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My husband recently succumbed to that most terrible and life threatening of ailments; the dreaded man-flu. I knew something was wrong when I came home to find him already in bed, surrounded by snotty tissues and half full boxes of Nurofen, moaning unintelligibly about the need for tea and soup.

The way he looked at me with his puppy dog eyes and weakly gestured me over, I thought this must surely be the end…but it turned out that he just wanted me to bring his phone up from downstairs where he had left it. What a brave soul.

Eventually, however, it all became too much and I decided to show him that a mildly pronounced case of the flu was not the worst thing in the world, and that some people in the world are battling truly strange and unintelligible illnesses every day.

Here are some of most bizarre afflictions we stumbled across on our odyssey of illness.

Methemoglobinemia (Blue skin disorder)

While most people’s skin colors fall within a certain set of color parameters, it is very unusual that a person has uniformly blue or violet skin. This was exactly what happened to the Fugate family of Kentucky for 162 years until the condition was cured recently. The bright blue skin color was caused primarily by the person’s blood not absorbing oxygen properly.

Trimethylaminuria (Fishy odor syndrome)

This one is pretty much self explanatory. Sufferers of this disease cannot break down certain organic compounds in their food and subsequently have no control over an incredibly pungent smell that goes with their breath or sweat. There is no known cure although the social damage can be limited through a controlled diet and antibiotics.

Cotard’s Syndrome (Walking corpse syndrome)

This truly bizarre mental phenomenon leads to a person believing that they have died or lost an important and necessary part of the body, but that they are still able to think and walk around. The exact roots of the condition are still unknown but a large amount of cases are the result of severe brain trauma.

Alice in Wonderland Syndrome (Micropsia)

This (thankfully) temporary condition can affect us all if we suffer from particularly intense migraines or go a long time without sleep, and acts to throw our sense of perception completely off track. This means that we no longer become able to truly tell how big or far away an object is, due to disturbances in the brains Occipital Lobe.

Exploding Head Syndrome

Sufferers of this disease are frequently startled out of their slumbers by the sounds of gunshots, explosions and screams echoing around their heads. The reason why these imaginary noises occur with such regularity is not really clear at this point.

Alien Hand Syndrome

This one is really like something out of a horror movie. Sufferers of this neurological disorder lose all control of one of their hands, but (creepily) the hand continues to grab and poke things as if it had developed a mind of its own! This condition is caused by a breakdown in communication between the two hemispheres of the brain after surgery, strokes or infections.

It probably goes without saying that my husband didn’t really have a leg to stand on after doing a little research into some of the craziest illnesses that a person can pick up during their lifetime, and rather quickly gave up his whimpering and went downstairs to find his phone himself. He even managed to give me a lift to the kitchen discount store and look vaguely interested while we wandered the aisles!

Does anyone else know of any bizarre illnesses or conditions that you can pick up?

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Estelle Page is an interior designer by trade, but who is also a dedicated member of a young family. When not trying to find the perfect balance between beauty and functionality or writing blogs for companies like KDCUK, you can find Estelle wondering causally through country mansions and garden centers.

Reality television is the biggest thing since sliced bread, and it shows no signs of slowing down at all. There’s nothing more interesting than spying on people who are behaving naturally in their natural environments when their normal lives are so entertaining. Even crime documentaries have jumped onto the reality show bandwagon and hung on for the ride. Reality crime shows are some of the most watched documentary-style shows out there because the job of a law enforcement officer is filled with the elements of danger, suspense, and surprise. Of the many crime series that have aired on national television, the following still remain relevant to this day.

1) The First 48

This reality series follows police detectives from all over the country as they try to solve murder cases within 48 hours of being called to the crime scene. The show’s title refers to the time limit that homicide detectives have until their chances of finding a lead and catching the perpetrator is drastically reduced. Having aired just before the summer of 2004, The First 48 is currently on its 11th season in 2012. By its sixth season, the show was already ranked as the top criminal justice documentary on American TV, and it continues to receive high-ratings today.

The First 48 caught on with viewers so quick because it is rare that ordinary civilians get a chance to see what happens behind the scenes during a criminal investigation. Everything from the grisly crime scene and interviews with friends and family to the actual arrest and interrogation are captured by an on-site camera crew that follows the investigators every step of the way. The show is an emotional rollercoaster because viewers get to experience the exact moment when a family receives news that a loved one had been killed and also the instance when they are informed that a suspect had been arrested. The series also shows a side of police detectives that most people never see–emotional attachment and vulnerability to homicide victims and their families.

