Closed for holidays from the 22nd August untill the 31st August (both inclusive).


Cerrado por vacaciones del 22 al 31 de Agosto (ambos inclusive).


And the weather today:
Mostly Cloudy
21C
UV Index: 4 Low
Wind: From the West Southwest at 24 mph
Dew Point: 17C
Humidity: 82%
Visibility: Unlimited
Barometer: 1,016.9 mb

Read in Reuters :Burglar Finds Bacon Head, Calls Police Tue August 19, 2003 10:53 AM ET
LONDON (Reuters) - A British burglar who stumbled on a work of art that he mistook for a human head in a pickle jar was so spooked that he summoned the police to a house he had robbed.
Conceptual artist Richard Morrison had made the head from bacon wrapped around a wire frame floating in a jar of formaldehyde.


After the burglar phoned, police bashed down Morrison's door to raid his house, near Liverpool in northern England. Morrison returned home to find that his house had been broken into twice, once by the burglar and once by the police.
"In light of the information received, it was of vital importance that we investigated, to ensure that there was nothing suspicious," Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Naylor of Merseyside Police said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The reason for the damage was explained to Mr Morrison and we apologized. Arrangements are in place to replace the door."


Morrison told The Times newspaper he understood why the burglar might have been confused by his artwork.
"It's obviously a very macabre piece of work and I suppose at a glance it looks like a head, but I never expected it to get this reaction," he said. "I gather the police were bracing themselves for a 'Silence of the Lambs' moment when they broke into my flat." Morrison said the police told him the scare had set the burglar on the straight and narrow. "He had a crisis of confidence and confessed his crimes to his mother."



Leo en Reuters :
Un ladron encuentra una cabeza hecha de tocino y llama a la policia

Londres.- Un ladron britanico que se tropezo con una obra de arte y que confundio con una cabeza humana conservada en un tarro, se asusto tanto que llamo a la policia para que acudiera a la casa que el mismo habia robado. El artista conceptual Richard Morrison habia hecho la cabeza a partir de tocino envuelto en un marco de alambre, flotando en un tarro de formaldehido. Despues de que el ladron llamara por telefono, la policia echo abajo la puerta de la casa de Morrison, situada en Liverpool, con el objeto de inspeccionar el lugar. Morrison regreso a casa y se encontro con que habia sido asaltada dos veces, una por el ladron y otra por la policia.


"A partir de la informacion recibida, era de vital importancia que investigaramos, para asegurar que no habia nada sospechoso", dijo el detective inspector jefe Stephen Naylor de la Policia de Merseyside en un comunicado el martes. "Al senior Morrison se le explicaron los motivos de los danios causados y nos disculpamos. Se esta trabajando para reponer la puerta", agrego.


Morrison dijo al diario The Times que entendia por que el ladr�n pudo haberse confundido con su obra de arte.
"Es, obviamente, una pieza muy macabra, y supongo que a primera vista parece una cabeza, pero nunca imagine que pudiera provocar esta reaccion", dijo. "Supongo que los policias se aferraron a la idea de vivir un momento de 'El silencio de los corderos' cuando irrumpieron en mi casa". "El ladron tuvo una crisis de confianza y confeso su crimen a su madre", comento Morrison que le habia dicho la policia.

This is the converted barn we are renting for a week. We will be spending some days in East Devon so don't expect too much from this blog between the 22nd and the 31st (inclusive). In fact, do not expect me to write anything at all. The computer stays at the office and the laptop stays at home. We plan to spend our vacation doing nothing at all. Reading on the lawn, having a bbq and maybe visiting some local spots. But no more. I think we deserve that. After all, what did we do last February? Drove a quarter of Australia and most of the South Island in New Zealand. This week vacation in East Devon was booked some months ago using Helpful Holidays which is a very really very helpful website with lots of descriptions and pictures of cottages and other rural properties in the South. Renting a cottage couldn't be easier using this website.


Arriba teneis la foto del granero reconvertido en vivienda que vamos a alquilar para una semana de vacaciones. Poco voy a escribir en el blog durante estas mini-vacaciones. O mejor dicho, no voy a escribir nada de nada del 22 al 31 (ambos inclusive). Despues de las ultimas vacaciones en febrero, cuando cruzamos en coche un cuarto de Australia y casi toda la isla del Sur de Nueva Zelanda, esta vez no vamos a mover un dedo. El PC se queda en la oficina y el portatil en casa. Lo unico que vamos a hacer sera leer tumbados en el cesped, alguna barbacoa y quiza alguna breve expedicion a las cercanias del pueblecito del este de Devon donde se halla la propiedad que hemos alquilado gracias a Helpful Holidays. Es una web donde se encuentran listados de cottages y fincas rurales por alquilar en el sur de Inglaterra, con montones de fotos, disponibilidad y precios. Facil, no?


