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What is Fan Expo Canada?

Many of us have heard of Fan Expo Canada (commonly referred to simply as “Expo”) from family or friends, but it can be difficult to understand, much less explain, if you’ve never been there yourself. It’s difficult to discern from the name just what “Expo” is, but that’s what makes it so much more interesting.

So, what exactly is Fan Expo Canada? Founded in 1994 by Hobby Star Marketing and first held in 1995, Expo was originally called the “Canadian National Comic Book Expo.” In its early days, Expo showcased comic books, science fiction and fantasy items, and television/movie-related items over a three-day period.

In the years since, the event has moved to the Metro Toronto Convention Center and has grown from just 1,400 attendees in 1995 to over 60,000 in 2010. Expo now showcases a very wide range of pop-culture items, including video games and card games and include items from the genres of horror, anime/manga, Internet items, and standard animation.  Other offerings include workshops, discussion panels, film previews, seminars, costume contests, and even portfolio reviews for those interested in the film and video game industries, among other events.

Each year, there are numerous celebrities in attendance, as well as other notable guests. Recent years have included William Shatner, Tobin Bell, Sean Astin, Brent Spiner, Johnny Yong Bosch, Victor Lucas, and Yoshitaka Amano, among many others. There have been surprise guests, such as Tobin Bell in 2009, and in 2004, Patrick Stewart cancelled his appearance for health reasons, but then returned to Toronto a month later to make up for his absence.

In 2011, the event will move to four days, with Thursday being the first day. Attendance is expected to be upwards of 70,000, which will raise space issues once again. If you’re planning to head to Toronto, buy your tickets early!

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Headed to Canada? It Might Not be That Different

Map of Canada
Image via Wikipedia

For some reason, Americans who head to Canada for the first time seem to expect this big culture shock, like things are so different there. While there are differences, there are a lot more similarities. Canada uses the metric system for its measurements, so you might want to brush up on that. In the meantime, you should know that you can find most of the main, name brands that you find in America. You won’t have to do without things like Folgers coffee and Coca Cola while you’re on your Canadian excursion.

If you’re looking to do a little bit of shopping on your trip, you can even find your Apple Bottom jeans there, along with a lot of other top brands. Of course, you can also go trout fishing and do other things that seem to be uniquely Canadian – or at least deeply associated with Canada and the kinds of things that most people like to do while they’re there. The market for goods in Canada is very similar to the market for goods in the United States, so you can expect to have a great time and find a lot of clothing and other accessories that you really like. Just look around, and you’ll be surprised by all that Canada has to offer.

If you’ve been there before, it may be time to go back and enjoy another adventure. If you’ve never been, you should get your passport and head out. There will always be plenty of fun things to do in Canada, no matter what time of year it is or what kinds of things you or your family members enjoy. You can explore another country without feeling like you got too far away from your own, and that’s a great way to have a safe, fun time on vacation.

Filed Under: Travel

Why Not Propose at Niagra Falls? It’s the Perfect Place

Niagara Falls (from Rainbow Bridge)
Image by Scott Kinmartin via Flickr

If you’re in love, and you want to propose marriage to that special woman in your life, why not go to Canada on a romantic trip and ask for her hand at Niagara Falls? It’s the perfect place to have that special, unforgettable moment. The lush, green richness of the area and the breathtaking beauty of the waterfalls themselves is the kind of backdrop that’s only seen in the movies – but you can make it a reality for the woman you love. What better way to start the next chapter of your lives together than with something like that? It’s really one of those moments that you’ll keep in your mind and in your heart for a lifetime.

When you get down on one knee and offer her the ring, what do you see it looking like? What’s your vision for what should adorn her hand throughout your lives together? If you want to make an attempt to equal her beauty and value, you want a Tacori ring. The timeless elegance and quality of Tacori speaks for itself, and will leave her speechless. Whether you’re interested in gold or platinum, you can get what you’re looking for. You can also choose what size and style of diamond you want, and choose from a great selection of rings that are sure to please her.

It’s good to have some idea of what she likes, but even if you’re not sure you can let the good people at Tacori guide you toward what she’ll love and treasure forever. When you propose with a ring from this company, you’ll also be showing her that she’s highly valued and appreciated, and nothing but the best will do for her. That’s something she can always hold onto, and something that will matter to her forever.

Filed Under: Travel

Is a Passport Needed Between the U.S. and Canada?

In June 2009, a law was passed stating that any citizen of the United States wanting to get into Canada, regardless of reason, would need a passport from then on. If you’re planning a trip to Canada, this is one thing you’ll definitely have to keep in mind, especially since things weren’t always this way.

