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A REUBEN WITH A VIEW: The hobby that became an industry – The Chronicle Journal

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Sports card collecting can make you feel like a real life general manager at times.

Thanks to everyone’s not-so favourite pandemic, I’ve found myself back into the volatile world of sports cards — specifically hockey.

Earlier this month, I finally acquired the “it” rookie card of the NHL season so far. I sent my Ja Morant NBA rookie card and an undisclosed amount of cash to someone in southern Ontario for the Alexis Lafreniere 2020-21 Upper Deck Young Guns card. No future considerations.

I need to make something clear: I am not a buy-and-sell kind of collector. Sure, I check on the values of my cards and I am aware of the markets when shopping, but I do not purchase or trade for cards with the intent of flipping them and making a profit. I’m a sports fan first and foremost with an interest in building a personal collection. I like cool, quirky cards.

The art and design of hockey cards have come a long way. Gone are the simple O-Pee-Chee sets which featured a player photo, a coloured border, some stats and a stick of gum.

Today, there are special inserts, limited numbered/parallels, patches, game-worn jersey pieces, on-card autographs, sticker autographs, autograph patches, autographed jersey pieces, graded, ungraded, re-issues, rookie redemption codes, acetates and even virtual cards via a phone or tablet app.

And a partridge in a pear tree.

I try to keep things simple so I don’t spend beyond my limited budget. I stick to any and all cards featuring members of the Edmonton Oilers, past and present, within reasonable value, cards of players from our region such as the Staals, Patrick Sharp and Mackenzie Blackwood and certain rookie cards of current stars. It’s a lot easier to justify purchasing a low-end Victory brand Sidney Crosby rookie as opposed to his Upper Deck one which is valued at anywhere between $2,000 to $20,000 depending on its condition and scarcity.

The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have provided a boost to the industry. Numbers have shot up across the board both on the primary and secondary market. The 1979 Wayne Gretzky rookie card in pristine condition — which is better than mint apparently — sold for a hockey record $1.29 million this past December. Twelve boxes of unopened packs of 1986-87 Fleer basketball cards and the chance to “pull” multiples of Michael Jordan’s rookie card moved for $370,000 at a recent Goldin auction — double the price of what it was a year ago. During the actual 1986-87 NBA season, one pack set you back 50 cents.

However, a Jordan rookie card can command a five-or six-figure return.

Even new releases carry a hefty price tag. Rookie cards of current stars from all major sports — Patrick Mahomes, Luka Doncic, Mike Trout, Fernando Tatis, Jr. —are skyrocketing in value.

A box of this year’s “The Cup” Upper Deck brand hockey cards can be yours for just $900 to $1,000. One box contains six speciality cards.

Yes, six.

The potential value of a signed or special edition card (also known as a “hit”) can easily earn that money back and turn a profit — figuratively speaking. You still have to hustle out there and sell, sell, sell.

Glen Harmer, a fellow collector in Thunder Bay, says the hoopla of the new card genre is not for him.

“That’s why I quit buying,” he said. “Invest in older cards. They hold their value.”

It’s a commerce game now and some innocence was likely lost decades ago. Our family friend, Wayne Rich, who grew up in the 1960s and 70s, recalls a time when there wasn’t an online auction or Facebook group to obtain new cards. Even at mere cents per pack, kids could only afford so much.

In order to get the cards he wanted, Wayne would pull off trades with friends or compete in a game where he and others would line their cards against a wall and then throw cards at them. First one to knock an opposing player’s card and won the pot. Imagine that happening today? Those bent corners would take a beating in the grading process.

In Thunder Bay, we’ve lost the personal connection of sports card dealing — even before the pandemic.

Overtime Sports and Collectibles closed last February after the untimely passing of owner John McCuaig. Sportscards Plus and Collectibles on Victoria Avenue also shut its doors in recent years. Part of the fun was gathering around and talking shop . . . at the shop.

Stay tuned for Saturday’s sports section where I trace back why I returned to this crazy hobby after nearly 30 years and why some kid from St-Eustache, Que., became a target of that obsession.

Reuben Villagracia is the sports editor at The Chronicle-Journal. Contact him at rvillagracia@chroniclejournal.com.

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United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

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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.

The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.

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How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

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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.

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Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

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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.

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