The weather today:
Partly Cloudy
17C
UV Index: 3 Low
Wind: From the West at 3 mph
Dew Point: 15C
Humidity: 86%
Visibility: Unlimited
Barometer: 1,020.7 mb

Not much to say today. I am mentally drained after looking for a massive amount of Library codes to match the reference readings for our Race and Society course. No more codes again, no more!!!


Hoy tengo mas bien poco que decir. Estoy en plan zombie, despues de pasarme el dia buscando miles de codigos de la biblioteca para las lecturas recomendadas de nuestro curso Race and Society. Si veo otro codigo mas, me pongo a gritar.

We are going to France tomorrow. We need to do some URGENT shopping. I am running out of cigarettes! We are renting a car for the day. It will allow us to have a look around Cherbourg and have more shopping options than Carrefour. Because, frankly, I prefer Auchan, which happens to be in the outskirts of the city. Can't wait to get my hands on the French cheese!! And dont' I love moules marinieres as well!!! But I especially love cheese. See a couple of links : I love cheese, here if you want to know your cheese name and here to see Cheese Wars the cartoon.


Maniana vamos a Francia. Es una expedicion urgentisima porque me estoy quedando sin tabaco. Alquilando un coche tenemos mas opciones de tiendas y supermercados que los que ofrece Cherbourg. Porque prefiero Auchan a Carrefour y se da la casualidad que el primero esta en las afueras de la ciudad. No veo la hora de hartarme a moules marinieres y echarle la garra a los quesos franceses. Unos pocos links de queso : I love cheese, aqui para obtener tu nombre de queso y aqui para Cheese Wars el comic.


The weather today :Partly Cloudy
20C
UV Index: 4 Low
Wind: From the East at 13 mph
Dew Point: 6C
Humidity: 40%
Visibility: Unlimited
Barometer: 1,020.0 mb

This week's favourite cocktail -->Martini

2 oz. Gin
1/2 oz. Vermouth (Cinzano, Martini..)

Stir over ice
Serve on the rocks or Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a couple of green olives

Our world wide famous weekly grocery shopping list!:
5, T Wholemeal Deli Rolls 4 Pack , £2.40
1, T French Bread Baton , £0.45
1, Strawberries 454g Class 1 , £1.99
1, Value Lemons 7 Pack , £0.81
1, Seedless Grapes Double Selection Pack Class 1 , £1.99
2, Gala Apples Pack , £2.98
1, Tomatoes 750g , £0.94
1, Spring Onions Bunch , £0.38
1, Cucumber Whole Each , £0.69
1, Asparagus Bundle Price Marked Class 1 Each , £1.99
1, Closed Cup Mushrooms 500g , £1.09
1, Garlic Pre-Pack Class 1 , £1.15
1, T Cooking Onions 1kg Class 2 , £0.99
1, T Watercress 85g , £1.09
1, Iceberg Lettuce Each Class 1 , £0.59
1, T Honey Roast Sandwich Ham 125g , £0.75
1, T Cooked Sandwich Chicken 125g , £0.75
1, T 12 Value Chipolata Sausages 340g , £0.44
1, T Whole Milk 2.272ltr/4 Pints , £1.03
1, T Irish Creamery Butter 250g , £0.79
1, T Creme Fraiche 500ml , £1.47
1, T Olive Oil 500ml , £1.50
1, T Pine Nut Kernels 100g , £1.78
1, Cardinis Low Fat Caesar Dressing 370ml , £1.48
1, T Sliced Black Olives In Brine 340g , £1.09
1, T Finest Cream Cheese And Peppercorn Crisps 150g , £1.19
1, T.Temptations Mature Cheddar Crisps 150g , £0.95
1, Walkers Tangy Cheese Doritos 175g , £0.93
1, Haagen-Dazs Cookies & Cream Ice Cream 500ml , £3.27
1, Haagen-Dazs Banoffee Ice Cream 500ml , £3.27
1, Coca Cola Regular 24 X 330ml Pack , £5.48
1, Diet Coke 24 X 330ml Pack , £5.48
1, Coca Cola Regular 4 X 2 Ltrs Pack , £4.69
1, Diet Coke 4 X 2 Ltrs Pack , £4.69
1, Pimm's No.1 70cl , £9.99
1, Carex Handwash Hypoallergenic 250ml , £1.18
1, T General Purpose Gloves Large , £0.99
1, T Instant Barbeque , £1.64


