South Surrey forest turns into zombie combat zone
Blood, smoke, pyrotechnics — it’s all part of the experience created by a movie special effects wizard
Ever wonder how you would handle a zombie apocalypse? Here’s your opportunity to find out.
The Zombie Combat Zone opens Friday for a 10-week run on the Panther Paintball grounds, at 19022 16th Ave. It’s an immersive zombie-fighting experience that will have combatants light up the undead with paintballs in a south Surrey forest overrun by brain eaters.
“It’s 57 acres of the creepiest forest ever,” said Jen Yarnell, general manager of the ZCZ. “It is pitch black in there.”
But don’t rush in with guns blazing; you have limited ammunition and you have to keep your cool as you’re on a delicate military mission to rescue some scientists. Soldiers guide you along the way, but it’s up to you to defend yourself and your group against wave after wave of zombies.
It seems straight out of a horror movie, and rightfully so. The mastermind behind the production is Ron McCall, a special effects wizard of the local film industry who’s worked on a number of thrillers.
“He’s been in film for 15 years, so he’s a prop master,” Yarnell said.
The idea came from discussions between McCall and others over what they would do if they were caught in a zombie apocalypse similar to ones in such films as Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead.
“He just thought, ‘I’m going to make a zombie apocalypse and see how you guys do’,” said Yarnell.
Groups of eight to 12 combatants dress up in tactical gear and are met by a soldier who reads them the riot act. While she wouldn’t reveal many details, Yarnell did say there’s a storyline to it, as opposed to simply mowing down hoards of zombies with paintballs.
“It’s basically live theatre,” she said, noting that the entire interactive show runs for about 45 minutes. “There’s a whole script to this thing.”
With McCall’s background in special effects, there will be no shortage of blood, smoke, strobe lights and even pyrotechnics to accompany the sounds of gunfire, air raids and attacks in the distance.
Because of the frightening nature of the Zombie Combat Zone, it has an age limit of 16 and up, although those 15 and under can go zombie hunting with a parent. In the two weeks leading up to Halloween, the organizers will host Zombiefest, an all-ages haunted walk through the forest.
The Zombie Combat Zone is set to run every Thursday through Sunday until Nov. 15, and organizers hope to make it a seasonal production between spring and fall next year. Panther Paintball holds regular paintball in the daytime while the ZCZ runs from dusk to 1 a.m.
Web Link is: http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/South+Surrey+forest+turns+into+zombie+combat+zone/7209384/story.html
Blood, smoke, pyrotechnics — it’s all part of the experience created by a movie special effects wizard
Ever wonder how you would handle a zombie apocalypse? Here’s your opportunity to find out.
The Zombie Combat Zone opens Friday for a 10-week run on the Panther Paintball grounds, at 19022 16th Ave. It’s an immersive zombie-fighting experience that will have combatants light up the undead with paintballs in a south Surrey forest overrun by brain eaters.
“It’s 57 acres of the creepiest forest ever,” said Jen Yarnell, general manager of the ZCZ. “It is pitch black in there.”
But don’t rush in with guns blazing; you have limited ammunition and you have to keep your cool as you’re on a delicate military mission to rescue some scientists. Soldiers guide you along the way, but it’s up to you to defend yourself and your group against wave after wave of zombies.
It seems straight out of a horror movie, and rightfully so. The mastermind behind the production is Ron McCall, a special effects wizard of the local film industry who’s worked on a number of thrillers.
“He’s been in film for 15 years, so he’s a prop master,” Yarnell said.
The idea came from discussions between McCall and others over what they would do if they were caught in a zombie apocalypse similar to ones in such films as Zombieland and Shaun of the Dead.
“He just thought, ‘I’m going to make a zombie apocalypse and see how you guys do’,” said Yarnell.
Groups of eight to 12 combatants dress up in tactical gear and are met by a soldier who reads them the riot act. While she wouldn’t reveal many details, Yarnell did say there’s a storyline to it, as opposed to simply mowing down hoards of zombies with paintballs.
