a few months ago i tried to get a cup of coffee from the machine in the lounge where i work. plunked in the two dimes. no delicious beverage to be found, i attempted to reload the machine. although not a seemingly complicated task for someone who has been drinking coffee since about age 12, i was abruptly informed by an intruding secretary, with a gasp and a clutched hand to the heart, that i'd not done things correctly. i took my empty cup, less a dime and two nickels, and sulked back to my office.

i've never (and won't) again gone there for my joe.