42 Search Results for "gwr_news"

• GWR DAY: Fastest time to burst

  • From: gwr_day
  • Description:

    In the lead up to Guinness World Records Day, Brits that tune into BBC1 children’s television programme ‘Blue Peter’, could be in for something very special.  On Tuesday 10th November 2009 Norwich born power lifting champion Shaun Jones will attempt to break the record for the fastest time to burst a hot water bottle.  That’s right; using only his breath Shaun will blow into the hard plastic container and literally attempt to blow the current record to bits!

    

    This is Shaun stood alongside his singing motivational coach, Big Dom.

     

    The record is currently held by the American, Brian Jackson.  He managed the feat in 51.98 seconds at the Tahlequah High School, Tahlequah, Oklahoma, USA, on 13 April 2006.

    We managed to get hold of some footage of the strong man in training:

    Will he break the record?  Find out on Blue Peter (BBC1) from 16:30 on Tuesday 10th November!

    
    Interesting side note:

    Blue Peter holds a Guinness World Record of its own for being the longest running children's magazine programme
    Blue Peter (BBC, UK), was first transmitted from London's Lime Grove Studios on 16 October 1958 and celebrated 45 years on air in October 2003. Originally presented by Christopher Trace and Leila Williams (both UK), it has so far seen a total of 29 presenters, the longest serving being John Noakes (UK) who hosted from 1965-1978.

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• GWR Day: Fastest vehicle cross

  • From: gwr_day
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    Cairo, November 2009 - After breaking the record for the fastest crossing of the Great Sand Sea, the Egyptian adventurer, Hesham Nessim, plans to set another Guinness World Records record on the 10th of November 2009, in the Western Desert using one vehicle driving from Siwa to Abu Simbel.

    

    The record will be part of Guinness World Records day (12 November 2009) where thousands of people from all around the world will attempt different records to join Guinness World Records celebrating this special day.

    The starting point will be Siwa oasis and the end point is the city of Abu Simbel. Nessim will attempt to drive an average of 1,250 km to 1,350 km in one shot in 14 to 18 hours.

    

    Talal Omar, an official Guinness World Records adjudicator will fly to the Egyptian city Abu Simbel which is situated in the southern part of Egypt on the western bank of Lake Nasser about 290 km southwest of Aswan. The adjudicator will be informed with the updates & location each hour through GPS.

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• GWR Day: Words Take Flight in

  • From: gwr_day
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    International Solidarity for Human Rights Begin Reading for Rights

    Promoting education, understanding and respect for human rights, six very brave members of the International Solidarity for Human Rights- The New Generation, have begun their record attempt for the 'Longest Marathon Reading Aloud' this morning at 9 am. The record attempt takes place at the InterAmerican Campus of Miami Dade College and will culiminate on Guinness World Records Day, November 12th at 4 pm.

    For over 224 hours, six women will be continuously reading the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

    

    Check out their preparation for the record attempt!

    For more information on this record attempt, please see below press release:

    PRESS RELEASE
    

    Words Take Flight in a Guinness World Records® Record-Breaking Attempt at Miami Dade College, During an Official Event of the Miami Book Fair International

    Miami, November 3 - 12, 2009 – On Tuesday morning, November 3, six women will begin a 10-day reading marathon in an attempt to break a Guinness World Records® record, while promoting education, understanding and respect for human rights.

    Members of International Solidarity for Human Rights -The New Generation, seek to set a new record for “Longest Reading Aloud Marathon by a Team” while reading the 30 Articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, repeatedly for over 224 hours at the InterAmerican Campus of Miami Dade College.  Article 1: We are all born free and equal.  Perhaps in the U.S., we are all aware that we have rights.  Do you know how many?  Are you familiar with what exactly your rights are?

    In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted and proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly.  It has since been translated into over 360 languages and described by the Guinness Book of Records as the “Most Translated Document” in the world.  Nonetheless, only 5 percent of the world’s population is aware that the Universal Declaration for Human Rights exists and a mere 1 percent has actually read it.

    “We estimate that during our attempt, the 30 Articles of this extraordinary document will be repeated about 1200 times.  With a 24 hour international audience via the internet, our goal is not only to set a new reading record, but to reach millions of people who otherwise wouldn’t be aware of their intrinsic rights,” says Elizabeth Sanchez Vegas, founder of International Solidarity of Human Rights.

    Ten Days Cohabiting
    To comply with the guidelines of the Guinness World Records, the team must remain on the premises for the entire length of the attempt.  The six women team will be living in Conference Room 401.  A space of approximately 300 square feet will be blocked off to accommodate comfortable living, sleeping and eating quarters.  Also, by mandate of the Guinness World RecordsTM, the entire event area will remain open for public and media viewing 24/7.

    The Women
    Elizabeth Sanchez Vegas: Founder of ISHR / Former TV News Anchor
    Devorah Sasha: International Songstress
    Ana Maria Leonardi: Visual Artist / Art Instructor, Coral Springs Museum
    Lilly Blanco: Marketing & Design Consultant / Multi-media Artist

    Isabel Viera: Radio Personality / Actress / Founder of Profunda, Exilio Productions & DeVarona Group
    Maria Cristina Alarcon: Journalist / Author
    This event is produced in memory of Eleanor Roosevelt and in honor of The New Generation.

