Menopause is a hot (flashes) topic, one that typically isn't publicly discussed let alone laughed about. Kimberly-Clark is looking to change that. In fact, it's seeking applause for menopause.

Its Poise brand is sponsoring a North American comedy tour with Sherri Shepherd (of The View and 30 Rock fame) and TV legend Cloris Leachman. The title: The Hot Flash Road Show. “I’m no stranger to talking about sensitive topics, so I jumped at the chance to partner with Poise brand," Shepherd comments.

“At 86 years young, I definitely have my share of menopause stories that I think every woman will eventually relate to,” says Leachman, a nine-time Emmy Award winning actress and star of FOX’s Raising Hope.Continue reading...

For all the talk of resurrecting Elvis Presley as a hologram and taking him, virtually, back on tour, fans of The King would say there is no better celebration than the annual Elvis Week that takes over Memphis every August.

This year it's taking place August 10-18, overlapping the 35th anniversary of the legendary singer's death on August 16th. Skeptics would say it's just one more way to shore up the earnings of a dead celebrity who ranked second (behind Michael Jackson) on Forbes magazine's 2011 "top earning dead celebrities" list, bringing in a hip-gyrating $55 million.

Elvis Week 2012 is the culmination of a year-long celebration expected to draw the largest crowds ever — including Elvis himself. That's right, the "Elvis 35th Anniversary Concert," to be held on Thursday night, August 16 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, features "a spectacular live music experience starring the real Elvis Presley via video," according to information distributed by Elvis Presley Enterprises.Continue reading...

In the spirit of the July Fourth holiday in the US — and to drive Abe Sauer crazy? — watch Target construct the world's largest sprinkler as part of its "Make Summer Funner" campaign, in Houston, TX. The companion project: the world's largest sandbox, below, which the brand has set-up as a pop-up attraction in Chicago.Continue reading...

Forget the war on Christmas. It's the war on yoga that's causing consternation these days, as a "Take Back Yoga" movement takes root.

Proponents argue that yoga has been commercialized, running a bit like a Mastercard commercial — Lululemon pants: $100. Gaiam iPod-wired mat: $40. Group class: $20. Inner peace: priceless.

That commercialization and celebrity-fueled popularity of yoga, positioning it as exercise over mindful meditation, has been causing a deficit of inner peace in the minds of religious leaders across the country, some of whom have found allies in the unlikeliest of places.Continue reading...

The "Power 100," an annual survey of the world's leading drink brands, has just released its 2010 ranking. Topping the list once again is Smirnoff, ahead of second place Johnnie Walker and third place Bacardi.

Last year was particularly difficult for premium spirits as consumer demand for pricey liquor and wine brands shifted to less expensive alternatives. In a clear sign of the times, champagne brands Dom Perignon, Lanson, Nicolas Deuillatte and Taittinger fell out of the Power 100.

Wines generally didn't fare all that well in the new ranking. Only two wine brands, Gallo and Concha y Toro, were listed in the top 20. Seven U.S. wine brands and five Australian labels made the Power 100, but only one European wine was on the list: Spain's Torres Wine.

Nine brands were added to the Power 100 for the first time this year, including Svedka, the Swedish vodka, which debuted at number 46.Continue reading...