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En Gal Gal Verden - 1994 No 05
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Title: EN GAL VERDEN Issue: Nr 5/1994, Uke 18 Date: 1994 Publisher: EN GAL VERDEN Country: Norway Price: Kr.29,50,- (incl. moms)
Magazine Overview
Title: EN GAL VERDEN
Issue: Nr 5/1994, Uke 18
Date: 1994
Publisher: EN GAL VERDEN
Country: Norway
Price: Kr.29,50,- (incl. moms)
This issue of 'En Gal Verden' (A Crazy World) lives up to its name with a collection of bizarre, unusual, and record-breaking stories. The cover prominently features a man with an astonishing number of cigarettes stuffed into his mouth, alongside headlines teasing stories about a half-man half-alligator, Russian aliens, and a snowman sighting in Scotland. The magazine boldly claims to be Norway's craziest publication, breaking all records.
Strange Discoveries and Creatures
The Half-Man, Half-Alligator of Florida
The magazine reports on the discovery of a peculiar creature in the swamps of Florida, described as a 'missing link' that is half-human and half-alligator. Hunters stumbled upon the grotesque monster, which has the head and upper body of a human and the lower body of an alligator. Paleontologist Simon Shute is quoted, suggesting it might be a relative of humans that evolved differently or a 'freak of Mother Nature.' The creature was found sunbathing on land and was nearly shot by the hunters before being saved. Shute notes its human-like features, including its head, arms, and hands, and its distinctly non-ape-like appearance.
UFO Found in Greenland Iceberg
An extraordinary discovery was made off the coast of Greenland when a German cargo ship collided with a large iceberg. The impact caused the iceberg to split, revealing a perfectly preserved, metallic, saucer-shaped object within the ice. UFO researchers, including Swiss expert Gerd Stuber and Spanish biologist Juan Cordoba, were called to investigate. Stuber estimates the craft had a crew of four or five, though no bodies were found. The origin and cause of the crash remain unknown, but the find has sparked speculation about extraterrestrial life and the possibility of survivors building a community in Greenland.
Baby Dinosaurs Escape in Nevada
Construction workers in Nevada, USA, drilling a new sewage tunnel near Lake Tahoe, discovered five large dinosaur eggs in a mountain cave. Days later, two of the eggs hatched, revealing baby dinosaurs that subsequently escaped. Frank Scharo, one of the workers, is shown with a dead dinosaur-youngster and points to the hole through which the creatures fled. The article notes that an adult Allosaurus could grow up to 11 meters long.
Record-Breaking Stunts
Jim Mouth's Cigarette Record
On America's 'No Smoking Day,' a man named Jim Mouth, known for his record-breaking attempts, set a new Guinness World Record by smoking 155 cigarettes at once. This feat surpassed his previous record of 148 cigarettes. Mouth, who is not a regular smoker, stated his intention was to show how foolish people look with cigarettes in their mouths. He has a history of setting unusual records, including having the most people in a bed, smoking pipes, eating hot dogs, and wearing multiple pairs of jeans and shirts simultaneously. His next planned record is to catch a grapefruit dropped from 240 meters with his mouth, followed by driving a car backward from New York City to Los Angeles.
Unusual Food and Trends
Mini-Turkey Soup
An unusual culinary trend from Asia involves 'mini-turkeys' that are only 2.5 centimeters long when fully grown. These tiny birds are used to make a quick soup by simply adding them to a cup of boiling water. Luis Doreza, who breeds these mini-turkeys in the Philippines, describes them as a convenient and tasty meal, especially for busy people. The breeding process has been ongoing for twenty years, and the exact method remains a secret. Doreza also mentions that the mini-turkeys are docile and make pleasant pets.
The 'Haunted' Doll: E.T. in Italy?
An Italian named Filiberto Caponi claims to have photographed an authentic E.T. doll, approximately 70 cm tall, with black eyes that communicates through grunts. Caponi, who took the photos, is convinced the doll is real and is urging someone to 'pick it up' and take it home, implying it needs to return to its extraterrestrial origins.