It should be noted that, if you don’t have a passport there are other documents that can stand in its place. If you’re curious about this items, take a look at the following list:

  • A NEXUS Card: This has the advantage of being able to use faster lanes when crossing the border both ways. The application process involves a bit more than the paper application, though. Fingerprinting and an interview process are just two items.
  • A U.S. Passport Card: This operates much like the regular passport regarding travel to Canada. If you plan to travel internationally though, this will not allow that.
  • A FAST/EXPRES Card: This is only for truck drivers who cross the borders a lot. The process is pre-approved by border officials in most cases.
  • An Enhanced Driver’s License: Currently, this is only available to citizens of New York and Washington, but is going to be available in other states soon. The license proves identity and citizenship and will work if you’re traveling by land and sea, but will not work by air.

The best option is always the regular U.S. Passport, especially if you plan to travel elsewhere outside of North America any time in the future. You can apply for a passport through your state government and can have the proper photos taken at numerous locations, including your local post office. There is currently a fee of $175 for a new passport. The fee is less to renew a passport.

If you need your passport sooner than the standard four to six weeks, you can have it rushed. Rush My Passport, from the U.S. Postal Service, allows you to renew or file for a new passport for $100. In most cases, the process will be completed within 24-48 hours.

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The Excitement of Traveling in Canada

Granville Island in Vancouver.
Image via Wikipedia

Sharing a friendly border with the United States, Canada has long been a favorite travel destination for many Americans. The country offers a rich history, culture and some of the best outdoor experiences you can imagine. You can head into the wild upcountry and challenge the cold, or go to the city for fun and entertainment. Whatever path you choose, you are in for an unforgettable journey.

For those wanting to explore nature and its offerings, you can go to Manitoba. This is the place where early French explorers came to walk over its prairies in the warm and frigid months. Black Island is a beautiful destination, with shorelines looking out onto the water, and you take in the artic near Hudson Bay. This is also the spot where you can find the best chances of spotting a roving polar bear. You can ride a vehicle into the cold and get up and close and personal to these animals, who can stand 10 feet in height and weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds.

To get a taste of the city life, Vancouver is the destination you need. Here, you can take part in the Vancouver Playhouse International Wine Festival or catch a swim at Kitsilano Beach. Granville Island is home to numerous shops, artists creating their work and various quality dining establishments. You can even catch a glimpse of a whale by taking a boat out to sea. You can take in a group of killer whales, which is a moment you won’t soon forget. Or, if you like to gamble, can head over to the Plaza of Nations for a casino game.

No matter your desire, preferance or personality, there are plenty of experiences to fill your plate in Canada. You will experience a friendly people who have a long and fascinating history in some of the most beautiful country in the world.

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Wood Buffalo National Park – A Grand Adventure

Canada’s Wood Buffalo National Park is a unique area to find experiences in the country’s outdoor regions of the North. The salt flats provide a startling backdrop to a morning sunrise, and you can watch for wood bison and whooping cranes circling overhead as they greet the day. You can also watch swans, geese and ducks ply the water as you wait on the shore, enjoying the spread of beauty across the Peace-Athabasca Delta. This area boasts the biggest freshwater delta located in the northern part of Alberta.

The park offers a number of outdoor activities, including camping, canoeing and hiking. There will be plenty of daylight for your adventures, as the sun never really sets during an artic evening. One of the most beautiful sights that you will see is the Aurora Borealis, or the Northern Lights. You can take a ship out to see them on the water or can just take them in the from the land.

The park itself is open throughout the year, with the busiest season during May up through Labour Day in September. During the peak time, you can access camping at either Kettle Point or the Pine Lake Campground throughout the week. If you want to stay Kettle Point as a group, you will need to contact the park and make a reservation. One of the first places you should stop is in one of two visitor centers in the park, either the Fort Smith Visitor Reception Centre or the Fort Chipewyan Visitor Reception Centre. Here, you can get park information, maps and weather news before you head out. You can also check out the park’s website online to find out further information regarding schedules, tours of the park online and various other valuable information. Wood Buffalo National Park is a treasure to explore and a place you will want to visit.

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Seeking History at Batoche National HIstoric Site of Canada

Batoche National Historic Site of Canada, located on the shores of the South Saskatchewan River displays the remains of a nineteenth village. Here, the last battle of the Northwest Rebellion of 1885 was fought. Batoche was also the spot where Louis Riel chose to set up his “Provisional Government of the Saskatchewan.” The park service has done extensive restoration to many of the buildings on the site, and you can experience life here during the period from 1860 to 1900. You can also get a personal view into the life of the Metis people that lived here.

At the park, you can walk along the shores near the village and see where the Metis provisional government squared off against the Canadian government. The area’s river lot system will be fascinating to explore, as are its numerous functions for the community. History comes to life when you take part in Back to Batoche Days, as Metis culture and traditions are put on display. You can see crafts from the time period, such as beading, and dance to wonderful music. This event occurs in the third week of July.