“It’s basically live theatre,” she said, noting that the entire interactive show runs for about 45 minutes. “There’s a whole script to this thing.”
With McCall’s background in special effects, there will be no shortage of blood, smoke, strobe lights and even pyrotechnics to accompany the sounds of gunfire, air raids and attacks in the distance.
Because of the frightening nature of the Zombie Combat Zone, it has an age limit of 16 and up, although those 15 and under can go zombie hunting with a parent. In the two weeks leading up to Halloween, the organizers will host Zombiefest, an all-ages haunted walk through the forest.
The Zombie Combat Zone is set to run every Thursday through Sunday until Nov. 15, and organizers hope to make it a seasonal production between spring and fall next year. Panther Paintball holds regular paintball in the daytime while the ZCZ runs from dusk to 1 a.m.
Web Link is: http://www.vancouversun.com/entertainment/movie-guide/South+Surrey+forest+turns+into+zombie+combat+zone/7209384/story.html
Child killer sentenced, mother outraged
An Airdrie man convicted of manslaughter in the death of a baby has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Daniel Berge was convicted of manslaughter in the death of four-month-old Emelia Matwiy.
Berge admitted to shaking the baby. He was convicted because he failed to get Emelia medical attention.
Crown prosecutors were asking for a 10 year sentence, saying Berge exposed Emelia to prolonged suffering. The defence asked for a sentence of two years. After the sentence was handed down, Emilia's mother began yelling at Berge in the courtroom, angry that he did not receive a stiffer sentence.
Web link is: http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/pages/media.aspx?id=6442615670&mediaID=4500361
An Airdrie man convicted of manslaughter in the death of a baby has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Daniel Berge was convicted of manslaughter in the death of four-month-old Emelia Matwiy.
Berge admitted to shaking the baby. He was convicted because he failed to get Emelia medical attention.
Crown prosecutors were asking for a 10 year sentence, saying Berge exposed Emelia to prolonged suffering. The defence asked for a sentence of two years. After the sentence was handed down, Emilia's mother began yelling at Berge in the courtroom, angry that he did not receive a stiffer sentence.
Web link is: http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/pages/media.aspx?id=6442615670&mediaID=4500361
Dalton McGuinty resigned with little choice, pundits say
Dalton McGuinty's shocking decision to resign as Ontario premier and prorogue the legislature had commentators speculating today about the future of the Liberal MPP and his party.
On Monday, beaten down by a series of scandals, McGuinty announced his resignation and that he was adjourning the legislature.
After 16 years as party leader and nine years as premier, McGuinty said it’s time for “renewal” in the Liberal Party. He will remain as MPP for Ottawa-South until the next election.
On Monday, McGuinty would not answer questions about his future, including speculation that he might seek leadership of the federal Liberals.
The Ontario Liberals have been under fire for months for an out-of-control air ambulance service and faced a second contempt motion Monday for cancelling gas plants in Mississauga and Oakville at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to taxpayers.
However, McGuinty insisted it wasn't the controversy over the gas plants that prompted his sudden resignation
Most commentators reacting Tuesday to McGuinty’s decision said Ontario’s premier had hit a roadblock getting his political agenda through a minority legislature. McGuinty needed support from other parties to ensure public-sector wages are frozen as the province tries to pare back a deficit in the $14-billion range
Speaking on CBC's Metro Morning, Henry Jacek, a political science professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, said McGuinty's resignation was forced once he realized support for his economic plan wasn’t forthcoming.
“The Conservatives were not going to support him on that,” said Jacek. “Since he doesn’t have a majority in the legislature, it means he can’t really implement his plan on public finances. His economic plan had hit a dead end and there was really nowhere for him to go."
Also speaking on Metro Morning, the CBC news anchor and political analyst Robert Fisher said McGuinty struggled to adjust to operating a minority government after holding a majority for eight years.
“This government had a really difficult time finding that proper balance," said Fisher. "It was probably time for him to go. He couldn't make this minority government work."