The 'Horror Look' Trend
A new trend, particularly among young people in Britain, is the 'horror look.' Instead of focusing on beauty, individuals are using makeup to create realistic-looking scars, wounds, and injuries. This trend reportedly originated from a British soap opera depicting traffic accidents. Salons specializing in this type of 'skrekk-sminke' (horror makeup) have opened, with one in Bournemouth charging up to 20 pounds for a session. While some question the longevity of the trend, others believe it will persist.
Natural Disasters and Environmental Issues
Hotel Collapses into the Sea
The Holbeck Hall Hotel in Scarborough, England, a once-fashionable establishment, has partially collapsed into the sea due to severe coastal erosion. The cliff on which the hotel was built has been steadily eroding, causing parts of the building, including antique furniture and artwork, to fall into the ocean. Fortunately, guests were evacuated, and no one was injured. The article highlights that coastal erosion is a significant problem in areas like Humberside, Kent, and Lancashire, with some parts of the coast losing up to ten meters of land per year.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
'En Gal Verden' consistently features stories that defy conventional reality, focusing on the bizarre, the unexplained, and the record-breaking. The editorial stance appears to embrace the sensational and the unusual, presenting these extraordinary events as factual accounts without significant skepticism. The magazine aims to shock, entertain, and inform its readers about the stranger aspects of the world, from alleged cryptids and extraterrestrial encounters to extreme human feats and unusual natural phenomena. The recurring theme is the exploration of the 'crazy' and 'unbelievable' aspects of life.
This issue of the magazine, published in 1995, presents a diverse collection of articles spanning paranormal phenomena, human interest stories, world records, and historical discoveries. The cover story highlights the tale of Julia Sommers, a hotel cleaner who found a diamond necklace worth 1.5 million kroner and was rewarded with only 2 dollars for her honesty, leading to a reflection on whether honesty always pays.
Dinosaur Discovery
An article details an extraordinary find by Frank Scharo and his team, who stumbled upon a dinosaur nest containing five large eggs. One egg hatched, revealing a young, carnivorous dinosaur, likely an Allosaurus, which unfortunately died shortly after. Paleontologist Herbert MacPlatten confirms the creature's identity and estimates its potential size and ferocity, raising concerns about future generations of such creatures.
Unique Performances and World Records
The magazine features several unusual individuals and their feats. Khamisa, a young man from Pakistan, performs a dangerous act of swallowing live snakes, earning a modest income. The "Incredible People Show" showcases a variety of participants, including those with extreme physical characteristics like large breasts and unusual body weights. The issue also delves into world records, introducing the tallest man in England, Chris Green, and the world's tallest woman, Sandra Allen, from the USA, who surpasses Chris by 3 cm. Another record-holder featured is Frank Charles, who balances 27 milk cartons on his chin.
Archaeological Find: Hercules's Gym
Archaeologist Tipton Jones reports the discovery of a 2500-year-old health studio in a cave in Turkey, believed to be the training ground of the legendary hero Hercules. Inscriptions and tools found at the site, including weights and what appears to be the world's first bathtub, support this theory. The find is considered significant as it provides evidence of how ancient heroes maintained their strength.
Fatal Bungee Jump
A dramatic story unfolds about Jacques Bertrand, a jealous husband who sabotaged his wife's lover, Alain Le Gouallec, during a bungee jump. Bertrand replaced the 50-meter bungee cord with a 65-meter one, resulting in the lover's fatal fall. Initially considered an accident, the truth emerged during a police investigation, leading to Bertrand's imprisonment.
UFO Crash in Siberia
An article reports on a supposed UFO crash in Siberia in 1988, claiming that three alien beings survived and have been held captive by Russian authorities ever since. Claudine Schuller, a spokesperson for the Global Watch, demands their release, citing human rights violations and warning of potential consequences for the world if they are not freed. The report includes a photograph of a baby with webbed toes, allegedly taken from the crash site.
