Gwen Stefani for HP, Michael Jordan for Hanes, Dr. Dre for HP, Peyton Manning for Sony, Lady Gaga for Polarioid, Lance Armstong for Radio Shack, Michael Vick for… ArTran?

A new study confirms what a lot of people on both ends of the advertising paradigm suspect: celebrity endorsements aren't worth it. My colleague Sheila Shayon earlier pondered this question — find out why the evidence is swinging in favor of taking back the swag bags and shutting down the gravy train.Continue reading...

Levi Johnston is branding gold. Just maybe not 24-carat.

The Associated Press confirms that would-be vice-president Sarah Palin's would-be son-in-law Levi Johnston will soon pose for Playgirl. It’s the best thing to happen to Playgirl since... well, since whenever anything last happened in Playgirl. (Maybe 2002’s "The Men of Enron"?)

Playgirl now runs online only, serving a gay audience as much as a straight one. But Johnston's pictures and resulting exposure during the run-up have already rejuvenated the brand (or at least reminded everyone it exists). Google the word “playgirl,” and a story about Johnston in Playgirl is the number two result!

And then there are Levi's other nuts: his viral ad for Wonderful pistachios has given the Alaskan native a different type of exposure.Continue reading...

Levi Johnston is a spokesperson for Wonderful Pistachios. I don't know why either. [AdFreak]

How Mad Men branded its viewers. [Econsultancy]

Poor timing? The New York Times publishes expose on digital advertiser Cargill. [Gawker]

Bated breath as Michelin announces a "made-over" Michelin Man. [Ad Ages]

Say yellow to new Hertz identity. [Brand New]