Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2000 00:45:36 -0400
From: "R.J Smith" <kracklesfamilyfun@sympatico.ca>
To: balloon@balloonhq.com
Subject: Re: blowing with mouth

Just wanted to comment about this 'blowing with mouth' post.

I have to partly disagree with this thinking.  I don't disagree with the fact that
it's probably 'cleaner'.

I started doing balloons in 85, and back then I used a small hand pump.  However,
they kept breaking on me, so I learned how to blow manually; learned how to build
up my diaphram (or whatever it's called)

Over the years I've gone from hand pumps, to T.Myers pumps, to blowing with mouth.

I certainly 'prefer' using my wonderful upright pump.  It's faster, easier, and
YES, cleaner; but, I'm not at all opposed to blowing.  I don't  'spit' in the
balloons, and I know this comment was probly said in fun, cuz I've use the same
line, in fun.

I OFTEN get challenged to blow with my mouth when using my pump.  I always oblige.
It creates fun and laughter from everyone.

When I did the fair, mentioned in another post, about 75% was with the pump, and
the rest was with mouth.  I've NEVER heard a complaint from 'any' parent when I
blow manual.  They expect it, and tease me when they see me using the pump.

When I did the gig in the cafeteria on Mon., also mentioned last post, I blew
'most' manual.  The employees loved it.  They couldn't believe how 'easily' I was
blowing them.  I used my pump about half the time that day.  Was doing 'multiple
hats', and that's a LOT of blowing.

When I work restaurants, I don't want to carry around a pump, cuz I also am doing
magic, and I certainly don't want to lug around my upright, so manual is much
easier once again.   To date, no one has complained, and I've never gotten a phone
call from a parent saying  'My kid got a cold off that balloon you blew with your
mouth, thanks alot'.

So, in closing, I don't disagree it's probably cleaner, but I've just had NO
problems the past 15 years.

As far as 'safer', I always tell the child receiving the balloon to please keep the
balloon away from their mouth, as they really don't taste very good, and I wouldn't
want the balloon to pop in 'their' mouth cuz they might choke.

I know John The Balloonman Holmes blows all his manually, and John's never had a
problem, at least not that I've heard of.

My apologies for taking up so much space here.  Just wanted to comment; not argue
or find fault  :-}

R J Smith



> Subject: Re: Blowing with mouth???
> Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 08:09:05 +1200
> From: "Wayne Burrows" <wayne.burrows@xtra.co.nz>
> To: <balloon@balloonhq.com>
>
> From: <Gabbie764@aol.com>
>
> > All the talk about safty and some people blow up ballons with their
> mouth???
> > Why would a parent want their child to have a balloon that has been in
> > someone elses mouth?? I think that pump are safer and cleaner...you never
> > know when you have the onset of a cold...JMO
> >
>
> Exactly.
>
> Customer:  (when they see my pump) " You are cheating - don't you blow them
> yourself"
>
> Me: "Oh I didn't know you wanted a balloon that I spat in"
>
> No more complaints.
>
> Wayne