Tom Fasano

Every Star Trek Movie Ranked

Tom FasanoMovie ReviewsJanuary 21, 2025 21

Every Star Trek Movie, Ranked. I would rank “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country” (1991) as Number 1. Just me.

Boston’s Last Typewriter Store Closing

Tom FasanoTypewritersJanuary 19, 2025 13

BOSTON – Cambridge Typewriter Co., the last remaining typewriter store in the Boston area, is set to close its doors in March 2025 after more than 50 years in business. The closure comes at a time when typewriters are experiencing an unexpected revival in popularity.

Tom Furrier, the store’s owner, has announced his retirement after 45 years of repairing, selling, and maintaining typewriters. The shop, located in Arlington, Massachusetts, has been a fixture in the community since 1968.

Despite the store’s impending closure, the typewriter industry has seen a resurgence in recent years. Sales of manual typewriters have increased, particularly among younger generations who are discovering these vintage machines for the first time.

Industry experts attribute this renewed interest to several factors:

1. Nostalgia for analog technology in an increasingly digital world
2. The appeal of a distraction-free writing environment
3. The tactile experience of using a mechanical device
4. The aesthetic value of typewriters as decorative items

However, the closure of Cambridge Typewriter Co. highlights a growing challenge in the industry: the scarcity of skilled technicians capable of repairing and maintaining these machines. As stores like Furrier’s close, typewriter enthusiasts may find it increasingly difficult to service their machines.

The store’s closure marks the end of an era for the Boston area, leaving typewriter aficionados to seek alternatives for purchasing and maintaining their beloved machines.

Despite this setback, the typewriter’s enduring appeal suggests that these classic writing instruments may continue to find new admirers in the digital age.

The Typewriter’s Return

Tom FasanoTypewritersJanuary 18, 2025 11

As a hack writer, I find the recent article Why the Typewriter Resurgence Matters for Democracy intriguing, especially its connection to democracy and the digital age. The author, Sheryl Oring, offers a unique insight into how a seemingly outdated technology is making a powerful comeback. Here’s my take on this fascinating trend.

Oring’s observation of the typewriter’s revival is not just about a vintage fad. It coincides with a broader cultural movement towards more intentional and secure communication. In an era dominated by digital screens and instant messaging, the typewriter’s tactile nature provides a refreshing change. As someone who has witnessed the impact of digital media on journalism, I can relate to the public’s growing desire for a more deliberate approach to information sharing.

The article beautifully captures the moment when Katharine Tito, a graphic design student, discovers the allure of the typewriter. The act of slowing down, carefully choosing words, and feeling the weight of each keystroke is a powerful experience. In our fast-paced world, this deliberate process encourages a deeper engagement with thoughts and words, something often lost in the digital realm.

Oring’s “I Wish to Say” project, where people dictate messages to U.S. presidents, highlights the typewriter’s role in fostering trust and connection. In an age of political polarization, this “radical listening” can bridge divides and encourage genuine dialogue. As journalists, we understand the importance of listening and creating spaces for diverse voices to be heard.

The typewriter’s resurgence is part of a larger trend, as young people seek real-world interactions beyond social media. From running groups to reading parties, there’s a renewed appreciation for face-to-face communication. This shift reminds us that, as journalists, we must remain connected to our audiences and communities, ensuring our work is not just about digital clicks but also about meaningful human connections.

The typewriter’s comeback is a fascinating phenomenon, offering valuable lessons for journalists and society at large. It encourages us to slow down, listen deeply, and reconsider our relationship with technology. As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, these lessons can help us strengthen democracy and foster more meaningful connections.

Fax Art

Tom FasanoArtDecember 12, 2024 18

I sent the fax to myself, something called a loopback fax. I do not actually own a fax machine (analog faxing). I pay for a fax service and can easily send the fax to myself. Also, my fax number is posted above. So send me your art if you’re equipped to do so.

Just in case anyone’s interested, here’s what the original looks like.

Posts about Art

A Little Christmasey

Tom FasanoHolidaysDecember 10, 2024 17

Typecast done with a Royal Safari typewriter

A thermal print of the Royal Safari I used to type this post.

Posts about Christmas

Micro Cassettes, Stamps, and a Swintec Typewriter

Tom FasanoTypewritersNovember 4, 2024 43

August Kleinzahler, a Poet Who Loves His Typewriter

Tom FasanoPoetsOctober 21, 2024 33

San Francisco’s Angry Poet

One of my favorite poets, August Kleinzahler, uses a Smith-Corona typewriter exclusively, and sometimes while sitting on the toilet. In the photo, the bad boy of American poetry has a drink at one of his hangouts, the Zam Zam bar in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

Posts about Poets

Working on WordPress Stuff

Tom FasanoFrom the Desk of Tom FasanoOctober 18, 2024 62

Spent the morning working on blog design, that is, WordPress stuff. Also, I received a huge pile of microcassette tapes from a guy on eBay who just wanted to offload them pretty cheap. I plan to use them in my Cassette Tape Radio Show. That’s all coming soon — now that I’m recovering from carpal tunnel surgery.