#buffalo juniper

[therachiverse]

Attempted to get some close-ups of our frosty buffalo juniper yesterday. Again, I only have a phone camera so the quality isn't near great. Hope you enjoy :)

[honoura]

Shaaloani: The Land of Enchantment Part Two

Hello again! First of all thank you so much for your responses to these posts -- I've really enjoyed reading your reblogs. I'm glad folks are enjoying this!

As I mentioned in the first post -- here is the second half! It's covers the plants and animals I thought worth special distinction. By that I mean animals that communicate how much research was done regarding this zone. So no rroneek, no uxtena. It's pretty clear they are both meant to be buffalo and rattlesnakes.

And if you're somebody who hadn't caught that, um... surprise! That's what they're based on.

If you're somehow getting this post without reading or seeing Part One first, here is a link to Part One. I'd recommend giving it a read first.

With that taken care of, let's pick up where we left off before!

Shaaloani Flora

Aside from the cacti, there are a lot of plants I recognize as native to the regions discussed in Part One! First is this scrubby, short and wide tree. It took a few screenshots and a lot of scrutiny. I was torn for a bit thinking it was a creosote bush, but upon zooming in close I'm of the mind it's a redberry juniper tree instead!

The leaves are long and thing, and the shape gives to mind of juniper needles more. Juniper 'leaves' kind of scale over each other and between texture resolution and my horrible eye sight I can't tell if this does the same. Still! There's a photo below my two screenshots for further emphasis:

These are also the trees turned red near the ceruleum fields -- junipers tend to do that when they are dying. They are also incredibly hardy so typically when you've managed to kill one it's likely not good.

I will say when I was out here I noticed the botanist gathering log has mesquite beans on it -- and you harvest them from these trees! Which is too silly for me; so here's a link to the the wiki about honey mesquite, and a photo of the beans on a tree.

It's probably a reach to try and ID this grass in the Yawtanane Grasslands, but given that it caught my eye I felt inclined to make a pitch. For context child me thought a fun and engaging after school club project was to learn how to identify grass and other plants native to Texas. So when I looked at it I wanted to take a guess based on other regional clues:

To me I think it could be cane bluestem, a grass that's drought tolerant and popular for grazing animals. And its seeds are dispersed from these little fluffy heads like this.

I will say as a caveat that a lot of grass in this area can be dispersed by wind. So it might not be cane bluestem -- hell it's a stretch to even try this. But I like to think they also considered the grass.

The bush above I also hmmed and hrmmed about for a bit before positing if it was meant to be black persimmon. It's commonly called Texas persimmon or Mexican persimmon -- and it's found in Coahuila, Tamaulipas and Neuvo León. They generally just look like big shrubs instead of trees.

I mentioned this in part one, but I'll go ahead and reiterate here a few things:

One is I think Lake Taori's about the only place that reads as specifically Texas

Two is it's not a bayou. That's an East Texas ecosystem and way too wet for Shaaloani

Three is there are cypress trees west of San Antonio growing along the Frio river, and doing quite well! Garner State Park has quite a few of them

I stand by this because these trees are show to be reproducing by making 'knees' -- offshoots from their root system. Think of it like Pando.

I also feel cypress is correct; the trunks are wider at the base than higher up, and the leaves are the right shape. I also appreciate there's Spanish moss hanging from them, which is also pretty common.

The last plant I want to cover is this flowering bush -- I'm going to admit this one was a struggle because I don't know of a lot of bushes with large white flowers like this. I've seen flowers of this shape, but most tend to be ground cover plants that grow very low to the soil.

What I think it might be, which would feel appropriate, is a take on the datura. They can get a bit higher off the ground than most wildflowers. And they were used by several native tribes for cultural practices.

The flowers are bigger in real life than depicted here -- so this is a reach! If someone has a better suggestion I'm open to it.

Shaaloani Fauna

When Fate farming out here, I've seen several players comment like 'huh, there sure are a lot of dinosaurs on this map'. And you're right! Because a lot of this region is home to some incredibly rich fossil formations.

Big Bend National Park contains part of the Javelina Formation -- home to large creatures such as the Quetzalcoatlus, a pterosaur that boasted a 39 foot wingspan. You can read about fossils found in Big Bend here. The Javelina Formation has its own wiki article that details some of the specimens found within it, including the Bravoceratops and the Torosaurus. The Ojo Alamo Formation in New Mexico is home to the Ojoceratops. Just south of these is the Aguja Formation in the Mexican states of Coahuila and Chihuahua. These formations are home to fossils of all three types of scalekin above -- as well as alligators, who are also on this map!

Other Formations in the Southwest home to great fossil finds are:

Kayenta Formation (Colorado & Utah)

Tepetate Formation (Mexico)

Black Peaks Formation (Texas)

There's even a fun sightseeing lore blurb which acknowledges this!

I think this is a fun addition to the zone that strengthens the real world inspiration sources and have fun with world building -- a lot of the formations near the Permian Basin were along the shore or under the waves of the Permian Sea!

And that's all I have! Thank you all for indulging me, and by all means take any and all of this to do with what you will in roleplay. Have fun with it!

