It takes money to make money. A few oil companies are throwing their cash around in Alaska in the hopes of swaying voters to their side in an Aug. 28 election that will decide a ballot measure that “supporters claim would restore Alaskans’ voice in federal coastal decisions,” according to the Alaska Dispatch.

Royal Dutch Shell has shelled out $150,000 against the effort, while Exxon and Conoco put in around $150,000 each and BP contributed $100,000 to “Vote No on 2.” Overall, the group has raised more than $1,450,000 and more than $690,000 of that came in the last two weeks. Two big mining companies have also contributed cash. In fact, only eight individuals have given money to “Vote No on 2,” Alaska Dispatch reports. 

That is in stark contrast to the group that is pushing for Ballot Measure 2 to pass, the Alaska Sea Party. They have raised about $205,000 this year, almost all from individuals. The largest gift by far came from a guy who is against one of the mining companies developing in the area; he put in $25,000. Continue reading...

News Corp. shares tumble as company goes on PR offensive with print apology as News International's former head Rebekah Brooks was arrested Sunday, London's police chief quits and actor Jude Law claims his phone was hacked. Prime Minister David Cameron called in Parliament to deal with the scandal, as speculation rises about possible harm to Murdoch's US empire.

ABS by Alan Schwartz balks at design copyright protection.

Amana introduces new online shopping tool.

Australia's government launches campaign for carbon tax.

Borders faces liquidation.Continue reading...

Global brands respond with relief efforts for Japan.

Adidas kicks off biggest-ever campaign on March 16th.

Amazon tops survey of brand value perception.

BMW relies on X-3 and 6 Series for profit growth.

BYD may prove a terrible bet for Warren Buffett.

Disney tries to learn from failure of Mars Needs Moms. 

Facebook takes aim at Groupon, which also faces competition from Gowalla.Continue reading...

Apple reportedly acknowledges MacBook Air bugs, promises fixes.

AT&T trawls Twitter for customer gripes.

Bank of America and Caterpillar lead Dow surge to highest point since Lehman Brothers collapse.

Dish Network claims Hulu will destroy the TV industry.

DreamWorks puts Zynga in the picture.

FirstEnergy tests the world’s largest mobile fuel cell system.

GM makes its pitch to investors.Continue reading...

BP's damaged oil well could be shut down in a matter of weeks — depending on the weather, according to President Obama's watchdog in the Gulf, retired Adm. Thad Allen, on a press call this morning. The company suspended operations last night as storm concerns continue today.

The brand continues battling other storms, including disagreements with its well partners, public relations nightmares, experts questioning its relief efforts and CEO Tony Hayward fighting to keep his job.

BP's also being frozen out as its competitors join forces in a new consortium.Continue reading...

Consumers boycott brands for almost as many reasons as there are brands. If you were looking for a brand to boycott because it made deals with both the US and the Islamic Republic of Iran (and in possible violation of the Iran Sanctions Act), the New York Times provided a handy list last weekend.

Most of the brands on the list are oil companies, and Royal Dutch Shell was one of the largest in terms of how much revenue it received from the US government. Whether it was the result of existing boycotts, its appearance on that Times list, or the fallout from that list – Congress is looking to end government contracts with companies that sell gas to Iran – the multinational brand announced that it will halt such sales to the increasingly isolated country.Continue reading...

After customers complained, Wal-Mart puts more products on its shelves. [Reuters]

Furriers are experiencing a profit boost thanks to recent fashion shows. [NY Times]

Royal Dutch Shell has concluded gasoline sales with Iran. [WSJ]

American Eagle brand Martin + Osa will dissolve before the summer. [WWD]