En Gal Gal Verden - 1994 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: En Gal Gale Verden
Issue: 4, 1994
Date: Week 14, 1994
Publisher: Norges sprøeste blad
Price: Kr. 29.50

This issue of 'En Gal Gale Verden' (A Crazy Crazy World) is packed with sensational and bizarre stories, living up to its reputation as Norway's wildest magazine.

Shark Attack Survivor

The cover story details the harrowing experience of Roger Stinson, a car mechanic from California, who was attacked by an 11-meter long, 1300-kilo white shark off the coast of the Bahamas. The shark bit Stinson in half, consuming his lower body, yet he miraculously survived. Stinson recounts the terrifying moment he and his friend Richard Dyers spotted the shark. Dyers alerted Stinson, and though initially not panicked, Stinson realized the shark was attacking him with 'rocket speed'. He swam towards their boat, but the shark bit him. Dyers managed to pull Stinson into the boat, applied a tourniquet with nylon rope, and rushed him to shore. Stinson lost his lower body but is grateful to be alive, with doctors calling him a 'miracle man'. He credits Dyers' quick thinking for saving his life and vows to dive again.

The "Rubber Man's" Proposal

Helmut Retter, Germany's famous "rubber man", proposed to his girlfriend Barbara Cummings in a unique way. As a contortionist, he proposed on his knees, but his legs were not in a conventional position, making it a peculiar yet successful proposal. The couple is now married and expecting their first child.

John Evans: The Milk Crate Balancer

In England, known for its charity events, John Evans, a 46-year-old strongman, set a world record by balancing 30 milk cartons on his head, along with a small waitress, Annette Hewitt. The event was held to raise money for a hospital in his hometown of Nottingham. Evans sees himself as eccentric but is proud to contribute to a good cause.

Micky Metan: The Farting Maestro

The magazine introduces Micky Metan, whose real name is Paul Thomas, a performer who creates music by farting. He claims his act is art and aspires to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, following in the footsteps of French artist Le Petomane. Metan performs melodies like "God Save The Queen" and "The Flight of the Bumblebee" by controlling his abdominal muscles. He admits it's a difficult art requiring perfect muscle control.

Lee Te-jung: The Worm Eater

Lee Te-jung, from Asia, has a peculiar diet: he eats live worms. He started this habit in 1983 during a party and found it surprisingly satisfying. He claims to eat up to 15 worms a day, preferring them live as he enjoys the sensation of them crawling in his stomach. He has eaten at least 5000 live worms over the past decade.

Porky the Porcupine Saves the Day

In South Africa, veterinarian Amy Maitlin was attacked by a man with a knife who broke into her clinic. Maitlin, who was tending to her pet porcupine, Porky, quickly grabbed the 15-kilogram animal and threw it at the assailant's face. The man, later identified as Colin Stanley, was impaled by Porky's quills and fled, only to be apprehended by police. Maitlin credits Porky with saving her life and plans to buy him a medal.

The Man in the Balloon

Michael Lauziere from Montreal, Canada, performs a dangerous stunt where he inflates a large balloon, crawls inside, and then exits by puncturing the balloon with a small needle. The article warns readers not to attempt this trick without a sufficiently large balloon.

Race Through Paris Catacombs

Thirty men participated in a challenging race through the dark, damp, and eerie catacombs of Paris. The event involved navigating over a mile of underground tunnels, crawling through narrow passages, and passing by human bones and skulls. Participants were equipped with protective gear like helmets, gloves, and knee pads due to the hazardous conditions.

Vatican's "Astropresters"

An article suggests that Pope John Paul II is behind a space project involving the training of "astropresters" – priests who will spread God's word in space, potentially on missions to Mars. The Vatican has declined to comment on these reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'En Gal Gale Verden' consistently features stories of extreme survival, unusual human abilities, and bizarre occurrences. The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of sensationalism, highlighting the most shocking and extraordinary events and individuals, often with a touch of dark humor. The focus is on the "craziest" and most record-breaking aspects of human experience.

