Double Throat
The Ventriloquist Journal explains that this ad used to run in the back of comic books. What you got, if you sent away for it, was "a capsule-sized metal whistle thing you were supposed to put in your mouth... it was useless for anything except making whistle sounds."
Comments
Stealing money from children.
Posted by Patty in Ohio, USA on 09/01/14 at 02:22 PM
I've had those things! They were hawked at fairs and such. All they were were reeds made of leather and a bit of metal. You could do the same thing with a bit of leaf but these lasted longer.
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/02/14 at 01:26 AM
It's called a swozzle, and as used by Punch & Judy men can be used to do more than whistle (for example, it makes that "amusing" Punch voice), but it's said to take a lot of practice to get right. Maugre the ad, it's not an invention of this company at all, it's been used in England for well over a century at least; and it's not the kind of thing that is any good for children.
Posted by Richard Bos on 09/02/14 at 04:50 AM
Why not good for kids? I don't remember any of my friends swallowing one and we all had them. Of course, the kids of today have had the stupid gene bred into them in spades so.....
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/02/14 at 09:00 AM
Hey! My eyes are up here!
Posted by KDP on 09/02/14 at 11:24 AM
Not good for children because you need a lot of practice to get the most (or even more than a silly whistle) out of it. Now granted, there are children who will practise for hours on the violin, and get good results, but a funny voice? They can do that without this thing.
Posted by Richard Bos on 09/02/14 at 11:59 AM
In defense of the ad...
If you read closely it does state that the device fits in the roof of your mouth and is invisible. However, while it lists other activities it does not say that the device they sell will help you do any of them.
I've seen other ads like this over the years as well.
It's interesting reading the comments and finding out that this type of device can be used effectively by skilled individuals. That's one of the reasons I check the comments -- often you find out neat things even beyond the insightful WU staff observations!
If you read closely it does state that the device fits in the roof of your mouth and is invisible. However, while it lists other activities it does not say that the device they sell will help you do any of them.
I've seen other ads like this over the years as well.
It's interesting reading the comments and finding out that this type of device can be used effectively by skilled individuals. That's one of the reasons I check the comments -- often you find out neat things even beyond the insightful WU staff observations!
Posted by Kyle Morgan on 09/02/14 at 12:06 PM
Excuse ME, Mr. Morgan, but we don't allow any (and I mean any) disparaging remarks about the WU staff (as you so quaintly put it) as they are infallible, incorruptible, and walk among the gods!
So, bite your (metaphorically speaking) tongue, fall upon your knees, and beg forgiveness!
(How was that, Alex? Did I do good??? Did I, huh?)
So, bite your (metaphorically speaking) tongue, fall upon your knees, and beg forgiveness!
(How was that, Alex? Did I do good??? Did I, huh?)
Posted by Expat47 in Athens, Greece on 09/02/14 at 12:28 PM
I thought WU staff was a euphemism! Or would that be a nom de plume! :lol: :coolsmile:
Posted by Tyrusguy on 09/02/14 at 07:42 PM
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Category: Noises and Other Public Disturbances of the Peace | Advertising