And the weather:
Mostly Cloudy
23C
UV Index: 4 Low
Wind: From the West Northwest at 8 mph
Dew Point: 11C
Humidity: 47%
Visibility: Unlimited
Barometer: 1,022.0 mb

When a band releases a "greatest hits collection", that is probably an indication of the band being either : a) a consecrated 'dinosaur' band (see Rolling Stones, Queen, etc) who wants MORE money! or b) a band soon to disappear/change style. Suede is now releasing "Singles", their greatest hits collection. And after listening to the last album "A New Morning" and attending a couple of concerts, I think Suede can be now put in the b) category. Which is sad, but I think they'd better dissappear or completely change their music. "A New Morning" did not have the grip. We need a renovated Suede or a dead Suede. But no more "new mornings", please.


There is still some hope, though. They have come up with a really good idea for their next gig. They will be playing at the Institute Of Contemporary Art from Monday 22nd September for a week. 5 concerts. Each of them featuring a different Suede album in its entirety. Isn't that a great idea? I'd like to be there for most of them, it is difficult to choose (right, except for 'A New Morning', do not expect ME to be there). If I had to choose one and only one? I think 'Coming up'. But then...I think 'Suede'. No. 'Coming Up'. Just don't ask me! I can't make up my mind!


Anyway, dates are as follows:

Monday 22nd September - Suede
Tuesday 23rd September - Dog Man Star
Thursday 25th September - Coming Up
Friday 26th September - Head Music
Saturday 27th September - A New Morning


Tickets go on sale August 18th priced at £15 from the ICA box office, telephone 020 7930 3647. The box office is open from midday to 9.30pm daily. Enjoy!!


Hay dos posibles explicaciones cuando una banda saca un album llamado 'greatest hit collection' : a) son musicos 'consagrados', dinosaurios del rock (o pop, o lo que sea - Rolling Stones, Queen...) y ademas, no les vendria mal un poco mas de pasta o bien b) la banda se va al garete/va a renovarse totalmente. El nuevo album de Suede se llama 'Singles' y es una coleccion de sus 'greatest hits'. Ya lo veia venir, despues de escuchar el ultimo album, "A New Morning" y asistir a un par de conciertos. Suede estan en la categoria b). Es triste, pero mejor que desaparezcan ya a repetir la historia del 'new morning'. No mas new mornings, please.


Aunque aun no los doy por perdidos. Se les ha ocurrido una idea muy original para la presentacion de "Singles". Actuaran durante una semana en el Institute Of Contemporary Art y cada noche el concierto se basara en uno de sus albumes. Y si tengo que escoger solo una noche? Me quedo con 'Coming Up'. No. Con 'Suede'. Que va. Con 'Coming Up'. Ni idea. Con todos excepto con el penoso 'new morning'. Ahi si que no me vereis. Las fechas y precios, arriba en la version inglesa. Y a disfrutar, que son dos dias!


Weather today:
Haze
23C
UV Index: 2 Minimal
Wind: From the North Northwest at 6 mph
Dew Point: 20C
Humidity: 84%
Visibility: 2 miles
Barometer: 1,019.3 mb

Do you know you can buy any heater in the middle of August in England? Any heater you want, they will have them in the shops. It's mid August, mind you. Do you know what you CANNOT buy at any shop in England in mid-August? A FAN. The stock of fans in shops is very limited and they run out of them very quickly if, like it's happening now, we get hit by a heatwave. If anybody out there knows of a shop where I can buy a fan, I will thank you forever.


Sabeis que, en pleno mes de agosto, podeis ir a cualquier tienda britanica y escoger entre una gran variedad de estufas y calefactores? A mediados de agosto, que quede claro. Pero sabeis lo que NO encontrareis en ninguna tienda britanica, en pleno agosto? UN VENTILADOR. El stock de ventiladores en los comercios britanicos es muy limitado y se les agotan rapidamente si, como esta ocurriendo actualmente, nos encontramos inmersos en una 'ola de calor'. Asi que si alguien sabe de una tienda donde quede algun ventilador, no dudeis en escribirme y os lo agradecere eternamente.