This issue of the magazine, dated 1990, features a variety of human interest stories focusing on unusual individuals, events, and feats. The cover story highlights Otto Blecker, a man from Hannover, Germany, who is passionate about billiards and organized a billiard competition on his own head, offering a substantial prize to the winner. The magazine delves into a range of peculiar and remarkable accounts, from the spiritual to the physically extreme.

Astro-Priests: Missionaries in Space?

One of the more extraordinary reports details the alleged completion of a six-year training program by two dozen Catholic priests to become 'astro-priests.' According to sources, these priests are being trained for missionary work in space, aiming to spread Christianity to extraterrestrial beings. The article quotes theology professor Rudolph Koller of Salzburg, Austria, who expresses amazement at the possibility, and priest Pierre Sorel, who emphasizes the church's preparedness for potential contact with alien life and the need to evangelize across the universe. The Vatican's alleged investment in this initiative and its long-term strategy for space missions are also mentioned.

Jimmy Abbott: Strength and Redemption

The magazine profiles Jimmy Abbott, a 33-year-old boxer and wrestler weighing 250 kg. A dramatic account describes how Abbott used his immense strength to save a child from drowning when a car carrying the sleeping child began to slide into a swimming pool. Abbott's story also touches upon his past struggles with anabolic steroids, which he used in pursuit of titles in his sport. He describes how the steroids caused him to gain weight rapidly, become aggressive, and feel dangerous. With the support of his wife, Carrie, and stepdaughters, Abbott found his way back to his faith and overcame his addiction, expressing gratitude for his life and a changed perspective.

Therens: Surviving a Nail Through the Face

A harrowing incident involving a 9-year-old boy named Therens is recounted. During a Christmas party in Rustenberg, South Africa, Therens was accidentally impaled by a 16-centimeter nail. The nail entered his left eye, passed diagonally through his face, and exited his right neck. Despite the severity of the injury, Therens survived and, after surgery, has largely recovered, though his pupil remains enlarged. The incident highlights the quick actions of his parents and the medical professionals who treated him.

The Pterodactyl Photograph

Tourist Calvin Smith created a stir among researchers when he presented a photograph he took of what appears to be a flying dinosaur, identified as a pterodactyl. The photo was taken in Zaire while Smith and his wife, Margaret, were photographing rare plants. Local inhabitants reported seeing the winged creature, estimated to have a 20-meter wingspan, flying over the Ubangi River. The article notes the skepticism of researchers prior to seeing the photograph and the potential implications for cryptozoology.

'Screwy Louie': The Nail-Hammering Stuntman

Melvin Burkhardt, performing under the stage name 'Screwy Louie,' is featured for his unusual act of hammering a 20-centimeter long nail into his own nose. The article describes him as one of the peculiar performers at Coney Island, New York, alongside other acts like the 'Gum Woman Satina' and 'Frog Boy.' Burkhardt's stunt is presented as a testament to extreme physical tolerance and a willingness to push boundaries for entertainment.

Edible Art: The Cakes of Greg and Max

Cake artists Greg Schofield and Max from London are showcased for their extraordinary creations. Described as pioneers in 'edible art,' they use ingredients like flour, eggs, and sugar to craft imaginative cakes. Their portfolio includes works such as 'The Cake That Makes Itself,' a depiction of Mellors' naked body titled 'Lady Chatterly's Lover,' a sunbathing pig, and a mechanical snail cake. These artistic cakes are not only displayed but also sold and consumed after exhibitions, embodying the concept of functional art.

Tragic Accident: Katherina Crushed by Train Cars

A somber report details the tragic death of 10-year-old Katherina Curos in Switzerland. While taking a shortcut to school, Katherina attempted to pass between two train cars. One of the cars unexpectedly moved, crushing her between the buffers. The incident deeply affected the railway workers and Katherina's friends, highlighting the dangers of such shortcuts. The article includes a quote from a railway worker expressing his distress over the event.

