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En Gal Gal Verden - 1993 No 03
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Title: EN GAL GAL VERDEN Issue: 3/1993, Week 48 Publisher: Norges sprøeste blad (Norway's craziest magazine) Date: November 1993 Language: Norwegian
Magazine Overview
Title: EN GAL GAL VERDEN
Issue: 3/1993, Week 48
Publisher: Norges sprøeste blad (Norway's craziest magazine)
Date: November 1993
Language: Norwegian
This issue of 'En Gal Gal Verden' is packed with extraordinary and often bizarre human interest stories, focusing on individuals who defy conventional norms through extreme physical conditions, remarkable recoveries, and unique personal circumstances. The magazine aims to shock and entertain with its coverage of "crazy" world records and unusual lives.
Featured Stories
Joyce-Ann Siskel: The World's Thinnest Woman
The cover story introduces Joyce-Ann Siskel, a 155 cm tall woman who weighs a mere 14 kilograms, making her the world's thinnest woman. She has surpassed the previous record holder, Iraldes Santos of Brazil, who weighed 16 kg. Joyce-Ann expresses pride in her appearance and has no intention of gaining weight, stating her clothes fit perfectly and her health is good. She recounts a routine check-up where her doctor was alarmed by her weight and suggested she see an anorexia specialist, a suggestion she found unnecessary as she claims to eat a normal diet, including sweets and fatty foods. She notes that she weighed 51 kg before pregnancy and began losing weight after childbirth, stabilizing at 14 kg four years prior to the article. Her husband, Junior, is supportive, and she enjoys the attention she receives, including love letters from men.
Stuart Burt: The Reattached Arm
This article details the dramatic incident where metalworker Stuart Burt lost his left arm in a circular saw accident. His colleagues reacted quickly, rushing to an ice cream factory to obtain ice to preserve the severed arm during transport to the hospital in Bristol. After 12 hours of surgery, surgeons successfully reattached the arm. Stuart's mother, Brigitte, expressed immense gratitude to his colleagues, crediting their quick thinking and the use of ice for preventing the permanent loss of his arm.
Patrick Gillespie: A Dream of Love
Patrick Gillespie, an 11-year-old boy, suffers from cystic hygroma, a condition that has severely deformed his face. He undergoes his eighth surgery and faces taunts from peers and insensitive remarks from adults. Patrick's deepest desire is to be kissed and loved by a woman. His mother, Claire, recounts the difficult diagnosis during her pregnancy and the initial shock upon seeing her son's appearance. Patrick has undergone multiple surgeries, including procedures to help him breathe and eat. Despite his condition, he is described as a "fighter" and has transitioned to a regular school, where he enjoys learning. His family, including his older brother Jason, provides unwavering support.
Kent Morley and Delton Crasnauer: The 'Dog-Men'
Kent Morley, a man with significant hair growth resembling that of a dog, discovered he had a biological older brother, Delton Crasnauer, who shares a similar condition. Delton, 40, contacted Kent after reading about him in the newspaper. Both men were adopted and had difficult childhoods due to their unusual appearances. Kent (38) was adopted after his mother felt shame about his birth outside of marriage, while Delton was adopted from a children's home. The two brothers find solace and understanding in each other, sharing their experiences and supporting one another.
Henny De Lelle: Death by Refrigerator Mold
This tragic story recounts the death of Henny De Lelle, who battled a persistent, stubborn mold growth in her refrigerator for months. Despite extensive cleaning efforts, including unplugging the refrigerator for a week, the mold continued to spread, eventually covering the entire appliance. Henny began to develop symptoms, including sores under her fingernails and breathing difficulties. Doctors discovered the mold had spread throughout her body, leading to her hospitalization. Despite their efforts, the mold could not be controlled, and Henny passed away. Her husband, Peter, disposed of the refrigerator, vowing that no one else should suffer the same fate.