[mosertone]

Every year on December 29th, we remember those who were massacred by the U.S. 7th Cavalry at Wounded Knee in 1890:

THOSE WHO CROSSED OVER THAT DAY:

Afraid Of Bear

Afraid Of Nothing Bear (Bear Fool)

Afraid Of Tomahawk

Appears Twice

Ashes

Baby girl

Baby, Wet Feet (White Foot)

Bad (Bear) Woman’s son

Bad Braves

Bad Owner Without Rope

Bad Owner Without Rope’ wife

Bad Spotted Eagle (Cree)

Bad Spotted Eagle’s wife

Bad Wound

Bad Wound’s son

Badger

Bear Comes And Lies

Bear Don’t Run

Bear Lays Down

Bear Parts (Cuts) Body

Bear Parts (Cuts) Body’s son

Bear Sheds His Hair (Shedding Bear)

Bear Skin Vest

Bear Skin Vest’s wife

Bear Skin Vest’s daughter

Bear That Shoots

Bear That Shoots’ mother

Bear With Small Body

Bear With Small Body’s wife

Bear Woman

Benefactress

Chief Big Foot (Spotted Elk)

Big Foot’s wife (Small Tail)

Big Foot’s daughter (White Horse Woman)

Big Skirt (Shirt)

Big (Loud) Voice Thunder

Big Voice Thunder’s wife

Big Voice Thunder’ child

Bird Wings

Bird’s Belly

Black Flutes

Black Fox (Coyote)

Black Hawk

Black Hair’s wife

Black Shield's little girl

Brings White

Broken Arrow

Broken Arrow’s wife

Brown Beaver

Brown Hoops

Brown Turtle

Brown Woman

Buckskin Breech Clout

Cast Away And Run

Cedar Horse

Charge At Them

Chief Boy

Chief Woman

Close To Home, Louis

Clown Woman

Comes Out Rattling

Cottonwood

Courage Bear

Courage Bear’s wife

Courage Bear, George

Crazy Bear

Dewey Beard’s wife (Wears Eagle/White Face)

Dewey Beard’s son (Thomas Beard)

Drops Blood’s wife

Eagle Body

Elk Creek

Elk Creek’s wife

Fat Courage Bear

Feather Enemy

Ghost Horse

Good Bear’s wife

Good Boy

Grease Leg Bone

Grey Hand

Grey In Eyes

Handsome

Happens

Hard To Kill’s mother

Has A Dog

Has Scarlet

Has The Bell

Hat

Hawk Flying

He Crow

He Eagle

He Eagle’s wife

He Eagle, Edward

Head Woman

Heart Of Timber

Her Eagle Body

Her Good Cloud

Her Scarlet Blanket

High Hawk’s wife

High Hawk’s son

High Hawk’s daughter

Horned Cloud, William

Horned Cloud, Sherman

Important Man

Iron American’s wife

Iron Eyes (Big Foot's brother)

Iron Eyes’ wife

Iron Eyes, Albert

Kills

Kills Assiniboine

Kills Crow Indian

Kills First

Kills In Bush

Kills Seneca

Kills Tin Cup

Kills Who Stand In Timber

Wife of Kills Who Stand In Timber

Kyle, Charles

Lap’s wife

Last Running

Last Talking

Leg

Light Hair

Liking

Little baby

Little Body Bear

Little Body Bear’s wife

Little Body Bear’s son

Little Body Bear’s daughter

Little Boy’s son

Little Elk

Little Elk’s wife

Little girl

Living Bear

Lodge Napkin

Lodge Skin

Log

Wife of Log

Lone Child

Long Bull

Mrs. Long Bull

Long Medicine

Mad

Makes Presents

Medicine Lake Girl

Medicine Woman’s son

Medicine Woman’s son (2)

Medicine Woman’s daughter

Mercy To Others

Mule's Daughter

Not Afraid Of Lodge

Not Go In Among

Old Good Bear

Old Man Yellow Bull

Old Man Yellow Bull’

One Feather

Pass Water In Horn

Pawnee Killer

Peaked

Picket Horse

Plain Voice

Pretty Bear

Pretty Bold Eagle

Pretty Enemy

Pretty Hawk

Pretty Hawk’s wife

Pretty Hawk’s baby

Pretty Hair

Pretty Voice Elk

Pretty Woman

Produce

Rattles

Rattling Leaf

Really Woman

Really Woman’s Son

Red Buffalo (Red White Cow)

Red Eagle

Red Ears Horse

Red Ears Horse’s sister

Red Fish

Red Fish’s wife

Red (Scarlet) Horn

Red Juniper

Red Other Woman

Red Shell

Red Shirt Girl

Red Water Woman

Roots Its Hole

Rousing Squirrel

Rousing Squirrel’s mother

Running In Lodge

Running Standing Hairs

Running Standing Hairs’ wife

Running Standing Hairs’ daughter

Runs After

Runs Behind (Last Running)

Runs Off With Horses

Runs On’ sister

Sacred Face

Sacred In Appearance

Scabbard Knife

Scabbard Knife’s wife

Scares The Bear

Scares The Bear’s grandson

Scares The Bear’s grandson (2)

Scarlet Calf

Scarlet Calf’s son

Scarlet Calf’s son (2)

Scarlet Coat

Scarlet Otter

Scarlet Smoke

Scarlet White Buffalo

Scatters Them

Shakes The Bird

Shaving Bear

Shaving Bear’s child

Shaving Bear’s child (2)

Shaving Bear’s child (3)

Shaving Bear’s child (4)

Shedding Bear

Shedding Bear’s mother-in-law

She Bear

Shoot At Accurately

Shoot At Accurately’s son

Shoots Straight

Shoots The Bear

Shoots The Bear’s wife

Shoots The Bear, George

Shoots (With) The Hawk Feather

Shoots (With) The Hawk Feather’s mother

Shoots The Right

Shoots The White

Short Hair (Close Haired) Bear

Short Hair Bear’s child

Short Hair Bear’s child (2)

Short Hair Bear’s child (3)

Shot In Hand

Singing Bull

Singing Bull’s wife

Singing Bull’s son

Slippery Hide

Small Bodied Bear

Spotted (Speckled) Chief

Spotted Elk

Spotted Elk’s wife

Spotted Elk’s son

Spotted Elk’ son (2)