'Snakeman' Powers: Crime Fighter with Serpents

John 'Snakeman' Powers, a 46-year-old man from England who relocated to South Africa, is presented as an unconventional crime fighter. With a physique covered in tattoos and a penchant for carrying pythons, Powers operates a private security service in Johannesburg. He claims to use his three snakes and 'witchcraft' to deter criminals and assist distressed citizens. The article touches upon his unique lifestyle, including having two Zulu wives and his studies in 'witchcraft,' emphasizing his belief in his own unconventional methods and their effectiveness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features stories that highlight the extraordinary, the unusual, and the extreme aspects of human experience. From feats of strength and survival to bizarre performances and unconventional lifestyles, the editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the peculiar and the remarkable. There is a clear interest in individuals who defy norms, push physical or spiritual boundaries, and engage in activities far outside the ordinary. The inclusion of religious figures in unusual contexts (astro-priests) and the focus on personal redemption (Jimmy Abbott) suggest a broad interest in compelling human narratives, regardless of their conventionality.

Title: UFO-Aktuelt
Issue: 10
Volume: 1993
Date: October 1993
Publisher: UFO-Aktuelt
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Price: 25 kr

This issue of UFO-Aktuelt presents a collection of diverse and often dramatic human interest stories, ranging from unusual world records and near-fatal accidents to personal transformations and technological innovations.

Festival of Records in Pèrigord

The magazine opens with a report on the 9th Festival of Records held in Pèrigord, France. This event celebrated the pursuit of setting unusual world records, with participants showcasing immense creativity. Examples include the world's smallest tandem bicycle, the world's tallest chair, and various skill-based challenges like pancake tossing and olive pit spitting. The article emphasizes that success at such events requires thinking big, small, or simply 'weird'.

Tragic Accident: Bride Drowns in Toilet

A shocking story details the death of a newlywed bride, Anne Hallintok, in Dallas, USA. After accidentally dropping her wedding ring into the toilet, she slipped on the wet floor while trying to retrieve it, hitting her head and drowning.

Survival Against Odds: Ulrich Schild's Ordeal

Ulrich Schild, a tourist in the Dominican Republic, survived a horrific motorcycle accident. He crashed into a parked truck and a 140-centimeter long wooden stake pierced through his chest and exited his back. Despite the severity of the injury and initial difficulties in securing medical treatment due to lack of insurance, Ulrich eventually received surgery and survived, calling it a miracle.

Personal Transformation: Annette's Breast Augmentation

Annette, a 78-year-old woman, underwent breast augmentation surgery to reignite the passion in her marriage to her husband Bernard. She felt their love life had become routine and wanted to surprise him. Bernard was overjoyed with the results, describing his wife as the 'sexiest woman in the world' and noting that their romance had been rekindled.

Child Psychology: The Power of Acupressure Mats

Barnepsykologen (Child Psychologist) Karl Weismann from Switzerland claims to have a revolutionary method for dealing with disruptive children: the acupressure mat. He discovered this technique when a 13-year-old patient, who had been in trouble with the law, reported feeling better after lying on a spikermatte. Weismann found that the pressure from the spikes calms the children and allows for better concentration during therapy, leading to improved behavior and emotional development. The treatment requires careful application to avoid injury.

Medical Breakthrough: Cody's Birthmark Treatment

The issue features the story of Cody Hall, a young child whose face was significantly covered by a rapidly growing birthmark. After initially struggling to find help in England, the family found hope in the USA. Dr. David Apfelberg at the Stanfordklinikken in San Francisco began treating Cody, with significant support from the local community in Corby, England, who raised funds for his treatment. The article expresses hope for Cody's future recovery.

Weight Loss Success: Susan Owens' Transformation

Susan Owens, who was significantly overweight at 89 kg for her height of 168 cm, decided to undergo a drastic weight loss and fitness program. The article highlights her remarkable transformation, noting that people who knew her before are shocked by her new appearance. She attributes her motivation to working at a diet specialist's office.

