I just had a horrible experience with a handyman - Ken Schram who had been positively reviewed in the neighborhood guide. I called in early August and we made a date for this Saturday (he said he was very busy!). On Friday, he called and said that he was busy and we rescheduled for Labor Day at noon. I called him and agreed (I thought) with that time unless I called him and rescheduled for a later time. (I wanted to make sure my wife was there). On Monday, I called him at 12:30 pm. He abruptly said that I said that I was going to call if I wanted him to come on Monday. (Obviously we misunderstood the conversation). When I tried to say there was a misunderstanding he rudely said that I should get someone else and hung up on me. I know he is busy and in demand. I do not think there is reason for rudeness and think it is behavior that should not be rewarded. Bob Arnold Bob Arnold Institute for Doctor-Patient Communication Section of Palliative Care and Medical Ethics rabob@pitt.edu http://www.upmc.edu/palliativecare For oncology fellows --> http://www.oncotalk.info SUPPORT THE PALLIATIVE CARE TRAINING ACT: http:// www.aahpm.org/about/ trainingact.html. w-412-692-4834 FAX - 412-692-4315 beeper-412-647-7243, #2322 "Suffering is not a question which demands an answer, it is not a problem which demands a solution, it is a mystery which demands a presence." Anonymous "Helping, fixing and serving represent three different ways of seeing life. When you help, you see life as weak. When you fix, you see life as broken. When you serve, you see life as whole. Fixing and helping may be the work of the ego, and service the work of the soul". Rachel Naomi Remen “This e-mail may contain confidential information of the sending organization. Any unauthorized or improper disclosure, copying,distribution, or use of the contents of this e-mail and attached document(s) is prohibited. The information contained in this e-mail and attached document(s) is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the recipient(s) named above. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete the original e- mail and attached document(s).”