One of the best aspects of the digital age is the ability to connect to ideas and news whose source lies far from our own front steps. These ideas from across the globe are not only stimulating for their novelty; they also affirm, since they highlight our commonalities, not just our differences.

Since I was introduced to it last November, one of my favorite sources for information and fresh thinking with a global perspective is the International Dispute Negotiation podcast.

International Dispute Negotiation, presented by the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution (CPR), explores ways people across a wide range of countries, backgrounds, and professions approach the resolution of disputes. International Dispute Negotiation is hosted by Michael McIlwrath, Senior Counsel, Litigation for GE Infrastructure - Oil & Gas, based at his company’s headquarters in Florence, Italy.

For each podcast Michael plays knowledgeable and affable host to influential leaders and thinkers about ADR and negotiation in international contexts. These beautifully produced podcasts offer revelations from all sides of the negotiation table, with episodes that have included:

• A discussion with American Museum of Natural History curator and anthropologist Robert L. Carniero on the evolution of dispute resolution
• Resolving disputes and drafting a constitution in Iraq with Zaid Al-Ali, who is advising the United Nations on legal developments in Iraq
• Mediation and Dispute Metrics in a Law Firm Culture

Now available is Michael’s most recent interview: Mediating from Singapore: An Interview with Christopher Lau.

When you toast your next successfully concluded mediation, you may want to think about hoisting a glass of Collaboration Not Litigation Ale, brewed by the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, Colorado.

May I recommend as a suitable accompaniment some delectable “Make barbecue not war” spareribs?

Bottoms up!

(Here’s to the Legal Antiquarian for the link.)

(Photo credit: Laura Nubuck.)

Each week through the viewpoint of a different host, Blawg Review, the revolving blog carnival which presents the best in legal blogging, shows its readership a new perspective on law, the legal profession, and legal scholarship.

Consider as my proof the dazzling array of viewpoints courtesy of the last five hosts:

• Blawg Review #160, which speaks with a distinctly British accent at Ruthie’s Law (motto: “innocent until proven guilty)
• Blawg Review #159 at the Whistleblower Law Blog
• Blawg Review #158 in recognition of International Midwives Day at the Mommy Blawg
• Blawg Review #157 commemorating the Canadian National Day of Mourning, which honors workers killed on the job, at Thoughts from a Management Lawyer
• Blawg Review #156, hosted by Virtually Blind, a blog covering virtual law and legal issues affecting virtual worlds

Blawg Review #161 promises to deliver a caffeinated jolt this coming Monday morning - it’s hosted by the Patent Baristas.

[Update: Blawg Review #161 has been posted. It pays moving homage to Memorial Day, a day when the U.S. remembers its military dead.]

(Photo credit: Luiz Baltar.)