A Grandmother Begins the Story follows five generations of Métis women as they work to heal themselves and the land. Their stories intertwine in striking and thrilling ways, leaving the messages reverberating after the final page.
I had my choice down there, didn’t I? Eve, she chose the apple. That’s the story they tell, the story they told us all. At the school and at the church on the Sunday that was oh so holy. I didn’t want the apple, no. I went and I chose him, the one with the fiddle, the man who put all his restless self into his songs and who made people’s feet dance in their moccasins on the dirt floors and in their fancy shoes on the dance hall’s wooden floors, move in ways they’d never before, step so quick and light they’d wonder who it was that had touched their feet. It was him. Every time.
Dee hears a rumour
Dee heard a rumour spreading through the herd, leaping from cow to bull to calf. The herd would be divided. A truck and trailer would come and load up the chosen. Some of them would be moving on. She had to ask an auntie, What did moving on mean?
Dee heard a rumour spreading though the herd, leaping from cow to bull to calf.
Carter negotiates her fee
So my grandmother — my grandmother who I never met, by the way, because my birth mom refused to get us together saying her mom was a piece of work — called me up to ask if I’d help her kill herself. Which isn’t helping; it’s doing it. I said sure, I’m a part-time assassin. In my spare time. But can you afford my fees? I’m good and I don’t come cheap, I said. She said be serious. I am, I said, dead serious. Then she called me a cunt and a few other things, I didn’t catch them all. Okay then, I said, what’s in the will — you got the money to pay? She hung up. I didn’t even get to ask how she got my number. I’d think I made the conversation up, but my phone logged the call, tells me I talked for five minutes with someone named L Goulet. What does L stand for? I don’t know, she never told me her name.
Like I said, I never met her before she dropped this on me. And she didn’t have the guts to ask in person.
LISTEN | Michelle Porter discusses A Grandmother Begins Her Story:
The Next Chapter19:12Michelle Porter on A Grandmother Begins the Story
Featured VideoThe Metis author Michelle Porter talks to Shelagh Rogers about her debut novel, A Grandmother Begins the Story, which features a multiplicity of voices, human and otherwise.
Geneviève forgets
She couldn’t take the old organ with her where she was going, that was for sure. All morning she’d been poking about the main floor, searching for the things that made up her sputtering life, the things she always forgot: reading glasses, cellphone, her father’s old sash, the little statue of Mary that had belonged to her mama Mamé, an old book of piano music that her sister had marked up. So many things to forget and then she thought of her piano and it came over her all of a sudden that she couldn’t bear to live away from it, not even for 12 weeks. And what was she going to do when she up and died? They said that was going to happen before the year was up and she should get around to telling people as soon as anything, say her goodbyes, but instead she went and booked herself into rehab, stubborn old hag that she was.
So many things to forget and then she thought of her piano and it came over her all of a sudden that she couldn’t bear to live away from it, not even for 12 weeks.
She put her hand on the spinet organ’s faded wooden frame. Geneviève didn’t know how the organ got to be so old. The spinet was small and a bit frail now, but the old girl still had a strong voice and she still responded to Gen’s touch, still created music beneath her fingers. Velma had socked away as much as she could of her performance earnings and competition winnings to pay for it, had been so proud to bring it into that log house their father built. And every once in a while it was just like it was when Velma was there, standing near the end of the piano, emptying her bow and her fiddle into every song, telling Geneviève with a glance when to wait and when to rush ahead. Been a long time since anybody was there to tell her to hold back on anything. Long time.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
