March 11--The Federal Trade Commission is accusing DirecTV of deceptively advertising how much its service actually costs. Also, there is only one Rob Lowe.
A jury ruled that Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams ripped off the late Marvin Gaye's music in their 2013 hit, "Blurred Lines." Too soon to know if being branded a copycat will affect Williams' role developing the next American idol on "The Voice."
You have to envy investors in the Chinese construction company reputed to have found a way to build a 57-story skyscraper in just 19 days. Unless the wrong corners were cut, in which case everyone winds up on the ground floor.
Things just aren't built that fast in Chicago. It takes 19 days to construct the latest excuse for unfinished bleachers at Wrigley.
Daryl Hall and John Oates are suing Early Bird Foods over the name of its granola parfait, Haulin' Oats. Seems like a clear case of trademark infringement, but judges sometimes won't go against the grain.
China's General Tso lost a similar trademark fight long ago but won his libel case, arguing he was never chicken.
Museums are banning the use of so-called selfie sticks. So be prepared to help photograph fellow patrons who otherwise wouldn't touch you with a three-foot pole.
The Chicago Advertising Federation promoted its awards show with the image of men and women facing urinals and the sophomoric line "Who Measured Up?" No surprise about the backsplash.
Would you believe 99 turns 82 Thursday? Happy birthday to Barbara Feldon of TV's "Get Smart." We would call, but her shoe is unlisted.
philrosenthal@tribpub.com