Fisher also pointed to McGuinty's low popularity in recent polls and a disappointing third-place finish to the NDP in a September byelection in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Successor up in the airNames spoken of as potential leadership candidates to replace McGuinty include Housing Minister Kathleen Wynne, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, former cabinet minister George Smitherman, and Energy Minister Chris Bentley, who has been the focus of the opposition attacks and original contempt motion over the cancelled gas plants.
Fisher said the Ontario Liberals don't have an automatic choice for a successor.
"There is no Justin Trudeau waiting in the Liberal backbenches at Queen's Park to take over the party and revitalize it."
Speaking on CBC News Network on Tuesday, Fisher also said he's doubtful McGuinty has plans to make a run at the federal Liberal leadership.
"I think federal Liberals are looking for a quick fix and Dalton McGuinty is not a quick fix," said Fisher.
Decision to adjourn legislature criticizedBoth Ontario opposition parties were also critical of McGuinty’s decision to adjourn the legislature.
With the legislature now prorogued, the scheduled finance committee hearings into the gas plant cancellations and all other legislative business will be cancelled. There won't be any committees either because the three parties have been unable to agree on their makeup under a minority government.
McGuinty said the timing of the recall of the legislature would have to wait until the Liberals had picked a new leader.
"I want my successor to make that decision," he said.
Dalton McGuinty's shocking decision to resign as Ontario premier and prorogue the legislature had commentators speculating today about the future of the Liberal MPP and his party.
On Monday, beaten down by a series of scandals, McGuinty announced his resignation and that he was adjourning the legislature.
After 16 years as party leader and nine years as premier, McGuinty said it’s time for “renewal” in the Liberal Party. He will remain as MPP for Ottawa-South until the next election.
On Monday, McGuinty would not answer questions about his future, including speculation that he might seek leadership of the federal Liberals.
The Ontario Liberals have been under fire for months for an out-of-control air ambulance service and faced a second contempt motion Monday for cancelling gas plants in Mississauga and Oakville at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to taxpayers.
However, McGuinty insisted it wasn't the controversy over the gas plants that prompted his sudden resignation
Most commentators reacting Tuesday to McGuinty’s decision said Ontario’s premier had hit a roadblock getting his political agenda through a minority legislature. McGuinty needed support from other parties to ensure public-sector wages are frozen as the province tries to pare back a deficit in the $14-billion range
Speaking on CBC's Metro Morning, Henry Jacek, a political science professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, said McGuinty's resignation was forced once he realized support for his economic plan wasn’t forthcoming.
“The Conservatives were not going to support him on that,” said Jacek. “Since he doesn’t have a majority in the legislature, it means he can’t really implement his plan on public finances. His economic plan had hit a dead end and there was really nowhere for him to go."
Also speaking on Metro Morning, the CBC news anchor and political analyst Robert Fisher said McGuinty struggled to adjust to operating a minority government after holding a majority for eight years.
“This government had a really difficult time finding that proper balance," said Fisher. "It was probably time for him to go. He couldn't make this minority government work."
Fisher also pointed to McGuinty's low popularity in recent polls and a disappointing third-place finish to the NDP in a September byelection in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Successor up in the airNames spoken of as potential leadership candidates to replace McGuinty include Housing Minister Kathleen Wynne, Finance Minister Dwight Duncan, former cabinet minister George Smitherman, and Energy Minister Chris Bentley, who has been the focus of the opposition attacks and original contempt motion over the cancelled gas plants.
Fisher said the Ontario Liberals don't have an automatic choice for a successor.
"There is no Justin Trudeau waiting in the Liberal backbenches at Queen's Park to take over the party and revitalize it."
Speaking on CBC News Network on Tuesday, Fisher also said he's doubtful McGuinty has plans to make a run at the federal Liberal leadership.
"I think federal Liberals are looking for a quick fix and Dalton McGuinty is not a quick fix," said Fisher.
Decision to adjourn legislature criticizedBoth Ontario opposition parties were also critical of McGuinty’s decision to adjourn the legislature.
With the legislature now prorogued, the scheduled finance committee hearings into the gas plant cancellations and all other legislative business will be cancelled. There won't be any committees either because the three parties have been unable to agree on their makeup under a minority government.
