Barack Bric-a- Brac

Americans are pouring into Washington D.C. to watch the swearing in of Barack Obama today. And those who couldn't be there are glued to their television sets ... apparently desperately searching for that perfect product to commemorate the occasion.

Here are Queen Bea's picks for most ... ummm ... interesting home shopping Obama trinkets:


Yes you can(!) stay warm with this Commemorative Barack Obama "Hope & Change" Throw Blanket from ShopNBC. Only $47 + $6.99 S&H.




You will have time for change with this Barack Obama Crystal Image Dial 6-3/4" Bracelet Watch from HSN for only $49.95 + $6.20 S&H.




Now brace yourself for the home shopping coup de grace ... nothing more fully epitomizes the change that you can believe in more than this Spider-Man Comic Book Featuring Barack Obama from QVC for only $35.00 + $3.97 S&H.



And don't forget to check out Leah Williams at an Inaugural Ball this evening selling this amazing, amazing, amazing comic book.

Yes They Can!

On the night of January 20th, QVC will be celebrating the swearing in of our country's next president the only way they know how--by selling lots of useless "collectible" merchandise.

Host Leah Williams will broadcast from the Creative Coalition's inaugural ball in a fancy-schmancy inaugural gown (take that Lisa Robertson selling Swarovski crystal Diamonique stuff in a ballgown in Vienna!)

In between hawking commemorative coins, stamps, a simulated pearl necklace, and even a purse, QVC will broadcast parts of the parade and talk to random spectators on the street.

There is just nothing more American than this.

Joan Rivers Plans to Donate Body to Tupperware

The ever-industrious Joan Rivers has a new book coming out about one of her favorite topics, plastic surgery, "Men Are Stupid . . . and They Like Big Boobs." I would have to agree with her on both counts.

In this funny interview with the New York Times, Joan claims to have had two face lifts, lip plumping about every six months, and liposuction on her thighs. And, no, she doesn't think that she's addicted to plastic surgery at all. She's just in a youth-obsessed business where growing old gracefully doesn't pay the bills.

"I’ve had so much plastic surgery," Joan said, "when I die they will donate my body to Tupperware."

And just in case you were curious about her political views, well, she also thinks that the President-Elect Barak Obama should have had his ears pinned back years ago.

Goin' Rogue

Yes, chickadees, I saw John McCain on SNL this weekend in all his QVC glory. And I love Tina Fey ... love! love! love!

If you missed it and you consider yourself a home shopping diva, you must check it out!

This isn't a political blog, but I just want to encourage you to please vote tomorrow--no matter the lines, the weather, or the wait. Vote. It's your right and the only real voice you have in this country and, yes, it matters.

And just in case you would like to remember your brave act of patriotism with a beautiful piece of quality jewelry, for only $19.95, Jewelry Television is offering Commemorative Presidential Birthstone Sets exclusively on Tuesday, November 4th (Election Day). Seriously, I kid you not! This isn't a Saturday Night Live skit--this is for reals, y'all!

Joyce Richman, Senior Vice President of Programming at JTV said that they are "planning to keep tabs on which birthstone set is selling best on Tuesday to create a sense of fun and excitement on this historic Election Day."

Here's what you'll get:

Barack Obama/Joe Biden Birthstone Set
Native Hawaiians treasure peridot and refer to the stone as the tears of Pele, a Hawaiian goddess of fire. Peridot is also the birthstone for Democratic Presidential Nominee, Barack Obama, who was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 4, 1961. Citrine is the birthstone of Democratic Vice Presidential Nominee, Joe Biden, who was born on November 20, 1942. One of very few naturally occurring yellow gemstones, citrine was traditionally believed to increase clarity and foster a healthy heart.

John McCain/Sarah Palin Birthstone Set
Born August 29, 1936, John McCain's birthstone is the beautiful green peridot. Peridot is mined almost exclusively in the United States including Arizona, where the Republican Presidential Nominee served as a U.S. senator for nearly 20 years. Republican Vice Presidential Nominee, Sarah Palin, was born on February 11, 1964 and enjoys amethyst as her birthstone. Several ancient cultures believe amethyst brings good fortune and protection.

Only in America ... or, as Tim Russert would always say, "What a country!"

Who Needs CNN When You've Got QVC!

QVC is getting political--selling Obama and McCain shirts, caps, and buttons--and some customers don't feel that it's appropriate.

My initial reaction was "Who cares?" I mean, if they are selling merchandise from both major parties then you can't say that they are taking sides, right? Unless you support one of the third-party candidates, it seems fair enough on the surface.

Then I got to thinking it was a bit of a slippery slope. Selling political memorabilia from elections past is far different than selling merchandise in the heat of an election, especially considering we have such a sharply divided electorate (just take a gander at some of the explosive arguments on the message boards!)

Another sticking point? The sales pitch itself. Anything beyond discussing the style and quality of the item will quickly venture into dangerous territory. Even the camera shots have to be carefully monitored--can't have twice as much air time for candidate A's shirt than candidate B's shirt. Equal time, you know.

I watched some of the presentation video on the Q's website and both the host, Dan Hughes, and vendor seemed stiff and uncomfortable. They had to begin the segment with an explanation that they aren't being political and that they ordered the same number for both … yadda yadda yadda. Dan worried about having both shirts in the shot at all times and which hand he held them in, generally just walking on brittle egg shells the entire time. They were even afraid to say anything about the current administration. It all basically boiled down to a get-out-the-vote spiel

Then they took calls!!!

I think these callers were threatened to within an inch of their lives not to say anything that could possibly be construed as divisive. How uncomfortable to watch.

I checked HSN and ShopNBC and didn't see any Obama or McCain merchandise. I hope it stays that way until after the election. I have my own rather strong political views this election, but I do realize that there is a time and a place for these things and, trust me, QVC ain't the place!

Miss Tina to Bedazzle Michelle Obama

Not only does Miss Tina have the Today's Special on HSN, rumor has it that she's also stepping her strappy stilettos into the political arena.

MediaTakeOut.com reported that Tina Knowles is going to be designing a special outfit for Presidential candidate Barack Obama’s wife, Michelle Obama.

I'm just wondering if Michelle has actually looked at Miss Tina's collection. Let's just say that her particular aesthetic doesn't scream First Lady.