I've Seen The Future, And It's Expensive

The Rangers finally sent out their invoices for season tickets Wednesday and they give subscribers 20 days to send in their payments, lest they lose their seats.

Ticket prices for the 2008-09 season have, of course, gone up. I have two seats in section 329 and they will cost me $52 per seat per game. That is up six bucks from last season, 10 from the season before and 12 from the first season out of the lockout (which was four cheaper than the year prior). Now $52 is not quite the extravagant cost from the first round of last year's playoffs - $75 - but it is still a significant raise ... and for what?

The ticket costs, which you can pay outright or over a six-month pay plan, cover 43 games. As the Rangers are losing a regular season home game to Prague, that means that they are forcing you to pay full price for three preseason games. As many subscribers have experienced, if you can't attend those games, it is virtually impossible to resell them for cost so you are instantly losing money. And, being as the Rangers are playing two preseason games in Switzerland, you can be assured not to see the actual New York Rangers. The good part about that is that every prospect, every free agent, everyone will get a chance to show their stuff before the real games begin. That is great for hockey geeks like me but terrible for ticket resale value. And, believe it or not, members of the Rangers season subscription office are recommending resale to recoup costs as they understand the position that they are putting fans.

Even if you think that the moves that Sather and company made last week were good ones (I don't), you should be prepared for the worst out of the gate. There will be eight preseason games, two in Switzerland and then the two season-opening games in Prague ... all of that travel sets this team up to struggle right off of the bat. The Olympic break doomed the 2006 squad because it came right in the middle of the year - by the time they faced the Devils, the main players had already played seven, eight more games than their competitors while flying to and from Italy. One can only hope that this group of guys will be able to recover over the long grind that will come once they return from their Eurotrip. But I wouldn't bet on it ...

Another question worth asking is that jet lag or not, will the 2008-09 Rangers be worth watching? The personality of the Rangers is gone - no Shanny, no Avery, no Jagr. Markus Naslund and Wade Redden are both mild mannered a la Chris Drury. And while a guy like Aaron Voros is sure to make some waves with his physical play, he can't infuriate the way Sean did. The new Rangers are a more generic, vanilla squad and yet the front office is charging you more to watch them.

I, for one, am hoping that there are enough gullible people in New York willing to pay big bucks for bad hockey because it looks like it will get rough, and quickly. They can have all of the number retirements and honoured numbers they want, but if this team doesn't play better than it looks on paper, they will be in trouble in terms of fans. Should they miss the playoffs, then they will surely see a large ticketholder turnover next summer, when they are certainly going to raise costs again to start paying for the MSG renovation.

It is New York so it is almost assured that the team will be able to get whatever price it wants, but it is just sad that the diehard fans are slowly being priced out. The atmosphere suffers and MSG will cease to be one of the best places to watch hockey in the NHL. It has become a much more corporate building over the last 20 years and when you take the personality of the fans out, and let the players with personality go, what do you have left?

Not something worth $52 a game, that's for sure ...

 "I've Seen The Future, And It's Expensive: The Rising Costs of Technology and Its Impact on Society"

The rapid advancement of technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives. From smartphones to self-driving cars, from artificial intelligence to augmented reality, the future is undeniably high-tech. While these innovations promise convenience, efficiency, and new opportunities, they also come with a significant price tag. In this article, we will explore the rising costs of technology and how they are impacting society. We will also address frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this topic.

The Cost of Progress: Technological Advancements

1. Research and Development:

Advancements in technology require extensive research and development efforts. Companies invest heavily in scientists, engineers, and state-of-the-art laboratories to push the boundaries of what is possible. These costs are passed on to consumers.

2. Manufacturing and Materials:

Cutting-edge technology often relies on specialized materials and manufacturing processes. These can be costly due to their complexity and the need for precision.

3. Marketing and Promotion:

Companies spend substantial amounts on marketing and promotion to create demand for their latest gadgets and innovations. Advertising campaigns and product launches can be multimillion-dollar endeavors.

4. Intellectual Property:

Patents and intellectual property rights are critical in the tech industry. Firms invest in protecting their innovations, and legal battles over patents can be lengthy and expensive.

5. Rapid Obsolescence:

Technology evolves quickly, leading to the rapid obsolescence of devices. Consumers often feel compelled to upgrade to the latest version, contributing to their technology expenses.

Impacts of Rising Technology Costs

1. Economic Disparities:

The high cost of technology can create economic disparities, with some individuals and communities unable to access the latest innovations. This digital divide can exacerbate existing inequalities.

2. Environmental Concerns:

The production and disposal of technology contribute to environmental issues, including e-waste and carbon emissions. Sustainable technology comes at a premium, further increasing costs.

3. Privacy and Security:

As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, concerns about privacy and security have grown. Protecting personal data and safeguarding against cyber threats require significant investments.

4. Workforce Changes:

Automation and artificial intelligence have the potential to disrupt industries and jobs. Workers need to adapt to changing job requirements or face unemployment, which can be financially challenging.

5. Education and Training:

Staying updated with evolving technology often requires continuous education and training. This comes at a cost and can be a barrier for some individuals seeking to acquire new skills.

FAQs About Rising Technology Costs

1. Why do technology prices vary so much?

Technology prices vary due to factors like brand reputation, features, build quality, and research and development expenses. Premium brands often charge more for their products.

2. Is it possible to access affordable technology?

Yes, there are affordable technology options available, including budget-friendly smartphones, laptops, and software. However, some features and capabilities may be limited in these products.

3. How can society address the digital divide?

Bridging the digital divide requires efforts from governments, nonprofits, and the private sector. Initiatives such as providing affordable internet access, digital literacy programs, and subsidies for low-income families can help.

4. What can individuals do to manage technology costs?

To manage technology costs, individuals can:

Prioritize needs over wants when purchasing gadgets.

Consider buying refurbished or second-hand devices.

Explore free or open-source software alternatives.

Monitor subscription services and cancel unused ones.

5. How can technology be made more sustainable?

Technology sustainability can be achieved by:

Designing products with longer lifespans.

Encouraging recycling and responsible e-waste disposal.

Developing energy-efficient devices.

Supporting renewable energy sources for manufacturing.

The future is indeed high-tech, but it comes at a cost. The rising expenses associated with technology impact society in numerous ways, from economic disparities to environmental concerns. However, technology also has the potential to address some of these challenges and drive positive change. As we navigate the evolving landscape of technological innovation, it is essential to consider the costs and benefits and work toward a more inclusive, sustainable, and accessible technological future.