Pound, Wisconsin: A Community Weight Loss Success
The town of Pound, Wisconsin, with a population of 434, embarked on a community-wide weight loss initiative. 160 residents participated, collectively losing approximately 2869 pounds (about 1.5 tons) in four months. Allen Salewski, a 51-year-old carpenter, is highlighted as an example, losing 26 kg. He attributes the success to the community's collective effort and mutual support, stating it would have been impossible to achieve alone. The town utilized products from a commercial weight loss institute in the USA.
Bobby Williams: The Boy with Half a Body
Bobby Williams, a joyful and determined 10-year-old boy, lives with only the upper half of his body, from just below the chest. Despite his significant physical challenge, Bobby leads an active life, playing American football, jumping rope, and even riding a bicycle. He expresses a love for football and demonstrates remarkable strength in his arms. Bobby is determined to prove that his condition does not limit his ability to participate in activities and live a full life.
Other Features
Badekar-race in Newman: The magazine briefly mentions a bathtub race held annually in Newman, California, as part of the Newman Fall Festival, highlighting its humorous and non-competitive nature.
Wild Wheels Car Parade: An article describes a promotional car parade in Greenwich Village, New York, for the film 'Wild Wheels', featuring artist Gene Pool on a tandem bicycle covered in cans and creatively decorated vehicles.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
'En Gal Gal Verden' consistently features stories of individuals facing extreme physical challenges, medical anomalies, and unusual life circumstances. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the "crazy" and the "record-breaking," presenting these stories with a mix of sensationalism and human interest. The magazine seems to embrace the idea of celebrating those who are different or who achieve extraordinary feats, often highlighting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The underlying theme is that the world is full of strange and wonderful occurrences, and this magazine is dedicated to uncovering them.
This issue of UFO-Aktuelt, dated 1994, features a diverse range of compelling and often bizarre stories, spanning alternative medicine, medical anomalies, unusual personal circumstances, and unique artistic endeavors. The cover story highlights the resurgence of bee therapy in Russia, presented as a natural remedy for various ailments.
Bee Therapy in Russia
The article "I Russland gjør naturmedisinen comeback - OG DE SINTE BIENE GJØR SITT!" (In Russia, natural medicine is making a comeback - AND THE ANGRY BEES ARE DOING THEIR PART!) details the practice of bee therapy at the UNICUM clinic in Moscow. Patients like Tanya and Galina are treated by nurse Nelli Alexandra Kulyukina, who uses live bees to sting specific points on the body. The method is claimed to be thousands of years old and effective for a wide range of conditions, from nerve damage to infertility. The article contrasts this with the dire state of the Russian healthcare system, characterized by outdated equipment, corruption, and a lack of essential medical supplies, which drives people to seek alternative treatments.
Medical Miracles and Anomalies
Gloria Hannagan's "Devil's Face" Tumor: The issue recounts the story of Gloria Hannagan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her X-rays revealed a tumor that, to her and her friends, appeared to resemble the face of the devil. Following an exorcism performed by her friends, the tumor and the perceived demonic presence vanished, leaving her cancer-free. Her sister, Janet Kaylek, expresses relief and attributes the recovery to divine intervention.
The "Tumor" That Was a Diamond: In another astonishing medical case, Virginia Argue underwent surgery for a suspected cancerous growth. To the surprise of the surgeons, including Dr. Harold Barton, they discovered a 2-carat sparkling diamond instead of a tumor. The diamond is believed to have been lodged in her abdomen for 57 years, possibly entering during a caesarean section in 1936.
Anne-Pia's Growth Spurt: The story of Anne-Pia Nygaard, a 7-year-old girl from Norway, is presented. She suffered from a severe spinal curvature and underwent a treatment involving steel screws attached to her head and braces on her hips. Over two months, she was stretched 1 mm daily at a hospital in Oslo, resulting in an 8 cm increase in her height. This treatment allowed her to avoid paralysis and look forward to a normal life.
