The “Strong” Pot of Coffee

As the “early PA,” I’m the first one in the office each morning. Like the class president of Mrs. Jewls’ class, it’s my job to turn the lights on. (Important job! No one else is capable or qualified!)

It also means that I have to brew the first pot of coffee. This has transformed me into “The Coffee Guy.” (I know… Heavy is the head that wears the coffee crown.)

Occasionally, Joe Buck (the EP) will stride past my office after a carb-loaded lunch and say, “TAPA, I think it’s time for one of those strong pots of coffee.”

“Sure thing,” I reply, and then I hurry to the kitchen like Dr. Frankenstein to the laboratory. Three minutes and forty-four seconds later, I let him know, “Coffee’s ready.”

Last week, the Other PA asked me, “Hey. What’s the secret for Joe Buck’s strong pot of coffee?”

“Nothing,” I replied without hesitation. “It’s the same as every other pot of coffee. I just tell him that it’s the strong batch. He never knows the difference.”

PAs, meet your new best friend: the placebo effect.