"Some journalists have been surprised to see Olympic workers taping over the logos on their Dell and Apple computers, since neither company is bankrolling the games, and the U.S. women's soccer team has been told not to hand out its media guide because it has 12 small logos of its sponsors — which are not official Olympics 2012 backers."

The absurd levels to which Olympic organizers are going to erase any and every possible non-sponsor brand name from peaking out came to its absurd apex on Saturday during the archery competition. On his way to the bronze medal, Chinese archer Xiaoxiang Dai was forced to put neon-yellow tape on his hat to cover its nearly invisible, black on black logo for… the Chicago Bears. Continue reading...

Brooks Sports’s high-performance running shoes are staples for runners of all levels, routinely praised by sports pros and medical professionals for their quality and injury-resistance capabilities. 

Brooks, founded in 1914, originally produced bathing shoes before moving into baseball cleats in 1920, football cleats in the 1930s, and running shoes ever after. The brand's managers are always looking for ways to better engage customers, and aims to make running fun (hence its tagline: "Run happy.")

Their next-generation running shoe, PureProject, hits stores in October. To make this exactly what their target audience needs, Brooks partnered with consumer insights and design firm IDEO, and canvassed the country speaking with new runners 25-35 years old.Continue reading...

Brooks is a brand name typically known only to serious runners, but the company is out to change that. And while Brooks takes running seriously, its latest marketing gambit is anything but. Starting today, the "Brooks Run Happy Cavalcade of Curiosities" which the company calls a "running-inspired carnival experience" (and bears the delightful URL, runhappy.com) will make stops at running shops, events and Rock 'n' Roll marathons.

The mobile carnival, actually a double-decker bus, will include carnival games and a free running gait analysis. The bus also contains the "Arcade of Oddities," featuring the world's biggest shoe and "other strange and memorable exhibits." Brooks plans to take the bus across the U.S. over the next several years.Continue reading...

Nike wins social media buzz marketing for World Cup ambush campaign as rivalry heats up with official FIFA sponsor Adidas. FIFA has been targeting World Cup ambush marketers such as these, filing more than 2,500 cease-and-desist injunctions to protect official sponsors.

Twitter adds World Cup site and #worldcup hashtags including nation icon tags.

Tragedy strikes World Cup kick-off in South Africa, as Nelson Mandela misses opening after great granddaughter dies in a car accident.

Yahoo! and (Red) team up to raise funds to battle AIDS in Africa in today-only World Cup promotion.Continue reading...