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In May 2011, the oldest couple in history to tie the knot entered into married life. Their story offers a lot in the way of dating advice for retirees, whether looking to date casually or to find the "marrying kind." The newlyweds, Californians Rose Pollard Lunsway and Forrest Lunsway, both widowed, found love on a blind date at a dance after each having lived long and varied lives. The bride thought that she would never marry again, but vowed she'd marry her man when he turned 100. Her boyfriend courted his wife-to-be while living 40-miles apart and dating for 30 years. His 90-years-young bride kept her promise and said "I do" on his centennial birthday [source: Coffey].
While this may not be "proof" that you really can find love at any age, it is a true story of blind dating, widowhood, being unsure of remarriage and enjoying each other while taking it slow.
You might be looking for love and not finding it, but embracing all of the "likes" along the way is truly the stuff of life "right now." It can be difficult and sometimes even a lot easier to stay home or stay as you are -- especially after a bad dating experience or two -- but it can get better. Maybe you're not even looking for love but are looking to date for fellowship and companionship to enhance your single life, and that can be a long and happy road, too.
Whatever your reason, whether it is the loss of a spouse, lifelong singlehood or divorce, retiree dating is a lot like younger dating: You can probably benefit from a pointer or two.
If you're ready to enter or re-enter the dating world, or if you're looking to increase your already active dating life, are you seeing endless possibilities or few options? Dating has lost its "sitting home by the phone" and quaint but out-dated formality, and maybe it's time to reconsider your options.
Perhaps it's been a long time since you've "played the field," so being open to the less formal advances of today's dating dance may take some getting used to. It's fine to be casual and friendly with the opposite sex and test the waters. Taking a chance on small talk with someone who interests you might not lead you to "the one," but that sting of rejection is almost always fleeting. The more you try approaching others, the easier it gets to let the "nos" go and the "yeses" flow into easy conversation or a planned meeting. Most likely, it's the chance not taken that will linger in your memory much longer.
Another chance to show your openness to new dating possibilities is to start accepting offers from friends and family who "know a nice retired gentleman in my building" or "work with the sweetest widow in my office." Even if your loved ones are pushing matchmaking with people you aren't connecting with, there are always stories of long-lasting, head-over-heels in-love meetings that weren't supposed to work out, as well as fantastic friendships that started on dates where there was no chemistry but lots of fun. Who knows, a setup may be a let down, but some bad dates can lead to great friendships.
After a long relationship, or even long singlehood, it can be difficult to separate the past from the present. Dating again or for the first time after a long period of mourning or healing is less about talking about the person you were with previously and more about letting the people you meet know you -- not just the you attached to loss or loneliness.
Get to know each person you date in the present and keep talk about the past focused on individual histories or the basic and positive things about your family life without a lot of "we used to," "my wife and I" or "all those years alone." If a relationship takes off there is plenty of time for sharing hurts and difficulties later with more intimacy and the tenderness that comes over time. Studies have even shown that what both men and women least like about dating is meeting people who focus on the past "baggage" of their lives on a date [source: Montenegro].
If after a number of dates you find that you can't separate yourself from your past and loss, it may not be the best time to date [source: Schwartz]. Maybe it's time to talk with a counselor and get to the root of who you are first, though it may just be a matter of practicing conversation with friends who will let you know when you're spending too much time looking back [source: Schwartz].
Sure, it's nobody's business what you do with your life as a grown man or woman, but are you sure you want to go it alone, just you and the "dating world?" Loved ones not only worry and tend to give unwanted -- though sometimes very good -- advice, they also love you and love sharing life with you. Getting feedback about potential dates and sharing the adventure of meeting and planning an outing with someone new is something to get excited about, and most people close to you will share in your excitement. Let them support you while you learn to filter the unsolicited advice from time to time.
Although we've all had to acknowledge "My mother was right," or "My buddy knew exactly what was coming" after falling on our faces or just spending a couple of hours that could have been avoided if we'd listened, it's never too late to accept advice and take what you will. It's really not much different than dating as a teenager or young adult: Those closest to you can discern things about people that you may not see yourself. Keep them in the loop.
It's also important at the very least to let someone know the "who, what, where and when" of a date for safety reasons. Make your schedule an open book when it comes to meeting with dates so friends and family can be assured that you're safe.
There's an unofficial "maturing" of style as we get older and comfort starts to reign over fashion, but dating at 80 or 18 can mean enjoying the prepping as much as the pairing up. It's very important to feel comfortable on a date and to dress in a way that reflects who you are, but leave the in-house clothes in the house. Worn-out sweat suits and housecoat dresses aren't date attire until you know your date well enough to really get comfy watching a movie on the couch. Wearing the broken-in clothes you love will make you comfortable, but on a date, it's doubtful that they'll make you feel confident and at your best.
Caring about your appearance from head-to-toe is as important for your own self-esteem as it is for the impression you can make on someone of the opposite sex. It can be tempting to try really hard to look young or sexy or sporty or even very formal, but keeping it simple will help you keep the focus on how you feel and who you're with rather than on what you're wearing and how much you need to tug, adjust and suck-it-in to keep it in place. Too much of a good thing on the outside can distract from all of the great stuff on the inside, and too casual or unkempt a look will have the same effect, but with the added assumption that you didn't care enough about the person you're meeting to impress a little, too. Remember getting ready for Friday and Saturday nights in your early decades? Re-create that getting-ready ritual for added anticipation of a date.
Young people seem to be the forerunners in anything computer-related, but some recent studies show that people aged 74 and older are using social networking sites more and at a faster growing rate than any other age group [source: Shellenbarger]. Spending time online to chat with friends and share photos with kids and grandkids is one thing, but cyber-mingling on dating sites is another. A growing number of retirees have the technical know-how to blog, post, tweet and surf, but meeting people online still means using some non-technical language and methods: finding, introducing, flirting and asking out or "breaking up."
Online dating sites offer incredible opportunities for seeking out likeminded people without leaving home, and with age-specific, religion-specific and interest-specific options for searching, it's easier to narrow down the playing field, so to speak. Knowing why you're on the sites in the first place and letting others know what you're looking for is a good start. Some online connections are solely for long-distance friendships online, while others are centered in finding a long-term mate or casual dates for companionship. Being honest from the start about who you are, how you want to connect and what you look like will save you and other people lots of time and heartbreak. Being aware that not everyone will be honest is also important to remember!
If you do start finding men or women you'd like to meet in person, talk on the phone before meeting. Communications over e-mail and text are inadequate ways to really know someone, so try mixing up writing with phone calls to get a better sense of whether you're connecting well enough from a distance to close the gap.
Have you ever been so busy with an activity, whether volunteering on a board or being on a bowling team, that when you finally slowed down or stopped doing it you realized you didn't really enjoy the activity itself? Dating can lead to the same kind of busyness with mediocre results. When you find that niche or just right match for your interest and skills as a volunteer, for example, you absolutely love what you do and why you're doing it. Staying busy on dates and moving from one activity to the next keeps you from getting to know one another and whether you really like each other or just like each others' company while staying busy.
Taking your time and planning first dates that focus on conversation might not be as exciting as musical theater followed by club dancing or eating in a popular but crowded and noisy restaurant before seeing a movie, but it will reveal more about who you're with. Nerves can keep early conversations stilted or centered in small talk, so keeping first dates short and simple works well. Having coffee or dessert and building up to a long walk or a couple of hours in a bookstore sharing reading likes and dislikes, for example, will open or close the door to more active dates later.
There are snakes and scammers, scoundrels and con artists lying in wait for their next victims of any age, but often retirees are the target of schemes because of their net worth and their vulnerability [source: FBI]. Beware of any interaction that just doesn't feel right. Even the smallest red flag about a person's character or intentions is worth taking a step back and asking for second and third opinions from friends and family. Beware of romantic interests who seem too eager to know everything about you or to share everything with you early on. It may be a forced and false intimacy in order to gain access to personal information. Sharing details of your life verbally gives access to details of what you have stored up in savings or in possessions, and letting someone into your home can give access to vital paper records and even electronic files with personal data.
Guard your information and your secrets until you're certain of their character and background. Feelings often lie, but criminal records or missing gaps in a person's story are very telling. Never share passwords or physical keys or give money for businesses or to help someone out unless you're absolutely sure of who a person is and how they will use your money. Safeguard what you've earned and worked so hard to attain, and use wisdom -- yours and that of personal and professional counsel -- in getting to know someone before you let them get too close.
Somehow "reinvent yourself" has become one of the mottos for the later stages of life, and it can be a time to do new things and know yourself outside of decades of work and parenting life. Reinventing doesn't have to mean becoming some kind of "newer" and "better" or "more exciting" person, though. It can be about doing what you want based on being who you are apart from being a worker, head of household, or mother and caregiver.
Despite the statistics about the shrinking pool of available men and marrying women over 65, approaching dating as if there are plenty of fish in the sea isn't a bad idea [source: Brody]. Don't try to fit someone else's mold but trust your instincts about whether you are a good fit for the person or just a likeness and a project that would need to change and accommodate in order to satisfy a relationship.
A 2003 study of midlife singles found that the top two reasons for dating were to have someone to talk to and do things with and "to simply have fun" [source: Montenegro]. Being yourself, the same person you are at home with friends as you are out on dates, will lead to more fun for both people on a date. Trust your instincts, and if the man or woman you meet doesn't seem to like who you are, keep looking until you find someone who does.