Spotted Elk’s son (3)

Spotted Thunder

Starts The Horse

Strike Scatter

Stone Hammer’s wife

Strong Fox

Strong Fox’s wife

Sun In The Pupil

Sun In The Pupil’s wife

Swift Bird

Swift Bird’s wife

Takes Away Enemy

Takes Away The Bow

The Ring

Thunder

Thunder Hawk Woman

To Laugh

Trotter

Trouble

Trouble In Front

Trouble In Front’s mother-in-law

Trouble In Love’s wife

Twin Woman

Unintentionally Brave

Up To His Waist

Up To His Waist’s wife

Used For Brother

Walking Bull

Walking Bull’s wife

Walks Red

War In His

Water Snake

Wears Calfskin Robe

Weasel

Weasel Bear

Weasel Bear, Louise

Whip

Whirlwind Bear

Whirlwind Hawk

Whirlwind Hawk’s wife

Whirlwind Hawk’s daughter

Whirlwind Hawk’s daughter (2)

Whirlwind Hawk’s daughter (3)

Whirlwind Hawk’s son

Whirlwind Hawk’s son (2)

White

White American

White Beaver Woman

White Bull

White Day

White Face Sun

White Feather

White Hat

White Man

White Mule

White Wolf

White Woman

Wind

Wing

Wing’s son

Winter

Without Robe

Wolf Eagle

Wolf Ears, Edward

Wolf Skin Necklace

Wood Shade

Wood Shade’s wife

Wounded Hand

Wounded In Winter

Yellow Bird Woman

Yellow Buffalo Calf’s wife

Yellow Robe

Young Afraid Of Bear

Young Bear

Young Good Bear

THE WOUNDED (partial list)

Afraid Of Enemy

Brown Eyes

Bear Gone

Bad (Bear) Woman

Bear Lays Down’s wife

Billy Woman

Dewey Beard (Iron Hail)

He Crow’s wife

Help Them (Helps Them Up)

Her Black Horses

Holy Woman

Kills Close To Lodge, Bertha

Kills White Man’s wife

Little Bull

Little Finger, John

Looking Elk

Looking Elk, Lydia

Put Away Moccasins

Run As Though His Hair Fussed

Runs Around Lodge

Sack Woman

Scaring Hawk

Walking Buffalo

White Cowboy’s son

Yellow Eyes

THE SURVIVORS

Afraid Of Hawk, Richard

Afraid Of Left Hand

Animal

Audacious Bear

Back Bone

Bad Boy

Bad Hand

Bear Cuts Body’s wife

Bear Don’t Run’s wife

Bear Runs In The Woods

Bear Sheds His Hair’s wife

Bear Woman’s daughter

Bear Woman, Edith

Big Boy’s son

Bird Shaker (Brown Bull)

Birds Afraid Of Him

Black Bugle

Black Crow

Blue Horse

Bone

Brings Yellow

Brown Hair

Brown Sinew

Chases And Kills

Cub Bear

Enemy

Farms At The River

Good Horse’s wife

Good Scarlet Horn

Good (Pretty) Spotted Horse

Good White Cow

Grey

Grey Hand’s wife

Grey Hand’s son (George Randall)

Grey Owl Woman

Hair Pipe

Hand

Hard To Kill (Young Bear)

Hawk Bear (Eagle Hawk Bear)

Hawk Feather (Shoots The Hawk Feather)

Hawk Woman

He Crow, Jackson

He Eagle

Helper, Simon

Her Black Horses’s daughter

Her Brown Faced Dog

Her Cedar

Her Eagle

Her Elk Tooth

Her First

Her Neck

Her Room

Her Shawl

Her War Bonnet

In Front

Kill Her White Horse

Killed His Choice

Killed The Bear

Killed The Bear’s wife

Kills Against

Kills First, Leon

Kills First, Mary

Kills In The Middle

Kills One Hundred

Kills Two

Kills White Man

King Boy’s son

Knife, Nellie

Knocked In The Head

Kyle, Charles’ wife

Kyle, Charles’ child

Light Hair Girl

Little Bear

Little Body Bear’s son

Little Cloud

Little Cloud’s wife

Little Eyed Woman

Little Water

Little Water’s wife

Little Warrior

Little Wound

Liver Gall

Lives In Iron

Lives Reckless

Living Bull’s son

Living Bull, Helena

Long Bull

Long Bull, Helen

Long Feather

Long Holy

Long Woman

Lost Bird

Makes Him Mad

Not Stingy

Picks And Kill

Pipe On Head, James

Pretty Shield

Pretty Shield’s wife

Quit On Him

Red Belly

Red Fingernail Woman

Red Fish, James

Red Horn Bear

Red Stone

Rough Feather

Running Hawk, George

Runs After It

Runs Fast

Runs On

Sacred Blanket

Scarlet Rotation

Scarlet Tipi Top

Scout

Scout Tent

Sees The Bear

Sees The Elk

Seventeen, Patrick

Shawl Over Head

Shell Necklace

She Wears Eagle

Shoot The Bear (I Shot The Bear)

Shoots Straight’s wife

Shoots Straight’s child

Shot Him Off

Short Hair Bear’s wife

Shows His Cloud

Sinew Belly

Sits Poor, Frank

Sits Straight (Good Thunder)

Smokes Walking

Snow Over Her

Sole Of Foot

Spotted Bear, John

Spotted Eagle

Stands Looking’s wife

Stands Up For Him

Tattooed

The Brown

The Hawk

The Voice

Touches The Ground

Trouble In Front (Bear Sheds His Hair)

Two Arrows (Male Eagle)

Two Lance

Unties Shoestring

Walks With Circle

Warrior

Wears Calfskin Robe’s wife

Wears Fur Coat

Wears Yellow Robe

Whip

White Cow Comes Out

White Eagle

White Face Woman

White Hair

White Hawk’s son

White Horse

White Lance (Horn Cloud)

White Woman Hand

Wild Man

Wind In Guts

Young Big Foot

Yellow Horse

Sources: “The Wounded Knee Interviews of Eli S. Ricker” and “Big Foot’s Followers at Wounded Knee” in Nebraska History Quarterly (lists may be incomplete)

Medals of Honor (the United States’ highest military honor) awarded to selected perpetrators of the massacre. These awards have never been rescinded.