    ##
    Media Contacts
    Elizabeth Sanchez Vegas (786)301-3019 / esv@ishrights.org
    Lilly Blanco (786)280-2282 / lb@ishrights.org

    Event Location
    Miami Dade College
    InterAmerican Campus - Room 401
    627 SW 27th Avenue
    Miami, FL  33135

    3 November 2009

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• GWR Day: NY Eatery Serendipity

  • From: gwr_day
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    A very sweet start to Guinness World Records week in the US as Serendipity 3, the landmark NYC restaurant, prepares to set a new Guinness World Record for the “Largest Cup of Hot Chocolate on Monday, November 9th. The record attempt also celebrates the restaurants 55th anniversary, a milestone for New York City eateries.
     

    The restaurant has been busy planning to scale up the tasty concoction which will use their  traditional hot chocolate mix- a blend of 14 different cocoas, topped with whipped cream, grated valley orange and French chocolate shavings. 

    The “largest cup” is over 100 times the size of the restaurant’s famous Hot Chocolate!  The “Largest Cup of Hot Chocolate” will then go on the restaurants menu becoming commercially available, and all proceeds will go to a local NYC charity.

    

    The record will not be the restaurants first attempt at Guinness World Record glory. The restaurant currently holds the record for the ‘Most Expensive Dessert’ ($25,000) set back in 2007 also in conjunction with Guinness World Records Day. In addition, at one time the restaurant held the record for the ‘Largest Wedding Cake.’

     

     

    The record attempt itself will take place in the world famous restaurant on East 60th Street in NYC.  Stephen Bruce, the owner/founder of the restaurant will be mixing up the giant creation himself!

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• October Sports Blog

  • From: GWR_Ralph
  • Description:

    This month a few of us at Guinness World Records received a sporting treat courtesy of the Gillette Four Nations rugby league tournament who supplied us with tickets to the Australia vz New Zealand match at The Stoop last Saturday. For those of you who missed it the repeat of the 2008 Rugby League World Cup final ended in a thrilling 20-20 draw with Australia running in a last gasp try to avoid defeat.

    

    This is the first four nations tournament, replacing the tri-nations tournament which Australia won three times, the most wins of the rugby league tri-nations. Darren Lockyer was also on show but failed to score a try, almost surprising considering he shares the record (with kiwi Joe Vagana) for the most tries scored in rugby league tri-nations matches an impressive nine.

    October records

    The month kicked off with a brand new record holder entering our Records Database in the Nuevo Estadio Jose Zorrilla, in Valladolid, Spain. 'Supersub' Iker Munian came off the bench for Athletic Club Bilbao to score the equaliser against Real Valladolid and secure his team a 2-2 draw. Aged 16 years and 289 days old he was the youngest goalscorer in the top division of Spanish football.

    

    But after that it has been a case of the usual suspects tightening their grip on some Guinness World Records…

    On 25 October 2009 Frenchman Sebastien Loeb raced to victory at the Rally of Great Britain for the second consecutive year to pip Finnish rival Mikko Hirvonen to the 2009 World Rally Championship by just one point! It was his sixth consecutive World Rally Championship the most WRC titles and the most consecutive. It was also his 53rd race win extending his record for the most WRC race wins.

    

    A week before that we had another serial record-breaker add a new record to his list. New England Patriots Tom Brady threw an incredible five touchdown passes in the 2nd quarter of their 59-0 demolition of Tennessee Titans. The most touchdown passes in one quarter his fourth Guinness World Record!

    

    While we are talking NFL and multiple record-holders - if Brett Favre doesn’t have enough records already, he has now become the subject of a Guinness World Records attempt! Check here to see how the guys at Sportsnation got on as they attempted the most mentions of a name on a TV show…

    Also in last month’s blog I told you to watch out for Leeds Rhinos in the Super League Grand Final...by beating St.Helens 18 points to 10 at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom, they won their third title in a row the most consecutive Super League titles! Remember you heard it here first!

    

     

    October “almost” records

    While the following are NOT records yet...we are currently researching to see if this incredible effort from Argentina’s Martin Palermo could be the longest headed goal in national top division football?? 

     And as for the longest volleyed goal – Dejan Stankovic has put himself in contention with this amazing effort!

    What’s coming up in November?

    The tennis season draws to a close next month and the traditional ATP World Tour Finals (the tournament formerly known as the ATP Tour Championships and Tennis Masters Cup) comes to London, United Kingdom for the first time ever. In the 1980s Ivan Lendl won the tournament five times, in the 1990s Pete Sampras matched him, now in the final year of the noughties, Roger Federer is hoping for his fifth title to equal the record for the most wins of the ATP World Tour Finals.

    

    In women’s tennis the Fed Cup (a tournament formerly known as the Federation Cup) has reached it’s climax with the final taking place on 7-8 November. In this year’s edition Italy face off against USA with the States hoping to win their 18th title extending their record for the most wins of the Fed Cup by a team.

    What you did this month!!

    As always we finish with some records from you guys - congratulations to everybody who set a new Guinness World Records record last month here are just a few highlights of records approved right here in Guinness World Records offices or in situ by one of our official adjudicators.

    Greatest distance run by a relay team
    The longest distance run by a relay team is 3,096 Km (1,923 miles) and was achieved by the 'Gillette Phenomenal Tour' over 14 days, from 21 September 2009 to 5 October 2009. Adjudicated by GWR – find out more here!

