Is James Bay home to ghosts and spectres?
October 31, 2010 by admin
Filed under History, Main Content, Place

The sacred festival of Samhain (Sow'en) marked the start of Winter, and the beginning of the New Year in the old Celtic calendar. It was considered a liminal time in which the world of the living and the realm of the deceased overlapped. This was a time for the remembrance of those who passed on to an unknown place. Candles were set in the window to welcome the beloved ancestors and to light up the path of the recently departed so that they may be blessed as they set out on their new journey.
There was always an element of fear and trepidation about this night – the eve before Samhain – and also one of expectancy. Not only were certain kinds of divination practiced, but also questions were asked of the ancestors and wisdom sought from their descendants. And, it was also a 'mischief night' when young people disguised themselves, played pranks or engaged in light-hearted jokes involving the community.
The modern custom of trick-or-treating is based upon these old traditions, where those in costume went from door-to-door begging for food and drink. At inhospitable houses, for example, the gate might be removed from its hinges.
The mystery and mayhem often associated with this night is not aided by the commercialism of modern Halloween which tends to emphasize ghoulish fascination with goblins and ghosts not to mention spooks and spectres rather than the communal commemoration of their ancestors.
For those who prefer the scary sights and sounds of haunted houses and their mysterious ephemeral inhabitants, James Bay resident and local historian, John Adams highlights one haunted home worth checking out (as reported in the Times Colonist , October 31, 2010.
THE BENT MAST
The Bent Mast (512 Simcoe St.) is a pub-style restaurant in James Bay. The structure started as a house in the 1880s for the Chandler family, but over the years saw many other uses and occupants. The place has been home to so many reports of ghosts, one former employee who was familiar with paranormal phenomena suggested it might even be a portal between our earthly sphere and the underworld.
Among the most frequently reported ghosts are a middle-aged man sitting by the front window, the upper torso of a woman hovering near the women's washroom and several children on the staircase. One spectral boy in particular is said to play hide-and-seek upstairs, and may be the same one who has reportedly talked with patrons on the front-yard patio and has the ability to take control of their cellular phones.
Residents of James Bay have also reported that there are several ghosts who are known to inhabit the Gatsby Mansion Hotel at 309 Belleville Street. Apparently they appear rather regularly which is probably why it takes a certain kind of person who is willing to work the graveyard shift doing maintenance work in the more remote areas of the property.
Back In Business
October 17, 2010 by admin
Filed under Main Content, News
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After a break of six months, MyJamesBay, is now back in business.
Actually, the break had more to do with recovering from a boodle of broken bones after a bad fall.
Now that everything has healed … there's oodles of time to keep up with everything that's happening in this little bit of paradise called James Bay.
So, without further ado… let's got on with the shooo! (an old Ed Sullivan Show saying…which probably dates the author…but then what the heck)!
Booklouse Recommendations for April
March 30, 2010 by admin
Filed under Booklouse, Features, Main Content
Booklouse Recommendations for March
Property Tax Hikes Here to Stay?
February 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Main Content, News
Movies n’ More!
February 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Entertainment, Main Content
Okay, so James Bay doesn’t have a super-sized cinema…but it does have a fun flick or two plus some unforgettable nummies to enjoy with your noir/naughty night out!
Wednesday, February 10, 6:00– 9:00 pm: A sinfully delicious menu inspired by the film"Chocolat" (which will be shown during this unforgettable entertainment event at The Superior Cafe, 106 Superior Superior Street). Reservations: 250.380.9515
Wednesday, February 24, 2:30 pm: Movie & Beef Stroganoff Supper – "An Affair to Remember" at James Bay New Horizons Activity Center, 234 Menzies Street. ($5.50 per person plus $35 annual membership fee). For more information contact: programsjb.nh@shawbiz.ca or tel: 250.386.3035.
