Little Black Book

This HBO movie had another take on luck.  It was defined as preparation and opportunity combined.

Success in negotiation ("luck") during mediation ("opportunity") likewise requires preparation.

Nerdy Consolation

Sheldon Cooper of Big Bang Theory consoled his nerdy friends thus, "Be glad you can't keep women. They're a handful."

Sometimes, sour-graping or putting down what one cannot have, eases one's feeling of loss in mediation.

Nerdy Proposals

Big Bang Theory's Sheldon and Amy showed their prowess at anti-social behavior negotiation when they bargained for least physical contact between themselves. Former US First Lady Nancy Reagan of "Just Say No" would have been proud of them.

Some model for self-mediation that is possible with two rational, calm, and fair individuals.

Friends' Advice

"Don't do the crime if you can't do the time," Joey of the sitcom Friends advised.

Words of wisdom for disputants in mediation regarding responsibility for one's actions.

Mind-Controlling Movie

There was a sketchy report recently about a UK production of a movie that controls the mind of its viewers.

Mediation, on the other hand, leaves disputants free to negotiate with each other toward the solution of their conflict.

Chalk Street Art

After their Scandinavian minimalism, Denmark has now come up with this art form from the classroom! Trust this nation to go back to basics with an economical twist.

Such is mediation. It has been there all the while, but now organized to meet current needs.

Kasambahay Savings Project

As reported by GMA News TV, this is a project well thought of by a Filipina student in Columbia University, US. Househelpers are now approached by banks on week-end gatherings so they can open a savings account for only P 100. One was able to save P12, 000. over a year, on a monthly salary of P 5, 000.

This Columbia U student has mediated between  helpers and their families over the former's salaries.

Jumping To Be A Doctor

Reporter's Notebook of GMA News TV had a touching feature on a  particular "jumper," of the group of boys jumping onto garbage trucks in search of left-over food and other items for recycling. Perhaps after eating rotten food and getting wounded often, this boy says he wants to be a doctor.

This is one case of the end justifying the means. Otherwise, mediation sees cases to the contrary.

Traffic at the LTO

Even before drivers can get on the road, they already experience traffic at the Land Transportation Office. Applicants for license and car plate form long and winding lines  in uncomfortably warm rooms. Some are even sent back the next day.

Indifference to the suffering of citizens is difficult to justify in mediating such situations.

Err-ica

In its channel plug, 2nd Avenue has Erica declaring herself ugly. I just wonder if she has met foreigners or gone abroad. There, she could be considered exotic. Indeed, there is a fine line between self-acceptance and flagellation. So with the definition and sense of what is ugly.

Different points of view could lead to conflict. Hopefully, they avail of mediation.