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'US Americans' Love Videos

Internet phenomenon scores big in 2007

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 27, 2007 2:54 PM CST

(Newser) – With small-screen stars ranging from ditzy beauty queens to potty-mouthed pint-sized landlords, Americans increasingly gathered around the YouTube watercooler in 2007. They racked up 100 billion views on various video sites, ABC News reports. Cultural commentators liken the phenomenon to cavemen swapping tall tales around campfires, but 78% of us do it at work.

Will Ferrell cut out the studio and went right to the Internet with videos such as "The Landlord." Public humiliation, a la Miss Teen South Carolina's, inspired mockeries that in turn attracted more views. And animal videos, from napping otters to piano-playing cats to buffalo battling lions, still scored. To see the most popular videos of the year, click the link below.

[Images (1)]

[Videos (6)]

This photo, supplied by Miss Universe L.P., shows Lauren Caitlin Upton, Miss South Carolina answering a question from host Mario Lopez, left, during the interview portion of the Miss Teen USA 2007 competition... (Associated Press)

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"NORA: Practice Makes Purr-fect" - Check the sequel too. (burnellyow (YouTube))

Miss Teen USA 2007 - South Carolina answers a question (IRamzayI (YouTube))

Miss Teen South Carolina Calls 911 (QuietLibrary (YouTube))

Where's The RENT!!! (victorngo38621 (YouTube))

Battle at Kruger (Jason275 (YouTube))

Otters holding hands (cynthiaholmes (YouTube))

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'US Americans' Love Videos