It’s not just the dainty pressing of keys we’re talking about, and none of those pansy wrist pads are involved. We’re talking real, blood-circulating, bone-strengthening snapping on the machine. We’re talking about the sweep and thump of the carriage after each line, the bing of the bell adding a little music. We’re talking exercise not just for the fingers and hands, but for the heart and mind. Simply put, I type to stay physically fit and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
I use typewriters because I like their names. Don’t throw your high-tech Millennium terminology at me, like Microsoft (something very small, and very soft?), Multiscan 1705, SyQuest, Aip drives, Ram Doubler 2000 or Trinitron 300 ES (a bad sci-fi movie?). Give me the old names, those regal, elegant names that are fun to pronounce and have small, manageable numbers: Remington 2, Royal De Luxe 5, Penncrest Caravelle 10, Smith-Corona Classic 12. —Bill Meissner —Tribute to the Typewriter (The Classic Typewriter)
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dennis....saw part of my essay on your page
fyi, & if you want to support your local typist,
i have a new novel out [a serious one]:
SPIRITS IN THE GRASS [it's from the U of Notre Dame Press]
cheers for typing,
bill meissner
st cloud, mn
At my previous job, every two years I had to fill out a form that said I had done some paperwork that gave me permission to let students conduct polls in my technical writing classes. The form only asked for a few bits of information, but in huge capital letters it insisted that I type it all out. Two years would go by without me touching a typewriter, and then this form would arrive in the (snail) mail. It took me much longer than necessary to fill out that form, because I had to re-learn how to use an electric typewriter.
Having said all that, I did type my first short stories on my mom's old manual typewriter -- it was probably the one she took to college with her in the 50s.
You know, three weeks ago I woulda thought this person was wack... but since my job requires me to use a typewritter almost every day, I can appreciate what he is saying. I still think, however, that computers have something over typerwritters: SPELL CHECK! ;)
He's probably used to that kind of ribbon.
Get it... ribbon? Ribbin'?
Ahem. Sorry.
"Simply put, I type to stay physically fit and to maintain a healthy lifestyle."
Somebody is nuts.