 
VegasMan
Are We There Yet?
join:2002-11-17
Schaumburg, IL | I envy this tech. Many of times I wish I could punch some of my customers.  
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In need of a Vegas vacation.
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JE
Can I Taste It? Mmmm
Premium
join:2000-12-15
Brooklyn, NY | Re: I envy this tech. HELLO!!!! | |
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| | techygeek
join:2008-04-30 | Re: I envy this tech. Starts to bring me back to that movie years ago, "the cable guy"; remember that one. | |
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| voiptop
join:2009-02-06
1 edit | Violence is not solution even when your on the edge . Hold your horses! | |
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kirbyj2
join:2008-02-21
Fort Dodge, IA | Probably had it coming. Either the customer had it coming to them or the tech has some serious issues. But my money is on the former. | |
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BF69
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN
| Re: Probably had it coming. said by kirbyj2  :Either the customer had it coming to them or the tech has some serious issues. But my money is on the former. Had it coming how?
"Verizon technician Robert Benjamin allegedly punched, then choked customer Aubrey Isakson after Isakson asked for identification."
At any rate he could have called his mother a whore. It doesn't matter you CAN NOT do that. This guy should be out of a job. | |
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Jason Levine
Premium
join:2001-07-13
USA
| Re: Probably had it coming. A better phrase should be "you can't do that without expecting some negative repercussions." Then again, all the tech got was "no charges or firing if you behave for 6 months" so I guess he can do that without repercussion at least one time.
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-Jason Levine
Support a children's charity. Buy a calendar and/or a photo book. Shooting For A Cause | |
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Leeee
@co.uk | This style of language is presumably intended to give the impression that your range of choices is bounded by limits imposed by someone else - which clearly isn't the case. | |
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SLD
Premium
join:2002-04-17 | You can't *legally* drive drunk! | |
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Rexter
YeeHaw
join:2002-11-17
cloud 9
| said by kirbyj2 :"Verizon technician Robert Benjamin allegedly punched, then choked customer Aubrey Isakson after Isakson asked for identification." Yea, there is definitely something missing from this story.
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With every new wave of optimism, or pessimism, we are ready to abandon history, and time tested principles, but we cling tenaciously and unquestioningly to our prejudices. (Benjamin Graham) | |
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| | | PapaMidnight
join:2009-01-13
Baltimore, MD
| Re: Probably had it coming. said by Rexter :said by kirbyj2 :"Verizon technician Robert Benjamin allegedly punched, then choked customer Aubrey Isakson after Isakson asked for identification." Yea, there is definitely something missing from this story. It's the New York Post. | |
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Rexter
YeeHaw
join:2002-11-17
cloud 9
| Re: Probably had it coming. I should have known. I hereby dismiss this entire story, and deem this whole thread pointless. 
Anything the New York post puts out isn't worth talking about.
Same for the New York times.
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With every new wave of optimism, or pessimism, we are ready to abandon history, and time tested principles, but we cling tenaciously and unquestioningly to our prejudices. (Benjamin Graham) | |
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| | PapaMidnight
join:2009-01-13
Baltimore, MD
| said by BF69 :...you CAN NOT do that. Yes you can. Nothing stops you from accelerating your fist forward into someone's face reaching enough acceleration and inertia to increase the force of the mass and cause pain.
The only thing that stops you is if you are willing to do so or not. | |
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Fangz
join:2000-10-11
Magna, UT
| Re: Probably had it coming. I can't count how many times working for Charter, Yahoo! and other tech support firms that I wanted to punch the customer out.
Usually its for them insulting my skillsets.
Nothing can stop me from giving you the finger while on the phone with the customer either. Charter knows this all too well. Hell, they even wrote me up for it! | |
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Leeee
@co.uk | Re: Probably had it coming. Someone needs to invent a way of punching people in the face over the phone | |
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| | | | Kearnstd
Elf Wizard
Premium
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ
| lol they wrote you up for giving the finger to the phone? ouch.
i know in tech support i have made ample use of the mute button for my mic to mudder things about the customer.
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[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports | |
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| | rmv1237
Premium
join:2003-06-07
Reno, NV
 ·Pacific Bell - SBC
·AT&T Yahoo
| The tech doesn't know where his bread and butter come from. As a shareholfer of Verizon, it doesn't make me all happy and a smart investor. If the companies reaction was only a slap on the hand. That is NOT how you treat a customer. One caveat....tech's over the world...first find out who you are punching out and be prepared for a reaction. Any employee who won't show his ID is not the worker I want to deal with. | |
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The Folsom
Kindly Shut Your Noise Hole.