Unusual Legacies and Personal Sacrifices
The Clay Lump Inheritance: The magazine features the bizarre testament of the 75-year-old German millionaire Heinrich Wechmar. After losing his wife, his only memento was a lump of clay from her grave, which he cherished. He bequeathed his entire fortune of 16 million to this clay lump. His lawyer, Otto Stossel, explains that the lump was his only comfort. Heinz Korber, a family servant, is employed to care for the clay lump, receiving an annual salary of 420,000 kroner. Wechmar's cousin, Klaus Stoltenberg, was furious about the will and attempted to destroy the clay lump, but was stopped.
Selling Body Parts for a Heart Transplant: Arthur Dinkins, a 47-year-old truck driver from New York, is selling his body parts to fund a life-saving heart transplant. His insurance company refused to cover the $400,000 operation, and he cannot afford it himself. He has already sold an eye, a kneecap, and a kidney, and plans to sell more to raise the necessary funds. He expresses a strong desire to live longer for his wife and daughter.
Unique Artistic and Lifestyle Features
Underwater Opera "Crysallis": The issue highlights Michel Redolfi's innovative opera "Crysallis," performed entirely underwater. Musicians and the audience were submerged in a heated pool in Echiroles, France. The performance utilized underwater acoustics, creating a unique sensory experience where sound is felt as vibrations.
Think Big! Consumer Trend: An article explores the trend of "Think Big!" in Clintons' America, focusing on a new chain of stores selling everyday items in giant sizes. From oversized Crayola crayons to jumbo cups, the trend reflects a desire for the grand and the extraordinary, embodying the "American Dream" ethos.
Clive Peters: The Rat Enthusiast: The magazine profiles Clive Peters, a bus driver from Colchester, England, who is a passionate owner of 230 rats. He is an active member of the National Fancy Rat Society and considers rats to be intelligent, clean, and affectionate pets, contrary to their common negative perception. He and his wife Elaine share this unusual hobby.
Joyce Hackney's Breast Reduction: Joyce Hackney, a 41-year-old secretary, underwent a drastic breast reduction surgery, removing eight kilograms of tissue. She had suffered for nearly 32 years with extremely large breasts, which caused physical discomfort and social difficulties. The surgery has brought her immense relief and happiness, allowing her to finally feel comfortable and live a new life.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the extraordinary, the unconventional, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. UFO-Aktuelt consistently presents stories that challenge conventional norms, whether in medicine, personal choices, or artistic expression. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the unusual and a willingness to explore phenomena that lie outside the mainstream, often highlighting the human element and emotional impact of these extraordinary circumstances. The magazine seems to champion alternative perspectives and celebrate individuals who defy expectations.
This issue of "Alle Menn" (All Men) presents a diverse collection of intriguing and often unusual stories, spanning animal records, extreme sports, culinary oddities, and paranormal phenomena. The magazine's tone is sensationalist and geared towards captivating the reader with extraordinary events and individuals.
Fluffy: The World's Heaviest Cat
The cover story introduces Fluffy, a "plump" cat weighing an astonishing 35 kilograms, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of Records. His owner, Marybelle Bresk, describes the challenges of caring for such a large animal, including the difficulty in handling him and his insatiable appetite. Fluffy consumes 13 cans of tuna and a liter of milk daily. Despite his obesity, veterinarians confirm he is healthy. Marybelle has given up on trying to put Fluffy on a diet, especially now that he is a celebrity.
Daredevil Diving and Model Aircraft
Page two features Anke Piper, a European champion diver, who performed an impressive 12-meter high dive from a helicopter over Tahiti. The article questions what extreme stunts she might attempt next. Another segment introduces Eric Rantet, a French enthusiast who built a remarkably fast model jet aircraft. On its premiere day, his creation, powered by two Turborec jet engines, successfully flew for nearly five minutes at a speed of 250 km/h, bringing Rantet to tears of joy.
Exotic Foods and Record-Breaking Games
Page three delves into the eighth international food fair at Earls Court in London, showcasing unusual delicacies. Simon MacDonald, a Scottish smoker, presented smoked alligator, smoked ostrich, and even smoked butter. The article also mentions square fried eggs served in a German stall. Separately, Charles Walker from New Orleans set a new record by challenging 200 players to a game of draughts simultaneously in the Superdome. While Walker won most of his games, some players managed to defeat him.