The weather today:
Partly Cloudy --> don't think so..it's POLLUTION!!!
27°C
UV Index: 5 Moderate
Wind: From the North at 5 mph
Dew Point: 17°C
Humidity: 54%
Visibility: 4 miles
Barometer: 1,017.9 mb

Will my brother fly away like the balloon-nauts from theTriton?? I am referring to my Tuesday's post, when I wrote about a present I sent to my brother (an 8 metre-long balloon) and the two balloon-nauts to be launched to the edge of space this month from St Yves (Cornwall). They will inflate a balloon taller than the Empire State Building which will then float to 25 miles above the Earth's surface. Amazing, isn't it? Don't I love all these feats!! Can't wait to jump again from the Skytower...


Y si mi hermano sale volando hacia el espacio como los argonautas del Triton??!! Me refiero a mi post del martes, donde escribi sobre un regalo que le envie a mi hermano (un globo de 8 m. de largo) y los dos argonautas que flotaran CASI hasta el espacio exterior a finales de este mes, desde su base en St Yves (Cornwall). Usaran un globo mas alto que el Empire State Building que flotara hasta 40.233 kilometros por encima de la superficie del planeta. Wow! A mi estas cosas me entusiasman! No veo la hora de saltar otra vez desde la Skytower...


Today's weather:
Sunny
26C
UV Index: 5 Moderate
Wind: From the East Southeast at 3 mph
Dew Point: 18C
Humidity: 61%
Visibility: 5 miles
Barometer: 1,020.0 mb

Another amusing blog I found today, (supposedly) written by John Howard, Australia's PM. See it here.

Another historic event for this weekend! The Festival of History staged by English Heritage as its showcase event of the year, taking place at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. It replaces the previous large-scale annual event ?History in Action? and I hope it proves to be as entertaining as the old one!


So, what will happen there? England's past will be brought to life in dozens of displays, demonstrations and living history spanning 2,000 years of colour and pageantry. It will be a celebration of the richness and diversity of England?s heritage with a fascinating look at all aspects of this country?s history. And the highlights of the event will be : - medieval jousting - fashion parades through the ages - cooking demonstrations of what Britons used to eat - military displays - historic gardens - traditional crafts
- music and dance through the ages - vintage cars and bicycles - a Victorian Wedding - the debut performance of the Victorian Ride of The Household Cavalry.


As I said when we went to the Mediaeval Joust at the Old Sarum, I have a deep respect for the members of these Historic Societies who not only dress up and act, but also LIVE their parts and LOVE every bit of what they do. I learnt many interesting facts on Mediaeval musical instruments and music at the Old Sarum...for instance...did you know that bagpipes where brought back from the Crusades in Jerusalem? Yes! Bagpipes were, originally, played by...sorry, not Scots, but...Arabs!


Se acerca el fin de semana y otro evento historico organizado por English Heritage. Esta vez se trata del Festival de la Historia en Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. Viene a reemplazar el antiguo espectaculo Historia en Accion y espero que sea tan interesante com el HeA siempre ha sido.


2000 anios de la historia de Inglaterra pasaran ante nuestros ojos en Stoneleigh Park, incluyendo torneos medievales, pasarelas de la moda del pasado, demostraciones culinarias, paradas militares, jardines historicos, artes tradicionales, musica y danza a traves del tiempo, coches antiguos y bicicletas, una boda Victoriana y el debut de la Brigada Montada victoriana.


Como ya dije cuando asistimos a la Justa Medieval en el Old Sarum, siento un gran respeto y admiracion por los miembros de estas sociedades historicas que nos hacen ver y VIVIR el pasado con tanta realidad. Para ellos es mas que un hobby, es un modo de vida! Como curiosidad, dire que aprendi interesantisimos detalles sobre musica e instrumentos musicales medievales en el Old Sarum. Y me contaron lo impensable! La gaita, ese instrumento tan escoces, tan celta...sabeis de donde proviene? Los europeos que volvian de las cruzadas en Jerusalem se trajeron las gaitas de recuerdo. Porque quienes originalmente las tocaban eran...arabes!