McGuinty said the timing of the recall of the legislature would have to wait until the Liberals had picked a new leader.
"I want my successor to make that decision," he said.
Round 2
TCFIA denies two-tier inspection for Canadian and export beef
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the same safety standards apply to meat for domestic consumption and for overseas exports and reports to the contrary are "categorically false."
The embattled federal food safety agency is reacting to a media report that inspectors at the XL Foods processing plant in Brooks, Alta., were told to ignore contamination on cattle carcasses unless they were destined for Japan.
A memo to inspectors, dated September 2008, does indeed instruct them to ensure all "Japan-eligible" beef has been 100 per cent verified for removal of fecal, intestinal and spinal cord materials.
The same memo tells inspectors at the "Japan Dura Mater" station on the production line to ignore such contamination for meat that is not destined for Japan.
But a spokeswoman for the agency says the memo was about division of labour and that the Japan inspection station was not the end of the line.
Lisa Gauthier of the CFIA says in a release that there is "zero tolerance for any form of contamination" and that there are multiple points of detection along the processing line.
Largest beef recall in CanadaXL Foods was the scene of the largest beef recall in Canadian history this fall after meat contaminated with E. coli was stopped at the Canadian-American border in September.
People in at least four provinces were found to have been made ill by the E. coli strain and the XL plant only reopened at the end of October.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz issued a release in an effort to assure consumers there is not a two-tier inspection system for domestic and export purposes.
"CFIA continues to ensure the meat sold in Canada is just as safe as meat being exported to other markets — including Japan," Ritz said.
"CFIA continues to ensure that meat processed in Canada meets our high food safety standards. This is required by law and acknowledged by our global customers as a superior food safety system."
o edit.
TCFIA denies two-tier inspection for Canadian and export beef
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says the same safety standards apply to meat for domestic consumption and for overseas exports and reports to the contrary are "categorically false."
The embattled federal food safety agency is reacting to a media report that inspectors at the XL Foods processing plant in Brooks, Alta., were told to ignore contamination on cattle carcasses unless they were destined for Japan.
A memo to inspectors, dated September 2008, does indeed instruct them to ensure all "Japan-eligible" beef has been 100 per cent verified for removal of fecal, intestinal and spinal cord materials.
The same memo tells inspectors at the "Japan Dura Mater" station on the production line to ignore such contamination for meat that is not destined for Japan.
But a spokeswoman for the agency says the memo was about division of labour and that the Japan inspection station was not the end of the line.
Lisa Gauthier of the CFIA says in a release that there is "zero tolerance for any form of contamination" and that there are multiple points of detection along the processing line.
Largest beef recall in CanadaXL Foods was the scene of the largest beef recall in Canadian history this fall after meat contaminated with E. coli was stopped at the Canadian-American border in September.
People in at least four provinces were found to have been made ill by the E. coli strain and the XL plant only reopened at the end of October.
Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz issued a release in an effort to assure consumers there is not a two-tier inspection system for domestic and export purposes.
"CFIA continues to ensure the meat sold in Canada is just as safe as meat being exported to other markets — including Japan," Ritz said.
"CFIA continues to ensure that meat processed in Canada meets our high food safety standards. This is required by law and acknowledged by our global customers as a superior food safety system."
o edit.
HMS Bounty captain search enters 4th day U.S. Coast Guard says Robin Walbridge still in the realm of "functional survivability"
U.S. Coast Guard officials say the search for the captain of the Nova Scotia-built replica tall ship HMS Bounty is still active, despite the man being in the Atlantic Ocean for more than three days.
Robin Walbridge has been missing since Monday morning, when the crew of HMS Bounty decided to abandon ship in high seas brought on by Hurricane Sandy off the coast of North Carolina. Walbridge didn't make it to a life-raft with the rest of his crew.
Lt. Michael Patterson, a spokesman for the U.S Coast Guard, told CBC News that Walbridge is still in the realm of "functional survivability."
"This is still an active search," he said Thursday.