Sleep Learning Technology
Dr. Hubert Durr has developed a "sleep learning" computer, the "Durr Informatrex," which claims to enable users to acquire university-level knowledge by simply wearing a device on their head while sleeping. The technology is expected to be available by mid-1996, with models for general knowledge, medicine, law, and engineering planned for the future. The cost is estimated at 91,000 dollars, significantly less than a traditional university education.
The Snowman and the Whisky Bottle
The magazine also touches upon the existence of the Snowman (Yeti), with reports of sightings in Scotland. A man named Peter claims to have filmed a creature described as at least 240 cm tall with shaggy hair and sharp teeth. Additionally, there's a brief mention of a "full-rigged ship in a giant whisky bottle" as a hobby for old sailors.
Shark Tank Journalism
Journalist Sarah Edwards recounts her harrowing experience of being lowered into a tank filled with live sharks for an assignment in England. Despite her prior experience with sharks in open water, she found the confined space terrifying and vowed never to repeat the ordeal.
Canned Nudes
An article titled "Canned Nudes" discusses an exhibition by London photographer Rankin Waddell, who displayed 100 nude portraits of women in a warehouse, sparking a debate about the role of sex in advertising and marketing.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently explores sensational and unusual topics, ranging from the paranormal and unexplained to extreme human feats and historical mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the bizarre and the extraordinary, presenting these stories with a sense of wonder and sometimes a touch of skepticism, as seen in the questioning of the Snowman's true nature and the implications of the sleep-learning technology. There's a clear interest in pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible and reporting on events that capture the public's imagination.
This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated April 1994, presents a diverse collection of sensational and human-interest stories, ranging from extreme domestic violence and disastrous medical procedures to unusual animal records and ambitious personal projects. The cover story, "SATTE FYR PÅ HUSTRUENS ANSIKT MED SVEISE-APPARATET!" (Set His Wife's Face on Fire with a Welding Apparatus!), immediately signals the magazine's focus on shocking events.
Domestic Violence and Abuse
The lead article details the horrific ordeal of Marja, whose husband, Peter Conroy, subjected her to severe physical and sexual abuse. In April 1988, after years of mistreatment fueled by his jealousy and alcoholism, Conroy burned Marja's face with a welding apparatus and set her hair on fire. He callously watched her suffer, refusing to call for medical help for 24 hours, only relenting when her condition became critical. The article highlights the psychological torment and physical agony Marja endured, emphasizing the 'devilish' nature of her husband.
Plastic Surgery Nightmare
Another prominent story, "LIPOSUCTION NIGHTMARE!", focuses on Tina Adams, a 58-year-old widow from Chicago. After a botched liposuction procedure in Pakistan, she was left without lips. The surgeon reportedly misunderstood her request, performing a 'lip-sucking' procedure instead of fat removal. Tina is now desperately seeking a lip donor to restore her appearance and regain a normal life, expressing a desire for lips like Mick Jagger's or Tina Turner's.
Animal Records and Hobbies
The magazine features "KATTEN TIDDLĖS ER 19 ÅR OG VEIER 25 KILO!" (The Cat Tiddles is 19 Years Old and Weighs 25 Kilos!). Tiddles, an English cat, is highlighted for his age and significant weight, making him a contender for world records, challenging the American cat Fluffy. His owner, June Watson, shares details of his diet and his unusual fondness for goldfish sandwiches.
In a different vein, "Veronica vil inn i Guinness Rekordbok" (Veronica Wants to Enter the Guinness Book of Records) tells the story of Veronica McGhee, a 23-year-old who is collecting 14,000 tin cans to build a model of the Kremlin. She received initial support from the TAB brand, which provided 1,000 cans to kickstart her project.
Film Stunts and Accidents
"EKSPLOSJONEN RYSYET HELE BOSTON!" (The Explosion Shook All of Boston!) reports on a dangerous stunt for the film "Blown Away". The pyrotechnics team, having previously blown up two cars, attempted to detonate an entire ship in Boston Harbor. The explosions were far more powerful than anticipated, causing damage to nearby buildings, shattering windows, and igniting fires. Residents expressed shock and disbelief, comparing the event to a war.
