iBRY Disneyland Videos

I have shared these videos
in my old blog, and they're available on my YouTube channel as well - but I figured it was worth compiling all the Disney Videos and combining them into one blog post.  For those who don't know the story, October 2012 marked our third visit to the Happiest Place on Earth.  In my past visits I've taken over 4,000 photographs but never did Video before - I was determined to capture some of the performances that the cast members do in an effort to make every second magical and memorable.

It just makes sense to share this stuff out, otherwise the video I do would be burned onto a DVD and sit on my server waiting for us to feel a Disney withdrawal.  So Here you go:


PIXAR PLAY PARADE


MICKEY'S SOUNDSATIONAL PARADE


ARIEL'S UNDERSEA ADVENTURE FULL RIDE
'

MICKEY'S COSTUME CALVALCADE


MICKEY MOUSE & THE REDCAR NEWS BOYS


MINNIE'S FLY GIRLS

Read More

Target opens in Edmonton

Since Target has announced it was entering Canada's retail landscape people have been very excited about shopping at the American giant's popular chain without having to make a trip across the border.  It's expected that the wait will end tomorrow in many Western Canadian communities as Target prepares to open another 2 dozen stores on May 7th 2013.

Tonight we had an opportunity to check out one of the 3 locations in Edmonton thanks to a special invitation only "family and friends" shopping event at Mill Woods Town Centre.    Upon entering the store, you can immediately tell that a lot of work went into making the space look different than what former Zellers shoppers were accustomed to - even if there are some similarities.  

Staff at the store were noticeably nervous about their first dance with the public but everyone had smiles on their faces and did show a genuine interest in helping customers even if they weren't entirely comfortable with their new jobs - but that's expected, of course and they still handled themselves well through unexpected situations like not being familiar with processing a refund or getting a price check scanner to actually work.  Within a few days or weeks I'm sure all the staff will be confident enough to do things in their sleep.

Is the pricing as low as Walmart?  The answer is no.  Target is doing "soft openings" so there hasn't been big sales.  I believe this could change during their expected Grand Opening during the May Long Weekend when Target will likely introduce flyers or weekly sales.   It certainly remains to be seen if Target will be as competitive as Walmart but people will need to remember that it's not a matter of pricing their products based on what the other guys' are doing, but rather what customers are willing to pay.   Everyone I know agree that if they had to pay a few extra dollars as an alternative to the craziness of Walmart, then they will.

Like most other retail stores, Target will price match printed deals.  So, If I am looking for something that is advertised at a much lower price, then I'll likely end up at Target if it's convenient.   Have a look at a few of the photos I took while checking out the store:

Electronics - Easily my fave section of any store.

Lots of Toys.

Very Open floor plan.

Frozen Food Section - Something the previous tenant Zellers at MWTC never had

A Variety of Grocery Items are available.  2 L Coca-Cola was priced at $1.86



Target currently has 5 locations in the Edmonton Region:

• Mill Woods Town Centre (2331 66th Street NW)
• West Edmonton Mall (8882 170th Street NW)
• Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre (8715 83rd Street)
• Sherwood Park (2020 Sherwood Drive)
• St. Albert (375 St. Albert Trail)



The Escalator features a special track for Shopping carts to move between floors

Read More

Edmonton Gondola: Forget 104th Street

So the City of Edmonton is considering building a Gondola that will connect Jasper Avenue and 104th Street to the old EPCOR power plant in Rossdale.  Currently they're looking for input from two different firms and looking at a budget of approximately $35 Million.    Reactions that I've heard from people have been relatively mixed.  Most are indifferent or against the idea and only a handful have really liked the idea of a Gondola in this location.    Personally, I would have no use for this Gondola as it's planned whether it was for functional transportation or simply an attraction intended for recreation or enjoyment.  

Proposed Path down 104th Street

While I am not in favour of the current plan, I am definitely not against the idea of a Gondola in the City of Edmonton.  After thinking about it for about 2 minutes there is only one location in the city of Edmonton that would benefit Edmontonians and visitors, provide both a functional and recreational method of Transportation and link two Well known and Popular attractions:  Fort Edmonton Park (also John Janzen Nature Centre) & The Valley Zoo.

Where the Gondola Should Go

Right now, if you want to travel to these attractions on the same day, you have to drive a very indirect route.  If you take Transit, you're forced to use Edmonton Transit Route 595 or 596 (Fort Edmonton Park / Valley Zoo Shuttle).  Imagine parking at one of these two locations and having the option to travel across the River and through a small portion of the River Valley to reach the other side.  It just makes Sense, doesn't it?  I'd much prefer the City spend $35 Million dollars (or more) to have a Gondola move people there and it's something that I'd actually use. 

