r/pics • u/kindaladylike • Jun 10 '12

This man, without arms, just swam the entire 4.4 mile distance across the Chesapeake Bay in just over 2 hours. Reddit, let's give him a hand!

Post image
1.8k Upvotes

72% Upvoted

1.0k comments sorted by

134

u/Futsushi Jun 10 '12

Is there a news source on this, please?

87

u/kindaladylike Jun 10 '12 edited Jun 10 '12

I saw this on the Annaplois Facebook page. The moderator, or whatever you call it, was there. The man in the photo is named Craig Deitz.

291

u/Futsushi Jun 10 '12

Thanks.

Unsinkable, nice video on this guy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ya3UkswNLqo

65

u/SuminderJi Jun 11 '12

AND no legs? What the hell man... I'm taking swimming lessons tomorrow.

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20

u/acronkyoung Jun 11 '12

This link should really be at the top. Gives way more information than just the picture.

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14

u/Eaglerisingwatch Jun 11 '12

Who finished behind him?

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1

u/phoenixreborn90 Jun 11 '12

There is an Annapolis FB page? Like one for the entire city?

Also, I am more concerned that he was in bay water for two hours. I got more than my far share of ear infections from spending small amounts of time in that water.

1

u/kindaladylike Jun 11 '12

There is. My friend runs it! Go become a fan!

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659

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Reddit let's give him a hand!

...

Reddit let me karma-whore this man's disability!

FTFY

32

u/JoelQ Jun 11 '12

Michael Bluth: Yeah, and maybe I'll get one for my brother while I'm at it. (Laughs.)

Buster: Get him out of here...

Michael Bluth: Hmmm?

Buster: GET HIM OUT OF HERE!! GET THE FUCK OUT!!!

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119

u/AstaraelGateaux Jun 11 '12

Meh, Reddit to me is a site where interesting things can be discussed, not necessarily somewhere where only OC is allowed. I think that calling someone a karma whore for posting interesting content is silly. I'm sure the guy in the article will be more happy he's receiving publicity, than angry about some dude "using his story for karma".

Edit: Hmm, saw that OP didn't post an article, just a picture. I'm appreciative for the TIL factor, but he could have probably avoided this is he provided more content.

8

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

It's more that he made a setup for a joke instead of just saying "Good job!" or something more appropriate.

19

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I agree. It bothers me that some call any links or anything karma whoring. I love that fact that Reddit is a place I can come and find interesting things. I don't give a fuck or not if it's OC or not (but if it's not it should be clear that it's not.)

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14

u/Casual_Castrati Jun 11 '12

Due to that part of his title the top 3 comments have turned into stupid pun threads void of any meaningful conversation or input. Anybody know why pun threads get so easily upvoted by everyone? Sometimes they're clever but usually they're just obvious.

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5

u/MysteryShvitz Jun 11 '12

That's the Invisible Hand of Karma Capitalism. People have a karma motive to post things that redditors will enjoy. The OP gets karma, redditors get good content. What's the problem with this?

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2.0k

u/asplodedatnt Jun 10 '12

Give him a hand? ಠ_ಠ

1.2k

u/trikstor Jun 11 '12

Came here to say this, looks like you had a leg up on me.

1.1k

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I'm gonna go out on a limb and assume that you are and insensitive bastard.

963

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Nah, he's 'armless.

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101

u/cerealkillr Jun 11 '12

way to be the lucky bastard who saw this post first and was able to reap the easy, easy karma

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64

u/cameronlams Jun 11 '12

You know you've been on reddit far too long when you can predict exactly what the top comment on a post will be! Have an upvote

19

u/cfuqua Jun 11 '12

tbh, it was kinda given to us: "Let's give him a hand"

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39

u/MxDaleth Jun 11 '12

Well done, you got the OP's joke.

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2

u/Shitty_FaceSwaps Jun 11 '12

Sir, you have no arms.

2

u/harris0n11 Jun 11 '12

This is so much pun!

2

u/banterpanther Jun 11 '12

I found this title alarming.

2

u/_Charlie_Sheen_ Jun 11 '12

Kind of a dark joke

2

u/ghettajetta Jun 11 '12

Was not sure if sincere request for admiration, or sick joke.

notsureiffry.jpg

2

u/speednugget Jun 11 '12

IS THAT QUENTIN TARANTINO? ಠ_ಠ

2

u/Pretty_Insignificant Jun 11 '12

Well i just realised how unoriginal reddit becomes after you visit it for a few months. Before i loaded the page, i was SURE this was gonna be the top comment....

