4 Ways of Looking at a Bubble

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As Potentially Very Messy
Chad Fell of Haleyville, Alabama, holds the top spot for "largest unassisted bubble," as recorded by Guinness World Records. A reporter for the Northwest Alabamian newspaper, Fell, 40, smacked, puckered, and puffed his way to a 20-inch-diameter bubble, which remained aloft for a full five seconds without assistance. Preparing for his competition took years of practice, says Fell, who goes through two bags of Dubble Bubble a week. His pointers: Per contest regulations, use just three pieces of gum, and measure your results horizontally with calipers. Furthermore, Fell recommends chomping 15 minutes to cut down the sugar before adding air. "Sugar decreases elasticity and hinders the size," he says. "It's the worst enemy for a bubble gum blower."