Many religions have rules against the display or worship of graven images. These faiths are so uncertain and insecure that the sight of a gold-plated cow or three-headed monster — or a thunderbolt-hurling, childish dude who lives on a mountain — is enough to confuse the believers as to who is really the Boss.

The kids are all right: the most effective advertising is that which is not immediately recognizable as such. Rock stars like Springsteen have made billions of dollars becoming shills for the auto industry … without even trying. Continue reading →