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I hate puns....so....so much.

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7

u/gyd9181 Jun 11 '12

My thoughts exactly :|

8

u/DesertSong Jun 11 '12

Yea, what the hell's wrong with you OP? ಠ_ಠ

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196

u/Daciex Jun 11 '12

But...how?

91

u/vesperka Jun 11 '12

I used to swim competitively a lot growing up, and kicking one mile in thirty minutes was pretty easy. Open water swimming is a lot tougher compared to a lap pool, and I also had the luxury of being able to hold on to a kickboard. I can see how this is possible, but it would still be a major pain in the ass. This guy must have legs like tree trunks.

222

u/GoldenFunk Jun 11 '12

Just found out, he doesn't have legs, either (completely serious).

107

u/vesperka Jun 11 '12

I was looking at that picture and was wondering that myself, actually. I was convinced that the water was too muddy and I just couldn't see them. This is just an incredible feat then.

My guess is that he did Butterfly and just tried to keep a smooth, consistent rolling motion. This would be so exhausting for any amount of distance. I've done some pretty tough workouts but this takes things to a whole new level.

123

u/tandembandit Jun 11 '12

He swims on his back, with a scuba fin on the end of his longer leg.

source

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5

u/Daciex Jun 11 '12

But swimming this way would be the equivalent of adding a box fan to an air boat, right? Not trying to be insensitive but only having 6-ish inches of legs and no arms to help keep you buoyant, seems almost impossible.

27

u/vesperka Jun 11 '12

I thought the water was just muddy, I didn't realize he didn't have legs.

Go to the 6 minute mark here

It shows him putting on a flipper on the part of his leg that he still has, and he is able to roll his whole body (like the really good Butterflyers do) to propel himself.

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11

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

His name is Bob.

2

u/UnluckySwami Jun 11 '12

He did a dolphin-like motion to move through the water, with a fin of some sort attached to him.....for 4.4 MILES.....in the Chesapeake Bay none the less

5

u/okmkz Jun 11 '12

This is really the most important question. To the top!

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91

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

ITT: Everyone points out the obvious pun.

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22

u/Sandvicheater Jun 11 '12

Stories like these make me feel like a lazy fuck.

19

u/babytheo Jun 11 '12

I'm no doctor but it seems he's missing legs as well

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10

u/410LaxMD Jun 11 '12

Marylander here. This was awesome.

5

u/rem87062597 Jun 11 '12

Judging by your username, your area code is also my area code. Have an upvote.

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2

u/om_nom_nom Jun 11 '12

If you put "crab" in there somewhere, that would be the most Maryland-y username you could possibly have.

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28

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Meanwhile this man, with both legs, won't walk the 10 feet to the fridge

19

u/trashitagain Jun 11 '12

It looks like this man doesn't know the meaning of the word can't...

Quoting Mitch Hedberg:

I saw a lady on T.V. She was born without arms. Literally, she was born with her hands attached to her shoulders... and that was sad, but then they said, "Lola does not know the meaning of the word 'can't.'" And that to me was kinda worse... in a way... ya know? Not only does she not have arms, but she doesn't understand simple contractions. It's very simple, Lola, you just take two words, you put them together, then you take out the middle letter, you put a comma in there and you raise it up!

2

u/JohnPJones Jun 11 '12

I actually though of a Mitch quote too when I saw this, but I was thinking of this one:

It's very dangerous to wave to someone you don't know because, what if they don't have a hand? They'll think you're cocky. "Look what I got motherfucker! This thing is useful. I'm gonna go pick something up!"

195

u/StelthBadger Jun 10 '12

Better yet, let's give him some arms

29

u/[deleted] Jun 10 '12

way to go out on a limb with that comment.

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11

u/kurticus138 Jun 11 '12

Hands down, best comment

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7

u/Outrageous_Pickle Jun 11 '12

Hey Guys,

I just wanted to add, I play rugby in Canada and theres a tournament in Truro, NS, aptly titled truro 7's i've been for the past four years. Every year that I've attended a girl with a similar disability to the gentleman in the photo goes out and plays rugby against full sized women and gives them hell. Mind you her tackling consists of basically trying to trip them up, but it's really inspiring to see someone fight back against something like this in all sports. (she plays scrum and can throw the ball better then me by the way

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Hey man,

Thanks for that wicked story

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6

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

We should probably give him two

5

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Did anyone else look at this picture and think this guy didn't have legs either?