Most TV sitcoms have an episode or three devoted to the hapless misadventures of guys or girls trying to impress or "find themselves." They sign up for different art classes or sports and clubs and play the fool until they have an "aha" moment. A lot of older people either know what they like or are set in a pattern of doing things just because they do them without really knowing what they like. Shaking things up and being the hapless explorer isn't such a bad idea if it leads to finding a passion and people with common interests. It's also a great way to break the ice when an activity or group just isn't "your thing."
Social clubs, fitness classes, health and wellness sessions, and community meet-ups are generally safe and fun ways to meet other retired singles. Finding a club based on an old interest or a new one, such as cooking or playing bridge, and taking exercise classes beyond the usual, maybe yoga or boxing, are a couple of ways to connect. Volunteering in the community or at a local church or nonprofit can help you find like-minded or even like-hearted people to serve alongside while serving others.
Do what you know you like and try what you think you might like and you could find your niche, as well as a possible match.
Retirees have a leg up on everyone else when it comes to learning to put things in perspective, and usually that includes the ability to laugh at themselves. If you are a dating retiree or are ready to take the leap of faith and go out on dates, you've experienced more than most of the younger generations, and if you haven't "seen it all," you've seen enough to take a good or bad date in stride.
Awkwardness, uncontrollable laughter and embarrassing moments are all part of dating at any age. Being ready to NOT act your age and to feel like a kid again when there's chemistry and intimacy is an even better part of dating, young or old.
Have fun and be ready to laugh at or even during absolutely bad dates while enjoying the differences of two people who don't match but can make the best of it. And the good dates? As toe-curling as ever.
How Baby Boomers Are Shaking Up the Retirement Home Biz
Jimmy Buffet has the right idea with his line of Latitude Margaritaville communities. HowStuffWorks looks at other innovative retirement communities.
Related Articles
More Great Links
- Baker, Molly. "OMG! My Grandparents Are My BFF!" The Wall Street Journal. May 9, 2011. (May 8, 2011)http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703280904576247152267875970.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
- Brody, Jane. "Getting on With Life After a Partner Dies." The New York Times. June 10, 2010. (May 6, 2011)http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/15/health/15brod.html?ref=health
- Coffey, Laura T. "On 100th Birthday He Married the Woman of His Dreams." MSNBC.com. May 6, 2011. (May 6, 2011)http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/42920393/ns/today-good_news/
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). "Common Fraud Schemes: Target: Senior Citizens." FBI.gov. 2011. (May 11, 2011)http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/seniors
- Match.com. "Good Advice: Safety Tips to Follow." 2011. (May 11, 2011)http://www.match.com/help/safetytips.aspx
- Montenegro, Xenia. "Lifestyles, Dating and Romance: A Study of Midlife Singles." AARP Magazine. September 2003. (May 6, 2011)assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/general/singles.pdf
- Nielson Company. "Six Million More Seniors Using the Web than Five Years Ago." Nielson Wire. Dec. 10, 2009. (May 6, 2011)http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/six-million-more-seniors-using-the-web-than-five-years-ago/
- Praetorius, Dean. "Oldest Couple to Ever Get Married Ties the Knot." Huffington Post.com. May 3, 2011. (May 6, 2011)http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/03/oldest-couple-ever-married_n_857157.html
- Schwartz, Pepper. "Looking to Find New Love? 8 Ways to Know If You're Emotionally Prepared to Begin to Date Again." AARP.org. April 11, 2011. (May 6, 2011)http://www.aarp.org/relationships/love-sex/info-04-2011/ready-to-date-again.htm
- Shellenbarger, Sue. "Teens Take Elders to Tech Boot Camp." The Wall Street Journal. Jan. 12, 2011. (May 9, 2011)http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704515904576075763253410454.html


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Maybelline New York Full 'N Soft Waterproof Mascara Reviews
Wow i'm impressed after 1 useOf course the test is the next two weeks and how it clumps. I always recommend an eyelash curler/wipe off excess on brush before use. These two tips and knowing how to twist while you pull lashes through brush are key. A good mascara though is hard to find and i think i love this brush. A keeper at $7! — 8 years, 9 months agonstar1983 | 32 reviews
WONDERFULThis mascara goes on smooth and looks natural. This is perfect for an everyday mascara: work, school, etc. It doesn't even clump! However, this mascara does not give good length, but then again, it gives a very natural look. It stays on for a long time and for the value, its great! — 8 years, 10 months agoxsilverxmoonx | 4 reviews
THE ONLY ONE I KEEP COMING BACK TO!OTHER MASCARAS JUST DONT CUT IT. ALTHOUGH THIS ONE MAY NOT BE THE BEST OF THE BEST..IT WORKS FOR ME AND HAS FOR 6 YEARS! I USE THE SISTER VERSION (NON WATER PROOF) I FOUND THAT THE WATERPROOF KIND OF MADE MY EYELASHES A LITTLE BRITTLE. BUT IT WORKS THE SAME!! JUST WITH OUT THE EYELASH LOSING. :) ALTHOUGH, ITS NOT AS BAD AS MOST DO. — 8 years, 10 months agoSWTCHERRIPIE | 25 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 3 of 3 people said helpful
Only mascara I'll use.I have always had problems with clumping mascara but not with this one. It goes on great, lasts forever and is easy to take off. Wouldn't trade it for anything-plus the price is great. — 8 years, 10 months agoscculligan | 1 reviews
Luxe mascara at drugstore price!I have tried so many mascaras. This one does not have a sci-fi brush or commercials that show a models lashes growing like grass. It is, however the best mascara I have found. It clumps far less than loreal great lash. It doesn't dry out quickly. It covers evenly, lenghthens and thickens lashes without flaking or feeling heavy. It layers well without caking lashes together. It looks amazing. I don...read more't know why they don't promote this mascara more. It works so much better than all the ones. — 8 years, 11 months agojay_tee | 4 reviews
This review is: Helpful | Not helpful | Inappropriate | 2 of 2 people said helpful
fan for yearsI have used this for years and at time felt I had become complacent, so I would try something new that came highly recommended, I was never happy and I always returned to Full 'N Soft. I have straight, short, fine lashes and this is subtle, soft and makes my lashes look natural. Wonderful product, that will keep this loyal customer indefinitely. — 8 years, 11 months agosuzeq319 | 2 reviews
The very best mascara!!!I absolutely love this mascara. It makes my lashes so full and voluminous. It never clumps. This is a great waterproof mascara that doesnt smudge or drip, but it's also easy to get off. I always keep coming back to Full and Soft after trying other mascaras. This is a wonderful mascara for a very affordable price. — 9 years agobrunettebeauty | 86 reviews
The Best MascaraAfter testing out multiple mascaras that claimed to lengthen, thicken, curl, extend and so on I was very happy when I tried Full N' Soft. My lashes have never looked better. My favorite part about full and soft is that it never creates clumps on my eye lashes. Thick, full, long, soft eyelashes? What more could a girl ask for in a mascara? — 9 years agobrittath | 5 reviews
REUNITEDI forgot all about this mascara until about a month ago when I was at Target and it was prominentley displayed and on sale for $4. I love that it's waterproof yet it washes off fairly easy. I'm not sure why I ever stopped buying it. Maybe something else caught my eye, but never again. This is definatley the best mascara I've ever used. — 9 years, 1 month agoVanillaLatte | 34 reviews
Awesome Mascara!I love this mascara, from the easy to use wand, to the fantastic formula. Unlike some of my other mascaras which get clumpy and dry out in the summer months, this mascara kept its consistency within the tube. It withstands hours at the beach or pool, but comes off easily with makeup remover. This mascara stays put all day, and never clumps. The only complaint I have is that, like most waterproof f...read moreormulas, it has a slight odor to it, so if you are sensitive to that sort of thing this may not be for you. Otherwise, it is a great buy! — 9 years, 1 month agoFoundationForfa | 3 reviews
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Collingwood president Eddie McGuire has indicated the once "grand canyon-sized" rift between him and his premiership coach Mick Malthouse has been repaired somewhat after his company hired Malthouse as the coach for the Foxtel program The Recruit.
McGuire and Malthouse have already spent an hour together as part of a group discussion for the reality show in which Malthouse will be the coach who presides over the selection of one player to be drafted by an AFL club.
McGuire said the meeting generated more warmth between the pair and he believed he and Malthouse – who fell out over the handover to current coach Nathan Buckley after 2011 – had "moved to a new level" in their relationship.
"There was a grand canyon-sized schism there, a lot of pain was felt on both sides," said McGuire on Tuesday.
"Mick and I caught up with each for probably an hour with the other guys and there was a lot more warmth at the end of meeting than there was at the start. We worked through a few issues, as gentlemen, as sportsmen."
McGuire, who praised Malthouse's coaching acumen, said that "if this is seen to be the end of a football war, if you like, well that's a good thing.
"I'm sure at some stage Mick and I will sit down man on man and go through some of the things that might have rankled both of us and work through to a position."
McGuire said Malthouse had been hired for a simple reason – he was the best candidate for the job.
"Mick is the best person to do this job. Apart from his obvious credentials as the longest-serving coach in the history of the game and his tremendous record with young kids, he also spots diamonds in the rough and is a great mentor.
"There's been so much written about Mick, but I don't think anybody has ever really seen the insights of Mick. I had a ringside seat for 12 great years. The last year wasn't great."
McGuire said there was "too much angst" in football and too many people "incinerated" by the game. "They're spotfires to me."
"There's people who had an enormous impact on you and your club and the game itself and Mick is one of those people. There's been ups and downs but we've started on another journey.
"I think he'll be sensational for the show and people watching will learn more about the thinking of a successful coach and what is required to put together a successful organisation."