Crocodile's Demise and Mutant Chicken
Page four recounts a dramatic incident in Malaysia where a 7-meter long crocodile, known as "King of Crocodiles," was found dead after attempting to swallow a medicine man. The crocodile had previously killed thirteen people. The medicine man, however, survived because his large nose bone became lodged in the crocodile's throat, ultimately causing its death. The villagers rejoiced at the demise of the predator. Page five continues with the story of a six-legged, four-winged chicken developed by a French breeder, Morton Clay. Clay claims this 'super chicken' will be highly sought after, especially in America. He has already received numerous orders and interest from a US company willing to pay millions for the rights.
Air Show Disaster and Unusual Collections
Page six discusses a near-catastrophe at an air show in England, where two Russian jets collided during a display. Fortunately, both pilots ejected safely before the planes exploded. The incident, which occurred over Fairford airfield, caused panic among the 250,000 spectators, with thirteen people requiring medical attention. The article raises questions about the safety of air shows over populated areas. The same page also features Meredith DeGood, a collector of fridge magnets, who has amassed over 300 unique magnets, some of which she has sold for significant profit.
Artistic Innovation and Collectible Magnets
Page seven highlights Paul Claude Babinger, a French artist who developed a unique technique of painting with red and white wines, calling it 'vignerelles.' He patented this method in 1989 and has sold 50 such artworks, priced between 1500 and 5000 francs. His preferred wines for painting include Burgundy, Sauternes, and Alsatian wines. The article also touches upon the trend of collecting, with Meredith DeGood's extensive collection of fridge magnets serving as an example.
The Baby Born with a Gold Tooth
Page eight presents a remarkable case investigated by researcher Morton Clay. A baby boy, born to Bill and Mary Joliet, was found to have a gold tooth in his lower jaw. The tooth was later determined to be from the late 1800s, leading Clay to believe it is evidence of reincarnation. He suggests this discovery will fundamentally alter perceptions of life, death, heaven, and hell. The story involves a doctor, metal experts, and a dentist who confirmed the tooth's age and origin.
Operation Videos and Extreme Sports
Page nine explores the unusual hobby of Larry Friel and his club in Sacramento, where members film and watch their own surgical operations. Friel, who has seen over 200 such videos, finds them fascinating and believes it's no more unusual than women filming childbirth. The club's members enjoy adding music to their operation films. The article also mentions Greg Gaffon, a daredevil who intentionally forgot to deploy his parachute during a 4500-meter skydive, managing to land safely after deploying it later. This stunt was part of his repertoire of extreme activities.
Kamasutra Chocolate
Page ten features "Kamasutra-sjokolade" (Kamasutra Chocolate), a concept that aims to illustrate the ancient Kamasutra text through chocolate. The article notes that the Kamasutra, considered a seminal work on sexuality, was written approximately 1600 years ago.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently focuses on the extraordinary, the record-breaking, and the bizarre. It embraces sensationalism to draw readers in, highlighting unusual individuals, animals, and events from around the world. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the unconventional and a desire to present the most astonishing stories possible, often with a slightly tongue-in-cheek or amazed tone.
This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated 1993, presents a diverse collection of articles focusing on unusual human experiences, peculiar businesses, and intriguing personal stories. The cover prominently features a headline about a "Funeral Business After a Bargain Model!" and includes images related to a chocolate Kama Sutra and a man in a coffin, hinting at the diverse content within.
Funeral Business After a Bargain Model!
The lead article introduces Michel Leclerc, a Frenchman who has revolutionized the funeral industry by creating a chain of funeral homes and supermarkets. These establishments offer gravestones, coffins, rituals, and even symbolic items for grave decoration. Leclerc claims this model has reduced costs for bereaved families by nearly 50 percent while generating significant profit. He aims to expand this efficient and service-oriented model across Europe, having successfully lobbied for the abolition of a 1904 law that established a state monopoly on funerals, thus opening the market for new ventures.