The park offers a picnic area that is located near the Visitor Reception Area and at the East Village. There are no grills or open fires allowed at these sites. There are also outdoor sheltered tables available during bad weather. All of the historical buildings on the property are accessible to wheelchairs, and motorized wheelchairs are available for those in need of them. There are also baby jogging strollers as well. These items are given to those first to come in and request them. There is a fee to enter the parks, and you can find further information on the area at the visitor center on site. Batoche National Historic Site of Canada is a wonderful way to spend a day.

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Massive Flooding in New Brunswick

Southern New Brunswick was recently hit with a series of heavy and coninuous rains that have caused the area to be the victim of massive flooding. The rains helped the waters held by the St. George Dam to overflow the barrier, covering the area in floodwaters. Volunteers in the area are starting to help by using pumps to remove water from residences within St. George and Bonny River. These two areas have seen some of the most massive flooding.

Various relief organizations are already putting efforts forth to help the families and various vicitms of the flooding. They have put out a call for firewood, donations of funds or even gift cards that can be used to help the flood victims. Currently, firewood is the greatest need that these people have. This is due to those homes that can now only be heated through firewood, much of which was washed away when flood waters and strong rains hit the area.

Town meetings are being set up to inform residents of help options that are available and and related efforts that are being put into action. Homeowners and businesses alike were the victims of enormous damage to structures, loss of products and personal property. One business owner stated that he lost around $2,000 in damage to the company’s inventory of products. The current operation is offering individuals up to a total of $4,000 in order to help with immediate costs for recovery. The Canadian Red Cross has also swung into action, bringing in immediate aid to help the flood victims.

The government is stepping in as well to give residents short term housing to those who have suffered the most severe losses to property and homes. In addition, they will help to conduct inspections to ensure the health of safety of a structure, test water for drinkability and get power services back up and running.

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Car Recalls on the Table for Canadian Drivers

Canadian car owners have recently been victim to a large number of vehicle recalls for various defects. The latest recall concerns American General Motors salwes of over 13,000 vehicles in the crossover class for seatbelt issues. The company stated that seatbelts for the driver and the front passenger could fail to work due to the possible breakage of the anchor for the belt. This can pose a serious danger to the driver and passenger in the event of the wreck, removing a key source of injury protection.

To this point, no wrecks and related passenger injuries have been brought to the company’s attention. The issue was found when the company was doing testing on the vehicles in September. To inform customers, the company is sending them a letter in the mail that should arrive around January 18th or before. This outlines details for taking the car to a nearby dealership for repairs at no cost. The repairs done will help to fix the issue and remove the safety hazard.

Another recall that has crossed the border into the United States as well for several vehicles that have issues. This includes the following: General Motors Terrain, Cadillac SRX and the Chevrolet Equinox are part of the Canadian recall. These are tied to the United States general recall, which totals sales of approximately 100,000 of these vehicle models.

Luckily, Canada has avoided a series of recalls instituted by Honday for some of its vehicles. The company called back approximately 35,000 Passport sports utility vehicles with rear suspension bracket issues. The brackets could possibly come apart and cause a collision. These vehicles were not offered on the Canadian market. The company has also had issues with its Fit vehicles in regards to the headlights, brining in a 1.35 million vehicle recall, which thankfully Canada was able to avoid as well.

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Retailers Encouraging Alternate Payment Methods

There a number of retailers in Canada who have an issue with fees charged for each purchase, especially with Visa and Mastercard. The Canadian Federation of Business has stated that they are considering a measure allowing retailers to post a choice of signage stating that people should pay with either their debit card or use cash. The credit companies are also being challenged on the fees that they charge in order to allow merchants to accept their credit cards. These fees can range from 1.5 percent to three percent, depending on the type of credit card used. Those customers using premium type cards are more likely to bring retailers higher surcharge fees.

The Competition Bureau in Canada is going to request that the merchant agreement retailers have does not include a surcharge on purchases made with credit cards. Some are even pushing for government legislation to help regulate the credit card companies on this issue. Another way retailers can help curb the charges of the credit card companies is to add their own surcharge to customer purchases on cards that charge them higher fees. They also plan to propose that they can decline higher fee cards from customers as well.

The credit card companies state this will work against customers, causing them to have to pay more for their purchases. It will also, as they feel, be a step into the past in pushing for the use of cash over credit cards. They plan to fight against the measures that are being proposed by retailers. As the contention heats up, the battle over surcharges on both sides of the table could get heated. Customers are in for an intersting time shopping in the future as the two sides work to find a middle ground. The question of cash, credit card or debit card may soon come to a head and get a final answer.

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