Microsoft Writes Off Its Online Advertising Apparatus by Thom Forbes

If you've ever wondered whatever possessed you to shell out hard-earned cash for that huge machine that purportedly vibrates your abs into a six pack, you've got an idea of what the folks at Microsoft have been going through as they took a discerning look at the online display advertising business that was supposed to put them in fighting trim against Google. It essentially declared yesterday that its $6.3 billion acquisition of aQuantive is worthless by announcing a $6.2 billion "goodwill impairment" write-down that it says is "substantially the result" of buying the firm in 2007. ...Read the whole story

  • sports NASCAR, Partners, Back Troops Online And Off by Karl Greenberg

    Stock-car racing organization NASCAR is rolling toward Independence Day and the two big races during the holiday weekend with a cause-marketing program, "NASCAR Unites - An American Salute, it launched on Memorial Day. ...Read the whole story

  • packaged goods Gain Goes For Odor Ardor by Aaron Baar

    Scent can be a powerful motivator, evoking memories and emotions in people in ways other senses and tools can't. With that in mind, P&G's Gain laundry detergent is launching a tongue-in-cheek digital campaign to match people with their perfect scent. ...Read the whole story

  • pharma GlaxoSmithKline Settles Fraud Case For $3 Billion by Tanya Irwin

    GlaxoSmithKline has reached an agreement with the U.S. Government and multiple states to end numerous investigations. The settlement, which still needs court approval, includes $3 billion and fundamental changes to U.S. compliance, marketing and selling procedures implemented in recent years. It is the largest combined criminal-civil fine ever paid by a drug company. ...Read the whole story

  • restaurants New Applebee's Campaign: 'See You Tomorrow' by Karlene Lukovitz

    "'See You Tomorrow' represents the next step of our revitalization and a departure for the Applebee's brand," noted Becky Johnson, Applebee's VP of culinary and marketing. "We're focusing on our culinary credibility." ...Read the whole story

  • retail Study: Grocers Regaining Dominance by Sarah Mahoney

    In its just-released annual ranking of the biggest retailers, STORES Magazine reports that grocery chains are regaining their edge. Wal-Mart retains its top spot, of course. (It's bigger than the next four largest retailers combined.) ...Read the whole story

  • tourism More Than Fireworks In Philly On the Fourth by Karl Greenberg

    Forget (if you can) New York's Hudson and East River fireworks that will go down on Wednesday night, the 4th of July. Philadelphia, where the declaration was signed, is loading up the calendar for the federal holiday. ...Read the whole story

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