Teddy Talk: Creating, Collecting, Connecting

For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store

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chrissibrinkley Oct 24, 2006

This is a really cool clip....
Fast approaching holidays make me wish that everyone in a Mall, shopping center, or public place would be this nice this year! When we're waiting in that long line annoyed and growing impatient maybe a smile (or hug) could make some else's day..and our own bear_flower

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

History
A video on YouTube was released on September 22, 2006, and within two weeks had gained over two million views. According to the video summary, it was recorded in Sydney, Australia. In the video, the main character who is giving out hugs, (identified as "Juan Mann", a pseudonym), 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. 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.

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