Nephrus

Salish Sea Coastline from the Air

The coastline of south-western British Columbia is beautiful jewel, filled with lush islands, sandy beaches and plenty of marine activity. See this amazing landscape from the air in a collection of photos on Gallery. It truly is breathtaking part of our world.

Taking the bus in Matamoros

The border towns of Mexico are the gateway to this amazing country. Getting around Matamoros in the north-eastern state of Tamaulipas by bus is a world apart from public transit in Canada and the US, but opens up the what this bustling city has to offer.

Read more…

Forest Fire Risk

Now that summer is upon us, the temperatures soar and British Columbia’s dense forests dry out and become prone to forest fires. Small fires, including camp fires, are now banned through much of the province due to the risk. If you see a forest fire, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a mobile device. For more info, click here.

Gaming

Square Enix lets fans play demo of Kingdom Hearts III

May 19, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

Square Enix hosted a Kingdom Hearts III premiere in Santa Monica, California giving fans and the media a chance to try out the upcoming title. Staff who worked on the game were in attendance to speak to the crowd, while guests could sample cerulean-hued sea salt ice cream and snap selfies holding full-sized keyblades.

Posted by Kingdom Hearts on Friday, May 18, 2018

Two playable levels, Mount Olympus (from Hercules) and Toy Box (from the Toy Story franchise), were enough to satisfy cravings for this hotly anticipated title, but to also show off some of the unique mechanics that were developed to include more action and excitement. Development staff, including Executive Producer Shinji Hashimoto, were on hand to discuss some of these features.

Posted by Kingdom Hearts on Friday, May 18, 2018

Reception from those who played the game were positive, many enjoying the familiar menu commands, and added functionality of switching between two keyblades using the D-pad, keyblade transformation, Shotlocks, Attractions, and Links. Sora’s keyblade can transform and increase its attack depending on the world. In Toy Box, the Hyper Hammer can strike enemies quickly with a powerful punch; whereas Twin Yo-Yos can reach out and deal some serious damage. Shotlocks allows Sora to lock on and track multiple enemies at once. Using a specific combo, he can then hit each target sequentially. Attractions are similar to the rides found at Disney Parks around the world: Big Magic Mountain is a rideable train that chugs up and down like a roller coaster, akin to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Walt Disney World, except it launches explosive fireworks (something that doesn’t happen on the real ride). Finally, Links (formerly Summons) allows Sora to call forth other Disney heroes to help out in battle. Ralph, from Wreck-it Ralph, jumps into the fray and can build walls with cannons to take out any enemies in their line of fire.

Posted by Kingdom Hearts on Friday, May 18, 2018

Kingdom Hearts III is almost here, with an expected launch in 2018. Square Enix plans to reveal a specific date at this year’s E3 next month.

Kingdom Hearts III will be available on both the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Source: Facebook, IGN

Gaming

NES Classic Edition to relaunch in Canada June 29, 2018

May 17, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

Missed out on picking up an NES Classic Edition console when it almost two years ago? Well, Nintendo has heard you and on June 29^th, 2018, the NES Classic Edition returns to store shelves in both Canada and the United States.

A miniature version of their original home entertainment system, the NES Classic Edition includes 30 games pre-loaded with a full-sized NES controller for the complete retro experience.

These game titles are:

Balloon Fight™
BUBBLE BOBBLE
Castlevania™
Castlevania II: Simon’s Quest™
Donkey Kong™
Donkey Kong Jr.™
DOUBLE DRAGON II: THE REVENGE
Dr. Mario™
Excitebike™
FINAL FANTASY®
Galaga™
GHOSTS’N GOBLINS®
GRADIUS™
Ice Climber™
Kid Icarus™
Kirby’s Adventure™
Mario Bros.™
MEGA MAN® 2
Metroid™
NINJA GAIDEN
PAC-MAN™
Punch-Out!!™ Featuring Mr. Dream
StarTropics™
SUPER C™
Super Mario Bros.™
Super Mario Bros.™ 2
Super Mario Bros.™ 3
TECMO BOWL
The Legend of Zelda™
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link™

The demand for this console was huge and many retailers suffered shortages as they were snapped up as quickly as they were offered for sale. According to a Tweet from Nintendo of Canada, the NES Classic Edition is expected to be on sale through the end of the year.

#NESClassic Edition will return to stores on June 29! This system and the #SNESClassic Edition system are expected to be available through the end of the year. https://t.co/xkkLQCgVBl pic.twitter.com/QSPSNcxnnd

— Nintendo of Canada (@NintendoCanada) May 14, 2018

The NES Classic Edition has a suggested retail price of $79.99 CAD

Sources: Nintendo, Twitter

Anime, Videos

Free! – Dive to the Future – to air July 2018 in Japan

May 8, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

Free! – Dive to the Future – Promotional Artwork

The boys from Iwatobi are back with the newest season of the popular swimming anime Free! – Dive to the Future – airing this July in Japan.

Out of high school and bound for college, Haruka Nanase, Makoto Tachibana, Rin Matsuoka, Ikuya Kirishima and Asahi Shiina must now plan out their next steps in life. And that includes swimming.

Promotional artwork and video for the upcoming season includes Haruka Nanase, Makoto Tachibana, Rin Matsuoka, Ikuya Kirishima and Asahi Shiina and mentions the title of a new theme song, Heading to Over, by OLDCODEX.

Free! – Dive to the Future – will air on ABC TV, TOKYO MX1, TV Aichi, and BS11 in Japan starting July 2018.

Source: Natalie

Manga

Free Comic Book Day on Saturday, May 5, 2018

April 28, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

Cover artwork of the My Hero Academia / RWBY comic for Free Comic Book Day 2018.

