Q&As

Verizon Wireless made marketing history last night with the first-ever live concert on the corner of Hollywood and Vine in Los Angeles.

One of the characteristics of a socially responsible government is that it protects the unprotected. This past week saw the abuse of one such group — the 231 individuals who serve as Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives. What makes this all the more galling is that their persecution came at the hands of a rogue telemarketer who happens to be one of their own.

The violations occurred when Missouri Republican Roy Blunt solicited his fellow GOP members during the Republican Party’s recent majority whip post election. According to the Washington Post, “Blunt bombarded Republicans with phone calls using a database of home, cell and vacation numbers…He had a system: A couple of staffers would dial numbers on the list, and as they reached members they would patch them through to Blunt or ask them to stand by for a call back.”

Harry & David Holdings generated $362.4 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2006, up from $334.9 million in fiscal 2005. But the fruit and gourmet foods gift marketer’s net income between the quarters dropped, from $69.6 million to $49.1 million.

The Sharper Image Corp generated $253.9 million during its 2005 fourth quarter, compared with $291.9 million a year ago. For the year, the San Francisco-based retailer reported $648.9 million in sales, down from $740 million. The quarter and year ended Jan. 31.

The Federal Trade Commission, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and eight state law enforcement agencies have taken action against 20 operations that allegedly deceptively claim they can remove negative information from consumers’ credit reports – even if that information is accurate and timely.

In days a flame will be lit in Turin, Italy, and the XX Olympic Winter Games will officially be under way. For marketers, this quadrennial occurrence is a golden opportunity to associate their brands with these new Olympians. While not everyone can afford the multimillion-dollar price tag that comes with an official Olympic sponsorship, companies could capitalize on the Olympic juggernaut by aligning with individual athletes and creating promotional events in the weeks leading up to the Games.

Honda Civic is giving consumers a chance to drive away with a Black Eyed Peas customized and autographed Civic Hybrid.

Wal-Mart Stores takes retailtainment to a new level with exclusive concerts on Wal-Mart TV.

MGA Entertainment is adding the likes of Spider-Man and Captain America to its roster as part of a new licensing deal with Marvel Entertainment.

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office has filed a lawsuit against the publishers of the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for allegedly hiding pornographic material in the game, according to news reports.