Wednesday, February 24, 6:00-9:00 pm: Great meal followed by the David Lynch film, "Blue Velvet". Come dressed in the style of the film; prizes awarded for the best-dressed film buff; movie starts at 7:15 pm at The Superior Cafe, 106 Superior Superior Street). Reservations: 250.380.9515
Friday Movie Nights – hosted by VLSCS at James Bay New Horizons Activities Centre, 234 Menzies Street. For more information contact: programsjb.nh@shawbiz.ca or tel: 250.386.3035
Live Entertainment in James Bay!
February 2, 2010 by admin
Filed under Entertainment, Main Content
Victoria, BC V8V 1X3
Tel: 250.380.7862 250.380.7862 Email: reserve[at]hotelgrandpacific.com
Victoria, BC
Tel:
Victoria, BC V8V 1A1
Tel:
(near Fisherman’s Wharf)
Tel:
Victoria, BC V8V 1W4
Tel:
Happy Birthday to the Wackiest Water-Bearing Wunderkin in the World!
February 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Fun, Horoscopes, Main Content

This month it’s time for pucker-power people to capitalize on amusing arm candy, curious candy kisses, and oodles of cheeky chocolate chewies…so get rid of that godawful gum, kick up your heels and enjoy yourself for pity’s sake!
ARIES (21 March – 19 April)
Oh yoo hoo…"Ram-a-dama-a-ding", is anyone home? Get with the program will you! Okay, so goats can become a wee bit harsh and nasty if their fragile egos are threatened, are perhaps a tad jealous of other people’s abilities and achievements, and often have friends that don’t last too long. Get over it! Suck it up…cause this month it’s time to dress for success in your knightly armour (or powder puff outfit), jump on a trusty steed (or a Smart car), and find a fair lady/damsel-in-distress worth saving (or a frog worth kissing whatever the case may be).
TAURUS (20 April – 20 May)
The "Year of the Ox" means that you should probably avoid hanging out in china shops hoping to bump into a "Cowabunga Cutie" with disasterous consquences. Just accept with grace the fact that you’re a boring beast with a "bull-headed" nature, which is why you should wake up and smell the roses, put on your rose-colored glasses, crank up the melodious music and play on the back forty with the deer and the antelope!
GEMINI (21 May – 20 June)
Let’s face it, where would you be without your cell phone, two-way talking wrist-watch, or your twitter text messaging Blackberry? Up the creek without a paddle…a fate worse than death, that’s what. The consummate gabbing guru/goddess…you could sweet-talk that sassy serpent out of any apple you wanted. Quit complaining about having to bob for apples…just find someone who’s sweet as apple pie to keep you company on February 14th!
CANCER (21 June – 22 July)
So what if you’re a cranky, crab-faced crustacean with long arms and legs who dribbles food or drinks even when past babyhood. The good news is that you don’t like being in the limelight, enjoy your own company for hours on end, and adore inventing invisible playmates who never give you any grief. All of which means that your best bet for Valentine’s this year is to host a tea party for all your invisible friends, play a game of tiddlywinks, and toss that ridiculous bib…it doesn’t become you!
LEO (23 July – 22 August)
You may be thinking that Valentine’s Day entitles you to the lion’s share of all those dashing dudes or lovely ladies hanging out at your local watering hole. However, you might be well advised to rest, relax, and take a long cat-nap because this year it’s a Cowabunga Cutie who has center stage. Love may be a many-splendored thing, but you should take a pass this year…unless you adore stepping in a whole lot of cowpies!
VIRGO (23 August – 22 September)
Did you know that your Tarot card is "the hermit"? That probably explains why you’ll be spending Valentine’s Day home alone, probably enjoying a bit of platonic flirtation with yourself in the mirror, and leafing through your bedside library to find an informative book on sex because you dearly want to understand the finer details of self-improvement and fertility not to mention the pros and cons of getting involved with anyone who doesn’t appreciate your notion of duty with devotion.
