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.”
Fiction Favorites 
This is why you need to tinker with the business plan. At least they’re earnest, I’ll give them that!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A tad on the dim side too. Thanks, Marc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Just a bit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure their hard work will pay off eventually. lol
Nice work, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not sure. They sound like dumb and dumber to me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was trying to be polite. 😊 If we’re being blunt, yep. You nailed it.
They could probably find employment in Washington…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you are right. Might even get a cabinet position.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bankers are always nice, either saying No to giving you money or putting their hands out to take it!
LikeLiked by 2 people
So true. Banker’s response to a loan request. “I’d be happy to help you out. Which way did you come in?”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! Good job in this John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Holly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
All I can think of is the Burning Man Festival. That could work for them.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw a Stanley Steamer at the car collection in Reno many years ago.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think I saw the same display in Reno.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not as bright as the fire they can build, are they? Always a fun romp with you, John!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No they seem to be missing the point. Henry Ford got it for sure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Years of stories. Their other invention was the parachute. About ten years before the first airplane. They thought jumping off barns would be fun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess every family has at least one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
At least one.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Erm, yeah, I think that may be shooting themselves in the foot with those demonstrations, LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed. Thanks, Mae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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”😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁 Indeed. “Do you want me to say no now, or that I will think it over?”
LikeLike
Yep, and if that doesn’t work you could always revert back to the time-honored “Three C Strategy “😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLike
It’s always fun to visit for your Tuesday posts, John. I think they might need to rethink their invention strategy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think you may be right, Jan. Thanks.😁
LikeLike
Gosh, my father was an inventor of sorts, but his projects were specific to a problem. Hilarious story, John. 😄
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Gwen. These two are brilliant at inventions but really challenged with applications. 😁
LikeLike
🤣
LikeLiked by 1 person
😊
LikeLike
I think a brain-storming session for a new business plan is definitely in order, John. Otherwise, their project may go up in flames.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Does the phrase internal combustion engine mean any thing to them?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope they figure it out but it sure seems unlikely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does. Thanks, Denise.
LikeLike
If we are lucky their lightbulb will dim quickly. Otherwise it could get a little hot out there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good one, Pam.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol. Now I imagine the banker patted him on the head on the way out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm. A whole world of research and testing unfolding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I wonder if they will ever put it together.
LikeLiked by 1 person
After over 20 years in an engine test lab, it was the first thing that came to mind. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Makes you wonder…
Well done, John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it does. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear. Well, maybe they’ll figure things out eventually!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they may run out of time. Thanks Priscilla er Vera.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha. Goodness, this could go anywhere. I really do love your “finger-prompt” posts, John. It’s a great idea. Hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Teagan. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good thing they didn’t go on Shark Tank!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha ha. If they had someone would point them to the automoble
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got interested because of the word banker. I used to be one. Still looking for an honourable mention in a book 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe in the future. 😁
LikeLike
Man lives in hope. Bankers too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed.
LikeLike