"This is not a recovery operation; this is still a live search and rescue operation. We are searching with the intent of bringing a survivor home."
According to the surviving crew members of HMS Bounty, Walbridge was wearing a survival suit, which could increase his odds of survival.
The 16 crew members of the vessel decided to abandon ship after getting caught in 5.5-metre seas about 320 kilometres southeast of Hatteras, N.C.
The Bounty sank several hours after the evacuation.
As the crew members scrambled to get to covered life-rafts, three of them — including Walbridge, 63, and deckhand Claudene Christian, 42 — were washed overboard.
Walbridge has not been seen since. Christian's body was recovered from the seas on Monday.
The third person who was washed overboard made it to a life-raft and was among the 14 people hoisted onto helicopters and taken to shore.
Patterson said a Hercules C-130 aircraft was launched at first light on Thursday to continue the search, and the Coast Guard cutter Gallatin has been searching the ocean all overnight.
He said the fact that Walbridge was wearing a survival suit — a large rubber suit designed to keep the wearer dry and warm even in frigid water — plays into the "equation of survivability."
"The other factors include factors as basic as a person's will to live. Their strength as a swimmer, whether they were able to make it to debris or life-rafts," Patterson said.
"At some point, time alone will dictate whether or not we can reasonably expect this to continue to be a live rescue operation."
U.S. Coast Guard officials said conditions on the ocean were getting better with each passing day. Thursday brought 26 C water temperatures and 16.6 C air temperatures, along with 27 knot winds and 1.2 metre waves.
Searchers have scoured thousands of square kilometres of ocean since the rescue effort began on Monday.
"The sheer area of what we're covering makes it challenging," Patterson said.
The replica of HMS Bounty, which launched in Lunenburg in 1960, was made famous in a 1962 movie starring Marlon Brando — Mutiny on the Bounty. It has also appeared in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest starring Johnny Depp.
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Winnipeggers asked to swap guns for cameras
Winnipeggers are being asked to point and shoot cameras rather than guns.
Throughout the month of November, anyone who wants to get rid of a firearm can arrange to do so with police.
The program, dubbed Pixels for Pistols, is a partnership between the city police, Henry's Photo, and Panasonic.
In exchange for a working firearm, they'll receive a Panasonic FH8 digital point-and-shoot camera and a Henry’s school of imaging gift card, a value of $240.
For every non-working or replica firearm someone turns in, they'll get a Henry's school of imaging gift card of $75.
People who particpate will receive amnesty from the Firearms Act for possession and storage offences, however each gun will be investigated should any be linked to criminal activity, individuals could face prosecution.
“As a community it is important that we work together to ensure the safety of our citizens. This initiative is a practical way for citizens to help police keep guns out of the hands of criminals, making Winnipeg a safer community,” said acting Chief Devon Clunis.
Police stress they do not want firearms turned in at the photoshop or any Winnipeg police stations.
Instead, anyone who wants to handover their handgun is asked to call police at 204-986-6222 and officers will come and pick it up.
Winnipeggers are being asked to point and shoot cameras rather than guns.
Throughout the month of November, anyone who wants to get rid of a firearm can arrange to do so with police.
The program, dubbed Pixels for Pistols, is a partnership between the city police, Henry's Photo, and Panasonic.
In exchange for a working firearm, they'll receive a Panasonic FH8 digital point-and-shoot camera and a Henry’s school of imaging gift card, a value of $240.
For every non-working or replica firearm someone turns in, they'll get a Henry's school of imaging gift card of $75.
People who particpate will receive amnesty from the Firearms Act for possession and storage offences, however each gun will be investigated should any be linked to criminal activity, individuals could face prosecution.
“As a community it is important that we work together to ensure the safety of our citizens. This initiative is a practical way for citizens to help police keep guns out of the hands of criminals, making Winnipeg a safer community,” said acting Chief Devon Clunis.
Police stress they do not want firearms turned in at the photoshop or any Winnipeg police stations.
Instead, anyone who wants to handover their handgun is asked to call police at 204-986-6222 and officers will come and pick it up.
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