"Nurse denied marathon world record"

From CNN's Rob Picheta

A woman who wanted to break the Guinness World Record for running a marathon dressed as a nurse has been told her successful attempt does not count -- because she was wearing scrubs and pants, rather than a skirt.

Jessica Anderson, a nurse at the Royal London Hospital, ran the city's marathon last Sunday in the outfit she wears at work.

But she was told beforehand by Guinness World Records that she would need to wear a blue and white dress, apron and a traditional nurse's cap for her effort to be valid, Britain's Press Association reported.

Full-body scrubs are too close to the organization's definition of a doctor's costume, officials added.

"Their definition is just so outdated," Anderson told the magazine Runner's World. "Some of the nurses I work with do wear dresses but mostly we wear scrubs or a tunic and trousers. I've certainly never seen a male nurse wearing a dress to work."

"I'm sure Guinness World Records don't intend to cause offence but it would be nice if they decided to revise their criteria instead of reinforcing old gender stereotypes," she added.

Anderson had asked the organization to reconsider, but her request was denied. They have since said they would review their rules.

"Inclusiveness and respect are values that Guinness World Records holds extremely dear, and while we always need to ensure we can differentiate between categories, it is quite clear that this record title is long overdue a review, which we will conduct as a priority in the coming days," the body said in a statement. CNN has contacted Anderson for comment.

More at this Link

Fastest man on all fours

Link to Daily Mail story

"Family's Christmas Display Sets World Record"

"Even with help from their three children, volunteers and friends, it took weeks to install the lights, David Richards says."

"I started in October," he tells ITN, adding that he's taken only one weekend off since he began decorating.

Richards says it costs about $2,291 ($2,500 Australian) each month to power the display. A local renewable energy company is footing the bill.

Guinness World Records officials have certified the Richards' house for having the most lights on a residential property. But the couple say their real goal is to raise money for the charity SIDS and Kids ACT, which helped organize volunteers to install the decorations. The group works to reduce sudden and unexpected death in children.

"The charity is very close to our heart," David Richards tells The Canberra Times. "We lost a child, and SIDS looked after us many years ago."

The Richards' 2011 light show was also part of a charity drive, as they reportedly raised more than $70,000 in donations.

NPR Bill Chappell (video and pictures at the link)

"World’s tallest dog, Giant George, dies"

Giant George, a Great Dane that on its hind legs stood an astonishing 7-foot, 3-inches tall, died last Thursday in Tuscon, Arizona, with his loyal owners Dave and Christie Nasser by his side. He was 7 years old.



Giant George 2010 Guinness World Record tallest dog

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce Giant George died last night. George passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones; one month before his eighth birthday,” Christie Nasser wrote on a Facebook page devoted to the towering canine. “We appreciate the love and support you have given Giant George over the last several years.”

NY Post