Some notes for the conclusion to my presentation, and a pleasing passage from the Stephen King time-travel novel I'm reading on the long trip to South America.
Obsolete technology, only to those who do not appreciate and use it. I thought of Roy Underhill as I read your conclusion. Roy only ever used old hand tools from the 18th and part of 19th century and built all kinds of things, including a wonderful post and beam barn pegged together. I used to watch his program on PBS because I loved using old tools and the old hand fired blacksmith forge to build muzzle loader firearms and other black powder items. Now I use fountain pens, typewriters, film cameras, and still listen to my vinyl on tube equipment (and carbon-shellac 78's on a real Victrola).
A great airport typecast, and even in blue ink! I found the entire article fascinating, but especially your insights into Arandt and the concept of work versus action.
I find it interesting that these typing machines, though originally conceived as workplace productivity tools, so easily inspire us to create anew. There are many times when I'm at work, daydreaming about the weekend to come when I can sit down at a typewriter and bash out a bit of nonsense.
Times change... yet Tom Hitt still picked up a Smith-Corona Sterling for $14 :)
ReplyDeleteObsolete technology, only to those who do not appreciate and use it. I thought of Roy Underhill as I read your conclusion. Roy only ever used old hand tools from the 18th and part of 19th century and built all kinds of things, including a wonderful post and beam barn pegged together. I used to watch his program on PBS because I loved using old tools and the old hand fired blacksmith forge to build muzzle loader firearms and other black powder items. Now I use fountain pens, typewriters, film cameras, and still listen to my vinyl on tube equipment (and carbon-shellac 78's on a real Victrola).
ReplyDeleteI like a LOT of what was said in #3. Indeed when I sit a typewriter there isn't often a perceived outcome, and such it becomes an adventure.
ReplyDeleteA great airport typecast, and even in blue ink! I found the entire article fascinating, but especially your insights into Arandt and the concept of work versus action.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that these typing machines, though originally conceived as workplace productivity tools, so easily inspire us to create anew. There are many times when I'm at work, daydreaming about the weekend to come when I can sit down at a typewriter and bash out a bit of nonsense.