• Sergeant William Austin, cavalry, directed fire at Indians in ravine at Wounded Knee;

• Private Mosheim Feaster, cavalry, extraordinary gallantry at Wounded Knee;

• Private Mathew Hamilton, cavalry, bravery in action at Wounded Knee;

• Private Joshua Hartzog, artillery, rescuing commanding officer who was wounded and carried him out of range of hostile guns at Wounded Knee;

• Private Marvin Hillock, cavalry, distinguished bravery at Wounded Knee;

• Sergeant Bernhard Jetter, cavalry, distinguished bravery at Wounded Knee for "killing an Indian who was in the act of killing a wounded man of B Troop."

• Sergeant George Loyd, cavalry, bravery, especially after having been severely wounded through the lung at Wounded Knee;

• Sergeant Albert McMillain, cavalry, while engaged with Indians concealed in a ravine, he assisted the men on the skirmish line, directed their fire, encouraged them by example, and used every effort to dislodge the enemy at Wounded Knee;

• Private Thomas Sullivan, cavalry, conspicuous bravery in action against Indians concealed in a ravine at Wounded Knee;

• First Sergeant Jacob Trautman, cavalry, killed a hostile Indian at close quarters, and, although entitled to retirement from service, remained to close of the campaign at Wounded Knee;

• Sergeant James Ward, cavalry, continued to fight after being severely wounded at Wounded Knee;

• Corporal William Wilson, cavalry, bravery in Sioux Campaign, 1890;

• Private Hermann Ziegner, cavalry, conspicuous bravery at Wounded Knee; • Musician John Clancy, artillery, twice voluntarily rescued wounded comrades under fire of the enemy; • Lieutenant Ernest Garlington, cavalry, distinguished gallantry; • First Lieutenant John Chowning Gresham, cavalry, voluntarily led a party into a ravine to dislodge Sioux Indians concealed therein. He was wounded during this action. • Second Lieutenant Harry Hawthorne, artillery, distinguished conduct in battle with hostile Indians; • Private George Hobday, cavalry, conspicuous and gallant conduct in battle; • First Sergeant Frederick Toy, cavalry, bravery; • Corporal Paul Weinert, artillery, taking the place of his commanding officer who had fallen severely wounded, he gallantly served his piece, after each fire advancing it to a better position

NEVER FORGET!!!!!

[thelandboundseawitch]

🦌Yule & Christmas🦌

Yule is a sabbat which celebrates the winter solstice. It's a celebration of home and loved ones. It is a time to reflect and look forward to the days getting longer once again. Decorating trees and feasting with friends and family are common Yuletide traditions. Yule is celebrated by many on December 21st, though it varies by individuals.

Activities

Decorate a tree, pinecone, or houseplant

Drink hot chocolate

Bake desserts

Burn a Yule log or sit by the fireplace

Host a feast for family and friends

Feed animals

Donate(toys, clothing, etc.) to those in need

Do snow activities(making snowmen, snow angels, etc.)

Altar Decorations

Pinecones

Poinsettias

Candles

Fake Snow

Garland

Ornaments

Yule Log

Ribbon

Bells

Wreaths

Holly Berries

Animals

Deer

Dove

Buffalo

Wolf

Squirrels

Bears

Colors

Red

Green

White

Gold

Silver

Crystals

Bloodstone

Cat's Eye

Citrine

Ruby

Garnet

Emeralds

Deities

Apollo

Jesus

Demeter

Artemis

Diana

Virgin Mary

Flowers

Chamomile

Poinsettias

Food

Roasted Meat

Bread

Squash

Eggnog

Soup

Fruit Cake

Nuts

Beer

Spiced Cider and Wassail

Gingerbread

Hot Chocolate

Incense and Oils

Frankincense

Myrrh

Bayberry

Cedar

Pine

Cinnamon

Juniper

Orange

Clove

Plants & Herbs

Frankincense

Rosemary

Sage

Bay

Evergreen

Myrrh

Mistletoe

Pine

Oak

Ginger

Star Anise

Spells and Rituals

Yule is an excellent time to cast spells to promote happiness, prosperity, and healing. These are a way to rein in the winter solstice and celebrate the beginning of longer days.

Final Notes

Write sigils on the inside of wrapping paper

[bonefall]

if I were a clan cat I’d want to be a shadowclan or skyclan cat just because of the food/culture. stew? sign me up. strange humor? yes please. shadowclan can make a sort of buffalo sauce, and even if it’s not spicy, I bet it’s good. and skyclan seems to not only condone but encourage strange behavior. the clans ever

ShadowClan's "buffalo sauce" is dried juniper. European Juniper was once called "Poor Man's Pepper" when ACTUAL spice couldn't be imported from other countries. We'll just say that cat taste buds are so sensitive it feels like real black pepper to them.

