Taking Names: Paisley to perform at White House military salute

It seems to be working.

The Kodiak Wal-Mart had more than 35,000 “likes” Monday, more than five times the town’s population.

Kodiak has a significant lead in the contest to land Pitbull, but actual numbers weren’t immediately available, Wal-Mart spokeswoman Sarah Spencer said. She said other Wal-Mart shoppers have until July 16 to like their local stores and pull ahead of Kodiak.

“I know Pitbull is hoping his Miami Wal-Mart shoppers start liking their Facebook page,” she said.

That would require some heavy lifting, with one Miami location sitting tight with 45 “likes” Monday.

“He’s definitely coming to Kodiak if Kodiak wins,” she said.

It would be the rapper’s first visit to Alaska.

Pitbull, who is touring Europe, seems to be taking the contest in good nature. “Wherever the fans want to have a party, I will be there,” he said in an emailed statement sent Monday from Austria.

Kodiak Island is about 225 miles southwest of Anchorage. It’s home to the nation’s largest Coast Guard base, and the island is known for its Kodiak brown bear population.

That fact wasn’t lost on Pitbull, who tweeted Saturday: “I hear there’s bear repellant at Kodiak, Alaska #walmartspecials.”

Jon Bon Jovi teams with Avon on fragrance deal

Jon Bon Jovi is going Unplugged in a bottle.

Avon Products Inc. announced Monday that the 50-year-old rock star is the company’s newest celebrity fragrance partner. He’ll appear in ads for both Unplugged for Her and Unplugged for Him.

The company said the inspiration for both scents is the unique feeling one has listening to a favorite song. The goal is “an emotional connection.”

The women’s version, which will be available through Avon representatives and online in October, is a floral oriental perfume, and the men’s is a woody floral musk fragrance. It will go on sale in November.

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