    Longest marathon playing baseball
    The longest baseball marathon was 48 hr 9 min 27 sec, achieved by the Jonny G Foundation Cardinals and the Edward Jones Browns (Both USA) at TR Hughes Ballpark in Saint Louis, Missouri, USA, on 9-11 October 2009. Adjudicated by GWR – find out more here!

    The furthest distance covered on a jetski in 24 hours is 1,150 km (714.58 miles) and was achieved by Brett Kettle (Australia) on a SeaDoo GTX jetski starting at Manly Marina passing through Rosslyn Bay and finishing at Inskip Point, in Queensland, Australia, from 29-30 June 2009.

    Most golf holes played in seven days (cart)
    Using a golf cart for transport, Thomas Bucci (USA) completed 1,801 golf holes in seven days at the Albany Country Club, Voorheesville, New York, USA, from 14-20 June 2009.

    Fewest golf strokes to complete a marathon distance
    The fewest strokes taken to complete marathon distance playing golf is 494 strokes and was achieved by Jake Sand (United States) at Desert Mountain Golf Resort, Arizona, United States, on 28 May 2009.

    Furthest distance to push a scrum machine in 8 hours (relay)
    The furthest distance to push a scrum machine in an 8 hr relay is 37.92 km, (23.56 miles) achieved by U17 & U19 Rugby Squad (UK), at Shobnall Leisure Complex, Burton On Trent, United Kingdom, on 5 July 2009.

    26 October 2009

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• Where in the World is Sultan?

  • From: gwr_kelly
  • Description:

    Friday, October 23rd - Saturday, October 24th 2009

    Sultan heads north to the cooler climate of Iceland after mixing it up in Spain and Portugal.  Read on as Kelly continues to keep us abreast of where in the world Sultan is today and what he's been getting up to! 

    

    Reykjavík, Iceland - famous for the 1986 Summit between former U.S. president Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev - warmly welcomed Sultan to its shores and boy were they excited about his arrival!  In fact, even the flight crew on Icelandic Airways had been briefed about Sultan's visit and a flight-attendant transformed into an on-board photographer during the flight snapping dozens of shots of Sultan with the Captain and other crew members! 

    

    More surprises were in store for Sultan upon his arrival to his hotel room, when he was overjoyed to see a custom-made armchair especially made to accomodate his record-breaking size.  We wondered whether it was the largest armchair in the world actually!  Sultan was so thrilled about it that the maker of the sofa even kindly agreed to send the sofa to Turkey. In addition to this the Icelandair Hotel, where Sultan was staying, informed him that his room will be named after him complete with a duplicate sofa and photos of Sultan as a permanent fixture in celebration of his visit. 

    Sultan was officially a rock star in Iceland.
     
    Later that day, after his first television interview, Sultan headed to the site of the Reykjavík Summit (the former French consulate) called Höfði to take a few pictures along with a few shots of the breathtaking views.  Iceland sure is a beautiful country.

    
     
    At midday, Sultan was then joined by Iceland Today for an interview followed by a press conference with local journalists.  Later, he then met the families and children of the Icelandic publishers of the Guinness World Records 2010 book for a photo shoot and book signing using his very own fingerprint.  Sultan is a big swimmer - literally - and wrapped up his day with a relaxing swim followed by a hot jacuzzi. 

    

    The following day, Sultan visited Smaralind Shopping Mall (the largest in Iceland) which hosted an event at which hundreds of locals turned up to meet him and get their copies of Guinness World Records 2010 autographed with his fingerprint.  A life-size ad was placed in front of the store so people could measure themselves against Sultan.  Over 700 books were bought that day and it was estimated that around 12,000 visitors stopped by the event!  That's around 4% of Iceland's population - WHAT!?  Closing the event, Sultan spoke to the crowds saying that although it was a very cold place, he had truly been touched by the overwhelming warmth of the people, especially by the staff at his hotel - TAKK (thank you) ICELAND!

    Sultan heads back to Turkey for a short break but is back on the road on November 7th.

    Stay tuned to find out where in the world Sultan's going next! 

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• Where in the World is Sultan?

  • From: gwr_kelly
  • Description:

    Tuesday, October 20th 2009

    Kelly accompanies the tallest man in the world to the land of Lorca, Almodovar, tortilla española and Rioja as they travel west to Spain.  Read on as Sultan's adventures continue in wonderful España!

    The unstoppable Sultan keeps going as his world tour takes him across the border of Portugal to Madrid, Spain. First stop is an appearance on Spain’s biggest morning show, Ana Rosa, for an interview with Ana herself who is interested in comparing things like her foot and hand with Sultan. 

    Next a visit to Elmundo España, an online interactive digital format where local people can send in questions live via the internet. 

    

    If you speak Spanish, log on here to to view the questions and answers, they're very interesting!
     
    http://www.elmundo.es/encuentros/invitados/2009/10/3847/index.html

    Here are a selection of them translated from the Spanish with Sultan's answers:

    1. What's the most inconvenient thing about being so tall?
    Not finding clothes y shoes that fit me. Another inconvenience is getting in and out of cars.

    2. Hello, nice to meet you. Your parents, how tall are they?
    My father is 1.75 m (5 ft 7 in) and my mother is 1.70 m (5 ft 5 in).

