So here’s how it goes. I open a book to a random page and then, without looking, point to the page. The word or words closest to the pointing finger then becomes the prompt. Today the book is The Last Drive (Of course). The page is 86, and the word is ‘banker.’
Banker by John W. Howell © 2023
“What did he say?”
“Who?”
“The banker, for heaven’s sake.”
“Oh, he was very nice.”
“So it was a ‘no.'”
“I didn’t say that. I said he was nice.”
“Which means you didn’t have anything else to say.”
“Yeah, he turned us down.”
“So what are we going to do now?”
“Go to a different bank, I suppose.”
“This was the last one in town.”
“I don’t get it. We have the invention of the decade and can’t get any backers.”
“Maybe they don’t understand how big this could be.”
“That could be, but how do we convince them?”
“I don’t know. Maybe if we used our invention in something other than our demonstration.”
“What can be more impressive than burning down a building?”
“That’s just it. Maybe we are coming at this the wrong way.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just how many folks want to burn down a building?”
“I see what you mean. Well, at least it is good for campfires and stuff.”
“Who will pay ten cents a gallon when kindling is free.”
“I’m stymied. What can we build that will use gasoline as a fuel?”
“I think we need to study this problem. Let’s go to the library.”
“Want to take the Stanley Steamer.”
“We have enough wood for the boiler.”
“Yeah, I just bought some.”
“Good, let’s go.”
This is why you need to tinker with the business plan. At least they’re earnest, I’ll give them that!
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A tad on the dim side too. Thanks, Marc.
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Just a bit.
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😊
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I’m sure their hard work will pay off eventually. lol
Nice work, John.
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I’m not sure. They sound like dumb and dumber to me.
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I was trying to be polite. 😊 If we’re being blunt, yep. You nailed it.
They could probably find employment in Washington…
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I think you are right. Might even get a cabinet position.
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🤣
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😁
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Bankers are always nice, either saying No to giving you money or putting their hands out to take it!
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So true. Banker’s response to a loan request. “I’d be happy to help you out. Which way did you come in?”
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Perfect!
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😁
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Haha! Good job in this John.
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Thank you, Holly.
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My pleasure!
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🤗
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🤗
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All I can think of is the Burning Man Festival. That could work for them.
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I saw a Stanley Steamer at the car collection in Reno many years ago.
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I think I saw the same display in Reno.
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Not as bright as the fire they can build, are they? Always a fun romp with you, John!
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No they seem to be missing the point. Henry Ford got it for sure.
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Hahaha!
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😁
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Oh, dear . . . I’ll bet the families of these two fellas have many, many stories to tell about the dubious exploits of Uncle Ferd and his dim-witted friend, sure to enliven any holiday gathering.
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Years of stories. Their other invention was the parachute. About ten years before the first airplane. They thought jumping off barns would be fun.
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I guess every family has at least one!
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At least one.
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Erm, yeah, I think that may be shooting themselves in the foot with those demonstrations, LOL.
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Yes indeed. Thanks, Mae.
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John, this reminds me of our mental response to a ludicrous customer request, “Do you want your answer now or do you want me to tell you, I’ll get back to you”😂
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😁 Indeed. “Do you want me to say no now, or that I will think it over?”
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Yep, and if that doesn’t work you could always revert back to the time-honored “Three C Strategy “😂
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😁
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It’s always fun to visit for your Tuesday posts, John. I think they might need to rethink their invention strategy. 🙂
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I think you may be right, Jan. Thanks.😁
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Gosh, my father was an inventor of sorts, but his projects were specific to a problem. Hilarious story, John. 😄
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Thanks, Gwen. These two are brilliant at inventions but really challenged with applications. 😁
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🤣
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😊
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I think a brain-storming session for a new business plan is definitely in order, John. Otherwise, their project may go up in flames.
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Does the phrase internal combustion engine mean any thing to them?
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I hope they figure it out but it sure seems unlikely!
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It does. Thanks, Denise.
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If we are lucky their lightbulb will dim quickly. Otherwise it could get a little hot out there.
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Good one, Pam.
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Lol. Now I imagine the banker patted him on the head on the way out.
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I’m sure of it.
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😉
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Hmmm. A whole world of research and testing unfolding.
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Yes. I wonder if they will ever put it together.
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After over 20 years in an engine test lab, it was the first thing that came to mind. 🙂
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😁
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Makes you wonder…
Well done, John.
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Yes it does. 😁
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Oh dear. Well, maybe they’ll figure things out eventually!
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I think they may run out of time. Thanks Priscilla er Vera.
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Haha!!
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Yes indeed.
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Ha. Goodness, this could go anywhere. I really do love your “finger-prompt” posts, John. It’s a great idea. Hugs.
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Thank you, Teagan. 😁
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Good thing they didn’t go on Shark Tank!!
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Ha ha ha. If they had someone would point them to the automoble
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Got interested because of the word banker. I used to be one. Still looking for an honourable mention in a book 😉
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Maybe in the future. 😁
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Man lives in hope. Bankers too.
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Yes indeed.
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