If you haven’t heard, the first Saturday in May is Free Comic Book Day. On Saturday, May 5^th, 2018, head on over to your favourite local comic store and pick up a couple of select titles for your enjoyment.

This year, there are a handful of manga available along Avengers, Overwatch, DC SuperHero Girls, and the Adventure Time, including:

Pokémon Sun & Moon / Pokémon Horizon: Sun & Moon by Tenya Yabuno, Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto from Viz Media
Ghost in the Shell Global Neural Network by Max Gladstone, and David Lopez from Kodansha
Street Fighter II Ultra by Ken Siu-Chong, and Hanzo Steinbach from Udon Entertainment
My Hero Academia / RWBY from Kouhei Horikoshi, and Shirow Miwa from Viz Media

For a complete list of available titles, free previews and participating store locations, check out the Free Comic Book Day web site.

Source: Free Comic Book Day

The Otaku Culture

Uniqlo to release t-shirt collaboration with Weekly Shonen Jump

April 15, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

As part of Weekly Shonen Jump’s 50^th anniversary, Japanese clothing giant Uniqlo has unveiled a line up of t-shirts to celebrate this milestone.

Tops will feature artwork from popular manga including Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Dragon Ball, Haikyuu!!, Gintama, and Hunter x Hunter.

UT X Jump 50th

Coming Soon: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Weekly Shonen Jump, wear your favourite manga characters with the all new UT x Jump 50th Graphic T-shirt collection! #UT2018 #WearYourWorld

Posted by Uniqlo Canada on Friday, April 6, 2018

These shirts are expected to go on sale later this month.

Uniqlo has in the past run campaigns with Weekly Shonen Jump manga, including Naruto, One Piece and Dragon Ball.

Source: Uniqlo

In Pictures

Sakura Days Japan Fair 2018 Photos

April 15, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

While the forecast called for rain, it held off long enough on Saturday for the annual Sakura Days Japan Fair in the lush VanDusen Botanical Gardens. Though many trees have already shed their blossoms, there were a few still in bloom to celebrate this springtime tradition.

Here’s a selection of pictures taken Saturday afternoon, complete with live calligraphy, hand-made samurai armour, blacksmithing and more!

Sakura Days Japan Fair continues Sunday from 11:00 am thru 5:00 pm; so there’s still time to grab some gyoza and watch the samurai performances.

Local

Welcome spring with Sakura Days Japan Fair 2018

April 6, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • 1 Comment

The smell of yakitori (chicken skewers) is enough to bring anyone to Sakura Days!

Start spring off right with a day at the Sakura Days Japan Festival. Located in the beautiful VanDusen Botanical Gardens, this two-day event celebrates everything Japanese in a fun festival atmosphere.

Spend the weekend with Japanese culture through live performances, music, food, arts, demonstrations and crafts and more under the budding pastel sakura — the Japanese cherry blossom. The gardens host this fair between 11:00 am PDT to 7:00 pm PDT on Saturday, April 14^th and 11:00 am PDT to 5:00 pm PDT on Sunday, April 15^th, 2018.

As the festival takes place in the outdoors, bring appropriate attire as it may be raining or the fields might have mud. Parking is limited, so save the hassle and take transit (either the #17 bus, or walk from the Oakridge-41^st Avenue Canada Line Station west along 41^st Avenue, and then north along Oak Street) to reach VanDusen Botanical Gardens (about a 15-20 minute stroll).

Paid admission is required for entry; tickets are available for purchase online.

Hockey

Sedin twins to retire from NHL at end of 2017-18 season

April 5, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

Henrik Sedin during pre-game skate at Rogers Arena.

It came as a shock to hockey fans in Vancouver on Monday when both Henrik and Daniel Sedin revealed that the 2017-18 NHL season would be their last.

The Sedins, twin brothers from Ornskoldsvik, Sweden, have played with the Vancouver Canucks ever since they were drafted by the team in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft; a career spanning 17 seasons.

Henrik and Daniel have racked up some impressive stats with the Canucks, boasting over 1,000 points. Henrik leads in games played, assists, and power play points, where Daniel leads in scoring and is second in games played, assists and power play points.

While their on-ice presence was legendary, it was their off-ice work in the community that cemented their reputations. Their philanthropic work around Vancouver earned them respect and admiration from locals and visitors alike. Never ones to boast, the Sedins were humble about their goodwill.

The Canucks host their last home game of the season on Thursday, April 5^th, 2018 against the visiting Arizona Coyotes. It’s also the last time the twins play in Rogers Arena. Their final game is in Edmonton against the Oilers on Saturday, April 7^th, 2018

Source: Vancouver Canucks

In Pictures

Photos from Sakura-Con 2018

April 3, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

With another Sakura-Con come and gone, it’s time to reminisce over the fun and awesome costumes that descend upon the Washington State Convention Center in the heart of Seattle. For three days, it was a whirlwind of heroes, villains and even some cute dogs wandering the event.

Couldn’t make it? Check out the photos on Gallery.

In Pictures, Local

Olympic Cauldron re-lit for end of 2018 Paralympic Winter Games

March 17, 2018 • Frederick Linsmeyer • Post a commment

The Olympic Cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza next to the Vancouver Convention Centre was re-lit this evening to mark the closure of the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. This is the second time the cauldron was used, following when it was first lit on February 8^th, 2018 for the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Once the torch was fired up, remarks were made by Paralympic athlete Trevor Hirschfield, Olympic athlete Evan Dunfee, Vancouver Convention Centre General Manager Craig Lehto, and MLA Ravi Kahlon thanking Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams for their performance, determination and passion this year.