The most encouraging thing about Furrier’s posts, however, are the before and after photos he takes of machines that look like they were drudged up from the depths of the most foul swamps.Here's the article.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Give a Typewriter for Christmas... 2012
Another news item featuring Tom from Life in a Typewriter Shop via a Boston-based blog.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Indiana Jones writes to the University of Chicago
Contributed by Dwayne of Vintage Technology Obsessions:
This is a great piece of fictional correspondence. It is funny that they are so mystified. I know several people that would construct a package like this for fun!
(What do you all think of that typed label? Was it really typed? --Richard)
***
UPDATE: Here is the solution to the mystery!
This is a great piece of fictional correspondence. It is funny that they are so mystified. I know several people that would construct a package like this for fun!
(What do you all think of that typed label? Was it really typed? --Richard)
***
UPDATE: Here is the solution to the mystery!
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Typewriters help you detoxify
A Royal and an Olympia at a "digital detox" event in San Francisco.
Story in the New York Times -- thanks to Phillytyper.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Anthem of the Typosphere?
Rolf Liebermann - Symphonie Les Echanges (Version für 156 Büromaschinen) Expo 1964 Edit: this was recently mentioned in a story on (U.S.) National Public Radio. Thanks for the pointer, Ted!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Change "Bench Grinder" to "Burroughs-Moon-Hopkins Adding Machine Typewriter" and you'll understand
Wondermark is a regular web comic put together with Victorian-era clip art and contemporary dialogue. I think today's strip is especially apt for typewriter collectors with long-suffering significant others, at least around my household.
Be sure to hover over the comic for the bonus "alt text" joke.
Be sure to hover over the comic for the bonus "alt text" joke.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Typecasts from the storm
This post is open to all typospherians' reports from the megastorm. It will be updated as new typecasts, images, or links to your reports come in. You can e-mail them to Richard Polt at polt@xavier.edu or Michael Clemens at mpclemens@gmail.com, and we'll add them here.
Some typospherians will be typing during power outages and may not be able to digitize their typescripts for some time, so this post may grow over the next week or two.
From shordzi (Sommeregger's Sammelsurium):
From shordzi (Sommeregger's Sammelsurium):
Friday, October 26, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
A Typewriter in Full: Tom Wolfe Needs the Typosphere
Where are all the typewriters? In some sort of bonfire? |
From an NPR Story on Tom Wolfe's new novel:
Tom Wolfe wrote his new novel, Back to Blood, entirely by hand. But the author of The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test and The Bonfire of the Vanities also says that wasn't entirely by choice — he'd rather have used a typewriter.
"Unfortunately, you can't keep typewriters going today — you have to take the ribbons back to be re-inked," Wolfe tells Fresh Air's Dave Davies. "There's a horrible search to try to find missing parts."
Can't keep them going? Re-inked ribbons? Where have you been, Tom? Typewriters are very much alive.
Gramercy Typewriter Company, 174 5th Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10010. 212-674-7700. "Since 1932, serving the New York City area for typewriter sales and repairs of all makes and models. Specialist in IBM Selectric and Wheelwriter models. Overhauls on your old manual typewriters. Expert service on your Hewlett Packard laser jet printers too! For all your typewriter and laser jet printer needs, just call. Ask for Paul. He has been in the business for over 45 years. He must be doing something right! Call 212-674-7700, and on weekends call (917) 833-3277." Here is an article about owner Paul Schweitzer, here's another about him and his son Justin, here's an NPR story, and here is another story with video.
So, Tom, grab your walking stick and go visit Paul. I know he'll set you right up.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
National Day of Writing at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Has the Classroom Typewriter Project spawned an imitator? Well, at least for a day...The second floor of Hodges library was abuzz Monday, Oct. 22, with the sounds of clicking typewriters and English professors prompting students to “write on the floor.” The excitement spurred off of the English department and Hodges Library staff celebrating the fourth annual National Day on Writing.
Volunteers from both the library staff and the English department spent the morning, and early afternoon, encouraging passerbys to “write on the floor,” check out a variety of student publications, write postcards and to try out two vintage typewriters.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
USA Today asks...
Why use a computer when you can use a typewriter?
I think we can offer a few reasons. :-) Links to the typewriter movie, this site, and a few blogs besides.
Greetings to all who wound your way over here from that article: if you've got a few hours to spare, why not read some of the musings under the Mighty Blogroll over there on the right of the screen?
I think we can offer a few reasons. :-) Links to the typewriter movie, this site, and a few blogs besides.
Greetings to all who wound your way over here from that article: if you've got a few hours to spare, why not read some of the musings under the Mighty Blogroll over there on the right of the screen?
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Typewriter film to be shown in Lowell, MA on October 9
News from director Christopher Lockett: There is a screening of "The Typewriter (In the 21st Century)" at the Jack Kerouac Literary Festival in Lowell, MA on Tuesday, October 9 @7p, free, at Lowell National Historic Park Visitor Center. Details about the screening and the festival itself are here:
Monday, October 1, 2012
Typewriter Brigade: Call to Assemble!
Hear that mighty call?
It's the Nano Rhino -- the time of 2012's Typewriter Brigade is at hand!
Mothers, hide your children.
It's the Nano Rhino -- the time of 2012's Typewriter Brigade is at hand!
Mothers, hide your children.
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Pirates and Typewriters in Germany
One more sign that typewriter fanatics are naturally contrary?
