Big bank Goldman Sachs is trying to repair its reputation, damaged by charges of civil fraud and a criminal investigation — never mind an embarrassment of riches in the firm's report of over $13 billion of net earnings in 2009.

So it may come as no surprise that Goldman Sachs is reportedly considering everything from an ad campaign to an appearance on The Oprah Show by CEO Lloyd Blankfein.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Fiona Laffan, head of media relations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Goldman Sachs, publicly stated that "mistrust and hatred of bankers, not just those at Goldman Sachs, remained near an all-time high and that the bank, as an industry leader, needed to do a better job of explaining what it did and how."

Goldman Sachs has already gone on the offensive.Continue reading...

BP today puts U.S. managing director Robert Dudley, above, in charge of its Gulf spill operations, reporting to embattled CEO Tony Hayward.

An analyst tells the New York Times, “He’s not only a good ol’ boy, but he’s from Mississippi and he doesn’t have a British accent,” a reference to Hayward.

Spirit Airlines, meanwhile, is being criticized for ad campaign that spoofs the BP oil spill.

More brands in the news after the jump.Continue reading...

It was nearly a month ago that we reported on the phenomenon of "Bros Icing Bros," a viral male-bonding meme consisting of one dude presenting a fellow dude (aka "bro") with a Smirnoff Ice which said bro must, then and there on the spot no matter what, accept on bended knee and down in one gulp.

The frat prank became so popular that Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg "iced" a staffer, while Foursquare CEO Dennis Crowley was himself iced. Its icy grip extended from college campuses to Wall Street and beyond, incuding—as Interbrand's Jennifer Bassett noted—the music industry.

But like all candles that burn twice as bright, this one has flamed out. Brosicingbros.com, the hot burning epicenter of the whole shebang, has gone dark with a farewell sign-off. And Smirnoff has come forward to quash any doubt that the whole thing was a viral marketing activity on the brand's part.Continue reading...

On day 57 of the Gulf oil spill, BP is ramping up its global digital campaign, including more videos (such as the meeting, above) on its YouTube channel.

President Obama, set to address the public tonight on all things BP, yesterday promoted tourism to the Gulf of Mexico as BP accelerated cleanup efforts in the Gulf. Gulf Coasters are skeptical of promises, whether from BP or Obama.

As U.S. senators demand that the oil giant set aside $20 billion in escrow for claims and a congressional panel charges the company with cutting corners before the Deepwater accident, BP denies bankruptcy rumors while it seeks advice from Goldman Sachs, Blackstone Group and Credit Suisse.

Billionaire T. Boone Pickens is defending the oil giant, as it faces doubts on all sides.

BP truly isn't British Petroleum any more - 39% of the company is US-owned, and half its board is American.

Stanford b-school professor Jeffrey Pfeffer has this advice for Tony Hayward ahead of his appearance on the Hill tomorrow.

AT&T accidentally reveals VIP iPad owners' information as iPhone 4 "retina display" challenged.

BP shares plunge 16% as oil industry's Dr. Doom predicts collapse.

Goldman Sachs was sued by Australian hedge fund.

Google and Apple are fighting over mobile ads.Continue reading...

Goldman Sachs, subpoenaed today by U.S. financial crisis panel, also reportedly preparing BP for the possibility of a takeover bid.

AT&T offers early upgrades ahead of new iPhone availability, raises eyebrows.

Chrysler recalls nearly 600,000 Jeep Wranglers and minivans.

Countrywide settles FTC charges for $108 million.

GM offers incentives on used vehicles.Continue reading...

BP's "top kill" effort resumes as second plume discovered and clean-up cost approaches $1 billion. WSJ investigation shows lack of command at Deepwater Horizon rig.

Smart-a$$ behind the mock @BPGlobalPR Twitter feed revealed to be San Francisco-based interactive designer Mike Monteiro, who may have a book deal. [update: Monteiro denies the whole thing]

Apple's iPad starts selling globally, with buyers lining up in London, Tokyo and beyond. Time Warner and Universal grapple with its Flash allergy, though Time Inc.'s gung ho.

Absolut taps Spike Lee to design limited edition Absolut Brooklyn.

Nike's "Write the Future" World Cup ad sets viral video record.Continue reading...

- The global oil industry is facing more scrutiny as the world watches BP's actions in the Gulf of Mexico.

- Reuters reports "heavy oil" has reached the Louisiania shoreline as BP prepares plug.

- BP last night agreed to post live video of oil spill in response to US rep. Ed Markey.

- The video stream will be hosted on the website for the Select Committee on Global Warming, which Markey chairs.

- Kevin Costner's post-Exxon oil spill clean-up company, Ocean Therapy Solutions, is helping BP in the Gulf.

- The British oil giant is also facing a new suit (with Goldman Sachs) and considerable needling by Greenpeace.