Without actually saying that they'll cure a hangover, two new spots suggest that Coca-Cola's Vitaminwater is just the right tonic if you've woken up with a throbbing brain "and your face is in a pile of nachos." Vitaminwater's purple "Revive" flavor has B vitamins and potassium, we are assured, and will help to rehydrate you after "these apparently epic nights." The claims would seem to bolster popular wisdom on college campuses, if not academia per se. Coke says the spots are the vanguard of a major push that it hopes will pull the brand, which it bought in …

Samsung has been running two 3-D commercials in movie theaters that showcase the experience that consumers can get at home from its new line of 3-D televisions. That makes sense. But what about 3-D spots from Purina or the Air Force? asks Eleftheria Parpis. Purina's decision to produce a costly 3-D animated spot for its Friskies wet cat food evolved out of the strategy and tagline, "Feed the senses," according to Susan Schlueter, director of marketing for Friskies. The ad, titled "Adventureland," rolled out with the debut of "Alice in Wonderland." "We decided, 'Why don't we push [the concept] …

Although both the number of prescriptions dispensed (up 2.1%) and the amount spent on them (up 5.1%) both rose last year, the rate of growth was low compared to most years. Jonathan D. Rockoff writes that the results reflect the difficulties that brand-name drug makers face as the popularity of genetics grows in the U.S. market. The number of prescriptions dispensed for generic drugs rose 5.9% last year while those for branded drugs declined 7.6%. Of all prescriptions that were dispensed, 75% were for generics last year, up from 57% five years earlier, according to IMS Health data. …

In a volley in its war on McDonald's dominance at breakfast, Burger King has broken a new 30-second spot in which the mascot King burgles the recipe for the Sausage McMuffin with Egg sandwich. "It's not that original but it's super affordable ... egg, sausage and cheese on a toasted English muffin," quoth the voiceover. BK's version only costs a buck. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," a spokeswoman predictably responds to Rupal Paekh's request for comment. Paekh points out that breakfast is becoming the most competitive day-part for fast food restaurants. Gary Stibel, founder-CEO …

Cadillac dealers will learn how to better treat their customers from the experts in catering to the whims of the well-heeled at the Ritz-Carlton hotel chain, Dave Guilford reports. The program, which will be rolled out in a series of upcoming regional meetings, will feature such tips walking a customer out to his or her car when it's raining, according to Cadillac marketing vp Don Butler. "It's simple," Butler said. "It's the things that don't cost a lot of money." The 10-year-old Ritz-Carlton Leadership Center offers programs in areas such as …