On 10 November 1951, Sir Hugh Beaver, then managing director of the Guinness Breweries, went bird shooting in County Wexford, Ireland and got into an argument regarding the fastest game bird in Europe, but could not confirm between the golden plover or the red grouse. With the reality of many other such unconfirmed debates surfacing, he came up with the idea that led to the first Guinness Book of Records being commissioned in August 1954, listing world records, both human achievements and extremes of the natural world. Since the launch of the book, people have gone all out to discover what they can do, which no one else can and each event or year is a chance to raise the bar and break a prior record. The book itself holds a world record, as the best-selling copyrighted book of all time and is one of the most frequently stolen books from public libraries in the United States. Snapshot of 2015 records
So what are some of the highlights of the new world records released in 2014?
A Danish trick-golf artist secured his place in the Guinness World Records 2015 book for creating the world’s longest usable golf club. It measures 4.37m in length and has been used to drive a ball a distance of 165.46m. Do not even ask me about my handicap because I am in fact handicapped in that area.
Circus artist Nancy, made it into the Guinness World Records 2015 book for the farthest arrow shot with the feet. She is able to shoot an arrow 6.09m onto a target measuring just 13.97cm. Compared to her, my body is as rigid as a piece of dry wood. Don't bend me.
Nick from California has an entry in the Guinness World Records 2015 book for having the longest tongue, measuring 10.1cm from its tip to the middle of the closed top lip. I saw him eat ice cream on the news and I will say no more. You can see the photos of the above highlights here.
You as a record holder
Life is competitive from the day one is born and 'man' is always trying to be the best in his/her sphere of influence. Numeracy dictates that number 1 is better than number 10, unless it is a bank balance of course. With the Guinness Book now leaning away from fascinating statistics and more towards bizarre stunts, you probably know weird stunts only you or someone you know personally can do, but maybe some are best performed without an audience? There are many 'unorthodox unsung world record holders/breakers' out there. If you just had the slightest smile or even laugh, you know what I am talking about. It could be on the best or worst side, but it is still a record right? Would you say you have something you do better than anyone else around you, forget the world for now. I bet you have something you are so passionate about, it has become second nature, effortless with excellence in execution. Those subliminal, subjective things which cannot be clearly defined by a world ranking. This is usually echoed by those you interact with as shown by real life examples you may identify with below;
"Ashi you are the best when it comes to cracking me up.............".
"No one in the world can encourage and get the most out of people like Max............"
"Bill you are so full of wisdom for any situation and you just know what to say............"
"When I need a good laugh, I know to call on you Jacqui......."
You do not need to be in a book of records to make a difference to those around you as best at something. They know you are the best because they see and feel the impact and reach of what you do, the world does not. You could be the best mom, wife, dad, friend, cook, writer, counselor, comforter, listener, story teller, whatever it is. Have you noticed that some jokes are best told by someone specific within your circles, who does it best with the gestures, expressions, voice effects, the works, and you will laugh all over again? Another person can try, but could mix up and forget lines with the laughing being directed at how bad the joke has been told. You don't need world recognition or payment to be the best, but there are more subtle benefits. Your loved ones reminisce about you with nostalgia and a deep sense of longing and adoration. You are remembered and missed when you are not there. Sometimes it is these priceless, inconspicuous, subtle parts of our interactions that matter more than money and world recognition.
I didn't know the origin of the Guiness Book of Records. Interesting. And the records certainly have gotten odder and odder. It's true that recognition of small deeds and abilities by people who matter to you are precious.
ReplyDeleteOdder and odder is the best way to put it Beth. All the statistical ones are done so now everyone wants the odd record. Very odd.
DeleteFirst of all thanks for the mention Welli! I'm so flattered! But the MOST important lesson here is how special it is to make a difference in anyone's life; and there is no such thing as making a small difference. Thanks for pointing that out. And thanks for the useful information of the origin of The Guiness Book of World Records! Very cool!
ReplyDeleteYou welcome Jacqui. Indeed you caught that lessons as intended. It is a small difference that makes a big impact not waiting for that big chance to do something and end up not doing anything at all
DeleteWelli , You are so, so ful of Ideas and analogies.
ReplyDeleteI think this can not be measured :) . First time I learned about origin of Guinness book.
Well, coming back to the post , Oh ya , the tongue , but I was wondering as he has nothing to go with the growth , between how it fit inside the mouth... Sorry my ignorance , in such matters.
Before reading this post I was watching Guinness record by a Pakistani boy who cracked a lot of walnuts with his forehead in one minute.
All have different abilities, I believe, God has gifted all of us with some powers and it is our duty to explore them and utilize them , if we can not do so, they will be buried with us, with out any use.
Must be such a strong forehead of that Pakistani boy Anna. All the weird and odd records people are pursuing these days. I wonder how that tongue fits inside that mouth also Anna.
DeleteWelli, I had no idea of the origin of the Guinness Book of Records - Interesting. I do think we're all good at something, I just don't think we all use that ability the way we should. Thanks for another interesting post.
ReplyDeleteI think some people are not even aware that what they do is appreciated by others in big ways. Being good at something must be consistently pursued.
DeleteYes, there are many ways we can be remembered. When I was young, I used to read the Guinness Book for hours and hours, plus I really loved the Brady Bunch episode where the kids tried to break a teeter-tooter record. As a teacher, hands down, it was also always the most popular book students would read in my classroom library.
ReplyDeleteThat's true for me as well. I was fascinated by the facts and feats in the book as was people this side of the world as well. And best of all, without much communication networks back then, you could show off about what you read to your friends and see their shocked faces.
DeleteHi Welli,
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad the content for the Guinness book shifted from inherited traits to how many marbles you can hold in your mouth while eating a hamburger. I think the recognition of those who do such inane feats won't be for their Guinness record. They're more likely to be remembered for their stupidity and keen ability for leaning something that has absolutely no purpose.
Just a thought : )
Pamela
Indeed the shift has not been for the best in terms of the records the book is pursuing as people have just started pushing some odd records as Beth put it.
DeleteNice to know more about Guinness book of records
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the Guinness book had such substance in its origins. It's a book I've always considered trivial because of its reputation during my lifetime. On the other hand, at least it's popular with kids, and I like the transition you made into our individual legacies.
ReplyDeleteIndeed Deidre the book is more deemed as a book for trivia by many, I just thought that not everyone needs to pursue a world record because what matters is what you achieve where you are.
DeleteI had no idea what the origins of the Guinness Book of Records were. That was really interesting. It's often the little things we do that have a positive impact we so rarely see. If we're lucky we get to know what impact was. In the best of it all we really can do is be the best we can be everyday. Our true talents will surface and we will know where are value lies. Thanks for this post Willie... I needed this today. :-)
ReplyDeleteI have a cousin who tends to be good at highlighting what I do best and celebrates it in very uplifting ways. I am glad you enjoyed this post and it spoke to you for the day.
DeleteHi Welli, thanks for the inspiration with a touch of humor and great imagery. I enjoyed it! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Angela, glad you enjoyed it.
DeleteHi Welli; You make a good point here. we are all the best at something we just have to spend some time thinking about it to figure out what it is. and what a pleasant surprise to read the post and find you mentioning me personally. so cool! wouldn't have minded a link? ;) but seriously, would you consider writing a testimonial for my site or reading my ebook draft and writing a review for it. thanks for being such a great friend welli. You are very insightful and encouraging yourself. take care, max
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments Max. You are inspiring yourself and a beacon of winning through hard work. I will get in touch with you.
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