Trickster
Fox
1. Species and Family
- Family: Canidae (same as wolves, coyotes, and dogs)
- Most common species: Red fox (Vulpes vulpes), but there are around 37 species of foxes worldwide, including Arctic fox, fennec fox, and gray fox.
2. Appearance
- Size varies by species; red foxes are about:
- Length: 45–90 cm (18–35 in), plus a bushy tail about 30–55 cm (12–22 in)
- Weight: 3–14 kg (6.6–31 lbs)
- Length: 45–90 cm (18–35 in), plus a bushy tail about 30–55 cm (12–22 in)
- Typically have pointed ears, slender snout, and bushy tail.
- Coat colors vary widely—red foxes are often reddish-orange with white underparts and black legs, but there are melanistic (black) and albino variants too.
3. Habitat and Range
- Extremely adaptable: found across North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
- Live in forests, grasslands, mountains, deserts, and urban areas.
- Thrive in environments ranging from Arctic tundra to city parks.
4. Social Life and Behaviour
- Mostly solitary hunters but may live in small family groups.
- Territorial, using scent marking and vocalizations to communicate.
- Active mostly at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), but can be nocturnal or daytime depending on food availability and human presence.
5. Diet
- Omnivorous and opportunistic.
- Eat small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and sometimes human food or garbage.
- Known for caching (storing) excess food.
6. Role in the Ecosystem
- Control populations of rodents and insects.
- Seed dispersers when eating fruits.
- Prey for larger predators like wolves, eagles, and humans.
7. Relationship with Humans
- Sometimes hunted or trapped for fur.
- Can carry diseases like rabies or mange.
- Often featured in folklore as clever tricksters.
- Increasingly seen in urban areas, leading to both fascination and conflict.
8. Fun Fact
- Foxes have a unique “vixen scream” mating call that sounds eerie and is often mistaken for a human scream in the wild.
plant (SPADE/CLUBS)
Foxglove
Type: Biennial or short-lived perennial flowering plant in the plantain family (Plantaginaceae).
Needles: No true needles; has soft, lance-shaped, slightly fuzzy leaves.
Lifespan: Individual plants typically live 2–5 years, with biennials flowering in their second year.
Habitat: Native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa; thrives in woodland clearings, meadows, and cottage gardens.
Uses: Source of the heart medication digitalis (used to treat certain heart conditions), and popular as an ornamental plant.
Adaptations: Produces toxic compounds (cardiac glycosides) that deter herbivores.
Ecological role: Flowers attract bees and hummingbirds for pollination.
Fun fact: Every part of the foxglove is poisonous to humans if ingested, yet it’s also the source of a life-saving heart drug.
Poison Ivy
Type: Woody vine or small shrub in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae).
Needles: Does not have needles; has compound leaves with three leaflets (“Leaves of three, let it be”).
Lifespan: Perennial plant that can live for decades if undisturbed.
Habitat: Common in North America; grows in forests, along edges, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Uses: Berries are eaten by birds; traditionally, the sap was used in small amounts for medicinal purposes, but all contact with skin should be avoided.
Adaptations: Produces urushiol oil that deters herbivores and protects against pathogens.
Ecological role: Provides food and shelter for birds and small mammals; helps stabilize soil in disturbed areas.
Fun fact: The plant’s urushiol oil can remain active on clothing, tools, and dead plants for years, causing allergic reactions long after contact.
hockey team (SPADE/CLUBS)
Toronto Marlies
Team Name: Toronto Marlies
Founded: 2005
City: Toronto, Ontario
Background:
- The Toronto Marlies are the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs.
- The team was established in 2005 when the Toronto Maple Leafs purchased the franchise (previously the St. John’s Maple Leafs) and relocated it to Toronto.
- The Marlies play their home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto.
- The team serves as a primary development club for prospects aiming to make the jump to the NHL.
- The name "Marlies" is a tribute to the historic Toronto Marlboros junior hockey team.
Biggest Achievements:
- Calder Cup Champions: 2018
- Winning the Calder Cup in 2018 marked the franchise’s first AHL championship.
- The Marlies have been a strong contender in the AHL, regularly making the playoffs and developing future NHL talent.
Activities in the City (Toronto, Ontario):
- Visit the CN Tower
Experience breathtaking city views, dine in the revolving restaurant, or try the EdgeWalk for an adrenaline-filled adventure.
- Explore the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Discover extensive exhibits on natural history, world cultures, and art, including dinosaur skeletons and cultural artifacts.
- Stroll through Distillery District
Enjoy cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, boutique shops, restaurants, and historic architecture. - Relax at Toronto Islands
Take a ferry to the islands for beaches, bike rentals, walking trails, and scenic views of the Toronto skyline.
Seattle Kraken
Team Name: Seattle Kraken
Founded: 2021
City: Seattle, Washington
Background:
- The Seattle Kraken are the NHL’s newest expansion team, founded in 2021.
- They brought NHL hockey back to Seattle for the first time since the Seattle Metropolitans (who played from 1915 to 1924).
- The Kraken play their home games at Climate Pledge Arena, a modern venue in Seattle.
- The team was created as part of the NHL’s efforts to expand its footprint into the Pacific Northwest.
- As a new franchise, the Kraken are in the early stages of building their team identity and fan base.
Biggest Achievements:
- Being a brand-new team, the Kraken’s biggest achievement so far is successfully launching the franchise and making the playoffs in their inaugural 2021-2022 season.
- Their inaugural season playoff appearance was notable as a strong start for an expansion team.
Activities in the City (Seattle, Washington):
- Visit the Space Needle
Enjoy panoramic views of the city, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains from this iconic observation tower.
- Explore Pike Place Market
Experience fresh seafood, local produce, crafts, and the famous fish-throwing vendors at this historic marketplace.
- Tour the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Discover exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture, including interactive experiences and memorabilia. - Take a Ferry or Waterfront Cruise
Explore Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, enjoy scenic views, and spot wildlife while learning about the city’s maritime history.