Evine, And Akos Jankura, Will Solve All Your Problems

OK, we’ve never heard of him, but scientist and inventor Akos Jankura is bringing what is described as his “problem-solving product line” to Evine. The collection is called “Akos The Solutionist.”

According to the press release, Jankura is “one of the world’s top inventors and TV presenters” whose “long career includes nearly $1 billion in sales, nominations for multiple industry awards and appearances in over 40 infomercials.”

He will be on Evine July 4 and 5.

“Akos Jankura is a big name in the world of video commerce and I’m excited to leverage his incredible talent and expansive collection of ingenious products,” Evine CEO Bob Rosenblatt said in a canned statement.

“Akos’ impressive career has been built on his ability to connect with customers and develop products that solve problems. Coming to Evine, Akos not only brings experience from other networks, but also a large following of fans that have come to know him for his radio show, ‘My Cool Inventions,’ and his live-streaming Inventions & Gadgets channel on Roku, AmazonFire, AndroidTV, YouTube and Facebook Live.”

Jankura’s inventions have been featured in The New York Times and the “Wendy Williams Show.” He also owns Inventures International Inc., which seeks out inventors throughout the world.

“All of my products are designed with a real-life problem in mind and I’m looking forward to showing Evine’s customers just how easy it is to overcome everyday household tasks,” Jankura said.

“As an inventor and entrepreneur, I’m passionate about offering a great value and creating products that are not only easy to use, but make even the most mundane tasks fun. I can’t wait to wow Evine’s viewers with the amazing demonstrations and the stories behind the collection of products I’ve assembled.”

He will demonstrate a variety of problem-solving products, including a UV vacuum cleaner, fridge deodorizer and “World Famous Survival Steel.”

Our Fav Fitflops Trot Onto HSN

Three cheers for HSN for premiering Fitflops tonight as its Today’s Special.

If you are not familiar with the brand, these sandals and shoes have been engineered with special soles that distribute your body weight and absorb shock for maximum comfort.

Our sister and hairdresser first recommended these to us when we broke our left ankle, for support for our feet. We have eight pairs now, nearly all of them purchased at TJ Maxx. We paid $39.99 for most of our’s, but they normally retail for much more, $80 or more depending on the style and whether they are leather or not.

HSN is selling them for $49.99, which is a pretty good price break.

QVC’s Shawn Killinger Adopts Baby

Belated congrats to QVC host Shawn Killinger. She and her husband Joe have adopted an adorable newborn baby.

Killinger announced the news on Facebook on Father’s Day, along with some sweet photos. The blonde apologized for missing her 10th anniversary on QVC, and then explained why she was “mysteriously MIA,” as she put it.

“Meet Jagger Jude, born Friday June 9 in California!” Killinger wrote.

“Joe and I are out here adopting a baby girl! She is perfect and a long dream come true. God is so good, His ways so perfect. I won’t be seeing you on Q for most of the summer, but in between feedings and poopy diapers I’ll pop up on social media to share the fun. I’m thrilled, anxious, full of questions, and in awe of women who have done this so gracefully bc I haven’t showered in 3 days…and I’m loving every minute of it! Plus my clothes smell like Dreft baby detergent bc I’m combining loads.”

Her post generated about 14,000 comments from well-wishers.

The news is especially joyous because Killinger, like other women we knew, endured a miscarriage that broke her heart.

So we wish this new mom luck!

Bob Vila Brings Home Improvement To Evine

Bob Vila — DIY expert, author, TV personality and the original host of “This Old House” — will debut a line of home-improvement products to Evine, the home shopping network said on Monday.

“My entire career has been devoted to home improvement, and I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned with Evine’s viewers,” Vila said in a canned statement.

“Every product I’ve created is meant to solve a problem… and these are products you won’t find at your local hardware store. I think everyone from seasoned handymen to weekend DIYers will love what we’ve designed. These are items no household should be without.”

The collection is called “Bob Vila’s Outdoor Workshop,” and is “a variety of unique problem-solving products for inside and outside the home, developed through his decades of experience in the home improvement industry,” according to the press release.

“In the world of DIY, few names carry the same credibility and weight as Bob Vila,” Evine CEO Bob Rosenblatt said.

“For nearly 30 years, Bob has inspired homeowners and do-it-your-selfers and shown them the satisfaction of making an old house new again. I’m excited for him to spark that same inspiration in our customers. Bringing his combination of knowledge and experience to Evine, Bob has curated a unique assortment of DIY products that go far beyond the basic ‘hammer and screwdriver.’ This collection comes at a perfect time for all those summer home projects.”

Best known as the original host of “This Old House” on PBS for 10 years, Vila went on to host “Bob Vila’s Home Again” for 15 years. After that, he hosted “Bob Vila” and “Restore America with Bob Vila.”

