A few weeks ago, Bill referenced the infamous “Double Rainbow” YouTube clip at the end of his cast, when he mentioned YouTube is now allowing video uploads to be up to 15 minutes long. The YouTube clip has been viewed by more than 13 million people and features Paul “Bear” Vasquez’s euphoric reaction to seeing a double rainbow at Yosemite National Park.
Now, comes word that Vasquez has hooked up with Microsoft in an ad for Windows Live Photo Gallery.
And just in case that you’re not in the loop, for your reference, here’s the clip that started the meme:
Paul Vasquez is YouTube user Hungrybear9562. How did his video become viral? As mentioned, he videotaped his exuberance while gazing upon the natural wonder at Yosemite National Park, posted a clip online, met with some exposure on the July 4th weekend thanks to Jimmy Kimmel and took his rightful place in 2010 Internet history.
While many of the millions of YouTube viewers will find humor in Vasquez’s joy, it’s his fearlessness in the face of expressing that genuine emotion that brought him meme appeal. Online success loves to fall to those who least expect it.
Naturally, a meme will spawn tribute videos, and we will inevitably end up watching them. Here are a few of the MMR staff’s favorite Double Rainbow salutes:
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