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Geek Culture / Free Hugs

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Michael S
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 06:46
Chris Franklin
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 13:04 Edited at: 26th Oct 2006 13:04
yea i saw that on google video some person who must be very desperate? LOL

Bizar Guy
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 13:48
Chris, stfu.

This is actualy important... very meaningful. An exelent vid- I hadn't seen it until now.

OSX Using Happy Dude
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 14:07 Edited at: 26th Oct 2006 14:07
In what way is it important and meaningfull ? It would have been better is he was giving out free mugs.

Visit my web site for real bangin' stuff. Word.
Raven
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 14:18
You heard about those crazy new "hug" parties?
Where people basically meet up just to hug random people.

Just seems all a little too bizare for my liking.

Intel Pentium-D 2.8GHz, 512MB DDR2 433, Ati Radeon X1600 Pro 256MB PCI-E, Windows Vista RC1 / XP Professional SP2
Hawkeye
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 14:31
I think it was brilliant.


I am but mad north north-west; when the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw - Hamlet, Hamlet
spooky
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 14:41
Very odd. Looks like just an excuse to touch up complete strangers and possibly do a bit of pickpocketing at the same time.

Boo!
Chris Franklin
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 14:47
Quote: "Very odd. Looks like just an excuse to touch up complete strangers and possibly do a bit of pickpocketing at the same time."


Which is what i was saying basiclly just worded different...

soapyfish
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 17:50
I hug sheep...

<º))))><.·´¯`·.Here's to the crazy ones¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>
OSX Using Happy Dude
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 17:51
Hope thats all you do with them

Visit my web site for real bangin' stuff. Word.
soapyfish
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 18:02
*giggle*

<º))))><.·´¯`·.Here's to the crazy ones¸.·´¯`·.¸><((((º>
Chris Franklin
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 19:01
@OSX Happy dude

Not a mod anymore?

Bizar Guy
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 19:32
You seriously don't see the meaning in this? Do people on this forum really know that little about human interaction?

...If your first thought is that this is is pickpocketing, that says a lot about you...

This is kind of funny in ways, but it's also very important on many levels. Especialy in cities. I honestly can't believe that anyone would miss what this is about.

Chris Franklin
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 19:36 Edited at: 26th Oct 2006 19:40
Quote: "You seriously don't see the meaning in this? Do people on this forum really know that little about human interaction?

...If your first thought is that this is is pickpocketing, that says a lot about you..."


Bizar no offence but what's with the attitude recently? you seem different to when i used to be able to speak to YOU on msn until YOU blocked me as soon as i said hi you know what i don't care anymore

i don't want to be seen as flaming or trolling here it's just an honest opinon

Jeku
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 20:31
Quote: "Not a mod anymore?"


I just noticed that too. What's up with that!?

OSX Using Happy Dude
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 20:50 Edited at: 26th Oct 2006 20:55
Quote: "Do people on this forum really know that little about human interaction?"

I try to avoid it as much as possible.

Quote: "I just noticed that too. What's up with that!?"

An offical announcement from me will be made next week... Watch this space. Or rather, da forumz.

Visit my web site for real bangin' stuff. Word.
Alquerian
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 22:09
I agree with Bizar Guy. I have seen this before, and it is a pretty noble thing. It isn't about being able to touch the occasional hottie that passes by or anything strange. It is offering something which is important to the basic human emotion of contact. I think the nicest one I seen in that video was an old lady that hugged him and she stopped and put her hand on his face. The old lady appreciated it so much, she probably doesn't get that kind of human interaction regularly and it obviously meant a lot to her.

As stated before, in cities, this is ever more common. People get busy with their lives and forget how to live. They forget that there are genuine people that want nothing more than to bring a smile to your face or to make your life better, even if it is only for a moment.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." - Aristotle
Megaton Cat
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 22:11
I think this is an interesting idea...pretty brave. Not sure if I'd do it.

Dr Manette
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 23:12
I really liked that video, kind of shows that the whole world isn't out to get you. It really started getting cool when people joined in.

Bio Fox...four guys, one computer, games like nobody's business. Join our forum: http://biofox.aceboard.com
Jeku
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 23:38
Just looked like a hippie thing--- kinda stupid if you ask me. Hugs are given way too cheaply.

