All articles tagged ‘Vancouver’

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 16th, 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 13th and 14th, 2011 in the Student Union Building at the University of British Columbia. Tickets are $20 CAD online or $28 CAD at the door.

Full article • No Comments • Top

Downtown Historic Railway

  Frederick Linsmeyer • July 9, 2011 • Trains
Car 1207

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 10th, 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.

Controls Interior of 1207 Trolley pole

Full article • No Comments • Top

Project Naruto

  Frederick Linsmeyer • July 2, 2011 • Photography

Orochimaru's lair

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.

Rocky beachFallen forestWaterfront station

Full article • No Comments • Top

Canada Day Events 2011

  Frederick Linsmeyer • June 26, 2011 • Local
O Canada!

O Canada!

It’s time to celebrate Canada Day this coming Friday! As always, there are plenty of parties and events going on throughout Metro Vancouver this year, with bands, interactive exhibits, games, family-friendly activities, cake and fireworks!

This is just a small list of everything that’s planned for this long weekend, so be sure to consult your local community calendar for an event nearest you.

Full article • No Comments • Top

Cleaning up after the riot

  Frederick Linsmeyer • June 16, 2011 • Local

After the idiotic actions that occurred last night after game seven of the Stanley Cup final, the true spirit of Vancouver kicked into gear when many returned to help clean up the mess left behind. At the same time, Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and other social media sites were flooded with pictures and video of the hooligans in the midst of their lunacy. The Vancouver Police are asking for anyone who has clear and identifiable images of those responsible to submit them so they may begin the process of investigating and laying charges. For more details and contact information, check out the Vancouver Police Department media release.

Full article • No Comments • Top

Despicable

  Frederick Linsmeyer • June 15, 2011 • Editorials

Once again, the downtown core of Vancouver is awash in stupidity as young and drunk idiots using the devastating 4-0 game seven loss between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins as a reason to cause mayhem.

While I was downtown at Canada Place watching the game, I made a mental note to leave the area before the game ended in the event that things turned sour. With five minutes left in the game, I was boarding a train at Waterfront trying to head east and out of the core. I was oblivious to the jackassery until my phone started going crazy with text messages from friends asking if I was OK and made it out of the downtown core safely. However, I’m happy that the people who gathered at Canada Place left in peace and did not try to riot.

In watching CTV‘s live feed of the senseless destruction, I feel angry that hooligans would use a family-friendly hockey event to commit such stupidity. People jumping over burning cars, smashing windows and fighting others is just unbelievable. Even worse is seeing the images of people in Canucks jerseys running rampant — not all Canucks fans riot after a loss. Granted, I am frustrated with the team’s performance in the Stanley Cup final, but it is no excuse to be stupid.

As the world wakes up, they are going to see a very different Vancouver. Last year, during the 2010 Winter Olympics, there were limited disturbances and they were quickly quelled. One year later, we seemed to forget. This is going to paint a very bad picture for this city. We are better than this and we need to remind ourselves that we should not tolerate such disrespect to our fellow citizens. So many people stood by and watched, photographed, recorded the looting and the torching of vehicles and other personal property.

I’m embarrassed. I’ve always been proud of our city and have always openly welcomed others to see what I call home. It’s a shame that we cannot hold in our emotions after a hockey game. It’s truly a shame. I went home to move on. Why can’t everyone else?

Boston, you proved to be a fierce foe in the final — congratulations on your win. You deserved it so much more.

Full article • No Comments • Top

EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival 2011

  Frederick Linsmeyer • June 11, 2011 • Local

Belts beware! EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival returned for another delicious weekend with hearty samples and cooking ideas. Situated in the west building of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the food fair showcases the best of local restaurants, suppliers, and demonstrations with celebrity chefs!

In an updated layout from last year, many of the booths offered bite-sized samples of cheeses, meats, and dairy products in a tasty trail towards the restaurant stalls and dining tables. There didn’t seem to be any new faces this time as the same places from last year lined the end of the massive room. Of course, they didn’t disappoint with savoury sliders, tantalizing tacos, bubbling drinks, and rich pastry squares. These tapas-style dishes were available only for purchase with special tickets at select booths. Booths could be found throughout the event, with 10 tickets for $5 or 20 for $10.

I checked out the beer and wine tasting area and sampled some beer from Vancouver Island, which was brewed with local honey. Very light and refreshing. For a two ticket deposit, staff would give you a glass to sample various drinks — jugs of water and buckets were available to wash out the glasses so flavours didn’t mingle. While I was meandering through, there was a cocktail seminar going on with different drinks being sampled.