Malthouse's manager, Peter Sidwell, said the McGuire-Malthouse relationship was water under "a fairly old bridge" and the show would give Malthouse the opportunity to show his highly regarded and proven people-management skills to the public – a side that the public had seldom seen.
"I think for Mick it was an opportunity for the public to see him at a very intimate level, how his liaison with players and with young people works.
"Did it mean the issue didn't happen? No. Does it mean they saw the same view of the circumstance at the time? No. But are they both older, wiser and moving on."


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Google's $19 million FTC settlement over in-app purchases
Published 5:54 pm, Thursday, September 4, 2014
New York --
Google has agreed to pay full refunds totaling at least $19 million to people who were charged for purchases that children made through apps without parental consent from the Google Play store.
The settlement is part of the third case by the Federal Trade Commission about unauthorized in-app purchases made by children. It settled with Apple for $32.5 million in January and filed a complaint against Amazon, which has said it won't settle over the charges.
In Google's case, the FTC said that since 2011, customers reported that children had made unauthorized charges ranging from 99 cents to $200 within kids' apps downloaded from the Google Play store.
Latest news videos
Most interaction with online services on mobile devices occurs through apps than through a Web browser, according to comScore. The firm estimates that 7 out of every 8 minutes of media consumption on mobile devices is done through an app. In the U.S., comScore estimates that the Android operating system covers 83.8 million smartphone subscribers. An estimated 67.4 million subscribers have iPhones, running Apple's iOS.
According to the FTC complaint, when Google introduced in-app charges to Google Play in 2011, they were not password protected. As a result, children could buy virtual items just by clicking on popup boxes within an app while they used it. In 2012, Google instituted a pop-up box that asked for a password before a payment could be made, but that opened up a 30-minute window during which a password wasn't required.
"For millions of American families, smartphones and tablets have become a part of their daily lives," said FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez. "As more Americans embrace mobile technology, it's vital to remind companies that time-tested consumer protections still apply, including that consumers should not be charged for purchases they did not authorize."
The settlement will require Google to provide full refunds of unauthorized in-app charges incurred by children of at least $19 million within 12 months after the settlement becomes final.
Google is also required to change its billing practices to obtain informed consent from customers before billing them for in-app charges.
"We've already made product changes to ensure people have the best Google Play experience possible," Google said in a statement. "We're glad to put this matter behind us so we can focus on creating more ways for people to enjoy all the entertainment they love."


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Saturday, March 16, 2013 7 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: Jesup Memorial Library, 34 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME
For more information: Melinda Rice; 207-801-8331; jesup.lib.me.us
The Jesup Memorial Library and the Harborside Shakespeare Company are co-hosting a Shakespeare Open Mic Night at the Jesup on Saturday, March 16 from 7 to 8 p.m.
It's an opportunity for everyone, young and old, to step up to the microphone and share some of their favorite scenes, soliloquies and sonnets from the works of William Shakespeare – or even their own takes on the works of The Bard.
No experience necessary-come to read, watch or perform. Participants can sign up at the door. A selection of Shakespearean texts will be provided as well as refreshments.
For more information, contact the Jesup at (207) 288-4245 or firstname.lastname@example.com, or the Harborside Shakespeare Company website at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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played by:
D.J.Fulltono, Franjazzco
'Is the world round?', 'what is time?', 'do you reckon like, that the earth actually travels around the sun?' All great historical questions and now we also have 'can footwork ever be deep?'. It's a question being asked by Franjazzco who launches his shady new label in order to find out. Simply it's a big 'yes', with eight prime cuts that marry frenetic booty-shakin footwork beats with deep and sensuous moods. Pick of the bunch are the 1960s Rio-isms of "Bada", the jazzy, pilled up "1Luv" and the joyfully undanceable beats of "Scwm".
DJ-friendly full length tracks
DRM Free
Secure Shopping


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Published on July 19th,2011 at 2:51 PM
By >Daimaou - G.G-B
By >Daimaou - G.G-B
Frontier introduces Android 2.2 and Windows 7 Slate in Japan
Category: Tablet-PDA - Tags: Android, Android 2.2, Android Slate, Android Tablet, Atom, Bluetooth, Frontier, Intel Atom, N455, Pc, Qwerty, Slate, Ssd, Tablet, Wi-fi, Wifi, Windows 7, Windows 7 Slate, Windows 7 Tablet
Frontier a Japanese PC releaser announced today two new 10.1 Slate with the Android 2.2 FT102-6 and Windows 7 FT102-32.
Technically identical and featuring both an Intel Atom N455 CPU at 1.66GHz, a 10.1" (1024×600) screen as well as 1GB of RAM and 16GB of SSD for the Android version and 2GB of RAM and a 32GB SSD for the Windows 7 Version, these new Slates comes with a unique designed featuring a removable QWERTY Bluetooth keyboard that also can be used as screen cover when travelling.
Schedule to be available on Frontier's online Store at the end of this month the Android 2.2 FT102-6 slate will be sold at around 39,800 Yen while the Windows 7 FT102-32 will be sold at 59,800 Yen.
Via Frontier
1 Comments
Category Tablet-PDA
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- - Japan Probe – News from Japan (Subscribe)


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Holding the CompTIA A+ certification is an IT career builder. Why? Because it indicates to IT hiring managers worldwide that you have the knowledge needed to set up and operate the technologies commonly deployed in today's IT centers. Obtaining the A+ certification requires that you pass two exams: The CompTIA A+ 220-901 and the CompTIA A+ 220-902.
In this project-based Preparing for CompTIA A+ - Exam 220-901 (2015 Objectives) video tutorial series, you'll quickly have relevant skills for real-world applications.


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Butler's coach Brandon Miller has a lot to live up to as he is set to replace Brad Stevens. The 34-year-old will take over for the Bulldogs after Stevens took the job as the next head coach of the Boston Celtics.
The move to the NBA comes after Doc Rivers was sent to the Los Angeles Clippers. In six seasons at Butler, Stevens led the squad to five NCAA tournament appearances, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in the finals.
He quickly turned the Bulldogs from being an upset threat to a championship contender which also led to the rise of his coaching career. He's now given the task of rebuilding the Boston Celtics while Brandon Miller begins his role back at Butler.
Miller spent the 2007-08 season as an assistant coach to Stevens before moving into the same role at Ohio State. He took a year off from the game following the 2011 season, but he returned last year to be a special assistant at the University of Illinois.
Butler's coach didn't stay away for too long as he was in the plans for next season with or without Stevens. He rejoined forces with Butler this past April as an assistant, but Stevens found an opening with the Celtics that he couldn't pass up.
One job led to another in this case, though Miller wasn't considered a likely candidate at first. Most schools look for prolific coaches within the game, but Butler took the traditional approach and made an in-house move.
"We're very confident and looking forward to our first year in the Big East with Brandon Miller as our head coach," athletic director Barry Collier said about the school's decision, according to The Associated Press.
"He's a very intense, hard-working individual," Collier added. "Most importantly, his values are student-oriented, and he tries to lead people to even greater things. Brandon was the best choice for our coach at this time."
Do you think Brandon Miller is the right replacement as Bulter's coach after Brad Stevens left for the NBA?
[Image via Bradjward]


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Haunted Attractions Near Mountain Top, PA
Hollywood Halloween Productions, Haunted Circus & Survive the Purge
Dickson City, PA
Dickson City, PA
Reaper's Revenge
Scranton, PA
Scranton, PA
Fear Hollow
Mountain Top, PA
Mountain Top, PA
Gravestone Manor
Plains, PA
Gravestone Manor is arguably Pennsylvania's most unique haunted house attraction. Don't come expecting air horns, pointless dark corridors, and madmen wearing hockey masks. You won't even find a singl...
Hollywood Halloween Productions, Haunted Circus & Survive the Purge
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Capping head clutches
February 2, 2005
Magnetic Technologies' line of magnetic capping head clutches are compatible with most machinery for applying screw-on caps to plastic and glass containers. The device features a hysteresis design that provides vibration-free performance and has a Vernier scale for user-adjustable torque settings from 2 to 24 in.-lbs. with ±2% accuracy. Used for screwing on 15 to 43 mm caps, the clutches have no contacting parts or pads to wear out. They feature a 3-in. diameter common magnetic component made from anodized aluminum or stainless steel, various size input and output shafts and chuck output adapters.
Magnetic Technologies Ltd.;
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By Kevin Posival
The Cove Herald
Before the Bulldawgs routed Waco Connally 79-47 in the fifth-place trophy game Tuesday, Ricardo Artis and Jonathan Bridges rallied Copperas Cove over Bastrop, 78-73, in overtime.
The duo scored Cove's final 12 points of regulation to force the extra period on Bridges' running floater with 20 seconds left. With the momentum, the Bulldawgs (11-8) outscored Bastrop 10-4 and forced six Bears' turnovers in the first three minutes of the extra period to take a 73-67 lead, and Bastrop never got any closer than five the rest of the way.
"We took them to overtime after we should've made a run at it. We let it slip away, (but) we didn't buckle, we kept playing and kept getting after it and took it to overtime," Copperas Cove coach Billy White said. "We had some things happen for us - the defense played well - got some steals and some easy baskets to pull it out."
Copperas Cove led by as many as 19 in the first half, but Bastrop took advantage of Cove's third-quarter collapse, outscoring the Bulldawgs 22-6 in the period to take a 47-43 lead into the fourth.
Juwan Rice, who scored a game-high 15 points, converted 7-of-8 technical free throws in the game. Artis and Bridges each contributed 14.
Myron Taylor led the Bulldawgs against Connally with 15 points. Rice scored 13 and Artis 10. Five others scored at least six points in the win.
