Apppppologize!

In her course "That's not what I meant!" Deborah Tannen raises an interesting dilemma. Suppose you're involved in a minor road accident. You hit the other car and cause it a few dents and scratches. You pull over to the side of the road and talk to the other driver (who's understandably pissed off). Now what do say? On one hand, any insurance agent will tell you never to apologize or admit guilt. Exchange your insurance details and leave it at that; let the professionals handle it. On the other hand, if you provide a sincere apology, reach out to the other person, offer to make it up to them, etc., the other person may drop the issue altogether. Maybe it's only their pride that was hurt. What would you do?

I'm not dead yet!

news-israel.net is the most ridiculous tabloid on the Israeli net. Never mind the truth value of these news, but they have "Sharon is breathing independently" and "the decision whether to pronounce Sharon dead, will be taken next Sunday" on the same page! (heb)