We may not be fully aware of it, but advertising has crept into the American psyche. For example, we used to name sports stadiums after prominent citizens and Presidents, now they are named after the highest bidder, usually a company involved with financial management, energy, or telecommunications. It wasn't good enough for them to just have the largest billboard in the park, but instead companies found it necessary to hijack the name and turn it into a trademark.

We also see advertising on the roadways, not just billboards and buses, but on our own vehicles as well. It's not uncommon to see cars and pickup trucks sporting advertisements describing a person's business. such as a realtor, plumber, electrician, pool supplies, etc. I actually don't have a problem with this; people are simply trying to promote their businesses on a rolling billboard. What I have a problem with, and I am mystified when I see it, is when people with no connection to companies place ads, decals or bumper stickers on their cars to promote a business. For example, "Follow Me to ABC Company who offers the best deals on this or that." I'm sure we've all seen examples of this. I particularly chuckle when I see fans of professional sports decorate their cars with stickers and signs promoting their favorite team. Not only did they have to pay to see their team play, but they have to pay to promote them. No wonder these athletes are millionaires, they soak the little guy for every nickel he has.

We also see a lot of advertising on our clothes, including shoes, shirts, jackets, and hats. It's rare to find a plain white shirt anymore or some article of clothing that doesn't have some sort of corporate logo on it. Not only have our cars become rolling billboards, but we have become walking ones. To take it even further, I find it amazing when I see someone who tattoos a corporate logo on themselves. Talk about taking advertising to the sublime!

Frankly, I think we've got it all backwards. If companies really want us to advertise their products and services, they should pay for our clothes and automobiles, not the other way around. Personally, I wouldn't have a problem driving a Budweiser automobile while wearing Warner Brothers shoes, a Cialis shirt and an NBC baseball cap, as long as I don't have to pay for them. But for me to pay for such things, forget it!

For a listing of Tim's Pet Peeves, click HERE.