Premium
join:2003-01-31
Yucaipa, CA
 ·Verizon FIOS
| Re: Probably had it coming. said by nixen :said by kirbyj2 :Either the customer had it coming to them or the tech has some serious issues. But my money is on the former. As a customer-facing representative, if a customer gets abusive, the only thing you should do is terminate the engagement. I have done that when I was a tow driver. If they're in a "safe" place, and they start up with the bad ass, I leave immediately and inform dispatch.
On the freeway, I hook and book. I don't wait for shit to start up. Usually, though, in that situation, it doesn't get like that. 
I am happy to say that I was never in a spot where I was assaulted, nor ever did I assault a customer.
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I started out with nothing. Today, I still have most of it. | |
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nixen
Rockin' the Boxen
Premium
join:2002-10-04
Alexandria, VA
 ·Cox HSI
·Speakeasy
| Re: Probably had it coming. said by KrK :said by nixen :As a customer-facing representative, if a customer gets abusive, the only thing you should do is terminate the engagement. Well technically, punching out and choking the customer and making the customer flee from the scene *IS* Terminating the Engagement. And technically, unless you're an executive (as events of the past few years would seem to indicate), you shouldn't be doing illegal activities on the job.
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The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt. -- Bertrand Russell | |
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clydeglyde
@centurytel.com | there is a time for everything.i just dont have any idea if this was one of thoe times and you dont either. | |
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roc5955
Premium
join:2005-11-26
Rosendale, NY
·RoadRunner Cable
| said by kirbyj2 :Either the customer had it coming to them or the tech has some serious issues. But my money is on the former. Even if the customer "had it coming to him," it's WRONG, and the tech should be fired!
The idea is to be nice to customers, no matter how bad they are, so that you can steal their money, and now the customer is going to steal Verizon's money. Not a good business model if you ask me!
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"Understanding is a three-edged sword." | |
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J Public
@comcast.net
|  Re: Probably had it coming.
said by roc5955 :said by kirbyj2 :Either the customer had it coming to them or the tech has some serious issues. But my money is on the former. Even if the customer "had it coming to him," it's WRONG, and the tech should be fired! The idea is to be nice to customers, no matter how bad they are, so that you can steal their money, and now the customer is going to steal Verizon's money. Not a good business model if you ask me! Agreed, roc!
Not only should he be fired, he should be in JAIL for aggravated assault!! Then I'd sue him into oblivion. And then-
who knows... | |
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| Lazlow
join:2006-08-07
Saint Louis, MO
1 edit | Did anybody bother to look at the pictures of these two guys? From the look of it, it was Mike Tyson vs Pee Wee Herman.
Even if the customer had struck the tech first (I really doubt he did) the tech should have stopped after the customer ran down the stairs. The off duty cop who busted the tech would not have bothered unless he saw a real issue (nobody likes to get involved if they do not have to when they are off duty). If the customer did start it, why didn't the tech file charges against him? Look at virtually any bar fight. Both sides almost always get charged with assault. Best bet is that the tech was at fault and Verizon applied some political pressure on the DA to hopefully avoid a bad PR storm. | |
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| | TechWhiz
join:2004-10-30
Phoenix, AZ
| Re: Probably had it coming. I take it the guy didn't have an ID badge?
I've never lived in New York, but I wouldn't think it's out of line to ask someone you don't know to prove they belong on your property before letting them into your house.
After looking at the pictures, I'd agree with another poster's analogy of a Mike Tyson vs Pee Wee Herman cenario. However, don't take this the wrong way, but I wonder if the altercation would have occurred if it was Pee Wee Herman #1 asking Pee Wee Herman #2 for ID? Or perhaps even Mike Tyson asking Pee Wee Herman for ID?
Reading between the lines: Did anyone involved in the investigation check to see if race was an aggrovating factor on either side? That would be unfortunate and sad if so. Furthermore, I sure hope Robert Benjamin (the tech) wasn't wearing what he was wearing in the picture to the customer's house (Isakson).
Black or white or purple - a guy comes to my door dressed like that claimin' to be a tech, I'd sure as hell ask him for ID.
Can't we all jus' get along? | |
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Sergeius
@leaseweb.com
| said by kirbyj2 :Either the customer had it coming to them... How can 'a customer' have it coming to 'them'? This politically correct stuff has gotten insane. | |
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zalternate
join:2007-02-22
BC
·TELUS
| D.A's are lousy And you wonder why people get off of charges without punishment. It is these D.A.'s , whose sole job it has become to keep people out of jails. Prisoners cost money to house and feed. And then theres that free health care.
Sue the D.A. as well. At least it gets in the news that the particular D.A. is useless for crime prevention. "Be a good boy for 6 months and then you can go back to hitting customers again."
