Barclays CEO vows to improve bank's ethics as company sets aside $1.6 billion for legal costs following exec shake-up.

S&P and McGraw-Hill sued by U.S. over controversial mortgage bond ratings.

KFC parent Yum! Brands suffers after China scandal.

Applebee's sees social media firestorm after employee posted customer receipt online.

AT&T introduces $1 mobile hotspot (with contract).

Axe broadens men's grooming portfolio.

Amazon and Samsung unseat Apple in customer engagement ranking.

Boeing finds experts stumped over Dreamliner's faulty batteries.Continue reading...

Planters isn't just seeking sustainable sources of nuts — its iconic Nutmobile that brings its Mr. Peanut mascot to the masses runs on peanut oil. As explained in the New York Times earlier this year, the Nutmobile’s diesel engine now runs on "up to 20 percent biodiesel fuel and return 10 to 15 miles per gallon."

The average ad buy at Super Bowl XLV is said to be a cool $3 million for a 30-second spot. Will it be worth it? Returning Super Bowl advertisers — including Audi, BMW, Go Daddy, Pepsi and Pizza Hut — certainly hope so.

They will be joined on February 6th by a slew of newbies, many fresh from pitching their wares at CES in Las Vegas, as the TV event's audience continues its inevitable shift to a younger demo of digital aficionados.Continue reading...

What's more strange, that Robert Downey, Jr. is the voice of Mr. Peanut, or that Mr. Peanut is now flesh and blood? (above)

From the Dept. of No Self-Awareness: Man calls out ad agencies for "pointless" rebranding campaigns, calling them "the equivalent of a scam." Man himself will continue to be a professional advertising critic.

Old Spice Guy + Anchor Man Ron Jeremy = Northstar Resort at Tahoe commercial.

Yale mocks Harvard, via Facebook (references).

Art Director Study Break: "Ridiculous Vintage Men's Magazine Covers."

Following the announcement from Gucci, Oakley and Calvin Klein will also be releasing snazzy 3D glasses.

BP should probably have Tony Hayward secretly assassinated. Continue reading...