    3. What size clothes do you wear?
    Size 60

    4. How tall were you when you were born?
    I don't remember, I was born as a normal baby, of normal size.  I started to really grow from age 10 onwards.

    5. Hello Sultan, what are some of the advantages of being so tall?
    Until I got in to the Guinness World Records book almost everything was a disadvantage.  But since then, everybody now knows who I am and are interested in me, which I like.

    6. How do you tie your shoes?
    As normal. I don't have a problem doing that.

    7. If you could be born again, would you want to be normal size?
    No. I'm used to it now and happy with who I am.  My biggest problem is not having a girlfriend!

    Sultan signed off with: "I would like to ask society to accept us as we are, we should not be discriminated against, and be treated equally. Thank you everybody!"

    Sultan wraps up the day with an interview on an afternoon talk show called Tal Cual Lo Contamos followed by an interview with Spain’s largest newspaper El Pais.  He will be featured on Sunday’s edition with pictures taken at Madrid’s famous historic bullring Las Ventas.

    

    Sultan is busy this morning being interviewed by several newspapers but wraps up his trip to Madrid with a final fun-filled interview with a childrens' magazine called Muy Interesante Junior.  Considering his size, they bring giant sized props for the photoshoot including a GIANT PEN that fits his record sized hands which Sultan uses to sign autographs and claims for himself!  No idea how he's going to fit that inside his jacket!!

    
     
    This afternoon, Sultan heads for the Palacio Real de Madrid (Madrid's Royal Palace).  Unfortunately, neither King Juan Carlos nor the Royal Family will be around for a cup of tea, so Sultan will have to settle for a short tour of the Palace. 

    After that, it's back to the hotel for a good night's sleep as he prepares for his next stop - Iceland!

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• Where in the World is Sultan?

  • From: gwr_kelly
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    Saturday october 17th, 2009

    Sultan's globetrotting ways continue as he visits the land of Vasco da Gama, Jose Saramago, Bacalhau and the fado - Portugal!  Read on as Kelly sends in another update about what it is like to travel around with the tallest man in the world!

    

    Sultan began his day bright and early today taking in the warm weather in Lisbon, and as always, with lots of attention from the people at the hotel who wanted to take a photo.  He couldn’t even escape breakfast without someone wanting to take a quick snap with him, but it’s all in a day's work for Sultan who happily obliged!  After a quick break we headed to the FNAC bookstore at Lisbon’s Colombo Shopping Mall for a press conference and book signing.  Crowds gathered as he got out of the car surrounded by hoardes of TV cameras and photographers.  Sitting by a stack of about 200 Guinness World Records 2010 books, Sultan opened up the press conference by saying,

    "Hello Portugal, thank you for inviting me to your country, I’m really happy to be here". 

    He went on to tell everyone listening that his Guinness World Records journey started in February of this year
    when GWR came to Ankara to measure him three times and confirm his astonishing 246.5 cm (8 ft 1 in) height.   After that, Sultan explained, he waited patiently until September 17th when it was announced to the world from London that he was the new tallest man in the world!

    "Since then", he went on, "I have travelled to places I only dreamed of, including Portugal where I am now!"

    
     
    As the session was opened to the floor, the usual questions were put to Sultan...When? How? Why?  But one young 10-year-old boy put his hand up tentatively and asked "If you’re so tall, do you have to eat more?".  Big Sultan thought for a moment and then said, "I do eat well it's true, but if you eat more, perhaps you can grow up to be tall too!".

    

     After completing the book signing and grabbing a bite to eat down by the river, Sultan headed back to the hotel for a fitting of his new suit.  And in the meantime - surprise! - his suitcase arrived from London.  Phew! He was sweating it there for a while, and so was I!  Everything he had received from the beginning of this tour – his first ever pair of jeans from New York, his tailor-made suit from the UK, were all safe and sound back in his possession.

    That afternoon Sultan was interviewed by two of the largest national TV channels and newspapers in Portugal and then wrapped up the day being interviewed by three children from Visao, a national kids weekly magazine.  After yet another fitting, dinner was served alongside some much needed R&R. 

    

    While in Lisbon Sultan and his brother, Hassan, also visited The Belém Tower which was built in the early sixteenth century in the Portuguese late-Gothic style, the Manueline, to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition. This defensive, yet elegant construction has become one of the symbols of the city, a memorial to Portuguese power as it was during the Age of Discovery.  

    Next stop - Madrid, Spain!

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• Where in the World is Sultan?

  • From: gwr_kelly
  • Description:

    Welcome to the tallest blog in the world covering Sultan Kosen's whirlwind international tour as he shows the world what it means to be the tallest man in the world! 

    Our very own Kelly Garrett who is accompaying Sultan as his official Turkish translator gives us the low down on all of Sultan's adventures!  Check out her daily blog here on the homepage to find out what happened, when and where as the tallest man in the world crosses the globe!

    Saturday, October 17th 2009

    On route to Lisbon, Portugal Sultan continues his world tour making a stopover in London for a late-connecting flight.  But rather than hang around in a boring airport for four hours, Sultan decides to leave and take in a bit of London!  What?!  Completely unchaperoned, the big man makes it all the way from Istanbul to London to meet me for a surprise unscheduled visit.  But wouldn't you know, even Sultan succumbs to the inefficiencies of air travel and informs me that his baggage never made it - the airline forgot to send his bags!  But all is not lost, a tailor with a Portuguese TV crew await his arrival at the hotel in Lisbon where he is quickly measured up for a brand new suit ready for his first Portuguese appearance tomorrow at a bookstore.  Sultan will host a press conference and book signing in front of the Portuguese media and fans. I even brought my own tea and kettle for the trip so hopefully everything else will arrive tomorrow!