You just know that ShadowClan played chicken with SkyClan when they had to accept them as hosts after the Kin Drama, Tigerheart tossing crayfish in the stew knowing the other Clans usually hate it, and just WAITING for her SkyClan meal partner to notice... but he never comments. She's baffled, started making comments,

Tigerheart: "Soo, you like your soup crunchy ay?"

Reedclaw: "Oh yes this soup is EXTRA 'crunchy' and I do so love it :)"

Tigerheart: "...no claws for alarm with my soup?"

Reedclaw: "Claws for- Ahhhh because my name is Reedclaw! You are funny."

*Tigerheart watches Reedclaw get to a craw in their soup. Grinning as his expression changes to Aardman Grimmace*

Tigerheart: "Something wrong, hostie?" *Evil grin and head tilt*

Reedclaw: "...Well I don't mean to be rude or ungrateful, love... but there's not enough juniper in your soup!"

Tigerheart: "WHAT? NOT ENOUGH JUNIPER, I'LL KILL YOU WITH IT NEXT TIME YOU-"

Reedclaw: *Smile* "Why I certainly didn't mean for you to lose your temper...! Perhaps you need another bowl."

It was in that moment Tigerheart knew, she had underestimated SkyClan's ability to be polite.

[izoryotaro]

#I love you pinion juniper scrub forest I love you prairie sage brush I love you ponderosa pines#I LOVE YOU ASPEN GROVES#I got so excited about plants I forgot about animals but I also love every creature in the Rocky Mountains

don't worry Caitie I got you

i love you buffalo i love you hummingbirds i love you big horned sheep i love you great horned owls. i love you marmots and rattlesnakes and mule deer and tarantulas-

the relationship between a person and the native flora and fauna of where they grew up is something that can actually be so personal

[laguiole-knives]

Keys to Recognizing an Authentic Laguiole Knife

When it comes to quality, it’s hard to find a knife that is better than the Laguiole Knife. There are a lot of different knives on the market, some that try to mimic the look of the iconic Laguiole Knife. How can you determine if you have an authentic one? Read on to learn more about the history of these knives as well as how to identify a genuine one.

What is a Laguiole Knife?

The original Laguiole Knife comes from a mountain village located in Southern France. Back in the early part of the 19th century, the village of Laguiole was known for making both pocket and table knives for the farmers and shepherds in the Aubrac region. As time went on, these knives were made in various other areas but still retain the same keen eye for details and quality production as when this brand first started.

Something that makes Laguiole knives stand out from other knives is that each and every knife is handmade and created by one person from the beginning to the end of the manufacturing process. These days, authentic Laguiole knives are made in France by only the most skilled workers in both the village of Laguiole and Thiers. Thiers is known for being a hub for cutlery due to the skill of workers.

These knives have a slim and sinuous outline to them, making them very distinct in comparison to other similar knives. Typically, these are sized at about 12 cm long while it’s closed. The blade is narrowed and tapered, giving it a unique look. When talking about the traditional knives, they usually only have a single blade to it, though they may have a corkscrew or other implement on the knife in addition to the blade.

Tips for Identifying a Genuine Laguiole Knife

In this section, you can not only learn about identifying an authentic Laguiole Knife but learning what to look out for when you come across counterfeit knives. It’s important to make sure that you stick to only authentic knives because you simply cannot beat the quality that you can get from the authentic Laguiole knives. You don’t want to spend a fortune on a knockoff knife or get a counterfeit option and not get the quality that these knives have to offer.

Craftsmanship

If you have a keen eye for details, you will be able to identify a true Laguiole knife by looking for artisanal craftsmanship. The material used to create these knives are very unique to this specific type of knife. The handle is made from buffalo horn, warthog tooth, and juniper wood. The blade is made from mammoth ivory, silver, and damask steel.

No Lock

Another way to easily identify authentic Laguioles is by the fact that these knives don’t have locks on them. These have slip joint-springs, which creates resistance when you try to close the knife. There’s also no stop prevents the knife’s blade from touching the spring in the handle. This means that you need to be extremely careful when you close the knife to prevent damage.

Cross Shape

These knives have silver pins in the handle, which represents the Christian cross. It is believed that this was added to the design in order to give the shepherds a cross to pray with, even when they have traveled far from their home.

“Made in France”

As previously mentioned, authentic knives will generally be made in the Laguiole and Thiers areas of France. This means that they will like have a stamp of authenticity that says, “Made in France”. You may also see a stamp of the worker’s trademark or signature, which is often used by families that have been working in this industry for over 150 years.

Spotting Counterfeit Knives

Just because the knife says it’s a Laguiole, doesn’t mean it actually is. They can use this name to describe their knives even if they aren’t true Laguioles. There are ways that you can tell if the knife is a counterfeit just by looking at it, including:

Color

If you see a knife that calls itself a Laguiole and is colorful, this is a fake. The colorful knives generally come from Asia rather than from France. If the knives are boldly colored, this is a very easy way to identify a fake.

Serrated

Authentic Laguioles will never be serrated. This is something that is actually looked down upon by the skilled craftsman that have spend years perfecting the craft of true Laguiole knives. Look for smooth blades to help identify the authentic knives.

Price

Due to the handmade nature these knives and the quality of the material, you can easily tell if a knife is counterfeit based on its price. If the price seems like it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Anything under 10 euros will definitely not be a Laguiole. These knives are not mass produced, meaning that they will be expensive.

Materials Used on the Handle

The handles on true Laguiole will be made with a sturdy material, typically olive wood, juniper wood, pistachio wood, or buffalo horn. If the handle feels lightweight and made from a composite material, this isn’t authentic. You will also never see a true Laguiole knife made with plastic or epoxy resin. Take a good look at the handle and feel it to determine if the knife is a counterfeit.

