Tuesday, June 10
Invasions of Wind
While we're on the subject of professional flatulence throughout history, St. Augustine himself appears to have witnessed such an exhibition, noting the flatulists had
such command of their bowels, that they can break wind continuously at will, so as to produce the effect of singing. (De Civitate Dei, 14:24)Charming.
I am also informed on good authority that St. Augustine's writings also include the first known recorded instance of beer nuts in the western canon. Really. Ask Whapster Emily (who, speaking of hidden talents, does a great Sylvia Plath impression on request, though no ovens, please) if you don't believe me. Well, sort of. Salty snacks eaten in taverns are mentioned at some point.
But getting back to methane. It's all in Wikipedia--which seems fairly trustworthy on such subjects--which also mentions Irish bardic flatulists were ranked with harpers and other such figures, and sat with them in the hierarchically-graded seating diagram used in the High King's Hall at Tara. And there's also Roland the Farter of Hemingstone Manor, Suffolk.
Okay, I will now mentally return from the fourth grade. Next week: The Wonderful World of Dung.
![[SMMMHDH]](http://www.mgilleland.com/music/smmmhdh.png){kind=small}
