A Cultural Post For The Edification And Improvement Of All

From time to time, the cultural committee here at Random_Speak presents a very special post for the edification, education and general improvement of our audience.
To-day is no exception as we proudly present the first installment of Tiny Biography Monday

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Despite his once famous reputation Joseph Pujol is largely unknown today, his lasting contribution to French culture all but forgotten. Popularly known as the "Farting Maniac" (Le Pétomane) during the late 19th century, he could fart with enough force to extinguish lit candles from a couple of yards away.

Performing at the Moulin Rouge (as well as recording popular phonographs), he would imitate earthquakes, thunderstorms, animal noises, musical instruments and 21 gun salutes with his sphincter muscle. Additionally, his flatulent version of La Marseillaise brought joy to many, including a rather impressionable Sigmund Freud. After taking a well-deserved retirement from the stage, Le Pétomane quietly ran a bakery and died in his late eighties -- finally ending the career of a truly great fartiste and bringing to a close his important contribution to the arts.
















* image taken from pennypostcards.com