Weird and Wacky Achievements From Guinness World Records 2019
Indulge in a little wonder at what humans are capable of with these select weird and wonderful achievements
It’s that time of year again when many of us make resolutions for the new year. These differ for everyone and might range from domestically minded chores such as not leaving dirty dishes in the sink overnight, to the evolved decision to incorporate a meditation routine into your day. But for others, the new year and its resolutions take on an entirely different focus: cementing a spot in the Guinness World Records, which often involves daring dedication to wild and wonderful feats.
Oldest houses
The Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük in present-day Turkey dates from c. 7,500 BCE. Approximately 5,000 to 8,000 residents occupied mud-brick homes here, which were entered via roof-top holes that also served for smoke ventilation. Inside, the houses were lime-plastered and had a single main living space measuring some six by four metres.
The Neolithic settlement of Çatalhöyük in present-day Turkey dates from c. 7,500 BCE. Approximately 5,000 to 8,000 residents occupied mud-brick homes here, which were entered via roof-top holes that also served for smoke ventilation. Inside, the houses were lime-plastered and had a single main living space measuring some six by four metres.
Worst damage toll from a hailstorm
A massive hailstorm in Munich, Germany, in July 1984, which affected around 70,000 homes and destroyed trees, buildings, and vehicles, led to insurance costs of US$500 million. The final bill, which included losses to the economy caused by damage to uninsured buildings and public property, was put at US$1 billion.
A massive hailstorm in Munich, Germany, in July 1984, which affected around 70,000 homes and destroyed trees, buildings, and vehicles, led to insurance costs of US$500 million. The final bill, which included losses to the economy caused by damage to uninsured buildings and public property, was put at US$1 billion.
Most clothes pegs clipped on a face
On 17 July 2013, Garry Turner (UK) attached 161 clothes pegs to his face on the set of Rekorlar Dünyasi in Istanbul, Turkey.
Garry possesses the stretchiest skin and is able to pull the skin of his stomach to a distended length of 15.8 centimetres. He has a rare medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. With this condition, the collagen that strengthens the skin and determines its elasticity becomes defective, resulting in (among other things) loose skin and hypermobile joints.
On 17 July 2013, Garry Turner (UK) attached 161 clothes pegs to his face on the set of Rekorlar Dünyasi in Istanbul, Turkey.
Garry possesses the stretchiest skin and is able to pull the skin of his stomach to a distended length of 15.8 centimetres. He has a rare medical condition called Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. With this condition, the collagen that strengthens the skin and determines its elasticity becomes defective, resulting in (among other things) loose skin and hypermobile joints.
Largest collection of Lego sets
Frank Smoes (AUS) and his family have been stockpiling and building Lego sets since 1980. On 9 May 2017, their private collection of interlocking plastic brick sets was verified at 3,837 in Melbourne, Victoria. Frank’s collection has at least 1.2 million individual bricks and pieces, and includes more than 8,000 Lego minifigures.
Frank Smoes (AUS) and his family have been stockpiling and building Lego sets since 1980. On 9 May 2017, their private collection of interlocking plastic brick sets was verified at 3,837 in Melbourne, Victoria. Frank’s collection has at least 1.2 million individual bricks and pieces, and includes more than 8,000 Lego minifigures.
Longest underwater walk with one breath
On 27 October 2017, Marina Kazankova (Italy) walked 69.4 metres underwater on one breath inside an aquarium tank filled with fish in Dubai, UAE. Kazankova is a freediver and actress who in 2015 starred in a single-shot, real-time music video that was filmed entirely underwater.
On 27 October 2017, Marina Kazankova (Italy) walked 69.4 metres underwater on one breath inside an aquarium tank filled with fish in Dubai, UAE. Kazankova is a freediver and actress who in 2015 starred in a single-shot, real-time music video that was filmed entirely underwater.
Largest meatball
Between 5 and 8 October 2011, seven members of the Columbus Italian Club (USA) prepared a colossal meatball weighing 503.71 kilograms – around the same as a grand piano – with a 1.38-metre diameter. The meat and spices were mixed in batches of 22.6 kilograms, then refrigerated, transported to another location, packed into a vessel and cooked in a specially made oven. It was presented at the St John’s Italian Festival in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Between 5 and 8 October 2011, seven members of the Columbus Italian Club (USA) prepared a colossal meatball weighing 503.71 kilograms – around the same as a grand piano – with a 1.38-metre diameter. The meat and spices were mixed in batches of 22.6 kilograms, then refrigerated, transported to another location, packed into a vessel and cooked in a specially made oven. It was presented at the St John’s Italian Festival in Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Least expensive city to live in
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) report 2017, published on 21 March, gives Kazakhstan’s largest city Almaty an WCOL index rating of 38 (New York City is the base city, ranked 100). In Almaty, a one kilogram loaf of bread costs US$0.90 compared with US$6.81 in Paris, France.
The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Worldwide Cost of Living (WCOL) report 2017, published on 21 March, gives Kazakhstan’s largest city Almaty an WCOL index rating of 38 (New York City is the base city, ranked 100). In Almaty, a one kilogram loaf of bread costs US$0.90 compared with US$6.81 in Paris, France.
Largest batch of slime
A massive pool of slime weighing 6,268.64 kilograms – heavier than an African bull elephant –was mixed by Madison Greenspan and Team Maddie Rae’s Slime Glue (both USA) at the Play Fair convention in New York City, USA, on 4 November, 2017. The slime contained liquid starch, purple pigment powder, glitter and Madison’s proprietary slime glue.
A massive pool of slime weighing 6,268.64 kilograms – heavier than an African bull elephant –was mixed by Madison Greenspan and Team Maddie Rae’s Slime Glue (both USA) at the Play Fair convention in New York City, USA, on 4 November, 2017. The slime contained liquid starch, purple pigment powder, glitter and Madison’s proprietary slime glue.
Most Instagram followers for… a pig
Miniature pig Priscilla (@prissy_pig) has 690,516 followers on Instagram, making her page the most popular for a pig. Priscilla shares the profile with fellow pigs Poppleton (aka Pop), Primrose and Pinkerton. The porcine quartet live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, with their owner, Melissa Nicholson.
Miniature pig Priscilla (@prissy_pig) has 690,516 followers on Instagram, making her page the most popular for a pig. Priscilla shares the profile with fellow pigs Poppleton (aka Pop), Primrose and Pinkerton. The porcine quartet live in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA, with their owner, Melissa Nicholson.
Most expensive painting sold at auction
Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci sold for US$450,312,500, including buyer’s premium, at an auction held by Christie’s in New York City, USA, on 15 November, 2017. More than 1,000 art collectors, advisors, dealers and journalists were present at the auction, with thousands more tuned in via a live stream. There’s still speculation over the painting’s origins, with some specialists arguing that the work should be attributed to one of da Vinci’s apprentices.
Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci sold for US$450,312,500, including buyer’s premium, at an auction held by Christie’s in New York City, USA, on 15 November, 2017. More than 1,000 art collectors, advisors, dealers and journalists were present at the auction, with thousands more tuned in via a live stream. There’s still speculation over the painting’s origins, with some specialists arguing that the work should be attributed to one of da Vinci’s apprentices.
Guinness Word Records 2019 was published in September 2018. RRP is $44.99.
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Here, Houzz gives you a round-up of some of those achievements with photos from the our archives. Enjoy the entertainment.