THE KETCHUP CAPER

LONDON
British media reported with glee the tale of lawyer Richard Phillips who e-mailed a message to his secretary Jenny Amner, to ask her to pay a four pound ($7.30) dry-cleaning bill after she accidentally spilled tomato ketchup on his trousers.

The secretary, who had just returned to work after her mother died, was so irate she forwarded the e-mail to several colleagues at the well-known firm of Baker & McKenzie, who in turn passed it on to others. Richard Phillips’ e-mails quickly appeared on the Internet and in the press:

“Dear Jenny,” lawyer Phillips wrote, “I went to the dry-cleaners at lunch and they said it would cost four pounds to remove the ketchup stains. If you could let me have the cash today that would be much appreciated.”

Secretary Jenny Amner replied:

“With reference to the e-mail, I must apologize for not getting back to you straight away but due to my mother’s sudden illness, death and funeral I have had more pressing issues than your four pounds.

“Obviously your financial need as a senior associate is greater than mine as a mere secretary.”

Colleagues had offered to hold a collection to cover the bill but Miss Amner paid it herself.