So.. what's going on with the weather?
Haze
22C
UV Index: 3 Low
Wind: From the North at 8 mph
Dew Point: 17C
Humidity: 72%
Visibility: 4 miles
Barometer: 1,021.0 mb

Weekly shopping list:
5, T Wholemeal Deli Rolls 4 Pack , £2.40
1, T French Bread Baton , £0.45
2, Strawberries 454g Class 1 , £3.38
1, Seedless Grapes Double Selection Pack Class 1 , £1.99
1, Gala Apples Pack , £1.49
1, Tomatoes 750g , £0.94
1, Spring Onions Bunch , £0.38
1, Cucumber Whole Each , £0.49
1, T Value Peppers , £1.07
1, Asparagus Bundle Price Marked Class 1 Each , £1.99
1, Closed Cup Mushrooms 250g Pack , £0.60
1, T Carrots 500g Pack Class 1 , £0.35
1, Iceberg Lettuce Each Class 1 , £0.48
1, T Value Skinless Chicken Breast Fillets 667g, £4.39
1, T Honey Roast Sandwich Ham 125g , £0.75
1, T Cooked Sandwich Chicken 125g , £0.75
1, T Lemon Sole Fillets , £2.35
1, T Whole Milk 2.272ltr/4 Pints , £1.03
1, President Emmental Slices 200g , £1.75
1, Corngold Free Range Eggs Box Of 10 , £1.59
1, T Lasagne Sheets 250g , £0.82
1, Amoy Light Soy Sauce 150ml , £0.69
2, Italfresco Prosciutto Tortelloni 250g , £2.78
1, Heinz Tomato Ketchup Bottle 342g , £0.64
1, Cardinis Low Fat Caesar Dressing 370ml , £1.48
1, T Bigger Pack Better Value Frosted Flakes 1kg , £1.77
1, Walkers/Smiths Assorted Square Crisps 10 Pack , £1.46
1, Walkers Tangy Cheese Doritos 175g , £0.93
1, Dr. Oetker Mozzarella Pizza 325g , £1.77
1, Dr. Oetker Speciale Pizza 330g , £1.77
1, Haagen-Dazs Cookies & Cream Ice Cream 500ml , £3.27
1, Haagen-Dazs Banoffee Ice Cream 500ml , £3.27
1, Coca Cola Regular 4 X 2 Ltrs Pack , £4.69
1, Diet Coke 4 X 2 Ltrs Pack , £4.69
1, John Frieda Ready To Wear Hairspray 300ml , £3.75


Oh, and the weather:
Haze
24C
UV Index: 5 Moderate
Wind: From the West Southwest at 6 mph
Dew Point: 19C
Humidity: 74%
Visibility: 4 miles
Barometer: 1,019.6 mb

My brother told me he had received my present yesterday. I advised him not to open it outdoors without carefully reading the instructions...Why? Well...because I bought him a Solar airship!
The Solar Airship is a 8 metres long black balloon and looks like a giant burnt sausage.
It needs no blowing or pumping up, because it is 100% solar powered. All it needs is reasonable sunshine, and you can go from box to sky in as little as two minutes! The airship is constructed from a high-density, lightweight matt black film. All you need to do is hold open the tube and walk along with it quickly, allowing it to fill with air. The film absorbs the heat and, because hot air rises, the ship rises too.

Mi hermano me llamo ayer para decirme que habia recibido mi regalo. Me apresure a informarle de que, bajo ninguna circumstancia, deberia abrir el envoltorio del regalo sin antes leer las instrucciones. Y el por que de tanta precaucion? El regalo es un Solar Airship (globo solar). El Solar Airship es un globo negro de 8 metros de largo en forma de salchicha. Parece que el hincharlo requerira mucho esfuerzo, verdad? Pues no. Se hincha automaticamente, en cuestion de 2 minutos. El unico requisito es exponerlo a la luz del sol. El globo esta construido con un material muy ligero, negro y de alta densidad, que reacciona instantaneamente al calor. El aire del interior se calienta rapidamente y, como consecuencia, el globo asciende.

Cocktail of the week : Margarita
Tequila
Cointreau
Lemon or Lime Juice
Salt
Ice (crushed)
Rub a wedge of lemon or lime round the lip of the glass and then dip this area in the salt.
In the cocktail shaker add the ice and pour over 1 and a half measures each of Tequila and Cointreau.(or Triple Sec/Curacao). Add 1 measure of lemon or lime juice and shake vigorously. Pour into your cocktail glass, carefully making sure not to disturb the salty rim.