H4ck1d
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 23:42
I'm with Bizar guy, too. This is really cool, in a time when peoples' emotions are being put on the sidelines and ignored, something like the simple gesture of a hug is actually really cool.

Jeku
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Posted: 26th Oct 2006 23:57
Yah, but hugging complete strangers is just... weird. I know some young people in school hug their friends, female friends etc.--- and that's just weird. Kind of reminds me of small-talk with people you are in psuedo-communal relationships with. All plastic.

Fallout
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 00:05
Hmmm. I'm a half way house on this. Half of me is with Jeku - a bit pointless, a bit hippy, a bit "reading too much into the problems with society". The other half of me thinks what's the harm? Good stuff.

You dont have to run around hugging people to make yourself feel better about society though. I talk to people every day, often if I'm in a queue or something in the post office, or waiting for a lift (elevator) or on a train. So long as the person doesn't look like a complete yob or totally desperate for privacy, I strike up conversations. You just gotta be confident enough to do it. The vast majority of people are happy to engage with a stranger to say hi, it's just most people aren't confident enough to instigate it. You dont have to walk around with a "Free hug" banner to do it. Just chat about the weather.

I think I speak mostly to strangers when racing my RC car, or crashing my planes etc. It's a good talking point. And it surprises me, because I look like a bit of a thug at times to be honest, but it doesnt stop people. I guess they assume if I have an expensive bit of kit, I'm not out to cause trouble. I could've just stabbed someone to death and stolen it though! And I could be high on acid. Stabby stabby death death. No, at least where I'm from, people are friendly if you instigate it, or a radio controlled vehicle is a top class ice-breaker.


Bizar Guy
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 01:25 Edited at: 27th Oct 2006 01:32
Quote: "I try to avoid it as much as possible."

lol.

Quote: "YOU blocked me as soon as i said hi you know what i don't care anymore "

...Dude, I totaly didn't. Heck, you msned me this morning. I just didn't say much, cause I had to go and didn't like the subject you had brought up much. Then when I posted my one word reply it said it didn't reach you. I didn't block you.
As for attitude, I haven't actually had any except in this thread, and that's because this kind of thing connects with me, and I don't like it when people see this kind of thing and their first response is a lame joke. If people don't have my opinion, that's fine, but it really bugs me that someone would completely miss that it kind of thing... yeah. As for yesterday... I hate book. Book is stupid. I'd never read that before, and I finally understood all the strange jokes. It’s over, and not important anymore.

Glad to see this thread isn't just people poking fun at the vid anymore. I can totaly see why to some this might look strange and hippyish. But if you live in almost and developed part of the word, you know how tightly people hold onto their emotions, covering them up with cynicism and cold stares. The state I live in, more often than not, the average stranger is more likely to hate and distrust you on spot unless they know you already and are one of their closest friends. The fact that we think someone is more likely to pickpocket you than hug you shows a lot about modern society, and even worse that it's usually true.

Imagine what the message would have been if no one had taken a hug. This shows that we DO still trust people, and haven't completely lost touch with ourselves. We aren't beyond the point of no return as far as compassion is concerned. The ban on free hugs was incredible. Almost makes you think people are trying to squash the compassion out of people who still harbor it. And then getting 10,000 sigs is basically the V factor (as I shall forever call anything uprising against an oppressor related).

Chris Franklin
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 01:37
Quote: "...Dude, I totaly didn't. Heck, you msned me this morning. I just didn't say much, cause I had to go and didn't like the subject you had brought up much. Then when I posted my one word reply it said it didn't reach you. I didn't block you.
As for attitude, I haven't actually had any except in this thread, and that's because this kind of thing connects with me, and I don't like it when people see this kind of thing and their first response is a lame joke. If people don't have my opinion, that's fine, but it really bugs me that someone would completely miss that it kind of thing... yeah. As for yesterday... I hate book. Book is stupid. I'd never read that before, and I finally understood all the strange jokes. It’s over, and not important anymore.
"


Wow sorry man i'll explain on msn now before ii get kicked by my router

Raven
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 01:47
Quote: "An offical announcement from me will be made next week... Watch this space. Or rather, da forumz."


