Newsmakers 2015: The viral videos that won over the Internet

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Hotline Bling

Anyone with two left feet rejoiced at the sight of Drake’s video for Hotline Bling. Not only was the famous rapper showing off some less-than-stellar dance moves, he took no shame in his lackluster skills. Within days of its launch, the video had parodies of Drake dancing alongside noted bad dancers like Mr. Bean and Seinfeld’s Elaine Benes. (Drake’s turtleneck and sweatpants were a nice addition, too.)

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Not-so-punny

Ikea furniture is known for being (relatively) simple to put together, but pronouncing the names of each product can be a tad more confusing. Much to the chagrin of his girlfriend Dana, Australian Simon Gilmore recorded a pun-filled shopping session of product names, including this groaner: “We’re really KRAMIG in a lot today.”

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Shark survival

Three-time world champion surfer Mick Fanning was simply waiting in the water at a competition in South Africa when a shark came out of nowhere. With a quick punch and using his surfboard as a shield, Fanning was able to ward off the attack. He was competing again within weeks.

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“It’s a baby f–king whale, man!

With his thick Boston accent and uncanny ability to fit in a swear word in every sentence, Michael Bergin’s voice made him the star of a home video capturing what he thought was a baby whale. (It was actually a sunfish.)

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Up-Up!-and-away

In a real-life version of the movie Up!, Calgary’s Dan Boria strapped more than 100 helium-filled balloons to his $20 plastic lawn chair and went airborne before parachuting himself to safety. It was meant as a publicity stunt; it got him arrested.