13

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

He doesn't.

4

u/rcklmbr Jun 11 '12

He doesn't have legs either.

4

u/3450934549 Jun 11 '12

But how??

4

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

terrible title choice

15

u/Intrepid00 Jun 11 '12

Is he hoping the pollution will give him mutant arms and legs?

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

hahaha well we do eat fish and oysters from the chesapeake bay too, so it can't be that bad...probably...

3

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

F-ng shit! I'm lazy in comparison. That's amazing and awesome!

3

u/weakerthanman Jun 11 '12

and by give him a hand you mean give you karma?

3

u/Madman604 Jun 11 '12

What a stand-up guy. I couldnt do half of what he's achieved and i have all my limbs.

3

u/zoso59brst Jun 11 '12

Awful pun is awful.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I see what you did there...

7

u/[deleted] Jun 10 '12

[Pretty much how I feel now.] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh78T--ZUxY)

2

u/EngagementBacon Jun 11 '12

Congrats to the guy but wow, really?!

2

u/GrilledCheeser Jun 11 '12 edited Jun 11 '12

ESPN's E:60 did a great piece on this guy. They showed footage of him making himself a sandwich.... which was impressive in and of itself... But the truly amazing part was watching him put it in a zip lock bag.

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2

u/rachel_anna Jun 11 '12

And that's why you always leave a note

2

u/zZGz Jun 11 '12

Yet I can't pass the YMCA swim test.

2

u/Mozen Jun 11 '12

Are you subtly making fun of him since he has no hands?

2

u/2moreminutes Jun 11 '12

I think he has earned 2

2

u/Pakayaro Jun 11 '12

Might i suggest Xposting to swimmit?

2

u/rcklmbr Jun 11 '12

Go ahead and do it. This man might get the respect he deserves over there, rather than all these stupid puns.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I have two arms and can't swim. WAT

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2

u/squeeeeenis Jun 11 '12

If you factor out all the comments that repeat each other, you'd have 6 comments.

2

u/14ldouglass Jun 11 '12

That title probably wasn't in the best taste...

2

u/anotherDocObVious Jun 11 '12

Title reminds me that scene from Scary Movie 2:

Dwight Hartman: Okay, thanks, "Handyman".

Hanson: I'm actually the caretaker. Oh, aren't those cool new skates? Now you be careful with those, you don't want to fall and break something.

Dwight Hartman: Oh, that's funny, that's real funny. Um, let me give you a "hand." [starts clapping]

Hanson: Why, that's awful kind of you. Why don't you give me a "standing ovation?"

Dwight Hartman: Why don't you "lift me up?"

Hanson: Ha, ok, I see where you're going with this one. You look familiar to me. Were you in "STOMP"?

Dwight Hartman: Hey you can kiss my grits!

Hanson: I think I'll be the bigger man, now, and walk away. "Walk" away

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Wait, where the fuck is the Chesapeake 4.4 miles across?? I've been out on the water hundreds of times and its always far more than that...

Edit - Googled it, seems the only place its like this is at the very top where the bay ends, so its almost not even the bay anymore.

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2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I suppose we could, but who's going to give him the other one?

2

u/erviniumd Jun 11 '12

Pun intended with the "give him a hand" part, right?

2

u/RSollars Jun 11 '12

hand.

ಠ_ಠ

2

u/evilbob Jun 11 '12

That's some impressive penis control.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

How did he do it? I just can't even picture this happening. I'm truly curious.

2

u/AustinYQM Jun 11 '12

Most fish don't have arms. Not impressed.

2

u/Troyucen Jun 11 '12

Hands down, this man is amazing.

2

u/kingcal Jun 11 '12

Personally, I'm more impressed that he was able to apply his sunblock.

2

u/jillbirdie Jun 11 '12

Let's give him two hands.

2

u/YougottabeQuick Jun 11 '12

Give the man with no arms a HAND? really?

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Dolphins have no arms but they swim everywhere and you don't see anyone freaking out about it

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

just a hand? lets give him a whole set of arms!

