MOBILE, AL, USA. One fall day, a giant bird showed up at the home of Ed Stuardi and fell madly in love with him. He and his wife first saw the six-foot emu drinking water from their bird bath and eating berries from their trees. Then Ed began to feed her dog food, not knowing that he was asking for trouble. Soon the bird was following Ed all day long and driving him crazy.
Then things went from bad to worse. One day the bird ran toward Ed, making noises deep in her throat. Ed didn't realize these were mating calls. He was scared stiff. Smaller than the bird, Ed tried to keep her away with a stick.
For two days, Ed didn't dare go out of his house. He called the police, but they said they couldn't help him out. They didn't have the equipment to catch the bird.
Finally, Ed contacted the Animal Rescue Foundation, which got involved and caught the bird. Diane Roberts, director of the Foundation, explained the situation this way: "Mr. Stuardi was feeding her and it was mating season. So she had her heart set on this man. Hopefully she'll meet another fellow and forget about Mr. Stuardi. After all, he is a married man."
New Idioms and Expressions
- fall madly in love (with someone) ---begin to love (someone) very much
- show up (at a piece)---arrive (somewhere);appear
- ask for trouble---cause something that will cause problems later
- all day---during the entire day
- drive someone crazy---annoy or irritate someone
- go out (of a place)---leave (a place)
- help (someone) out---be helpful (to someone)
- get involved (with something) ---become active or interested (in something)
- after all---one must remember that; consider the fact that
Answer the Questions
About the Story..................................................
- When did the bird show up at Ed's house?
- Why did she fall madly in love with Ed?
- What did she do that drove him crazy?
- When did things begin to go from bad to worse?
- How did Ed do for two days?
- What did the police say when Ed called?
- Who finally get involved?
About You..........................................................
- Do you have a pet? What kinds of problems does it cause? What do you love about it?
- Who or what drives you crazy? Why?
- Tell me about a time when you were scared stiff.
- Who helps you out? Who do you help out?
- Is there a situation in the world right now that is going from bad to worse? Discuss your ideas with the class.
