A 14-year-old from Rothesay has won a national writing competition for his latest novel.
Taym Saffar, who was a Grade 8 student at Rothesay Park School when he entered the competition last spring, is one of two winners of this year’s Kids Write 4 Kids contest, put on by the Ripple Foundation.
The foundation says its judges chose Saffar’s book, The Eternal Box, as well as a story called One in the Wilderness by Grade 6 student Roy Osborne of Haines Junction, Yukon, as the best out of 669 entries from across Canada, rated on creativity, originality, story structure and writing quality.
Taym says the idea for The Eternal Box came to him about two years ago.
A box with powers
“I thought, wouldn’t it be an amazing idea if there was a box where you could step inside and spend an eternity in there — like, however long you wanted?”
The foundation describes it as a box with “the power to perpetually elongate time and augment space.” People who emerge from the box won’t notice the passage of time.
He began writing it last winter.
“I started thinking about the world-orbiting research station … and about how humanity begins to start colonizing other planets.”
Cover art by Kendra Heer (Ripple Foundation)
But they step away from that, recounted the author, when they realize that they have a means to “attain endless pleasure and anything they want in their minds … so they don’t really have to do anything anymore.”
To some degree, the story reflects Taym’s take on society’s relationship with technology.
Technology is accelerating at an increasing rate, he said.
“Humanity just went on super slow before the agricultural revolution and from then on it was a little bit less slow, but it still took a long time before the industrial revolution.
“And then, suddenly, things were going on at a pace never thought possible.”
In the information age, things are accelerating so fast that “something to this level of unreality” could conceivably come about in 50 to 60 years, he said.
Taym raises some critical questions in the book about the direction of technological advances.
“I think that we have an over-reliance on these kinds of technologies,” he said.
“We’ll eventually stop appreciating the real world for what it is. I do think that’s important.”
A ‘page-turner’
Taym said he feels really grateful for the award and to have his book published and isn’t sure he deserves it.
But friends and other readers have told him it was a “page-turner,” and the judges agreed.
“I am astounded by the remarkable storytelling abilities showcased by these young authors,” said children’s book author Ekiuwa Aire, one of the panelists.
“Each story brims with creativity and originality, unveiling imaginative plot lines intertwined with themes of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of destiny.”
“These young authors have embraced their unique voices, demonstrating a maturity and skill beyond their years.”
Taym said he started writing when he was in Grade 4. He was living in Calgary at the time. (He just moved to New Brunswick last summer.)
Taym says writing is his favourite pastime. (Submitted by Farah Saffar)
His teacher assigned many “quick writes” after which he had the urge to keep the stories going.
“Whenever the teacher would be like talking, I would just be writing — while listening,” he said.
He had filled many notebooks before he “really got serious about” writing his first novel at the age of 12. It was called The Lake and was about a half-human-half-alien who goes on a journey into the heart of the multiverse
How he works
Ideas come to Taym when he’s going about his daily life — taking a shower or going to sleep.
“I keep on thinking about them … and they just unfurl in my mind.”
He does his best thinking on his feet. Only after he’s finished fleshing out the characters and the story does he sit down to put something in writing.
He sets goals for himself of completing a few pages a day and time limits so he doesn’t neglect homework and other activities.
Taym isn’t sure where his studies will take him, but astronomy, calculus and chemistry are “definitely” in his sights.
He also wants to continue his piano studies to a level that would allow him to teach.
As for writing, he’s working on another novel, which was inspired by a short story by Cixin Liu, one of his biggest literary influences.
It’s about a person who discovers that he’s inside the mind of another person and is told he has to work for the beings that live there if he ever wants to get back to the world he knows.
Trying new form
He’s also started to dabble in poetry.
“I think I’m going to try to write more sonnets and mess around. … For so long, I’ve only been writing prose, so I want to try something new.”
The Ripple Foundation said The Eternal Box will be available in print and ebook format at Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBookstore, and Overdrive.
Proceeds are to be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society, a charity chosen by the author.
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.