2) Cops

Cops has got to be the single most popular reality crime show in history because it’s still going after nearly 23 years of being on TV. Today, the series is played on several major stations including FOX, G4, and truTV, and it always begins with the iconic “Bad Boys” theme song. All of this time, the show’s creators have stuck to an unchanged formula that involves going anywhere the boys in blue go. That means riding along in the patrol cruiser, entering the homes and hideouts of wanted felons, following officers as they chase down the bad guys on foot, and being present in the face of other dangers such as gunfire and high-speed vehicular chases. There are no scripts to follow and no dialogue to read–just pure reality.

One of the greatest aspects about the show is seeing how dynamic the life of a cop truly is. One moment you’re watching a guy get pulled over for going through a red light, and the next encounter is with a maniac who’s bringing a whole town down with a stolen tank. There’s always enough content to keep things interesting as long as our men and women in uniform allow cameramen to tag along for the ride.

3) Jail

Jail is another take on the reality crime genre. This time everything is from the perspective of corrections officers who are processing arrested individuals for their criminal actions. Produced by the Langley team, creators of Cops, this show proves that bad boys and girls still act rowdy after being caught by the good guys. In the United States, Jail debuted in 2007 and is still going strong on Spike TV.

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Ashley Watson is a criminal law paralegal and co-author of the Criminal Justice Major Guide.

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The word “slippers” may conjure up fanciful images but for most people the picture is one of comfortable slip-on shoes that are generally worn indoors, hence the alternative terms house-shoes or carpet slippers. For some it may be a light shoe designed to be worn for dancing or perhaps just a disposable foot covering of a kind supplied to airline passengers generally referred to as slipperettes. Others would see the depiction of their favorite cartoon characters on novelty slippers or just slipper boots. The term “slippers” however has other connotations far removed from the notion of comfortable footwear.

Lady’s Slippers

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No, this is not a feminine version of an indoor slipper but orchids found in north temperate regions, the flowers of which have a conspicuous pouch or slipper-shaped lip. It is also called a Slipper Orchid. The species name Reginae is Latin for “of queen” and the various common names retain the slipper connection and include White wing moccasin, Royal Ladies Slippers and Showy slippers.

Slipper Bath

Historically a bath tub shaped like a slipper, with a high rising back, designed to keep the water hot for longer and to protect the modesty of the user. They were used in Public wash houses for sanitation of the working classes long before houses were routinely built with their own bathrooms!

Slipper Limpet

This is a mollusk which has an oval shell with an internal ledge giving the empty shell a slipper-like appearance. One particular species of the Slipper limpet has become a serious pest of oyster beds in Europe.

Cultural Aspects of Wearing Slippers

Some households in Japan have a “shoes off at the door” rule which may involve removing outside footwear and/or socks. It may however require the wearing of slippers. In some other cultures it can be a social obligation to remove shoes and wear slippers when entering a place of residence.

In the UK some schools have a rule requiring children to remove outdoor shoes upon entering the building and to put on slippers. This has a twofold benefit of encouraging children to protect the flooring and eliminates dirt on outdoor shoes being taken into the classroom. Hopefully this may develop into a practice that they might follow throughout life. The wearing slippers in the home and the benefits it provides is widely accepted as the norm but to wear them outside is considered by some as slovenly and untidy.

Types of Slippers

Across the world there is a vast range of different types of slippers which vary in style and materials used. Slipper boots, novelty slippers, moccasins and shepherd slippers are just a few. The latter being a popular designer sheepskin boot that comes in a slipper variety. Whatever the particular type, slippers are so comfortable they are being seen more often outside of the home but people should be careful. Not so long ago one branch of the supermarket Tesco banned customers from visiting the store in their nightwear, they might ban slippers next!

Sally S writes on a wide range of subjects including history, music and travel.

The twists and turns of the courtroom, lies exposed, evidence brought to light – everyone loves a legal drama. And knowing that the court case on-screen is based on a true story gives an extra dimension to your viewing experience.

Read on for a list of court cases that made it onto the Silver Screen. Each of these classic films were inspired by real events.

Philadelphia (1993)

Many people know that Philadelphia is based on a true story, but most assume that the real events centered around Tom Hanks’ character, when his lawyer is the main historical figure.

In the film, successful and well-liked lawyer Andrew Beckett (Tom Hanks) is fired from his conservative law firm when his colleagues learn that he is suffering from AIDS. Beckett sues his former law firm for unfair dismissal with the help of small-time lawyer, Joe Miller (Denzel Washington). Although Miller is homophobic at first, and reluctant to take the case, eventually he overcomes his prejudices and forms a close friendship with Beckett as they fight against discrimination.