Unusual Scientific Claims
"HAN FORVANDLER BLY TIL DET RENESTE GULL!" (He Transforms Lead into the Purest Gold!) introduces Jeff Arnold, a metallurgist from Taos, New Mexico. Arnold claims to have discovered a method to create gold from lead using common ingredients, likening the process to making cornbread. He keeps his exact recipe secret but states that the process involves precise temperature control and fresh ingredients, and that it has taken him years of experimentation.
Survival Stories
"2 ÅRING OVERLEVDE SEKS MÅNEDER ALENE I VILLMARKEN!" (2-Year-Old Survived Six Months Alone in the Wilderness!) recounts the incredible survival of Eric Taylor, a two-year-old who was lost in the Australian wilderness for six months. Despite the presence of snakes, crocodiles, and wild boars, Eric was found alive and largely unharmed, a feat described as miraculous by local police chief Ken Salmon.
Gambling and Risk-Taking
"KINESERNE SATSER PENGER PÅ ALT!" (The Chinese Bet Money on Everything!) explores the prevalence of gambling and betting in Chinese culture, using the example of two taxi drivers in Bangkok who bet their monthly salaries on the outcome of a fish fight. The article notes that betting is deeply ingrained in many aspects of life, from horse racing and football to lotteries and card games.
Fundraising Stunts
"Nesten alle måter er bra hvis man skal samle inn penger." (Almost all methods are good if one is to collect money.) highlights Melanie Armstrong, a hairdresser who rappelled down a 43-meter-high lighthouse in Humberside, England, wearing only sexy underwear to raise funds for its restoration.
Business Ideas
"LEI DIN EGEN NISSE!" (Rent Your Own Santa!) presents a lucrative business idea from Germany, where students offered Santa Claus and angel services for a fee during the Christmas season. The venture was reportedly very successful.
"MILO ER VERDENS STØRSTE DUKKESTUE-PRODUSENT!" (Milo is the World's Largest Dollhouse Producer!) tells the story of Milo Chapman, who, after going bankrupt, found success in his 60s by manufacturing and selling pre-assembled dollhouses.
Circus Tragedy
"LØVETEMMEREN BLE SLITTI STYKKER UNDER FORESTILLINGEN" (The Lion Tamer Was Torn to Pieces During the Performance) reports on the tragic death of Amadeo Gerardi, a renowned lion tamer. During a performance, one of his lions attacked and killed him in front of a large audience. The incident was initially mistaken for part of the act before the severity became apparent.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently features stories that highlight extreme human experiences, whether they involve suffering, remarkable resilience, or unusual achievements. The editorial stance appears to be one of sensationalism, aiming to shock and engage readers with dramatic narratives. There is a clear interest in the unusual, the dangerous, and the extraordinary, often focusing on personal tragedies, record-breaking feats, and bizarre events. The inclusion of stories about domestic violence, botched surgeries, dangerous stunts, and even claims of alchemy suggests a broad appeal to readers interested in the darker or more sensational aspects of life, alongside more lighthearted human-interest pieces.
This issue of Ute og Hjemme, identified by issue number 31, presents a diverse collection of articles covering human interest stories, scientific discoveries, and unusual events. The cover prominently features a striking image of a moose in a swimming pool, accompanied by the dramatic headline, "Nødrop fra en amerikansk villahage - ELSKLING, DET STÅR EN ELG I SVØMMEBASSENGET!" (Distress call from an American villa garden - DARLING, THERE IS A MOOSE IN THE SWIMMING POOL!).
Articles
Lion Tamer's Tragic End
The issue opens with a harrowing account of a lion tamer named Amadeo who was attacked by a lion named Poulito. The incident, which occurred during a performance, resulted in Amadeo suffering severe injuries to his hand. Despite initial efforts, he fell into a coma and never regained consciousness, highlighting the inherent dangers of working with wild animals.
