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Tech
Dream weaver: Vancouver interior designer in the spotlight on Magnolia Network
The invitation to shoot a television pilot for Magnolia Network is a dream come true for acclaimed Vancouver interior designer Ami McKay.
Ami McKay is a self-described “dream collector”.
“I take dreams seriously,” says McKay, the founder of Pure Design, a full-service Vancouver interior design firm.
McKay was first approached for an interview three years ago by a television producer working on a project for HGTV. Then the pandemic turned the world upside down, the project didn’t get picked up and McKay’s video “just sat there.”
A friend then asked McKay if he could forward her video to a producer he knew. “His friend sent it to a producer in Los Angeles, who saw it and said, ‘Ami is Magnolia.’ He’s the one who made the magic happen,” says McKay.
The team at Magnolia asked McKay to send them another video.
“It was a little selfie video mix talking about houses. Then they said, ‘We want to give you a TV show.’ There was no casting call, nothing. I seemed to fit the bill of what they were looking for,” says McKay.
“It’s a beautiful show and a beautiful team. My experience with both Magnolia and the producer has been so positive and easy. What I love about Magnolia is that they consider us storytellers. The show really just captures what I do. The first episode is about a client who hired me to design her house. It’s our real client, doing our real thing in real life.”
McKay begins each design project by interviewing her clients about their goals, desires and lifestyle.
“I ask questions to find out what they want to convey — whether it’s peace, joy, calm, comfort — whatever it is. Then I try to reflect that in the space,” she says.
“I care about living in a healthy home, creating the most comfortable environment that I can. Comfort is different to everyone — I want to hear what makes them comfortable. For some people, that’s colour. One client I’m working with right now wants a yellow kitchen and that’s making me so happy. I get so much joy having a challenge like that, with a client who trusts me to create this beautiful space.”
McKay has always dreamt big, even as a teenager. Her aunt recently shared with her a newspaper clipping about McKay when she was 18. The article read: “Ami Scott, 18, is studying interior design at Humber College in Toronto. She enjoys art, the environment and the future. Her plans include opening an interior design studio.”
McKay can proudly tell her 18-year-old self “mission accomplished”. “Reading that clipping made me happy,” she says.
“We also have a retail shop that represents products by artisans from around the world, ensuring they receive a fair wage,” says McKay.
Creativity has always been at the core of McKay’s endeavours. Her career path included theatre design, costume design, set design and floral design — all contributing to her unique and artistic point of view.
Frequent travels around the globe have also influenced McKay’s design philosophies. She says the time she spent in her early 20s as a volunteer in India was motivational, inspiring her decision to feature fair-trade items in her retail shop.
“I spend a lot of time travelling in Europe. I like to go there and see what’s happening — the shapes in the clothes people are wearing, interesting fabrics being used in different hotels and restaurants,” says McKay.
“In my house, right now, what’s happening is textured wall treatments — plasters, lime washes, visual textural walls. It’s something that has definitely moved its way from Europe to North America. We did a lime wash treatment in our house this past year and it’s just so beautiful.”
At present, she’s waiting in breathless anticipation to hear if Magnolia Network will pick up her pilot and turn Vancouver Reno into a full-fledged series. Will this dream be accomplished? Stay tuned.
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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.
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.
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