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Streetcar revival for Vancouver

Frederick Linsmeyer • September 23, 2011 • Local

The Olympic Line

Mayoral hopeful Suzanne Anton has announced an expansion of the streetcar service that runs along the heritage rail corridor on False Creek’s south shore ahead of Vancouver’s upcoming civic election.

The line would run from Granville Island east along the existing tracks through the Olympic Village, up north through Chinatown and the Downtown East Side and west to Canada Place. Future extensions would see service to Stanley Park and into Yaletown.

During the 2010 Winter Olympics, the City of Vancouver ran a demonstration line between Granville Island and the Olympic Village Canada Line station with Bombardier’s Flexity streetcars, which were brought over from Belgium. The experiment proved very popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Improving the streetcar service with links to existing Canada Line and SkyTrain service would increase access to some Vancouver’s core tourist attractions and provide a more environmentally friendly transportation option for those looking to get around.

There has been word that TransLink, Metro Vancouver’s transit authority, would not be involved with operation and that the city would work with private organizations and various levels of government to develop, build and maintain the system. However, there may be the possibility of integrating fares in with TransLink’s system to allow for ease of travel.

A report published in 2005 put the cost at approximately $81 million for building the infrastructure and an additional $21 million for a six car fleet. The cost would need to be reviewed and updated.

Suzanne Anton is the only member of the Non-Partisan Association in city council. Vancouver’s civic election is on November 19^th, 2011.

Source: The Vancouver Sun

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Soul Eater volume 7

Frederick Linsmeyer • September 17, 2011 • Manga

Soul Eater volume 7

With kishin roaming the world, Shinigami calls upon the best weapons to try and reign in the wandering demons. Deciding how to capture the rogue kishin places the weapons and their meisters into a tough fight for survival.

As the students at the DWMA settle back into their regular schedule, newcomer Crona is adjusting himself to a new world as a student. However, a trip abroad proves to be quite the learning experience, especially for Maka.

Volume 7 of the Soul Eater manga will be available on store shelves October 25^th, 2011.

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MexicoFest

Frederick Linsmeyer • September 10, 2011 • Local

Dancers from Oaxaca

There’s nothing like a good old fashioned fiesta on a warm summer day. With Mexico’s day of independence around the corner, Jack Poole Plaza at the Vancouver Convention Centre was brightly festooned in green, white, red and spirit of the Latin American nation. MexicoFest, while celebrating the entire country, put the spotlight on the southern state of Oaxaca with music and performances in colourful traditional outfits along with a performance from pop star Benny Ibarra.

Surrounding the plaza were tents offering up drinks, food, snacks, jewellery and various handicrafts from artisans. I stopped off at the drink tent first getting a bottle (or cup rather) of fruit punch-flavoured Jarritos, a Mexican soft drink for $2.50. As I enjoyed my fizzy drink, I took in the dancing of Guelaguetza, a series of dances passed down from the indigenous ancestors of Oaxaca. After they finished, I checked out a dessert tent which had an impressive selection of sweet treats which I hadn’t seen since being down in San Antonio for San Japan – Barritas, Pingüinos, but no Duvalin (maybe I wasn’t looking hard enough).

I hovered around the area for an hour enjoying in the sights, sounds and smells, but after a long day of walking around Stanley Park, I headed home. I missed the ”El Grito de Independencia” which took place at 6:00 pm; a re-enactment of Miguel Hidalgo’s famous call towards an independent Mexico.

Of course, MexicoFest isn’t over yet, as there are a number of events next week including an evening of Mexican cinema, mezcal tasting, golf tournaments and more. Visit the MexicoFest web site for a full schedule.

Mexico celebrates their 201^st anniversary on Friday, September 16^th, 2011.

¡Viva Mexico!

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Anime Revolution

Frederick Linsmeyer • September 2, 2011 • Conventions

Vancouver has a new event in town – Anime Revolution! Many of us from the Lower Mainland knew that the void left by Anime Evolution would need to be filled, and the organizers behind Anime Revolution are looking to step up. The group appears promising in making the convention their top priority and have already selected a venue for 2012: The Vancouver Convention Centre. Of course, we’ll have to wait until next year when the convention happens – the coordinators have no previous affiliation with the departed Anime Evolution, which makes for a clean slate. The name Anime Revolution is meant to inspire a much needed change and also as a tribute to its predecessor.

Anime Revolution will take place between August 17^th – 19^th, 2012. Check out the Anime Revolution web site for additional information.

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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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