WELCOME TO THE "JAMES BAY BABBLER"
The "James Bay Babbler" is a weekly work of art designed to engage, entertain and enlighten all those who call James Bay, British Columbia home ...whether they live, work or play in this rather fine neighborhood.
Not-your-average newsletter, this bit of wired wit, wisdom, and wonk reflects the unique features and landscape, not to mention the incomparable people who inhabit this rather nice little neck-of-the-woods nestled behind the legislature in beautiful downtown Victoria.
In a province known far and wide for its infinite variety of fine, feisty and fun-loving folk, it's not surprising to find a few transplanted flakes, nuts, and fruitcakes like your's truly, the quirky yet quixotic "Victoria-in-Victoria", (a.k.a. H.R.H. The Quipping Queen & Empress of Eccentricity) who also calls the "City of Festivals" and the "Blossom Capital of Canada" home!
Frankly, this lighthearted lens is a wonderful excuse to 1) pass the time of day by exchanging stories and spreading good news, 2) ask a proverbial elephant-in-the-living-room question or two, and 3) connect with others from near or far far away who want to know what's going on here or what makes this place tick.
Not-your-average newsletter, this bit of wired wit, wisdom, and wonk reflects the unique features and landscape, not to mention the incomparable people who inhabit this rather nice little neck-of-the-woods nestled behind the legislature in beautiful downtown Victoria.
In a province known far and wide for its infinite variety of fine, feisty and fun-loving folk, it's not surprising to find a few transplanted flakes, nuts, and fruitcakes like your's truly, the quirky yet quixotic "Victoria-in-Victoria", (a.k.a. H.R.H. The Quipping Queen & Empress of Eccentricity) who also calls the "City of Festivals" and the "Blossom Capital of Canada" home!
Frankly, this lighthearted lens is a wonderful excuse to 1) pass the time of day by exchanging stories and spreading good news, 2) ask a proverbial elephant-in-the-living-room question or two, and 3) connect with others from near or far far away who want to know what's going on here or what makes this place tick.
JAMES BAY BABBLER TABLE OF CONTENTS
- BIKERS IN THE BUFF - THIS WEEK'S WACKY EVENT!
- LOTS TO KEEP YOU BUSY ON A REGULAR BASIS
- A TASTE OF AMICA -- AT SOMERSET HOUSE IN JAMES BAY - WED. JUNE 17
- MAKING YOUR VOTE COUNT!
- CAFFEINE COMPARISON SHOPPING
- COLORFUL CHARACTERS FEEL RIGHT AT HOME IN JAMES BAY!
- HAPPY NEW YEAR!
- HEAR YE...HEAR YE...HEAR YE!
- NEW TO JAMES BAY -- THE CREATIVE LOAFING COLLEGE!
- SNIPPETS & SNAPSHOTS
- HOW COME WE'RE STILL IN THE HORSE & BUGGY AGE IN JAMES BAY?
- A VIRTUAL INTRODUCTION TO VICTORIA'S VERY OWN INNER HARBOUR
- Tarts with hearts are always welcome in James Bay!
- I SPY SOME OUTDOOR ART!
- THE NEWS NOOK
- MILE ZERO MUSING
- JAMES BAY IN THE NEWS
- JAMES BAY BABBLER - UNCLASSIFIEDS
- Utterly Unlimited "UNCLASSIFIEDS"!
- BABBLER BOOKSHELF
- COMMENTS, CRITIQUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME
BIKERS IN THE BUFF - THIS WEEK'S WACKY EVENT!
Getting down to the bare essentials...means joining "Bikers in the Buff" on the lawn of the Provincial Legislature, Saturday, June 13th, at 3:00 pm -- in honor of Victoria's contribution to World Naked Bike Day!
LOTS TO KEEP YOU BUSY ON A REGULAR BASIS
REGULAR EVENTS IN THE BAY include:-- "Victoria Singles Social Club" For folks 50 plus interested in meeting for a game of darts not to mention some marvellous mingling at James Bay Inn, 270 Government Street every Wednesday and Thursday, 7 pm. Contact: 250.388.7653.
EATS & ENTERTAINMENT EACH WEEK include:
-- "Jazz and Blues" Heron Rock Bistro (at Croft & Menzies) - Mondays at 6:30 pm and Fridays at 7:00 pm!
-- And, if you feel like munching and music seven days a week, stop in to The Superior Cafe.
