Free hugs (check it out!)

[The Straight Story]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4

'Nuff said.

[Ferret Annica]

1. Juan Mann can make a difference

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_Hugs_Campaign

A video on YouTube was released on September 22, 2006, and by November, 2006, had gained over six million<3> views. According to the video summary, it was recorded in Sydney. In the video, the main character who is giving out hugs, (identified as "Juan Mann", a pseudonym<4>), walks through the Pitt Street Mall holding up a sign with the words FREE HUGS written on it. Music for the video is provided by Sick Puppies, an Australian band that "Mann" met a year earlier.<2> Shimon Moore, the lead singer of the Sick Puppies who worked at the mall, shot the footage which he later compiled into a video for the song.<2>

Initial distrust of Juan's motivations gives way to a gradual accretion of people willing to be hugged, with other huggers (male and female) helping distribute them. After some time, security guards, then police tell them they must stop, as Mann has not obtained public liability insurance for his actions<4>. Mann and his companions then began a petition which reached 10,000 signatures. At that point, the authorities walk away, but not before being hugged by some of the participants.

[StClone]

2. Teary blubbering

I know people that could benefit from this video. Thanks for putting a little perspective back in my view of humanity.

[Ferret Annica]

3. I will tell you though...

...I understand the roots of this campaign too well. I am overwhelmed by the crush of the human burden on this planet. I know the fascism the U.S. is sliding into and how we hurt others with our wars of imperialism.

That and personal issues keep me a confirmed bachelor who does not want humans touching me. I love people and deeply fear them at the same time. My one grace is I can articulate this as I am attenuated enough to know mine is not an uncommon feeling, and I believe i communication and expressing social and political efficacy.

The paradox of wanting community and at the same time wanting fiercely for people to keep their hands away from me in an interesting one, and is a rich area of introspection, but whatever happens, I will never ever be stupid enough to let another hairless primate put their stink in my personal space.

That is just how it is. And the knowledge this is profoundly so is so concretely tangible, that will never change. But I like this video and find the reality these folks created as very good and a triumph of sorts, as well as a statement of life in what could well be our species last century the 21st one after the alleged birth of Christ.

[achtung_circus]

4. Thanks for this, K & R

K & R

I needed this on a Monday morning,

sniff.

[here_is_to_hope]

5. I dont know how many here are

into the Rainbow Family but if'in you want some hugs, come to a National Gathering....I got an average of 40 hugs an hour at this years Colorado national...:hug:

[BelgianMadCow]

6. Hell yeah I'll rec this! Let love rule.

even if the guy looks a lil Lennon & Jesus combined & seems to attract above average numbers of girls at first
:-)

Kidding, I loove the spirit.