screening soil for artifacts.
Dana Lepofsky, 604.414. 4457 (cell on site)
The long anticipated iPhone (3G) hit stores worldwide today – and in most major cities diehard customers lined the sidewalks overnight to be among the first purchasers. Despite some glitches – including initial problems getting the phones to work, low inventory stocks – sales have been brisk. Why so much hype? Richard Smith, a communication professor at SFU, can talk about how the technology – and ease of use – is drawing consumers. John Bowes, director of SFU’s School of Interactive Arts and Technology, specializes in the history of technology and can also provide comment.
Richard Smith, 778.782.5116 (o) is in today; 604.715.9916 (cell); smith@sfu.ca
John Bowes, 778.782.7440; john_bowes@sfu.ca
Ottawa tightens mortgage rules amid U.S. Freddie, Fannie woes
Amid escalating concern over the future of U.S. mortgage insurance and lending giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae – the federally chartered equivalent of this country’s Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. – Ottawa moved today to tighten Canadian mortgage insurance rules. SFU economics professor David Andolfatto says the new rules, which include reducing the maximum amortization period from 40 to 35 years and eliminating no-money-down mortgages, will certainly help prevent a U.S.-style sub-prime mortgage meltdown north of the border. But Andolfatto questions just how far governments should go to protect individuals from making bad financial decisions. “We could eliminate mortgages altogether and then we wouldn’t have any mortgage problems,” he says.
David Andolfatto, 778.782.5825; dandolfa@sfu.ca
Digging on the Sunshine Coast
An archaeological dig near Powell River is giving researchers and members of the Tla’Amin First Nation – as well as the general public – a first look at an ancient fortification and village at Scuttle Bay. It is believed to be the first lookout site ever excavated on B.C.’s northwest coast. SFU archaeologist Dana Lepofsky and a team of researchers from SFU are working until the end of July with members of the Tla’Amin First Nation to uncover clues that will enrich the area’s oral histories. Lepofsky can talk about the work and why the excavation is significant. Meanwhile, general public interest has resulted in a steady stream of visitors touring the site and taking a crack at screening soil for artifacts.
Dana Lepofsky, 604.414. 4457 (cell on site)