-- Tuesday evenings, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm, Scrabble Night! at James Bay Coffee & Books, 143 Menzies Street. Boards supplied or bring your own. Come with friends or come alone to test your word skills. T: 250.386.4700.
-- Thursday and Friday evenings - live entertainment from 5-8 pm at Ogden Point Cafe. Admission by donation.
-- On Friday Nights...why not enjoy some musical treats over at the James Bay Coffee & Books, 143 Menzies Street! Admission by donation. T: 250.386.4700.
-- Saturday Night Music Circle over "The Bent Mast".
-- How about the mellow sounds of jazz over Brunch 11 am - 2:00 pm on Sundays at the "Laurel Point Inn", 680 Montreal Street, or Sundays at 8:00 pm, enjoy some supper soul sessions with Greenlaw at Aura in the Laurel Point Inn. Free admission. T: 250.424.6739.
Don't forget to check out all the events going on in neighborhood at the JAMES BAY COMMUNITY CALENDAR.
NOTE: If these events and activities don't tickle your fancy, see what's going on elsewhere in Victoria.
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NEW EVENTS/ACTIVITIES LISTINGS WANTED!!!!: All you have to do is provide the details via email to: jamesbaybabbler[at]yahoo.com!
A TASTE OF AMICA -- AT SOMERSET HOUSE IN JAMES BAY - WED. JUNE 17
Amica Mature Lifestyles (Luxury Independent Rental Retirement Living Facilities), across Canada will be showcasing one of their true passions...the fine dining experience the the culinary excellence of their Chefs and staff.
Amica at Somerset House
540 Dalls Road
Victoria, B.C.
The public is invited to drop by anytime during this complimentary day that revolves around the enjoyment of food, presentaiton, preparation, and the company of friends!
10:00 am to Noon - Self Serve Continental Breakfast
Your morning Taste of Amica will feature fresh baked goods, juices, fresh fruits, herbal tea selection and coffee. Relax and enjoy your breakfast in one of their fireside lounges or dining area, followed by a tour of the all-inclusive luxury retirement community.
Noon to 2:30 pm - Chef Action Stations
Mid-day food stations will serve carved roast on mini rolls or will feature a sauté station, a selection of hot and cold finger foods, refreshments, fresh fruit, fruit smoothies, sparkling cocktails, pastries baked on-site, teas and coffee.
2:30 pm to 4:00 pm - Chef Demonstrations & Food Sampling
Chefs will showcase their talents by sharing a few secrets to their specialties. Using fresh local ingredients and their creativity, they will prepare an assortment of delicacies for sampling, not to mention fruit smoothies, sparkling cocktails and other refreshments too.
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Image Credit: Peter Arthold@flickr.com
MAKING YOUR VOTE COUNT!
Judging from the turnout the other night at a public meeting in James Bay, (held to showcase several condominium and residential projects proposed for the neighborhood), maybe it's time to find out if things are changing in this place?
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CAFFEINE COMPARISON SHOPPING
So, where's the best place to get a bargain basement price for beans with a buzz?
COLORFUL CHARACTERS FEEL RIGHT AT HOME IN JAMES BAY!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
My Wish for You in 2009:
May peace break into your home and may thieves come to steal your debts.
May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills.
May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips!
May happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy.
May the problems you had, forget your home address!
In simple words ...
MAY 2009 BE THE BEST YEAR OF YOUR LIFE!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
HEAR YE...HEAR YE...HEAR YE!
Here is a delightful dispatch that I received in my in-basket today. I thought it worthy of publication since it is after all about ripsorting royal advice from a Monarch of Merriment to a chaotic colony in the "New World"."To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
In light of your failure in recent years to nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately.
Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas, which she does not fancy).
Your new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections.
Congress and the Senate will be disbanded. A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed.
To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:
1.You should look up "revocation" in the Oxford English Dictionary. Then look up aluminum, and check the pronunciation guide. You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.
2. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as "colour", "favour", "labour" and "neighbour." Likewise, you will learn to spell "doughnut" without skipping half the letters, and the suffix '-ize' will be replaced by the suffix '-ise'. Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (Look up "vocabulary").
3. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as "like" and "you know" is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as US English. We will let M*crosoft know on your behalf. The M*crosoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter "u" and the elimination of "-ize".
4. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.
5. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then you're not ready to shoot grouse.
6. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. Although a permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.
7. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables. Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.