Technological Innovation: TV Glasses

A new invention, 'TV glasses', is introduced, which allows users to watch television privately. These glasses contain a built-in screen and are powered by a portable battery offering up to 4 hours of viewing. The article suggests potential uses ranging from personal entertainment during commutes or leisure activities to practical applications in medical and surgical fields, allowing surgeons to view video feeds directly.

Golfing Hazard: Jack Duffin's Near-Fatal Accident

Ambulance driver Jack Duffin recounts a bizarre and nearly fatal accident he experienced while playing golf. He tripped, and his golf club broke, with a sharp piece piercing his thigh and severing an artery. Despite his experience with various emergencies, this incident almost cost him his life. He was quickly attended to by his companions and transported to the hospital, where he recovered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the extraordinary aspects of human life: resilience in the face of severe accidents, the pursuit of unique achievements, the impact of personal choices on well-being, and the potential of technological and medical advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of highlighting remarkable stories, whether they are triumphs over adversity, unusual occurrences, or significant personal changes, often with a focus on the human element and the emotional impact of these events.

This issue of the magazine, identified by issue number 31, presents a diverse range of intriguing and often unconventional topics. The cover story, "PYRAMIDENE STÅR OPP-NED!" (Pyramids Stand Upside Down!), immediately sets a tone of speculative inquiry, suggesting a radical new theory about the purpose and construction of the ancient Egyptian pyramids.

Pyramids as Alien Landing Sites

The lead article introduces the controversial theory of archaeologist Abdel Gallad, who claims that the pyramids were not tombs for pharaohs but were built as landing platforms for extraterrestrial spacecraft. Gallad asserts that ancient drawings depict pyramids balancing perfectly on their tips with large 'roofs' for landing. He speculates that the aliens may have used Egyptians as slave labor, and that the pyramids were later turned right-side up to prevent humans from using them as launchpads. While Gallad's theory is described as 'somewhat far-fetched,' it is noted that some scientists have whispered about this idea, with Álex Marman suggesting that evidence might exist within the pyramids to support the claim that UFOs landed and took off from these 'platforms.' Gallad hopes that one day a pyramid can be turned over to reveal its original structure.

Record-Breaking Vegetables and Unusual Pets

Another section celebrates the UK Giant Vegetable and Fruit Championship, highlighting impressive produce like a 202-kilogram pumpkin and a 40-kilogram cabbage. A farmer from West Yorkshire is noted for growing a 5-kilogram onion. The magazine also features Gawk, a featherless cockatoo described as the 'world's ugliest bird,' who, despite his appearance, is said to be happy and confident. The issue also introduces Cherry Pop, a highly pampered Persian cat living a luxurious life with her millionaire owners, complete with a custom Rolls Royce and mink coat.

Collectibles and Unique Hobbies

The magazine profiles Paul Donaldson, a truck driver who has amassed a collection of over 200 Action Man figures, meticulously displayed in his home. Donaldson's collection spans various Action Man roles, from soldiers to astronauts, and he values the interest over monetary gain, though he notes that some accessories can fetch significant prices.

Psychic Abilities and Dangerous Competitions

A story focuses on Willow Smithies, a 13-year-old girl with mental abilities similar to Uri Geller's. She can bend spoons, stop clocks, and move objects with her mind, causing her parents considerable distress as she has destroyed household items when displeased. In stark contrast, the issue reports on a dangerous chain-smoking competition in China, where participants attempt to smoke as many cigarettes as possible. The article highlights the case of 17-year-old Tsai Chang-chou, who died after smoking 183 cigarettes in just over six hours, a competition often organized by local businessmen offering prizes.

