Vancouver Canucks General Manager, Mike Gillis, assumes the role of President of Canucks Sports and Entertainment as Chris Zimmerman steps down. Chris has been with the team for three seasons after coming over from Nike Bauer Hockey in 2006.
Chris is citing his decision to spend more time with his family.
Canada Line at YVR
TransLink has announced that the Canada Line, the new rapid transit line from downtown Vancouver to YVR/Richmond, will be up and running on August 17th, 2009. From 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm PDT, passengers will be able to make the 25 minute journey for free.
The Canada Line uses different cars from the existing Millennium and Expo Line trains, making use of Hyundai Rotem’s technology for longer, more spacious cars with electronic destination signs and air conditioning. These trains use electric traction motors powered by an electrified third rail instead of Bombardier’s linear induction motors which is already in place with SkyTrain.
Actual revenue service begins on August 18th.
Source: TransLink
Vancouver can claim itself to be one of the best cities to grab a bite in. With so many different cultures and peoples in this part of the province, there’s some good eats to be found. These are a selection of some of my favourite dining establishments.
Fullmetal Alchemist Premium OVA Collection
After the Fullmetal Alchemist animated series ended in 2006, alchemy fans had to hold their breath until the series was relaunched earlier this year as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. As the Elric brother’s journey is retold closer to the manga’s storyline, a set of short (sorry Ed!) clips from the previous series was available only to those in Japan. These brief videos featured a chibi party of the movie cast, the Elric brothers and their friend Winry, an interactive experience with the viewer as a State Alchemist, and finally a live-action clip of Alphonse Elric in armor form making his way to the Bones animation studio. At last, the alchemist inside all of us can catch up with the reunited English voice cast in Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium OVA Collection.
Unfortunately, as these clips are short, there’s not much else on the DVD aside from previews showing what other goodies FUNimation has available. It’s almost a sort of reunion for the voice cast, but most will notice that Al’s voice has changed - considering that Aaron Dismuke, the voice actor, has aged slightly.
Interactive Experience
You’re treated as a new recruit to the state and given an introduction by Fuhrer Bradley himself before being assigned to Colonel Mustang’s regiment. Your brought along on a mission to hunt down the strange homonculi who’ve kidnapped two other alchemists, who are none other than Ed and Al. Once Envy ruins Greed’s chance at getting the secret of sealing a soul to a suit of armor, an all out battle ensues between the homonculi and the State Alchemists.
Live Action Featurette
Al Elric, still with his soul attached to the suit of armor, is in modern day Japan looking for his brother. Al makes it to Bones’ studios in Tokyo only to find out that he can’t make it through the door because of his size. If only Ed had this problem.
Chibi Wrap Party
After the movie, Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa, the entire cast, in chibi form, take over a restaurant to celebrate. Some surprises are to be had, but not limited to Envy wearing a costume, Scar and Lust disguised as metal-sheathed extras, and Riza Hawkeye insulting Roy Mustang.
Kids – Short
The title of the last clip on the DVD is accurate: it’s short and about kids. A young Ed (minus the automail), Al (sans armor) and Winry wander through modern day Japan (again) on their way to visit their great-great-grandfather, which turns out to be someone very familiar.
There’s nothing new to be gained from the DVD, and it doesn’t answer any questions or add further to the storyline. Personally, instead of releasing these on a seperate disc, these clips could’ve been packaged in as bonus features on the existing Season 1 and 2 box sets already available. If you do decide to go out and purchase Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium OVA Collection, shop around, but don’t spend more than $10 on it. I’ll go back and continue to watch Brotherhood.
Naruto Shippuden DVD
A while back, I mentioned that Viz would be bringing the Naruto Shippuden series to DVD in North America. Now that Viz has partnered up with Amazon to run their online store, we can finally see what the DVDs look like and that they’ll be on the shelf on September 29th.
Like previous releases, there will be four episodes per disc, with the original Japanese cast along with the English cast and subtitles for the die-hard fans.
Anime Central 2009
Anime Central returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre in Rosemont, Illinois May 14th to 16th, 2010. This will be the thirteenth incarnation of the convention, so they’re going with a different theme this time: the macabre side of anime and manga. As some people consider thirteen to be an unlucky number, Anime Central will be showcasing everything that is creepy, spooky, shocking and unnatural in the anime and manga world.
Pre-registration begins on September 1st, so line up and take advantage of the low prices. Visit the Anime Central web site for more details, prices, schedules and guest line-ups.
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We know what the issue is and are working with our host to resolve this as soon as possible.
Update
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Who doesn’t like to see cars driven off a giant dirt ramp?
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The Alamo at night.
I recently returned from a short visit to southern Texas to attend an anime convention in San Antonio, called San Japan 2.x. While there, I had the opportunity to tour the city and take in the sights of one America’s fast growing cities.
Despite the heat (which averaged over 100° F, or 37° C, on most days), my journey was a very pleasant experience. However, the one thing that really stood out was how friendly everyone is — from those at the fast food counters to security guards. Very impressive.
There’s quite a bit to do in San Antonio, visit the historic Alamo, stroll along the beautiful River Walk, have fun at Six Flags Fiesta Texas, take in the view from the Tower of the Americas or spend some money in one of the many shopping malls.
I hope to return again soon, to see more of this gorgeous city and to take advantage of the wonderful Texan hospitality. If you’re interested in more information, stop over at the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau web site for a free guide that offers a look into this amazing city.
Pictures from my trip are available on Gallery.