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Consumer Rights is more than just a suggestion. | |
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See 18 replies to this post |
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EPS
join:2008-02-13
Hingham, MA | Firing I wouldn't be surprised if there are union issues with firing the guy if there aren't any charges and other conduct is blameless... | |
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| Attack Gypsy
join:2007-05-10
Bridgeport, CT
·AT&T U-Verse
·Optimum Online
| Re: Firing said by EPS :I wouldn't be surprised if there are union issues with firing the guy if there aren't any charges and other conduct is blameless... Now THIS is why he probably wasn't fired. First incident, yeah, probably not.
As to charges, in Connecticut, it would have been Nollied. This is usually used for minor things like a fight, or a domestic dispute where no one was really injured. The DA declines to prosecute, but the charges stay with you for 13 months, but they are sealed, so no one sees them. If you stay out of trouble for the 13 months, your record is automatically wiped, including mug shots and fingerprints. If you don't, the charges come down on you in full, usually with the maximum sentence as well.
This happened to me, when my brother had his drug problem. I popped him a couple of times for stealing something of mine to buy drugs with, and a neighbor called the cops.
Was worth it though. He's been clean for almost 3 years now. I finally have my brother back. | |
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R4M0N
Brazilian Soccer Ownz Joo
join:2000-10-04
Glen Allen, VA
1 edit | Verizon's new slogan "Our service will knock your socks off... One beating at a time". | |
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| hottboiinnc
ME
join:2003-10-15
Cleveland, OH | Re: Verizon's new slogan that actually made me LOL. | |
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Bach
I'll Be Bach
Premium
join:2002-02-16
Flint, MI | Or they could use "Can you fear me now?" | |
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| | monsignor_
join:2003-02-18
Monroe, LA | Re: Verizon's new slogan said by Bach :Or they could use "Can you fear me now?" LMAO! | |
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hayabusa3303
Over 200 mph
Premium
join:2005-06-29
clubs: | Humm not Comcast this time WOW. | |
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Eat Me
join:2002-09-25
Sussex, NJ | Re: Humm not Comcast this time said by hayabusa3303 :WOW. Now THAT made me LOL! | |
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| | moonpuppy
join:2000-08-21
Glen Burnie, MD
·Verizon Online DSL
| Re: Humm not Comcast this time said by Eat Me :said by hayabusa3303 :WOW. Now THAT made me LOL! Me too.
Need to bookmark this page for the next person to tell Karl they only go after Comcast.
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bent
not broken
Premium
join:2004-10-04
Loveland, CO
clubs:
·Comcast Formerly ..
1 edit | Way more... ... to this story. You aren't going to beat someone because they asked for your ID and get deferred sentence. Not in any criminal court I've ever had the displeasure of being in. Wanna bet Isakson took the first swing and then cried victim?
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Greedy Old Pigs | |
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cyclone_z
join:2006-06-19
Ames, IA | I know some employees who "had it coming to them" Great! Does this mean if I do business with a company whose employees, "Have it coming to them," that I can punch them in the face and not face charges? I really hope so! I've dealt with a number of employees who "had it coming". | |
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tiny
Premium
join:2005-08-28
PA
1 edit | Wannabe Comcast technician? I wonder if this individual was just training to join the finest techs ever. | |
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anonuser101
@rr.com | LOL at this news story hehe!!! Man, talk about fighting off the competition. "LOL" | |
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NOCTech75
join:2009-06-29
Marietta, GA | In Soviet Russia You don't beat the tech.... the tech beats YOU! | |
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Asmodeus
join:2004-05-26
Spring Valley, CA | Well now... Verizon has a long way to go if they think they will be competing with Comcast on this front. | |
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tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Floral Park, NY
| Civil lawsuit, part 2... If there is at least ONE other witness to the incident.. both the tech and Verizon can be sued in civil court. Just because there WAS a plea deal means that the conduct was CONFIRMED and is similar to a guilty PLEA (like they do with traffic tickets), so that almost is a slam dunk in civil court. I am amazed that the guy keeps his job.. short or long term.. assaulting anyone on the job is grounds for dismissal so one needs to look at it from a potential lawsuit circumstance.. do they cut the guy loose or circle the wagons... well, we have our answer... | |
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FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA
·Verizon FIOS
| Just had a tech over.......... Replaced the PCU, PSU, and ONT which apparently did not agree with a lightning storm we had a few weeks ago.
No fisticuffs were involved, however he did shake my hand and asked me to enjoy my new equipment.
- A
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LETS GO METS! | |
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Boogeyman
Drive it like you stole it
Premium
join:2002-12-17
Huntsville, AL | Re: Just had a tech over.......... You should call back and complain that you didnt recieve the complimentary beating.
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Im Your Boogeyman, Thats What I Am | |
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| | jarthur31
join:2006-04-14
Carlsbad, NM | Re: Just had a tech over.......... Haha! This thread is full of win!!! | |
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AB
Premium
join:2006-04-04
Leesburg, VA
| Zero Tolerance (Well, almost) So, Verizon claims to have "zero tolerance" for this, yet are nevertheless tolerating it because his "conduct has been blameless" in subsequent months.
