Nephrus – 2011

July 2011

All articles posted in July 2011.

Celebration of Light 2011 – China

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 31, 2011 • In Pictures, Local

China lights up the night

The first evening of the Celebration of Light started off on the right foot. Although the fireworks festival is down to three days from four, it still was a spectacular show with the first performer, China, setting the bar. Event organizers made some adjustments to help spectators have the best experience – an increased police presence to clamp down on disorderly conduct and public drunkenness, signs that arranged the beaches into alphabetized sections (similar to that of a parking lot) to help people find their friends, and a grand stand for others who just wanted to sit and have a clear view. Even a stunt pilot provided some intense aerial acrobatics for those who waited on the sandy shore of English Bay.

The overcast sky and threat of rain didn’t dampen the spirits or the pyrotechnics. With the barges closer than ever before, everyone was treated to waterfalls of fire, champagne bursts of light, and the thunderous boom of exploding stars. And with a brilliant selection of music, the crowd was definitely pleased. Missed the show? Check out some of the best shots on Gallery!

The winner from 2010, Spain, is on Wednesday, August 4^th, and Canada wraps up the celebration on Saturday, August 6^th.

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Are TransLink’s station naming rights for sale?

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 20, 2011 • Local

To help solve some of TransLink‘s funding for future projects, the mayor of Surrey has a suggestion for the transit organization – corporate naming rights. Diane Watts suggests that funds could come from corporate sponsors which in turn would help pay for infrastructure upgrades and extensions, like the controversial Evergreen Line. Mayors from around Metro Vancouver have recently proposed a hotly contested gas tax to come up with the remaining money to push the Evergreen Line through.

To be fair, it’s not a far fetched thought as other agencies have reached out to corporations for extra cash. The Chicago Transit Authority has tossed around a similar idea after allowing computer giant Apple to contribute funds towards renovations of an L station. New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority sold the rights for a single station to the London-based bank Barclays in 2009. It’s possible that Vancouver Canucks fans and tourists to Chinatown could alight at Rogers Arena-Stadium Station if Watts’ idea passes.

Would selling the naming rights to corporations bring in much needed revenue to the cash-strapped system? Or could the idea cause confusion to both locals and visitors alike with unrelated station names? The next station is for sale!

Sources: News1130, CTV British Columbia

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Capcom axes Mega Man Legends 3

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 19, 2011 • Gaming

In 2010, fans were treated to an apéritif when Capcom‘s Keiji Inafune mentioned that Mega Man Legends 3 was being developed. Those dreams were dashed after the Japanese gaming company released a statement on July 18^th, 2011 announcing the cancellation of Mega Man Legends 3.

According to the release, the project didn’t meet the “…the required criteria…” to continue and development has been ceased, which means that no demo or game will be published. No details of what the criteria necessary for such a decision was made available.

Mega Man Legends 3 would’ve been available for the Nintendo 3DS handheld console.

Source: Siliconera

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Replacing Anime Evolution

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 11, 2011 • Conventions

With the absence of Anime Evolution this August, there is a void in the community that needs to be filled. There is some solace as a few groups are working hard to make sure all of the anime fans (cosplayers too!) are taken care of this summer with two upcoming events: The Summer Festival and Cos & Effect. While these two aren’t full fledged conventions like the fallen Anime Evolution, they should be enough to keep everyone engaged until a suitable replacement is organized.

The Summer Festival is being held at the Burnaby campus of Simon Fraser University. Presented by the university’s Altered Reality Club, the Summer Festival is an afternoon of games, cosplay, food and contests. The event is free, beginning at 2:00 pm in SFU’s Convocation Mall on Saturday, July 16^th, 2011.

Cos & Effect is a two day party for those who love wearing and/or making costumes from different fandoms; not just anime. There will be a multitude of events, panels, contests, vendors, artists and more! Cos & Effect takes place over the weekend of August 13^th and 14^th, 2011 in the Student Union Building at the University of British Columbia. Tickets are $20 CAD online or $28 CAD at the door.

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Downtown Historic Railway

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 9, 2011 • Trains

Car 1207

Now that it’s summer, the Downtown Historic Railway is back up and running. Although the refurbished interurban line doesn’t go all the way to Science World, it’s still a unique ride from the Olympic Village Canada Line station to Granville Island (or vice versa).

Operated by volunteers from the Transit Museum Society (TRAMS), car 1207 is a blast from the past, having last run the British Columbia Electric Railway’s Steveston line in 1958. Restored by TRAMS in the early 1990s, car 1207 retains its charm with its original seats, retro advertisements, and memorable whistle.

The Downtown Historic Railway operates only on weekends and holidays until October 10^th, 2011 between 12:30 pm and 5:00 pm PDT. There is a round-trip charge of $2 for adults and $1 for seniors or children.

Browse through more images of the Downtown Historic Railway on Gallery.

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Fullmetal Alchemist volume 26

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 4, 2011 • Manga

Fullmetal Alchemist volume 26

After confronting Father, Edward’s group become the last key in activating the giant transmutation circles that encompases Amestris. The reaction starts and opens up a new gate giving Father access to unimaginable abilities. Will Edward, Alphonse, Roy Mustang, Hohenheim and Izumi Curtis survive the transmution?

Only one more book is left to go! Volume 26 will be available on September 20^th, 2011.

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Project Naruto

Frederick Linsmeyer • July 2, 2011 • In Pictures

Project Naruto is the first in what is to be a series of photographic adventures of various animated figures on trips around Vancouver and possibly beyond. I’ve been toying (no pun intended) with the idea for a while, thinking of having a 6 inch Naruto Uzumaki suspended from fishing wire from a branch and using some tricks to make it looks as if he was leaping through the trees. Instead, Naruto ended up being placed in a few poses during one of my frequent journeys through Stanley Park.

It turned out to be quite interesting once I moved out from the trails in the forest and then onto the sea wall and out to Canada Place. The forest seemed quite fitting considering that Naruto itself takes place within Konohagakure (The Village Hidden in the Leaves). The figure proved to be a challenge when placed in position and toppled over comically a few times while I adjusted myself to take the picture. I had bought Naruto a few months earlier on eBay, and he arrived without a stand — this made things a bit interesting since the feet are aren’t really designed to support the top of the character, thus requiring the use of the special stand. I encountered a few strange looks at Waterfront station from a group of tourists after Naruto capsized off the sign holder and onto the platform.

The next set will be, hopefully, featuring Sora from Kingdom Hearts II. I’ve already got a few thoughts of how I want these next pictures to turn out. I might have better luck with this set as the game Kingdom Hearts II utilizes a vast world — everything from the beach to a dystopian cityscape. Sora shouldn’t be too much of a pain, considering his shoes are much larger providing a little more stability when poised. That, and the Keyblade weapons can be removed from his hands, whereas Naruto’s kunai are permanently affixed.

All pictures from Project Naruto can be found in The Lab on Gallery.