Flash Mob 'Silent Rave' Shuts Down London Train Station

A flash mob is a random gathering of people planned online or via text message in which one person invites his or her friends, and they, in turn, invite their's. This was also a silent rave, which consists of people rocking out and dancing to whatever's on their MP3 players. In this case, though, things weren't so silent, as upwards of 14,000 people flocked to Liverpool Station and screamed with delight. No arrests were made and people quickly cleared out after about 15 minutes, so ultimately it was a good-natured event. Despite the lack of trouble, you can be sure there will be an increased police presence for the next one, scheduled again for the same station this Friday. [From: CNN]
Five Wild Flash Mobs
The first successful flash mob happened way back in the early aughts. In June of 2003, the mob of over 100, organized via e-mail by the senior editor of Harper's Magazine, gathered in the rug section of a Manhattan Macy's. They inquired about a "love rug" for their "suburban commune."
These flash mobbers coordinated via e-mail in San Francisco on August 20, 2003. The 'mob' showed up at the Westin St. Francis hotel, and pretended to take a nap in the lobby.
Late last spring, thousands of flash mobbers, organized on Facebook, appeared in New York's Union Square and staged a silent rave.
Worldwide Pillow Fight Day, the world's largest flash mob to date, happened worldwide on March 22, 2008 in 25 cities across the globe.
Wikipedia.org
Set up by NY jokesters Improv Everywhere, No Pants 2k9 took place this year on Saturday, January 10th. This yearly (since 2002) Web-organized event involves, oddly enough, going pantless on the subway. Initially a New York City-only event, it's spread as far as Salt Lake City and Adelaide, Australia.
http://improveverywhere.com/





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Comments
33
Subscribe to commentsPamelaFeb 10th 2009 8:28AM
What awesome innocent events! It is awe inspiring to think that this many people can come together, have fun, and cause no trouble while making a friendly statement. I hope we see more of these. Perhaps people interested in fighting hunger can assemble for a "free-rice" rally in front of all politicians homes at midnight or group hug demonstrations for peace at sunrise....I am really happy that the Internet is being used for fun and friendly actions that bring people together. This is promising!
RachelFeb 13th 2009 10:04AM
I never could have imagined the use of the internet in this way. If as Pamela eludes to, we could channel this type of communication to aid those in need in our country, how awsome would that be. President Obama talks of shortages in food banks, but how do we help?
What if these facebookers etc, set up a day this next week for mobs to show up at their local food bank and bring at least one food item with them.
I could see many problems solved with this type of mass action through this type of communication. I bet the hippies in the 60's wish they had this available to them for accomplishing their causes. In the spirit of Volunteerism that the president has asked for can one of you set this up... but I would suggest you notify the police and the food bank of your plan. I am sure your mob will be a welcome sight to those in need. Keep it to non-refrigerated items. Gift cards to grocery or other stores could also be given. Please, terrorists, political demonstrators and scam artists don't see this as an opportunity that will forever quelch this type of global effort on the part of people working together. Our world needs this type of acting as a group for everyone. Can we use our powers for good and not evil, just once.
AbraxusFeb 10th 2009 8:10AM
It's articles like this that make me realize I REALLY am old - what the heck is the point of these flash gatherings? Oh no, I have turned into my mother!
skyboiFeb 10th 2009 8:48AM
That's great, good natured fun!
ChrisFeb 10th 2009 9:37AM
Morons with nothing but time on their hands. Ooooo...how edgy they all are. So these fools get to their destination, stand around and feel they have made some sort of worthwhile accomplishment? Give me a break. Stupidity is definitely on the rise.
KikaFeb 10th 2009 1:07PM
Dude, what's so wrong with a flash mob? They're not hurting anybody, they're not causing any damage. It's just good-natured fun. I see absolutely nothing wrong with this. And hey; some people have some pretty dang good ideas of what could be done with this concept. Donating money to charity, serving food to the hungry, all sorts of things can be accomplished when people get together. Why not? I think it'd be awesome to hold a random free picnic or something along those lines. Everyone bring a dish, we could feed an entire city!
CameronFeb 10th 2009 3:28PM
I forgot that fun was illegal now. Sorry Big Brother, I'll go back to my room.
PinkPatriotFeb 10th 2009 5:59PM
Gee, Chris. You really can suck all the fun out of a room...with or without a straw. Lighten up and enjoy life a little.
SusanFeb 10th 2009 10:11AM
Gee, what a great way for TERRORISTS to gather as many people as they can in one place so they set off a "dirty bomb" or some other threat.
What an idiotic thing to do. I hope all these people don't expect the FIRE or POLICE to be able to help them if they get in trouble but then again, THESE PEOPLE ARE LIKE LEMMINGS.
CameronFeb 10th 2009 3:28PM
Enjoy your paranoia while I enjoy my life. Congratulations on letting the terrorists win though! You must be so proud.
PinkPatriotFeb 10th 2009 6:00PM
Susan,
Do you live your whole life in fear?
SusanFeb 10th 2009 10:12AM
Ever consider that this could be used by TERRORIST to set off a dirty bomb. It's so crowded that when EMERGENCY SERVICES need to get in they can't because all these LEMMINGS are blocking access.
SILENT RAVE? This TERRORIST opportunity.
You all are idiots to participate.
brgundyFeb 10th 2009 5:25PM
By terrorist what do you mean? Hopefully you don't mean Arabs, cause last time I checked terrorist in the dictionary stood for something else. Secondly, if they were going to bomb anyone in an unfortunate event it would be you.
NickFeb 10th 2009 10:13AM
AWESOME !!! Now if we channel this energy into highlighting the plights of all those in this world who need help and assistance to get out of misery of war and substandard living.
GeeSeaFeb 10th 2009 10:19AM
All the victims of Bernard Madoff should plan one of these at his mansion.
Jon ClarkFeb 10th 2009 10:39AM
Maby these people can assemble a couple of million people around the capitol in D.C. and not let the idiot congressman in or out of the building. That would put the scare into them. They might even get some work done!
EscalonzFeb 10th 2009 10:57AM
Wild! What's next? A potential for good or for bad? I can think of both possibilities.......don't want to mention the bad........curses!
sixpackdanFeb 10th 2009 11:01AM
no job and board....that about explains this stupidity.
TomFeb 10th 2009 11:22AM
Sum of yew peeple dont spel sew gud.
bozoFeb 10th 2009 12:07PM
Wouldt it have been great if every one of those donated $1 to charity....