War Veteran Coughs Up Bullet
This section recounts the extraordinary story of Joe De Marco, a war veteran who coughed up a German bullet that had been lodged in his head for 49 years since being shot during the 1944 Normandy invasion. Despite the bullet remaining in his head, he experienced no major issues, only occasional headaches. The bullet was never removed by surgeons due to the risk. He describes the event of coughing it up as sudden and unexpected, noting that it may have traveled to his nasal passage before being expelled.
Child Trapped in Quicksand
The article details the terrifying experience of 11-year-old John Krakowiecki, who became stuck in quicksand-like mud in the Mojave Desert. For four hours, he struggled to keep his head above the viscous material, fearing he would drown. His father had been riding a three-wheeled motorcycle and had sunk into the mud first. John's father left to get help, and John, trying to get closer to the motorcycle, also sank. Rescuers eventually arrived and managed to free him, though it was a painful and arduous process, especially with one leg stuck fast.
Millionaire Buried with Fortune
This piece tells the story of Maurice Dees, a millionaire businessman who amassed a fortune through real estate and banking but lived frugally. Unmarried and without children, he feared his money would be inherited by others. To prevent this, he purchased a silk-lined coffin, placed 30 million dollars inside, and had the coffin bomb-activated to deter grave robbers. His sister, Violette Richards, was the only one allowed to place him in the coffin and activate the bomb, ensuring his money would remain with him in death.
The Cactus Man of France
Joël Lodè, formerly known as a "desert runner," has settled in Saint-Herblain, France, and is now recognized as the "Cactus Man." For nearly 15 years, he traveled the world on a bicycle collecting and cataloging cacti. He has amassed a collection of over 20,000 cacti, representing 4,000 different species, in a large greenhouse. Lodè is a recognized specialist, having authored five books on the subject and founded an association for desert and succulent plant enthusiasts.
The Bearded Lady Seeks Love
Bettina LaMarr, a 32-year-old circus artist, has retired from her world travels and is now seeking a husband. Born with a rare genetic condition causing excessive hair growth, she experienced bullying and isolation throughout her childhood. She found acceptance and a career performing as "The Bearded Lady" in a circus. After retiring, she joined clubs for singles and has been trying to find a man who will love her for who she is, regardless of her appearance.
Modern Art: TV Sculptures and Teddy Bear Alarms
The magazine also features a segment on "ultimate modern art" by artist Anthony Heywood, who creates sculptures of elephants using old TV sets, mannequins, and other discarded items, calling it "techno art." Additionally, it highlights a unique car security system from Rabbit Systems in California: a teddy bear that emits a 110-decibel shriek when a car is broken into, designed to scare off thieves and alert the neighborhood.
World Record for Balancing Beer Glasses
Terry Cole of London has set a new world record by balancing 35 beer glasses on his chin simultaneously. The article notes his impressive feat and his ability to handle such a precarious situation.
Ecologist Lives Off Acorns
David Bainbridge, an ecologist from California, has discovered that acorns can be a delicious and versatile food source. He prepares various dishes using acorns, including oil, bread, pastries, spirits, and even coffee substitutes. He acknowledges the process of removing the bitterness requires significant effort but believes acorns are a valuable food resource.
High-Tea Fundraiser
Andrew Hepple and Stephen Richardson held a unique fundraising event: a tea party held 20 meters high on the roof of St. Joseph's Church in Tyne and Wear, England. The event aimed to raise money for children in need, with participants enjoying tea and snacks at a dizzying height.
