American Idioms

History cable network traced their beginnings. "Assassin," for instance, comes from "hashish," which, under its influence, drove fanatics-for-hire to their dark goals.

Things have not changed much. Drugs still lead to a life of crime, making them aggravating circumstances. Rehabilitation is their form of intervention, more than mediation.

Subtexts

The Affair watchaton on Rtl Entertainment CBS detailed its start between a novelist and a small-town waitress who saved his choking daughter. Later on, he claimed "boredom" with his wife, who retorted, "not to take that personally."

As one of the most intimate relationships, marriage can be marred by not paying attention to the fine print. Then, mediation can be availed of.

Terminal Cases

"The Terminal" movie with Tom Hanks had a timely rerun, especially in the light of current irregularities at the NAIA. One good thing that happened to Tom Hanks' character, though, was his being able to translate for a fellow foreigner also in trouble with the airport customs authority.

In life, wherever we may be, there is always an occasion to be of help to others. Mediation is one of them.

Silence

B. C. defines it as "the logical conclusion of politically correct speech."

Lkewise, peace is the effect of a well-crafted conflict resolution.

Alam mo din?

Now comes the wife of George Clooney, Amal Alamuddin pleading before the United Nations for the human rights of former Philippine President Gloria Arroyo, the latest in the series of advocacies of the international lawyer for suspicious leaders.

Does she know the human rights violations during Arroyo's administration, not to mention the corruption charges, too, which could be why she can afford A Mal's fee?

Thinspiration

As you might have guessed, this was a feature of DIVA channel on anorexia. Code name was Ana. This site goaded visitors to lose more weight by destroying their self-worth, depending only on their physical appearance- and the site.

On the other hand, mediation empowers disputants to the amicable resolution of their conflict, so that next time, they would know what to do, relying on their own resources.

Price of Spice

History channel narrated the Dutch colonization of Batavia (now called Jakarta), up to its canals patterned after Amsterdam. It also became the hub for all the products of the surrounding, different colonies. And their values then! It is said that nutmeg was worth a year's supply of bread!!! Value is also a delicate matter in mediation- reputation, prestige, family tradition, sentimental value...

Slamming the Slam

Nat Geo conducted a series of experiments on people's behavior at the door.  The video showed a tendency to slam it on the next entrant. Next, a mirror was placed
to enable seeing if there is a person behind you. Some positive results. But having a voice reminding you to keep the door open for the next person achieved best results.

So in mediation. It is second nature for disputants to be at each other's throats. They need to be reminded that the best way to deal with their conflict is in a less emotional and more rational way.

Walking the Walk

Being acrophobic, I do not fancy "The Walk" across the Twin Towers on air in my bucket list ever. But I have to hand it to the brave "walker" for all the preparation he made for that feat. He studied wind patterns and other factors. "Many times, I climbed up, disguising as an architect or contruction worker. I climbed to the roof unchallenged. I looked down to get myself used to the height. I listened with all my senses to the murmur of the city, the sirens and the noise. I looked at the lights and really got to know the buildings and much more. I called it my spy work. Eight months in New York to get to know the towers like my family. So if you were following me in all that, you would realize that there was actually no fear in the end. There was no anxiety, not something that I cultivate very much. If you see me before a meeting or an action, if you see me gathering my thoughts, you cannot approach me and say, 'Are you nervous? Are you fearful?'Because if you know me, you would know that I am preparing myself. That is concentration,to try again as a perfectionist to do the best job as possible." Mediators prepare by going through the files of the dispute, if these are available as in court-annexed mediation or the private law office. It is like doctors going over their patients' medical history. If these are not available, like with walk-in clients, mediation starts with orienting both disputants on the ground rules of the procedure so everyone knows what to expect or how to behave.

Sheldon Drives (Them) Crazy

The Big Bang Theory "scicom" is a good show to end the day laughing. In one of their episodes, Sheldon was dragged by his designated driver-friends to get his own license. Reaching the counter, the clerk asks, "Application?" Sheldon replies, "I am realy a theorist." So in mediation, too, disputants have to be on the same page, preferrably of their conflict's settlement.