Who wouldn't want to travel on Oprah's private plane? Indeed, the luxury and convenience of private jet travel. But that's never going to happen. So, for the rest of us plebes, there is the new United Airlines “Oprah Winfrey Show Farewell Season Plane."

With an interior exclusively decorated by Oprah herself, and a special greeting video from the queen of daytime, it's almost like the elegant era of airline travel is back. But not really.Continue reading...

Just as Continental Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek prepares to be deposed Friday as part of a lawsuit aiming to block Continental's union with United, the branding for the merged airlines is raising hackles in some quarters. The Jaunted blog comments, "We can't decide if we like it or not. The font of 'United' is obviously a modern update, and they've switched to capitalize all letters, but the Continental tail just looks off. Also, it's very white." The Consumerist blog chimes in, "I wonder if Continental feels like the kid whose mom forces him to take his stepdad's last name." Take a closer look after the jump and let us know what you think.Continue reading...

When big brands merge, it's always interesting to theorize about which brand will ultimately benefit most from the union.

Obviously, both brands bring something to the table in terms of assets and liabilities. But in the case of the United-Continental merger, which will create the largest airline in the world, it's United that stands to gain from "the rub-off from Continental's surprisingly high goodwill among consumers."

According to Ad Age, industry analysts describe Continental as "one of the only U.S.-based legacy carriers with any amount of consumer goodwill in its back pocket," largely due to the airline's excellent customer service and liberal frequent flyer program.

United, on the other hand, "has done a lot to ruin their image from what it was 10 to 12 years ago," says Robert Herbst an airline analyst. Syndicated travel columnist Chris Elliott agrees that Continental has the better brand; "they're known for having a proactive customer service department."Continue reading...

Executives from BP, Halliburton and Transocean defend themselves as hearing begins in Washington. Meanwhile, BP faces boycott as it prepares a second dome and considers stuffing uncapped oil well with golf balls and tires.

Paid brand blogging and "sponsored conversations" are on the rise.

P&G prepares branding campaign for London 2012 Olympic Games.

Claire's hit by recall of children's jewelry.

Coca-Cola China launches eco-friendly bottles for Ice Dew water brand.

Disney launches women's website with Teri Hatcher.Continue reading...

Coca-Cola kicks off FIFA World Cup campaign (above).

Anheuser-Busch the next official beer of the NFL?

BP boss Tony Hayward meets with US Congress as value drops $23 billion.

British Airways, “British enough”?

BMW sales soar, from Minis to Rolls-Royce sedans.

Chrysler introduces sales incentives.

Domino's ad blitz pays off.

Facebook defends "open privacy" policy.Continue reading...

David Arquette is still better known in some quarters as husband to Courteney Cox and brother to Rosanna Arquette.

But he's also chairman of Feeding America’s Entertainment Council, where his Hollywood ties have helped attract his friends for a worthy cause.

Thanks to Arquette, stars including Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Rachael Ray, Mario Batali, Josh Groban, Ben Harper and Sheryl Crow and (of course) his wife Courteney are helping with the organization's goal of feeding the one in six Americans (49.1 million, including 16.7 million children) who do not have enough to eat on a daily basis.  

The oranization, formerly known as Second Harvest, is now gearing up for its single biggest day of the year, when Help Stamp Out Hunger returns on May 8th.Continue reading...

Apple, under scrutiny from US regulators, is bringing the 3G iPhone to China.

US FDA agency is still probing kids medicine recall, as Tylenol maker "scrambles" to fix issue.

Microsoft is still pursuing tablet projects despite shelving Courier project, says Bill Gates.

Boeing's social media tutor: an 8-year-old.

Google's Chrome outpaces Firefox in the browser wars as IE loses share.

Starbucks remixes its Frappucino line.Continue reading...

United and Continental launched a website to explain their union. (As we prepare to bid adieu to Continental, post-merger approval, enjoy some classic TV ads above.)

Apple's iPad reaches 1 million sales faster than iPhone; Apple is also on the hunt for startups.

Avis may try to top Hertz's bid for Dollar Thrifty.

BP described by Reuters as "under seige" today as company deals with oil spill clean up.

Ford, GM, Chrysler and Toyota reported April sales figures.Continue reading...