Innovative Transformations and Extreme Feats

Dave Curtis, an English truck driver, transformed an old Skoda car into a functional outdoor grill, a project that gained attention from a TV show. Another feature details a record-breaking kite, 'Icarus II,' designed by Kurtis Bauer, which flew 30 miles into space. The kite, made from special NASA material, is designed to withstand extreme temperatures. The magazine also covers a story about a chef, Nick Stopford, who received a 5.2-kilogram mushroom and used it to make 350 omelets for charity.

Remarkable Rescues and Friendships

A heartwarming story recounts how amateur fisherman Arthur Flancer rescued an 11-month-old baby, Aaron, who had fallen into a river, by hooking him with his fishing line. The baby was revived by his mother using CPR. The issue also introduces a unique friendship between two 14-year-old boys in South Africa, André and Cornè, who are opposites in size and personality but share a strong bond.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unusual, the extreme, and the speculative. It embraces stories that challenge conventional thinking, whether it's about ancient mysteries, human capabilities (both extraordinary and self-destructive), or unique hobbies and transformations. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the bizarre and the record-breaking, presenting these diverse narratives without overt judgment, allowing readers to ponder the implications of these extraordinary events and theories.

This issue of UFO-Aktuelt, dated 1994, features a variety of human interest stories, with a prominent focus on unusual collections and record-breaking achievements, alongside tales of tragedy and quirky human behavior.

Key Articles and Features

The Tie Collector: HAN ER GAL ETTER SLIPS!

The main cover story highlights Tom Holmes, a 69-year-old man who has amassed a collection of over 5000 ties since the age of five. His collection has been documented and recognized by the Guinness Book of Records and the Guild of British Tie Makers. The article mentions that his collection includes ties that once belonged to celebrities like Oliver Hardy, George Formby, Max Miller, and even Rudolf Hess. The accompanying photo shows Tom Holmes receiving an award for his collection.

Neighbor Dispute: BILLY - VERRE ENN TEGNESERIEFIGUREN DENNIS!

This article details a conflict between Randy Killbeaner and his 6-year-old neighbor, Billy Astrong. Killbeaner claims Billy has made his life a living hell by painting his pickup truck with oil paint, gluing his father's shoes to the floor, filling his fish pond with stone slabs, and scaring his dog. Billy's grandmother, Alice Astrong, describes him as a little angel and disputes the claims. Killbeaner is threatening legal action to have Billy removed from the neighborhood.

Tragic Drowning: TRE BRØDRE DRUKNET I HOTELLETS SVØMMEBASSENG!

This is a somber report about three brothers from Brooklyn – George (15), Vincent (twin), and Winston (13) Chin – who drowned in a hotel swimming pool during a trip. The boys, who had never been outside New York City before, did not know how to swim. The tragedy occurred after a day of sightseeing. A friend alerted others that the boys were in distress, but initially, they were thought to be playing. The hotel cook eventually rescued them, but Vincent and Winston were pronounced dead at the scene, and George died later at the hospital.

The Square Tomato Grower: BEN FRA ENGLAND DYRKET FIRKANTETE TOMATER!

Ben Kitching, a 75-year-old retired glassblower from England, decided to grow square tomatoes. He felt that round tomatoes didn't fit well with square bread slices. Using his glassblowing skills, he created cubical molds for the tomatoes to grow in. His neighbors were surprised by his unique cultivation method.

The Shortest Woman: Som en levende dukke

This feature introduces Madge Beaster, who is 65 cm tall and recognized as the world's shortest woman. Her mother, Winnie Beaster, is 70 cm tall. Madge lives in a home for the physically disabled in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she works and raises funds for others. Despite her condition, she expresses contentment with her life and enjoys activities like reading and babysitting.

The Generous Millionaire: DA KOM POLITET OG TOK HAM!

Chan Hon-ching, a millionaire in Hong Kong, attempted to give away 1 million dollars in cash on the streets. He had received a 1 million dollar insurance payout after an injury and decided he didn't need the money. He began distributing 10-dollar bills, causing a commotion. The police intervened, and Chan was taken to a mental hospital for evaluation. He had managed to distribute $20,000 before being apprehended.