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• "World's shortest man" ­ - doe

  • From: gwr_press
  • Description:

    The web is buzzing with stories about Khagendra, the Nepalese boy hoping to qualify as the world's shortest man. He's certainly short enough, says GWR Editor in Chief Craig Glenday, but is he old enough to claim the official world record?

    Back in 2006, Guinness World Records was contacted by the Dwarf Association of Nepal, asking us to ratify one of their members as the shortest living man. The "man" in question was Khagendra Thapa Magar, and at 20 in (50.8 cm) he would have certainly qualified, beating the current record holder He Pingping at 74.61 cm (2 ft 5.37 in). There was just one problem: Khangendra had not yet turned 18.

    To quality for the Guinness World Records title of world's shortest man, claimants must be 18 years or older (assuming the first year of life is considered year 0, and not year 1). This is irrespective of sexual maturity or a society's legal, ritualistic or religious coming of age. We are in possession of Khagendra's birth registration certificate, his certification of Citizenship and his identity card (pictured). On the Nepali calendar, Khagendra was born on Asoj 18, 2049 ­ which equates to 4 October 1992. This makes him 6,220 days old (as of today, 15 October 2009) ­ or 17 years 11 days.

    

    We are once again in touch with Khangendra and his family and have asked for re-confirmation of his birthday, on the off chance that there has been some misunderstanding. We are very excited to learn of this little Nepalese claimant ­ and have been for a few years now. But until we can clear up the discrepancy, the holder of the title of world¹s smallest mobile man remains with He Pingping.

     

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• Oldest living man

  • From: gwr_aleks
  • Description:

    Guinness World Records officially recognizes Walter Breuning, born on Sept. 21, 1896 in Melrose, Minnesota, USA, as the world’s oldest living man, following the death of Henry Allingham (UK), the previous holder in this category. Walter celebrated his 113^th birthday at the Rainbow Retirement Community in Great Falls, Montana on Monday September 21^st and to help celebrate his longevity Guinness World Records sent a birthday card fashioned from the official certificate confirming his record breaking achievement.

    "It's incredible to think that Walter's one of few men able to remember when U.S. president McKinley was shot," said Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday. "And while he signed up to fight in World War I, he was TOO OLD to take part in World War II."

    Walter is in good health and attributes his longevity to a good balanced diet that helps to keep his weight low and his mental faculties sharp.

    28 September 2009

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• Guinness World Records on The

  • From: GWR_Ralph
  • Description:

    On 23 September 2009 Guinness World Records was present on BAFTA award-winning The Paul O'Grady show for a host of record attempts throughout the programme. The Guinness World Records adjudication team of Ralph Hannah, Mariamarta Ruano-Graham and Amarilis Espinoza invigilated three record attempts and even had time for a special certificate presentation to one of Britain's most popular sportsmen.

    The first group of record breakers were the unsuspecting audience who had been handed a skeleton costume and mask on their arrival to the studio! Only a handful of the audience declined to take part which left 197 people dressed up as skeletons which was enough to set the new Guinness World Records record for the largest gathering of skeletons.

    

    London-based fireman Lee Phillips was the next record aspirant but he wasn't wearing a costume, in fact he was only wearing a pair of underpants. All that was about to change over the course of the show as he tried to set the record for the most underpants worn in one hour - needing to surpass more than 100 pairs of underpants to set the record!

    As Lee was attempting his record, under the eagle eye of adjudicator Mariamarata, a third record attempt was being prepared. Anton, Patrick and James all members of the Paul O'Grady team had lined up for a head-to-head attempt to break the record for the fastest time to eat three pickled eggs. To eat three pickled eggs at all is hard enough especially if, as Patrick admitted to adjudicator Ralph, you have "just eaten a massive dinner" but these guys had to try and do it in under 1 minute 9 seconds! The three attempts can only be described with one word "FAILURE" as Patrick cheated by throwing the egg on another plate, Anton was having difficulties swallowing and while James did swallow all three eggs unfortunately he just couldn't keep them down! All three were officially disqualified by Amarilis, no new Guinness World Records record here.

    

    Lee on the other hand was doing very well and after 45 minutes had flown past the 100 mark but he still had some pants to put on. By the end of the show (also the one hour mark) Lee had managed an incredible 144 pairs of underpants the second new record of the day!

    

    The final person to receive a certificate was none other than the undefeated boxing world champion, the "Pride of Wales" Joe Calzaghe who holds the record for the most consecutive defences of a World super-middleweight boxing title with an incredible 21 straight defences, the last coming in 2007 against Mikel Kessler. He seemed delighted to receive his certificate for the record which can be found in the 2010 edition of Guinness World Records. Overall a brilliant record-breaking show!!