Marja's Ordeal and Recovery
Another significant story details the experience of Marja, who suffered cardiac arrest but was saved by prompt medical attention. However, she sustained severe burns to her face and body, leaving her with permanent disfigurement and chronic pain. Marja expresses her struggle with the loss of her femininity and the psychological impact of her injuries, though she is grateful for her children's support.
Michael Bown: A Miracle of Modern Medicine
Michael Bown, a 16-year-old from Coventry, England, was born without ears, significantly impacting his hearing. After years of failed surgeries, he finally had his hearing restored and received prosthetic ears thanks to skilled surgeons and advanced technology. The article highlights the community's effort in raising funds for his operations.
The Treehouse Restaurant
Designer Mark Thompson has created a unique dining experience by building a restaurant in a tree. This innovative concept, inspired by a treehouse built for his son, offers a romantic and natural ambiance, attracting early bookings and promising a novel culinary adventure.
Dinosaur Cave Paintings: A Paleontological Revelation
Paleontologist Werner Jurgens from Hamburg presents a groundbreaking discovery: cave paintings in Africa that appear to depict humans eating grilled dinosaurs. This finding challenges the established timeline of human history, suggesting that humans may have coexisted with dinosaurs as early as 65 million years ago and possessed advanced knowledge of cooking.
The Dangerous Life of 'Crash Test Dummies'
In Japan, unemployed businessmen are reportedly risking their lives by acting as 'crash test dummies' for car manufacturers. These individuals perform dangerous collision tests for a fraction of the cost of specialized dummies, highlighting the desperation caused by unemployment and the risks involved in ensuring automotive safety.
Moose in the Pool
A bizarre incident occurred in Lewiston, Maine, where Mark Dams discovered a moose in his family's swimming pool. The police were called to safely remove the animal and return it to its natural habitat.
Jerome Coleman: A Performer's Comeback
Jerome Coleman, a performer with dwarfism, is seeking new film roles after his previous film company went bankrupt. He continues to entertain passersby with his disco dancing while awaiting his next opportunity.
'Break Time' Cigarettes
A new trend in the tobacco industry is the introduction of 'Break Time' cigarettes, which are 30 centimeters long. These extra-long cigarettes are designed to provide significantly extended smoking breaks, catering to a market where smoking breaks are limited.
Chandra Patal Singh: A New Face
Chandra Patal Singh from India, who suffered from a rare condition causing her face to 'melt', has undergone successful medical treatment. Modern medicine has transformed her appearance, allowing her to live a more normal and happy life.
Heroic Rescue from a Bridge
Gymnastics teacher Angie Stratford is commended for her bravery in saving a suicidal man from jumping off a bridge in Bristol. She spent over two hours talking to him and holding his hand, convincing him that life is too valuable to end.
Michel Moglia's Fire Organ
In La Roche-Guyon, France, musician Michel Moglia is known for his unique 'fire organ,' an instrument that combines music with fire and flames, creating a spectacular performance.
Michael Bartlett's Flying Record
Brother Michael Bartlett, an English monk, has set a world record by flying 128 times between London and Brussels. He was equipped with a special pass allowing unlimited travel on this route, and has also set records for the longest flight ticket and accumulated significant flight hours.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently features stories that blend the extraordinary with the everyday, often highlighting human resilience, the advancements of modern medicine, and unusual occurrences. There's a clear interest in the sensational and the remarkable, from animal encounters to personal triumphs over adversity. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the unusual and a celebration of human spirit and ingenuity, while also touching upon societal issues like unemployment and the risks associated with certain professions or products.
This issue of UFO-Magasinet, dated 1995, presents a collection of unusual and often bizarre stories, ranging from alleged UFO encounters and paranormal phenomena to peculiar medical cases and human-interest stories.
Featured Articles
The Elderly Couple and the Toy Dog
The cover story details a strange incident involving Bob and Floy Mitchell, an elderly couple from Portland, Oregon. A municipal inspector, as part of a campaign to register pets, visited their home and insisted they register their toy dog, which was lying on the sofa. The inspector apparently mistook the stuffed animal for a real, live dog, even issuing a letter threatening fines if it wasn't registered. The couple eventually clarified the situation, and the inspector admitted the error.
