I am old, crotchety, and weary of the complexities of modern life. So I am not a trustworthy judge of kids these days. But when one of the best-selling bands in America is just the imaginary band starring in a Disney made-for-TV movie...that's messed up, right?

Whoa whoa, product placement spending—the money that ensures that your TV shows, movies, video games, and every other damn thing feature lots of real quality car and soda brands—actually fell last year. But there's good news, brand fans!