Cove's starters played just the first 61 seconds of the trophy game before White pulled them, unhappy with their intensity. The reserves made seven of their first eight shots, including four 3s, to take an 18-8 lead with 3:44 left in the first.
Cove hit 12 treys in the game, including eight in the first half.
When all of the five starters finally reentered with six minutes left in the first half, Cove was up 17-32 and Waco Connally never got any closer than that.
"With both of them (Tuesday's games), we're just trying to make sure that we're getting what we need to get done and taken care of," White said. "We've got to make sure we're going out there, playing hard, playing ourselves back into shape after having those five days off."
Copperas Cove splits on Monday - After rallying to beat Waco University in their tournament opener, the Bulldawgs scored just four points in the fourth quarter in their second-round loss to Austin McCallum, spoiling a 13-point first-quarter lead and another rally opportunity.
"We just came out and the first group really didn't play, and if you don't play, that type of stuff is going to happen," Copperas Cove coach Billy White said. "The second quarter came in, gave us a spark. got some things going, played well, got us back in the game ... they just ran out of gas."
During the four-minute stretch between Cove's first and last fourth-quarter field goal, McCallum scored 14 to stretch its one-point lead to a 15-point lead and a 78-63 tournament quarterfinal win.
The Bulldawgs (9-8) beat Waco University, 82-74, in their first-round game.
McCallum hit nine of its first 12 shots in the second quarter to erase the Bulldawgs' early lead. The Knights outscored Cove 32-16 in the second to lead 46-43 at halftime and then scored eight unanswered to start the third to stretch the lead to 11.
Cove rallied in the second half of the third to take a 59-57 lead into the fourth as McCallum hit just one shot in the final five minutes of the third. Deion Robinson finished with 19 points for Cove, including 10 in the first quarter that turned a 15-12 Dawgs' lead to 25-12, thanks to back-to-back McCallum technicals.
Juwan Rice scored 10 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter and Ricardo Artis scored a team-high 18 points, giving the Bulldawgs an opening-round win over Waco University.
Robert King also scored 17, Jonathan Bridges added 14 and Cory Scott had 10 points for the Dawgs, who trailed 22-19 after the first quarter, but pulled away in the second for a 36-33 lead at halftime and a 55-50 lead before the fourth quarter.
Find more Copperas Cove basketball coverage at KDH Pressbox.com and in the Killeen Daily Herald. Get updates on Twitter at KDHsports.


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Sipapu Ski Resort offers ways for skiers and snowboarders to get on the slopes for free or with discounted passes. The resort offers free lift tickets for specific groups of skiers and snowboarders, and discounted season passes are on sale this fall.
Certain age groups can get free lift daily tickets at Sipapu by bringing proof of age to the ticket window. All fourth graders from anywhere ski free. New Mexico honor students, grades 1 through 12 ski free. Forty-year-olds from anywhere ski free. "Not 39-year-olds. Not 41-year-olds. Just 40-year-olds," Josie Lopez, guest services representative from the resort, told us.
Those purchasing Sipapu season passes during the super sale can get a bigger discount. Season passes for adults, students, kids, and seniors are on sale until Nov. 7. Rates run $109 to $399 depending on age. The prices go up after Nov. 7 by $50 until Dec. 17. Then the rates go up another $50 after Dec. 18.
Season passholders also get a perk with free ski days at other resorts. Three free days of lift tickets are available to be used at new partner resorts, which include Angel Fire, Monarch Mountain, Pajarito Mountain, Powderhorn Resort, Red River Ski Area, Ski Cooper, Sunlight Mountain Resort, and Ski Apache. Most of the resorts permit the free skiing days to be used any day during the 2010-11 season, but a couple of resorts have blackout restrictions.
Sipapu also provides on-mountain accommodations. Apartments, bunk rooms, and motel rooms are available.
More information. Or call 800-587-2240.


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To find treatment materials, network with other hospital departments as well as local businesses and others in the community. For example, the hospital pharmacy always gets a lot of "stuff" from pharmaceutical vendors that they can't always use. I am able to get a yearly supply of appointment calendars to use with patients during cognitive rehab tasks, as well as pen lights and pens to use with patients. Area restaurants are often generous with their menus; simply remind them of the free advertising opportunities they get when their information is used by patients during treatment sessions.
Submitted by Janice Masterson, MS, CCC-SLP, Finger Lakes Health/Geneva General Hospital, Geneva, New York
Education Department Launches New IDEA Website
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A bill for imposing taxation may not be amended by the Senate, and any amendments to such a bill moved in the Senate must take the form of requests to the House of Representatives to amend the bill.
In order to meet the requirements of section 55 of the Constitution, bills establishing schemes of taxation have been divided into bills imposing taxation and dealing only with the imposition of taxation and bills dealing with other matters associated with the taxation scheme such as provisions for the collection of the taxation and the enforcement of payment.
Until 1993, the principle was generally followed in the presentation of legislation, and accepted by both Houses, that only the bill which contained the expression "tax is imposed" was a bill imposing taxation within the meaning of sections 53 and 55, and any other bills dealing with other aspects of taxation were not bills imposing taxation within the meaning of those sections.
The form of the government's major taxation legislation arising from the 1993 budget, however, led to claims that it breached section 55 of the Constitution, and to a reconsideration of the application of section 55, and consequently of section 53.
Section 55 requires that laws imposing taxation deal only with the imposition of taxation and only with one subject of taxation. Over many years government drafters, who classify government bills (see below, Decision as to amendments or requests), taking clues from expressions used in judgments of the High Court under section 55, had drawn a distinction between bills imposing taxation, bills dealing with the imposition of taxation (for example, setting taxation rates) and bills dealing with taxation generally (for example, providing for assessment and collection machinery). Only the bills actually imposing taxation had been regarded as subject to the restrictions of section 55. This meant that there were some bills which, by affecting assessment and rates of taxation, had the effect of increasing the incidence of taxation, but which were regarded as technically not imposing taxation, although the government drafters had not been consistent in their classification of such bills. This had also meant that bills technically not imposing taxation could be amended in the Senate by way of direct amendment, rather than requests to the House of Representatives for amendment, under section 53 of the Constitution. The sales tax legislation, for example, had always consisted of acts which imposed the sales tax and acts which, in effect, set the rates of tax for various categories of goods, and bills amending the latter had been treated as amendable in the Senate.
The separation of bills imposing taxation and bills setting rates of taxation had been accepted in the past, and had been supported, in effect, in the Senate, because it allowed the Senate to make amendments instead of requests for amendments. This past acceptance, indeed support, by the Senate of the practice of separating the bill imposing the tax and the bill, in effect, setting the rates of tax, when the practice reinforced the ability of the Senate to make amendments to taxation proposals, is best illustrated by the case of the Sales Tax Bills 1981 (8/9/1981, J.474, 16/9/1981, J.503, 23/9/1981, J.521). Senators disputed the inclusion in those bills of provisions traditionally included in the amendable bills. The Senate, before dealing with the bills in committee of the whole, passed a resolution declaring that its decision to make requests for amendments to the bills did not indicate an acceptance that matter included in the bills was properly included in bills imposing taxation. (See also rulings of President Givens, SD, 10/12/1921, p. 14274, 19/7/1923, p. 1302; the Income Tax Bill 1943, recounted in ASP 6th ed., 1991, pp 592-3; ruling of Acting Deputy President Sibraa, 4/5/1984, J.822-3; and the amendment made by the Senate to the Taxation Laws Amendment (Rates and Provisional Tax) Bill 1990, 17/10/1990, J.346.)
The Taxation (Deficit Reduction) Bill 1993, however, drew attention to a significant consequence of this technical classification of bills: provisions which affected the levels of various taxes could be combined into one bill without breaching section 55, if the views of the government drafters were correct. The bill increased the rates of several taxes by this means, but it was classified by the government drafters as a bill which technically did not impose taxation.
The bill had the virtue of providing a reductio ad absurdum of the established classification of taxation bills, and an opportunity of considering that classification properly. As exemplified by the bill it could be seen to be based on an artificial distinction which, if carried to its logical conclusions, undermines a rational interpretation of the constitutional provisions. If accepted as it was manifested in this bill, it meant that bills which propose to increase significantly the levels of taxes may technically not be bills imposing taxation, may be introduced in the Senate, may be amended by the Senate (but presumably not to increase rates of taxation: a subsidiary absurdity, see below), and, most significantly, may be combined into one bill.
It was clear that if a bill such as this were to be enacted and were challenged in the High Court, it is possible that the Court would reject the technical and seemingly paradoxical classification of bills relied upon by the government drafters, and find that bills of this sort are bills imposing taxation and therefore subject to the limits of section 55. This the Court could do without setting aside, but by developing, its previous relevant judgments, and by having regard to the plain words and stated purposes of sections 53 and 55.
Because of the political significance of the changes contained in this bill, it was immediately questioned. The Leader of the Opposition in the Senate, Senator Hill, tabled two legal opinions to the effect that the bill would impose taxation and would violate section 55 if enacted (30/8/1993, J.396). The Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Evans, then tabled an Attorney-General's Department opinion, in anticipation of an order for the production of documents of which Senator Hill had given notice, which expounded the government's advisers' views on the classification of taxation measures (31/8/1993, J.412). Senator Hill later tabled a supplementary opinion criticising the government opinion (2/9/1993, J.440). Questions relating to sections 53 and 55 of the Constitution and the bill were referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee on the motion of Senator Hill (31/8/1993, J.420). The committee found that there was a substantial risk that the bill would be held to be invalid under section 55. To the motion to take note of the report an amendment was passed, calling upon the government to heed the conclusions of the report (27/9/1993, J.498). The government had already announced that it would divide the bill into a number of separate bills to avoid the possibility of the legislation being held to be invalid.