UFOs and Boat Abductions
One prominent article, "ROM-PIRATER STJAL FRITIDS-BATENE VARE!" (ROM-PIRATES STOLE OUR LEISURE BOATS!), discusses the alleged phenomenon of UFOs stealing leisure boats. UFO researcher Martin Dubmann claims hundreds of boats have disappeared worldwide, with eyewitnesses reporting seeing UFOs 'sucking' them up. The article highlights the case of the sailboat "Sweet Babe," which reportedly vanished south of Sardinia after a silver, disc-shaped craft descended and used an orange-blue beam to pull the boat and its crew into the ship. Fisherman Carlo Salvaggio also reported witnessing a similar event involving a large, disc-shaped craft.
Medical Mysteries and Anomalies
Several articles delve into perplexing medical cases:
- The Boy with Horns: A 3-year-old boy in Pennsylvania is described as being exceptionally evil. Doctors, including Dr. Newton Browning, believe he may be Satan reincarnated, citing his aggressive behavior (biting his mother, attacking neighbors) and physical anomalies, such as horn-like protrusions on his skull visible in X-rays. The boy reportedly reacts negatively to crosses and claims his name is 'Lucifer.' His mother vehemently denies these claims, calling the doctors' assertions ridiculous.
- The Forgotten Clamp: Meena Purohit, a 29-year-old woman from India, suffered severe abdominal pain for four years after her second child's birth. Doctors repeatedly dismissed her complaints until it was discovered that a 15 cm surgical clamp had been left inside her abdomen during a previous cesarean section.
- The 'Fish Boy': UFO researcher Hermann discusses a case where a young boy, around 11-12 years old, arrived at a German hospital with injuries to his face and neck. Doctors noted he had gills on his face, two hearts, a blood type unknown on Earth, and metallic-looking skin. He was operated on, and one of his damaged gills was repaired.
Other Unusual Stories
- The Fire Organ: Michel, a musician, has developed a unique instrument called a 'fire organ,' which produces sounds similar to human voices. He uses it in a limestone grotto in La Roche-Guyon, France.
- The Double-Decker Party Bus: An article describes a 'Party Express' service in London that offers a double-decker bus tour, taking participants to various clubs for a fixed price, including drinks and entry.
- Wilderness Survival: A 2-year-old reportedly survived for six months alone in the wilderness, subsisting on insects and dew.
- The Head-Standing Practitioner: Wu Feng, a 65-year-old man, claims that practicing standing on his head for hours daily has made him feel like a prince and kept him healthy.
- The Two-Headed Snake: In a San Diego zoo, a 5-year-old corn snake named Thelma and Louise has two heads, which share a single body and internal organs.
- The Record Phone Bill: Stuart and Emma Hunt in England received an astonishingly long phone bill, measuring 15.5 meters, due to a billing error by the telephone company.
- Floods and Windsurfing: A story from England shows a windsurfer navigating flooded streets following severe winter storms and flooding.
- The Pedal Boat Expedition: Jason Lewis and Steve Smith are planning a journey around the world using a pedal boat for sea crossings and bicycles for land travel, aiming to complete the trip by September 1996.
- The Balancing Act: A 13-year-old boy in Cullercoats, England, climbed onto a roof and engaged in a dangerous balancing act 17 meters above the ground to evade the police.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine consistently focuses on the unexplained, the paranormal, and the extraordinary. It presents a wide array of phenomena, from alleged alien encounters and supernatural claims to unusual human achievements and medical anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open curiosity and a willingness to report on stories that challenge conventional understanding, often with a sensationalist undertone. The inclusion of UFO research, psychic phenomena, and bizarre medical cases suggests a broad interest in the fringes of human experience and the unexplained.
