Jason Gimelstob -- an outspoken former doubles star and current announcer on the Tennis Channel -- unleashed a tirade on the radio against former tour player and model Anna Kournikova last month, putting in jeopardy a campaign for the United States Tennis Association. The ads are built around the premise that the world's best players, plus Gimelstob, are taking a road trip on a luxury cruiser to tournaments in the Olympus U.S. Open Series. The USTA "switched to what-do-we-do-now mode" following the outburst, says Michelle Solomon, the USTA's chief marketing officer. It had originally wanted John McEnroe for the campaign, …

The European Food Safety Authority, an independent advisory body, hedged on the safety of bringing milk and meat from cloned animals to market yesterday, making it less likely that such products could reach store shelves in Europe anytime soon. The EFSA had issued a draft report in January in which much less weight was given to the lack of scientific data about the issue. The findings contrast with those of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In January, the FDA concluded that meat and milk from clones of cattle, swine, and goats were as safe to eat as food from …

A Dog Whisperer line of more than 100 products will be sold at more than 900 Petco stores starting July 27 under a licensing deal with Cesar Millan, star of National Geographic Channel's "Dog Whisperer" series. The products include Castor & Pollux organic dog food and treats, Cott fortified water and Langers liquid supplements, as well as accessories such as Timberwolf collars and leashes, JLA Pets bedding and Planet Pets toys. The licensing deal also encompasses instructional DVDs and an online dog coaching course, developed by Millan and offered by Petco on its Web site, Petco.com. Millan offered direct input …

The Italian footwear company Geox -- which has more than 772 stores in 68 countries -- is opening two stores in Florida as part of an aggressive expansion. It expects to have more than 1,000 stores worldwide by the end of the year, with 35 in the U.S. -- more than double the number of stores a year ago. Geox is also sold in department stores, including Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. Geox is known for its ''shoes that breathe,'' a patented design that features tiny holes in the bottom of the rubber-soled shoes. The concept allows the heat and vapor from …

A rift has opened in the 43-member Congressional Black Caucus over a menthol provision in legislation that would enable the Food and Drug Administration to regulate tobacco. The legislation would outlaw flavored cigarettes -- except for menthol cigarettes, which are specifically exempted. The caucus's chairwoman, Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, says its members, all Democrats, are deeply divided on the subject. "The caucus is split," she says. "We do want to see menthol regulated, but we're convinced that eliminating or prohibiting menthol would be a killer for the bill." The legislation in its current form -- with the menthol exemption -- has …

Toyota joined Nascar's top circuit, the Sprint Cup, two years ago. It hoped to win over the hearts and minds of millions of Americans across the country who flock to racetracks or watch on television. Although its drivers have been very successful at winning races -- particularly the controversial Kyle Busch -- Toyota's successes seem to be attracting more suspicion than loyalty. Research commissioned by Nascar last September found only half of its fans think Toyota is good for the sport; 6% believe Toyota hurts it. Most fans' "preference would be Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge," says Les Unger, national motorsports …

McDonald's, which has faced increasing pressure from its usually docile franchisees over the low margins of its dollar menu, says it is determined to tweak the offerings until they're profitable. The chain intends to continue offering inexpensive options, says Ralph Alvarez, the chain's president-COO, "but what sits on that menu will look different than now because it has to be profitable." McDonald's has previously confirmed that it's testing double cheeseburgers for more than $1, but this represents the company's first commitment to "evolve" the menu. In addition, Alvarez says McDonald's will add smoothies, frappes, bottled beverages and energy drinks …