It's a classic David and Goliath tale, as Foursquare (aka the little east coast social start-up that could) continues to compete against Facebook, the west coast social giant that just raised millions from Goldman Sachs.

Foursquare got a jump on Facebook by launching its social check-in service in March 2009, well ahead of Facebook's foray into the check-ins business last August with Facebook Places.

But it needs to maintain its momentum, such as the recent survey of the busiest US airports that showed Foursquare check-ins comfortably in the lead. Cue its latest push.Continue reading...

Bloomberg News, which boasts it has more reporters and feet on the street worldwide than any other media brand, is expanding from its triple-checked focus on market-moving news to (gasp!) opinion.

Yes, the media empire that NYC's Mayor Mike built will soon start publishing editorials across all its media platforms in order to extend greater influence on politics. And it will, for the first time, incorporate more of its namesake's views — previously off-limits, especially with Bloomberg now being an elected official.

Dubbed Bloomberg View, the new op-ed franchise will embody Michael Bloomberg’s personal philosophy and global view, a departure from his agreement of non-involvement in “day-to-day operations” of his company. How "ideology-free" will it be?Continue reading...

Google and Microsoft join President Obama's fight on $75 billion illegal drug e-market, as Obama meets with Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to discuss bolstering the US economy.

WikiLeaks leader Julian Assange granted bail (but Sweden vetoes) as supporters pay $360,000 for New York Times ad.

Audi and Mercedes-Benz lead automaker push to go social for 2011 Super Bowl.

Best Buy share price plunges on lowered forecast, despite brighter November for US retail sales.

Brett Favre draws criticism for trying to profit from end of winning streak.

CNBC launches subscription CNBC Pro, "for the serious investor."Continue reading...

Bank of America to restart 16,000 foreclosures.

Barcelona signs first shirt sponsor (in a deal worth $225 million) in 111-year history.

Chevrolet to rebrand Aveo as Sonic.

Goldman Sachs former VP found guilty of economic espionage.

Ikea gives in, launches new home assembly assistance service.

KFC to award $20,000 in food to a tagline-model "so good" city.Continue reading...

Every day here, without fail, Google makes news somewhere around the world.

So it's perhaps no surprise that the search giant is stepping up to help the news media, where so many organizations are now cash-strapped and challenged by ad revenue losses caused by search engines such as Google, with its recent announcement of a $5 million donation to boost digital innovation in journalism.

That whopping act of generosity isn't going directly to media organizations. Instead, it's being directed to non-profits helping spur media innovation on digital platforms — $2 million to the Knight Foundation and $3 million for international news efforts.

Google stated that the shift from “working with news organizations to develop better products for users,” to incentivizing grass roots innovation is because "journalism is fundamental to a functioning democracy" — a statement that resonated during the U.S. elections this week.Continue reading...

Apple irks British iPhone users for not updating clocks to reflect Sunday's time change.

BlackBerry users in India rejoice as government decides not to ban the devices.

Daily Candy turns 10.

GM IPO to cut U.S. stake below 50%.

Google sues U.S. government for allegedly discriminating against Google Apps.

Google's Android overtakes Apple's iPhone as leader in U.S. smartphone market.

Hilton, the Peninsula and other hotel spas offer shorter treatments to stressed clientele.Continue reading...

Newsweek writer Howard Fineman recently announced he's moving to the Huffington Post, which wasn't a huge surprise given that it's under new ownership.

But the news that New York Times economics reporter Peter Goodman is joining HuffPo of his own volition indicates a seachange is indeed afoot for mainstream media brands, and certainly an indicator of the fundamental and far-reaching effects of social media on the news industry.

Goodman told the Washington Post, "For me it's a chance to write with a point of view. It's sort of the age of the columnist. With the dysfunctional political system, old conventional notions of fairness make it hard to tell readers directly what's going on. This is a chance for me to explore solutions in my economic reporting."Continue reading...

Airbus and Boeing rack up orders at the Farnborough International Airshow in England, where Boeing's 787 Dreamliner ("the future of green aviation" it's called in the video above) made its public debut.

Cheerios taps singer Martina McBride for heart health campaign.

Chipotle aligns marketing around "food with integrity" message.

Coach pursues luxury buyers, including men.

Coca-Cola forced to pull Facebook promo after porn references.Continue reading...