The Pampered Dog's Diet Drama: BORTSKJEMT HUND TRUET MED Å TA LIVET AV SEG!

This story is about Boopsie, a poodle belonging to Bernard Almet and his wife Dani, who was severely overweight. The veterinarian advised a diet, which led Boopsie to become distressed and even threaten to jump out of a window. Dog psychologist Jacques Dauxerre had warned the owners that their extreme pampering might lead to such behavior. After the incident, Boopsie was returned to her luxurious lifestyle.

The Parrot Deception: -STAKKARS LIONEL FIKK OPPLEVE MONTY SKETSJEN PÅ ORDENTLIG

Lionel Bateman, 60, purchased parrots from Keith McDonald and Brian Power, who advertised them as lively and talkative. However, upon arrival, one parrot was found dead in its cage, and the other was injured and unwell. The sellers were later prosecuted for animal cruelty and fined, and banned from selling animals for ten years.

The Lightning-Struck Tree Sculpture: SÅ LAGDE COLIN EN TRESKULPTUR!

After a 150-year-old tree at Tweedale Hall in Yorkshire was struck by lightning, Colin Wilbourn, a tree sculptor, was called in. He transformed the damaged tree into a sculpture featuring a staircase leading to the top, with a window and a platform offering a view.

The Medical Mystery: HAN HADDE HJERNEN I MAGEN - OG HJERTET I HODET!

This article discusses the case of Li Pao, a Chinese man who died with a unique medical condition. His internal organs were scrambled: his heart was in his head, his brain was in his abdomen, and his kidneys were where his stomach should have been. The diagram illustrates the unusual positioning of his organs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine covers a wide range of human interest stories, often focusing on the unusual, the record-breaking, and the bizarre. There's a clear interest in collections, unusual talents, and extreme behaviors, whether human or animal. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a mix of fascination and sometimes a touch of sensationalism, particularly in the more dramatic or tragic stories. The inclusion of a UFO magazine title suggests a potential underlying interest in unexplained phenomena, though this issue leans heavily towards more grounded, albeit extraordinary, human and animal stories.

This issue of UFO-Magasinet, dated 1993 and identified as issue number 10, delves into a variety of unusual and intriguing topics, ranging from medical mysteries and extreme human feats to paranormal abilities and the creation of novel animal breeds. The magazine is published by Allers Familie Journal and features a cover headline about the world's first cat-dog and dog-cat hybrids.

Medical Mysteries and Human Interest

The issue opens with a fascinating case study of Li Pao, a patient whose internal organs were found to have shifted dramatically within his body. Dr. Chi recounts how Li Pao initially complained of pain in his chest, only for doctors to discover his heart was located in his skull. This phenomenon, attributed to stress, led to his organs moving freely, making it impossible to save him when he later suffered a heart attack. Dr. Chi describes Li Pao as a unique medical mystery.

Another human interest story features James Pidherney from Kingsbury, England. A former antique dealer, Pidherney found himself with a substantial debt of 700,000 Norwegian kroner after facing financial difficulties. His unconventional solution is to collect discarded cans, a task he estimates will take him nine years, three months, and three weeks to complete. Despite his situation, Pidherney maintains a positive outlook, drawing inspiration from his grandfather who also collected bottles.

The magazine also highlights the story of extreme weight, focusing on twins Carol and Sandy Yager. Carol, weighing 594 kilograms, was once considered the world's heaviest woman. The twins were separated at birth, and Carol's weight gain was linked to sexual abuse during her upbringing. After experiencing health complications due to her weight, Carol was hospitalized and placed on a forced diet. During this time, she reconnected with her twin sister, Sandy, who weighed only 40 kilograms. Carol has since lost 250 kilograms and aims to reach 65 kilograms.

