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Bird or bunny? This video sends the Internet down the rabbit hole

<p>Is it a bird or a bunny? A new optical illusion has hit the Internet and had people debating.</p> <p>It began when Daniel Quintana, a researcher in biological psychiatry at the University of Oslo in Norway, posted a video showing an animal being stroked.</p> <p>“Rabbits love getting stroked on their nose,” Quintana wrote in the caption. However, when looked at another way, the ‘snout’ of the supposed rabbit resembled a bird’s neck, and the ‘ears’ open beak.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Rabbits love getting stroked on their nose <a href="https://t.co/aYOZGAY6kP">pic.twitter.com/aYOZGAY6kP</a></p> — Dan Quintana 🐰 (@dsquintana) <a href="https://twitter.com/dsquintana/status/1163083819605475328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>The video left many in confusion as to what the creature really is.</p> <p>“Fam I can’t be the only one that sees a bird and a bunny,” one commented.</p> <p>“I see a raven. Anyone else?” another wrote.</p> <p>“I sat here for ages seeing someone petting a crow with its beak open to the air, and thinking “rabbits??”” one added.</p> <p>Many said the video resurrected the old rabbit-duck dilemma.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">The optical illusion came to life, it's official, someone has a magic pen!!! <a href="https://t.co/EDX84LTzT8">pic.twitter.com/EDX84LTzT8</a></p> — Keisha Renee (@Broadwaybandit5) <a href="https://twitter.com/Broadwaybandit5/status/1163627346726989830?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/IeWEPVE5bW">pic.twitter.com/IeWEPVE5bW</a></p> — ShadowSpade (@ShadowSpadeXIV) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShadowSpadeXIV/status/1163587468190294016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>Some people commented with pictures and videos of their own ‘rabbits’.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">My rabbit loves too. <a href="https://t.co/EDkcHT50eu">pic.twitter.com/EDkcHT50eu</a></p> — Cécile B (@cecile__b) <a href="https://twitter.com/cecile__b/status/1163547154083979264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Here's my rabbit <a href="https://t.co/KuSGNOAAQR">pic.twitter.com/KuSGNOAAQR</a></p> — Stan O'Connor (@TourguideStan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TourguideStan/status/1163124718343458817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">This is my pet lizard <a href="https://t.co/XX9Zdszemt">pic.twitter.com/XX9Zdszemt</a></p> — Ⓥ (@hanavmay) <a href="https://twitter.com/hanavmay/status/1163944701063360512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>According to <em><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/21/us/bird-rabbit-tweet-trnd/index.html">CNN</a></em>, the animal in question is in fact a bird – specifically, <span>an African white-necked Raven <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUNV918B2va/">named Mischief</a></span>. He is 18 years old and based in the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Missouri.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByN5Sj-FEyC/" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ByN5Sj-FEyC/" target="_blank">Mischief says, “Hi!” Corvids are excellent mimickers, and this is one of Mischief’s favorite vocalizations. Contrary to popular belief, a corvid does not have to have its tongue split to be able to mimic like this. It is a natural behavior. #worldbirdsanctuary #whiteneckedraven #mischieftheraven</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/worldbirdsanctuary/" target="_blank"> World Bird Sanctuary</a> (@worldbirdsanctuary) on Jun 2, 2019 at 11:18am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Paige Davis, curator of bird training at the sanctuary told <em>CNN </em>that Mischief is “a very talented bird”, with abilities to fly, paint, talk and more. “He even recycles cans and bottles, showing that recycling is so easy, a bird can do it,” Davis said. “His talents are endless.”</p>

Mind

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Aussie Easter rip-off: Chocolate eggs and bunnies marked up 320%