LIBRA (23 September – 22 October)
Although you’re not overly-fond of vigorous sweaty exercises, terrified of being alone, and see yourself as the ugly duckling of the fairy tale, the good news is that your narcissistic, indecisive, and sulky disposition is unlikely to attract admirers, (unless they have deep pockets, good social or business connections and are willing to let you grow into a swan on the long-term installment plan). So, forget about being an "ugly ducking"…be a glow-worm instead and let your lovely light shine!
SCORPIO (23 October – 21 November)
Since Venus is in Aries, it’s time for Spunky Scorpion to strut their stuff rather than waiting for love to knock on your frigging door! In your case, that means taking a break from the rat race, indulging yourself in a bit of self-love, surrounding yourself with creature comforts, and pampering your Pluto self to smithereens! Make sure you stock your goody bag with your favorite melt-in-your-mouth liqueur-flavored chocolates!
SAGITTARIUS (21 November – 22 December)
Okay, so we know that Cupid is your idol. But let’s face it, you haven’t exactly been on target with your bow and arrow lately (especially in the love department). So Tin-Man, frankly it’s time to put your spurs on, get into the saddle again, and jump back up onto your hobby horse! Whatever you do, steer clear of any possessive people, conservative thinkers, and boldless bureaucrats, they will not make your heart go pitty-pat. Don’t forget to smile so your smooch-inclined soul-mate can find you!
CAPRICORN (22 December – 19 January)
The good news is that Venus is in your communications sector and Mars is in Capricorn, your "me" sector. All of which means that you have a winsome way with words (which means you won’t be making the same mistake as last year when you wrote that loopy love letter to that nerdy next-door neighbor). And, since firey Mars is sending up fireworks hailing the fact that there is no "I" in team, you’ll be glad to know that the coast is clear so now you can go out and find a honey-bun…just be careful of the sticky ones!
AQUARIUS (20 January – 18 February)
Okay water-bearer, it’s time to toss your wet-blanket, worry-wart friends and find the love of your life. Venus and Mars, planets more commonly known as cosmic lovers of the zodiac are in sync, thank goodness. All of which means that you’ll have more mad money in your pocket, more self-confidence to slay a dragon or two, and inner peace in your life so you can enjoy the merits of sleep-walking for a change. Now’s the best time to play "spin the bottle"; after all, it’s a great game of chance and a wonderful way to meet pucker-powered people!
PISCES (19 February – 20 March)
Pisces may be a wonderful water sign, but that’s no reason for you to hang out with funny fish all the time. In fact, since Neptune rules your sign, and your sign rules your feet, perhaps you’ll meet your soul mate while walking on water or dancing in a dinghy. On the other hand, if you like swimming, sailing, snorkeling and taking long walks along the beach, you may bump into your bosom buddy when you least expect it! Go for it you ripsnorting rudderless romantic!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE WACKIEST WATER-BEARING WUNDERKIN IN THE WORLD!
February: A month of fun & frolic!
February 1, 2010 by admin
Filed under Events, Fun, Main Content, Misc. Mirth
IT’S FREAKIN’ FUNKY FEBRUARY!
Why is everyone so happy?
Because it’s festive, flirtatious and frolicking February of course — ahem …the shortest month of the year. Time to sample some frisky fortune cookies for a change.
So, without further adieu, here’s what you can do to keep yourself tickled pink for the entire month of February:
February 1: International Daydreaming Day (time to see who can gaze vacantly into space the longest while listening to a long-winded lecture or munching on molecules)
February 2: Hug a Hog Day (time to press the flesh with grunt and groan types who seem to spend most of their time in the barnyard of life chasing their own shadows)
February 3: Aquarius Heritage Day (beware of water carrying geniuses eating unusual food and are a tad independent, mentally odd, tactless, or eccentric for their own good)
February 4: National ‘Pass the Buck Day’ (a wonderful way to honor those who are forever delegating dirty jobs to other poor souls lower down the food chain of life)
February 5: Whoop-De-Doo Day (are you ready to build sandcastles in the air, draw outside the lines, and share your favorite wind-up toys with other grown-up kids at work?)
