A new online music store from Rhapsody America -- a joint venture of RealNetworks and Viacom's MTV Networks -- will feature songs that aren't constrained by anti-copying measures in an effort to challenge the dominance of Apple's iTunes. In May 2007, Apple broke new ground when it began selling music without copyright restrictions from EMI Group. But it hasn't been able to strike similar agreements with the other three major labels. Rhapsody will also announce that it will supply streaming music services and download stores on other Internet sites and services, such as Yahoo, MTV and popular social networking …

Wal-Mart will begin replacing logos on the front of its U.S. stores with a new design beginning this fall. Wal-Mart spokesman Kevin Gardner says the change will reflect changes customers already have seen in some store signs and advertisements. Gardner says he has no other information about the change. However, The Wall Street Journal reports that the new look will include eliminating the hyphen in the company's name, now shown as a star at its more than 3,600 U.S. stores. It reportedly will show the company's name in white letters on an orange background, followed by a small starburst. …

While weaving products into programs is a technique as old as TV itself, inserting logos, endorsements and name-brand goods into viewers' favorite shows has steadily attracted more interest among marketers as more viewers gain technology that lets them skip past commercials, or watch TV programs in new venues that use fewer ads. As a result, the Federal Communications Commission is examining the requirements for identifying product placements, and considering whether the rules do a good enough job. FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein has pushed for a revision of the current rules -- advertisers' in-program appearances are typically cited briefly before …

A new milk jug adopted by both Wal-Mart and Costco has no real spout, and its unorthodox square shape makes consumers feel like novices at the simple task of pouring a glass of milk. "I hate it," says Lisa DeHoff, a cafe owner shopping in a Sam's Club in North Canton, Ohio. The redesign, experts say, is an example of the changes likely to play out in the American economy as higher costs for energy and materials demand that many products be redesigned for greater efficiency. The jugs are cheaper to ship and better for the environment. Not to …

When Muhtar Kent -- the 55-year-old protégé of Coke chairman and CEO E. Neville Isdell -- takes over as CEO on Tuesday, he will stick to the current strategic plan emphasizing closer cooperation with retailers, improved marketing and aggressive expansion into juice and other drinks. Kent acknowledges that he faces stronger headwinds than were expected when his appointment was announced, but insists that the beverage industry is better positioned than many other businesses to weather economic difficulties. He says rapid urbanization and blossoming of the middle class in big emerging nations are juicing demand for on-the-go beverages. Working closely …

Ritz-Carlton has elevated the luxury experience to a true art form, according to Joseph A. Michelli in "The New Gold Standard: 5 Leadership Principles for Creating a Legendary Customer Experience Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company." He says any business can achieve the same level of success by adhering to the following principles: 1. Define and Refine; 2. Empower through Trust; 3. It's Not about You; 4. Deliver Wow! 5. Leave a Lasting Footprint. The book is primarily intended to help managers, owners, and leaders understand the driving principles, processes, and practices that have generated unusual staff loyalty, world-class …