Laguiole knives are highly sought after and admired knives due to the high quality of craftsmanship and materials used in manufacturing them. If you want to invest in a quality Laguiole, follow the advice in this article to help you identify the authentic knives so that you don’t waste your time on fakes. These are high quality knives that have been created based on the strict traditions that were followed when they were originally made. Unlike other knives these are not mass manufactured, which is one reason why the quality of these knives stand out so much.

[writer59january13]

Aftermath from this er...

attempt to break thru Hadrian's Wall while roam'n across cyberspace of urban sprawl

dark shadows spill across the outer limits of the twilight zone whereby edge of night creeps brow of me, a Neanderthal!

Yours truly self proclaimed

er calculating polymath

no win no campy intent to kindle,

or spark hay8 full ire rate wrath

juiced whiling away

the early evening hour hath

horror hived this then February

twenty second two thousand eighteen, revised this early afternoon of August 24th, two thousand twenty fourth nah scared to take a bath.

The Process (is a Process All Its Own)

self accomplishments, I modestly credit a disembodied humble liberal spirit

eye up ply applies

to brainstorming with zest to whit

barn storming across das plains of google

to pitchfork embers tuff flickr tinder lee

with smart poetic dip pose zit

tool loom hen ate interior darkness

where lurks the monstrous akin to Perdido

otherwise known as perdition,

especially Native American

linkedin as The Buffalo Hunter

pseudonym adopted by Ballard and Sandrine,

The Green Woman, whose Side predicted to win

Pork Pie Hat predicated on Feng Shui yang and yin

force fields property aligned creates A Special Place

predominantly filled with A Dark Matter

only known (bee you wick), i.e.,The Skylark,

and of course Poe's Children, totaling 5 Stories

helpful to down with a chaser

viz - The Little Blue Book Of Rose Stories

Ideally red (red) in The Night Room,

where an unsuspected parvenu

absconded with Lost Boy, Lost Girl

housing Magic Terror, but interestingly

one must ask - Isn't It Romantic?

Via the perspective Looking Back

feigning to be combination of Mr. X, and/or

and Mrs. God innocent looking people

yet, the progenitors of The Hellfire Club burnt offerings indistinguishable from Blue Rose

fragrance or melancholy Ghosts resembling trumpeting Floating Dragon

invoking grabbing by The Throat sensation

Where spirits flit to and fro

throughout neighborhood Houses Without Doors

and games without frontiers

this...a millennial Mystery

unlike the generic Ghost Story,

the main anti protagonist and/or

pro antagonist, nonetheless named Koko

who calls The Juniper Tree home,

especially eerie Under Venus

provoking Wild Animals

kickstarting rolling stones

to run berserk at lightspeed

en masse Black Sabbath

bestirs cries and whispers

proto, pseudo psychedelic

quint essence ova thermocouple

holographic images hypnotizing

vista as Shadowland

explicit formula generating happy interracial Marriages

nah...ha - ah, the joe cuz on ewe

especially, If You Could See Me Now!

[umangkumari1991]

The Flora and Fauna of Trinidad’s Ecosystem in Colorado, United States.

Trinidad, Colorado, located near the southern border of the state, boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem. Its unique location at the intersection of several ecological regions contributes to its remarkable variety of flora and fauna. From the lush vegetation of the nearby mountains to the arid plains stretching to the south, Trinidad offers a wide range of habitats that support an array of plant and animal species.

Flora: Trinidad's flora is characterized by its diversity, with over 1,000 species of plants identified in the region. The area is known for its unique mix of vegetation types, including forests, grasslands, wetlands, and riparian areas. One of the most prominent features of the Trinidad ecosystem is its extensive stands of ponderosa pine forests, which dominate the higher elevations of the surrounding mountains. These forests provide habitat for a variety of wildlife species, including deer, elk, and black bear.

In addition to ponderosa pine, Trinidad is also home to a number of other tree species, including Douglas fir, aspen, and juniper. The region's grasslands are dominated by a mix of native grasses, such as blue grama and buffalo grass, as well as a variety of wildflowers, including lupine, Indian paintbrush, and aster.

Fauna: Trinidad's diverse habitats support a wide range of animal species, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The area is particularly well-known for its bird populations, with over 200 species recorded in the region. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including hawks, eagles, owls, and songbirds, as well as waterfowl in the region's wetlands.

Trinidad is also home to a number of mammal species, including deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, and coyote. The region's rivers and streams support populations of beaver and river otter, while its grasslands are home to pronghorn antelope and prairie dogs. In addition, Trinidad's wetlands provide habitat for a variety of amphibian and reptile species, including frogs, toads, snakes, and turtles.

Conservation: Despite its rich biodiversity, Trinidad's ecosystem faces a number of threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the region's natural resources, including the establishment of protected areas and wildlife corridors to connect fragmented habitats.

In conclusion, Trinidad's ecosystem is a testament to the region's ecological diversity. From its towering pine forests to its expansive grasslands, Trinidad offers a wealth of natural beauty and wildlife that continues to captivate visitors and residents alike.

[justmybookthots]

18 Dec 2023

I read a bunch of books for the past few weeks and I mostly disliked them so I'm just going to make this wrap-up as quick and painless as possible.

Six Crimson Cranes

Honestly? The writing isn't half-bad. The premise and storyline was a whole lot of fun, and I adored most of it. The saving grace / highlight of this entire story? Raikama. This woman made me cry. Yes, I actually ended up shedding some tears for her at the end of the story. I loved her character tremendously, and I just… felt she deserved the world.

I only WISHED the rest of the main cast was as interesting. I'm furious that Seryu isn't the male lead. We were fucking robbed, y'all. He is a gazillion times more interesting than Takaan. Oh Gawd. The romance is the worst romance I've ever read. I don't buy anything here. I don't care. 

