PGP Mediation

WHERE’S THE LEMON?

Phyllis — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:00:52 +0000

It never ceases to amaze me how “coincidences” seem to happen. Last week, I was scheduled to mediate a “lemon law” case in which, while the lawsuit was pending, plaintiff was involved in an automobile accident which caused a total loss to the vehicle. (Thank goodness, she and her passenger were not injured.) In [...]

“I AM SORRY”

Phyllis — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:00:51 +0000

”I am sorry.” These are three simple words but are often the most difficult to say, especially in the midst of a conflict that has led to a lawsuit. During a mediation, I sometimes think it is easier to move heaven and earth than to get one party to say these simple words to the other. [...]

THE EYES HAVE IT

Phyllis — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 17:00:14 +0000

When you smile, do your eyes smile, too? If not, you’re faking it! According to a recent research study, “. . . the eyes might hold the clues for bogus versus genuine smiles.” (“Rejection Fosters Intuition” by Jeanna Bryner, LiveScience.com, October 17, 2008.) As Ms. Bryner notes, “ “A real smile is not shown [...]

TO PUNISH OR TO COOPERATE:THAT IS THE QUESTION!

Phyllis — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:00:07 +0000

The New York Times Science Section published an interesting article on the urge to punish in its Tuesday, October 7, 2008 edition. Entitled “Wired For Justice” (or “Citizen Enforcers Take Aim” on its web version), its author Benedict Carey explores the urge of the American people to punish Wall Street vis-à-vis the bailout. As [...]

REPENTENCE

Phyllis — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 17:00:02 +0000

As a mediator, my bias is in favor of settling disputes. At times, in my blogs, I have pointed out that life is too important to allow yourself to get caught up in the minutiae of a dispute; that there are a lot more important things to spend your time and energy on than [...]