8. The Former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) of roughly $10/US gallon. Get used to it.
9. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.
10. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting Nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.
11. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Andie Macdowell attempt English dialogue in "Four Weddings and a Funeral" was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater.
12. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body Armour like a bunch of nancies). Don't try Rugby - the South Africans and Kiwis will thrash you, like they regularly thrash us.
13. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries.
14. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.
15. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).
16. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 pm with proper cups, with saucers, and never mugs, with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; plus strawberries (with clotted cream) when in season.
God Save the Queen!"
NEW TO JAMES BAY -- THE CREATIVE LOAFING COLLEGE!
It is said that James Bay is a tad eccentric if not quirky.So, it should be no surprise that the "College of Creative Loafing" should find this cozy place to plop down.
Leisure-minded lollygaggers will be pleased to know that the first course offered by this esteemed if not entertaining institution was "Finding Your Fabulous Funnybone"! And, if truth be told, five folks actually plunked their funny money down, tickled their funnybones and let their "Inner Imps" out to play!
SNIPPETS & SNAPSHOTS
Serendipity in James Bay!
Entering James Bay!
Daring Duplex!
James Bay from above.
A view of vertical living!
A heritage home.
View from the water's edge.
HOW COME WE'RE STILL IN THE HORSE & BUGGY AGE IN JAMES BAY?
Well, if you've ever strolled about the byways of our neighborhood (dodging the piles of "earth apples" in the middle of the street), you'll know that we're still in the proverbial "horse and buggy" age here in James Bay!The locals like to think they're hip and definitely with the times. So, they're a little flabbergasted to hear that the "tweed curtain" is to be the first municipality in BC to take advantage of new provincial legislation which expands where innovative vehicles can be driven.
While the federal government has not yet approved the sale of "neighborhood electric vehicles" (NEV) such as the Zenn, (Canada's first zero-emission, low-noise, low-speed electric vehicle) in the Country, the Oak Bay council is keen on approving them for use by 'speed-challenged' seniors.
Considering the fact that James Bay has the highest per capita use of alternative transportation vehicles like bicycles, electric scooters, motorbikes, and skateboards in the City, it is rather curious why the City of Victoria has not seen fit to amend its bylaws to permit our nice little neighborhood to try those nifty NEVs!
Perhaps the City of Victoria council members should visit another "Mile Zero" community, (Key West, Florida), which like our fair neighborhood is also home to a large cruiseship and tourism industry. In this southern-most U.S. community, the most popular mode of transport is the eco-friendly, battery-operated golf course (with nary an 18-hole course in sight)!
A VIRTUAL INTRODUCTION TO VICTORIA'S VERY OWN INNER HARBOUR
Victoria on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
At the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is not only the provincial capital, but also the most British flavored city in Canada. In 1843, Victoria was established by the Hudson's Bay Company as a British fur-trading post. By the late 1800s, the Gold Rush Era had left its stamp on the city with a growing population and a bustling market square. Many of the buildings from that colorful time in history have survived to this day.
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Tarts with hearts are always welcome in James Bay!
I SPY SOME OUTDOOR ART!
Ogen Point Mural.
Mosaics for musing.
He who rules the roost!
A touch of the Blarney!
Menzies & Michigan mural.
James Bay United Church.
THE NEWS NOOK
- JAMES BAY BABBLER ARCHIVES
- Well, just in case you didn't catch the previous issues, you'll find them tucked away in a bottom drawer better known as the "James Bay Babbler Archives".
- JAMES BAY BEACON
- A rather fine monthly newspaper produced by a team of talented types from James Bay, naturally!
- JAMES BAY ORG BLOG
- A "hi five" to Joel Legassie and Reed Kirkpatrick for launching a James Bay Neighborhood Blog -- www.jamesbay.org!
MILE ZERO MUSING
In view of the excessive amount of hot air emanating from the provincial legislature, should residents of James Bay consider imposing a carbon tax on all elected politicians?
Would "green" politicians be exempt provided they potted plants instead of pontificating?
JAMES BAY IN THE NEWS
- JBI INN & PUB REPORT
- "Times Colonist" (June 19, 2008) features a report on the James Bay Inn & Pub, "Pub has a nice floor, but food and service still need some work".
- BIG BUILDINGS ON HORIZON FOR JAMES BAY
- The "Times Colonist" (June 17, 2008) features a report on new developments facing the folks in James Bay.
