Speaking of MAD — as I was, about an hour ago — this is the cover of a recent catalog for Lands' End, a company which sells stylish clothing. Or, at least, they used to sell stylish clothing. Is there anyone you'd less want to look like when selecting your wardrobe than Alfred E. Neuman? But, then again, maybe this is marketing genius. For years, we've all been inundated by catalogs featuring models whose looks we can never hope to equal, no matter what we purchase from those pages. I mean, I can empty my bank account buying Brooks Brothers shirts. I'm still not going to look like the male models wearing those perfectly-tailored outfits on perfectly-toned torsos. And it's not like those ladies in the Victoria's Secret catalog would have any trouble getting their men fired-up if they didn't wear Victoria's Secret undies.
(I've never quite understood the premise behind sexy lingerie. If it's any good, it shouldn't stay on for very long, should it?) Anyway, we can all purchase Lands' End shirts and pants and sweat socks and jock straps, secure in the notion that we'll look as good in it as the guy on the front of their catalog. For once.