12 Comments
User's avatar
Beverley Bley's avatar

Another thought provoking column Graham. I am in the "born with curiosity" column. I love nothing more than researching & finding info & solutions...Google and the internet just make it easier than ever. I have two adult sons. The older one wouldn't research something to save his life. The younger one inherited my genes (obviously LOL) & is always eager to find out all he can on whatever subject peaks his interest. Your typewriter examples are brilliant! Wish I still had my old Corona...wait, my younger son has it. Go figure!

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

Even in July, I would not jump in the water off the coat of Ireland.... brrrr .... And now you've reminded me that I need to clean that 1950 Underwood, in perfect working order. It needs a new ribbon though.

Expand full comment
Graham Strong's avatar

Nice! My wife got me a 1930s(?) Underwood. Looks great in my Zoom Room! I've played with it a bit and it seems to work (probably could use a new ribbon, too). But I really want to find the time to use it more, like for typewritten thank you notes that Tom Hanks talks about in the doc...

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

I inherited that tank from my father (I think he got it from the police station when they retired the old clunkers). It weighs a ton. I typed a few stories on it years ago, with some letters jumping up and all that... Ah, the sound of clacking keys...

Expand full comment
Graham Strong's avatar

I know -- love the sound! But just not practical in my line of work... lol

For a time, I had a program that ran in the background of Windows that gave the typewriter sound whenever you typed. Loved it. A client of mine sent me a typewriter keyboard as well, which also included the feel (mostly) of a typewriter.

There's something reassuring in the heft, isn't there?

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

Reassuring? Every time I have to move it to dust underneath I'm afraid I'll pull a muscle! It used to sit on top of a bookshelf ... bad idea ... it fell off and almost brained my stepson. It made a dent in the concrete pad under the carpet. Now, it sits at knee level, much safer. These things were not made to be moved. I'm typing this on a MacBook Air, lol.

Expand full comment
Graham Strong's avatar

lol - yes, there are downsides to typewriters. Especially when compared to MacBook Airs.

I had to Google what "dust underneath" meant. Isn't that something you do when you move?!?

Expand full comment
M.E. Proctor's avatar

Ahahaha! Yeah, you mostly "dust around" but the thing has a 'floating keyboard', which means it's hollow ... unless you want to catch layers of dust bunnies, you better get under it. I found a picture of my machine online, you'll see what I mean: https://www.etsy.com/listing/4332590644/underwood-antique-manual-1950s-to-70s

Expand full comment