Super Bowl ads start to rev up as Audi sets the stage, CareerBuilder returns with monkey theme, PepsiCo boosts spots to seven, Skechers taps Kim Kardashian, and CarMax signs up for first national Super Bowl TV spot.

Adobe boosts privacy in Flash.

Borders closes in on refinancing.

Chrysler bailout is criticized by federal watchdog panel.

Delta takes “bumping” online.

Groupon discusses an IPO.Continue reading...

The New Yorker cover this week spoofs the recent injuries that marred the debut of Disney/Marvel's Spider-Man production on Broadway before the holidays.

The good news: the production appears to be back on track, grossing $6 million during 29 previews and becoming the highest-grossing production on Broadway last week, knocking Wicked from top spot.

Its injured Spidey stuntman, Christopher Tierney, is also back on his feet, though not flying through the air (at least just yet).

Abbott recalls millions of diabetes testing strips.

Allied Irish Banks is recapitalized by Irish government.

Apple sees acceleration in sales of its set-top TV boxes.

Beiersdorf rationalizes brand and product portfolio.

Chrysler Financial sale may stoke U.S. auto-industry recovery.

Democrats (via Nancy Pelosi) tap director Steven Spielberg to rebrand party.Continue reading...

Comcast acquisition of NBC Universal won't be approved by Dec. 31.

Craigslist removes "adult services" listings worldwide.

JPMorgan maintains global top spot for investment banking fees.

L.L. Bean among retailers enjoying a happy holiday season.

Lilly Pulitzer fashion brand changes hands.

Marks & Spencer celebrated with a museum exhibit in its birthplace.

President Obama signs bill repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as Senate ratifies nuclear pact.

Skype outage affects millions worldwide (and potentially Twitter).Continue reading...

Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, the high-profile collaboration between the Disney-owned Marvel, U2 and director Julie Taymor that is now in previews on Broadway, cancelled its matinee performance today following an injury that took Christopher Tierney, one of the actors playing Spider-Man last night, to the emergency room — the fourth accident since previews began.

Officials from NYC's Actors Equity, the New York Dept. of Labor and OSHA today investigated the accident. According to AP, the show's producers have promised to implement additional safety measures in order for Wednesday night's performance to proceed, reports Billboard (and an eagle-eyed reader).

Some are questioning whether it's safe for the actors to return to the high-flying production; and there's still the question of whether there will be any damage to the show's run, the Spider-Man franchise, and Marvel's brand.

In the works before Disney acquired Marvel, the additions of U2 and Taymor sent the show's budget (and ambitions) soaring, making the troubled production the most expensive show in Broadway history. A behind-the-scenes peek is after the jump.Continue reading...

TD Bank acquires Chrysler Financial for $6.3 billion.

News Corp.'s bid for BSkyB cleared by EU.

Apple plans exposed by insider trading suit.

Bank of America and other Wall Street firms face increased scrutiny on executive pay.

Betty White voted entertainer of the year by AP.

Brett Favre retirement leaves muddles NFL legacy.

CBS is looking to renegotiate Katie Couric's contract.Continue reading...

Movie-goers attending the #1 movie at the box office this weekend — Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader — saw but one product placement. It was very big and very obvious. It also came early on in the show. Very early. In fact, the only product placement seen by Narnia audiences occurred before Narnia even began.Continue reading...

Allianz launches biggest global ad campaign to date.

Apple shares hit all-time high but lower than expected iPad sales disappoints investors.

Bank of America reports wider losses.

Boeing pares employee health plan, citing so-called ObamaCare U.S. health legislation. 

British Airways CEO calls for travel industry reform.

Chevron PR efforts get punked.

Disney takes over distribution rights to Marvel movies.Continue reading...