Mall life: VR experience allows Chinook shoppers to experience the first flickers of life on Earth
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It's a nice 'miracle-of-life' type of moment until the mother of the new hatchlings catches on and lunges at us with Jurassic Park levels of intensity, leading to one of many hasty exits via time travel with the help of a know-it-all robot from the future named Darwin. Yes, the spectacle is definitely educational. But, at that point, it's more like being thrown into The Lost World.
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'It's like being in a sci-fi movie,' promises Fabien Barati, CEO of the Paris-based company Excurio that created Life Chronicles.
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It is the latest VR 'immersive expedition' to open at Chinook and will run simultaneously with Horizon of Khufu in the 10,000-foot space that once housed Nordstrom. Khufu, which was also created by Excurio, has attracted 65,000 people since opening in December. It is an ambitious spectacle that takes visitors on a time-travelling trip through Cairo and ancient Europe while telling the story of Egyptian monarch Khufu.
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But Life Chronicles is arguably even bigger in scope, taking visitors from the first flickers of life on Earth 3.5 billion years ago right up to present-day Tanzania and into a future city in 2223.
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There are definite sci-fi elements beyond the frequent time travel. The adventure begins when our excitable biologist/guide, Charlie and Darwin accidentally activate a time probe while attending a conference on the evolution of life. This whisks participants back 3.5 billion years and through various stages of evolution. Charlie and Dawrin must locate different probes in the time period to keep the robot's batteries charged so he can help bring us back to 2223. Before the journey, visitors are shown the formation of the Earth in the solar system before travelling to the Cambrian, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods as well as the modern African Savanna. Fitted with VR headsets, we follow Charlie and Darwin. At some points, visitors are miniaturized to observe early forms of life, such as marine worms and hitch a ride on the back of a trilobite. We dodge massive flying reptiles, scary-looking marine reptiles and witness a showdown between some lumbering triceratops and tyrannosaurus before encountering giant herbivores such as Edmontosaurus and Alamosaurus and eventually the Hobbit-like Flores humans.
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As with Khufu, which bases its narrative on real history, Life Chronicles is as educational as it is spectacular. While walking on cliff ledges, precariously climbing massive trees filled with snakes and other creatures and dodging dinosaurs and the spear-wielding but undeniably endearing Flores humans, Charlie excitedly pontificates with dizzying scientific detail about each period.
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Before coming to Calgary, Life Chronicles was in Paris, London, Montreal, China and Australia. Roughly 160 people were working on it for two years before it was released, helping bring 150 species to life. It is a co-production between Excurio and the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle in France, which had 30 scientists lend their expertise to the project.
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'They helped us recreate all those species: the plants, the animals, through different periods,' says Barati. 'It was not so easy because for all these species we only know them through fossils. No one has seen them in real life. They helped us see how they look, the colours, the textures and how they moved because, once again, nobody saw them move. We are going underwater, going into the sky and in lots of different landscapes. So it's a bit crazy. It's an adventure.'
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Winnipeg Free Press
21 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Charlie's Golfing Club Tour continues to inspire
Eugene Hayduk is dying. And while that may be an unusual way to start a sports story, there's nothing ordinary about what you're going to read below. It is a tale of courage and conviction — and making every moment count. Hayduk, 64, was first diagnosed with stage-four thyroid cancer six years ago. After an extensive surgery and countless bouts of radiation and chemotherapy, the long-time Winnipeg social worker recently learned it has spread to much of his body. He is now considered palliative. Time is the enemy. With that in mind, Hayduk is trying to make the most of however many days he might have left. And the self-proclaimed 'golf nut,' who first picked up a club 50 years ago, has found motivation in a most unlikely form. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Charlie's Golfing Club Tour hit the links at Bel Acres on Thursday. (From left) Eugene Hayduk, Charlie Bristow, Bill Bristow, Cal Zankowski. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Charlie's Golfing Club Tour hit the links at Bel Acres on Thursday. (From left) Eugene Hayduk, Charlie Bristow, Bill Bristow, Cal Zankowski. Specifically, the Instagram account of Minnesota golfer Charlie Bristow, who has autism spectrum disorder and a unique, self-taught swing shaped by scoliosis and spinal fusion surgery. Travelling North America with his father, Bill, Charlie has become a social media sensation by showing what's possible with drive and determination. 'On days when I'm struggling and going through tough stuff, I'll watch Charlie's videos,' Hayduk told the Free Press this week. 'And that's what inspires me, knowing what he's overcome and that it doesn't let it stop him from hitting the ball.' Hayduk recently reached out to Charlie and Bill, who manages his online presence and serves as his personal chaperone and caddy, to express his gratitude. One thing led to another, and suddenly 'Charlie's Golfing Club Tour' — that's the name of the online account — was making its first-ever stop in Manitoba as the pair drove up from their home near St. Paul. It happened Thursday morning at Bel Acres — where Hayduk purchased a membership this summer — shortly after an intense thunderstorm that threatened to wash out the entire thing gave way to perfectly timed sunshine and drying winds. 'This is my Masters,' Hayduk said, grinning as he welcomed Charlie and Bill to the course The Free Press joined them for the 18-hole round. Rounding out the group was Hayduk's good friend, Cal Zankowski, who won a Memorial Cup with the WHL's Medicine Hat Tigers in 1988 and later played two seasons with the University of Manitoba Bisons. Zankowski also knows the pain of loss — his young son, Cody, died from cerebral palsy in 2007. 'I admire parents who can have that kind of connection with their child,' said Zankowski. 'I would have loved to have been able to do something like that with my son.' Golf may have been the setting, but this truly was a form of therapy for everyone involved. 'Just look at what's happening here. My heart is so full seeing this, from a personal and professional viewpoint,' said Hayduk, who fought back tears at various times. 