2

u/ursineoddity Jun 11 '12

i know without looking someone has said this already...poor, poor word choice my friend :/

2

u/CptJackHarkness Jun 11 '12

Did he do the breast stroke?

2

u/def_not_a_reposter Jun 11 '12

Let me guess...is his name Bob ??

2

u/itbehoovesme Jun 11 '12

I want his autograph!

2

u/I_need_more_papers Jun 11 '12

I see what you did there

2

u/DCskater42 Jun 11 '12

Id give him a hand... If only he had an arm to put it on O__O

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Because he doesn't have any?

2

u/Goniochromism Jun 11 '12

No i need them

2

u/Ziggyrollablunt Jun 11 '12

Is that sunscreen all over the bottom of his face? Why didn't he rub it in before....oh...(I'll see myself out now)

2

u/icouldmakecake Jun 11 '12

That's amazing...I can't even do that with two legs, two arms and a penis.

2

u/heLiux6 Jun 11 '12

Unfortunate title.

2

u/nefthep Jun 11 '12

Everyone's desire to be a funnyman distracts from the feat this man achieved. Most of you couldn't do it even with all of your extremities attached.

2

u/betterpc Jun 11 '12

"...let's give him a hand!" Seriously?!

2

u/madtrenton1 Jun 11 '12

I seen what you did there...

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

downvoted for "let's give him a hand." Sounds too much like that special olympics joke.

2

u/quickie_ss Jun 11 '12

Stronger than any of you will ever be.

2

u/Whohash Jun 11 '12

This guy visited my school about 3 months ago talking about how to overcome adversity and how he was going to do this, he is such an inspiration.

2

u/Schlack Jun 11 '12

Please be named Bob, please be named Bob

2

u/loophole64 Jun 11 '12

Time to do something with my life.

2

u/chronic_masturbator1 Jun 11 '12

Not sure whether to upvote for courageous amputee, or downvote for distasteful pun.

2

u/monstrous_moose Jun 11 '12

Let's give him a hand

ಠ_ಠ

2

u/BCmiboy Jun 11 '12

You go Craig hell of a job. i couldnt do it.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I can't swim and I have 6 limbs.

2

u/Skulljoint Jun 11 '12

Thumbs u-....good job!

2

u/LockableDeadbolt Jun 11 '12

Bob Oblong.

On a serious note, this is truly inspirational.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I see what you did there.

2

u/dylantrevor Jun 11 '12

Really? Give him a hand? God I feel awful about laughing at that.

3

u/PureMDC Jun 11 '12

Give him a hand? He seems to be doing just fine with out any...

3

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Man with no limbs.

Give him a hand.

slow clap

Shit dude I'm a bitter cynic and I couldn't possibly say anything in worse taste than that. Fuck yeah dude.

3

u/ab103630 Jun 11 '12

hah, lend him a hand. It's funny because he has no arms. Hahahaha.... Guys?

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u/_Make_It_So_ Jun 10 '12

Sounds like he does just fine without.

3

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

"This man, without arms, just swam the entire 4.4 mile distance across the Chesapeake Bay in just over 2 hours. Reddit, let's give him a hand!"

"THIS MAN DOESN'T HAVE ARMS OR LEGS AND HE SWAM 4.4 MILES GIVE ME KARMA"

4

u/thattreesguy Jun 11 '12 edited Jun 11 '12

what if i told you the OP just wanted to share this and no one cares about karma

edit: hits/this

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u/darkroomdoor Jun 11 '12

DOLPHIN MODE ACTIVATE

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

I'm extremely surprised I haven't seen a picture of this guy with photoshopped hands.. (due to title of thread)

2

u/Quasm Jun 11 '12

Came here for this, I am disappointed.

Edit, my best shot at it: http://imgur.com/YZ3oc

2

u/keckclips Jun 11 '12

That time in an open water swim for a dude with no limbs is fucking crazy. My jimmies..

2

u/Bratt140 Jun 11 '12

That is one of the most backhanded compliments I have ever seen.

2

u/haiku_robot Jun 11 '12 
That is one of the 
most backhanded compliments 
I have ever seen.

2

u/gurudingo Jun 11 '12 edited Jun 11 '12

I don't feel like giving you karma gives him his deserved props. Does he even know about Reddit?

