It's been a while since we felt the need to make a direct call to a brand to cease a campaign, but... Hot Pockets, for the love of all that's holy, please stop the "sideshows" campaign. IT IS FREAKING PEOPLE OUT!

We're not interested in naming names, but somebody somewhere thought the above commercial — created by the usually terrific team at Aardman Animation in the UK — would be a good promotion for the Nestle-owned brand. As my wife said, "Is that their guts? That's their guts isn't it? That's disgusting." She is not alone.Continue reading...

BroadCause, a platform that engages communities around causes by connecting the dots between socially conscious brands and consumers who want to make a difference and get involved.

“We are in the midst of a social good revolution, and the world of cause will simply never be the same. Everyday people now have an unprecedented capacity to make an impact through the social Web,” says Broadcause founder and Experience Project CEO Peter Jackson.

Its latest effort to make an impact for non-profits and brands on the social web: a campaign that kicks off today in support of United Way's LIVE UNITED.

The Microsoft-sponsored weeklong drive aims to recruit one million volunteer educators, readers, tutors and mentors by June 21. Continue reading...

Google may be the target of a Us antitrust probe,  as brand's bid for Nortel’s patent assets coincides with Larry Page’s first day back as CEO.

Japan sets new radiation safety level for seafood after nuclear plant spews highly contaminated water into sea as Tepco shares plunge to record low. Also, Toyota reports misunderstanding over US impact and Honda targets rise in US sales but faces supply restrictions.

Amazon, Costco and Kohls are top brands for customer service in a new survey. 

BAT to develop “safer” nicotine products for long-term use. 

Boeing and Southwest deal with aftermath of fuselage tear.Continue reading...

Nikkei slips as another earthquake hit Japan Sunday, as Tepco head pressured to quit after costing shareholders $26 billion; fear of radiation and shortages drives panic buying of Japanese goods; auto industry suffers as Toyota, Honda and others stand to lose billions in revenue; and Wal-Mart reopens 12 quake-hit stores.

Google to launch in-app billing for Android; woos celebs to create themed channels on YouTube; and works on mobile payments as near field communications battle looms. CEO Larry Page, meanwhile, is working on cutting red tape and fostering internal communications.

BlackBerry-maker RIM is in "slow-motion decline," says WSJ, while acquires mobile tool developer.

Facebook is reportedly in talks to hire former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs; and updates Questions in boost for brands.Continue reading...

On November 7, 1991 five-time NBA champion and three-time league MVP Irving "Magic" Johnson announced his immediate retirement from the Los Angeles Lakers and pro basketball. Johnson further said that he had tested positive for HIV.

The announcement shocked America, and Johnson became the public face of HIV, challenging Americans who had until then seen (and celebrated) the illness as afflicting only the gay community to come to terms with one its most celebrated athletes being HIV-positive.

So, not a soul would have believed anyone who had said at the time, "In 20 years, Magic Johnson will be the spokesperson for a major brand's line of men's hygiene products." But that's just what happened. During the NCAA tournament, Dove introduced its new campaign — "Journey to Comfort with Magic Johnson."Continue reading...

As Japan crisis continues and Tokyo Electric Power raises concerns, GE's $1 billion nuclear business is at risk as US ponders future of nuclear energy. The estimated hit to Japan's economy (so far): $200 billion.

AOL is repositioning to attract more women.

Chicago tests 911 cellphone pictures and video.

Daimler weighs paying higher dividends.

Facebook patents curated search.

Guinness to roll out soccer-themed game show in Africa.Continue reading...

This 1966 commercial was one of the first for Horatio Magellan Crunch, aka Cap’n Crunch, who it turns out will not be retiring. According to Quaker Oats, rumors of his demise have been greatly exaggerated, leading one to ask — was it an effective marketing stunt?Continue reading...

Angry Birds raises $42 million in capital.

Apple sales of iPad2 may outpace first model.

Chrysler fires new-media agency over f-bomb Tweet.

Diageo targets US trade with shopper-marketing emphasis.

Galleon Group wiretaps heard by insider-trading jury.

Gannett may charge for content.

HP and MindTree benefit from AOL restructuring.Continue reading...