What happens when you put the fastest talker, clapper, harmonica player and juggler together?
A few weeks ago I got an interesting phone call. “Fran how would you like to be our emcee and media spokesperson for our fast, faster, fastest event?”
I listened quickly as I was given the rundown, “Windstream, is the nation’s leading voice-high speed internet and entertainment service companies servicing rural America in 16 markets. They’re introducing their new blazing fast high-speed internet connection and to celebrate, they want to gather a couple of world record fast people for a big shindig”.
I immediately said, “Yes”. Any place where there are world record holders, I want to be a part of.
Fast forward to May 5th. I was flown at the wee hours of the morning into Omaha, Nebraska. As soon as I got off the plane I was driven by Robyn, from the PR firm of Catalyst to our first radio interview. I had a blast. The second radio interview was a real treat, turns out the host, Tom Becka, used to be a fellow stand up comic. He had opened for me ten years ago at a comedy club in Ohio, now he is a radio host in Omaha and has even written a book called, “There’s no Business without the Show.” We talked about possibly doing a book tour together, funny how people come in and out of your life.
Before our next interview with NBC and checking into the hotel… Robyn and I decided we needed to grab a quick bite to eat. Always looking for an adventure, we ate at a place called the HuHot Mongolian Grill, where you “pillage” the raw meat, veggies and noodles from a buffet bar, and they cook it up right in front of you. The food was really good, despite the fact that the person who sat us, said he had not gathered up the courage to try it yet.
After our culinary treat we checked into the Cornhusker Marriott. There in the lobby, Robyn introduced me to my first fellow fast person, Kent French, from Rapid City, a very appropriate place to hail from when you are the fastest clapper. Kent holds the record at 721 claps in one minute. When he’s not clapping he’s a manager at Red Lobster.
Kent and I were amused at a sign in the entry hall, “No concealed guns allowed.” I had to take a picture of that. Of course the thought that kept running through my mind was that, “The people who actually carry concealed weapons usually aren’t the ones who obey signs!” And if they did, where exactly would they check their guns? At the coat check? “Excuse me Mam. You mind holding onto this scarf and pistol for me?” Brings the Mae West line to mind, “So is that a pistol in your pocket or you just happy to see me?” In this case, it’s a pistol.
I was doing way too much thinking about the various gun scenarios and then I happened to glance out the hotel window. Right across the street was a huge sign, “Thought District.” Ahhhh, now that explains why my mind was working overtime. Gotta love these Nebraska signs!
Shortly after our “sign” photo adventure, another Catalyst PR person, April, joined the clapper and me.
After a quick introduction, we walked the two blocks to the Centennial Mall which was outside in front of the capital building. We did a sound check of the outdoor stage, then went with Kent to get a quick bite to eat.
Outdoors I did my first TV interview with NBC; I decided to make it fun and walked over to some innocent bystanders to see their reaction to my fast talking.
KHAS-TV - Hastings,NE,USA New York's Fran Capo is a stand-up comedian, a motivational speaker and the author of nine books. She also "talked" her way into the Guiness Book of World ... See all stories on this topic )
On site we met with the Windstream clients, and then were whisked off to a nice business dinner with the PR team and the head guy, Brett (the guy who brainstormed this fast idea in record time). The table was completed with the rest of the fast four gang; Nicky Shane from Santa Barbara, CA the world’s fastest harmonica player who played his way into the record books with “When the Saints go Marching in” and Mary McVeigh of Northhampton, Mass, the world’s fastest juggler, who averages 100 soccer ball taps on her foot in 30 seconds – that’s no small feat! (Yes pun intended.)
After a delicious dinner we were given our attire for the event, our signature Windstream blazing shirts complete with flames.
Then we went over the plans for the next day, were told to pray that the forecast of 80% rain occurred at 2:01 p.m., right after our outdoor event and were sent to our prospective rooms for a good nights sleep.
The next morning, before the crack of dawn, at 5:00 a.m. I was ready for my first radio interview. Okay, I wasn’t really ready, I was awake. I had done my standard 100 jump jacks to get me started, a thing I do when I’m dead tired, but want to sound awake.
From radio interview number one to interview number twelve, it was non-stop. Driving from station to station, talking about my world record and about the Windstream event that I was hosting that was taking place, outdoors rain or shine, between 12-2 pm.
At one station I had a five-minute wait before going on air and saw an article in a magazine about Nebraska’s new fossil beds state historical park in Ashfall. Apparently hundreds of skeletons of prehistoric rhinos, horses, camels, birds have been well preserved in a volcanic ash bed… some skeletons so detailed you can even see unborn young and stomach contents. Always on the lookout for adventure I asked the receptionist, “How far are we from Ashfall?”
“Five hours.” Okay, that will have to be for another trip.
With radio shows successfully done, the fast four were given a quick lunch and then brought over to the live event arena.
Apparently speed gathers interest, and ABC, CBS, and newspapers were on hand to conduct interviews and sample our speed. Of course always wanting to get people involved I headed into the audience to look for some potential fast talkers or people who wanted to try their hand at our records.
The area was lively with the Classic Rock station, KTGL-FM broadcasting live from the event. There were giveaways, live demonstrations of our fast talents, prizes for people who challenged us, hotdogs, popcorn, a tent to try out the new fast service and of course the Windstream mascot, the Big Green refurbished 1953 vintage pick up truck which was symbolic of rural America on the outside and futuristic on the inside with a revved up interior. (www.greentrucktour.com). Yes, no one could miss our fast, loud, event!
Our prayers must have worked too, because it was a gorgeous day. Government workers came out on the lawn to watch our 20-minute show, get photos with us, autographs and take pictures with the truck.
As the adults and media loved the event, it was the kids that seemed most willing to volunteer their hands at trying something… that’s the great things about kids they are fearless and think nothing of making a fool out of themselves in front of people... it’s all about having fun.
Nicky went up and did his fast harmonica playing. Two kids attempted it on a plastic harmonica.
Then Mary went up and showed how she juggles volleyball on her foot, most taps in 30 seconds. Ten kids ran to the stage to attempt it.
Kent went up and did his rubber hand clapping… that’s what it looks like at that speed. Its funny watching the audience give a “slow” round of applause to him when he is done.
Then I went up and did my fast talking bedtime stories… the kids laughed. Of course in the picture it looked like I was singing opera to them!
After that, I emceed the event for the rest of the afternoon. The fast four each gave a shot at trying each other’s record. With the clapper, I felt like an uncoordinated seal, with the harmonica player… I couldn’t get a single note out, apparently I played four at a time, and with the foot juggler, well, I had to cheat and hold my hands to the ball.
At the end of it all, we all did a jam on stage with each of us performing our talents at the same time… everyone got a kick out of that! We closed the event, thanked Windstream, and all went home with a new appreciation of each others records and of course realizing that we should definitely stick to our own.
The event went by fast, but as they say… That’s life… going by fast, faster, fastest… so live every day to the fullest… then get good nights sleep and remember to have fun.
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For more info on Windstream you ca go to www.windstream.com