The Long And Short Of It.....

[boxtops]

http://home.bt.com/news/odd-news/worlds-tallest-and-shortest-men-meet-for-the-first-time-11363943481312

[Caran]

That is amazing.

[Mamyalynne]

Isn't nature bizarre at times, fascinating too though.

[Buenchico]

I just know that someone, somewhere (even if not here on AB) is going to compare the appearance of those two gentlemen together as akin to the old circus 'freak shows' and throw their hands up in horror about them being 'exhibited' as abnormal.

However (despite the inevitable claims that they're being 'used' for commercial purposes - i.e. to promote the Guinness Book of Records), I see nothing wrong with them freely agreeing to come to London and enjoying their 'fame'.

I just hope that the organisers of the event did more than just bring them together and actually considered the practical difficulties that they must both face (e.g. working out how you provide accommodation in London, with a suitable bed, for someone who is around 2½ metres tall).

[anneasquith]

they may be smiling, but I feel very sorry for them, life must be extremely difficult for them both,

[Buenchico]

>>>life must be extremely difficult for them both

Agreed but it's probably far harder for someone who is fractionally shorter/taller. e.g. someone who is just 55cm (or 250cm) tall will face very similar problems to those two gentlemen but, without the title of 'world record holder', will get hardly any of the practical and/or financial assistance that they do.

[Mamyalynne]

Totally agree - to all intents and purposes they are disabled and likely have many health issues,their 'record' has enabled them to gain in many ways when otherwise they would have suffered greatly.

[Dizmo]

Is it possible he also suffers from Weaver Syndrome? I've not look too hard into it so please don't think I'm being arrogant.

[Buenchico]

>>>Is it possible he also suffers from Weaver Syndrome?

I'd guess that some medical researchers would want to take an interest in the world's tallest man, so it's possible (likely?) that he's been tested for the genetic disorder that results in Weaver's Syndrome, presumably with negative results.

[waterboatman]

Incredible!

[janbee]

Freaky. I'm so glad I'm a boring, non descript, run of the mill person. I always feel so sorry for people with such extremities. I hope they're both ok and don't have too many health problems.

[murraymints]

I find it rather sad that people have to live with such deformities and associated health problems...