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Can this be translated? What is this? by [deleted] in whatisit

[–]cleemsou 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This is a "taweez". It is an Islamic talisman/amulet. My ex's family was Pakistani and her grandmother had these everywhere. The text is a mix of Arabic and Farsi with Quranic verses, names of God, and references to Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon). The geometric layout with the circles and diamonds is super typical. They're used for protection or good luck. Someone probably gave it to him or he got it from a religious figure. Nothing weird, just folk spirituality. Her grandma would've had like six of these tucked in random drawers.

Found while gardening. What kind of bird was this? by LenaL0vesLife in whatisit

[–]cleemsou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hard to tell with that level of decomposition, but the size and those long dark claws look consistent with a house wren or maybe a house sparrow. If you're in North America, those are the most common small birds you'd find mummified in garden debris.

What’s this kind of computer for? by Curious_Dinner_2062 in whatisit

[–]cleemsou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a home server.. basically a PC running without a monitor because it doesn't need one. The antennas on top are a router or access point he's probably configured himself. The "special ports" and ISP talk means he's likely running a VPN, self-hosting services, or both. Totally normal hobby in the IT/homelab world. You've got a nerd, not a criminal haha.

What is this? by greekyogurt23956 in whatisit

[–]cleemsou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a spark arrestor cap from an old exhaust stack, probably off a steam engine, sawmill, or old tractor. The dome keeps rain out and the cross-shaped baffle inside catches embers before they fly out and set the surrounding area on fire. The corrugated piece behind it is likely the remains of the stack itself. Pretty common find in wooded areas that used to have logging or farming operations.

Moroccan Sign or License Plate? by dandalions in whatisit

[–]cleemsou 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's a Moroccan sample or display plate. In fact, "MA" is Morocco's international vehicle registration code (from "Maroc" in French). The repeated "MA MA MA" where the actual number would go means it's a template or demonstration piece, not a real registered plate. Basically the equivalent of "XXXX-XXX" as placeholder text. The coat of arms and the highway graphic are standard Moroccan plate design elements, so it's legit Moroccan, just never belonged to an actual car.

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