Juan Mann, Free Hugs

I don't know if you saw this on 6o Minutes last night, or if you have been one of the 5 and a half million people who have seen it on YouTube.

This story is yet another example of both Generation C at work and the democratisation of media.

It goes like this…Teen band make a video of a guy giving away hugs one day a week in a Sydney, Australia, shopping mall. His name is Juan Mann (classic). The City Council bans him from his work unless he buys public liability insurance. The guy in the band (who works in a shop - they are not a hit band at this point) documents the petition process, then sets a song he has recorded to the edited clips using his mome computer. The result is touching and the song fits acceptably into that kind of angsty rock ballad format.

Before you know it, Good Morning America and Oprah come-a-knocking and 15 minutes of fame is extended a litle further. With luck and good management The Sick Puppies will parlez it into a career.

Heartwarming stuff,…yes? Perfect for a rainy Tuesday afternoon…

Wouldn't mind a hug myself. But, of course, I have work to do,… so it will have to be just that. Self hug.

Hugs himself…
thanks for that,…
don't mention it…
What's that your wearing,
is it new?
…oh, really Brut 33? very retro…

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