German Parliament Bans Laptops, Pirate Party Shows Up With Typewriter
Spotted at Geekosystem
German Parliament Bans Laptops, Pirate Party Shows Up With Typewriter
Spotted at Geekosystem
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Venice Type-In: The Aftermath
Lots of write-ups and photos on the type-in held this past weekend in Venice, California. Looks like lots of sun and fun was to be had...
Did you attend the type-in or the movie screening? Drop a note in the comments and let us know how it went.
- Venice Type-In
A Typewriter A Day Keeps the Doctor Away - Venice Type-In...
Streamlines DeLuxe -
The Venice Type-In and Plumeria: The Grand Debut of the Oliver No. 5 Print Type
A Machine for the End of the World
While some of the folks featured [in the film] had an almost mockable naivete -- earnestly wondering why the typewriter went out of fashion -- others recognize them for what they are: really cool antiquated devices that combine nostalgia and literary functionality.I'll let you decide which category yours truly falls under. (I'm hoping for geeky naivete, personally.)
Did you attend the type-in or the movie screening? Drop a note in the comments and let us know how it went.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Baffle Their Minds with Bullsh*t
Here's a new documentary about a New Orleans street typist:
Baffle Their Minds with Bullsh*t, Kerry Leigh
Looks intriguing!
Baffle Their Minds with Bullsh*t, Kerry Leigh
Looks intriguing!
Friday, September 21, 2012
To Get Your Munson On
Boing-Boing has a short blurb on a Munson typewriter recently added to the Martin Howard Typewriter Collection. I find it interesting to see these different early mechanical design that ran rampant before the turn of the 20th century.
Seeing those familiar octagonal shaped keys from my own Oliver 9, I wonder if the Munson's keys were really like that or if this was a rebuild. I'm thinking the latter, but I am sure someone around here with more knowledge on these earlier typewriters can correct me.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
A Woodstock's Story
"I'm an old, 98 year old Woodstock typewriter ...."
Read the rest of the story, as told to Jeff Hendrie, in this 4-page PDF.
And you can see the machine itself in the September 16 post.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
"When Hell freezes over"
I've been corresponding with 16-year-old Jeff Hendrie, a passionate typewriter user who sent me this shot of his 1914 Woodstock (published here with Jeff's permission):
Jeff has created a font based on the typing of his Woodstock, which he used to express just how much typewriters mean to him:
Jeff's further comments (click to enlarge):
If you'd like to have the Woodstock font, you can download it here.
Thanks, Jeff, and keep on typing!
Jeff has created a font based on the typing of his Woodstock, which he used to express just how much typewriters mean to him:
Jeff's further comments (click to enlarge):
If you'd like to have the Woodstock font, you can download it here.
Thanks, Jeff, and keep on typing!
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Relevant to our interests
Here's a slideshow on "retro activities" that includes "using typewriters" AND "vintage sewing machines" in the list. The Type-in linked to is the first Snohomish type-in.
Link here
Link here
Monday, September 10, 2012
A Real Typewriter Store?
Gary Yokoyama/The Hamilton Spectator
Over at Hamilton Spectator we find this delicious article on a shop that still sells typewriters, pens and rubber stamps. A throwback from when it opened in the 1920s. I'd love to step inside this shop!
Over at Hamilton Spectator we find this delicious article on a shop that still sells typewriters, pens and rubber stamps. A throwback from when it opened in the 1920s. I'd love to step inside this shop!
A Highlight Article of Chuck Ternes of Petaluma
Jeff Kan Lee / PD
I've spotted another typewriter repairman article over at the Press Democrat. There's a bit too many references to key chopping or the end results thereof, but I still find it interesting to read.
Now, over at Flavorwire there is an article and some images of typewriters, but this time it's not a story on the old typewriter repairman or that "last repair shop", but a new Kickstart project to create a large format 244-page book. The project is 65% funded, so there is still a ways to go. For $45, you can get a copy of the hardcover book and be listed in the acknowledgements. Not a bad way to spend your money!
I've spotted another typewriter repairman article over at the Press Democrat. There's a bit too many references to key chopping or the end results thereof, but I still find it interesting to read.
Now, over at Flavorwire there is an article and some images of typewriters, but this time it's not a story on the old typewriter repairman or that "last repair shop", but a new Kickstart project to create a large format 244-page book. The project is 65% funded, so there is still a ways to go. For $45, you can get a copy of the hardcover book and be listed in the acknowledgements. Not a bad way to spend your money!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Young Novelist at the Keys
Spotted on Canada.com:
Young mystery writer shuns technology while plying craft
Young mystery writer shuns technology while plying craft
Plante said he first started collecting typewriters when trying to think of a project to do with a visiting aunt who would soon be leaving. As he enjoyed doing restorations he suggested they fix up an old typewriter.Future Typospherian and Brigade member perhaps? Somebody alert the Nano Rhino!
[...]
Plante recognizes it's time to begin gradually refining his typewriter collection. He said he will soon weed out the ones he doesn't like and focus on specialty items: continentals, or maybe typewriters from Russia.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Southern California Type-In, Sept 23
There's a type-in planned September 23 in Venice, California, if anyone finds themselves yearning to lay hands on some famous keys (for a donation.) As Gary from the typewriter movie sent this my way, perhaps his is one of the films being shown?
SoCal Typospherians, gotta represent!
SoCal Typospherians, gotta represent!
