You don't get fog rolling in every evening either. As befitting the Swiss tradition of time keeping, there were clocks everywhere, said Spencer, all synchronized by radio control. While many she encountered recognized Berkeley as a leading research institution, several viewed the university as a conservative place, much to Spencer's surprise. They seemed to have missed the free speech and anti-war movements. And while they all spoke English, there were still some barriers.
Lawyers can argue their point very well and for a long period of time.
I'd reach a point during discussions where I had to tell them to give it up and move on. The claims they reviewed were submitted by governments, international organizations and private businesses that suffered damage as a result of oil released into the environment, with adverse affects on fish and wildlife, as well as human health. Spencer learned many valuable strategies during her sabbatical that will enhance her work at Berkeley, she said. It's important to find a common goal, in spite of wide-ranging viewpoints. The experience also solidified her commitment to being on the preventative end of environmental issues, in order to limit potential damage.