Amazon swings to loss on aggressive spending on future growth, worries about Apple's iPad mini, while Apple disses Microsoft Surface tablet.

BBC sees dimensions of Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal grow.

Bank of America still dealing with fallout from collapse of Countrywide.

Chanel benefits from buzz created by Brad Pitt campaign.

Cheesecake Factory bucks casual-dining traffic decline.

Chipotle considers once-forbidden veer toward fast-food platform.

Citigroup CEO exit reportedly was planned for months.Continue reading...

The revolution in discovery and exploitation of shale oil and gas in the American heartland, starting with North Dakota, is turning global energy economics and, potentially, politics upside-down. It's also prompting major shifts in strategy for the big brands on the energy map in the United States and the world.

ExxonMobil became the latest iconic energy brand to boost its stake in the Bakken Shale formation when last week it agreed to buy assets of Denbury Resources there for $1.6 billion in cash and interests in two oil fields. The move increased Exxon's acreage in the formation, centered under North Dakota, which has helped make the state the second-largest oil-producing state in America, after Texas.

Royal Dutch Shell also has invested more in such "unconventional" oil assets lately, recently buying $2 billion worth of such properties from Chesapeake Energy. And in efforts to exploit the growing potential of shale reserves worldwide, Chevron is helping the Chinese company Sinopec.Continue reading...

BlackBerry-maker RIM plans to slash staff.

P&G will change candy-resembling Tide Pods on child safety concerns.

Formula One wins court challenge overturning 'F1' trademark‎.

Amazon will sell pre-paid wireless service in Japan.

Apple applies for patents on advanced stylus.

Two years after BP oil spill, tourists return to US Gulf.

Cisco pulls the plug on its Cius tablet.

ExxonMobil to vote on gay protections.

Facebook is reportedly developing a smartphone (with ex-Apple engineers).Continue reading...

The Wall Street Journal calls BP's capping of the Gulf oil leak the end of the beginning, with "crunch time" ahead. Pressure tests will be performed today to see if the cap can be left on the well.

The New York Times revisits BP's safety record, while U.S. senators want the company's role in Lockerbie bomber release investigated.

BP's talks with Apache are causing concern, as Abu Dhabi's crown prince reportedly considers taking a stake.

Pepsi is offering $1.3 million for ideas to aid the Gulf (submit here through Thursday at noon ET), while Jersey Shore's Snooki is doing her bit.

ExxonMobil, meanwhile, is treading lightly these days.

In sad news for the Village People, the YMCA follows KFC, NPR and AARP in formally adopting its acronym and shedding three letters to become just the Y. Individual branches will still be known as "The YMCA of ____." (Update: Village People respond, more details here.)

BP shares rise on news it's making progress on oil spill containment but not making promises — and that it's rumored to be in talks to sell assets to Apache, and facing a possible ExxonMobil takeover bid. Louisiana is pitching BP on a scheme to get unemployed commercial fishermen back on the job.

Spain's octopus-predicted triumph over the Netherlands in the World Cup final drew Nelson Mandela to the closing ceremony while Uruguay's Diego Forlan won the Adidas Golden Ball (not the unpopular Jabulani) for individual achievement. A likely terrorist attack in Uganda killing at least 60 World Cup fans marred yesterday's celebrations.Continue reading...

The Guardian calls today's Washington hearing with BP executives a "root canal" (one example) as gulf oil leak estimates increase by 50% and President Obama gears up for tonight's TV address on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Oil industry executives from Shell and ExxonMobil also testified in Washington today. Exxon, meanwhile, launched a blog to share its perspective on the oil spill. Tomorrow, BP CEO Tony Hayward will face a special Senate hearing and the TV cameras.

Fitch downgraded BP's stock (again) while a fire temporarily halted its Gulf operation, which is now partnering with Kevin Costner's company. Other brands in the news:Continue reading...

Brands have come under fire for using styrofoam for packaging and are seeking alternatives to enhance their green reputations. Just walk along any beach in the winter and it’s easy to see that it makes a mess of the environment.

The problem with presenting a so-called “green” solution during an economic downturn is the assumption of increased costs in manufacturing and shipping, a factor which doesn't sit well with packaged goods giants including P&G.

The American Chemistry Council, a coalition of companies that includes Procter & Gamble Chemicals, ExxonMobil, 3M, Shell, Sunoco, and the Solo Cup company, has suggested that instead of switching to bamboo or other sustainable alternatives, polystyrene packaging (Styrofoam) is preferable as it can be burned for fuel.

Unconvinced, Dell has announced that its bamboo packaging, used as cushioning in its laptops and certain netbooks, is now compostable.Continue reading...

Brands generating buzz this hour:

Apple's iPhone snub of Adobe's Flash heats up with CEO Steve Jobs statement.

Facebook executive agrees privacy is a site issue.

Starwood Hotels forecasts a bright 2010.

Motorola's Droid is paying off.

P&G is banking on emerging markets.Continue reading...