Title: EN GAL GAL VERDEN
Issue: 4, 1994 (Week 14)
Price: Kr. 29.50,- (incl. moms)
Publisher: ALLERS FAMILIE JOURNAL
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
This issue of "EN GAL GAL VERDEN" presents a collection of sensational and unusual stories, ranging from extraterrestrial encounters and unique inventions to historical discoveries and bizarre human interest accounts.
Extraterrestrial Encounter: The Alien Child
The magazine opens with a remarkable story about a boy found by Hermann Krüger, who claims to be from another planet. The boy, who was found injured and was subsequently moved to a private hospital, exhibited an extraordinary intellect and fluency in multiple languages (German, English, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish). He stated he was intentionally left on Earth by his relatives to heal. Krüger suggests the boy's home planet is within our solar system and that he possesses no special powers beyond superior intelligence and the ability to breathe both air and water. Krüger emphasizes the need to protect the child and hints that he will help humanity understand more about our solar system and beyond. The article is accompanied by a photo of Charles Cramer.
Unique Invention: The Springwalker
Bruce Crapuchette, a 54-year-old from Pasadena, California, has developed a revolutionary invention called the 'Springwalker'. This machine, made of steel and rubber, allows the wearer to run at speeds of up to 40 kilometers per hour. Crapuchette, along with researchers John Dick and Eric Edwards, developed the machine to mimic the efficient locomotion of kangaroos, aiming to improve human mobility. The Springwalker reportedly stores and reuses energy, allowing users to utilize up to 80% of their energy, compared to a kangaroo's 40%. The invention is seen as a potential replacement for bicycles and has even garnered interest from the British Ministry of Defence for its potential military applications.
Animal Oddities: The Slimming Dog and the DJ Pig
Two animal-centric stories highlight the magazine's penchant for the peculiar. The first features 'Candy', a six-year-old spaniel-collie from London who was crowned 'Pet Slimmer of The Year' after losing 11 kilograms. Her owner, Valerie McMurtrie, explains that Candy was previously overfed with pies and cakes. The second story introduces 'DJ Trotter', a 100-kilogram pig owned by Steve Williams in England. DJ Trotter gained notoriety for dancing to music and even signed a record contract, releasing a single and performing at a nightclub. The article humorously notes his lifestyle of 'sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll'.
Historical Revisionism: Chinese Discovery of America
Archaeologist Axel Klaebel presents a controversial theory that Chinese explorers reached South America at least 800 years before Christopher Columbus. This claim is based on the discovery of a nearly thousand-year-old Chinese mummy in Peru, buried with artifacts including horses, pottery, and detailed maps of China and Peru. The mummy, believed to be a man in his thirties who died from a viral disease, was found with two horses and large clay pots, one depicting an oriental man on a throne with an indigenous woman kneeling below. Klaebel suggests these explorers may have intended to stay and even become rulers.
Human Interest and Tragedies
Several articles delve into dramatic human stories. One recounts the harrowing experience of Meena, who unknowingly carried a surgical instrument in her abdomen for over four years after an operation in Indore, India. The instrument was eventually discovered and removed. Another story details the tragic death of Sarah Keitel on her wedding day. During a passionate kiss with her new husband, Hans Keitel, one of his loose teeth became lodged in her throat, causing her to choke to death. The groom, who had previously injured his teeth in a car accident, was devastated.
Adventure and Endurance
Brigitte Muir, an Australian mountaineer, is preparing to climb Mount Vinson in Antarctica. To acclimatize, she spent 40 hours in Sydney's coldest freezer room, enduring temperatures of -30 degrees Celsius. Muir is on a mission to be the first woman to climb the seven highest peaks on all seven continents, having already conquered Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Kosciusko, and Mount Elbrus. She aims to complete this feat before an American woman who has already climbed all but Mount Everest.