Typewriters in the News
There's a nice little "discovery" article over at a Philly Burbs blog. Writers are often nostalgic and I think we are all connected to the writing tools of the past, no matter how hard some may try to deny it. I've never had the pleasure to type on an Underwood, save my cross-branded Lettera 32, but it doesn't take much imagination for me to remember the magic of playing with a new typewriter.
In other news, the Canberra Times posted an article, written by our very own Robert Messenger, on the first and only Australian typewriter inventor. As most of us are accustomed to from his blog, ozTypewriter, Messenger packs a lot of information in a well-written and researched topic. It is an excellent read!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I Never Tire of Reading a Typewriter Repairman Article
I came across this article about a Staten Island repairman.
Here's one image, courtesy of DNAInfo.com New York, but there are some others and a little video worth checking out.
I'd really love to see these pockets of repairman start sending more platens out for recovering. I'd think they could increase the cost of their wares to offset the cost of the platen and then all of us could benefit from the lower price...or maybe that's just a dream similar to Mr. Ardio's.
Here's one image, courtesy of DNAInfo.com New York, but there are some others and a little video worth checking out.
I'd really love to see these pockets of repairman start sending more platens out for recovering. I'd think they could increase the cost of their wares to offset the cost of the platen and then all of us could benefit from the lower price...or maybe that's just a dream similar to Mr. Ardio's.
Monday, August 27, 2012
The Typewriter Survives
I came across this article from the Indian Express. Something I am sure some of us, especially the like of Ryan Adney, can appreciate.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Be (cooperatively) shocking!
If you're a member of the Typosphere, don't tell me you haven't had fantasies of doing something like this. Maybe you've even done it. (The great illustration by Andrew Joyner is for a not-so-great article in Businessweek about offices that are behind the times. Someone in the story refuses to use a typewriter to make labels and uses a Sharpie instead.)
Now, there is strength and courage in numbers, so it would be easier and more fun to type on the subway or at a Starbucks if you had partners in the caper. This is why I find videos such as these from Improv Everywhere inspiring:
The No Pants Subway Ride
Mobile Desktop (people lug desktop computers into a Starbucks)
Where I live, I'm not sure I can find enough like-minded typists to pull off something like this. But maybe some typospherians in larger cities would be interested in organizing some cooperative insurgent activities. If you do, be sure to share the video with us!
Friday, August 24, 2012
Power cut forces courts to pull out typewriters and reschedule hearings
Can this be a post-apocalyptic sign of things to come?
The article is not as thrilling as my imagination, but here it is, in case you want to read it.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
The Chromatic Typewriter
Image courtesy of Core77
The Chromatic Typewriter is a conceptual art piece consisting of a modified late-1930s Underwood typewriter that types a spectrum of colors, rather than the letters of an alphabet. Click here for more information on this amazing typewriter art.
The Chromatic Typewriter is a conceptual art piece consisting of a modified late-1930s Underwood typewriter that types a spectrum of colors, rather than the letters of an alphabet. Click here for more information on this amazing typewriter art.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
10 of History’s Most Beautiful Typewriters?
http://gizmodo.com/5933011/10-of-historys-most-beautiful-typewriters
Take a look at this list and suggest corrections.
For myself, I love the Hermes 3000, but as striking as the looks are, I wouldn't call them "Beautiful" and I can think of three machines - SM3 and two Remingtons - I would put in this list instead.
What are your thoughts?
Here's the FARK thread on this story:
http://www.fark.com/comments/7259160/-10-of-h-sto-ys-most-beaut-ful-typew-ters-DING
Take a look at this list and suggest corrections.
For myself, I love the Hermes 3000, but as striking as the looks are, I wouldn't call them "Beautiful" and I can think of three machines - SM3 and two Remingtons - I would put in this list instead.
What are your thoughts?
Here's the FARK thread on this story:
http://www.fark.com/comments/7259160/-10-of-h-sto-ys-most-beaut-ful-typew-ters-DING
Monday, August 6, 2012
The International Correspondence Initiative
Reposted with permission from A Machine for the End of the World:
The International Correspondence Initiative
What it is: A project to make the world a smaller, more engaged and more interesting place the old-fashioned way: via snail-mail
Who it is: Anyone who is interested can participate!
Where it is: Global
Materials used: Typewriters, pens, pencils, paper, business card stock, cameras, braillers, steno machines, adding machines, craft supplies, greeting cards, scanners, computers
Purpose: To send out and receive unique correspondence (dubbed 'Typograms') and to post it to the Typosphere once it arrives at its intended destination
Content: The sky's the limit, as long as it's tasteful and safe for work/younger viewers
Comments: This is quickly becoming a pet project for me. I'm excited to get started with making and sending things! And I have some creative ideas for what I will receive, too. If privacy is a concern for any would-be participants, rest assured that your address would absolutely not be made public. Of course, all participants are to be held to the same privacy standards. Participants will receive addresses in round robin fashion; once a Typogram is sent to and received by one addressee, the sender will get another, random addressee. It will be up to the individuals involved as to wether they would like to continue correspondence with one another after the initial Typogram.
Contact: Please email any questions, comments or requests to Anna here.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Qwerty is a rainbow.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Learn to Type the U.S. Navy Way
Spelunking around today and I uncovered these videos on archive.org: proper typing position, some classic machines... good stuff!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Asbestos: A Typist's Best Friend?
Well, maybe not. Don't mind me, I'm just trying to identify the typewriter that was the model for this drawing. I'm thinking a round-top Royal QDL, myself...