Can I have your mod badge and delete gun? or did you have to hand them back in.

Kinda wish I'd decided to go to the Mod Academy now, instead of continuing my Flame Father carrer.
Would be cool to walk the threads knowing I make this place safer for all newbie kind. ^_^

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Zappo
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 01:48
I agree. I really liked the film and it makes a great music vid. It actually made me smile and cheered me up - which I guess is what it set out to do.
Its true that almost everybody seems to instantly distrust everyone else until they prove otherwise. Its like bad managers who say 'you have to earn respect'. Thats not how I manage people. I say give everyone respect unless they prove they don't deserve it.
If you show a stranger respect, the worst that can happen is that he doesn't deserve it.
If you show a stranger no respect, he could stamp on your neck.
Mikey P
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 02:22 Edited at: 27th Oct 2006 02:22
Meh. I quite like hugs, I think more people should hug each other. I also think the video's quite cool in the fact that they're petitioning for the right to hug people, but to be honest, if they asked me if I wanted a free hug, I'd be a bit hesitant. Then again, I'll try most things once.

Anywhoo. There's a guy called Scary Guy who talks about this sort of thing and the importance of hugs. I don't believe in a lot of the stuff he says, but here's a small video of him giving a speak at some school:

http://www.teachers.tv/video/3477

indi
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 02:44
he did that in sydney as well, hardly the hug capital of australia.

Gil Galvanti
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 03:08 Edited at: 27th Oct 2006 03:09
Quote: "I know some young people in school hug their friends, female friends etc.--- and that's just weird."

I can see why you'd think hugging random people is strange (I do too ), but people at school hug all the time (though I don't), guy's hug friends that are girls and girls hug friends that are girls (no guy's hugging guy's though, THAT would be wierd). I don't see why you think it's so wierd that friends do it, people do it all the time as a type of greeting, instead of a disconnected smile or "hey" . But you're right, sometimes it is just "plastic", but most of the time I think it's authentic .

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Bizar Guy
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 03:20 Edited at: 27th Oct 2006 03:23
If it's in California, THEN it's definitly plastic.

If a hug make you happy and brightens your existence though, it's real enough.

Mikey P
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 03:51 Edited at: 27th Oct 2006 03:51
In my group of friends, guys hug guys And no, we're not gay. Atleast, I don't think the rest of them are. Hugging just shows you care I suppose.

Jeku
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 03:58
I don't even shake hands with my "good" guy friends. I mean, there is no point. You both know each other already, and if you're good friends then you don't need to do that.

I dunno--- just can't see how a hug from a hippie stranger can brighten someone's day. There's someone interested in anything, apparently.

If you were to put a half-empty can of beans on the street with a sign saying "free beans", *someone* will eventually pick it up

Dr Manette
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 04:00
Free beans! Where! *looks around* Man..... I wanted those beans....

Bio Fox...four guys, one computer, games like nobody's business. Join our forum: http://biofox.aceboard.com
Phaelax
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 04:13
Quote: "Do people on this forum really know that little about human interaction?"

I hate people and the general public.

If some random person came up and hugged me they'd probably get drop kicked in the teeth. Yes, I'm anti-social, now leave me be.

"Using Unix is the computing equivalent of listening only to music by David Cassidy" - Rob Pike
Wiggett
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 04:36
christ if i were forced to hug people in my neighbour hood i'd wanna see certified stickers saying they have been checked for sharp objects and bio-contiminated objects. Too many druggies etc live near me. Free hugging parties are just one step closer to orgy ones, If i had a kid I would not want them to go to a hugging party. In an ideal world yes hugging strangers would be a good idea, but these hippies should stop living in such a world and think of the dangers of such actions.

Syndicate remastered: Corporate persuasion through urban violence.
ionstream
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 05:30
That comments page is like a stress test for your browser!

Dave J
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 06:15
Quote: "I don't even shake hands with my "good" guy friends. I mean, there is no point. You both know each other already, and if you're good friends then you don't need to do that."


Interestingly enough, there is a certain group of 'friends' at Uni who shake hands everytime they meet or leave. I've always wondered the purpose of this as they all know eachother and it's quite a lengthy process to go through considering how many of them there are. It's just never made sense to me.