'It's just beautiful to watch.' It sure was. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Charlie Bristow has gained fame through an Instagram acount called Charlie's Golfing Club Tour. His latest stop was at Bel Acres where he played Eugene Hayduk on Thursday in what Hayduk called his 'Masters' tournament. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Charlie Bristow has gained fame through an Instagram acount called Charlie's Golfing Club Tour. His latest stop was at Bel Acres where he played Eugene Hayduk on Thursday in what Hayduk called his 'Masters' tournament. As Hayduk astutely pointed out, Charlie 'is really something.' The polite 26-year-old carries himself with the poise and presence of a PGA Tour professional — fixing every ball mark and divot he sees, carefully tending to the flagstick, and meticulously lining up his putts. And his swing must be seen to be believed — something he had to completely re-adjust at the age of 13 when two steel rods were inserted in his back as an alternative to what might have been years in a back brace with no guarantee of success. 'After that surgery, he had to invent his own swing. We had to figure it out,' said his father. 'The key thing was where was he going to stand? He'll hit probably 10-12 fairways per round. He's hit all 14 five times. He does really, really well.' Consider this: Charlie recently shot a career-best two-over 73 at a course in Montana. He may not be the longest driver off the tee, but accuracy can be a heck of a weapon. 'I always told Charlie the great equalizer is him hitting it down the fairway. (Others) may hit it 20, 30, 40 yards longer than you, but the equalizer is for you to hit the fairways,' said Bill. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS 'I really do enjoy the folks that are following me. Everywhere I go it's just been great,' said Charlie Bristow. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS 'I really do enjoy the folks that are following me. Everywhere I go it's just been great,' said Charlie Bristow. Sure enough, Charlie's first shot of the day was perfectly striped down the middle of the first hole at Bel Acres. But it's on the green where he really starts to shine, with an incredible eye for speed and break and the kind of touch you simply can't teach. Want proof? He parred the first four holes Thursday, including rolling in a 35-footer on the second hole which his father said wouldn't even crack the top 10 of his longest putts ever. He would know, since he literally keeps a list, with an 86-footer in Utah still the one to beat. 'I used to play soccer, but I wanted to find an individual sport that I could just see if I could do well,' Charlie said of picking up a club at the age of nine as part of a camp he attended for children with special needs. It was love at first swing. 'I've been doing it for a long time, and I want to continue to do better,' he said. 'With the type of swing I have, I didn't expect to be able to hit the ball a reasonable distance. I'm not comparing myself to anybody else. I'm just thinking in my mind, 'what do I need to do to improve?' I know there's ways to do it.' Charlie already has two aces on his resumé. He nearly added a third on this day. 'Golf has been a wonderful thing for Charlie,' said his father. Physically, mentally and emotionally — particularly when it comes to his autism. For example, Charlie was initially terrified to play with strangers at a golf course, which can be required when times get busy. Bill recalls the first time that ever happened, with Charlie repeatedly saying, 'Why do I have to play with them?' Now? He's a social butterfly, engaging in playful banter and small talk, talking about his favourite golfers (Rickie Fowler and Nelly Korda) and yelling things like 'You're a stud!' when Zankowski crushes a drive off the tee. There's also a pretty wicked sense of humour. 'Good thing I'm not wearing my USA sweater, or else a bunch of Canadians might be fighting over me,' said Charlie with a chuckle. Hayduk, who has worked with countless children and young adults who are autistic at various schools throughout his career and now in his private practice, can only marvel at what he's seeing — and the role the sport he loves has played in it. 'In our business we talk about, 'how do people get regulated?' Well, Charlie is regulated because of what Bill has done. He's given him a purpose, he's given him something to really connect to and enjoy and master,' he said. 'That, to me, is absolutely a thing of beauty. That does my heart good.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Bill, a former state government employee, has dedicated his retirement to keeping his only son happy and healthy. He doesn't golf himself, but carries a tripod around the course to shoot video of Charlie's shots, along with his own play-by-play as if he were Jim Nantz. 'You never know when he's going to do something amazing,' said Bill. They are then uploaded to an Instagram account that has now swelled to more than 50,000 followers. 'Maybe it's the way I swing the club and set myself up different than everyone else?' Charlie said when asked about the support. 'I really do enjoy the folks that are following me. Everywhere I go it's just been great.' There's also a charitable element to what they do, with more than $60,000 pledged by followers for autism organizations. Charlie has a part-time job at a grocery store, working three four-hour shifts a week while also being able to take unpaid time away to go on these tours with his father, who he calls his role model. 'We have a really good bond,' he said. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Charlie Bristow with his dad Bill (left) at Bel Acres Golf Course Thursday. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS Charlie Bristow with his dad Bill (left) at Bel Acres Golf Course Thursday. Before they headed home on Friday morning, Charlie and Bill took in Thursday night's Winnipeg Blue Bombers game at the invitation of kicker Sergio Castillo. Bill does remote, part-time statistical work for a Texas high school football team, which had a connection with Castillo, who invited them down to field level prior to kickoff. Bel Acres was officially the 276th different course Charlie has now played — he shot 90, which would be about average for him, especially in strong winds. There are already plans well into 2026 to keep adding to that number in various locales, including a first-ever father-and-son trip to the United Kingdom. Hayduk had one final request as they sat inside the clubhouse following their round, enjoying lunch. 'Put this down in your calendar again for next year. I plan to still be here,' he told Charlie and Bill. 'Watching what you've experienced and how you carry yourself truly inspires me.' X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Toronto Star
2 days ago
- Toronto Star
My teenage sons wanted theme parks. Instead, our vacation was a cultural immersion in Sri Lanka
'There aren't any theme parks there!' 'What about Wi-Fi?' Those were my twin sons' reactions when I told them we'd be spending our family vacation in Sri Lanka, not at a Disney resort or beachside hotel. At 16 years old, Charlie and Thomas wanted pools and roller coasters, not UNESCO heritage sites or cooking with strangers.