The new bills were rushed through the House of Representatives and received by the Senate. They consisted of a bill making the assessment-type changes to taxation, a "test bill" designed to provoke a legal challenge to determine the question of whether an alteration in rates of taxation is an imposition of taxation (this bill dealt with increases in the rates of fringe benefits tax and tax on friendly societies), a bill making the changes to income tax rates, and five separate bills making the changes to sales tax. The first two bills were referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee (30/9/1993, J.548). The majority of the committee subsequently reported that the first bill would be valid and both bills should be passed, but the non-government senators doubted the validity of the first bill as well as the "test bill".
When the Senate dealt with the bills, declaratory resolutions were passed (5/10/1993, J.570; 6/10/1993, J.587), similar to a resolution passed in 1981 when the Senate dealt with the 1981 sales tax legislation (see above). The resolutions in substance declared that the Senate, by proceeding with the bills as either amendable or non-amendable, was not committed to any view of whether they would be held to be bills imposing taxation. Requests for amendments were then made to some of the bills which the government claimed did not impose taxation (20/10/1993, J.660).
Similarly, requests were made to the sales tax bills arising from the 1995 budget to remove certain sales tax increases, and the requests were agreed to by the government in the House of Representatives, although the government claimed (in the explanatory memorandum accompanying the bills) that they were not bills imposing taxation (28/6/1995, J.3560-3). To avoid a repetition of the 1993 dispute, the government divided the tax increases between three separate bills. Government amendments moved to certain bills which increased taxation were the subject of a statement by the Chair of Committees (SD, 31/8/1995, pp 761-2).
The issues arising from these events were not resolved; in particular, the "test bill" was not challenged and the High Court was therefore not given the opportunity of resolving the disputed questions of interpretation.
The Senate, in its subsequent decisions about whether to proceed by way of amendments or requests for amendments in relation to bills dealing with taxation, has not accepted the interpretation of the government's advisers. Bills stated by the government not to be bills imposing taxation have been treated by the Senate as bills imposing taxation and Senate amendments put in the form of requests accordingly. (Statements by Chair of Committees, A New Tax System (Fringe Benefits) Bill 2000, SD, 10/5/2000, p. 14265; New Business Tax System (Alienation of Personal Services Income) Bill 2000, SD, 29/6/2000, p. 16068.) The Governor-General Legislation Amendment Bill 2001 contained provisions regarded by the Senate as imposing taxation (subjecting the salaries of governors-general to income tax for the first time) but also other provisions not dealing with the imposition of taxation (statement by Chair of Committees, 21/6/2001, J.4376). (See Supplement)
If a bill does not impose taxation, the Senate may amend it, and if a bill does impose taxation the Senate may seek amendments to it by way of requests. The difference between amendments and requests is a difference of procedure only, and does not in practical terms inhibit the Senate, as the Leader of the Government in the Senate, Senator Gareth Evans, pointed out in debate in the Senate (SD, 1/9/1993, p. 740). As was also pointed out in discussion in the Senate, however, the combination of various measures in one bill, regardless of whether any of those measures impose taxation, restricts the options of the Senate in dealing with the various measures. If the measures were contained in separate bills, the Senate could reject some measures, amend some measures and agree to some measures without amendment. Those to which the Senate agreed without amendment would proceed at once to assent, and only those which the Senate rejected or amended could be the subject of further dealings between the two Houses. With the combination of the measures in one bill, the Senate can seek changes to the various measures only by way of amending the bill, including by leaving out provisions of the bill, or by dividing the bill. The procedure of dividing the bill has no practical advantage over amendment, because the concurrence of the House of Representatives to the division of the bill is required before any of the measures can proceed to assent. By declining to agree to the division of the bill, the government in the House of Representatives can insist on the various measures being dealt with as a whole, and none of them can pass until agreement is reached between the two Houses on all of them.
The combination of various taxation measures in one bill therefore limits the Senate's scope for consideration of those measures, and section 55 is designed to avoid so limiting the Senate.
Under the second paragraph of section 55 of the Constitution, bills imposing customs or excise tariffs, unlike other bills imposing taxation, may cover more than one subject of taxation. A bill which increases any tariffs is regarded as a bill imposing taxation, even though it reduces or removes other tariffs (statements by the Chair of Committees, SD, 26/11/1997, p. 9461; 4/4/2001, p. 23731).
For an analysis of the suggested application of the third paragraph of section 53 to taxation bills, see below under When requests are required: (c) proposed charge or burden.
A bill which validates tax unlawfully imposed by regulations is regarded as an amendable bill (Wheat Tax Regulations (Validation) Bill 1987, 17/12/1987, J.458).
On the contrary, bills which are stated to "close a loophole" or "correct an anomaly", but which in fact impose tax where none was imposed before, even if the tax has been collected, are bills imposing taxation (Radiocommunications (Transmitter Licence Tax) Amendment Bill 2002; Bankruptcy (Estate Charges) Amendment Bill 2002).
Measures which provide for the indexation of taxation are not bills imposing taxation (Road Transport Charges (Australian Capital Territory) Amendment Bill 2002).
The imposition of charges on Commonwealth entities only is not an imposition of taxation (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (Licence Charges) Bill 1998 and its amendment bill 2002).
A bill which empowers the making of regulations to impose a tax is regarded as amendable (Life Insurance Policy Holders' Protection Levies Bill 1991, 19/12/1991, J.1987-8; Overseas Students Tuition Assurance Levy Bill 1993, 17/12/1993, J.1080). A bill which imposes a tax but allows the regulations to set or vary the rate of the tax is treated as non-amendable (Forest Industries Research Levy Bill 1993, 23/11/1993, J.862-3).
A bill which amends regulations so as to impose taxation where none was imposed before would seem to be a bill imposing taxation, but, by including other matters in such a bill, the government drafters seem to have taken the view that it is not (Migration Legislation Amendment (Contributory Parents Migration Scheme) Bill 2002, 5/3/2003, J.1527-9).
On occasions the Senate has made requests for the insertion of appropriation provisions in bills originating in the House (4/10/1984, J.1153; 18/10/1995, J.3958-9). On these precedents, it could be argued that it would be open to the Senate to request the insertion in a bill originating in the House of a provision having the effect of imposing taxation. The better view, however, is that such amendments may not be moved in the Senate at all, in that, by turning a bill into a bill imposing taxation, they are contrary to the initiation provision of the first paragraph of section 53 of the Constitution (statement by President Calvert, SD, 16/9/2003, p. 15275).
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Table of Contents - Previous - Next
Archived - Update of Economic and Fiscal Projections: part 2 of 3
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Chapter 2
Economic Developments and Prospects
The global economic environment remains highly uncertain. The key challenge currently facing the global recovery remains the euro area sovereign debt and banking crisis, which has triggered ongoing volatility in financial markets, weighed on consumer and business confidence and resulted in a deterioration of the global outlook. In the United States, the recovery remains fragile and the U.S. economy faces the further risk of significant federal government fiscal contraction at the beginning of next year (the so-called "fiscal cliff"), which could push it back into recession. Moreover, unless U.S. policy makers develop a credible medium-term plan to put that country's debt on a sustainable path, this could lead to rising uncertainty and ultimately slower economic growth.
Despite this challenging global economic environment, the Canadian economy continues to expand, albeit at a modest pace, enjoying one of the best performances among Group of Seven (G-7) countries over the recovery. However, Canada is not immune to these external developments. While the private sector forecast for real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is largely unchanged since Budget 2012, weaker global commodity prices during the first half of this year have reduced the outlook for GDP inflation in 2012. This has reduced the expected level of nominal GDP in 2012 and over the 2012 to 2016 period. Chapter 3 reviews the implications of this reduction in the expected level of nominal GDP for the fiscal outlook.
This chapter reviews major global and Canadian economic developments since Budget 2012, presents the private sector economic forecast that forms the basis for the fiscal projections, and discusses the risks and uncertainties surrounding this economic forecast.
Global Economic Developments and Outlook
The global economy has shown signs of renewed weakness since Budget 2012. Financial market stress and sovereign debt concerns in the euro area have reintensified, while global indicators of business activity have generally softened, pointing to sluggish world economic growth in mid-2012. Global growth forecasts from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other organizations have been revised down. In response to these developments, many central banks have eased monetary conditions, either by cutting policy rates (e.g. in the euro area, China, Brazil and Australia, among others) or through asset purchases aimed at lowering long-term market interest rates (e.g. in the U.S., Japan and the United Kingdom).
In Europe, the sovereign debt and banking crisis in the euro area continues, and the uncertainty and volatility related to the crisis has weighed on economic activity. Indicators of business conditions from July through September have remained negative, suggesting that the euro area economy contracted again in the third quarter of 2012 (official statistics for the third quarter will be released on November 15th). As a result, the euro area economy is now most likely in recession (Chart 2.1).
Chart 2.1
Euro Area Real GDP Growth and Business Activity
Sources: Eurostat; Markit Eurozone Composite PMI®.
While concerns remain with respect to the situations in Greece, Ireland and Portugal, the focus is now on the larger economies of Spain—which is grappling with a sharp recession and a fragile banking sector—and Italy—which is falling deeper into recession and experiencing challenges in implementing the government's structural reform program. In response to the weakness in the euro area, the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered its policy rate to a euro-era low of 0.75 per cent in early July. In September, the ECB announced the details of a new bond-buying plan, dubbed "Outright Monetary Transactions", through which it will purchase the sovereign bonds of stressed euro area countries that have committed to structural reforms under a European support program. European leaders have also made progress on commitments to strengthen the European Monetary Union through deeper economic and financial integration. Despite these actions, market stress remains elevated. Looking ahead—and assuming the sovereign debt and banking crisis remains contained—the IMF expects the euro area to return to very modest growth in early 2013.