<p>Just days out from Easter, Aussies are stocking up on tasty gifts for their loved ones, but a new report suggests we’re forking out way more money than we should be.</p> <p><a href="https://mozo.com.au/family-finances/easter-bunny-s-blowout-what-s-the-markup-on-your-favourite-easter-chocolate" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Comparison site Mozo</span></strong></a> has found that consumers are being charged up to 200 per cent more for Easter eggs and bunnies compared to a normal block of chocolate.</p> <p>For example, Cadbury’s Peter Rabbit tie-in Easter bunny will set you back $6 for just 100g of chocolate, which can be purchased in block form for as little as $1.43, a mark-up of 320 per cent.</p> <p>Haigh’s, on the other hand, is charging up to $18.31 for 100g of Easter eggs while a block usually costs just $5.38, a mark-up of 234 per cent.</p> <p>Lindt doesn’t fare much better, selling 100g gift boxes for $13.33 when a normal block of chocolate will only set you back $4.25, a mar- up of 214 per cent.</p> <p>“[Customers are paying] 155 per cent more on average for things like gift boxes [and] eggs,” Mozo spokeswoman Gemma Rasmussen told 7 News.</p> <p>Mozo suggests the reason for the staggering mark-ups is the packaging, which is generally more elaborate than the usual block of chocolate.</p> <p>Thankfully, not all chocolates have been marked up to such elaborate figures. Lindt’s 90g Lindor Solid Mini Eggs came out on top, with a mark-up of just five per cent, followed by Haigh’s 120g Milk Chocolate Mini Eggs and Lindt’s 200g Milk Chocolate Bunny, both marked up by 18 per cent.</p> <p>Otherwise, you can go with (admittedly less festive) blocks and avoid the mark-up altogether.</p> <p>Tell us in the comments below, do you think Easter chocolate is too expensive?</p>

Money & Banking

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Bunny Racket introducing grandkids to rock and roll

<p>Sitting through hours of banal, repetitive children’s music is one of the few drawbacks of having a young child, or grandchild. But, by the same token, playing Black Sabbath into the crib is probably not going to have a great effect on a child’s formative years.</p> <p>The good news? Finally there’s a happy medium – Bunny Racket.</p> <p>Bunny Racket is the brainchild of Andy Walker, a Perth native who wanted to find a way to provide his children with a way to connect with the music he loved when he was growing up, while also teaching them about life and expand their creativity.</p> <p>Collaborating with Brant Bjork (Kyuss), Walker steps into the role of King Bunny, a guitar wielding, skateboarding nature-loving rabbit who wants to share his love for rock and roll and adventure by creating the greats kids rock and roll record of all time.</p> <p>Bunny Racket’s first album, the appropriately named Rock ‘n’ Roll Animals is what you’d get if you’d mixed AC/DC and Dr Zeus. It even features a contribution from the legendary Robby Krieger (The Doors) who plays lead guitar on the record.</p> <p>Bunny Racket is set to change children’s music forever (and for the better) but they need your help. Andy Walker and the team are looking to put together a web series. Each episode will feature music videos and King Bunny getting up to exciting adventures.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bunnyracket/bunny-racket-a-rock-n-roll-web-series-for-kids" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Bunny Racket Kickstarter Campaign</strong></span></a> kicked off at the start of September and has been quickly growing support. If you’ve heard <em>Toot Toot Chuga Chuga Big Red Car</em> or <em>Mashed Potato</em> enough times to last a lifetime, <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/bunnyracket/bunny-racket-a-rock-n-roll-web-series-for-kids" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>click here to support</strong></span></a>.</p> <p>What’s your take on Bunny Racket? Can you see your grandchildren enjoying this type of music? Share your thoughts in the comments. </p> <p><em>Video credit: Kickstarter / King Bunny</em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/retirement-life/2016/09/7-things-you-should-pass-on-to-your-grandkids/"><strong>7 things you should pass on to your grandkids</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/08/7-top-tips-to-be-a-fabulous-grandparent/"><strong>7 top tips to be a fabulous grandparent</strong></a></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2016/08/grandmas-who-babysit-less-likely-to-develop-alzheimers/">Grandmas who babysit less likely to develop Alzheimer’s</a></strong></em></span></p>