Spoiler alert!
Although Miller wins the case, by this time, Beckett is on his deathbed. He simply reacts with a peaceful smile when Miller tells him the news.

Philadelphia is based on a true story, though there is some ambiguity as to whether the film is ‘inspired in part’ or in full by real events. The attorneys Geoffrey Bowers and Clarence B. Cain were among the first people to sue their employers for AIDS discrimination (1987 and 1990 respectfully). Bowers’ family later sued the writers and producers of Philadelphia, seeking compensation for what they saw as their own interview material being used on-screen.

A Few Good Men (1992)

At Guantanamo Bay (‘Gitmo’) Marine Base, Cuba, a private is attacked by two other marines and dies as a result. An investigation is conducted by Lt. Commander Jo Galloway (Demi Moore) and she comes to the conclusion that the marines acted on ‘Code Red’ orders given to them by Colonel Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson). A Code Red is a euphemism for violent extra-judicial punishment.

Galloway believes in truth and justice at any cost, and wants to defend the two marines against their murder charges, but her superior denies her request and instead assigns Lt. Dan Kaffee (Tom Cruise), a lightweight Naval lawyer known for ‘taking the path of least resistance’; in other words, preferring to plea his cases out than to defend in court. But Galloway warns him that if he pleads the case out, Jessup will get away with murder. With Galloway as his co-counsel, Kaffee decides to defend the marines in court.

Spoiler alert!
In court, Jessup is caught out by his own lies, and utters the famous line ‘You can’t handle the truth!’ He is arrested and the two marines are found not guilty, though each is sent from the army with a dishonorable discharge.

A Few Good Men was based on Aaron Sorkin’s 1989 play of the same name; the play was inspired by real life events which took place at Guantanamo Bay in July 1986, though some details were altered. Seven members of Rifle Security Company, Windward Side, 2nd Platoon accepted dishonorable discharges for attacking, blindfolding, shaving and stuffing a rag into the mouth of Pfc. William Alvarado, following ‘Code Red’ orders. Alvarado was injured but survived. Three others refused to accept the plea bargain and went to court, where they were found not guilty of aggravated battery, but guilty for simple assault.

One of the three was David Cox, who was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1989. His lawyer, David Iglesias, became one of the eight United States Attorneys to be dismissed by the George W. Bush Administration.

Legal dramas seem to create legal dramas of their own – as with Philadelphia, the makers of A Few Good Men found themselves in hot water over questions of historical accuracy. Offended that the on-screen marines were given dishonorable discharges, David Cox debated suing the filmmakers.

The Wrong Man (1956)

This film sees Alfred Hitchcock explore one of his biggest fears, one that crops up over and over in his work: mistaken identity. Released in 1956, The Wrong Man is Hitchcock’s second attempt at a courtroom drama, after receiving tepid reviews for The Paradine Case in 1949.

‘For the first time Alfred Hitchcock goes to real life for his thrills! It’s all true and all suspense’ declares the film poster. Unusual for Hitchcock, the film is indeed based on genuine events, without many changes; a fact that Hitchcock himself announces at the start of the film in one of his signature cameo appearances.

The True Story of Christopher Emmanuel Balestrero by Maxwell Anderson and the article ‘A case of identity’ in the June 1953 edition of Life magazine both relate the true events which led to the innocent man’s trial.

In the film, Manny Balestrero (Henry Fonda) is a low-paid nightclub musician in New York. When his wife, Rose (Vera Miles), requires urgent dental surgery, Balestrero visits his local insurance office. Whilst there, Balestrero is mistaken for an armed robber who has held up the premises twice before. Balestrero is arrested and witnesses identify him as the suspect. A series of mistakes and unfortunate coincidences bring Balestrero before a court. Meanwhile, the difficult situation sends Rose into a state of depression and she is institutionalized.

Spoiler alert!
Between the trial and re-trial, the real robber is arrested and Balestrero is cleared. He visits his wife to tell her, but she gives no signs of her condition improving. In a textual epilogue, however, we discover that Rose recovered and the family moved to Florida. The real-life Balestrero lived to 88 years old, and his wife to 72.

Vicky is a film enthusiast who works alongside http://www.d-w-s.co.uk/. She loves a good courtroom drama as well secretly loving classic musicals too! 