Asbestos! Use it on your desk! On your clothes! Near food!
(from the Modern Mechanix blog)
Asbestos! Use it on your desk! On your clothes! Near food!
(from the Modern Mechanix blog)
Monday, July 23, 2012
Rare Typewriter Hiding in Tasmania
This article bubbled up on my "typewriter" newsfeed the other day. It's short on details, though:
Tapping into untold markets
Attention Tasmanians: kindly check your attics!
Tapping into untold markets
A rare 19th-century typewriter, which was heading for the tip, is now the centrepiece of a house lot that goes under the hammer in Burnie [July 21st].For want of a better term, it sounds like this is a "backstroke" typewriter, with the bars striking not the front or the underside of the platen, but the side opposite the operator. I'm hoping for some guidance from Richard or Alan here. In the meantime...
[...]
"The North's Typewriter had been in the family for 80 or 90 years and was destined for the skip bin," Mr Broadfield said.
[...]
"It is a very rare design. Only four models of this kind of typewriter, where the type stroke is not visible, were made."
Attention Tasmanians: kindly check your attics!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
21st Century Typewriter Repairs Made Easy
Just reading Scott's latest update on The Filthy Platen about getting a replacement part 3-D printed for a Remington. Folks, the future's here, no doubt about it. And I think there's a certain poetic beauty to using modern printing techniques to repair a classic printing machine.
Now, let's get Shapeways hooked up with the guys behind this video and we'll all be printing our own Remettes*
* Some assembly required
Now, let's get Shapeways hooked up with the guys behind this video and we'll all be printing our own Remettes*
* Some assembly required
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Raining typewriters in Northern Kentucky
It's raining typewriters -- and adding machines -- in Northern Kentucky, across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. This guy has a collection of many machines which he'll sell for $150 -- for all of them. But you have to take them all, you can't cherry-pick. I think I see an Oliver, an Olympia SG1, a Remington 12, etc. Maybe someone in the typosphere would like to rent a truck and come out to get these?
Here is the craigslist ad.
Here is the craigslist ad.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Post Your Typewriter Day Links Here
Hey everyone -- I should update the "Typewriter Day" page to reflect the 2012 events, and I'm far too busy/lazy to scrube through everyone's blogs. Can you please post a comment with the link or links to your celebrations/blog posts/acts of typewriter awesomeness?
As with any major holiday (ahem) the celebration didn't strictly have to take place on Saturday. Show-and-tell time, everyone!
As with any major holiday (ahem) the celebration didn't strictly have to take place on Saturday. Show-and-tell time, everyone!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
cafe la cuna distinguished by the typosphere
Breaking news: typewriter-friendly Café La Cuna in Basel, Switzerland, was awarded the "typewriter friendliest café" certificate on the occasion of a spontaneous type-in. The diploma was handed to the owner by the present representatives of the Swiss and American branches of the typosphere and respective runners of sommeregger's sammelsurium, maschinengeschrieben, and manual entry. !Viva la typosfera! !Viven typewriter friendly cafés!
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Typewriter Day 2012
Typewriter Day: June 23, 2012
Thought I forgot, didn't you?*Typewriter Day 2012 is this Saturday. Last year we had a trans-global virtual type-in with video and noise and suitable amounts of goggling at some members' superior finger-speed.
This appears to be the year of the occupier, so how about something a little more insurrectionist (within the bounds of civility, that is)? What would be a suitable radical activity/celebration for the 'sphere this year?
- Leave a copy of the Typewriter Insurgency Manifesto rolled into the platen of a plastic electronic wedge at your local thrift mart
- Strap a portable to a bike and try a little mobile art, a la Type Rider Maya Stein
- Stage a little poetry in the park
- Type on a train
- Peck out a postcard
- Send something personal back to junk mailers
* To be totally honest, I might have come this close to forgetting.
Salon article: Time for a typewriter renaissance?
Max likes to scan the documents he writes on his typewriter and post them to his blog. He’s not the only one who’s discovered this quirky pastime. Aficionados call it typecasting and they’ve named their Internet subculture “the typosphere.” ...
http://www.salon.com/2012/06/19/a_typewriter_renaissance/singleton/
http://www.salon.com/2012/06/19/a_typewriter_renaissance/singleton/
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
I write in order to lose time
From an interview with novelist Javier Marías:
Q: Why do you keep using your old typewriter [an Olympia Carrera de Luxe]? Is it a phobia of new technologies? Superstition?
A: No, I just like writing on paper, taking out the sheet, correcting it by hand, crossing things out, making arrows, typing it over again, and doing so as many times as I have to. I'm not in a hurry, I don't have to "save time" when I'm writing. To the contrary: in part, I write in order to lose time.
From the original Spanish text of the interview:
P. Cual es el motivo de seguir utilizando su vieja máquina de escribir ¿fobia a las nuevas tecnologías? ¿superstición?
R. No, simplemente me gusta escribir sobre papel, sacar la hoja, corregirla a mano, hacer mis tachaduras, mis flechas, volverla a teclear, y eso cuantas veces haga falta. No voy con prisa, no necesito “ganar tiempo” mientras escribo. Al contrario, en parte escribo para perderlo.
Q: Why do you keep using your old typewriter [an Olympia Carrera de Luxe]? Is it a phobia of new technologies? Superstition?
A: No, I just like writing on paper, taking out the sheet, correcting it by hand, crossing things out, making arrows, typing it over again, and doing so as many times as I have to. I'm not in a hurry, I don't have to "save time" when I'm writing. To the contrary: in part, I write in order to lose time.