    

    To find out more about the Paul O'Grady show click here

    24 September 2009

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• Guinness World Records on Blue

  • From: GWR_Ralph
  • Description:

    The BBC Television Centre came to a standstill on Tuesday 22 September as 100 members of staff invaded the "doughnut" armed with mattresses. This wasn't an organised sit-in (or sleep in) but of course a Guinness World Records attempt for the largest human mattress dominoes as what better way to start the new series of Blue Peter than with yet another world record (For those of you who don't know Blue Peter is currently the longest running children's television programme, it first aired in 1958!).

    Guinness World Records adjudicators Ralph Hannah, Amarilis Espinoza and Jane Boatfield were present to ensure the rules were followed correctly. Each mattress has to touch the person behind them before they can fall over to ensure a continuous domino effect. The previous record was set in August at Channel Nine studios in Sydney, Australia they managed a total of 80 mattresses - the Blue Peter team had lined up 100 in order to try and beat it.

    

    The first "domino" was Blue Peter presenter Helen who started a chain of falling mattresses that went around the doughnut, into the BBC Television Centre corridors and ended in the Blue Peter studio with the 100th domino being another Blue Peter presenter Andy!

    

    Blue Peter's third presenter Joel had followed the whole record attempt and arrived in the studio just in time for Guinness World Records adjudicator Ralph Hannah to present an official certificate because with 100 mattresses they had set a new record for the largest human mattress dominoes! Congratulations to everybody at Blue Peter and the BBC!

    

    You can watch the attempt in full right here

    23 September 2009

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• Sultan Kosen – The World’s Tal

  • From: gwr_paul
  • Description:

    For all enquiries contact: tallestman@guinnessworldrecords.com.

    26-year-old part-time farmer Sultan Kosen, who measures a staggering 8ft 1 in (246.5 cm) in height, has been handed the hallowed title of new ‘tallest man in the world’.

    

    Craig Glenday, Editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said: “Sultan is the first man over 8 ft (2.43 m) to be measured by Guinness World Record in over 20 years. Indeed, we know only of 10 confirmed or reliable cases in history of humans reaching 8 ft or more. To be totally sure of Sultan’s height, I travelled to Turkey in February this year to measure him personally. He’s an imposing figure, towering above all others, but at the same time a gentle, quiet man who’s totally relaxed and unfazed about his unique standing in the world. It’s a pleasure to welcome him into the Guinness World Records family.”
    
    Appearing in front of the world’s press for the very first time, Sultan from Mardin, South-East Turkey declared ‘I never imagined I would be in the book, I dreamed about it, but it was still a huge surprise’.
    
    Sultan is one of five, three brothers and one sister, and his family, including his mum and dad, are all ‘normal’ sized. Because of his extreme height he was never able to finish school but works occasionally as a farmer to support his family. He describes one of the advantages of being tall as being able to help out his mum out with jobs such as changing a broken light bulb and hanging curtains. Disadvantages to his height he lists include not being able to find clothes or shoes that fit or finding it extremely hard to fit into a regular size car.
    
    Like every young man in their twenties, Sultan enjoys listening to music, playing computer games and watching movies.  When asked what he looks forward to by being officially the tallest man, Sultan said, “To travel and see the world and have a car that accommodates my size! My biggest dream though is to get married and have children – I’m looking for love.’”
    
    For all enquiries contact: tallestman@guinnessworldrecords.com

     

    17 September 2009

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• World's Oldest Person Dies

  • From: sclaxton
  • Description:

    It is with much sadness that we have learned that Gertrude Baines, the oldest person in the world, passed away in a Los Angeles hospital today at 7:25am PST.

    Born on April 6, 1894 Ms Baines became the world's oldest person when Maria de Jesus from Portugal died at the age of 115 in January 2009.  Since 1986 the world's oldest person title has been held by a woman for all but 44 days.

    She owed her longevity to never drinking or smoking and was reported to be in good health before she died.  Baines worked as a maid in Ohio State University dormitories until her retirement, and lived at a Los Angeles convalescent hospital for over 10 years.  In November 2008 she became the oldest African-American to vote for President Barack Obama and received a letter from him on her 115th birthday.

    Guinness World Records sends its condolences to the Baines family.

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• My nail-biting first encounter

  • From: gwr_craig
  • Description:

    GWR Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday recounts his first, nerve-wracking meeting with the “Lady with the Nails”

    When I first met the wonderful Lee Redmond, I was playing the role of chauffeur. I’d been asked to collect Lee and her granddaughter at Heathrow and bring then back to GWR Towers without any fuss.

    This was a few years back, and my first experience of the “airport run”. I’ve since welcomed the likes of smallest man He Pingping and tallest man Xi Shun to the UK, but this was my first experience waiting in the throng of expectant families and anxious girl- and boyfriends for a record holder.

    I was getting increasingly nervous as every moment passed – what if she never made the connecting flight? Had she even left Utah? If she did make the flight, was it comfortable? The launch of the 2007 book was relying on her cooperation with the press and without Lee, there’d be no launch! Yet we’d never met her! What would she be like? What kind of a woman would grow her nails like giant talons?

    Nervous? I certainly wouldn’t win any records for the length of my nails that day!

    Then the air seemed to change. It’s that moment just before a GWR holder as striking and as arresting as Lee enters the Arrivals hall. The faces of the usually weary travellers change – you notice the furrowed brows, the widened gapes, excited children looking back over their shoulders, a general buzz of excitement.