Unique Lifestyles and Businesses
The issue also features a story about Milo Chapman, who became a successful dollhouse producer after his woodworking business went bankrupt. He now runs a company with 30 employees, producing 16 types of dollhouses for a global market. Additionally, a piece describes 'Party Express', an exclusive bus service in London that takes passengers on tours of various nightclubs via creatively decorated double-decker buses.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
"EN GAL GAL VERDEN" consistently features sensationalism, the bizarre, and the extraordinary. The editorial stance appears to embrace the unusual and the sensational, presenting these stories with a tone that is both intriguing and sometimes darkly humorous. The magazine seems to cater to readers who are interested in the fringes of human experience, historical anomalies, and peculiar animal behaviors. The recurring theme is the exploration of the 'outlandish' and the 'unbelievable', presented as fact within the magazine's narrative framework.
NER is a Norwegian magazine featuring a mix of human interest stories, including a tragic air show accident, a unique fundraising effort, and a dramatic family story involving gender transition and suicide. The issue highlights societal issues and personal struggles.
Article 1: Souvenir Sales for Crime Prevention
The first article, "Det skal spares overalt, også i det amerikanske rettsvesenet" (Everything must be saved, even in the American justice system), introduces Marilyn Lewis, an employee in the economic department of the court in Los Angeles. Faced with a need to raise funds for the crime prevention unit, Lewis devised a unique method: selling souvenirs from the world of law enforcement and the courts. These items include towels marked with chalk outlines of victims' bodies, cups, needles, T-shirts with department logos, and even a pipe-smoking skeleton character named 'Sherlock Bones'. The initiative has been successful, with proceeds going towards increasing traffic safety. The article praises Lewis's business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.
Article 2: Air Show Tragedy
"Flyoppvisningen endte med tragedie: PILOTEN OMKOM I FLAMMEHAVET!" (The air show ended in tragedy: The pilot died in a sea of flames!) reports on a fatal accident at the Redding Air Show in California. The 'Brew Angels' flying group was performing a routine where three planes were to create smoke rings, and a fourth was to fly through them. However, pilot Gordon Drysdale, 43, lost control of his Beechcraft T-34 during a rotation maneuver. As he attempted to correct, the plane's wing struck the ground, causing it to explode into flames. Drysdale died instantly, and six spectators were seriously injured. The article notes that the air show had a fifteen-year history without prior accidents, making this a particularly sad conclusion to the event.
Article 3: Millionaire's Suicide After Son's Gender Transition
"MILLIONÆREN TOK LIVET SITT DA HANS SØNN BYTTET KJØNN!" (The millionaire took his own life when his son changed gender!) tells the poignant story of Brice Dietrich, a successful businessman who dreamed of a son to continue his legacy. After nine daughters, he finally had his longed-for son, Samuel. Brice showered Samuel with the best of everything, intending for him to inherit the family business. However, Serena, Brice's wife, noticed early on that Samuel had issues with his identity. At 13, Samuel appeared at college wearing high heels and a dress, and had a chest measurement of 80 centimeters. Brice was devastated by this revelation, unable to accept his son's gender transition. Overwhelmed, he retreated to his study and shot himself. Serena recounts Brice's conservative views and his inability to cope with his son becoming a woman, stating that it was too much for him to bear.
Article 4: Gorilla Shocks Parade
"GORILLAEN SJOKKERTE I PARADEN!" (The gorilla shocked the parade!) describes a humorous incident at a festival in Wolfrats-hausen, Germany. During a parade, a large, hairy gorilla appeared, carrying a cage with a live person inside. The spectacle initially startled onlookers, but it was revealed to be a person in a gorilla costume, with the legs in the costume and the upper body in the cage. The illusion successfully fooled the spectators.
Advertisement: Harley Davidson Radio Contest
Page 4 features an advertisement for a contest to win a unique Harley Davidson tank radio. Participants are invited to call a number and answer trivia questions related to music and metallurgy. The contest runs from May 3rd to June 7th, with calls costing 6.16 Norwegian kroner per minute.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The magazine appears to focus on sensational and dramatic human interest stories, often with a tragic or surprising element. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on unusual events and personal struggles without explicit judgment, though the framing of the stories, particularly the suicide due to gender transition, can be seen as reflecting societal attitudes of the time. The inclusion of a lighthearted parade story and a contest advertisement provides variety.