From the original Spanish text of the interview:
P. Cual es el motivo de seguir utilizando su vieja máquina de escribir ¿fobia a las nuevas tecnologías? ¿superstición?
R. No, simplemente me gusta escribir sobre papel, sacar la hoja, corregirla a mano, hacer mis tachaduras, mis flechas, volverla a teclear, y eso cuantas veces haga falta. No voy con prisa, no necesito “ganar tiempo” mientras escribo. Al contrario, en parte escribo para perderlo.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
They want typewriters, not iPods
I just thought this bit of news was worth reblogging from Kevin L. Ferguson's typecast:
You can see the machines here.
"I’m heartened that at least 2/3 (so far) of the winners of a college-wide student writing contest have elected to take, as their prize, a typewriter rather than an iPod."
You can see the machines here.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Typosphere Keyword-o-Rama
(Idea shamelessly stolen from the munchkin wrangler)
Besides obsessively reloading the stats on my own blog, I thought all you fine folks might want a little view behind the Typospherical curtain. Here are the keywords folks used to locate this fine site this past week:
typosphere Hi! Yes, you found us! Unless you were looking for the Web Home of Science Fiction Writer Ron Collins or the Ruby language blogging software. Then you might be a bit lost and very confused. typewriters for sale Not here, sadly. If you have deep pockets, you can look at Mr. Typewriter or My Typewriter. If you're in the New York City area, maybe Brady & Kowalski can hook you up. If you're fortunate enough to live near a repair shop, I'm sure they have some machines you can come in and try: Tom at Cambridge Typewriter spreads typer-joy, as do the fine folks at Blue Moon Camera and Machine. Or Mesa Typewriter Exchange. A good search engine will be your friend here. Don't discount local, though. Flea markets, church bazaars, yard sales, thrift and charity shops. Typewriters are uncommon until you start finding them. Oh yeah, and that big auction site, but be wary of careful packing. Typewriters are fragile critters. custom typewriter Maybe you're thinking of Richard Polt's "silver surfer" technique? Or just spend some time clicking around the blog links over on the right: lots of us have painted or decorated our own machines. I'm currently taking a hard look at a grubby old Skyriter after seeing this racing-inspired customizing. welcome to the typosphere Hi, yes. We've met. 10-characters-per-inch pica 87 font You probably want to go look at Ted's scans of the NOMDA blue books, which have typeface styles. Sounds like you got in reallly close and read that little number on the typeslug. You've got better eyes than I do. bicycle typerider nyt You must mean Maya Stein. Isn't this a great thing? We already know that typewriters like to be photographed out-of-doors, but who knew they liked interstate bike rides, too? christopher lockett seattle Chris is the director of the typewriter documentary "The Typewriter in the 21st Century." He's a nice guy, too, and I'm not just saying that because he ran a microphone up my shirt. Amazingly soft hands, Chris has. dean jones kasbah mod And speaking of customized typewriters. I get itchy to buy paint and noxious chemicals when I take a look at these machines. hammacher schlemmer manual typewriter "is probably crap." There, I finished that for you. http://www.typosphere.info/ Little old us once again. Thanks for visiting! |
Friday, May 11, 2012
NY Times features Type Rider
The New York Times has just published a nice story about Maya Stein's "Type Rider" project:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/12/nyregion/with-typewriter-in-tow-cyclist-maya-stein-nurtures-creativity.html
See also:
The Type-Rider site
The Kickstarter site
Bikes and typers -- a natural combination!
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/12/nyregion/with-typewriter-in-tow-cyclist-maya-stein-nurtures-creativity.html
See also:
The Type-Rider site
The Kickstarter site
Bikes and typers -- a natural combination!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Has this one been posted?
I have new reason to go back to Vancouver!
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20120509-vancouvers-thriving-alternative-nightlife-scene
http://www.bbc.com/travel/feature/20120509-vancouvers-thriving-alternative-nightlife-scene
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Campy Rhinos?
Anyone out there in the 'sphere going to give Camp Nanowrimo a try this year? It's like regular NaNoWriMo, but held in June and August. I tried this last year, but had trouble working up the motivation to write every day during the peak of a California summer when the pool was so inviting. I could be convinced to "cheat" this year and spend a month rewriting and digitizing my 2011 draft. I appear to be crippled into inaction without a menacing deadline hanging over my head. Seems like this would be the perfect time of year for our Southern Hemisphere members to play along, too, as it's the depths of winter.
Anyone? I could be convinced to slap a little sunblock on the Nano Rhino. He's been hiding on my desk since November, and might enjoy the chance to dance on the keys again.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Rocking the Kasbah
Perhaps, like me, you've seen Kasbah Mod's beautiful custom typewriters.
But I didn't know that "around 75-100 machines are sold each month at prices ranging from $200 to $1,200."
The success of Kasbah Mod and USB Typewriter make me start to believe that the time is ripe for what McGet calls a 21st-century typewriter. What do you think?
But I didn't know that "around 75-100 machines are sold each month at prices ranging from $200 to $1,200."
The success of Kasbah Mod and USB Typewriter make me start to believe that the time is ripe for what McGet calls a 21st-century typewriter. What do you think?
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Latest typewriter news from NPR and LA Times
Latest news:
Steve Soboroff collects typewriters of the famous (L.A. Times story including references to the typewriter renaissance and a comment from me).