In the United States, the economic recovery continues at a modest pace. Since the start of the current recovery, U.S. real GDP has grown at its weakest pace relative to any other recovery since World War II, with the output lost during the recession having only recently been recouped (Chart 2.2). The weak pace of growth, which is typical of recoveries following financial crises, has been due primarily to significant wealth losses among households and their efforts to increase savings and reduce debt levels. This has been reinforced by sustained weakness in U.S. employment, which remains well below pre-recession levels. Significant slack in the housing sector also continues to restrain growth in the U.S., although there has been a modest but encouraging pickup in activity over the last few months. More recently, spillovers from the euro area sovereign debt and banking crisis have also weighed on U.S. growth, both directly through lower exports and indirectly through the negative impacts of the crisis on financial markets and confidence. As well, Hurricane Sandy caused major disruptions along the mid-Atlantic U.S. coast in late October and early November, although the impact of the storm on near-term U.S. growth is expected to be very modest.
Chart 2.2
U.S. Real GDP in Recessions and Recoveries
Notes: Historical data back to 1947Q1 for the average and range of previous recessions/recoveries. Last data point is 2012Q3 for current recession/recovery.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research; Department of Finance calculations.
In response to ongoing economic weakness and an elevated unemployment rate, the Federal Reserve has taken further steps to ease monetary policy, indicating that it now expects "exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate" to run "at least through mid-2015", while also announcing its intention to purchase a further US$40 billion in securities per month for the foreseeable future ("QE3"). Moreover, it has signalled that it will continue these purchases, undertake additional asset purchases, or employ other policy tools, until the labour market improves substantially, while also fulfilling its other key policy mandate of maintaining stable prices. All in all, U.S. economic growth is expected to remain modest going forward, constrained by the ongoing reduction in household debt levels and spillovers from the euro area sovereign debt and banking crisis, as well as necessary fiscal restraint.
Indeed, fiscal policy is one of the largest downside risks to U.S. growth next year and in the medium term. A number of tax increases and spending reduction measures—representing about 4 per cent of U.S. GDP—are scheduled to come into force automatically at the beginning of 2013 (the so-called "fiscal cliff"). Absent a political agreement to help smooth out this fiscal adjustment, a fiscal contraction of this magnitude could tip the U.S. economy back into recession. Private sector economists are generally assuming that the full implementation of all budgeted tax and spending measures will be avoided through some form of political compromise. Nonetheless, they have downgraded their expectations for near-term U.S. real GDP growth and now expect growth of 2.2 per cent in 2012 and 2.0 per cent in 2013 (Chart 2.3).
Chart 2.3
U.S. Real GDP Growth Outlook
Sources: Department of Finance March 2012 and October 2012 surveys of private sector economists.
In addition, the U.S. federal government will again reach its legislated debt ceiling sometime in February or March 2013, raising the risk of a repeat of the debt ceiling crisis of the summer of 2011, when political delays in raising the ceiling resulted in financial market turmoil, declines in confidence and a downgrade to the U.S. sovereign credit rating by one rating agency. Beyond the near term, the fiscal risk in the U.S. relates to insufficient progress made in developing a credible medium-term plan to put the federal debt burden on a sustainable path. In the absence of policy action, the already-high federal debt-to-GDP ratio will continue to rise. Over the medium term, this could lead to a rise in uncertainty and a fall in confidence, inducing households and businesses to reduce spending and investment. This would harm the U.S. economy and weigh on the global economic recovery.
In emerging and developing economies, the pace of economic activity has also eased but remains strong compared to the advanced economies. In China, the pace of economic growth slowed in late 2011 and early 2012 to its weakest pace since the global recession, reflecting the effects of past policy tightening undertaken to cool the economy after signs of overheating surfaced in 2010, as well as weaker foreign demand for Chinese exports, particularly from Europe. In response to the slowdown in growth, as well as a decline in inflation, the Chinese government eased monetary policy in late 2011 and early 2012, and announced a modest fiscal stimulus plan in June 2012. While real GDP growth on a year-over-year basis continued to slow in the third quarter, quarter-over-quarter growth, which is more indicative of current economic momentum, has picked up recently, rising from 6.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2012 to 8.2 per cent in the second quarter and 9.1 per cent in the third quarter (Chart 2.4). Moreover, September data on industrial production, retail sales and exports point to continued momentum heading into the fourth quarter. Overall, the IMF expects economic growth in China to pick up slightly from 7.8 per cent in 2012 to 8.2 per cent 2013, as domestic demand growth, especially investment growth, continues to be supported by the policy easing now underway.
despite continued weak external demand
Chart 2.4
China Real GDP Growth
China Export Growth by Destination
1 Excluding Mexico.
2 Hong Kong makes up 30 per cent of the region's share.
3 Includes Africa, Oceania, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Sources: National Bureau of Statistics of China; China Customs; Haver Analytics; Department of Finance calculations.
Reflecting recent global economic developments, the IMF has revised down its outlook for global growth for the second time in six months, to 3.3 per cent in 2012 and 3.6 per cent in 2013 (Chart 2.5). For advanced economies, the IMF now projects growth of only 1.3 per cent in 2012 and 1.5 per cent in 2013, reflecting weakness in the euro area and the modest pace of recovery in the United States. The modest pickup in global activity in 2013 projected by the IMF reflects recent policy easing by a number of central banks in both advanced and emerging economies. However, the IMF warns that its global outlook is predicated on the successful containment of the euro area sovereign debt and banking crisis and the avoidance of a sharp fiscal contraction in the United States.
Chart 2.5
IMF World Real GDP Growth Outlook
Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook, October 2012.
The slowdown in growth in advanced economies, particularly in the U.S., has significant consequences for Canadian exports. In 2011, 74 per cent of Canada's goods exports were destined for the U.S., down from 87 per cent a decade earlier. This decline has been mirrored by rising shares of our exports to Europe, emerging Asia, and other markets. With growth in the U.S. expected to remain modest going forward, it is clear that Canada will need to continue to develop other export markets, in regions such as Europe and Asia, to foster growth in coming years (Chart 2.6).
Chart 2.6
Share of Canadian Goods Exports by Country of Destination
Source: Industry Canada.
Financial Market Developments
The negative impact of uncertainty over fiscal and economic stability in Europe continues to be felt in global financial markets, despite actions by many central banks to ease monetary conditions. Bond yields for at-risk European countries remain elevated, and flight-to-quality capital flows have pushed down yields for North American and core European bonds.
Global equity markets generally declined over much of the second quarter of 2012, sparked by the impact of weaker global growth and renewed fears of a Greek default and potential exit from the euro area. Market tension was aggravated by concerns over Spain's and Italy's fiscal sustainability and questions over the ability of European leaders to take the necessary actions to contain the crisis. European bank equities were once again particularly affected, reflecting their exposure to the sovereign debt of a number of peripheral euro area countries. Markets have regained ground since July but most major global indices have only just returned to levels seen at the time of Budget 2012, with uncertainty continuing to be reflected in market volatility (Chart 2.7).
Chart 2.7
Global Equity Market Indexes
Note: Daily data up to and including November 2, 2012.
Source: Bloomberg.
Concerns over euro area stability also resulted in higher borrowing rates for peripheral European countries in the second quarter of 2012. While these rates have since retreated to levels seen at the time of Budget 2012, this is largely a reflection of prospective actions to be taken by euro area institutions to centralize risk (in particular the ECB's September announcement of its bond purchase plan), rather than improvements in the underlying economic and fiscal situations of the countries themselves. Moreover, bond rates for these countries remain elevated relative to core European countries and other perceived safe-haven destinations, including Canada (Chart 2.8).
relative to safe havens
Chart 2.8
10-Year Government Bond Rates
Note: Daily data up to and including November 2, 2012.
Source: Bloomberg.
Commodity Prices
Renewed global economic uncertainty weighed on commodity prices in the second quarter of 2012. Price declines in the quarter were particularly steep for commodities that traditionally move in line with global growth expectations, such as crude oil and base metals.
Commodity prices have begun to recover since the lows observed in June, led by sharply higher grain prices, due to drought conditions in the U.S. and other grain producing countries. Natural gas prices have also increased from the depressed levels at the time of Budget 2012, which were the result of weak demand for natural gas, due to a mild winter, and unusually high inventory levels.
However, overall commodity prices have declined by 7 per cent since Budget 2012, and the level of commodity prices consistent with the Update 2012 average private sector forecast is expected to remain below its Budget 2012 level over the medium term (Chart 2.9).
on commodity prices since Budget 2012
Chart 2.9
Commodity Prices
(in U.S. dollars)
Note: Solid line shows historical spot prices. Dotted lines are projections of commodity prices consistent with the March 2012 and October 2012 surveys of private sector economists. Last data point is December 2016.
Sources: Commodity Research Bureau; Department of Finance March 2012 and October 2012 surveys of private sector economists; Department of Finance calculations.
Recent Canadian Economic Developments
The Canadian economy has been resilient, despite a challenging external environment. Canada's economic performance has been reflected in a robust labour market performance to date, with over 820,000 more Canadians working today than at the time of the trough in employment in July 2009—an increase of 4.9 per cent. Canada has outperformed all other G-7 economies in job creation over the recovery (Chart 2.10).