- JAMES BAY AIR POLLUTION LESS THAN AVERAGE
- "Times Colonist" (June 13, 2008) reports the outcome of a study on air pollution in the James Bay neighborhood.
- DOWNTOWN LANDMARK TURNS 100
- June 2008 issue of "Senior Living Magazine" features an article by Pat Nichol on the centenary celebrations of "The Glenshiel Retirement Home" in James Bay, (where tongue-in-cheek fashion shows are a real hit with residents!)
- HIGHLIGHTS FROM "JAMES BAY BEACON"
- June 2008 issue of "James Bay Beacon" features articles on "Tall Ships Festival", "8th Annual Symphony Splash Event", opening of Spinnakers specialty beer & wine store, the demise of Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club, plus James Bay community association reports, recipes, and community notices.
- PETTING ZOO WELCOMES NEW ADDITION
- "Victoria News" feature about the Beacon Hill Park Children's Farm, (a.k.a. "The Petting Zoo"), welcomed a brand-new baby on May 28th, a Sicilian miniature donkey named "Elliot".
- 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF "GLENSHIEL"
- May 27, 2008 "Victoria News" features 100th anniversary of an institution in James Bay ...fond memories from Glenshiel Retirement Home residents located at 606 Douglas Street
- SMALL SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT RECOMMENDED FOR JAMES BAY
- May 21, 2008 "Times Colonist" features article on plan recommended to build 32 sewage plants in the Victoria area, and one that will have an impact in James Bay.
- JAMES BAY REAL ESTATE REVIEW
- Fred Carver Real Estate Marketing Re/Max Camosun continuously monitor local real estate statistics to provide information about the real estate trends in Victoria. This report highlights the "James Bay Real Estate Review" published May 21, 2008.
- ONE BIG TREE IN JAMES BAY!
- "Monday Magazine" (December, 2007) reported that James Bay can be proud of its tall trees, especially one very important one in Irving Park!
JAMES BAY BABBLER - UNCLASSIFIEDS
Welcome to the "James Bay Babbler - Unclassifieds"!This is the definitely the right spot to casually jot down your urgent needs and desires with the hope that your request will be fulfilled.
Our free "unclassifieds" will help you to:
1. Buy, sell or swap stuff -- whether you want to sell that gaudy gift - a flashing red-nosed Christmas tie from Aunt Clara, acquire a previously-enjoyed pair of welly-boots in exchange for a parrot with a naughty vocabulary, or simply donate a box of very productive composting earthworms to an avid gardener!
2. Make grand announcements like the upcoming marriage of Orpheus Bowen-Bodmin of Spuzzum, British Columbia (and former itinerant summertime card-reader at the James Bay Community Market) to Nimbo Moostracht, Vice-President of Eurobanque, Paris, France; inviting community members to join the "Ancient Order of Modern Troglodytes", or hailing the arrival of a newcomer to the neighborhood be it the birth of a bouncing bunnikin or a new business!
3. Indulge your curiosity by inquiring about unusual things like where to find a copy of "The Book of Marmalade Its Antecedents, Its History and Its Role in the World Today" by C. Anne Wilson published by Constable in 1985; maybe it's wanting to know the best places to stay in Giggleswick (Yorkshire) and Killiecrankie (Scotland) or, perhaps it's finally learning the answer to a perplexing question like, "why do vampires fear white-collar workers?"
NOTE: Just send the details in an email to: jamesbaybabbler[at]yahoo.ca.
Utterly Unlimited "UNCLASSIFIEDS"!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!-- "Lifecycle's Fruit Tree Picks". Have you got fruit in your backyard you're willing to give away to community organizations in need of fresh fruite? Do you want to pick some fruit or veggies to stock the shelves of local food groups and community organizations? If so, please contact: 250.893.7848 or email: fruittree[at]lifecyclesproject.ca.
-- James Bay New Horizons is looking for volunteers to sit on the Board, teach classes, help at the reception desk or in the kitchen, do the gardening, decorate for events, call bingo, count cash, plan and help out at special events...and much more! Call Yasmin: 250.386.3035
MISCELLANEOUS THINGS FOR SALE ASAP!
1. Composting Worms Available! Green thumb folks will be pleased to know that there's a local source of great wiggly worms waiting to help you provide some great composting soil. Contact: 250.383.2225.