News

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How to make bunny biscuits

<p>Domestic goddess Martha Stewart has provided a fun bunny biscuit recipe that would be perfect to do with the little ones over Easter.  </p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ingredients:</span></strong></p> <p>·       2 sticks unsalted butter, softened</p> <p>·       3/4 cup sugar</p> <p>·       1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</p> <p>·       1/2 teaspoon coarse salt</p> <p>·       1 large egg white</p> <p>·       Red liquid food colouring (optional)</p> <p>·       3 cups plain flour</p> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Method:</span></strong></p> <ol> <li>In a bowl, beat butter with sugar until creamy, two minutes. Beat in vanilla, salt, and egg white. (For pink bunnies, add a drop or two of food colouring.) Reduce speed to low and slowly add flour until combined.</li> <li>For each bunny, roll 1 tablespoon dough between palms to create a one-inch oval. Hold kitchen shears at a 30-degree angle; snip ears about 1/2 inch from front. (Do not cut all the way through.)</li> <li>With a toothpick, poke holes for eyes. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.</li> <li>Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Bake bunnies just until golden brown on bottoms, 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack.</li> </ol> <p><em>Source: <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/1144054/bunny-cookies?socsrc=FACEBOOK_20160322_403901314_Food" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a></span></em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/how-to-bring-up-a-happy-child/">22 tips for bringing up a happy child</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/grandparents-make-grandchildren-happy-study/">Why the grandparent grandchild relationship is important for happiness</a></em></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/texts-from-grandparents/">15 hilarious texts from grandparents</a></em></strong></span></p>

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15 adorable bunnies

<p>Happy Easter, everybody! To help you celebrate the special occasion, here are some adorably cute and fluffy bunnies. The rabbit as a symbol of Easter is thought to originate in Germany, with the first recorded writing in the 16th century. The first edible Easter rabbit, created from sugared pastry, was introduced sometime in the 19th century, and now centuries later, we still love our chocolate bunnies and eggs.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/03/easter-photos/"></a></span></strong></em></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/100-year-old-beatrix-potter-story-with-peter-rabbit-found/">100-year-old unpublished Beatrix Potter story has been found</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/03/easter-photos/"></a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/video-rabbit-finds-soulmate/">Watch the moment this rabbit finds his soulmate</a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/03/easter-photos/"></a></span></em></strong></p> <p><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/02/heartwarming-photos-that-prove-every-child-needs-a-pet/">15 heartwarming photos that prove every child needs a pet</a></span></em></strong></p>

Family & Pets

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Photos chart baby bunnies growing over 30 days

<p>A photographer has charted the growth of baby bunnies, born to their pet rabbit, over 30 days. The resulting images show the beautiful but barely recognisable little bubs mature into adorably fluffy bunnies.</p> <p><img src="http://editorial.designtaxi.com/editorial-images/news-bunny030615/bunny2.jpg"/></p> <p><img src="http://editorial.designtaxi.com/editorial-images/news-bunny030615/bunny3.jpg"/></p> <p><img src="http://editorial.designtaxi.com/editorial-images/news-bunny030615/bunny4.jpg"/></p> <p><img src="http://editorial.designtaxi.com/editorial-images/news-bunny030615/bunny5.jpg"/></p> <p><img src="http://editorial.designtaxi.com/editorial-images/news-bunny030615/bunny6.jpg"/></p> <p><img src="http://editorial.designtaxi.com/editorial-images/news-bunny030615/bunny7.jpg"/></p> <p><img src="http://editorial.designtaxi.com/editorial-images/news-bunny030615/bunny8.jpg"/></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/08/90-year-old-saves-wife-from-fire/">90-year-old man saves wife from house fire</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/08/woman-reads-to-shelter-dogs/">Woman reads to shelter dogs to comfort them</a></strong></em></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/08/sea-slug-photos/">Photographer captures photos of cutest underwater creature ever</a></strong></em></span></p>

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