Global News
3 days ago
- Global News
Colossal Biosciences' female ‘dire wolf' meets her brothers for first time
Colossal Biosciences brought its three 'dire wolves' together for a playdate. In April, the biology research company announced the birth of the wolves after using DNA extracted from two fossils as well as 20 edits of the genetic code of a grey wolf — similar to a technique used in the movie Jurassic Park, where dinosaurs are brought back to life by using frog DNA to fill in genetic gaps. On Tuesday, they brought the two males, Romulus and Remus, together in one habitat with the one female, Khaleesi, to watch them meet for the first time during separate interactions. In a video shared to the company's YouTube channel, Khaleesi met her brothers individually, beginning with an introduction to Romulus. Romulus was brought into a grass yard before Khaleesi entered and ran towards a stack of logs, crawling under while her brother began chasing her. Story continues below advertisement 'Everybody was showing great behaviours and ended up being comfortable,' a Colossal handler explained in the video. 'She smelled him and he smelled her. Then she took off running and he, of course, ran with her.' They said Khaleesi is small enough to go underneath the logs but Romulus is larger. This helped the female wolf control the interaction. 'Everything was going great and we wanted to make sure she got a chance to meet Remus today so we went ahead and shifted Romulus back in and we let Remus out,' the trainer added. 'They were both excited. Everybody was so good and played but Remus is almost more gentle than Romulus.' Story continues below advertisement As they observed the wolves, they said the siblings were showing 'lots of play behaviours' and kept their ears up and wagged their tails during their first interaction. 'Once we really see her being in control and confident and she might be a little bit bigger, then we'll decide when the best time is to put them all three together again and see how that goes,' the handler said. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'We care a lot about these animals and we want to make sure that nobody gets injured, no one is scared. All of those processes and thoughts and needs are being addressed and the team is constantly reassessing.' Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi are being raised in an undisclosed nature preserve and Colossal has 10 full-time animal care staff to support the wolves' physical and mental well-being. Story continues below advertisement The preserve where the trio lives is on 2,000-plus acres enclosed by 10-foot-tall, zoo-grade fencing with redundant perimeter security. The wolves are monitored through on-site live camera, security personnel and drone tracking to ensure their safety and welfare. The preserve also includes a smaller, six-acre secure site where the wolves can be further tended to and studied. The smaller area also supports an on-site veterinary clinic, a wolf management facility, an outdoor storm shelter and natural-built dens for the wolves. While dire wolves had previously been extinct for more than 12,500 years, many experts claim that Colossal Biosciences' creation is considered to be genetically modified grey wolves. 'Those slight modifications seemed to have been derived from retrieved dire wolf material. Does that make it a dire wolf? No,' Corey Bradshaw, professor of global ecology at Flinders University, previously told Global News. Story continues below advertisement 'When you claim all these great, big things and you don't provide the associated evidence, especially in something as controversial as this, that is a massive red flag.' 1:55 'Living clickbait': Experts dispute dire wolf de-extinction claim Dolf DeJong, Toronto Zoo CEO, told Global National that the news of the so-called dire wolves was a case of 'living clickbait.' He added that it was 'rich multimillionaires creating animal GMOs for self-interest' and called the creation 'really, really troubling.' Filmmaker Peter Jackson and Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin collaborated with Colossal for the reveal of the wolves in April by lending the company the official 330-pound Iron Throne prop that was used to promote the hit series, Game of Thrones. 'Many people view dire wolves as mythical creatures that only exist in a fantasy world, but in reality, they have a rich history of contributing to the American ecosystem,' Martin said in a statement. 'I get the luxury to write about magic, but Ben and Colossal have created magic by bringing these majestic beasts back to our world.'