2. All manner of oldies but goodies for sale:
-- wide selection of classical vinyl records
-- filing cabinets and bookshelves
-- platform rocking chair
-- desktop computer plus screen and printer
-- slide projector and screen
Telephone: 250.891.0712
3. DELL COMPUTER, LCD SCREEN, PRINTER for sale.
Tel: 250.727.0930.
4. GABRIOLA ISLAND RETREAT: 880 Sharie Drive - bright clean cottage is five minjutes away from a beach on a cul-de-sac in a quiet island neighborhood. Available for weekly rental all year round (Saturday to Saturday). Two bedrooms with queen-sized bed, twin bunk beds as well as one futon for 1-2 people in the living room. Kitchen includes a stove, fridge, microwave, small appliances, utensils, cutlery and plates. There is also a large deck in the front and back for BBQs. Rates: $750/week (June-Sept), $600/week (Oct-May).
Email Liz: watremb[at]sympatico.ca or Tel: 519.833.2738.
5. Laurie of Better Gnomes & Gardens on Gorge Road (a couple of blocks from the Hillside/Douglas intersection) has a project underway that requires a bunch of old bikes. They don't need to be working - in fact, the older the better! What a great opportunity to unload that old rusty bike gathering dust in your basement, attic or garage! Email: bgg@bettergnomes.ca or Tel: 386-9366.
BABBLER BOOKSHELF
A wonderful selection of books about James Bay's most famous resident, Emily Carr, an iconoclast and eccentric artist who captured the wildness and beauty of our wilderness hinterlands.
Growing Pains: The Autobiography of Emily Carr
The compelling story of an artistic James Bay icon.
Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 07/10/2009) 
The Art of Emily Carr
"The Art of Emily Carr", appropriate written by the wife of another prominent Westcoast artist.
Amazon Price: $23.10 (as of 07/10/2009)
Emily Carr (Extraordinary Canadians)
An eccentric, enigmatic and extraordinarily creative Canadian!
Amazon Price: $26.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
Emily Carr 2009 Wall Calendar
A retrospective collection of Emily Carr's work.
Amazon Price: (as of 07/10/2009)
Emily Carr and Her Dogs: Flirt, Punk, and Loo
Portrait of a prolific James Bay artist and her pesky pets.
Amazon Price: $6.95 (as of 07/10/2009)
COMMENTS, CRITIQUES AND CONTRIBUTIONS WELCOME
Here's an opportunity to crank out your candid comments, cutting-edge critiques, or creative contributions to this community bounded by the land, the sea and the occasional blast of hot air when the legislature is in session.
kmcvay wrote...
Join my Island group!
http://www.squidoo.com/group/create_lens/vancouverisland/1f917da0b5a30250fbda30ddd6e96d3a
Posted September 04, 2008
Lensmaster
Catharina wrote
WOW! Victoria, what a neat surprise. This is totally unique and fun. I'll be using this site to advertise our yardsales, send you some awesome sunset pictures and send the link to my girls in Montreal. Don't usually read newspapers, but I definately will keep an eye on this site.
Posted June 10, 2008
Lensmaster
Lynne wrote
Hello Victoria in Victoira. What fun! I look forward to keeping up on the joviality of james Bay
Posted June 09, 2008
Lensmaster
Barbara McDonell wrote
Victoria, this is so cool! I hope new retail shops will be included so I have a good excuse to venture from the other end of town to check them out!
Posted June 08, 2008
Lensmaster
Toni wrote
Hi Babbler - I like the contrarian outlook you give us, I think there are many more people who keep these thoughts to themselves or we just never have a chance to meet them. It is good to speak and hear other points of view and not be a sheep following the party line. I love the variety you have on the blog with JB high pijts as well as the politics (provincial thought a lotof it may be) and I certainly like to see you express yourself, it sort of gives the blog a face. Keep it up eh? Thanks.
Posted June 08, 2008
Lensmaster
PET on Montreal Street wrote
What a great addition to the life of James Bay. This will become "one stop shopping" when I need to know what is going on in James Bay and I will send this link to my friends both near and far...those nearby need to know abou this community resource and those far away will get to see this wonderful place I now call home! Thank you "Ms Babbler" for taking the time and putting your creativity to such good use!
Posted June 07, 2008
by quippingqueen
James Bay is a jolly jumper sort of place!
H.R.H. Quipping Queen & Empress of Eccentricity, Monarch of Mirth, and Giant Squid of Diddlysquat.
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