Unfortunately, Raikama wasn't enough to save the story for me. If I don't care about the leads, then I don't care about the book. While I don't follow this rule for thrillers, books of that genre are the only exception to that rule. It's that simple. 

Silence of the Lambs

It's funny because this book is the total opposite. I was extremely fascinated by Hannibal and I thought he was the highlight of the story. However, I didn't care for the rest of the thriller. I'm not the biggest fan of books—in fact, I hate it—where the killer's identity is revealed at the start. I don't mean Hannibal, by the way; I'm talking about Buffalo Bill. That's what the majority of the plot circles around. It sucks out all the tension for me, and I need to say that even for a police procedural, this was a very dry, very tedious read. There was just too much detail on extraneous parts of the book. 

Okay, it wasn't entirely extraneous, but it might as well have been. I didn't need chapter after chapter of the police people doing police things in excruciating detail before finding out something mildly important. I have read A LOT of police procedural thrillers, and this is by far the worst. Most of it just involves you sitting there waiting for the main leads to connect the dots that you... already know.

City of Glass

I finally read this! I preferred City of Ashes, but it wasn't a bad book. I think out of everything in this wrap-up, I liked this book the best. After watching the paint dry with Silence of the Lambs, reading a storyline that actually gripped me and kept me turning the pages was MOST welcome.

I do think, though, that Sebastian was quite wasted of a character and he died too easily. But the twist with how Valentine broke through the city's wards was AWESOME. (And also the Hodge twist? *chef's kiss*)

In my opinion, the series should have ended here. I really am hesitant to continue with the rest of the Mortal Instruments series. I know the next three books go to shit, and I... do not know if I want to waste my time with the brain rot. This would have been quite satisfying as an ending, and we REALLY don't need any more existential drama from Jace.

(Also, I still think Simon is garbage and I wish he didn't exist.)

Juniper and Thorn

Ava Reid, you are my mortal enemy. YOU are the reason I'm in a slump right now.

I think a lot of people would like this book, and I don't blame them. The fantasy elements are beyond fascinating, and I think that the story is far superior to Six Crimson Cranes. I couldn't put the book down. I think the level of darkness is just enough for me—any more and it might feel too much. (I was actually expecting more.) The ending twist was pretty good, and I wished A Study in Drowning had produced some kind of twist in its conclusion too.

That said, the heroine is an idiot who does idiotic things, and if this wasn't fiction, she'd be pregnant, duped by a man and even more fucked over than she already was… which is saying something, given her familial circumstances. But because this is fiction (but a very unconvincing one), Sevas, the hero, is a decent man. I do not know why he liked her, I do not know why this romance had to happen, and I do not buy any of this charade with its insta-love and lack of chemistry. I still think Takaan and Shiori were a smidgen worse, but this is a close second. 

Marlinchen is the type of foolish, sheltered heroine you'd read in The Only One Left by Riley Sager, the one that makes horrible mistakes and meets a horrible end. I can stomach characters like that in thrillers, because it's not romanticised and you see the ugly reality for what it is. But in this story, it is completely romanticised, and I just… I don't want any part of it, and I'm annoyed that this is the aftertaste I'm left with after reading three unsatisfying books in (almost) a row.  

I'd hoped this could redeem the author after A Study in Drowning disappointed me, but I know better now. To the Blacklist you go, Miss Reid!

(Also… Ava, there is such a thing called 'female orgasms'. Feel free to Google this phenomenon, because I don't think you've ever known about their existence. We do not exist just for male pleasure. Just a heads-up!) 

[theworldimworkingtowards]

Produce that is sexy:

Ginger

Garlic

Roses

Raspberry

Beets

Plums

Peppers

Red monarda

Strawberry

Elderberry

Lemongrass

Grapes

Cacao

Mango

Magnolia

Lavender

Cherry

Blueberry

Spruce tips

Pine cones

Mulberry

Juniper

Rhubarb

Honey

White pine needle

Reishi mushroom

Crimson clover

Poppyseed

Serviceberry

Hibiscus

Red Amaranth

Guava

Sumac

Lupine

Oat

Grains

Prickly pear

Blackberry

Animals:

Goats

Sheep

Llamas

Horses

Snake

Oysters

Crabs

Lobster

Ox

Buffalo

Dove

Bees

Scorpion

Tarantula

Alligator

Rabbits

Silkie chicken

Deer

Iguana

Crayfish

Escargot

Squid

Octopus

Animal product:

Honeycomb

Quail eggs

Duck Eggs

Seagull eggs

Mushrooms:

Reishi

Wood Ear

[curatedglobaltravel]

LET IT SNOW

EMBRACE THE WONDER OF WINTER AT THESE RESORTS

They say no two snowflakes are alike, and we believe the same to be true for each traveler. While some head to warmer weather during the colder months, others flock straight to the mountains with their own unique visions of a snowy retreat. If views of sparkling white landscapes warm you from the inside out, there is still plenty of time to plan a visit to one of the many luxury resorts in our portfolio of U.S. hotels before the winter season ends. Enjoy the snowy ambiance of idealistic destinations along with gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, outdoor resort activities, and of course, VIP perks fit for royalty.

ST. REGIS DEER VALLEY

UTAH

Set amidst the picturesque Wasatch Mountains, this refined Park City resort offers convenient ski-in/ski-out access as well as its own private ski beach and ski valet. Even better, take advantage of the private Funicular to get to the top of the slopes without delay. After a full day in the snow, you still have more to look forward to — book a signature treatment at Remède Spa, take a dip in the hotel's heated split-level infinity-edge pool (the views are to die for), or dine on an exquisite meal followed by a dessert of roasted s'mores at the fire pit.