91-Year-Old Marries 16-Year-Old
The issue concludes with the story of 91-year-old Hildie Noster, who married her 16-year-old fiancé, Tony. Despite the significant age difference and potential family objections, the couple is depicted as happy and in love.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
This issue of UFO-Nyt consistently explores themes of the unusual, the extraordinary, and the human capacity for resilience and adaptation. From innovative business models to overcoming personal adversity and engaging in unique hobbies or artistic expressions, the magazine celebrates the unconventional. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the bizarre and the remarkable, presenting these stories with a sense of wonder and curiosity. There's an underlying theme of challenging norms, whether in business, personal life, or artistic creation.
Title: EN GAL GAL VERDEN
Issue Date: 4. JANUAR
Publisher: ALLERS FAMILIE JOURNAL
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
This issue of "En Gal Gal Verden" presents a diverse collection of human interest stories, focusing on extraordinary events, resilience, and unique aspects of life.
Bobby Has Half a Body - But It's Enough!
The cover story highlights Bobby, a young boy who, despite having only half a body, demonstrates remarkable strength and a positive outlook. After an operation, Bobby was fitted with prosthetic legs attached to a harness. He prefers to move by walking on his hands, showcasing incredible arm strength that even intimidates other boys. Bobby is also learning karate and enjoys playing football, where he skillfully tackles opponents. He is receiving education from a private tutor and is described as a fantastic, active child who doesn't elicit pity but rather admiration. His parents are proud of his resilience and positive attitude.
Reincarnation: Our Children Remember Past Lives
This section delves into the phenomenon of children recalling past lives. Johanna Purdue shares her son Ben's vivid memories, including one where he remembered his sister Rebecca drowning and his own past life as Ben. Debbie Williams recounts her son Gary's memory of being murdered by his mother in a previous existence. Debra Thomas details her daughter Catherine's uncanny knowledge of a castle she had never visited, where she claimed to have been a teacher. Professor Ian Stevenson of the University of Virginia is cited, stating that approximately 6000 'reincarnated' children have been documented, with 50-60% remembering violent deaths. The article notes that such memories are clearer and more common in Asia, where reincarnation is widely accepted. Conversely, Western perspectives often attribute these memories to fantasy or imagination. Psychologists Jenny Cozens and Charles Desforges offer alternative theories, suggesting that children's 'memories' might stem from vivid dreams, projections, or a subconscious desire for a different mother, especially after parental divorce.
The Elephant Who Saved a Life
A poignant story recounts how an elephant named Miss Molly sacrificed her life to save a 5-year-old boy, Andy. Miss Molly had been a surrogate mother to Andy since he was a baby. When a truck veered off the road, Miss Molly instinctively intervened, hitting the truck with such force that it was thrown off course. The elephant sustained fatal injuries, but her action saved Andy's life. Andy, deeply attached to Miss Molly, visits her grave daily.
Medical Marvels: Leeches and Furniture Polish
The issue revisits the use of leeches in medicine, noting their return to scientific research. Biopharm UK in Swansea is highlighted as a major producer of medicinal leeches. Leeches are used for their anticoagulant enzyme, which can be beneficial for improving blood circulation in compromised body parts. The article also features an astonishing case of an 85-year-old man, Ben Sturnham, who regained his sight after accidentally getting furniture polish in his eyes. Doctors are baffled, theorizing that the shock might have released a psychological block affecting his vision.
Unique Inventions and Lifestyles
Several innovative and unusual concepts are presented:
- Parcar: An invention that allows cars to be parked underground, freeing up garage space and protecting the vehicle.
- Ciclolama: A vertical bicycle designed by Pablo Etcharte-Morales to assist workers in harvesting from tall palm trees.
- Beer for Dogs and Cats: A Japanese brewery has developed non-alcoholic beer for pets, named 'My Puppy' and 'My Pussy'.
Extraordinary Cases and Personalities
- Python Custody Battle: Linda Walker and her ex-husband Terry are embroiled in a dispute over the custody of two pythons, Samson and Jake.
- Obesity and Entrapment: John Johnson became so obese that he got stuck in his car for eight months, requiring a police operation to extract him. He subsequently underwent a strict diet and rehabilitation.
- Child Detectives: Jurgen, a 10-year-old from Alaska, has started a private detective agency with his friend Joel, specializing in local mysteries.
