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Have You Seen This? Most hugs in 1 minute
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Everything is a world record these days. Including handing out emotionless hugs. - photo by John Clyde


HUGLANDIA When I was in elementary school and it was our class' turn to take a little trip to the school library, there was one place I'd run every single time: straight for the "Guinness Book of World Records." To my dismay it was almost always checked out, but once in a while I'd get my hands on it and read about some amazing people.

I'd read about the woman with the longest fingernails, they guy who was the fastest man on earth, or the woman with the biggest hands. I always wanted to have a world record, but as a young buck I thought it'd be for most major league at-bats with no strikeouts, or fastest fastball in the world. I realized I'd never get in that book as it became more and more clear that I'm not an athlete. Then this video came out and I think I have a shot again because you can get in there now for just about anything.

This Indian man goes for the most coveted record of all, most hugs given in one minute. Wait, that's not the most coveted record? Regardless, this guy did it and managed to look heartless as he handed out each hug. His focus is commendable. I do think the absolute best part is that after he's hugged nearly 80 people for the record he doesn't hug one person to celebrate the feat.

So watch the video and see if you can brainstorm some records that we can break together and fulfill my childhood dream.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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