Zach Houston makes a living composing poems in public on a typewriter (NPR story complete with a clip from Leroy Anderson's "The Typewriter").
Steve Soboroff collects typewriters of the famous (L.A. Times story including references to the typewriter renaissance and a comment from me).
Zach Houston makes a living composing poems in public on a typewriter (NPR story complete with a clip from Leroy Anderson's "The Typewriter").
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Share Your Typewriter Stories
Along with a slightly oily-musty-sulpher smell and the occasional half-used eraser, many typewriters come to us with a story attached. Gary Nicholson (of typewriter documentary fame) is collecting photos and stories to include on their website in advance of the release of their film. Here's the information from Gary:
Obviously the Typosphere has a few stories about, and even if you're not part of the group proper, I'm sure Gary would be happy to hear from you.
Do you have a personal relationship with a typewriter? Do you remember using one that you loved? Your father's or your grandmother's? Do you use one now? We'd love to hear your story and if you have a photo, all the better. We will be collecting them for our website on the Typewriter in the 21st Century to coincide with the release of our feature film in Fall, 2012.
The email for responses is: typewritermovie@gmail.com
Thank you!
Obviously the Typosphere has a few stories about, and even if you're not part of the group proper, I'm sure Gary would be happy to hear from you.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Monday, April 9, 2012
Typewriter collecting earns SNL parody
Rev. Munk recently alerted us that Zooey Deschanel (or at least her character) collects typewriters on the TV Show "New Girl."
Now my wife has alerted me that Zooey's "quirkyness" was recently parodied on Saturday Night Live, including the typewriter collecting (at 2:15).
Typewriters are on the cultural radar for sure!
Now my wife has alerted me that Zooey's "quirkyness" was recently parodied on Saturday Night Live, including the typewriter collecting (at 2:15).
Typewriters are on the cultural radar for sure!
Friday, April 6, 2012
How is a Typewriter Like Google?
Well, if it's a Chinese typewriter -- or any designed to handle a large number of ideograms -- then there's a certain level of prediction that can be built into the system to help figure out "what's next."
Google does this when you type in the search box. I get as far as "typosp" before Google has figured out "typosphere" and placed this blog up at the top of the results (*blush*) This video talks about how Chinese typewriters pre-date the current predictive systems in use by engines like Google. Not coincidentally, it's a Google talk:
A Chinese Typewriter in Silicon Valley
And in case you've never seen one in action, here's some footage of a Chinese typewriter in use. Note the two-handed motion to slide the symbol-picking mechanism as the type-tray is also being arranged.
Chinese typewriter 中文打字機 1978
Thanks to the Typewriter Movie guys for the tip!
Google does this when you type in the search box. I get as far as "typosp" before Google has figured out "typosphere" and placed this blog up at the top of the results (*blush*) This video talks about how Chinese typewriters pre-date the current predictive systems in use by engines like Google. Not coincidentally, it's a Google talk:
A Chinese Typewriter in Silicon Valley
And in case you've never seen one in action, here's some footage of a Chinese typewriter in use. Note the two-handed motion to slide the symbol-picking mechanism as the type-tray is also being arranged.
Chinese typewriter 中文打字機 1978
Thanks to the Typewriter Movie guys for the tip!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Typewriters: The Long Farewell
Suzanne Fischer writes a little essay about the typewriter resurgence in this piece in the Atlantic, titled "The Long Farewell: Typewriters as Objects of Nostalgia." And this:
As a historian who cares about objects, I'm pleased by this new appreciation for typewriter aesthetics, and I'm hoping it will mean a decline in keychopping. Keychopping is the arguably pernicious practice of removing a typewriter's keys to make jewelry or to decorate olde-tyme projects. To typewriter enthusiasts and collectors, keychoppers are the enemy, destroying the integrity of typewriters and rendering them useless scrap.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Typewriters featured in a short video about NYC
rEVOLution from EFT Harmony on Vimeo.
Featuring typewriters made available by Rob Neuwirth and Andrea Haenggi at Occupy Wall Street a couple of weeks ago.Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Typewriters in film
Even though other typospherians have covered the issue better than I ever could, I thought I'd share some cinematic examples of mechanical writing machines. Mild spoilers, typewriter violence, and bad screencaps ahoy. You have been warned.
Our first example is found in the 2011 film, The Help. The glimpse is but fleeting, allowing yours truly to acquire little more than a hasty snap, but that Royal portable is there all the same.
Next up is the 2001 film, He Died with a Felafel in His Hand. Tough to describe this one, but try to imagine if Clerks and Trainspotting had a baby. In Australia. Professional weird-looking guy Noah Taylor plays a distracted and disenfranchised writer who just so happens to have a penchant for Kerouac.
Of course, HDwaFiHH is not all sunshine and roses. After a particularly disheartening event, Taylor's character does something...drastic.
Next is 2011's The Rum Diary by noted typewriter-user and stark-raving lunatic Hunter S. Thompson. I neglected to take any screens while I was watching it, so these images are courtesy of the 'tubes. Note also that Depp's character, Kemp, uses a Nakajima typewriter, which wasn't even available at the time (thanks to ozTypewriter for the info on that one). Still, several Royals are seen in the film, so I'm gonna give it credit.
Last and certainly not least we have 2009's Paper Man, starring Jeff Daniels and – once again – Emma Stone. DO NOT JUDGE ME, INTERNET. Kind of a weird flick, it features a SCM Electra pretty prominently.
