woolly mammoth

Five years later, the reports on that Iraqi war front are much brighter every day now. How could any of us have doubted the outcome or the future? How could a small war on the other side of the world possibly bankrupt or destroy "the most powerful nation on earth"?

So, the message of the fable was something about why Woolly Mammoths were obsolete or extinct, the superpowers of their day. They were metaphorically geared for a nineteenth or twentieth century style of imperialism and or survival. They were no match for a sleeker version of the same species. Time and history march on.

Woolly Mammoth - (a fable of sorts)

Woolly Mammoth went trudging his way along the path near the river. The heat was unbearable. The noonday sun would soon spike high above. He was looking for just the right spot in the river, not too shallow, not too deep to first cool his toes and then spray himself with the help of his truck. Time to cool off, shake the old neck and perhaps get a snack.

Woolly was off on his own today, away from the herd. A female was giving birth in the distance. Female's work to give encouragement and a few nudges for a calf to be born. Oh the burden of being a big bull. The Big Bull. King of the woolly mammoths.

A young male cousin was tagging along nearby. Big Bull raised his truck and trumpeted his displeasure. Leave me alone. I am Big Bull. Go off and play. Or watch big sister give birth to little brother.

Just then a sweet smell of broken grasses reached big bull's nose. Smells like sweet mammoth grass. Someone is eating it. A snack first, then the river. Along the path he continued until he came to what looked like an island in the middle of the river. Tall sweet grass, still wet with morning dew lay under the shade of a mighty tree. I don't remember this spot. Perhaps my father, Old Bull, had once shown me this spot. Old Bull knew all the good places to find the good treats. One does not always have to share with the herd. The herd would always be along. They will follow the scent of Big Bull and sweet grass on a riverbank.

Scrimshaw Fid

This is a fairly simple antique scrimshaw whalebone fid, showing minor wear. A nice example of a utilitarian scrimshaw tool, it is from a Nantucket home. 11 1/2 in. long and about 1 3/8 in. maximum diameter.

Scrimshaw Treasures

Scrimshaw is a traditional American art form that is etchings or carvings on bone, tusks, or animal teeth. Elephant tusks, whale teeth, and even the preserved tusks of woolly mammoths are the most common materials used for Scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw started as a seaman's art and the first etchings were done on whale teeth, which were readily available to sailors. They became very beautiful and valuable items and were often used to barter and as currency. In modern times Scrimshaw has expanded to other materials such as bone, antlers, tusks, and ivory.
Pieces colored with ink are especially susceptible to damage and all Scrimshaw art should be handled carefully to avoid damaging it. Scrimshaw should be displayed in a dry place, away from moisture and out of direct sunlight. Moisture and sunlight can cause the ink to fade and can cause pieces made of ivory crack and discolor.

Cleaning Scrimshaw is a simple process, and should only be done if it is absolutely necessary. The best way to clean a Scrimshaw piece is to use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the surface clean. You should not apply much pressure as it can damage the etching or ink. Abrasive cleansers or cleaning materials should never be used to clean Scrimshaw. Ivory Scrimshaw can benefit from light waxing to help preserve it and prevent damage caused by aging. Natural beeswax is the best type of wax to use to preserve ivory and will prevent drying and slow down the ivory's natural aging process. Only a light coat of wax should be applied with a very soft cloth after each cleaning.

4 Unique Christmas Gifts For The Socially Aware Person

4 Unique Christmas Gifts For The Socially Aware Person
By Peter Crump

Christmas is coming, and we're all looking for cool Christmas gifts for our loved ones. Christmas is a special time of year, and the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts is a large part of that.

In fact the giving of socially aware Christmas gifts is itself becoming a pretty cool activity, and many people are actively looking for ways they can source Christmas gifts in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

I have therefore, scoured the web for cool Christmas gifts for the socially and environmentally aware person. Christmas gifts that can be given to someone who cares about the impact of our Christmas activities on others, and the environment.

Here's 3 suggestions for cool Christmas gifts for the socially aware person. There's lots more, check out my website.

1. Give a hand carved bone necklace. Made in Kenya, bone carving is a tradition going back centuries. It is a skill passed from family member to family member, and the result is a lovely piece of jewelry for both men and women.

Yes I did say men. These bone carved necklaces are quite masculine and would make a fine gift for a man. I would happily wear one.

2. A gourd birdhouse. Carved from gourds in Peru, these are birdhouses with a difference. Delightfully carved, some with village scenes, they are to hang around the garden to offer a home to some of our feathered friends.

Give a gift that not only helps the people of Peru who do the carving, but which enriches our lives with birdsong in our garden.

3. A hand made Dominoes game. Colorful, hand carved and sourced from Thailand, these are wonderful Dominoe sets for the enthusiast. Very cheap for a hand made product. Perfect to put on the coffee table to stimulate conversation as well as play.

4. A chocolate gift basket with a difference. Filled with organic chocolates, both milk and dark, that you would nver have heard of before. From unusual places, and some unusual products. Organic Java drops for example, or organic cocoa.