Daily Archives: November 2, 2005

November 2, 2005

Study Shows Looks Speak Louder Than Actions

CLEVELAND, OH -- Redheads are hot-tempered. Nerds wear glasses. Characterizing people by their looks is nothing new. But according to a study out of Case Western Reserve University, such characterizations reach beyond our intellectual understanding of events all the way down to our beliefs about good and evil.

The study asked 500 men to draw a picture of a good man and describe that man.

Good man drawings

Certain characteristics were common to all of the drawings: curly, mussed blond hair, and a devil-may-care expression. Participants described the good man as strong, entitled, and forthright.

The study then asked the same 500 men to draw a picture of an evil man and describe him.

Evil man drawings

Common characteristics included dark hair and a goatee. Participants described the evil man as overbearing, indulged, and rude.

The second phase of the study divided the 500 men into two groups and read them the following scenario:

“Joe goes to a restaurant and orders a T-bone steak, well-done. When a sirloin steak, cooked medium-rare arrives at his table, Joe sends the steak back, asking for the order to be corrected.”

Group A was shown a picture of Joe that looked like the prototypical Good Man, while Group B was shown a picture that looked like the Evil Man. Both groups were asked their impressions on the story.

Group A, who had seen Good Joe, thought Joe had been badly mistreated and worried that he might suffer from indigestion or not want to return to the restaurant. Some thought the restaurant should give him gift certificates to tie him up as a long-term customer.

Group B, who had been shown Bad Joe, thought Joe shouldn't have complained about the mix-up but just eaten what he was given because he'd ordered a better meal than he deserved. Some blamed him for depriving someone else of the sirloin. Most hoped he would not return to the restaurant. One continually shouted, “Stop the bad man!”

“The implications are stunning,” said Dr. Frank O. Fill, head psychology researcher on the project. “We've always known that stereotypes are powerful, but to think that what you do doesn't matter at all because people will interpret your actions in a way that is consistent with their preconceived notions…” Dr. Fill trailed off.

“I'm just glad I'm not dark-haired,” said the strawberry blond Fill. “Now get out of my office. I have work to do.”

Dr. Fill plans more studies in the coming months, including determining the perception of short, round Puerto Rican men.

November 2, 2005

Where’s The Love?

Anthony Castrovince, writer for mlb.com, posted an interview with the Mr. Javier Valentín and didn't even ask him how it felt to be known far and wide as The Latin Love Machine.

But we know all about his first car. Woo. Seriously, these interviews are like the Seven Stupid Questions, only without the benefit of rhyming words. Fortunately, Javy volunteered some actually interesting information. I guess it's worth a read.

In news unrelated to my intense jealousy, fake news tonight! You're going to love it! Well, maybe you won't love it, but I'm going to laugh my ass off. Plus, one more big RHM announcement this evening. Stay tuned.

November 2, 2005

The Reds Have New Owners

Or pretty close to it anyway. The following press release appears on the official site:

CINCINNATI -- The Cincinnati Reds, LLC, the entity which owns the Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball franchise, today announced that its owners intend to sell a controlling interest in the Club to a group of Cincinnatians led by Robert H. Castellini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Castellini Company. Other members of the purchasing group include Thomas L. Williams and William J. Williams, Jr., President and Chairman, respectively, of Cincinnati-based North American Properties. The purchase price of the interests sold will be based on an enterprise value for the Club of approximately $270 million. Upon consummation of the transaction, it is expected that Mr. Castellini will become the CEO of the Reds.

Several of the existing owners, including Reds' Chief Executive Officer Carl H. Lindner, George L. Strike, and William J. Reik, Jr., intend to retain an interest in the Club. The owners of the Club who intend to sell all their current interests are Great American Insurance Company and a subsidiary of Gannett Co., Inc.

Mr. Castellini stated that, “Carl has meant so much to the Reds and the City of Cincinnati. As such, we are thrilled that he has agreed to continue his association with the Club as a significant partner in our ownership group. I look forward to finalizing the agreement and submitting our group for MLB approval in the very near future as we are very excited about this opportunity and are eager to get started on the work ahead.”

Messrs. Castellini and Williams are familiar with the Reds' tradition and the Cincinnati market, and bring unique experience to the Reds from their many years as part owners of the St. Louis Cardinals. In addition, the Williams brothers' father and uncle were major owners of the Reds from 1966 until 1984.

In February 2005, current owners Nippert, Strike and Gannett began the sale process by engaging Allen & Company LLC, a New York based investment banking firm, to offer for sale that group's interest in the Reds. “In selecting the Castellini group, the commitment of Bob Castellini and Tom and Joe Williams to our community was a very important factor to all of us,” explained Mr. Strike.

The Reds are the oldest professional baseball team in America, dating back to 1869, and were a charter member of the National League at its formation in 1876. During the Club's storied history, the Reds have appeared in the World Series nine times, winning five times. On three other occasions, the Reds reached the National League Championship Series, most recently in 1995.

While a definitive agreement has not yet been signed and any sale is subject to regulatory review and the approval of Major League Baseball, the parties expect to complete the transaction before the end of the year. Until such time as the necessary approvals are received, the purchasing group will be precluded from making further comment on the proposed transaction.