    Then she appeared - a vision in electric turquoise jogging pants, her face haloed by that amazing shock of bright blonde hair. By her side was her granddaughter, but the petite Lee really could have mistaken for her sister. It’s only then that you notice the nails; Lee cuts such an incredible figure that, even without her nails, she catches your eye.

    It’s inevitable in our technological times that mobile phone and digital cameras are going to be whipped out whenever someone famous or noteworthy appears in public. It was no different with Lee – but she took the flashes in her stride, even stopping to show a dumbstruck traveller her nails up close. One of the inescapable side effects of having metre-long fingernails, I guess!

    On the road back to the office, Lee spoke about her flights to the UK. Despite being booked on Business Class, Lee’s first aircraft, from Salt Lake City, was Economy-only, so she squeezed her tiny self and her nails into her even tinier seat. The fold-down seats on her transatlantic jumbo offered little more comfort. Worse still, he’d been unable to use the restrooms – should could (just) fit in to the cubicle but could neither turn around nor lock the door.

    But Lee quickly brushed aside the discomfort and set my mind a rest – she was happy to be in London and looking forward to seeing the sites. She worked hard that week for the launch, appearing on TV shows, being interviewed with the same set of questions time and time again, and offering pose after pose to countless snappers. Throughout the whole arduous period, she remained cheery and obliging and a joy to spend time with.

    My most recent encounter with Lee was on her home turf in Salt Lake City, Utah. Concerned about her health after the car crash, I popped over to see her and help our press team film the first interview after her life-threatening accident. Once again, I was struck by her joie de vivre and strong sense of survival. Life had thrown her a curveball, she said, but she just just got right back up again.

    Thankfully, Lee made a spectacular recovery, albeit sans her nails! “That time in my life is now over,” she said over dinner. “I truly believe that the decision for me to lose my nails was taken out of my hands and made by a higher authority. It’s a sign – I may not have known that I needed to move on, but I do now!”

    So, enjoy the exclusive video footage of Lee discussing her life with long nails then her new existence without them. You see that I had nothing to be worried about – she’s the sweetest, kindest and most open record holder I know. I’m honoured to have known the old Lee and now the new Lee, one of the world’s most recognisable women… with or without the fingernails!

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• Oldest Dog Dies at Age 21

  • From: gwr_press
  • Description:

     

    We are saddened to hear the news that Chanel, a dachshund and Guinness World Record holder for the Oldest Living Dog (aged 21 years) passed away on Friday, August 28th, 2009 from natural causes at her home in Port Jefferson Station, on Long Island.

     

    Known for her fondness of sweets and keen fashion sense, Chanel will always hold a place in record breaking canine history.

    We had the pleasure of helping celebrate the dog’s longevity by presenting her owners, Karl & Denice Shaughnessy, with an updated certificate at Chanel’s 21st birthday party held at a dog spa in early May.

    We extend our condolences to her owners and wish them all the best.

     

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• August Sports Blog

  • From: GWR_Ralph
  • Description:

    Welcome to the re-vamped sports blog, giving you a monthly update to what sports records have been keeping us busy here at Guinness World Records and what we can expect to see broken in the near future!

    August records

    In terms of record-breaking one man’s 6 ft 4 in frame overshadowed everybody this month. Usain Bolt (Jamaica) shattered his own world records set at last year’s Olympics in both sprint distances during the IAAF World Championships in Berlin. On 16 August he blew away the field with a mind-blowing 9.58 second run in the 100 metres a whole 0.11 seconds faster than his Beijing effort, which represented the biggest drop in the 100 metres world record since digital timing began.

    

    Four days later Bolt broke his 200 metres time of 19.30 seconds (also set in Beijing) by the same margin finishing streets ahead of field in 19.19 seconds. Bolt became the first man ever to simultaneously hold Olympic and World Championship gold medals in both the 100 and 200 metres.

    

    Only one other world record fell at the IAAF World Championships:

    Furthest hammer throw (female) - 77.96 m (255 ft 9 in) by Anita Wlodarczyk (Poland) in Berlin, Germany, on 22 August 2009.

    

    In Rugby Union the 2009 tri-nations is in full swing with the winner of the most tri-nations titles New Zealand (nine times before you ask) on the receiving end of  a record-breaking performance from South Africa’s fly –half Morne Steyn. On 1 August Steyn scored one try, one conversion and eight penalties totalling 31 points the most points scored by an individual in a tri-nations match to give South Africa a 31-19 victory over New Zealand in Durban.

    

    Incidentally in August 2008 South African winger Jongi Nokwe had scored the most tries by an individual in a tri-nations match when he ran in four against Australia for a 53-8 victory in Johannesburg.

    What's coming in September?

    In September there is plenty of sport to keep everybody occupied. The UEFA Champions League proper starts on 15 September and a revamped Real Madrid with the most expensive footballer Cristiano Ronaldo will be looking to regain their record of the most Champions League victories which was equalled at 77 by  Manchester United last season.

    

    The NFL season starts on 10 September with Brett Favre still playing, this time lining up with the Minnesota Vikings and likely to increase his record for the most pass completions in an NFL career by a quarterback which currently stands at 5,720 completions.

    

    The World Stone Skimming Championships takes place on 27 September on Easdale Island in Scotland. Contestants will be hoping to beat the record for the most skips of a skimming stone an incredible 51 by Russel Byars in Pennsylvania in 2007.

    

    What you did this month!

