What took more than 18 hours to assemble, took less than 10 minutes to detonate in a dramatic self-disassembly. "Kinetic art" was on display at the DeveloperTown warehouse at 5255 Winthrop Avenue [PP24 on map] on March 24th 2012, when 13-year-old Miles Parnell and 10-year-old Andre Jefferson set out to unleash stored energy from their 11,000 stick design. The design and event were planned to set a new World Record.

Andre learned to assemble stick-bombs (kinetic art) from his friend Miles, who was inspired by Tim Fort, the "Kinetic King" on NBC's America's Got Talent show. Mr. Fort cites a number of earlier sources on his web-page (http://www.lunatim.com/kinart/stickhistory.htm). Mr. Fort has invented or developed many of the weaving patterns used to create the most popular stick-bombs, but directly acknowledges the efforts of young Andre in popularizing these creations with videos on YouTube.

Andre and Miles arranged use of the warehouse space to lay out their large pattern of oversized Popsicle sticks. When the time came to start, invited friends and neighbors counted down for the start. After a few thousand sticks popped apart, the explosive disconnection suddenly stopped. It took a few restarts, but the detonation eventually ran continuously from sticks 4,100-11,000. The design was carefully marked with numbers written on every 100 sticks. Of their 11,000 stick attempt, 6,900 sticks continuously "detonated" which is believed to be a new record. "Requested Official" Aaron Froehlke carefully monitored and recorded the detonation counts before completing the Guinness World Record paperwork.

These young folks demonstrated astonishing maturity, curiosity and intelligence. Andre is deeply interested in the photography and videography opportunities: he edits the videos himself and peppered the press photographers in attendance with sharp technical discussions of the various cameras and lenses. Miles took the opportunity to teach the art of stick-weaving to many other visitors after the detonation.

Local startup company uFlavor provided custom drink bottles with labels that memorialized the World record attempt. The cleanup effort took a few brooms and a cheerful collection of helpers.