h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Being an obsessive type of guy I stole this from the kakapo's official web site.

Found only in New Zealand, the kakapo is not closely related to any other member of the parrot family.

Unique Features
The kakapo is the worlds heaviest and only flightless parrot. They are up to 60 cm long and weigh up to 3.5 kilograms (8 lbs.). It has a virtually keel-less sternum which makes it incapable of flying in the true sense: it can only 'parachute' from trees using its wings for balance and braking. It is nocturnal, solitary and secretive. It lives mainly on the ground but can climb trees.

Appearance
The kakapo has soft moss-green feathers barred with black on its back, pale yellow-green feathers underneath and, hidden away, an unusually soft layer of downy feathers. (Old specimens of pure yellow kakapo are existing in various museums around the globe.) The females are smaller and less brightly colored than the males. It has an owl-like face with 'whiskers', and a large ivory and pale blue beak. The kakapos' unique bill structure is adapted for grinding food finely; the gizzard, the organ in which food is ground in most parrots, is small and degenerate. Kakapos have sturdy legs and although they cannot fly, their wings are still useful for balance while walking and running. It keeps its body held low and horizontal while walking so it's whiskers touch the ground. Most of the time they stand in this position as well, unless they are alert or defensive at which time they hold themselves upright.

Lifespan
Kakapo live for more than 60 years.

Interesting. Curious to know what else Garius knows about Parrot.
I thought about the parrot in DNA's Starship Titanic, but as far as I can tell, it's only called Parrot...
Parrot: 'Awwwwk, Bloody Genius!'
Ook: Ook!

How about a game of scrabble Ook? *Ook gets the game*
Anyone else want to join in? Parrot?

*BS steps over a sleeping Ook on the porch walks in and orders his morning cc((~)) from the IIEM. The Parrot too, seems to be resting.*

Ah, well, another day .

*Joanna doesn't walk in, or order a c(~) of lemon tea from the IIEM. She doesn't say hi to BS, or go to the corner and sit sipping her tea.*

*BS doesn't look up from his paper and say Hi Joanna.*

Good morning y'all! Thanks for bringing in the donuts, Joanna -- this Rx has given me back my appetite, and I got a bit more sleep last night. But I'm going to stay quiet a bit longer, maybe till this evening. Can definitely feel the effects of this Rx.

Looney, one other notable thing about the kakapo is that Douglas Adams wrote about it in his ecological book, Last Chance to See.

*gets an A L Special with two donuts*

Hi BluesSlider. I'll do your cup today, then the cups for Ioreth, Vlad and Ook. I haven'tdecided on my own cup yet!

Hi Lil I'm really excited about my cup, all the others look great, but you rest up and get well y'hear?

*on a course today. Blatant bookmark. Again*

Howdy all!

Glad to see you're all looking well. IIEM, a COFFEE for me and a coconut whirl for Ook.

There you go, my fine furry friend.
"Oooook".
"Awwwwwk. Who's a pretty boy then?"

Well hello to you. IIEM, some sesame seed crackers please.
Quite a menagerie we're getting here.

*Vlad settles down in the corner to read the Sports News, looking slightly perturbed*

Morning, all. I'm a bit late today as I had a dentist's appointment. It was just for a check-up, but he found (da da da dum) a cavity! It also turned out that he had a little time to spare, so he filled it right then. So at the moment, half of my lower jaw has no feeling, along with half of my tongue. I'm hoping the freezing will come out soon so I can eat lunch without drooling

I'm pretty sure the parrot is male. And it looks like some form of the name Peter is emerging as his true name. Since he is a sophisticated parrot, I think Pierre would be the most appropriate. I don't think he is a Kakapo, because he can fly, but judging by his slightly arrogant attitude, he may be some other rare breed.

Pierre: Aaawwwk, one of a kind.

*Looks up from paper muttering darkly about "life going on"*


Hi Garius.
I actually think the drooling look suits you. That Parrot certainly is one of a kind - Peter almost seems a bit *whispers* ...ordinary for him.
Ook, could you reach me a bag of rice crackers from behind the counter...

Thaaaaaank yoooouuuu!

*doesnt bother reading backlog

Just to say hi really today,

*smiles at the parrot, cute bird :o)

I was at Maccy D's for my orientation, everyone seemed nice enough which is good- and tonight im babysitting for some neighbours in the street (more money :o) )

*orders quick coffee and sits down

Oh, i went to see Final Destination last night, tis really good and worth a watch if anyone is considering a cinema trip this weekend

~ m

I made more money... it's called the 'mooch off you parents' method. All my friends recommended it, so I tried it once... and what a success.

Cappucino, s'il vous plait?

The show was "Hello Dolly"

Lil, did I mention you're amazing?

As I decided to take a mental health day off from school, and get some sleep, I'm feeling a page update coming on.

*wanders in and helps self to cappucino*
Hi all
*sits down in comfy chair and opens laptop, to catch up on all the backlog he has missed recently*

Babel, as soon as you've finished with that laptop, will you mind the counter? I feel slightly less than amazing. My head is drying out -- that's good -- but I have a cough that Will Not Be Denied -- that's tiring.

Io, I have a mug to mail you. Can you direct me to an addy or be careless and give it here? I've added your mug to shelf #2, had to rearrange everybody else's on that shelf and haven't updated the text. Only sitting here in short takes...

Now at work on shelf #3. Babel, man, what's your mug look like?

[email protected]
I'm on the h2g2 list, but with my real name.

Can have some coffee please in an Eatern Eurppean style as I need inspiration for a couple of long overdue articles I am writting.

[email protected]
I'm on the h2g2 list, but with my real name.

Gotcha.