American Airlines deemed most hated airline on social media.

AT&T may unload MetroPCS.

BMW takes luxury auto sales crown in US.

Delta expands "economy comfort" brand to entire fleet.

Google aims to make search more social and dynamic.

Google+ to launch brand pages "imminently."

Kodak's bet on printers fails to quell doubters.

MC Hammer is developing his own search engine.Continue reading...

If you’ve got luggage that is extra heavy, you’ve got to pay extra bucks, right? Starting in March of next year, if you’ve got extra weight on your body, you’ll need to pay out some extra bucks, too.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that AirTran will ask “customers of size” to buy a second seat starting in March. AirTran — whose slogan ("Go. There's Nothing Stopping You") might need updating — was purchased earlier this year by Southwest Airlines, which has such a policy in place.

Who is too big for just one seat? That distinction will be at "the carrier's sole discretion," AJC reports, so be sure to wear something that makes you look slim when you get to the airport.

AirTran parent Southwest defines customers that need more than one seat as “those who encroach upon any part of the neighboring seat[s],” the Journal-Constitution reports. (Have they flown economy lately?)

For those who have been affected by the rule on Southwest – fewer than one half of 1 percent of the airline’s customers – they are given the option of a refund on the second ticket if the flight isn’t full.

Southwest, of course, is famous for hassling the likes of director Kevin Smith about his size, a PR black eye that doesn't seem to have deterred them from eyeing passengers' girth. At least they're no longer threatening to eject customers from "too narrow" seats — just make them pay for another.Continue reading...

The United States Postal Service is on the brink of financial collapse, reports the New York Times.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz hosts political town hall on Tuesday.

Amazon.com tests a site redesign as founder Jeff Bezos sees spaceship misfire.

American Apparel is in talks to raise up to $160 million in financing.

Apple retains appeal without Steve Jobs, while iconic designer Jonathan Ive stays on.

Baidu launches app store.

China’s Bright Foods looks to Australia for growth.

Cisco is accused of abetting Chinese government in Falun Gong crackdown.

CW marketer Rick Haskins attracts attention with provocative campaigns.

Domino's Pizza wants to be the first fast food joint on the moon (offer only good in Japan).

Glee star Heather Morris criticized for domestic violence-themed photo shoot.

Google Doodle pays tribute to Queen's Freddy Mercury.Continue reading...

AEG Live sets to rival Ticketmaster.

American Express rewards small-business members for marketing.

Boeing taxis toward major deal with Delta.

Burger King faces post mortems on the death of the King.

Facebook seeks acquisitions to fend off Google.

Foster's moves to thwart SABMiller bid.Continue reading...

Global markets swoon after yesterday’s disaster on Wall Street.

Borden steps out with “Friends of Elsie” campaign.

Comcast and DirecTV engage in legal battle over advertising about NFL broadcasts.

Discovery Communications continues with upbeat reports.

Dodge leverages NASCAR to tout new Durango.

Dunkin’ Brands to boost prices to cover commodity-cost increases.Continue reading...

For Southwest, 40 is a magic number. The airline just turned 40, so it will celebrate by holding 40 conservation projects from the East to West Coasts of the U.S. during its "Conservation In Action Tour," which started last Friday in Southwest's home town of Dallas. Sony, American Eagle Outfitters, and The Coca-Cola Company are sponsors of the tour. 

Southwest employees will team up with the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Over 700 Southwest employees participated in the first projects in Dallas, which included work on behalf of Rochester Park, the Texas Trees Foundation, and Trinity River Audubon Center.Continue reading...

Airbus is poised to dominate Paris Air Show this week as rival Boeing decides whether to revamp or replace the 737.

Current TV sets its sights on MSNBC with Keith Olbermann and new branding.

Disney fuels product-placement formula with Cars 2.

Dollar General builds post-recession momentum.

Facebook becomes new king of display-ad revenue.

Ford launches showroom for PlayStation users and plans to buff up Lincoln brand.

Jack in the Box changes menu to promote high-margin items.Continue reading...

Our most-read blog posts of the past week range from Ronald McDonald's close call to to The X Factor USA's Simon Cowell:

#1 McDonald's Launches Billion Dollar McMakeover

#2 Disney Beaten to "Seal Team 6" Trademark

#3 Yes, Nike Knows It Just Released The 'Air Croc'

#4 Beretta Wins Race to Capitalize On bin Laden Death

#5 Will The X Factor USA Be Simon Cowell's American Idle?

#6 McDonald's Pressured to Oust Ronald

#7 Southwest "Too Fat To Fly" Apology Too Little, Too Late?

#8 United Airlines Apologizes for 9/11 Flight Numbers Reinstatement (Updated)

#9 Gillette's Evan Longoria Trick Shot's Real Trick: Admitting Federer Fakery

#10 At 40, Wonka Candy Is Greatest Reverse Product Placement Ever