Archive for the ‘Found In the News’ Category

Conflict Case Study: The Odiferous Vehicle

Friday, December 9th, 2011

A litigated conflict looked at through the eye of a mediator.

A couple purchased a used 2006 Ford Explorer from an established dealership. At time of purchase the couple report they noticed a slight odor but that it was not significant enough to affect their purchase decision. However, over the following 3 months the couple reports that the odor increased (more…)

Did You Hear? Kim Kardashian Is Divorcing

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

Divorce OptionsUnless you have been cut off from all media and internet for the last couple of weeks, it seems impossible that you would not know that someone by the name of Kim Kardashian is getting a divorce.

The coverage of the divorce is due to various reasons. To be sure, part of the coverage is due to the celebrity of the couple, reality TV star Kim Kardashian and NBA player Kris Humphries. (more…)

Coach Kelly Yelling At Players – Is It Really So Bad?

Thursday, September 15th, 2011

Conflict In the WorkplaceNotre Dame University football coach Brian Kelly made news early in the season when cameras caught him yelling at his players in a rage during a game. Looking at the exchange from a workplace communication perspective it is easy to see that the University’s employee, Coach Kelly, should not be yelling at students – regardless of the fact that they are football players. However, it seems that since a game is at stake, many – including the university (more…)

Is Notre Dame Coach Kelly Bullying His Players?

Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Workplace BullyingNotre Dame University is in on the front page of the Chicago Tribune again. This time it’s due to television cameras caught the football coach, Brian Kelly, screaming and cursing at his players. Apparently when asked about his fits of rage during his regular weekly press conference – he responded: “Did I hit somebody, did I strike somebody? Is that what you’re referring to?” One can only assume (more…)

Murdoch Family Business – In Need of Mediation?

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

It would be hard not to have heard of the eavesdropping and wiretapping scandal enveloping the Murdoch family. The Murdoch family recently closed down their banner news publication News of the World in the UK as a result of the wiretapping scandal.

A parallel issue is occurring in the Murdoch family, one many family businesses have to deal with regardless of the size: that of succession. (more…)

Workplace Violence: Wisconsin Supreme Court

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Prosser vs. BradleyEvery workplace can experience workplace violence – even the workplaces of those who are designated to uphold the laws of the land. This is just what is being alleged as occurring in the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

The problematic working relationship between Supreme Court (more…)

Divorce Bad for Your Health?

Wednesday, July 13th, 2011

Divorce Causes StressA recent study by Linda Waite, PhD with the University of Chicago Department of Sociology, asserts that divorce has a profound negative impact on the health of those whose marriage ends – just as the death of a spouse has on the surviving spouse.

Although this study raises an interesting point, it is likely not a clear argument that those who choose to divorce are (more…)

Elder Care: Etta James’ Husband & Son Litigate

Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Etta JamesPlaying out in a Southern California courtroom is a family elder care drama that is all too common. The ultimate decision rests with the lawyers and a judge, not the family or the person most involved: Etta James.

In this elder care case: The 73-year-old inimitable blues singer Etta James is suffering from dementia and leukemia. Her husband of 41 years and her son from a previous (more…)

Haynes Management vs. Sorabella: Business Conflict

Tuesday, June 21st, 2011

Wrokplace ConflictEarlier this month, Carl Sorabella was laid off by his employer of 14 years. Their rationale was “workforce modifications”, although for Carl Sorbella and his wife Kathy the timing could not be worse or more suspicious.

Kathy, 44 years old, was recently diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Carl, her husband of 23 years asked his employer for some time off (more…)

Our Desire For Judgment: Right vs. Wrong

Monday, June 13th, 2011

Why MediationOne of the most popular news stories of the day is a that of a committed and vocal congressman. Previously known for his passionate speeches on the floor and confrontational style, Anthony Weiner is now known as the congressman who accidentally outed his secret activities through Twitter.

The story is a perfect example of our desire for a judgment or determination of right/wrong. Congressman (more…)