Weird World News: Goody for Guinness 2012

PHUKET: It’s that time of year again, when the book dedicated to all things weird, tall, short, big and bizarre hits the shelves of bookstores around the world this week – it’s time for the next volume of Guinness World Records.

Here a few of the 4,000 records – half are new – soon to be turning heads and dropping jaws.

What a mouthful

AMERICAN Chanel Tapper is the proud owner of the world’s longest tongue, measuring a monolithic 9.75cm (3.8 inches).

The 21-year-old student from California has a tongue twice as long as the average person and about the same length as an iPhone, or decent-size bar of chocolate.

Chanel said people have screamed in fear upon seeing her stick out her massive tongue, and many ask, “Do you choke people when you kiss them?”

Despite her massive mouthpiece, and her self-consciousness over it, she said she is enjoying her 15 minutes of fame.

Japanese jumping dogs

THIRTEEN dogs skipping a rope sounds like an impossible task.

Well it is, unless you’re Uchida Geinousha’s Super Wan Wan Circus based in Tsukuba City, Japan, whose trainers have managed to get their prize pooches to perform the feat.

Dog handler Kaoru said the amazing trick was inspired by circus poodle Mayonaise, who skipped along with the trainers one day. This led to skipping becoming part of the dogs’ playtime.

House intent on moving Hasslehoff

MEDICAL drama House is officially the most popular show on TV, with 81.8 million people from 61 countries tuning in around the globe each week.

CSI: Miami came in second with a viewership of 73.8 million.

Briton Hugh Laurie (Dr House) rakes in UK£250,000 per episode. He is the highest-paid actor on American television. But money can’t buy everything. And Laurie has been unable to knock David Hasslehoff from his perch as TV’s most watched man – ever.

The old man and the sea

ENGLISHMAN Roger Allsopp became the oldest man to swim the English Channel at the ripe old age of 70.

The former surgeon and grandfather of three, swam the crossing of 33.7km (21 miles) in 17 hours and 51 minutes. He inherits the title from the uncle of Hollywood actor Matt Damon.

Big is beautiful

AMERICAN Aevin Dugas has a sizable head of hair. She is the owner of the largest natural afro in the world, measuring a bulging 1.32 meters (4 feet 4 inches) in circumference.

It took the 36-year-old New Orelans social worker 12 years to grow her prized ‘fro.

Although her hair often gets caught in trees, and her car door, she said it does have its benefits: It serves as a very comfortable pillow.

Round-Up

AND there’s more. Lady Gaga holds the record for most followers on Twitter. Some singer named Adele holds the record for most consecutive weeks at Number 1 in Britain. A 1940s fire truck – custom made into a wedding chapel – is now the fastest way to get married in the world. Oh – wait – there’s more, but you’ll have to buy the book.

See guinnessworldrecords.com for more, and remember to tune in next week for more of the Phuket Gazette‘s new Weird World News round-up.