February 6: Ding Dong Appreciation Day (when was the last time you invited a bible-thumper or political candidate into your home to discuss the future of gaskets or grommets?)
February 7: National Tongue-Twister Day (Time to take the marbles out of your mouth and repeat after me, "Peter Piper picked a pack of pickled peppers…")
February 8: Elephant in the Living Room Appreciation Day (in honor of all sorts of big bogies or couch critters we ignore, and we’d just as soon others did too please!)
February 9: Cock-O’-The Walk Day (your frisky fortune cookie says it’s time to pay tribute to all the red roosters you know who are brave, motivated, proud, romantic, and a tad blunt …if truth be told )
February 10: Show & Tell Day (okay it’s about time to haul out your really neat travel slide show of your trip to Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with spell-binding commentary!)
February 11: The-Right-Way-to-Do-It Day (there’s only one way to install a roll of toilet paper roll so that falls correctly!)
February 12: First-in-Line Day (If your surname name doesn’t begin with "X", "Y" or "Z", step to the back of the line!!)
February 13: Free Lunch Day (time to collect all those outstanding IOUs – wow are you ever lucky!)
February 14: Slings & Arrows of Outrageous Fortune Day (how else do you expect to bewitch a beautiful beast or bag a box of chocolates?)
February 15: Fly Your Own Flag Day (now where did I put that "Jolly Roger"?)
February 16: Gonad Games Day (a.k.a. Potentate Pissing Contests)
February 17: Red Devil Awareness Day (time to sprout horns, wear red tights and carry a booming great pitchfork to scare the heck out of your favorite Nemesis)
February 18: Dr. Seuss Appreciation Day (you’ll need all the help you can get just to speak in rhymes all day long)
February 19: Hopscotch Awareness Day (time to go back to recess time; hope you can hop, skip and jump or at least down a few shots of scotch or suds); if you don’t like "Hopscotch" celebrate "Temporary Insanity Day" instead!
February 20: Finger Food Appreciation Day (great news for weight-watchers, picky eaters, or those wanting to ditch dishwashing duty)
February 21: Chocolate Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (in honor of taboo treats parents tell you not to eat for the first meal of the day)
February 22: Galoshes, Gumboots & Go-Go Boots Day (time to pay homage to forgotten footwear worn by damsels-in-distress or devil-may-care types)
February 23: Divestment Awareness Day (time to indulge in nothing but Naked Truths about an entertaining Emperor without not so much as a figleaf to his name)
February 24: Fake or Flaunt It Day (the only day you get to act any way you please, provided of course you’re willing to pay the consequences of your foolish little escapades)
February 25: Pity Pot Day (time to trade in or toss your troubles away?)
February 26: Mental Floss Day (the only occasion you can tell "Knock-Knock jokes" all you want without fear of harrassment)
February 27: Break Open the Piggy-Bank Day (whoopee no time like the present to splurge on a great cause…you!)
February 28: Small Planet Appreciation Day (ever wonder what the world would be like without Venus and Mars gumming up the works?)
Royal BC Museum Upgrade
January 28, 2010 by admin
Filed under Main Content, News
The Royal BC Museum, a well-known tourist destination in the City and a prominent landmark in the neighborhood of James will be undergoing a multi-million dollar makeover.
Built in 1967, the museum has hosted more than 30 million visitors. Over the next year, the museum will undergo a six million dollar upgrade of its electrical systems to improve the temperature and humidity levels. These systems are critical to preserving the museum’s significant collections which focus on the human and natural history of British Columbia and temporary exhibits from other countries and cultures.
The Museum, located at 675 Belleville Street, will be open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. It is expected that the construction project will be completed by March 2011 with mininimal impact on operations of the museum during the next 12 months.