Paranormal Abilities and Unique Creations

Mark Smith from Colchester, England, is featured for his extraordinary ability to locate buried objects simply by concentrating and 'seeing' them. He describes this as a 'sixth sense' that he can direct towards specific items, such as old coins or historical artifacts. Smith believes this ability may be a gift from 'spirit children' he encountered as a child. He recounts finding a valuable gold dagger and a Victorian silver spoon using his unique talent.

Geneticists have reportedly created the world's first 'cat-dog' and 'dog-cat' hybrids. These creatures, developed by combining cat and dog genes, are described as affectionate 'cat-puppies'. Type A has a cat's face and a dog's body, while Type B has a dog's face and a cat's body. The geneticist, Richard Bran, suggests these animals could be excellent companions, though their availability is uncertain.

Historical and Extreme Feats

A remarkable historical account details the revival of sailor John Torrington, who died in 1845 and was frozen in Antarctica. Exhumed in 1983 and later again in secret, scientists successfully revived him using a combination of medication and electricity. Despite appearing much older than his 20 years at death, Torrington is reportedly conscious and expected to live a normal life, though he is disoriented about current events, believing James K. Polk is still the US president.

Another story covers a unique modification of a tank, creating a 'Stridsvogn Cadillac' dedicated to General Norman Schwartzkopf. This vehicle combines elements of a 1959 Cadillac and an M-2 tank, featuring a J-46 jet engine.

In a more lighthearted extreme feat, the magazine reports on Jan Aaskov from Svendborg, Denmark, who set a record by eating 2.25 meters of hot dogs in just 29 minutes at a competition in Egeberg. Two other participants also managed to eat three hot dogs, but Aaskov's speed and quantity were unmatched.

International Attractions and Oddities

The issue also touches upon international attractions, including an 'interesting amusement park' in France called Mirapolis, which boasts the world's largest clock and the statue of Gargantua, the second largest in the world. The park is described as a distinctly French experience.

From Tokyo, a peculiar novelty is reported: 'acid gas' dispensers. These machines offer a 3-minute dose of gas for 100 yen, intended to clear the head and supposedly combat pollution. The article questions this practice, suggesting it might encourage further pollution.

Finally, a story from Warsaw describes a terrifying incident where a circus bear attacked a female producer during a TV show. The bear, reportedly agitated, lunged at the producer, causing minor injuries. The circus director, Jerzy Koziak, was also bitten while intervening. While the trainer, Andriej Ilin, expressed concern about the bear's increasing aggression, Koziak remained committed to continuing the show.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-Magasinet revolve around the extraordinary and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a willingness to report on unusual phenomena, whether they be medical anomalies, paranormal abilities, extreme human achievements, or bizarre animal creations. The magazine presents these stories with a tone of wonder and sometimes skepticism, inviting readers to ponder the boundaries of the possible. The inclusion of diverse topics suggests an aim to engage readers with a broad spectrum of intriguing subjects that fall outside the realm of the ordinary.

This issue of EN GAL GAL VERDEN features a diverse collection of human interest stories, including an extraordinary construction project, a shocking medical malpractice case, and an animal record. The magazine's cover story is about Jim Bishop's lifelong endeavor to build his own knight's castle, while another prominent article details the near-fatal experience of Antonio Boccicaldo, who was subjected to organ harvesting while in a coma. The issue also includes a segment on a koala breeding record and a subscription offer for the magazine.