- 'Årets Stuegris' (Sofa Potato of the Year): Craig Chira is humorously recognized for spending at least 14 hours a day in front of the TV, surrounded by snacks and drinks.
- Stonehenge Wedding: Kim and James chose the ancient site of Stonehenge for their unusual wedding ceremony.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently features stories of resilience, the extraordinary within the ordinary, and the human capacity for overcoming adversity. There's a recurring theme of unusual animal-human bonds and the exploration of phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, such as reincarnation. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the unusual and a celebration of individuals who live life to the fullest, regardless of their circumstances. The publication aims to inform and entertain readers with a wide array of compelling narratives from around the world.
Title: EN GAL GAL VERDEN
Issue: 3
Volume: 1
Issue Date: January 4, 1989
Publisher: VERDEN
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Ian McDonald: A Loffer in Paradise
The magazine opens with a feature on Ian McDonald, who has chosen an unconventional lifestyle by living on a houseboat in Richmond, England. This area is described as one of the most beautiful and exclusive in England, home to the rich and famous, including millionaires like Mick Jagger and musicians like Pete Townshend.
McDonald's houseboat, with its sailcloth roof, tarpaulins, planks, and a tin chimney, is built on a sturdy barge and has survived an hurricane. Previously, his houseboat was moored in Battersea, but authorities deemed it a hazard to navigation, forcing him to move. His new location in Richmond has been accepted, reportedly after appeals from wealthy neighbors who found him unobtrusive and even useful for observing wildlife. He is described as a gentleman, well-liked by most, and is said to be an esteemed professor who has opted out of the career rat race to seek tranquility with his partner.
The Fantastic Three-Legged People of Vestindia
Another significant article introduces the 'Okulata' people, an unusual tribe discovered on a small island in Vestindia, near Niue-øya. Anthropologist Anatol DiManto, from the Catholic University in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and his colleagues were astonished to find that the inhabitants of this island have three legs. DiManto initially thought he was hallucinating due to the heat.
He describes how these 'trefotfolket' (three-foot people) are practical with their extra limb, making them adept at running and swimming. They sleep in hammocks with holes to accommodate the third leg and rest by leaning on it. DiManto has returned to the island twice since his initial discovery in 1989, filming the people to study them further. Medical experts who have seen the footage suggest the third leg might be a hereditary mutation. DiManto is particularly fascinated by their sports, noting a ball game that is played twice as fast as football due to the extra leg. He plans to create a documentary about them.
The Moped is a Toilet!
A more lighthearted and quirky piece focuses on the 'doscooter,' a model of moped presented as a solution for drivers experiencing stomach troubles. The article humorously suggests that one can simply 'lift the lid and sit down' to use it. The functionality of its drainage system is not explained. The article includes a photo of model Samantha Coles, who declined a 'test sit' during a London exhibition, described as being 'fussy.' The piece also touches on the resurgence of mopeds in the 1980s, recalling their popularity in the 1960s.
Win a Cadillac: A Crazy Crossword
The issue concludes with a crossword puzzle titled 'ET GALT KRYSSORD' (A Crazy Crossword). The unique aspect of this crossword is that the answers are the opposite of the clues, meaning a 'wrong' solution will actually be the 'right' one. The grand prize for solving this puzzle is a 1959 Biarritz flying Cadillac, highlighted as a car that 'does not rust.' Participants are instructed to send their solutions to VERDEN in Oslo by January 4th.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
This issue of EN GAL GAL VERDEN showcases a fascination with the unconventional and the unusual. It explores alternative lifestyles through Ian McDonald's houseboat living, delves into extraordinary anthropological findings with the three-legged Okulata people, and injects humor with the 'doscooter' concept. The magazine also engages its readers with a prize-winning crossword, suggesting a playful and curious editorial stance that embraces the bizarre and the entertaining. The recurring theme is the presentation of unique stories that deviate from the norm, appealing to a readership interested in the strange and the wonderful.