The exception, for me, is on special occasions where a congratulatory hand shake or hug is actually meaningful. Especially at 21st's, I've noticed hugging frequently occurs, even amongst guys.


Also, did anyone else notice that the name of the guy is Juan Mann, pronounced 'One Man'?


"Computers are useless, they can only give you answers."
Jeku
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 10:28
Isn't Juan pronounced "wahn"--- as in wand without the 'd'?

Quote: "Especially at 21st's"


Do you mean age 21? And again--- it's not that big a deal turning 21, is it? Enough to be congratulated on?

Fallout
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 11:29 Edited at: 27th Oct 2006 11:31
It's funny how people see all these hugs and handshakes with different groups of friends. Some of you dont see the point at all, and some do it all the time. I basically shake my mates hands when I've not seen them in a while ... if it's been 2 or 3 months or if it's a birthday or celebration. I also give out man hugs if the same thing is going on, but we're pissed when I see em. You need the inhibitions taken away. I'm not talking long loving comforting hugs. I'm talking "Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh dude" hug, slap back, now get the feck away from me type hugs. I hug my ex girlfriends and other female friends. I hug my mum. I try and avoid any form of physical contact at all on any level with my dad.

Edit: Btw, women hug each other because they're all lesbians.


OSX Using Happy Dude
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 11:41
Quote: "Can I have your mod badge and delete gun? or did you have to hand them back in."

They've been reigned in...

Visit my web site for real bangin' stuff. Word.
Crazy Ninja
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 12:33
That just seems a bit odd to me.

____ ____ ____ ___ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ ____
|___ |--< |--| /__ Y | \| | | \| ___| |--|
Dave J
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 17:01 Edited at: 27th Oct 2006 17:15
Quote: "Isn't Juan pronounced "wahn"--- as in wand without the 'd'?"


Which just so happens to sound very similar to 'one'.
Watch the news report: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beVW82drfYM&mode=related&search=


Quote: "Do you mean age 21? And again--- it's not that big a deal turning 21, is it? Enough to be congratulated on?"


It's a very big deal down here.


"Computers are useless, they can only give you answers."
Bizar Guy
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 17:38
in the US, turning 21 means you can drink leagaly... don't know what it is for anywhere else in the world though.

Chris Franklin
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 17:50
Quote: "in the US, turning 21 means you can drink leagaly... don't know what it is for anywhere else in the world though."


haha unlucky 18 here w00t

Megaton Cat
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 18:30
19 here is the golden year.

Anyway, I've made up my mind about this and I'd have to agree with Jeku. Free hugs are nice and all, and will make you feel better, but only for a short amount of time. If you have problems in your life and lack of porper interaction, then a temporary hug won't exactly fix you or fill you with confidence. If you want to make yourself and others around you feel good, there are a ton of other options.

It just all seems to shallow and superficial to me.

"Hey there, want a free hug? Aww there ye go. What's that? Want me to help you out with your depression? Sod that, I got other people to hug here. Bugger off."

indi
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 19:10
human beings cant live without affection and meaning between each other.
talking smack is just that, talking smack.
you will grow compassion when the hormones settle down and you lose that 2nd head you get when your a teenager, now go hug something, preferably not your pillow at night

Jeku
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 20:48
Quote: "It's a very big deal down here."


But why? Just out of curiosity. It's not like you have to "try" to reach 21--- you have no choice. You get there no matter what. It's not the same as, say, getting your first degree.

But I'm cynical today---- don't mind me

Quote: "human beings cant live without affection and meaning between each other."


Yes, that is probably true. But fake plastic hugs are the same as small-talk with a high-school acquaintance you haven't seen in 8 years. It means absolutely nothing. You both want to get out of that uncomfortableness ASAP.

"How's it going?"
"Good. You?"
"Good." *shuffles feet*
"So what you been up to?"
"School... work. You?"
"Same old"
"Oh, look at the time, gotta go. Talk to you later."

I *hate* small-talk. In fact if I see someone in a mall that I haven't seen in a few years and they were just a mild acquaintance, I am going to walk in the other direction. Nothing good can come out of that.

H4ck1d
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Posted: 27th Oct 2006 23:07
Quote: "Btw, women hug each other because they're all lesbians."


My gf never told me that...

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