Idols by Tim Gautreaux

Ryan told me that there is a story about a typewriter repairman in the June 22 issue of The New Yorker. I read the story today and quite enjoyed it.

Give it a read, it's online.

The next day, the old man and two high-school boys delivered Julian’s purchases. Upstairs, Mr. Poxley stared at the sagging bedroom ceiling. “Say, what you do for a livin’?”

“I sell and service typewriters on a business route in Memphis.”

“Typewriters,” Mr. Poxley repeated, as if Julian had said buggy whips or steam engines. “We threw our last one out ten years ago.”

“Some places need reliable old models to fill out forms and such.” Julian spread open a sheet over his new mattress. “Antique shops want rare models restored.”

The old man gave the house the once-over, looked down the flaking hall, across the warped pine flooring, gazed up at the cloth-covered wires snaking along the ceiling. “For your sake, I hope typin’ comes back in style.”

Unrelatedly, check out the Daily Show clip about the New York Times in Sotto Voce's post.

--------------Silent Type update-------------

Silent Type update is pretty much going to be a regular feature at the bottom of posts, BTW.

I will indicate whose entries I have received on the spreadsheet, so check it out to make sure yours arrived. (I do not check the PO box every day, so there may be some delay). Thank you to those of you who have sent yours.

I hear tell that some of you are concerned about the quality of your submissions and/or are considering non-participation. I am here to officially declare this silliness, and will be fully expecting to see your submission in the mailbox. **cough MPClemens cough**. It is not too late to send your entries-- please get them in the mail!

If it makes anyone feel better, my own entry is quite half-baked.