nephrus.net – 2011

August 2011

All articles posted in August 2011.

Skyward Sword special bundle and launch date

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 29, 2011 • Gaming

There is a golden light at the end of the darkness for Zelda fans – golden like that of the Triforce. Nintendo has unveiled a limited edition package of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword that includes the game itself, a gilded (in colour only) Wii Remote, and a CD featuring orchestrated songs from the upcoming The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

The bundle will retail at $69.99 USD, while the individual game will go for $49.99 USD. Fans who pick up their copy first, with or without the Wii Remote bundle, will still be able to enjoy the musical selection. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be available on November 20^th, 2011.

The first The Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert performance will be held in Los Angeles, California followed by London, England this coming October.

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Naruto Shippuden Box Set 8

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 27, 2011 • Anime

Naruto Shippuden Box Set 8 After defeating Kakuzu and returning back to Konohagakure, Kakashi has little time before being sent out to investigate the possibility of another hideout used by Orochimaru. Naruto meets up with Jiraiya, who offers to extend his training with the younger ninja.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru has Guren organize a fight between potential candidates to determine who is strong enough to serve their master. Sasuke encouters a young boy who has a surprising ability hidden within, something Kabuto wants to exploit.

The Naruto Shippuden Box Set 8 contains episodes 89 through 100, across three discs and will be available on October 11^th, 2011.

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Low priced anime for Canadians

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 23, 2011 • Anime

Cheap anime!

With FanExpo Canada in a few days time, FUNimation has decided to give Canadians deal on anime through iTunes. Until August 30^th, 2011, select episodes of popular series like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Bleach, FLCL are free for download, while seasons of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Black Butler, Trigun and more are available for a discounted price.

FanExpo Canada runs August 25^th, through 28^th, 2011 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Ontario.

Source: FUNimation

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The 2011 Fair at the PNE

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 20, 2011 • Local

Walking through the crowds towards Playland at the PNE.

The 101^st Fair at the PNE kicked off with a perfect August day – sun and heat. It’s not summer without the rides, mini donuts, the Superdogs, music, games, livestock, Dal Richards, and the prize home! Take in the Peking Acrobats at the Pacific Coliseum or escape the crowds by going for a stroll through the forested Sanctuary. The Marketplace is bursting with new and unique gadgets, treats, and other products from the world over.

The evenings come alive with performances from Kim Mitchell, One More Girl, Donny Osmond, Kenny Rogers, Delhi 2 Dublin and more – topped off with nightly fireworks! Check the PNE web site for the complete line up and times.

For those who are brave and can stomach heights, Playland has installed a new high-flying ride: ATMOSFEAR. As a bonus, ATMOSFEAR and the Hellevator don’t require purchasing a separate ride pass-they’re included in the standard Playland ride pass.

The Fair at the PNE is open from 11:00 am PDT and runs until Monday, September 5^th, 2011. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Discounted tickets can also be obtained at Safeway and 7-Eleven stores in the Metro Vancouver area. Looking for save a bit of cash? Get into the fair for free on Monday, August 22^nd, between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm PDT.

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The Alamo at night

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 19, 2011 • Photography

Even at night, the Mission San Antonio de Valero – forever known by history as the Alamo, teems with people. While catching a short break from San Japan after dinner, I snapped a few pictures of the chapel before returning to the hotel.

: The Alamo Mission

: The Alamo Mission

: Decorative arch over the door

: Facade of the mission

: Limestone wall

: Pillars at the mission entrance

: Travis’ letter

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Rick Rypien passes away

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 15, 2011 • Hockey

Vancouver Canucks fans are mourning the death of Rick Rypien. The feisty forward was discovered by family in his house in Coleman, Alberta, which the RCMP have declared as non-suspicious.

Rypien spent the last six seasons between the Vancouver Canucks and their AHL affiliate, the Manitoba Moose, playing 119 NHL games with 9 goals, 7 assists and 226 penalty minutes. The forward had just signed a one year contract with the recently returned Winnipeg Jets this past July.

An event to honour the late Canucks player’s life is planned for Wednesday, August 17^th, at 2:00 pm outside Rogers Arena.

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San Japan 4TW

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 12, 2011 • Conventions

Texas weather can be described as hot and humid – it was anything but that inside San Antonio’s Marriott Rivercenter hotel for San Japan 4TW. Once again, the Alamo City was taken over for a weekend of Japanese pop-culture with colourful costumes that which occasionally clashed with the white and blue of Dallas Cowboys fans, also in town for their training camp. Being my second San Japan, I had great time catching up with old friends and getting to make new ones. The three day convention ran from August 5^th to 7^th, 2011. A collection of photos taken during the weekend are available on Gallery.
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San Japan 4TW photography

Frederick Linsmeyer • August 8, 2011 • Photography

It’s hot in Texas, and that’s not describing the weather! San Japan 4TW had sizzling style as costumes paraded through the Marriott Rivercenter hotel in the heart of San Antonio. Want more? Check out the rest on Gallery!