Chart 2.10
Improvement in Employment Over the Recovery
Note: Monthly data for Canada (July 2009 to October 2012), the United States (February 2010 to October 2012), Germany (July 2009 to September 2012), Italy (August 2010 to September 2012), and Japan (May 2012 to September 2012). Quarterly data for France (2009Q4 to 2012Q2) and the United Kingdom (2010Q1 to 2012Q2).
Sources: Haver Analytics; Department of Finance calculations.
Over 90 per cent of all jobs created over the recovery have been in full-time positions with more than two thirds in high-wage industries (Chart 2.11). Encouragingly, the private sector has been the main source of job creation since the end of the recession, an essential condition for a sustained recovery and expansion, generating about three quarters of all new jobs since July 2009.
Chart 2.11
Change in Employment Over the Recovery
July 2009 to October 2012
Notes: Calculations are based on Statistics Canada data for 105 industries. High-wage industries are defined as those with average hourly wages above the aggregate average. Totals may not add due to rounding.
Sources: Statistics Canada; Department of Finance calculations.
The employment situation in Canada contrasts sharply with that of the U.S., where employment remains significantly below pre-recession levels (Chart 2.12). As a result, the Canadian unemployment rate is ½ percentage point below that of the United States. The U.S. unemployment rate has exceeded the Canadian rate since October 2008, a phenomenon not seen on a sustained basis since the mid-1970s. Furthermore, when Canadian unemployment is measured on the same basis as in the U.S., the unemployment rate gap between the two countries increases to almost 1½ percentage points.[1]
The stronger performance of the Canadian labour market is also reflected in the long-term unemployment rate (the number of people unemployed for a period of at least 27 weeks as a share of the labour force). Canada's long-term unemployment rate stood at 1.6 per cent in 2011, slightly below its historical average since 1976 and well below the U.S. level of 3.9 per cent, which remains more than three times above its average over the same period.
Moreover, the Canadian labour market has maintained a much higher labour force participation rate (the share of the population 15 and over in Canada, and 16 and over in the United States, either working or actively seeking work), which indicates that there are fewer discouraged workers in Canada, as more of the unemployed are seeking work and finding it. In contrast, the U.S. participation rate has declined sharply and now stands near its lowest level in more than three decades. As a result, the labour force participation rate gap between the two countries has widened to its largest on record, averaging 3 percentage points so far this year. In the absence of such a marked decline in the U.S. labour force participation rate, the U.S. unemployment rate would have remained near its post-recession level of about 10 per cent.[2]
of the United States
Chart 2.12
Total Employment
Note: Last data point is October 2012.
Unemployment Rate
Note: Last data point is October 2012.
Long-Term Unemployment Rate
Note: The long-term unemployment rate is the ratio of the number of people unemployed for a period of at least 27 weeks to the labour force.
Sources: Statistics Canada; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Labour Force Participation Rate
Notes: The participation rate is the share of the working-age population who are either working or actively seeking work. Last data point is October 2012.
Canadian economic growth has also been resilient compared to other G-7 economies, during both the recession and the recovery. Real GDP in Canada is now significantly above pre-recession levels—the best performance in the G-7 (Chart 2.13).
during the global recession and the recovery
Chart 2.13
Change in Real GDP Since Pre-Recession Peak
Notes: The pre-recession peak was 2007Q3 for Italy; 2007Q4 for the United States; 2008Q1 for the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan; and 2008Q3 for Canada. The last data point is 2012Q2 for all countries except the United Kingdom and the United States, for which it is 2012Q3.
Sources: Haver Analytics; Department of Finance calculations.
Economic growth over this period has been largely driven by sustained strength in demand from Canadian households and businesses, which has more than offset weak external demand. Real private domestic demand rose by 2.0 per cent in the second quarter of 2012, its 12th consecutive quarterly increase. Domestic demand growth was largely driven by strength in business non-residential investment growth, which accelerated to 9.3 per cent in the second quarter. Canada is the only G-7 country to have more than fully recovered business investment lost during the recession, reflecting strong growth over the recovery (Chart 2.14).
Chart 2.14
Change in Real Business Investment Since Pre-Recession Peak
Notes: The pre-recession peak in real GDP was 2007Q3 for Italy; 2007Q4 for the United States; 2008Q1 for the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan; and 2008Q3 for Canada. The last data point is 2012Q2 for all countries except the United States, for which it is 2012Q3. Data for Italy include public non-residential investment.
Sources: Haver Analytics; Department of Finance calculations.
On balance, Canada's economy has performed better than other G-7 economies during the recovery. However, Canada has not been immune to global economic developments. Real GDP growth has been modest, averaging slightly over 2 per cent since the beginning of 2011 (Chart 2.15).
in continued modest real GDP growth
Chart 2.15
Real GDP Growth
Source: Statistics Canada.
Renewed global uncertainty has also translated into sharply lower world prices for commodities produced in Canada, which has lowered GDP inflation and hence nominal GDP growth (the sum of real GDP growth and GDP inflation). Indeed, nominal GDP growth slowed to just 1.3 per cent on average over the first two quarters of 2012 (Chart 2.16). This has also translated into slower growth in government revenues.
quarters of this year
Chart 2.16
Nominal GDP Growth
Note: Last data point is 2012Q2.
Source: Statistics Canada.
Growth in nominal GDP—the broadest single indicator of the tax base—is the sum of real GDP growth and GDP inflation. Consequently, nominal GDP growth is affected as much by developments in GDP inflation as it is by variations in real GDP growth.
GDP inflation measures the change in the prices of goods and services produced in the economy. It is effectively driven by two main components:
- changes in domestic prices of goods and services purchased by households (reflected in Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation), businesses and governments in Canada; and
- changes in Canada's terms of trade, which is the ratio of Canada's export prices to its import prices.
As commodities account for a large share of Canadian net exports, the terms of trade is significantly influenced by movements in global commodity prices. Global commodity prices, in turn, are affected by global economic and political developments.
Table 2.1 highlights the importance of changes in the terms of trade to GDP inflation, and hence, nominal GDP growth.
During periods when changes in the terms of trade have been negative (for example, during the recession in 2009 and more recently in the first half of 2012), GDP inflation has also been negative, which has directly reduced nominal GDP growth.
These periods of weaker nominal GDP growth, in turn, result in lower growth in government revenues.
|Nominal GDP growth
|Real GDP growth
|GDP inflation
|Contributions from
| Prices of goods and
services purchased
by households,
businesses and
|Terms of trade2
|Growth in commodity
|CPI inflation
|Notes: Contributions are given in percentage points. Totals may not add due to rounding and logarithmic approximation.
1 The average of quarter-over-quarter growth (annualized rate) in the first and second quarter of 2012.
2 per cent change in the terms of trade adjusted for the shares of exports and imports in nominal GDP.
Canadian Economic Outlook
The average of private sector economic forecasts has been used as the basis for fiscal planning since 1994 and introduces an element of independence into the Government's fiscal forecast. This practice has been supported by international organizations such as the IMF.
The Department of Finance regularly surveys private sector economists on their views on the outlook for the Canadian economy. The economic forecast presented in this section is based on a survey conducted in October 2012, and includes the views of 14 economists. This forecast incorporates the historical revisions to the Canadian System of National Accounts released on October 1 by Statistics Canada.
The October 2012 survey of private sector economists included BMO Capital Markets, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, CIBC World Markets, The Conference Board of Canada, Desjardins, Deutsche Bank of Canada, IHS Global Insight, Laurentian Bank Securities, National Bank Financial Group, Royal Bank of Canada, Scotiabank, TD Bank Financial Group, UBS Securities Canada, and the University of Toronto (Policy and Economic Analysis Program).
The economists' outlook for Canadian real GDP growth over the next five years is broadly unchanged, on average, from their expectations at the time of Budget 2012. Economists now expect growth of 2.1 per cent in 2012, unchanged from Budget 2012, and 2.0 per cent in 2013, down from 2.4 per cent in Budget 2012. This downward revision reflects more moderate growth expectations for the second half of 2012 and first half of 2013. Offsetting this, real growth is expected to be stronger over the 2014 to 2016 period (Chart 2.17 and Table 2.2).
The private sector economic outlook is consistent with continued modest growth in the global economy. In particular, this implies a gradual resolution of the euro area sovereign debt and banking crisis, with economic conditions in Europe gradually improving from the renewed weakness witnessed in mid-2012. Similarly, the outlook is consistent with U.S. policy makers modifying current legislation so as to avoid a large fiscal contraction in the near term.
is unchanged since Budget 2012
Chart 2.17
Real GDP Growth Outlook
Sources: Statistics Canada; Department of Finance March 2012 and October 2012 surveys of private sector economists.
While the private sector forecast for real GDP growth is largely unchanged since the budget, weaker global commodity prices during the first half of this year have reduced the outlook for GDP inflation in 2012. This has reduced the projected level of nominal GDP by about $25 billion (or 1.3 per cent), on average, over the 2012 to 2016 period, compared to the Budget 2012 outlook (Chart 2.18).
Budget 2012
Chart 2.18
Change in Average Private Sector Forecasts for Nominal GDP
From March 2012 to October 2012
Sources: Department of Finance March 2012 and October 2012 surveys of private sector economists.
The economists expect unemployment rates to be largely unchanged from the outlook in Budget 2012. They project that the unemployment rate will continue to gradually decline over the forecast horizon and reach 6.4 per cent by 2017.
