"The truth is that the Titanic's passengers and crew who survived were nearly entirely those able to board the 20 available lifeboats (of which, only 18 were launched) ," wrote Michael Friendly, psychology professor in York's Faculty of Health, in a letter to the National Post April 17, replying to a column about the sinking. "In this chaotic scene, the only role for chivalry was for the few brave souls who had an option to board, yet chose to remain. The vast majority of those who perished had no such option. As it happened, women and children were much more likely to survive overall, as reported, but this hides the more subtle story: survival depended heavily on class, for both men and women. Read full story.
Coke’s touchy-feely campaign: Hug a vending machine for a free can
Never mind the smile Coke advertisers once encouraged; the savvy beverage manufacturer now wants consumers to get more intimate with the soft drink, wrote the Toronto Star April 17. The company has rolled out a "Cola-Cola Hug Machine" which delivers a free can to people who physically embrace one of their vending machines. “It’s a good way to foster strong and enduring affective bonds between consumers and the brand,” said Schulich School of Business marketing Professor Markus Giesler. “A brand that’s high up on a billboard wants to dominate me, but a brand that can be hugged wants to be my friend." Read full story.
Rose-colored glasses: are optimistic consumers more likely to trust salespeople?
People who believe the world is a just place trust salespeople more than consumers who don't – but only after they've made a purchase, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research, wrote ScienceDaily.com April 16. "As consumers, we make many decisions each day that may or may not turn out the way we hope. Since we know salespeople may have their own reasons for the advice and recommendations they give, trusting a salesperson may put us at further risk of making a bad decision," write authors Peter Darke, of the Schulich School of Business at York University, and Andrew Wilson, of Saint Mary's College of California. Read full story.
Former Haaretz Gallery editor named as Tel Aviv's culture department head
Literary editor and former Haaretz Gallery editor Iris Mor (MA '83) was appointed on Monday as the director of Tel Aviv Municipality's Department of Cultural Affairs. Currently managing editor of Keter publishing house, she was editor of Haaretz's Gallery section between 1995 and 2008. Before that, she was cultural editor and editor of the daily supplement of the now-defunct Hadashot daily. She holds a master's degree in philosophy of cinema from Canada's York University. Read full story.