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Have You Seen This? A bad time for the hiccups
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Whether the yips were a nervous tick or just an untimely case of the hiccups, Ethan is a hero to all of us reluctant performers. - photo by Angie Treasure
BALL GAME Everyone has been betrayed by their nerves at least once in his life.

I began taking violin lessons when I was 5. While I enjoyed playing in groups, I quickly learned that solos threw my bodys normal operation into a spastic fit. My fingers would turn icy and Id clench my teeth as all my fear of failure bounced around my brain like ping pong balls.

Playing a string instrument when your limbs have become simultaneously leaden and boneless proves to be antithetical to producing a good sound. Id try and play normally, but the bow would bounce and my fingers wouldnt always land where the notes on the page dictated they should. I always ended a solo performance red-faced and promising myself Id only play in groups where I wasnt the primary focus of attention.

That same internal 5-year-old who couldnt perform in front of crowds felt similarly anxious when I watched a video of a boy named Ethan singing the Australian national anthem before a baseball game.

The video, put out by ALBtv.com on YouTube, has gained viral status because of Ethans ability to power through his bodys duplicity. Whether the yips were a nervous tick or just an untimely case of the hiccups, Ethan is a hero to all of us reluctant performers.

I have no doubt hell live to sing again, although I dont know how you can top such a perfect rendition hiccups and all.