    Here at Guinness World Records we approved several new sporting records from the fastest marathon on crutches (Simon Baker at the Dublin Marathon who finished in 6 hr 42 min 47 secs) to the largest open water swimming race (13,755 participants at the Midmar Mile in South Africa).

    Also you can find out who set the record for the highest bicycle bunny hop below!

    25 August 2009

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• Tallest Dog Gibson Dies from C

  • From: gwr_press
  • Description:

    A few months ago we wrote that Gibson, the tallest dog in the world, had sadly lost a leg to osteosarcoma, a form of canine bone cancer. Although terrible news, we were pleased to hear that, nevertheless, our big canine friend was doing well and seemed to be on the road to recovery.  Unfortunately, we have recently learned that Gibson has lost his fight with cancer and has passed away.

    "We will miss Gibson very much as he was a wonderful record-holder and a  memorable member of the Guinness World Records family" said Stuart Claxton of Guinness World Records.  "We extend our condolences to his owner Sandy Hall with whom we shared many happy moments as we celebrated Gibson and his record all over the world".

    Gibson, a 7-year-old Harlequin Great Dane and Guinness World Record holder for the world’s Tallest Dog (42.2 in tall) passed away from cancer on Friday, Aug. 7 2009 near Sacramento, California, USA.

     

     

    12 August 2009

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• World's Largest Meatball!

  • From: gwr_press
  • Description:

    SONY PICTURES ANIMATION’S CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS BREAKS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® RECORD FOR WORLD’S LARGEST MEATBALL!

    CANCÚN, Mexico, August 4, 2009 – With Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Sony Pictures Animation’s mouth-watering 3-D animated event, about to hit theatres worldwide, the world’s largest meatball ever created has also descended.  The announcement was made today by Hannah Minghella, president of production for Sony Pictures Animation, Inc., and Carlos Martinez, adjudicator, Guinness World Records.
     
    The meatball, weighing in at 49.5 kg, or 109 lbs., was cooked up by the chefs at The Ritz Carlton in Cancún, Mexico, to promote the upcoming animated film, in which a budding inventor causes food to fall from the sky like rain.  The Hotel’s Executive chef Rainer Zinngrebe along with banquet chef Aldo Novoa accomplished the appetizing feat, surpassing a previous record set in 2008 that stood at 32.93 kg, or 72 lbs., 9 oz.  The new record was confirmed by Martinez, and after the record was confirmed, the meatball was cut up into normal-sized portions and served to everyone at the record-setting event.
     
    Commenting on the announcement, Hannah Minghella, president of production for Sony Pictures Animation, said, “During the production of this movie we had a lot of fun creating the look, texture and sounds of the giant-sized meatballs (among other foods) that Flint makes rain from the sky... and now we know what they taste like.”

    “We apply very strict criteria to our records,” said Guinness World Records’ Carlos Martinez.  “In this particular case, not only did the meatball have to beat the standing record, but also be fully cooked and edible, as verified by myself and food and health inspectors present at the event.  Guinness World Records takes pride in its high standards, and as a result, not every record attempt is successful!”
     
    Aspiring inventor Flint Lockwood is the socially awkward genius behind some of the most bizarre contraptions ever conceived.  But even though all of his inventions, from spray-on shoes to a monkey thought translator, have been spectacular failures that caused trouble in his small town, Flint is determined to create something that will make people happy. When Flint’s latest machine, designed to turn water into food, accidentally destroys the town square and rockets up into the clouds, he thinks his inventing career is over.  Until something amazing happens – cheeseburgers start raining from the sky.  His machine actually works!  The food weather is an instant success, and Flint forges a fast friendship with Sam Sparks, the weathergirl who comes to town to cover what she calls “the greatest weather phenomenon in history.”  But when people greedily ask for more and more food, the machine starts behaving erratically, unleashing spaghetti tornadoes and giant meatballs. With the town about to be buried beneath mountains of marshmallows and waves of watermelons, it’s up to Flint and Sam to use their combined expertise to shut down the machine and put everything right.
     
    Columbia Pictures presents a Sony Pictures Animation film, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.  The film features the voices of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Mr. T, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris, Al Roker, Lauren Graham, and Will Forte.  The film is written for the screen and directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller.  Produced by Pam Marsden.  Based upon the book written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett. 
     
     
    About Sony Pictures Entertainment:
    Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com
     
    About Sony Pictures Animation:
    Sony Pictures Animation exemplifies the next generation of CGI storytelling to produce a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world.  Sony Pictures Animation is developing a full slate of films including the mouth-watering 3D comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs now in production for a September 2009 release, in pre-production on Hotel Transylvania and in pre-production in association with Columbia Pictures on The Smurfs Movie. In 2007, Surf’s Up, was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature and won two Annie Awards. The company’s first film, Open Season, was a box office success and the #2 DVD title of the year for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.  Its sequel, Open Season 2, released in 2009, was an international family hit. Sony Pictures Animation is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Digital Productions.
     
    About Guinness World Records:
    Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer’s Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada’s largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.
     
    For More Information:

    
    Philip Robertson
    Guinness World Records
    (718) 513 7268
    philip.robertson@guinnessworldrecords.com
     
     
    Steve Elzer
    Senior Vice President, Media Relations
    Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group
    (310) 244-7142
    steve_elzer@spe.sony.com

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