3 of the Weirdest Cryptids in Pseudoscientific History The Monsters Some Believe Are Real
THE BUNYIP When European settlers began edging into the territory of Aboriginal Australians, they heard whispered, frightened tales of a man-eating “water spirit” that lived in the lakes and rivers of the area. Descriptions of the creature varied wildly. The monster was alternately described as an enormous starfish, an alligator-like creature with the head of an emu, or a massive bulldog- faced beast. But accounts held one thing in common: The monster claimed the lives of any who dared camp near its watery domain. reportedly beheld a trio of bipedal frog-people slapping their webbed feet along the side of the road. If that wasn’t enough, one even had a magic wand, which shot sparks as the man ran off. Apparently, not all mythical beasts are bloodthirsty monsters; some are a little more Kermit than Cthulhu. THE LOVELAND FROG One night, near Loveland, Ohio, a man
There are people who would have you believe that monsters live among us all year long. These individuals, referred to as cryptozoologists (or just “wishful thinkers” by their skeptics), believe a hidden animal kingdom exists just beyond the edge of mainstream biological science. Here are three of the weirdest, almost-certainly imaginary “cryptids” to ever capture the human imagination.
THE JERSEY DEVIL According to legend, the 1.1 million-acre Pine Barrens of southern New Jersey are home to more than just birds and deer. The story goes that when one Jane Leeds gave birth to her 13th child, she was dismayed to add yet another kid to her responsibilities. She cried out,“Oh, let this one be the devil!” Shortly after the child was born, the boy was transmogrified into a twisted creature with the malformed head of a goat, leathery wings, and a thrashing, forked tail. After slicing the midwife with
its ragged claws, the beast flew up the chimney and fled into the trees. Hundreds of years later, the beast is still said to creep the backwoods on its cloven hooves, glowering from the blackness with shining, red eyes.
trivia
Homemade
jackpot!
Marshmallows
Which Las Vegas casino mogul paid a $1 billion divorce settlement to his ex-wife, Elaine?
INGREDIENTS
•
3 packages unflavored gelatin
•
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
•
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
•
1 cup light corn syrup
Send your answers to Caitlyn (caitlyn@snelllaw.com).
•
Powdered sugar, to coat
•
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1. The first correct answer wins a $15 gift card to Starbucks.
INSTRUCTIONS
into gelatin mixture. Switch speed to high and whip for 15 minutes, until very thick. Fold in vanilla after whipping.
1. In a mixing bowl, combine gelatin and 1/2 cup cold water. Let sit while you make the syrup. 2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, syrup, salt, and 1/2 cup water until the sugar dissolves. 3. Raise heat to high and bring syrup up to 240 F, using a candy thermometer to check for temperature. 4. With an electric whisk on low speed, slowly whisk syrup
2. All other submissions are entered in a drawing to win a second $15 gift card to Starbucks.
3. The funniest wrong answer will be chosen by Caitlyn and will also win a $15 gift card to Starbucks. All entries must be sent to Caitlyn by Friday, Oct. 26, and the winners will be announced in our next edition.
5. Dust a nonmetal baking dish with powdered sugar and spoon mixture into dish. Smooth mixture, top with
more powdered sugar, and let stand uncovered overnight.
6. Cut into squares, decorate, and serve.
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
Congratulations to last month’s winner, Patricia Teal
www.SnellLaw.com | www.SnellInjuryLaw.com | F: 800-567-6249 | P: 803-753-1476 3
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online