Keep in mind I make this suggestion without any consideration of the logistics involved in having the Gondola go across the River.  It's really just my vision of where I'd rather see a Gondola.  What are your thoughts? Use the Comments below:

Read More

NHL 14 Watch: First trailer and details revealed

NHL Hockey for the Sega Genesis way back in 1991, followed by NHLPA '93 in 1992 but it doesn't appear that EA Sports acknowledges either of those as official parts of the NHL franchise.  NHL 94 has always gotten the most attention and referred to as the Classic game, and although EA Sports has now released the first details and trailer, it's still unknown if NHL 14 will get the 20th anniversary treatment.

The game will hit shelves in North America on September 10, 2013, followed closely by a European release on September 13th & based on the trailer I think it's safe to assume that NHL 14 will only be available on PlayStation 3 and X-Box 360. It does seem unlikely that this title will make it to the next generation of consoles despite the PS4 being expected sometime in November or December of this year, afterall the NHL series didn't make it's first appearance on PlayStation 3 until NHL 08 missing out on NHL 07.    Direct from the EA Sports Press release:

NHL 14 Features

• NHL^® Collision Physics – Developed from the same core technology that powers EA SPORTS FIFA’s critically-acclaimed Player Impact Engine, NHL® Collision Physics introduces bigger, more thrilling hits, and truer-to-life collisions. A new left-stick control scheme makes delivering a game-changing hit simpler and more rewarding than ever.

• Enforcer Engine – Powered by the same technology used in the critically acclaimed Fight Night franchise, NHL 14 will bring a brand new third-person presentation to showcase the anatomy of a fight. All players on the ice (human or CPU) remain live from the drop of the gloves to the trip to the penalty box, with no break in the action. This new technology delivers, for the first time in the EA SPORTS NHL franchise, true size and strength differentiation between players, new jostling mechanics and much more to create the most authentic and electrifying experience yet.
• True Performance Skating – Built on the breakthrough innovation that introduced physics-based skating and over 1,000 new skating animations to the EA SPORTS NHL franchise. The second year of the True Performance Skating features improved acceleration, explosive first-strides, quicker pivots and enhanced lateral skating, resulting in greater player responsiveness and unprecedented control.
• One-Touch Dekes – Experience what it feels like to be a superstar through a new, more responsive deking system controlled only with the left stick and one-button. From beginner to advanced gamers, the system allows for quicker reactive dekes and intuitive combination dekes, creating more moves than ever before.
• Live the Life – The new incarnation of the Be a Pro Career Mode, now you can truly Live the Life of an NHL player. On or off the ice, every decision you make shapes your legacy as an athlete. Interact with teammates outside of the rink. Take part in media interviews. Each choice you make will affect your relationship with fans, teammates and management, influencing your skills and progression.
• HUT & EASHL Online Seasons – NHL 14 adds the best-in-class promotion and relegation system in the sports category to the Hockey Ultimate Team & EA SPORTS Hockey League modes. Win games and advance to the next division to face tougher competition, fall short and see your team bumped down. Teams will be able to track their progress across multiple seasons. 

Cover Vote

EA Sports will also be conducting a cover vote to determine which NHL star gets to be featured on the cover of NHL 14 in a campaign very similar to last year.  Starting April 22, 2013 EA Sports will be conducting a cover vote to see which athlete will grace the cover on NHL 14.  To vote visit NHL.com/covervote

Read More

Flames Fan loses Bet, Wears Oilers Jersey

Being a die-hard fan of the Calgary Flames can't be very easy right now.  It's probably even harder if you live in the Heart of Oil Country and have found yourself surrounded by Oilers fans who take every opportunity to give you a friendly jab for your poor choice of hockey team.

Meet Mike Paziuk (@mikepaziuk)

He's a courageous individual who proudly wears the Flaming C, and cheers for them knowing he's going to get harassed for it.  You have to give him credit for being so brave.    Mike knows that cheering for the Flames comes with a price when you live in Edmonton.  There are consequences for your choice of lifestyle - and as such he graciously accepts the friendly jabs that we give him night after night.

So why is he wearing an Edmonton Oilers jersey?  It's really simple...


On Wednesday April 3rd 2013 the Edmonton Oilers gave the Calgary Flames a serious thrashing at the Saddle Dome, winning 8-2.  Prior to the game Mike was so convinced that the Flames pull out a victory that he made a wager with a friend, Melanie (@aspen_tree_), agreeing  that if the Oilers won he would wear an Oilers jersey for the day.

That day is today.  Never bet against the Oilers.

In all fairness to Mike, he deserves major kudos for actually following through and showing he's a man of his word.  Well Done, Mike.  You're finally wearing the right colours.

Read More

iBRY Graphics: Vancouver Canucks Suck

There was a lot of speculation whether or not Vancouver's overpaid goaltender, Roberto Luongo would be moved prior to or on the April 3rd trade deadline.  Dispite rumours of him talking with other clubs he never did get traded.  But I have sources that say Luongo wasn't the only one who wants out...

 

Read More