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[[File:Emperor Penguins-Snow Hill Island.jpg|thumb|200px|left]]
[[File:Order of the Snowflake Star.jpg|250px|left]]
The '''emperor penguin''' (''Aptenodytes forsteri'') is the tallest and heaviest of all living [[penguin]] species and is endemic to [[Antarctica]]. The male and female are similar in plumage and size, reaching 122 cm (48 in) in height and weighing from 22 to 45 kg (49 to 99 lb). The dorsal side and head are black and sharply delineated from the white belly, pale-yellow breast and bright-yellow ear patches. Like all penguins it is flightless, with a streamlined body, and wings stiffened and flattened into flippers for a marine habitat.
The '''[[Order of the Snowflake]]''' is the second highest [[Orders of Westarctica|Order of Westarctica]]. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a service to [[Westarctica]]. It was created in January 2015. Only the [[Grand Duke of Westarctica|Grand Duke]] himself has the power to bestow new knighthoods and thus far, he has awarded the medal to foreign dignitaries, artists, prominent nobles, and other supporters of Westarctica. All knights and dames receive the regalia of the class being bestowed; the Order of the Snowflake is always awarded for life. Membership entitles the bearer to attach the post-nomial "KtS" ("Knight of the Snowflake") or "DtS" ("Dame of the Snowflake") following their name in correspondence and other forms of written address (business cards, place settings, calling cards, etc.).


Its diet consists primarily of fish, but can also include crustaceans, such as [[krill]], and cephalopods, such as [[glacial squid|squid]]. In hunting, the species can remain submerged up to 18 minutes, diving to a depth of 535 m (1,755 ft). It has several adaptations to facilitate this, including an unusually structured hemoglobin to allow it to function at low oxygen levels, solid bones to reduce barotrauma, and the ability to reduce its metabolism and shut down non-essential organ functions. '''([[Emperor penguin|Full Article...]])'''
The highest grade, that of Knight Grand Cross, is reserved for Heads of State and members of the [[Royal Family of Westarctica|Royal Family]]. It remains the most rarely awarded class. The regalia for this class consists of a silver breast star with over 100 Austrian rhinestone crystals. In the center of the star is a snowflake symbol encased in glass.
 
'''([[Order of the Snowflake|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 06:23, 21 June 2025

Order of the Snowflake Star.jpg

The Order of the Snowflake is the second highest Order of Westarctica. The intention of the order is to honor those who have provided a service to Westarctica. It was created in January 2015. Only the Grand Duke himself has the power to bestow new knighthoods and thus far, he has awarded the medal to foreign dignitaries, artists, prominent nobles, and other supporters of Westarctica. All knights and dames receive the regalia of the class being bestowed; the Order of the Snowflake is always awarded for life. Membership entitles the bearer to attach the post-nomial "KtS" ("Knight of the Snowflake") or "DtS" ("Dame of the Snowflake") following their name in correspondence and other forms of written address (business cards, place settings, calling cards, etc.).

The highest grade, that of Knight Grand Cross, is reserved for Heads of State and members of the Royal Family. It remains the most rarely awarded class. The regalia for this class consists of a silver breast star with over 100 Austrian rhinestone crystals. In the center of the star is a snowflake symbol encased in glass.

(Full Article...)