Of course, there isn’t just food for humans at EAT! Vancouver. Pet lovers can pick up some treats for their faithful companions from a wide selection of all-natural snacks, toys and care products.

While the festival did pick up as the day went on, there was much more space in between booths and tables. Last year the event was really crowded and it was hard to walk through, but the organizers had picked up on the feedback and made it a little more accessible. I love the venue because it’s easy to get to and just so nice.

EAT! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival runs for one more day, so be sure to go in with an empty stomach. Visit the web site for exact times and to purchase tickets (there’s a discount if you buy them online!)

Full article • No Comments • Top

Canucks 3 – Bruins 2 OT

  Frederick Linsmeyer • June 4, 2011 • Hockey

It was all Alex Burrows in the second match up of the Stanley Cup Finals between with the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins. The left winger scored the first and last goal and assisted Daniel Sedin in a 3-2 overtime win to lead the series 2-0. BC boys Milan Lucic and Mark Recchi both scored for the Bruins.

Since it was a fantastic day out (one in a long time), I decided to head downtown and catch the game at one of the free party zones. Being a weekend, I left early and made my way to a jam packed Granville Street where one of the giant screens was setup. Because the crowd had gotten so large, the Vancouver Police Department were turning people away and directing them to Canada Place if they wanted to catch the game. I wasn’t aware that the convention centre would be hosting a similar event, but made a dash to only realize the plaza outside the Pan Pacific Hotel was relatively empty. Once more people arrived, it filled up, with street and spaces outside of Waterfront Centre turning into a sea of green and blue.

Now that the Canucks are in Bean Town, any open spot to catch the home team is expected to go quickly, so leave early!

Full article • No Comments • Top

Watching the Canucks outside

  Frederick Linsmeyer • May 31, 2011 • Local
TransLink bus with Canucks wrap

Follow the Canucks bus to Rogers Arena!

In a true hockey nation, the City of Vancouver is setting up two large screens to broadcast the Stanley Cup Finals between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins.

The first screen will be setup to compliment the existing one outside the CBC building on Hamilton Street between Georgia and Robson Streets.

The second screen will be placed on Granville Street, also between Georgia and Robson Streets. Food carts and portable washroom facilities are also being made available to make sure fans are well fed and looked after.

Georgia Street will be closed off between Richards and Cambie Streets

There’s also a display on the south-side of the Pan Pacific Hotel at Canada Place.

The Burnaby Public Library just west of Metrotown at the corner of Willingdon Avenue and Kingsborough Street is also bringing in a big screen for fans to watch.

If you don’t feel like travelling into the city for the party, Surrey is also showing the series at Central City Plaza on 10153 King George Boulevard. The City of Surrey web site mentions the first four games (which means they’re favouring a Canucks sweep).

TransLink will be offering increased SkyTrain and bus service to help get fans to and from the party zones.

All locations are free to attend.

Game 1 is on Wednesday at 5:00 pm PDT.

Full article • No Comments • Top

Celebration of Light 2011

  Frederick Linsmeyer • April 11, 2011 • Local
Celebration of Light 2010 - Spain

Spain's performance in 2010

The sky will light up over Vancouver once again as the Celebration of Light returns to English Bay this summer.

Last year’s winner of the fireworks competition, Spain, will join China and Canada with their explosive style. China is first on Saturday, July 30th, followed by Spain on Wednesday, August 3rd and Canada finishing off on Saturday, August 6th, 2011.

Looking for a great spot to view the pyrotechnics? Bleachers will be setup next to the English Bay Bathhouse on the hillside and will be available for $35.00 online for early birds. The new seating is being tested out and is a neat idea for those who don’t want to fight for a good spot or more space between your neighbours. Proceeds go towards running the Celebration of Light event.

Full article • No Comments • Top
Previous Previous
Next Next

On Gallery

IMG_3550
 
IMG_6097

More photos...

Recent Articles

Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos DVD

After all the film festivals, premieres and screenings in North America and around the world, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos is finally coming to DVD and Blu-ray. Edward and… Keep reading

Fan Expo Vancouver comes to town

There’s a new convention in town. Fan Expo Vancouver is bringing the best of likes of Toronto’s Fan Expo Canada to the West Coast for the first time with big… Keep reading

Construction ready to start on the Evergreen Line

Following numerous setbacks, funding issues and debates on where rapid transit should be expanded in Metro Vancouver, the Evergreen Line is finally rolling forward. Through years of determining how to… Keep reading