An explanation is in order. Last week, there may have been some confusion around the fact that the coffee machine communicated with me. To be clear, the machine does not talk. She sends messages through a mounted menu screen. The screen also has a touch pad, so no external mouse is needed. It wouldn’t be right to think that the machine has the human ability to speak. She has reasoning ability through her AI construct, which leads to her being able to ask questions. For example, today, she wondered if she should make coffee to go.
Declining the to-go cup and ordering the standard was the prelude to grabbing the clock. The time was set to March 1, 1925. The location is New York City and the duration is one hour. A pull of the plunger and we land in New York City. We are just in time to witness the founding of Viking Press.
The publisher Viking Press was founded in New York by Harold K. Guinzburg (formerly of Simon and Schuster) and George S. Oppenheimer, advertising manager for Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. The Viking Press is an American publishing company that specializes in bringing books to a wide audience. It was formerly known as Viking Penguin and Viking Books.
After one glass of champagne, the alarm goes off and we find ourselves on the couch. There is a text from Linda Hill. It reads:
To see what others have done with the prompt visit Linda’s blog; here’s the link: https://lindaghill.com/2025/02/28/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-1-2025/
Mouse by John W. Howell © 2024
“I guess visiting a publisher is interesting for your author readers.”
“You didn’t find it interesting?”
“Well, I would say no for one who can barely do a comic book a year.”
“Well, seeing such an established firm remain successful after 100 years was fun.”
“Maybe a cake and candles would be appropriate.”
“I think we can just let it go.”
“A good idea. No sense making a cat and mouse game out of it.”
“What does that mean?”
“You’re trying to defend visiting an author-centric place and trying to convince me that it is interesting.”
“Oh. I see. Yeah cat and mouse is not on the agenda today.”
“So what is?”
“A quiet place where we can relax.”
“That serves peanuts?”
“I suppose.”
“And has a shuffle board?”
“Yes.”
“Pool table and darts.”
“Very nice.”
“And has Voo Doo Ranger Imperials on ice?”
“Yup Order an Uber.”
“Already did. He’s over there.”
Photo by Dan Antion
“I can’t believe it. We struck gold this time.”
“I thought you would be mad.”
“Oh, heck no. That van is from a beverage supplier.”
“Yeah so?”
“I’ll bet he has a few VooDoo Rangers in there.”
“Never thought of that. I just wanted cheap.”
“Looks like we have both worlds. Let’s go.”
Fiction Favorites 
I don’t know. That first paragraph sounds like something a sentient coffee machine would write to throw us off the trail. She’s preparing some kind of coffee-based Matrix world for humanity, right? If she includes hot chocolate then I’m in because reality isn’t fun.
Also, Viking Penguin is an awesome name for a publishing company and a real penguin.
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I will have to ask if chocolate is on the menu. I loved your comment about the coffee machine having a plan for us. Thanks, Charles.
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Oooh, now I wonder, Charles.
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Looks like a great day ahead, as long as the driver isn’t the Voodoo Ranger himself.
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That is very true, Craig. 😀 Reminds me of the line in the Twilight movie in the van. “You want to see something really scary?’
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It’s good to see businesses that have survived for 100 years, John. When you think of all the changes in that time, it’s quite an accomplishment.
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It’s good to see businesses that have survived for 100 years, John. When you think of all the changes in that time, it’s quite an accomplishment.
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First I had to login twice, then the duplicate 😦
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Most of the Tweet buttons are not working right too.
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The whole platform is getting close to dumpster fire status.
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I agree. I don’t know what to do either.
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It is, Dan. Especially in the publishing business
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That would be so exciting to visit a publishing house from 100 years ago.
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I think so too, Darlene.
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I didn’t yawn through the publishing/author part of your post, John, so you’re good. I actually found it interesting. As for the Uber, I only hope that you all fit in the front seat…or is it preferable to sit in the back with the many “beverages?” 😉
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I am taking a chair to sit back there. I could use some quiet time. Thanks, Mary.
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Maybe this is weird, but I like to read the author acknowledgements where they thank their publisher. Being in the writing business with the same company for so long must be some kind of small comfort.
One hundred years is commendable. **raises coffee cup**
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I think I would thank my publisher too.
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Very interesting to me! Great post today. On a side note, AI may be taking over the world 🌎 The coffee pots will rise up 😉
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I think I might be AI myself.
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Me too!!
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😀
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Great historical story about the publisher, John. Riding in a beverage vehicle would be interesting. Have a good weekend.
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Have a good weekend as well, Tim
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I’m always up for a little publishing industry history!
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Me too, Liz.
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Let’s go! :D🌺
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😀
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I am glad you are not having actual conversations with your coffee machine but I expect its coming. I liked the information about Viking very much.
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Thanks, Robbie.
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Aw gee, and here I thought you discovered the only talking coffee maker! Wow, talk about misrepresentation!
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It does communicate after all.
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Uh, oh… You won’t tell it about me, right?
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No, you are safe. 😀
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Phew!
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It’s almost unheard of these days for any business to remain solvent for 100 years. I found it quite interesting. 🙂 Great choice for the uber!
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I know right? Thanks for your lovely comment, Jan
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Fun context, John.
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Thank you, Pat
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That’s a special ride! 😀 Cheers!
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Cheers, Michele. Thank you. 😀
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Welcome! 😊
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You drive, I’ll drink!
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Deal.
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Nicely done! I hope there’s a drink in that ride for you.
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Several dozen. 😀
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Now if you don’t make it to the pub, that’s okay because you’re already there!
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True. just kick back in the back
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Right!
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I’m quite fond of mice, except in the house. No mouse in the house!
Misha is on it!
Okay, I don’t believe you guys will find VooDoo in that van. It appears to be transporting coffee.
However, if you do find VooDoo, I’m betting you’re each a brown roasted bean right now.
🟤🫘 👹X 🟤🫘
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Ha ha ha.🍺X 🫛X ☕️X
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🍺X 🐭X ☕️X
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2(🍺X 🐭X ☕️X)
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3(🍺X 🐭X ☕️X)
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🏆💋🏆
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Playing catch-up today!
As long as the coffee machine keeps it polite…
You can tell your VooDoo buddy that learning something new is always interesting – even if doesn’t appreciate it!
Never mind Resa; you never know… there could be a stash of beer in there!
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I say there is a stash in there.
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I agree!
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Yes, indeed.
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In the publishing world, 100 years seems like a truly big deal. Well done, John.
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It does. Thanks, Monika.
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This was one of your best, John, especially the lead-up to the Uber.
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Thank you, Jennie. Love to hear that. 😊
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You’re welcome!
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😊
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