It was personal (and politicized, media-savvy) brand vs. brand this week, as Meghan McCain and Glenn Beck clashed.

A PSA for the Comcast-owned Style Network about skin cancer was released this week, featuring some pretty well-known celebrities such as Brandy, Ashlan Gorse, Cacee Cobb, Danielle Fishel, Tempest Bledsoe, Jen Proske, Tatyana Ali, and the big star of the video, John McCain's outspoken daughter, Meghan McCain.

The idea behind the PSA was to show all these girls "naked" (as far as the viewer could see) talking about what they've done "naked" — meaning without sunscreen. The voiceover: "If you leave the house without sunscreen, you might as well be naked."

As far as outgoing Fox News talking head Glenn Beck was concerned, the celebs might as well have been naked.Continue reading...

The new J.Crew catalog features a photo that has raised the ire of some conservatives who see it as an affront to traditional "family values." The photo, part of the regular Jenna's Picks feature, this month called "Saturday with Jenna," depicts the brand's president and resident design guru painting her son's toenails pink (above).

The image outraged well-known psychologist Keith Ablow, who took to Fox News to scold J.Crew, saying "Yeah, well, it may be fun and games now, Jenna, but at least put some money aside for psychotherapy for the kid—and maybe a little for others who’ll be affected by your 'innocent' pleasure."

This morning, the tempest in a pink teacup led to a "gender discussion" on the CBS Early Show featuring a psychologist as one of a trio of concerned moms. Oh yeah, it's on.Continue reading...

Chrysler to curb output because of Japan supply shortage.

Coca-Cola 'pips' PepsiCo with PlantBottle roll out in US to coincide with Earth Month.

Dish Network eyes Netflix in wake of acquisition of Blockbuster assets.

Fox News to end Glenn Beck’s show but retain alliance.

GE plans to build largest solar-panel plant in the world.

Google is revamping YouTube.Continue reading...

Yes, the rumors are true: Glenn Beck is "transitioning" off Fox News when his contract expires at year-end. According to a joint statement from Fox and Beck's production company, he will "develop and produce a variety of television projects for air on the Fox News Channel as well as content for other platforms including Fox News’ digital properties."

• Liver, Chianti, fava beans and Volkswagen (above).

• Juiceopolis!

• The creepiest Ivory soap ads ever.Continue reading...

This is the video that yesterday brought down the head of fundraising — and today, the CEO — of NPR.

It's a self-styled bit of muckraking — a covertly taped conversation with Ron Schiller, who until yesterday was president of the NPR Foundation and SVP of development (read: fundraising) for America's National Public Radio. His was a critical role, as NPR has been fighting to maintain funding and political support in the face of criticism from the political right in the US.

Today, he was followed out the door at NPR by Vivian Schiller, no family relation but certainly related as a fellow executive at NPR — one also caught in the crosshairs of rising political tension between the left and right in the US.Continue reading...

Apple frustrates rivals who are trying to beat iPad’s price.

BBC announces agencies for branding and creative duties.

Disney's ABC Family channel spins gold in dramas.

Baby Gaga makers face possible legal action by Lady Gaga over breast-milk ice cream.  

Bank of America looks forward to “normal” performance. 

Barclays CEO gets huge bonus.

CBS hopes to conclude Charlie Sheen saga as Mark Cuban approaches him for HDNet project.Continue reading...

Best Buy admits UK launch lacked impact.  

Bridgelux raises $21M in funding.

CNN anchor says network is getting outFoxed in 2010 election prep. 

Coca-Cola recognized for packaging design while Pepsi unveils "skinny can."  

eBay prepares plan to help PayPal repel Google and Apple threats. 

Facebook gains foothold in China with Hong Kong office.Continue reading...