Coffee Break @ The Blue Fig

5:13 p.m.

Time’s running out for this experiment, as I have a 6 p.m. interview at the ATA next door and I’m a little frazzled trying this out.

I admit I first went into the Summit to see how all that space and light felt in this heat, but they had a list at the door and I wasn’t on it. (It’s an i/o ventures thing.)

Here at the Blue Fig, I order my third yogurt and granola for the day. I don’t know what to say about that.

5:26 p.m.

In case you hadn’t noticed, this is an experiment. Coffee culture.

Everyone looks pretty serious here. There’s a woman with a blue streak in her hair finishing off a salad, a guy opening a new cell phone case, and several people pondering.

5:30 p.m.

Dunno if this is going to work. The only people talking are sitting outside and I can’t hear their conversation. Plus, it doesn’t seem fair to report on their conversation. So, no use trying to lip read, but I am sort of trying.

5:35 p.m.

One of the ponderers is quite serious. He puts one elbow on the table, his chin in his hand and looks out into nowhere. Is he solving a complex math problem? Translating Neruda? Figuring out Giants stats? He’s writing now.

OK, I’m curious, I’m going to take a look over his shoulder.

5:40 p.m.

Wow. Love this guy Robert, the ponderer.