Brands to Watch: Favre, IBM, Starwood

Australia's Gold Coast unveils new place branding campaign.

Brett Favre apologizes to Minnesota Vikings teammates for distraction of sexting inquiry.

Google competes with the Consumer Price Index by tracking inflation with its own Price Index.

Gymboree was sold today for $1.8 billion.

Hasbro transitions to a "branded play" company.

HBO lands all-star cast for Too Big to Fail movie.

IBM shares hit an all-time high today.

JumpTap's new CEO is media veteran George Bell.

Kim Kardashian bares all for W magazine.

Lexus unveils "world's most advanced" driving simulator.

Michigan governor budgets $25 million on state tourism campaign.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates, via the Gates Foundation, announces $20 million education technology commitment.

NBC signs HP to sponsor upcoming School Pride reality series.

Starwood is upgrading its Sheraton and Westin brands, part of an industry trend during this recession.

Starz sells Film Roman, the animation studio behind The Simpsons.

The Economist launches Intelligent Life iPad app to woo American readers.

The Hollywood Reporter, led by Janice Min, sees top editor Elizabeth Guider and online editor Andy Wallenstein exit.

U.K.'s Channel 4 launches "Twist" branding campaign.