Private sector economists have lowered their interest rate projections over the forecast period. They now expect both 3-month treasury bill rates and 10-year government bond rates to be lower between 2012 and 2016, by an average of 30 basis points and 60 basis points, respectively, compared to the forecast presented in Budget 2012. The economists continue to expect the Canadian dollar to remain near parity with the U.S. dollar over the forecast horizon.
|Real GDP growth
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|GDP inflation
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|Nominal GDP growth
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|Nominal GDP level (billions of dollars)
|March 2012 survey/Budget 20121
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|Difference between Update 2012
and Budget 2012
|3-month treasury bill rate
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|10-year government bond rate
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|Exchange rate (US cents/C$)
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|Unemployment rate
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|Consumer Price Index inflation
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|U.S. real GDP growth
|March 2012 survey/Budget 2012
|October 2012 survey/Update 2012
|1 These values have been restated to reflect the historical revisions to the Canadian System of National Accounts released on October 1, 2012 by Statistics Canada.
Sources: Budget 2012; Department of Finance March 2012 and October 2012 surveys of private sector economists.
Risk Assessment
On October 29, 2012, the Minister of Finance met with the private sector economists to discuss the economic projections resulting from the October 2012 survey, as well as the risks surrounding the outlook. At that time, the economists agreed that the average forecast from the October survey was a reasonable basis for fiscal planning.
The economists highlighted a number of risks to the outlook, the greatest of which continue to be external to the Canadian economy.
The economists continue to see the euro area sovereign debt and banking crisis as a risk to the near‑term outlook, although they feel that the risk of a severe negative economic outcome in Europe had moderated since the time of Budget 2012. They noted that recent actions taken by euro area leaders—including the "Outright Monetary Transactions" measures announced by the ECB on September 6—represent significant steps in their efforts to successfully contain the crisis.
They also remain concerned about the possibility of significant fiscal tightening in the U.S. at the beginning of 2013—the so-called "fiscal cliff"—which could reduce U.S. growth. Moreover, the U.S. will reach the debt ceiling sometime in February or March, raising the risk of a repeat of the debt ceiling crisis in summer 2011. Further, the possibility that U.S. policy makers do not act to reduce government debt over the medium term could also weigh on the economic performance of that country.
On the domestic front, the main risk to the outlook identified by the economists continues to be the exposure of Canadian households to elevated levels of debt. A negative external shock to the Canadian economy that would translate into higher unemployment rates could trigger deleveraging on the part of those households holding elevated levels of debt. However, they noted that the recent additional actions taken by the Government to tighten government-backed insured mortgage standards would help to prevent households from becoming overextended.
On the upside, the economists saw the potential for stronger-than-expected growth in the U.S., particularly given recent encouraging housing market data. More importantly, growth could be significantly stronger than expected if U.S. policy makers are able to coordinate policy such that the 2013 fiscal cliff is avoided while implementing a medium-term plan to reduce government debt.
The economists also noted that the risk of a hard landing in China has diminished, as recent policy easing in China has resulted in a modest pickup in growth, which bodes well for commodity prices and global growth and trade, more generally.
The economists also noted that given the ongoing uncertain global economic environment, interest rates could remain lower for a longer period than is projected in the October survey.
Finally, world prices for the major commodities produced in Canada are key determinants of GDP inflation, and therefore nominal GDP. There are both upside and downside risks to the commodity price outlook, particularly in the short term. The private sector expectation for GDP inflation is consistent with commodity prices remaining at relatively low levels over the forecast horizon (Table 2.3).
|Current Price1
|Prices consistent with the October 2012 survey
|Commodity price index (2002 = 100)
|Crude oil (West Texas Intermediate, US$/barrel)
|Crude oil (Alberta prices, US$/barrel)2
|Natural gas (Henry Hub, US$/MMBtu)
|1 Average of two weeks ending November 2, 2012.
2 Canadian heavy crude oil price (at Hardisty, Alberta), week ending October 26. Canadian crude prices are assumed to grow at the same pace as West Texas Intermediate crude prices over the 2012 to 2017 period.
Planning Assumptions
In light of these risks, for fiscal planning purposes, the Government has maintained the downward adjustment for risk to the private sector forecast for nominal GDP at $20 billion for 2013 through 2017 (Table 2.4). The downward adjustment for 2012 is reduced to $7 billion, as actual economic data are now available for almost two thirds of the year (meaning the risk of a downward shock for 2012 as a whole has been reduced). The Government will continue to evaluate economic developments and risks to determine whether or not it would be appropriate to maintain this adjustment for risk in the future. The fiscal outlook is presented in Chapter 3.
|October 2012 survey of private sector economists
|Update 2012 fiscal planning assumption
|Adjustment for risk
|Adjustment for risk in Budget 2012
[1] Conceptual differences raise the Canadian unemployment rate relative to the U.S. rate. In particular, Statistics Canada considers as unemployed those passively looking for work (e.g. reading want ads) as well as those who will begin work in the near future, while the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not include either group in its unemployment calculations. In addition, the Canadian methodology includes 15-year-olds (who have a higher-than-average unemployment rate), while the U.S. does not.
[2] The U.S. unemployment rate would have remained at about 10 per cent if the labour force participation rate had declined by about half as much as was the case, assuming that the number of employed remained the same.


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Can you believe it's been four years already? Time flies!
To celebrate today's special day, I'm happy to announce we have a new Video Vault which is mobile and tablet-friendly so you can watch videos from Maxine's various projects, interviews, clips and more from everywhere as long as you got wifi 😉 Hope you like it!
to watch the latest videos… more to come in future updates 🙂


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Photo "Quick Tip" #19:
DUSTY IMAGE SENSOR CHIP? 8 Important Ways to KEEP THE SENSOR CHIP DUST-FREE
DUSTY IMAGE SENSOR CHIP? 8 Important Ways to KEEP THE SENSOR CHIP DUST-FREE
Article by Stephen Kristof
FreePhotoCourse.com Staff Writer/Photographer
all rights reserved
If you own a DSLR camera with interchangeable lenses, eventually, you may notice translucent blotches on your photos even though your lens is clean. Well, there's a 99% chance that you have microscopic dust stuck to your CMOS image sensor chip.
First overall tip is to avoid getting dust on the sensor. If you already have dust on the sensor, you are a novice or casual photographer and you haven't ever ventured into the realm of sensor cleaning, we would recommend that you leave it to a professional. Most camera and photography specialty stores offer this service and some can turn it around within a few hours.
Most camera manufacturers will not cover sensor dust in the warranty because it is almost always caused by the user and not by a faulty part.
The good thing is that the sensor chip can be cleaned locally without having to send it to the manufacturer. The bad thing is that you can expect to pay anywhere from $60 and up-up-up to have it done.
Without proper training, demonstrations or research, one could very easily scratch or otherwise ruin the CMOS chip. Having the chip replaced will generally set you back $400-800, so, depending on the cost and age of the camera, it may be economically unfeasible to do. It would seem that the fee for a professional cleaning could prove far less costly! Now, it's true that a lot of photographers and photo enthusiasts try cleaning the sensor themselves and do so with success, but there are many others who have had terrible outcomes (we don't hear much about them...so embarassing!!). Another thing to consider is that a trained professional will use a special microscope in the process, which most laypeople do not possess.
Now, if you have just had your image sensor cleaned or have manged to avoid dust and have a clean sensor to start with, we have compiled some easy to follow, essential tips to KEEP THE SENSOR CLEAN!
Removing a lens creates suction, so any dust on the camera or
in your environment can be quickly sucked into the body of your camera.
From there it's just a matter of time before it will find its way onto your CMOS.
The next time you go from a cold and dry environment to a warm, humid one
(or vice-versa), the condensation inside your camera may act like a magnet,
drawing that bit of dust onto the chip.
- Try to change your lenses INDOORS if at all possible.
- If you are doing an outdoor shoot and must change lenses, try to get to a vehicle, restroom or other protected spot to do it.
- Be quick with the process. NEVER leave a camera uncapped or without a lens for ANY period of time beyond a few seconds. Have the new lens ready to roll and get it in place as soon as the previous lens is removed.
- Don't put the rear lens cap on the first lens before you mount the next lens. Do the rear cap thing AFTER you've replaced the lens.
- Always spray off the front of your camera and lens with a rocket blower or can of compressed air before changing lenses. Wait a minute or two after doing this to avoid any unwanted movement of air and particles. (Warning: Never use compressed air to clean a sensor chip because it can deposit oil onto the chip.)
- IF you MUST change your lens outside and can't get to a protected location, then try to do it in a large clean plastic bag. (Maybe not a camera bag, because they can be dusty from the fabric they are made from.)
- If your camera condenses because you have gone from a cold air conditioned room to a warm humid environment (or from the cold, dry wintry outside to a warm, humid inside location), then wait until all condensation dries before you change lenses.
- If your DSLR has an automatic sensor cleaning option, turn it on and choose the cleaning to occur at every camera power-up and power-down. Although this won't solve or clean serious dust problems on the chip, this feature can prevent the odd particle from hunkering-down on your chip.
Following these steps will help avoid the inconvenience and cost of having a sensor chip cleaned.
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Using the chrome books students were set the challenge to create a news video to explain how communities prepare and collaborate in times of Natural Disaster?
These two students created characters to show their research using Stupeflix.
"This term we have all been learning about natural disasters. We were asked to create a media piece. We chose an interesting natural disaster…. cyclones!!! Ciaran and I hope you enjoy this news report because we worked quite hard on it."
Madison, Jamie and Mia created an iMovie to help people understand how to prepare for a bushfire. It is very informative.
Yianni and Tully researched the impact of Earthquakes, what causes them to occur and how they affect communities. They suggest ways to prepare for earthquakes and what to do during an earthquake.