Q&As

Kimberly Clark and daytime talk show The View are out with a sweepstakes awarding free room makeovers worth $25,000 each.

The Washington, DC-based International Spy Museum offers a variety of its cloak-and-dagger inspired wares. Its 16-page catalog features “the best in spy gear, games and gadgets.” The Fresh Air Fund has mailed a bovine-themed #10 envelope: The package touts inner-city children’s experiences with animals, and has an ask ladder of $15/$25/$50/$100/$150/other. And International Male’s latest catalog, a 76-page book, offers a free one-year subscription to Details magazine with every order in excess of $100.

News item: The latest online scam is an email allegedly from a hired killer contracted to murder the recipient. According to the message, the killer has had second thoughts, and is willing to forego the swift completion of his appointed rounds — for a price.

Sprint Nextel is giving fans of the show 24 a new way to experience the series via games, show-related quizzes and downloads.

Ace Hardware is out with a national contest that offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to compete to win their own store, valued at $1 million.

Omniture Inc. has acquired Instadia, a Danish Web analytics provider, for an undisclosed sum.

Coldwater Creek expects to post earnings per share for its fiscal 2006 fourth quarter, ending Feb. 3 in the range of 16 to 17 cents per share, down from earlier estimates of 26 to 27 cents per share.

In Touch Marketing Solutions: allows veterinarians to use personalized direct mail pieces and Web addresses to market their services– Creative Marketing Solutions LLC, St. Louis.

As we continue our monthly survey of Loyalty 101, it’s important to pause for a moment to discuss the most enjoyable aspect of loyalty program design: redemptions. After all, the privilege of redeeming for rewards is the reason your customers join your program in the first place.

NASCAR has signed on American Idol superstar Kelly Clarkson for its 2007 racing season.