Like Felafel, unfortunately Paper Man too indulges in scribeosadism when Daniels' character, in fit of...something pries the H key off the poor machine and promptly loses it for the rest of the film.
That's it for now! -M
Our first example is found in the 2011 film, The Help. The glimpse is but fleeting, allowing yours truly to acquire little more than a hasty snap, but that Royal portable is there all the same.
On the one hand, the quality of this picture is terrible. On the other hand, Emma Stone. |
Next up is the 2001 film, He Died with a Felafel in His Hand. Tough to describe this one, but try to imagine if Clerks and Trainspotting had a baby. In Australia. Professional weird-looking guy Noah Taylor plays a distracted and disenfranchised writer who just so happens to have a penchant for Kerouac.
Even the title cards are typed out. |
Typing away. |
Of course, HDwaFiHH is not all sunshine and roses. After a particularly disheartening event, Taylor's character does something...drastic.
Where...where you goin' with that typewriter, fella? |
For God's sake, man! Don't do it! |
Nooooooo- |
-oooooooo- |
-ooooooo! |
Ironically enough, he receives a BAROP sometime later. Oh sweet irony. |
Next is 2011's The Rum Diary by noted typewriter-user and stark-raving lunatic Hunter S. Thompson. I neglected to take any screens while I was watching it, so these images are courtesy of the 'tubes. Note also that Depp's character, Kemp, uses a Nakajima typewriter, which wasn't even available at the time (thanks to ozTypewriter for the info on that one). Still, several Royals are seen in the film, so I'm gonna give it credit.
Johnny Depp, looking like Johnny Depp. |
Same here. |
Last and certainly not least we have 2009's Paper Man, starring Jeff Daniels and – once again – Emma Stone. DO NOT JUDGE ME, INTERNET. Kind of a weird flick, it features a SCM Electra pretty prominently.
Hardly an Underwood 5, but I'm going to allow it. |
Like Felafel, unfortunately Paper Man too indulges in scribeosadism when Daniels' character, in fit of...something pries the H key off the poor machine and promptly loses it for the rest of the film.
That's kind of thing is contraindicated by the service manual, you monster! |
You deserve to look miserable, Daniels. |
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Denver TV news typewriter story
A Denver TV news show has devoted five precious minutes to the typewriter revival. They gush over a cursive Smith-Corona and show a local repairman.
Story here.
Story here.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Type Rider
Maybe well-timed, considering the recent movie trailer for On the Road, but Maya Stein is going to head out with a bike and a typewriter and a head full of poetry and trace a route that looks like it's going to come within shouting distance of many in the Typosphere.
She's got a Kickstarter page up about the project. Anyone out there in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, or Wisconsin? (That's a silly question: of course there are.)
She's got a Kickstarter page up about the project. Anyone out there in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, or Wisconsin? (That's a silly question: of course there are.)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
100's of typewriters for sale in L.A. area March 16-17
A sale on March 16-17 in San Pedro, CA includes lots of typewriters, especially postwar office machines but also plenty of portables and some older machines (such as an Oliver 9). I expect it will be a good chance to get an affordable Selectric, KMM, SG3, or other excellent writing machine.
Go to this page and scroll through the photos until you start hitting the typewriters.
http://www.brightestatesales.com/march-16-17-san-pedro-photos.html
Right now they don't provide any details on exactly where and when the sale is. But you can send them an e-mail through their site, or visit them on Facebook.
Go to this page and scroll through the photos until you start hitting the typewriters.
http://www.brightestatesales.com/march-16-17-san-pedro-photos.html
Right now they don't provide any details on exactly where and when the sale is. But you can send them an e-mail through their site, or visit them on Facebook.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
"On the Road" trailer
This trailer for "On the Road" prominently features Kerouac's Underwood portable and his famous continuous roll of paper.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Antiques & Auction News story
You can read my story about typewriter collecting and the typosphere in the latest issue of Antiques & Auction News:
http://issuu.com/antiquesandauctionnews/docs/ant_030912
http://issuu.com/antiquesandauctionnews/docs/ant_030912
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Future definition of a typewriter
William Pannapacker has written a great article on typewriting that appears in the Chronicle of Higher Education, and with his permission I've also added it to my collection of "Typewriter Tributes."
Here I wanted to share one of the readers' comments on his article, which I think is perfect. (I fixed a few typos.)
Here I wanted to share one of the readers' comments on his article, which I think is perfect. (I fixed a few typos.)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Hammacher Schlemmer Flimflam?
Witness the Classic Manual Typewriter for sale at Hammacher Schlemmer, a catalog retailer in the U.S.. Priced at $199.95 and sporting a profile not at all dissimilar to a late-model Brother, this machine is supposedly newly manufactured, "not refurbished" (as the catalog proudly states.)
Just for comparison's sake, here's my own machine: $3 from the thrift store, plus a can of automotive paint:
I bet $199.95 spent at someplace like Cambridge Typewriter will get you a better machine than this new "Royal" whatever-it-is, and will actually last, too.
Just for comparison's sake, here's my own machine: $3 from the thrift store, plus a can of automotive paint:
I bet $199.95 spent at someplace like Cambridge Typewriter will get you a better machine than this new "Royal" whatever-it-is, and will actually last, too.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
contribute to the typewriter encyclopedia
Please join and contribute to wikitype.net, a wiki-based encyclopedia for typewriters and all things related.
