Fan Expo Vancouver’s First Wave of Guest Announcements is Here!

The first round of guest announcements for Fan Expo Vancouver 2023 are here!

Fan Expo Vancouver
Feb 18-23, 2023 at the Vancouver Convention Center

Fan Expo Vancouver may well be gearing up for a big 2023 year. They’ve begun their wave of guest announcements so that holiday gift givers can show their love for the pop culture enthusiast in the family by buying them a pass. In the early weeks of November, they reported Stephen Amell of Arrow fame and Matthew Lewis from the Harry Potter movies will appear.

For now, the official website information is stating they will be signing autographs and doing photo ops for one day only.

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The 2022 Vancouver Fringe Festival is Next! 12 Exciting and Nerdy Picks

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is back and takes place Sept 8 to 18th around Granviille Island.

Vancouver Fringe FestivalThe Vancouver Fringe Festival is right around the corner! This event will be taking place Sept 8 to the 18th at various venues around Granville Island, and for those who missed those travelling shows at Victoria Fringe have a chance at Terminal City.

Where possible, I’ve included my thoughts on why this particular show must be seen. The links will take you to their landing page on the Vancouver Fringe website and list the dates. As a bonus, ten performances will be live-streamed! Please visit the landing page here for a full list. I’ve mentioned a fond Victoria favourite and am still waiting for the return of One Man Avengers, once that act is fine tuned.

Tickets are $15 each (live and in person), and info concerning health / pandemic regulations can be read here.

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Stargate SG-1 Celebrates 25 Glorious Years! And What’s Next?

Stargate SG-1 is celebrating 25 years, not 28! (that’s Stargate the Movie).

Stargate SG-125 Years ago today, Stargate SG-1 gave new life to a then three-year-old movie, which original creators Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin struggled to decide if a sequel should be made. They sold all rights to MGM, and they handed development to Brad Wright and Jonathan Glassner to reimagine.

This series started on Showtime, a speciality network which wanted something unique to boost viewership, but eventually, moved to SciFi (now SyFy) before being picked up by local stations. I remember when Chek TV (now Chek News) showed it, because Victoria, BC a ferry ride away to  Vancouver, where the series was made.

The History and Personal Thoughts

Honestly, I consider Stargate SG-1 its own entity. The early seasons delivered a lot more than just a weekly Ancient Alien inspired tale every week. It was serialised storytelling in the style of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the grander arcs–especially concerning Sha’re (Daniel’s wife)–spanned multiple seasons than just one. But this shift wouldn’t be embraced until after the second season. What made this series special was the camaraderie between the stars, Richard Dean Anderson, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping and Christopher Judge. It also had many guest stars who are the who’s who of Canadian genre television programming. From Gary Chalk to Matt Frewer to Barclay Hope in later episodes or newer series, I was sold.

Any relation to the movie is explained with the episode “Point of View.” Alternate realities exist. Also, we heard Jack emphasising, “That’s O’Neill, with two ‘L’s!”

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Kent Donguines’ Kalinga Digs into a Strange Social Problem

Kalinga (Care) is a very emotional documentary about a group of Filipino women who left their families to become nannies abroad.

KalingaPlaying at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival at the 2220 Arts + Archive venue on May 10, 2022, 7:00 pm (BUY TICKETS)

Kalinga (Care) is a very emotional documentary with a local connection. It examines a group of Filipino women who left their families to become nannies abroad. Some arrived in the ironically named Terminal City (Vancouver, BC) to help non-Asian parents who don’t fully have the time to always spend with their children when managing a successful business. They’re going to need help. These people pay well, and those hires tend to mail those funds home to help their families.

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Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake–Savour it!

Uncle Tetsu Soft and Sweet CheesecakeThe best time to ensure the best selection of Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake is to stop by late morning, as they are fresh from the oven. This franchise (est 1990) makes a surprisingly fluffy and delectable cake that doesn’t always have to be about dressing it up with lots more cream and sugars. I got used to the big fancy ones from other chains and local bakers, but to order something that looks basic and tastes delicious was a surprise.

Although I never saw one in the neighbourhoods when I visited Japan many years ago, I’m glad they’re expanding out to other countries like Beard Papa. 

I recall seeing the signs for this operation back in 2019 while wandering Metrotown. I’m glad they opened in the early summer of 2020, despite being amid the pandemic, and expanded into the downtown Vancouver area. They are located on 1151 Robson St. During my weekend trip to this city on a nice Spring day, I knew I had to make a return visit!

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In Vancouver, How High Can You Flyover Canada?

Flyover Canada is a Vancouver-based tourist type attraction with limited appeal for locals to enjoy.

OA - FlyOver Canada999 Canada Place #201
Vancouver, BC

Hours of Operation
Daily starting from noon to 8pm (average)

Flyover Canada is a Vancouver-based tourist type attraction with limited appeal for locals to enjoy. But for tourists wanting to know more of what this country (or others) represents, it’s something to check out. Since I sort of fall into the latter category, I decided to take advantage of the discount offered for patrons of Fan Expo Vancouver. Aside from two panels, there wasn’t much left for me to partake in on Monday, the last day of the convention. There were fewer celebrity guests to meet and the focus was more on Family Day type activities for the kids to enjoy or meeting voice over talents. Folks could meet Justin Briner, the voice of Midoriya in My Hero Academia or Jason Liebrecht who did Yeager in Attack on Titan.

This flight simulator is worth looking at when the right virtual simulation is playing. I wouldn’t revisit the visual experience for the same ride though. I’d pay the money for a reimagined and all-encompassing Star Tour. As for its travels around Earth, there’s only a handful offered in sister operations in other cities where variety exists.

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