On a Sunday evening, I entered my son’s bedroom where he casually lounged at the helm of his two computer monitors. I perched lightly on the corner edge of his double bed, giving me my familiar view of his maturing facial profile. He’s a handsome young man of 18 with carefully tended facial hair and luxuriously thick, dark hair that he had loosely styled to one side. He knew I had something important to say when I sat down. I saw from the open tabs on his screens that he was planning his next purchase of tools.
“Spending that big paycheque already, eh?”
“Yeah, I’m trying to decide which tool chest to buy. I like this one from Canadian Tire, but it doesn’t have good reviews, and this other one isn’t available in Canada,” he said as he flipped between the two tabs. I couldn’t tell the difference between the two, so I just said that I liked the blue one.
“I knew you’d pick by colour. You always do,” he teased me.
“And you always prefer the best your money can buy, don’t you?”
He’d been making good money for the past three months since graduating from high school with a carpentry certification. Now he had a full-time job and the freedom of his driver’s licence.
But there was a catch to his growing up that would affect our small family of three, and it was up to me to remind him of this — to lay out the expectations for his emerging role as a wage earner in our home.
I had the uncomfortable task of asking my 18-year-old kid to pay up. I wished it were a choice and not a necessity.
Matt, left, pictured at age 13, has always enjoyed carpentry. He built the family’s deck with his grandfather, right. (Submitted by Helena Wiest)
I wanted to let him be a young adult — earning his money, saving for his own goals, and enjoying his days off work. But as a family with just my income working at a public library and my husband’s CPP disability benefit to meet our needs, the marking of our son’s 18th birthday also meant the end of several government benefits that helped us make ends meet.
The rational side of me knew that he enjoyed our internet, our family cell phone plan and our food, so if he was now earning an income, why shouldn’t he contribute to this cost? I told myself it was the responsible thing to do — for both of us — so that I wouldn’t be shouldering our family’s expenses alone and for him to learn how to manage his finances early on. But if I had the choice, I’d give him at least a year after high school to continue feeling like a kid with few financial responsibilities. His bedroom was his zone — his safe place where he could escape from the stresses of our family life — and here I was in that room asking for money.
As my son turned to look at me properly, I could see his broad grin and the glint in his eyes that appears when he’s proud — in this case because he knew the ease with which he could make the purchase of the coveted tool chest. Seeing my opening, I asked him how much his last paycheque was, even though I already knew the answer since his account — opened when he was a minor — is still linked to mine.
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“More than I expected, “he said.
I took the plunge and proceeded with my plan.
“Ah, I see. So that percentage we talked about for room and board … 15 per cent would be about right.”
He quickly did the calculations on his computer of what that meant for his bank balance. Without missing a beat, he turned to face me again with that proud smile and glint in his eyes even brighter now.
Wiest, left, with her son Matt on his 18th birthday. (Submitted by Helena Wiest)
“Yep. Not a problem at all, Mom. I’ll set up the recurring e-transfers,” he said. “When do you want them — the first of the month or the end of the month?
Not wanting to get emotional with him during this factual conversation, I managed to mumble that the first of the month would be best.
My son may just be 18, but in this brief exchange, I see in his actions that we’ve raised a young man who is proud to help his family, and proud to earn his own way through the world, and that was worth far more than the actual dollars we’d receive.
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.