Private Perks: Upgrade upon arrival, complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-in/late check-out, $100 resort credit to indulge further, and more.

BRUSH CREEK RANCH LODGE & SPA

WYOMING

Discover the authentic spirit of the West during a stay at an intimate, all-inclusive luxury ranch resort in Wyoming's famous Platte River Valley. Your rustic accommodations tie into the surrounding Rocky Mountain wilderness and create a haven to reconnect with nature and indulge in unlimited adventure. If you love the thrill of snow activities, you'll be hard-pressed to find a moment of boredom — enjoy horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing, ice skating, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and tubing — all unfolding across 30,000 acres. Indoor indulgences range from a visit to The Trailhead Spa for relaxing treatments, The Saloon for swinging doors and jukeboxes, and The Spirit Vault for an elite barrel-tasting experience (accessible via a secret entrance).

Private Perks: Upgrade upon arrival, complimentary daily breakfast, early check-in/late check-out, $150 credit per person toward any premium activity, and more.

THE RESORT AT PAWS UP

MONTANA

From John Steinbeck to F. Scott Fitzgerald to even Abraham Lincoln himself, there is no shortage of those who have been quoted paying homage to the breathtaking state of Montana. At The Resort at Paws Up, surrounded by 37,000 acres of snow-covered land and icy rivers, you'll find yourself at the crossroads of incomparable luxury and unspoiled wilderness. The perfectly curated snow activities (like racing through the wilds on a tube towed by your own snowmobile chauffeur) will surely work up your appetite for the resort's authentically seasonal winter menu. In fact, you may even catch a glimpse of the executive chef foraging for rose hips or juniper berries in the snow.

Private Perks: Upgrade upon arrival, welcome bottle of wine, complimentary daily breakfast, round-trip private airport transfers, early check-in/late check-out, $300 activity credit, and more.

THE RITZ-CARLTON BACHELOR GULCH

COLORADO

Inspired by a traditional mountain lodge, this retreat offers seclusion amid towering pines and majestic landscapes with the unparalleled amenities you can expect from The Ritz-Carlton. Take advantage of convenient ski-in/ski-out access right into Beaver Creek Ski Resort before hitting up the spa for the signature Miner's Mineral mud wrap (it includes Colorado mine-sourced activated charcoal). Next, enjoy regional brews at Buffalos gastropub while the children enjoy ski classes and in-room camping as part of the Ritz Kids program.

Private Perks: Upgrade upon arrival, complimentary daily breakfast for two, $100 resort credit to treat yourself, early check-in/late check-out, and more.

MICHAEL SHANE STEPHENS Curated Global Travel An affiliate of Protravel michael@curatedglobaltravel.com 310.691.7461 curatedglobaltravel.com

CONTACT US NOW TO BOOK YOUR NEXT GETAWAY

[xtruss]

Makkah, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦! Muslim pilgrims at the Grand Mosque. Photograph: Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters

London, England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿! A detail from a jumper worn by Diana, Princess of Wales that is predicted to sell at auction for up to £70,000 at Sotheby’s in New York in September. Photograph: Sotheby’s/PA

İzmir, Turkey 🇹🇷! Storks nest on the top of a building at sunset. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

A giant male polar bear walks on the thin ice during late spring in Svalbard. The sea ice area on Svalbard is getting smaller and smaller each year, with the area warming seven times faster than the rest of the World

In January 2021, amid intense cold, the renowned tightrope walker Nathan Paulin successfully crossed a 200-metre long and 2.5cm wide highline at Pointe d’Areu in the Aravis range, at an altitude of 2,460 meters. This incredible achievement required the dedicated efforts of a team of six people over the course of three days to execute this world premiere

A bird’s eye view of a group of buffalo dipping in a pond to cool off on a hot sunny midday. The contrasting colours of the buffalo and their surroundings created an eye-catching earth-toned image.

A 14th-century church tower in Italy stands as a poignant reminder of the sunken village of Curon Venosta. In 1950, the entire village was submerged following the construction of a dam, resulting in the creation of the artificial basin known as Lake Resia. Today, only the church tower remains.

Filippo Ferraro, Wooden Diamonds! A burning trunk of an olive tree in the countryside near Felline, Italy. Since the beginning of this epidemic (when the plant bacterium Xylella fastidiosa began infecting olive trees), thousands of fields have been abandoned, causing a significant increase in fires, especially with the high temperatures of the summer. Photograph: Filippo Ferraro

Robin Dodd, The Edge of Existence! An ancient juniper tree in the High Atlas mountains in Morocco. The goats and nomads have taken parts of the branches and foliage for food and firewood over the years but left enough of the tree to provide for future travellers. Photograph: Robin Dodd

Ellie Davies, Chalk Streams! Crystal clear chalk streams intertwine and weave throughout the counties of Dorset and Hampshire in southern England. There are just over 200 chalk streams globally, 85% of which are found in southern England. They are a unique ecosystem supporting a high biodiversity of wild creatures. Light reflected from the surface of the nearby sea is overlaid on to these river landscapes, creating a sparkling ingress. The transposed light symbolises rising sea levels as they insidiously impose themselves on these pristine landscapes. Photograph: Ellie Davies

[nessysplanthaven]

Went for a hike ✨🌱

3/23/22

[bonefall]

if shadowclan figured out a way to consume capsaicin without being in awful pain/dying would they make buffalo wings

Cats can't taste spice!

Which is just as well because it's ENGLAND, where the spiciest thing available is dried juniper.

THEY DONT EVEN HAVE PEPPER HELP ME