The Mistletoe Bird

The Jolly Swagman · #1 (**permalink**) 17-12-2007, 07:46 PM

It's appropriate at this time of the year to mention the Australian Mistletoe Bird. This colourful little bird only about 4 inches long is the main distributor of Mistletoe. He eats the berry and it makes a quick passage through his digestive system to emerge at the other end. It's sticky coating adheres to the branch of the tree and another Mistletoe plant quickly germinates. Mistletoe is a parasitic plant living on its host and robbing it of its nutrients. It is a nesting site for many birds and certain butterflies seek it out as a food source. When David Attenborough featured this bird on one of his T.V, programs, he timed the Mistletoe berry at 25 minutes to pass through the digestive system. Now you think about that for a minute. Here is a laxative with a spot on time schedule, not 24, not 26, but 25 minutes. David could have made a fortune out of the product. "MISTLELAX" the on time pill". What a boon it would be with its usage. Imagine your boss who has been an absolute pig all day saying. "Come on Miss Jones I have to address the Board in 20 minutes, where's my coffee" You smile to yourself as you quietly slip a Mistelax into his brew.

or that certain visitor who you can't stand complains about always having to stand for 30 mins on the train home.You look at your watch. Would he/she like a cup of tea before they leave?

paul m · #2 (**permalink**) 17-12-2007, 08:01 PM

You're evil ....

Is that the same mistletoe as we have in Europe (I could look it up but it's easier to ask

).

[quote=The Jolly Swagman;2614............., he timed the Mistletoe berry at 25 minutes to pass through the digestive system. Now you think about that for a minute. Here is a laxative with a spot on time schedule, not 24, not 26, but 25 minutes. David could have made a fortune out of the product. "MISTLELAX" the on time pill". What a boon it would be with its usage. Imagine your boss who has been an absolute pig all day saying. "Come on Miss Jones I have to address the Board in 20 minutes, where's my coffee" You smile to yourself as you quietly slip a Mistelax into his brew.

or that certain visitor who you can't stand complains about always having to stand for 30 mins on the train home.You look at your watch. Would he/she like a cup of tea before they leave?

[/QUOTE]

The Jolly Swagman · #3 (**permalink**) 18-12-2007, 01:14 AM

Yes Paul , I would say its the same

ericrovve · #4 (**permalink**) 18-12-2007, 11:28 AM

These stories from Aussiland!! How much is Sydney Bridge just now?

paul m · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2008, 07:33 PM

I'm sure it's not snowing in Australia ... does it ever snow in your part of the world? I know it's a Mediterranean (or warmer) climate but then you do get big snowfalls in the Med from time to time .... I suppose you'd welcome it if you still haven't got the rain ..... Happy New Year down under!