Thistle
Skunk
1. Species and Family
- Scientific family: Mephitidae (related to weasels but in their own family).
- Several species, most famous being the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). Others include spotted skunks, hooded skunks, and hog-nosed skunks.
- Found in both North and South America.
2. Appearance
- Size: 40–94 cm (16–37 in) including tail.
- Weight: 1–6 kg (2–13 lbs).
- Most species have distinctive black fur with bold white stripes, spots, or swirls.
- Small head, short legs, bushy tail.
- Known for their scent glands that produce a pungent spray for defense.
3. Habitat and Range
- Live in forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas.
- Most common in North America, especially the U.S. and southern Canada.
- Adaptable and often found near water sources, open fields, or human settlements.
4. Social Life and Behaviour
- Generally solitary, except during mating season or when mothers are raising young.
- Nocturnal—active at night, resting in burrows or dens during the day.
- Not aggressive, but will raise tail, stomp feet, and hiss before spraying as a warning.
- Can spray accurately up to 3 meters (10 ft).
5. Diet
- Omnivorous.
- Eats insects, grubs, small mammals, birds’ eggs, berries, fruits, and plants.
- Opportunistic feeders—often raid trash or pet food in urban areas.
6. Role in the Ecosystem
- Help control insect and rodent populations.
- Spread seeds through their droppings.
- Prey for larger predators like owls, coyotes, and bobcats (though many avoid them because of the spray).
7. Relationship with Humans
- Sometimes seen as pests for raiding garbage or damaging lawns while digging for grubs.
- Spray smell is notoriously hard to remove—tomato juice baths are a folk remedy, but baking soda + hydrogen peroxide works better.
- Occasionally kept as exotic pets (with scent glands removed) in certain places.
8. Fun Fact
- Skunks don’t have an unlimited supply of spray—they carry enough for only 5–6 uses before needing about 10 days to replenish. This means they actually avoid spraying unless absolutely necessary.
plant(SPADE/CLUBS)
Blue Thistle
Type: Perennial flowering plant from the genus Eryngium.
Needles: Has spiky, narrow leaves instead of true needles.
Lifespan: Lives several years, returning each growing season.
Habitat: Prefers sunny, well-drained soils; common in meadows, coastal areas, and rocky landscapes.
Uses: Ornamental gardens, cut flowers, and dried floral arrangements.
Adaptations: Drought-tolerant, resistant to poor soil, and spiny leaves deter herbivores.
Ecological role: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Fun fact: Its vivid blue color comes from pigments in both the flowers and bracts, making it appear almost metallic in sunlight.
Deadly Nightshade
Type: Perennial herbaceous flowering plant.
Needles: None – has broad, ovate leaves.
Lifespan: Typically 2–5 years in the wild; can persist longer under cultivation.
Habitat: Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia; grows in shaded woodlands and disturbed soils.
Uses: Historically used in medicine (in controlled doses) and cosmetics; mainly of interest in pharmacology today.
Adaptations: Shade-tolerant; produces berries that attract birds for seed dispersal.
Ecological Role: Berries provide food for some bird species; plant contributes to forest understory biodiversity.
Fun fact: The name “belladonna” means “beautiful lady” in Italian, because women once used the plant’s extract to dilate their pupils!
hockey team (SPADE/CLUBS)
Los Angeles Kings
Team Name: Los Angeles Kings
Founded: 1967
City: Los Angeles, California
Background:
- The Los Angeles Kings were founded in 1967 as part of the NHL’s first major expansion, which doubled the league from six to twelve teams.
- The team was created to bring professional hockey to the West Coast and expand the NHL’s presence in the U.S.
- The Kings play their home games in Los Angeles, currently at the Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center).
- Over the years, the Kings have had a mix of ups and downs but grew into a strong franchise, especially after acquiring star players and building a competitive roster.
Biggest Achievements:
- Stanley Cup Champions: 2 times (2012, 2014)
- The Kings’ 2012 Stanley Cup win was their first in franchise history, followed by another title in 2014, marking a successful era.
- The team featured stars like Wayne Gretzky (who helped popularize hockey in LA), Anze Kopitar, and Jonathan Quick during their championship runs.
Activities in the City (Los Angeles, California):
- Visit Hollywood and the Walk of Fame
Explore the iconic Hollywood Boulevard, see the stars of celebrities, and visit the TCL Chinese Theatre.
- Relax at Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Enjoy the sandy beach, amusement park rides, restaurants, and scenic views of the Pacific Ocean.
- Tour Universal Studios Hollywood
Experience movie-themed rides, shows, and behind-the-scenes tours of film and TV production. - Explore Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park
Take in panoramic views of Los Angeles, hike scenic trails, and learn about astronomy at the observatory.
New Jersey Devils
Team Name: New Jersey Devils
Founded: 1974 (originally as the Kansas City Scouts)
City: Newark, New Jersey (current city since 1982)
Background:
- The franchise was originally established in 1974 as the Kansas City Scouts, an NHL expansion team.
- After two seasons, the team relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Rockies (1976–1982).
- In 1982, the franchise moved to New Jersey and was renamed the New Jersey Devils.
- The Devils have played their home games in New Jersey ever since, currently at the Prudential Center in Newark.
- Known for a strong defensive style of play and a highly effective penalty kill during their peak years.
Biggest Achievements:
- Stanley Cup Champions: 3 times (1995, 2000, 2003)
- The Devils won three Stanley Cups in less than a decade, establishing themselves as a dominant NHL team in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Notable players include Martin Brodeur, Scott Stevens, and Patrik Elias.
Activities in the City (Newark, New Jersey):
- Visit the Newark Museum of Art
Explore extensive art collections, including American art, decorative arts, and contemporary works, along with planetarium shows.
- Stroll through Branch Brook Park
Famous for its cherry blossom festival in spring, this historic park offers scenic walking paths, lakes, and gardens.
- Catch a Performance at Prudential Center
Attend concerts, sporting events, or entertainment shows at this major indoor arena in downtown Newark. - Explore the Ironbound District
Enjoy vibrant Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, lively streets, and cultural festivals in this historic neighborhood.