TRANSLATION:

ROYAL TAB-O-MATIC

Wanting to see what would happen to my writing without auto-correct and spellcheck, I asked around to see if anybody could give me any recommendations on good places to pet old typewriters. A few days later my friend Laura brought me two machines that her dad didn't want anymore.

I have spent the last week attempting to get used to using them and figuring out some of hidden tricks buried in the old metallic casings. The sound of these hammers connecting with the paper is very soothing and quite meditative. Much like playing rudiments on a snare drum. While I'm certain that time will reveal more and mere to love about writing this way, I am already quite fond.

This morning I spent an hour or so writing on this ROYAL TAB-O-MATIC. I put down two pages on my current WIP and then turned around to go on my computer. Yes. The digital world does indeed offer some convenience. It is much easier to correct mistakes and connect with friends all over the world through Facebook and email. But the FEEL of my wireless keyboard is flimsy, plastic and lifeless. There is no energy in the words appearing on the screen.

My mind might change about this, but right now I much prefer "analog" typing over "digital". Not only does it sound better, my fingers appreciate the tactile sensation of depressing the keys, throwing the hammers and seeing the result of the effort pressed into the page without hesitation or remorse.

Geeking out, as I am known to do, I found several interesting spots on the WWW with other dorks like me interested in these machines. One place in particular out geeks me far beyond my expectations. UUSBTypewriters.com makes conversion kits to allow your analog machine to control your digital. With little effort (according to their website) you can modify your typewriter to connect to your computer through USB and become they keyboard for your software. Let me see if I'm interested... Umm .. .

HELL YES!!!

I read through the page giving   a   list   of   all  machines compatible with  the modification  set.   Since I couldn’t find mine on there,  I sent an email asking if it will  work. Cross your fingers gang' If it    works, I’m gonna dive in.

I'll keep you posted.

In the mean time,  have a great holiday!!!

Don't forget, if you love someone, give them the heebie jeebies this 

As we come to the close of 2013, and I am a geek of the manly persuasion, it’s list time! I’ve compiled a selection my favorite sounds and reads from the past twelve lunar cycles. The twenty albums I have chosen were all released during the year while the twenty-five books happen to be the stories that moved me the most whether they are brand spanking or have a few flecks of dust on their jackets. Since it was difficult enough to slim down and make choices for my lists of favorites, I put them all in alphabetical order rather than top to bottom.
I’m certain you all have your picks from the year. Please feel free to share/debate/argue/praise/dismiss!

I hope there are some new things here that you enjoy

-a

MY FAVORITE RECORDS of 2013

(in alphabetical order)

• Biffy Clyro – Opposites
  


• City and Colour – The Hurry and the Harm
  


• Elbow – Live At Jodrell Bank
  


• Elvis Costello & The Roots – Wise Up Ghost
  


• Frank Turner – “Tape Deck Heart”
  


• Keith Jarrett Trio – Somewhere
  


• Neil Finn & Paul Kelley – Goin’ Your Way
  


• Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds – Live From KCRW
  


• Nils Frahm – Spaces
  


• Nine Inch Nails – Hesitation Marks
  


• Olafur Arnalds – For Now I Am Winter
  


• Patty Griffin – American Kid
  


• Pearl Jam – Lightening Bolt
  


• Peter Gabriel – And I’ll Scratch Yours
  


• Sarah Jarosz – Build Me Up From Bones
  


• Swans – Not Here Not Now
  


• Sylvain Chauveau – Kogetsudai
  


• The Dunwells – Follow the Road
  


• The Joy Formidable – Wolf’s Law
  


• Woodkid – The Golden Age
  

FAVORITE BOOKS (that I read in) 2013

(in alphabetical order)

• Alto, AJ – Touched
  


• Bradbury, Ray – The Day It Rained Forever
  


• Butler, Blake – There Is No Year
  


• Chute, Robert Chazz – This Plague of Days 1
  


• Coleman, Reed Farrel – Gun Church
  


• Davidson, Craig – The Fighter
  


• Duncan, Glen – The Last Werewolf
  


• Gaiman, Neil – The Ocean At The End Of The Lane
  


• Grimly, Gris/Mary Shelley– Gris Grimly’s Frankenstein
  


• Hill, Joe – N0S4A2
  


• Hitchens, Christopher – God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything
  


• Howey, Hugh – Wool
  


• Junger, Sebastian – War
  


• King, Stephen – Cell
  


• Krall, Jordan – King Scratch
  


• Lindqvist, John Ajvide – Let The Old Dreams Die
  


• Luna, Steven – Songs From The Penomenal Nothing
  


• Persun, Terry – Hear No Evil
  


• Ratliff, Troy Aaron - Do I Bother You At Night?
  


• Richards, Keith – Life
  


• Serafini, Luigi – Codex Seraphinianus
  


• Shipp, Jeremy – Monstrosities
  


• Shriver, Lionel – We Need To Talk About Kevin
  


• Vonnegut, Kurt – 2BR02B
  


• Wendig, Chuck – 250 Things You Should Know About Writing