Either Verizon needs a refresh on what the word "zero" means, or there's a lot more to the story than what's being reported.
But I'll bet Isakson knows the tech's name now.
The tech pulled an Ah-nold-- "Here is my invitation." | |
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| old_wiz_60
join:2005-06-03
Bedford, MA | Re: Zero Tolerance (Well, almost) Perhaps Verizon has too much trouble hiring techs? Or the tech is related to a Verizon executive?
No surprise about the DA; Verizon's lawyer probably paid them off. | |
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michigandave
join:2007-05-16
Fenton, MI | Good Morning, Brooklyn! Perhaps the customer was the "Beatin' of the Week"
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partysource
join:2000-11-25
Phoenix, AZ | More Punches In More Places Theres your slogan | |
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| jarthur31
join:2006-04-14
Carlsbad, NM | Re: More Punches In More Places ROFL!!!!!!!!!!!! | |
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Sniper3142
Slapsho3142
join:2002-01-25
Tustin, CA
2 edits | We Are Not Getting the Whole Story It is obvious to me that we are not getting all of the details.
There was obviously some kind of provocation on the part of Mr. Isakson that caused both the company and the D.A. to not file charges or fire the employee.
Since none of you (or myself for that matter) was there to witness the event, it is all guess work and internet speculation. I'm very glad that in this day and age, Verizon chose to support their employee instead of just throwing him to the sue happy wolves.
There are far too many sheople out there who want to sue first and ask questions later. | |
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winsyrstrife
River City Bounce
Premium
join:2002-04-30
Brooklyn, NY
clubs:
| Please remove the Router Robert: I think maybe the router is lending to the problems we're having with this line. As a test, can you remove it, so I can get a direct connection to our service?
Aubrey: That makes sense, but I've already tried it without the router, when I've called in to telephone support.
Robert: Yes, and I know it may sound silly, but could we try it again right now, just for sake of testing?
Aubrey: I really don't think that's necessary...
Robert: (sigh) Sir, I'm trying to help you out here, can you meet me halfway? We can just connect it back when we're done. It's not that big a deal.
Aubrey: If it's not a big deal then why remove it?
Robert: .......can you please remove the router, sir? I'm trying to provide the technical support you've requested.
Aubrey: Just fix the problem, there's no need to remove something that is working just fine.
Robert: If you won't let me do my job, then there's no need of me being here.
Aubrey: It's not my fault you don't know how to do your job properly...
911 dispatch: Cars in area, we have a 240 in progress. I repeat, we have a 240 in progress.
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"Suddenly everything is fainting, falling from a broken ladder's rung. There's a jolt exhilarating from the phone I'm holding...
I hear the words of what I'll become, how eager the hands that reach for love." - Blind Melon - New Life | |
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PolarBear
The bear formerly known as aaron8301
Premium
join:2005-01-03 | Re: Please remove the Router He should have known, it's ALWAYS the router. Guess he had it coming! | |
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funchords
Hello
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-11
Washington, DC
·Verizon Online DSL
 ·Skype
| said by winsyrstrife :R 911 dispatch: Cars in area, we have a 240 in progress. I repeat, we have a 240 in progress. Right code, wrong coast, but I'm still impressed. | |
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winsyrstrife
River City Bounce
Premium
join:2002-04-30
Brooklyn, NY
clubs:
| Re: Please remove the Router said by funchords :said by winsyrstrife :R 911 dispatch: Cars in area, we have a 240 in progress. I repeat, we have a 240 in progress. Right code, wrong coast, but I'm still impressed. Darn.
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"Suddenly everything is fainting, falling from a broken ladder's rung. There's a jolt exhilarating from the phone I'm holding...
I hear the words of what I'll become, how eager the hands that reach for love." - Blind Melon - New Life | |
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Verizon Will Beat The Crap Out Of You For No Extra Charge
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In the mid 80's the mediocre cable company operating in West Palm Beach, Florida was extremely unreliable. A Bellsouth Technician called to have a problem with his cable service corrected. The mediocre cable company's representative made an appointment assuring the customer that he would have the first appointment. The Bellsouth Technician took off a day without pay to wait for the Cable Tech. No one showed up that day. The Bellsouth Technician made another appointment with the mediocre cable company. Again the Bellsouth Tech took a day off without pay to wait for the cable tech. Again no a show. The Bellsouth Tech made a third appointment with the mediocre cable company. The cable company's representative promised that the Bellsouth Tech that they would have the first appointment. Unfortunately the cable tech did not show up until late in the afternoon. The Bellsouth Technician lost another days pay. When the cable tech finally showed up the Bellsouth Technician promptly shot him to death. Therefore the late cable tech became the late cable tech!