The county of Norfolk is renowned for its picturesque views, rolling acres of countryside and off the beaten path wonders. Perhaps the most impressive of all the county’s offerings are its medieval churches. Throughout the Middle Ages, Norfolk enjoyed prosperity from blossoming wool and agriculture industries, and its affluence during this period is reflected in the amount of churches built at the time. Norfolk has the greatest concentration of medieval churches in the world, and more than the rest of the United Kingdom combined. Over 650 churches from the period are still standing, dominating the landscape with spires and round towers.

Architectural and Artistic Wonders

There are many unique features of medieval architecture that make its appeal so timeless and awe inspiring. Thick stone was used prominently during the period, and many of the remaining churches in Norfolk are thick walled from cut stone and adorned with grand, imposing archways. Stone towers, too, were often built on churches during medieval times, and around 30 towers are still standing in Norfolk today.

Impressively, a great amount of artwork from the period still remains in good condition. Vivid paintings with bold reds and greens are representative of a great deal of medieval art, and many walls and panels are still adorned with these artworks, centuries later. Although some artwork has been whitewashed and painted over during renovations over the centuries, many of it was later restored to its original state. Carvings, too, were typical during this period, and some of Norfolk’s medieval churches still have intricately carved wooden bench ends, panelling and rafters. The carvings were usually inspired by evangelists and Old Testament prophets.

As Norfolk enjoyed its prosperity and wealth in the later medieval period, skilled glaziers and artisans found plenty of work adorning the county’s churches with intricate and striking stained glass windows. Amazingly, some medieval churches still have intact windows depicting beautiful scenes of angels, saints and other religious iconography.

Overgrown and Crumbling Ruins

Although many of Norfolk’s churches have had extensive restoration and repairs, a handful have been ravaged by time and neglect. Some churches are located in the ‘lost villages’ of Norfolk; places where settlements, hamlets and communities once stood. Some villages fell into the sea, others were abandoned during the plague and times of war. The well-built, stone medieval churches are all that remain in some of these lost villages.

St John’s, in Waxham, fares in much better condition than most. Its features have been weathered over the years, but the interior and exterior are still in good condition.

Other places, like St Felix, in Babingley, are much worse. St Felix is overgrown by ivy and marsh. Its tower, although now a shell of its former self, still stands, and some arches and large parts of the church are in strong condition. However, the site is mostly an eerie wonderment, alone in the countryside.

St Andrew’s, at Bircham Tofts, is in a similar state. From afar, the church appears to be a silhouette of overgrown bramble and dense thicket against the Norfolk sky. Although the external stonework simply cannot be seen, the interior of the church is accessible, but the masonry is in a similar state of neglect.

Other church sites are in much more drastic states of disrepair and abandonment. At All Saints, in Beachamwell, a handful of ruined stumps from the stone tower are all that remain of the medieval church.

St Andrew’s, in Rockland All Saints, is now just three jagged shards of a stone wall. In most of these places, few buildings are nearby and there are no signs marking them as sites of medieval churches. Visitors and passers-by would be forgiven for not realising that they are so close to historical ruins.

Eccentric Tales and Stories

Many of Norfolk’s medieval churches have interesting stories and backgrounds. St Michael the Archangel, in Booton, was built over an existing medieval church. It was designed by an eccentric clergyman, Whitwell Elwin. Elwin, who claimed to be a descendant of Pocahontos, scoured the country looking for inspiration to how he should redesign the church. On these travels, he was often accompanied by female acquaintances he called his ‘Blessed Girls’, and it is said the angels carved in the roof are in their likeness.

A recent discovery at St Clement’s Church in Outwell has puzzled historians. This year, 12 demons were found carved in the roof of the nave. The demons are on the shoulders of each of the 12 apostles, seeming to overcome the apostles when, traditionally, it is the other way round. Even more bizarrely, the carvings are positioned in such a way that it is almost impossible to see them clearly when looking up from the floor of the church. Although they have weathered over the years, the carvings have drawn great interest from historians, who are keen to preserve them and study their meaning.

St Edmund’s church has similar eerie carvings. Renowned for its intact medieval stone font, the church also has many beautifully preserved stone and wood carvings, still legible after 600 years. Perhaps the most interesting of all these carvings, however, is one thought to have made by a local priest during the outbreak of the black plague in the late 14th century. Almost half of the population of Norfolk died from the plague, and historians think that the latin inscription, asking for prayers for departed ‘brothers and sisters’, was tragically written by the priest himself. It is believed that the priest, stricken with grief following the many prayers he had held for those who had died, carved the plea in between masses.

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Written on behalf of the Norfolk Holiday Experts – pottersholidays.com