Having witnessed Barack Obama's crisp 19-minute Inaugural Address yesterday, let us now turn our attention to the other end of the spectrum.

Long-winded Frenchman Lluis Colet recently spoke for 124 hours straight, breaking the world record for longest speech. The 62-year-old Colet, a government worker, gave the speech for five straight days and four nights. The previous record holder was an Indian man who spoke for 120 hours straight.

Colet began his oral presentation in the French town of Perpignan's train station, reciting works by famous authors, as well as some of his own. Spanish painter Salvador Dali (pictured here) turned out to be a main topic of his speech, as well as Catalan culture. Crowds came out to watch, and he received "rapturous applause" when the speech was completed.

"This is a big day for me and I dedicate this record to all those who defend Catalan language and culture," said Colet.

In related news, most men believe their wives or girlfriends could break this record.