9/8/2003: Ear horns
 

http://cellar.org/2003/earhorns.jpg

This pair of Victorian-era ear horns is a hoot! They aren't metal, they're made out of paper mache.

I thought such things were only a joke, but it seems they really did exist. Apparently they were originally developed for sailors to communicate over miles over open sea, and then of course used by the hard-of-hearing.

A fine example of military technology working its way down into everyday life. A big round of thanks to all you government contractors out there!

So which end do you light?

<geek type="science">
If you put your hands behind your head, the parts of your arms sticking out will form large ears. It doesn't make a big difference, but if you fire up the stereo, you'll hear it. Arm angles might need tweaking for best effect.
</geek>

You know - I sat here and tried to think of something funny to say about this.


I can't - its just a little to odd for me.

I don't know, I can't help but hear Pee Wee Herman going, "What?!? What?!?"

I think I need my medication now.

Thank YOU, Dave. Your tax dollars enabled us to develop this high tech device for a mere $17b(B?) and supply them to the military for a low low price of $2700 per unit.
Your tax $ do double duty strengthing America, in that we tranferred the technology to our commercial arm. They in turn arranged to have them built by an offshore subcontractor for Wal-Mart, so that you too can have this technology in your ears for a mere $1.98.
God Bless America and its taxpayers that still have jobs.
Gov Contractor

Ah, in the days of old....
 

Somehow, I imagine an aged Kate Winslet standing on the bow a vast ship, sailing mightly through the ocean, getting the worst ear infections ever.... :D

As you probably recall, I, too, am a government contractor. So thanks, suckers, for my big fat paycheck!

Yeah...too bad we can't vote on government contractors.

Yeah, too bad. I can't wait for that day, because that will be the day the whole country goes down the fuckin' tube. The government needs contractors, and the people need the government to need contractors. Trust me, it's much better this way.

Most contractors are fine, I'm sure...you, on the other hand...so, what exactly are we getting for our dollars with you?

I suppose you think I'm allowed to tell you. Ha.

(Basically, the stuff we're working on makes our military less accident prone, so it's supposed to save civilians and military lives in the long run. You're welcome.)

People like this exist!?

Yes but endangered, for sure.:(

Yah, me too. Strangely, it's the same contracting company, though completely different gov't agencies.