Local Businesses Attempt to Cash In on Inauguration

Tuesday's momentous swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama means many things to many different people: change, unity, hope, and of course, marketing. Pepsi has set a national standard of co-optation, but smaller businesses are no less quick to piggy-back on the nation's excitement.

Last weekend, doorknobs all over the Mission were hung with the above ad for a small gym outfit, LiveFit. It's a tad cheesy, but the connection between Obama and fitness is clear. The man is in very good shape. And it's safe to assume that his health care plan emphasises the vague notion of "wellness."

Then there's this menu for Twin Peaks Pizza, which also appeared on doorknobs. While the "Yes We Can" and "Change Can Happen" specials are merely puzzling (Yes, we can ... eat two meat lasagnas and two salads in one sitting. Change ... can happen to your pizza when you are the one picking the toppings.), one has to wonder who made the decision to include 10 chicken wings in the "Obama Special." Have we learned nothing from the nefarious escapades of a certain Republican womens club?