Okay, the newspaper business, as we are constantly told by the media, is in dire straits. Blockbuster announcements like the Detroit Free Press and Detroit News getting out of the daily publishing business depress newspaper lovers everywhere. Perhaps, I am not brimming with Christmas cheer these days, but something just isn’t right with the Old Gray Lady pushing Obama memorabilia. Talk about hero worship. The Times' merchandising department actually dubs Barry one, running the caption, “Hero’s Welcome in Denver,” for a photo of Obama waving to a crowd of more than 100,000 at a Denver rally. There is another of Obama standing in a downpour in Pennsylvania. “Taking Pennsylvania by Storm” is the caption for that picture that can be purchased framed at $379 (11” x 14”) and $599 (16” x 20”).
The Times is selling Obama “victory” mugs (two for $24.95), Presidential keepsake boxes (“a great memento of Barack Obama’s charge to the presidency” with a “stunning image of Obama” on the top for $79.95), Obama t-shirts emblazoned with the late edition of the Nov. 5 cover for $32.95) and jigsaw puzzles of the cover for $49.95. What’s next? Will the Times be pushing Obama shower curtains, nutcrackers, bathroom rugs, shot glasses or pajamas? How about a tie-in with the maker of Barack's basketball sneakers or smokes?
This blogger sees nothing wrong with the Times selling the actual Nov. 5 newspaper ($14.95) or even the special large framed front page reprint ($184.95) for those who want to honor and remember Obama’s great victory. It’s the other stuff that cheapens the historic election.
On another note, The Times is selling a photo of one of the greatest errors in World Series history: the dribbler hit by New York Met Mookie Wilson that went through the legs of Boston Red Sox first baseman Bill Buckner in Game 6 of the 1986 contest. That 10th inning error capped a furious comeback by the beloved Mets and allowed Ray Knight to score the winning run. The Mets went on to win Game 7, crushing hearts throughout Red Sox Nation while burnishing the reputations of the Amazin's. The photo sells for $149 is autographed by Buckner (???) and Wilson and goes for $149.
Hint, hint to my lovely daughters, the picture sure would be a nice addition to the walls here at odwyerpr.com.