Jim Bishop's Knight's Castle

The main feature, with the headline "JIM BYGGER SIN EGEN RIDDERBORG!" (Jim builds his own knight's castle!), details the remarkable 24-year project of Jim Bishop. Bishop, who has dedicated himself to this endeavor for up to 15 hours a day, is described as a true enthusiast. His castle is located in the wilderness near Pueblo, Colorado, USA. The inspiration for the castle came from his childhood fascination with knights and the Middle Ages. He began construction in 1969, using stones from riverbeds and wood from the forest, transporting materials with his own pick-up truck and employing self-built lifting devices. Bishop, now 49, states that seeing his dream progress daily, weekly, and monthly is fulfilling. His children have taken over his former shop in Pueblo, allowing him to focus entirely on the castle. The castle already attracts 50,000 visitors annually. Seventy-five percent of the income is reinvested in maintenance and planned expansions, such as a wall, moat, and drawbridge. The remaining quarter is set aside for a fund to help children with heart conditions. Bishop finds joy in building, dressing as a knight, and wielding an axe and sword. The first floor of the castle features a kitchen and a family room with a large fireplace, boasting a seven-meter ceiling. The second floor also has a seven-meter ceiling and a large room intended to become a museum for Bishop's medieval weapons. The third floor houses a large pipe organ salvaged from a closed church, and Bishop is considering installing a hanging bedroom suspended by iron chains from the 14-meter-high ceiling. Bishop humorously admits one must be a bit crazy to undertake such a project, but reiterates that "Man har ikke mer moro enn man lager selv!" (One doesn't have more fun than one makes oneself!). The article is credited to Chuck Michelini and Lars Brander, with photos by IFOT.

The Shocking Case of Antonio Boccicaldo

Another significant article, with the headline "-LEGENE TOK NYREN MIN, EN LUNGE OG ØYNENE MINE DA JEG LA I KOMA!" (-The doctors took my kidney, a lung, and my eyes when I fell into a coma!), details the horrific experience of Antonio Boccicaldo. In March 1993, a tire explosion on Boccicaldo's truck led to a severe accident where the vehicle crashed into an underpass. The 51-year-old Antonio sustained major head injuries and was registered as an organ donor. Doctors, believing him to be brain dead, proceeded to harvest his organs. He was taken to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator due to difficulty breathing. After three days, doctors were about to harvest his heart when a nurse noticed that the same machine used to declare him brain dead was malfunctioning and connected it to another patient, revealing the error. Boccicaldo states that without his family, he would have taken his own life. He is suing the hospital in Naples for the harm done, claiming they took his eyes, a kidney, both hip joints, large areas of skin, and 30 percent of his spinal cord. The hospital's lawyers argue that the doctors were not at fault, attributing the incident to faulty medical equipment. Boccicaldo's lawyer, Luigi Adolfo, emphasizes that doctors should always double-check before harvesting organs. Adolfo describes Boccicaldo as a healthy, vital man before the incident, now reduced to a cripple with chronic pain, whose quality of life is gone. Boccicaldo is seeking 5 million kroner in compensation. The article is written by Beatrice Dexter and Christine Lindsjoo.

Koalabjørn Rekord!

The back cover features a brief story titled "KOALABJØRN REKORD!" (Koala Bear Record!). It introduces Robert Douglas, a koala breeder, who is pictured holding 11 koalas. This feat sets a new world record, surpassing his previous record of 6. The average weight of a koala bear is stated to be 5 kilograms. The photo is credited to Tigor Press.

Subscription Offer

The magazine includes a prominent advertisement for subscriptions to "EN GAL GAL VERDEN." It offers two subscription options: 12 issues for 295 kr or 6 issues for 177 kr, with payment to be made upon receipt of an invoice. The form requires the subscriber's name, address, and postal code/city. A signature is also required, with a note for those under 18 to have a parent sign. The offer is presented with the tagline "GÅ IKKE GLIPP AV NESTE NUMMER" (Don't miss the next issue).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of EN GAL GAL VERDEN leans heavily into the extraordinary and the sensational. The editorial stance appears to be one that celebrates unique human achievements (Jim Bishop's castle), exposes shocking failures in systems (medical malpractice), and highlights unusual records (koala bears). The magazine seems to aim at providing readers with compelling, often unbelievable, stories that capture the imagination and provoke strong reactions. The inclusion of a subscription offers suggests a focus on building a loyal readership interested in such diverse and dramatic narratives. The overall tone is one of fascination with the unusual aspects of life, whether they are self-made wonders, tragic mishaps, or record-breaking feats.