I had a great time at the Emmett Middle School assembly today. The students were great: attentive, engaged, enthusiastic and helpful (I had some equipment to schlep for this one). There were about 570 5-8th graders and I was told 2 world records were set today: Longest Duration Balancing a Ladder on a Chin (5:32) and Longest time 5-8th graders kept silent (4:09 – previous ladder balance record).
Monthly Archives: September 2016
Ladder Up World Record Attempt
I’m headed out to speak to students at the Emmett Middle School tomorrow, Sept. 29th about the importance of having a growth mindset. I want to help them see that if they believe in themselves, they can accomplish extraordinary things. I’ll juggle, balance and (hopefully) entertain as well. The grand finale will be a Guinness World Record attempt for Longest Duration Balancing a Ladder on a Chin. The current record is 4 minutes 9 seconds. The ladder has to be at least 8 feet tall and weight over 15.5 lbs (I couldn’t find an 8 foot one under 21 lbs…)
Cue Another World Record
Another victory for STEM as another Guinness World Record falls. The team ran the Fit One Half Marathon to confirm I had the pool cue balanced on my finger for the entire distance. The old record of 8.95 miles was passed about 2/3s of the way in and the new record now stands at 12.93 miles. (The course was shortened due to construction). While the record wasn’t based on time, I’m thrilled that we finished in under 2 hours! 1:58:09. Brian even won his age group – way to go Brian!
Here’s the 47 second summary of 2 hours (+ months) of work.
FitOne Half World Record Attempt for St Luke’s Children’s Hospital
Saturday, Sept 24th I’ll attempt to set the Guinness World Record for “Greatest distance traveled with cue balanced on a finger” during Boise’s FitOne run. The proceeds from the race benefit children in Idaho, and the youngest patients at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, all while promoting STEM education.
The doctors, nurses and advances in medical technology provided by STEM training serve these children in so many ways. The medical staff has the science education and training they need to diagnose and treat the children, and the advances in medical technology with imaging, prescriptions, and other diagnostic procedures are made possible by advances in science, technology, engineering and math.
Continue reading FitOne Half World Record Attempt for St Luke’s Children’s Hospital
Bike Balanced on Chin for World Record 8!
Another record has fallen! (Or maybe it been been up’d?) The record is for longest duration balancing a bicycle on the chin. The number to beat was 2 minutes 1.45 seconds. It took 2 tries since I ran into the fence and just about dumped the bike into the pond at the 1:40 mark on the first attempt. The girl’s reaction in the video is great. The second try was a success and the new record is 2 minutes 36.66 seconds.
Summary of attempt (most of the balancing is at 16x speed)
Meridian Talent Tournament Bike Balance Attempt (Sept 17)
Hey folks,
Come on out to the Meridian Block party this Saturday (Sept. 17) from 10 AM – 5 PM at Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park in Meridian near the Village. From 2 PM – 4 PM there’s the talent tournament that I’ll be competing in doing my standard juggling show a few times. At about 3:30 PM I plan to attempt to set the Guinness World Record for “Longest Duration Balancing a Bicycle on a Chin” to promote STEM education and give kids a tangible example that if they set their mind to a goal and pursue it with a passion, they can accomplish anything. The current record is 2 minutes and 1 second.
Continue reading Meridian Talent Tournament Bike Balance Attempt (Sept 17)
Opportunity to Improve on TODAY
Today on TODAY I found an opportunity to improve. It’s often called failure by folks in what Stanford Psychologist calls a fixed mindset. But in the growth mindset, a failure is an opportunity to learn and improve. I had 3 chances on national television and 1 off camera to attempt to break the blindfold speed juggling record, but I couldn’t keep the adrenaline rush from nerves under control. Adrenaline and fine motor control do not mix. I made it 50 seconds and 335 catches the last try (but needed to his 364 for the record… just needed a few more seconds).
I’ll be back again to break this one soon.
Check out the video here.
http://www.today.com/popculture/watch-man-juggle-blindfolded-attempt-break-guinness-record-t102699
TODAY Show World Record Attempt Sept 9th!
New York City, here I come! I’m taking STEM promotion on the road to the Big Apple to appear on the TODAY show. On Friday, Sept 9th during the 10AM slot (4th hour) with Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, I’m going to attempt to set a blindfold speed juggling Guinness World Record on the TODAY show to help illustrate that if you set your mind to a goal and pursue it with a passion, you can accomplish anything. (I should be on around 10:15 AM w/previews starting earlier. I think it shows 10AM in most local time zones).
It’s not about the juggling, it’s about inspiring students to pursue STEM education – which is hard, just like setting world records. One of the problems is that when students struggle, they think they don’t have the gift or the natural talent for math or science. But it’s not about having natural talent; it’s about hard work, believing in yourself and getting access to the resources you need to fulfill your potential.