Wishing for a good start,
yours, shordzi
Collaborative typewritten poetry in Winnipeg
Winnipeg poet Christoff Engbrecht owns between 30 and 40 typewriters, all manual, some of them dating back a century. The click-clack-ding and the spooled ribbons, ink-smudged fingers and tangible byproduct of all that clacking turn the writing process into both an auditory and visual experience, he says. "It's like you're seeing writing happen."
Engbrecht, 37, is one half (along with David Streit) of the "writing-event collective" Poor Tree, which uses old typewriters and portable turntables to create their sound art. He and Streit will co-write (alternating lines on their respective typewriters) and then read aloud their poems onstage, sometimes alongside live musicians.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Typewriters are in style (2)
OK, here are two more, kind of silly indications that typewriters are all the rage:
Typewriter nails
Typewriter-themed hotel room
Typewriter nails
Typewriter-themed hotel room
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Typewriters are in style
Design by Mary Kantrantzou.
Source
Another story shows a Kantrantzou dress featuring typewriter keys.
A closeup (source) shows that the typewriter is a QWERTZ:
UPDATE: the image on the dress was almost certainly based on typospherian Adwoa's photo of her repainted Olivetti Lettera 35 (see comments).
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Untouched Poetry
You name a subject, you name a price, and Knowles writes you a poem. ... "I love typewriters, because I purchase them from antique stores and I imagine all of the owners who pressed the keys before me, and how many letters, stories or words that it produced. They have a positive energy."
More ...
More ...
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Convenient Typer
Could this be the realization of the Maker/Typosphere confluence?
http://blog.makezine.com/2012/02/08/the-convenient-typer
Max Lupo of Barrie, ON, built this rig by which three people can cooperatively type out “it is as it is” using four key-punchers and a space bar presser.
OK Max, you've proven your skills. Now let's see you rig up something to type my novel for me next November.
http://blog.makezine.com/2012/02/08/the-convenient-typer
Max Lupo of Barrie, ON, built this rig by which three people can cooperatively type out “it is as it is” using four key-punchers and a space bar presser.
OK Max, you've proven your skills. Now let's see you rig up something to type my novel for me next November.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Moby Dick typed on toilet paper
http://www.ebay.com/itm/260940598024
I asked, "I'm wondering what model of typewriter you used."
Response: "So am I since it was done about 15 years ago and I no longer have the typewriter. I can tell you that it was used, electric and purchased from a Good Will store. Also, the neighbors in my apartment weren't too thrilled hearing clack-clack-clack-ding-clack-clack-clack coming through their walls at all hours of the day. Sadly, I trashed it once the project was complete."
I asked, "I'm wondering what model of typewriter you used."
Response: "So am I since it was done about 15 years ago and I no longer have the typewriter. I can tell you that it was used, electric and purchased from a Good Will store. Also, the neighbors in my apartment weren't too thrilled hearing clack-clack-clack-ding-clack-clack-clack coming through their walls at all hours of the day. Sadly, I trashed it once the project was complete."
Friday, January 20, 2012
Free-riffic
OK, so I have recently become addicted to the heady rush of Amazon reviews. Good or ill, they measure the barometer of what readers think, and I'm totally all about that.
So, on the sage advice of Mr. JA "One Bazillion Copies Sold" Konrath, I hereby tender the following offer: drop me a line at Mike(dot)Speegle(at)Gmail.com, and I will send you a copy of Pen and Platen, totally gratis. All I ask in return is that you post up an honest review on Amazon when you're done reading it.
Cool? Cool.
So, on the sage advice of Mr. JA "One Bazillion Copies Sold" Konrath, I hereby tender the following offer: drop me a line at Mike(dot)Speegle(at)Gmail.com, and I will send you a copy of Pen and Platen, totally gratis. All I ask in return is that you post up an honest review on Amazon when you're done reading it.
Cool? Cool.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
I Fail to See the Problem
Adopt a Typewriter Today, says Ashland Creek Press. I know the video is supposed to be funny, but how did they get into my brain?
Monday, January 9, 2012
Message from Christopher Lockett
Hello Typosphere,
Christopher Lockett, Director of the documentary film "The Typewriter (In The 21st Century)" here. Tomorrow, we're off to shoot a bunch of interviews, some interesting historic typewriters and generally typewriter-related people, things and events on the east coast. We'll be driving through 13 states in 8 days with a whole lot of interviews in between. Suffice it to say that we can not reach everyone we'd like to feature in the film. But I think we will have an interesting cross-section of people represented by the time we wrap.
But as you all have been generous with your time, assisting in research and offering guidance, I want to try to include you in the film. Many of you posted videos to YouTube on World Typewriter Day last year. Would you consider sending a 30-second clip of that footage to our Dropbox account? If we get enough footage, I envision a split or multi-screen montage in the film featuring people at their typewriters.
Let me know if that's something you'd consider doing. I'll be on the road, so might not be able to respond right away, but will get back to everyone who replies.
Thank you,
Christopher Lockett
Director, The Typewriter (In The 21st Century)
PS (Jan. 11): We've worked it out that whenever anyone emails me, I bounce the email to producer Gary Nicholson and he sends them a Dropbox invite. A few people have already uploaded their videos. I can't view them until I meet with Gary in NYC in a few days.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
ITAM?
Is International Typewriter Appreciation Month going to be an annual event? Only the typosphere knows for sure.
link goes to last year's commemorative stamp.
link goes to last year's commemorative stamp.
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