Good weather for margaritas:
Fair
22 C
UV Index: 2 Minimal
Wind: From the East at 9 mph
Dew Point: 16 C
Humidity: 69%
Visibility: Unlimited
Barometer: 1,024.0 mb

On October 26 Derren Brown will appear in Channel 4 doing something most people think as pure madness : playing Russian Roulette. A person from the audience (previously chosen through the test found in Channnel 4's website - it could be you!) will load the gun. Derren Brown will pull the trigger. He maintains his mind control and mind reading techniques will allow him to stop in time before his brain being blown up to pieces by the only bullet loaded in the barrel. Derren is a psychological illusionist, what is popularly known as a 'mind-reader'. In previous series he has been able to persuade people to say/do things they thought would never do, has found out when second-hand car dealers where lying to him and told total strangers about things in their lives they only knew about. Persuasive techniques and psychological insight used on stage. But more than that, Derren Brown's popularity is also due to his polite and gentle character as well as this mistery aura that surrounds him. A modern Houdini for those of you already fed up with David Copperfield's extravaganzas.


Channel 4 promete hacer historia cuando el 26 de Octubre Derren Brown juegue a la Ruleta Rusa en vivo y en directo. Una persona del publico asistente (seleccionada previamente a traves del test de la pagina web de Channel 4) cargara una unica bala en el arma. Derren Brown apretara el gatillo. Derren asegura que su abilidad como lector de mentes (el nunca ha mencionado la telepatia! dice ser un ilusionista psicologico) y poderes de sugestion le permitiran parar a tiempo antes de que la unica bala del cargador sea disparada. En anteriores series Derren se las arreglo para convencer a desconocidos de hacer o decir cosas que nunca se les habria ocurrido por si mismos delante de la camara. Y no solo eso, tambien descubrio las mentiras de los vendedores de coche de segunda mano (esos si que son profesionales de la mentira!) y asombro a desconocidos en la calle al hablarles de hechos o detalles que solo ellos conocian. Psicologia y tecnicas de persuasion puestas al servicio del espectaculo por un profesional educadisimo, amable y, por supuesto, misterioso: el Houdini del siglo XXI para los que ya esteis hartos de las extravagancias hollywoodienses de David Copperfield.


Beautiful weather today:
Partly Cloudy --->nope. It's sunny!!
24°C
Feels Like 26°C
UV Index: 3 Low
Wind: From the East Northeast at 5 mph
Dew Point: 24°C
Humidity: 98%
Visibility: Unlimited
Barometer: 1,021.7 mb

It has thick hair-like feathers, no tail, a beak one third the length of its body, and nostrils at the tip of the beak. It looks like a cross between a hedgehog and an anteater, has wings but can’t fly.
The kiwi bird is a genetic leftover, probably about eight million years old (Homo Sapiens is one million), that survived due to New Zealand’s isolated environment that protected it against more evolved predators. Named after its shrill cry ("kee-wee, kee-wee"), the kiwi is the national emblem of New Zealand — found on money, stamps, and coins. In fact, "Kiwis" has become the world-wide nickname for New Zealanders.


Beyond its odd appearance, the kiwi has some downright odd traits as well: it’s nocturnal; it’s nearly blind, seeing only six feet at night and two feet past its beak during the day; it uses the nostrils at the end of its beak to smell worms buried under the dirt; it refuses to bathe and, in fact, never drinks a drop of water its entire life; and (and this seems uncomfortable) a five-pound kiwi lays an egg that weighs just over a pound, a record in the bird kingdom.


Plumas gruesas con aspecto de pelaje, pico tan largo como la tercera parte de su cuerpo y agujeros nasales en la punta, carece de cola, posee alas pero no vuela y da la impresion de ser un cruce entre erizo y oso hormiguero.
El Kiwi Bird es una rareza genetica originaria hace 8 millones de anios (el Homo Sapiens aparecio hace un millon) que ha sobrevivido gracias al aislamiento geografico de Nueva Zelanda y a la inexistencia de depredadores mas agresivos. Llamado 'kiwi' por su agudo canto ("kiiii-wiiii - kiiii-wiiii"), el kiwi bird es el simbolo nacional de Nueva Zelanda, apareciendo en monedas, billetes y sellos. De hecho, el nombre 'kiwi' es, mundialmente, el apodo para nombrar a los ciudadanos neocelandes.


Ademas de su aspecto ya de por si extranio, el kiwi bird tiene raras caracteristicas : es un ave nocturna, casi ciega, con una capacidad visual de 2 metros de noche y menos de un metro desde su pico durante el dia. El kiwi bird usa los agujeros nasales ubicados al extremo de su pico para oler gusanos bajo tierra, se niega a entrar en contacto con agua o baniarse y, de hecho, no bebe ni una gota de agua en toda su vida. Un kiwi de tamanio medio (aprox 2,250 grs de peso) pone huevos de medio kilo de peso, lo cual es todo un record en el mundo de las aves.