ANATIDAEPHOBIA is defined as a pervasive, irrational fear that one is being watched by a duck.
The anatidaephobic individual fears that no matter where they are or what they are doing, a duck watches.
And this gem:
Hippopotomonstrosesq uipedaliophobia - the fear of long words. It's a pity that victims can't speak of their plight!
And did you know that British scientists have traced the origin of the "speed gene" in Thoroughbred racehorses?
They traced back to a single British mare that lived in the United Kingdom about300 years ago.
I wonder what they can trace Julia Gillard back to - a chameleon?
PETER CUNNINGHAM
Mittagong
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