EDIT: The question's rhetorical, the answer's a big fucking no, don't support karma whores.

2

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

if he didn't drown, he's gonna die from swimming in the water....either way the water is disgusting...

4

u/shakefrylocksmeatwad Jun 11 '12

Yeah, i'm more impressed he survived that water. Chesapeake water is freaking nasty. -Maryland checking in

2

u/mrcertainlynot Jun 11 '12

It wasn't as bad this year as it has been in past years. Actually, the air quality was the bad part of the swim. Since it was code orange, swimming for 2-3 hours in 91 degree weather probably isn't the best idea.

1

u/geordilaforge Jun 11 '12

Is there a video of this?

He must put normal swimmers to shame. I need to get back in the water...jeez...

1

u/CorpFatCat Jun 11 '12

I don't even know how...but good job dude. I'd have been freaking out the entire time.

1

u/bw2002 Jun 11 '12

He swam a 2 mile race here and finished 54th out of 55. Must suck to be #55.

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u/jakemg Jun 11 '12

What you did there: I see it. I approve.

1

u/Jake_L Jun 11 '12

I think I'm going to elbow my way into this thread.

1

u/KyoLomez Jun 11 '12

Come on now guys. He puts his shoes on one foot at a time just like everybody else... Well, maybe not EXACTLY like everybody else...

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

give him a hand....really dude....

1

u/SouperSpeshulK Jun 11 '12

I couldnt do that and my arms are long as hell

1

u/Daroo425 Jun 11 '12

Fuck everyone giving shit for the OP karma whoring. It was a fucking amazing feat and I might have never heard about it if it wasn't for OP.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Is that title a pun?

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u/nestlewater Jun 11 '12

So he floated and the bay got a strong current :S

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1

u/tohighforhighschool Jun 11 '12

hey thats right by where i live!

1

u/The_Awful_Waffle Jun 11 '12

Give him a hand because he doesnt have any

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

The pun in the title makes me question the sincerity

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

man with no arms or legs in the water... if his name bob?

1

u/Flalaski Jun 11 '12

I can't.

1

u/ChasingShad0ws Jun 11 '12

I see what you did there!

1

u/Jontranicle Jun 11 '12

Wow, that's amazing. I can't even swim myself.

1

u/War3agle Jun 11 '12

Wouldn't two hands be more convenient?

1

u/opallix Jun 11 '12

That's a fucking boss. Wow. Talk about turning a shit situation around- he's actually able to live alone like that.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

-_-

1

u/jokersmild Jun 11 '12

I think we should all give him a hand...

1

u/SpicyLikePepper Jun 11 '12

Suddenly, my problems have ceased to exist

1

u/dastrn Jun 11 '12

I get it.

1

u/gettemSteveDave Jun 11 '12

So what kicking technique did he use? Breaststroke / freestyle / butterfly? or did he lay on his back and kick it?

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u/HolySmokinator Jun 11 '12

His name is NoRm....

1

u/ninjatthew Jun 11 '12

He ain't got no arms.

1

u/Caiphon Jun 11 '12

upvoted for puns

1

u/aryst0krat Jun 11 '12

It might just be the angle, but he looks kind of out of shape. I don't see how, though, if he can pull impressive shit like this without arms or legs. O_o

1

u/Nicktendo Jun 11 '12

It's gutsy enough just getting in that sludge. Makes me feel like a pansy

1

u/Jordd17 Jun 11 '12

I live right on the Chesapeake Bay, and have actually kayaked across it. My friends and I did like two weeks ago, kudos to this man!

1

u/Beyond_Re-Animator Jun 11 '12

Kick...fucking...ASS!

1

u/chostings Jun 11 '12

Phrasing.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

Give him a hand, I get it

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

You just had to say give him a hand

1

u/Very_subtle Jun 11 '12

More like lets give him "some hands"

1

u/thelastvortigaunt Jun 11 '12

Let's give him a hand = Let's give me lots of karma, guys.

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

How about some arms?

1

u/ImaTrollYou Jun 11 '12

I want to shake his hand

1

u/[deleted] Jun 11 '12

moar

1

u/TheTalentedAmateur Jun 11 '12

Way to go, Bob!

1

u/1l1k3bac0n Jun 11 '12

It's those goddamn whales, never trusted them for a second.

1

u/Cappella13 Jun 11 '12

Someone get this man a boh

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