Vila also made several cameo appearances as himself on the 1990s-hit sitcom “Home Improvement” with Tim Allen.

Beyond his television experience, Vila is also the author of 12 books, including “Bob Vila’s Toolbox.”

“Bob Vila’s Outdoor Workshop” will premiere today, June 20, on Evine.

Jewelry Vendor Victoria Wieck Exits HSN

We suspected as much, but now it’s official: Jewelry vendor Victoria Wieck is gone from HSN after nearly two decades.

Someone, and thanks for that, posted on our blog that Wieck announced that she was doing her last show on the home shopping network, after appearing there for 19 years.

“They are airing her final show right now,” the person wrote. “No explanation given other than this is her last show after 19 years.”

Another one wrote, “I am disappointed to see Victoria Wieck go. She is a class act. I hope she goes to JTV. Love, love, love JTV. I did buy some gorgeous rings on clearance today. Good bye for now, Victoria. Hopefully see you soon!”

Evine Promotes Peterman To COO/CFO

Evine has promoted Tim Peterman to chief operating officer/ chief financial officer. He has served as CFO for the network since 2015.

Peterman joined Evine as CFO in 2015.

Prior to Evine, he spent 25 years in operations, interactive media and financial management for public companies such as Scripps Networks Interactive Inc., InteractiveCorp, Synacor and Sinclair Broadcast Group.

Peterman has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky and is a CPA who began his career at KPMG in Chicago.

“Tim’s contributions over the past two years have helped Evine create a solid foundation for profitable growth in the future,” Evine CEO Bob Rosenblatt said in a canned statement.

“His disciplined approach to strengthening our agendas in content distribution, customer solutions and fulfillment will further enhance our customer experience, and his focus on the balance sheet will pave the way for continued profitability improvement. By naming Tim as our Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer, we are investing in the future of Evine.”

Paula Deen’s Sons Follow Her To Evine

We guess we should have seen this coming. Paula Deen’s brood is joining her on Evine, the network said this week.

Dean Brothers – cookware, kitchen accessories, and a curated collection of wines from Jamie and Bobby Deen, will debut on home home shopping network next Tuesday.

Like possums hanging on their mom’s back, the boys are following in Deen’s footsteps, as Paula offers food, kitchen, fashion and home products on Evine.

“I’m so pleased to offer our customers and fans of the Deen family a complete ‘Deen dining experience,’” Evine CEO Bob Rosenblatt said in a canned statement.

“With the debut of Deen Brothers, customers now have access to everything they need to make meaningful events out of mealtime, including food, cookware and wine. Beyond the products, we’re excited that Paula has made her family a part of our own. We take pride in our ability to foster and grow new brands, and the fact that Paula has brought her boys to Evine is a testament to that.”

And both the Southern sons chimed in.

“As Paula Deen’s son, I had the incredible fortune to learn a lot from mama growing up in her kitchens,” said Bobby, who in described as “an accomplished culinary personality.”

“She always taught us to welcome guests like they were a part of our own family,” Jamie said. “That’s really what this collection is all about… warmth and hospitality. I can’t tell you how excited we are to bring our collection to Evine. We’ve worked together with the team over these past couple of years and look forward to growing our business – as a family – with Evine.”

The brothers will offer items from their new cooking collection, as well as a variety of wines from Savannah Cellars, which they developed with vintner and restaurateur Doug Margerum.

“Each wine was hand-selected as the perfect accompaniment to toast to food, family and fun,” according to the press release.

“For the debut, the collection will offer an assortment of varietals, including Chardonnay and a red blend developed by Jamie during a recent trip to Santa Barbara. In addition to wines, customers will have access to Deen family recipes online, each a perfect pairing to a different Savannah Cellars wine.”

Is Suzanne Somers Bound For QVC?

UPDATE: A reader told us she saw a QVC promo saying that Somers is coming to the network in July.

Is this a sign of things to come?

One of our readers noted that several of Suzanne Somers’ products are now on QVC’s website, listed as “new.” The items include protein shakes.

http://www.qvc.com/catalog/search.html?langId=-1&storeId=10251&catalogId=10151&keyword=Somers

So is the blonde actress-entrepreneur-author coming to the No. 1 home shopping network?

Somers for years was on HSN hawking jewelry, clothes and diet food. Then she landed at Evine for several years, until announcing recently that she was leaving there.

We’re told that many, many years ago Somers was on QVC selling her Thighmaster.

So maybe she’s about to return.

Is Suzanne Somers Bound For QVC?

Is this a sign of things to come?

One of our readers noted that several of Suzanne Somers’ products are now on QVC’s website, listed as “new.” The items include protein shakes.

http://www.qvc.com/catalog/search.html?langId=-1&storeId=10251&catalogId=10151&keyword=Somers

So is the blonde actress-entrepreneur-author coming to the No. 1 home shopping network?

Somers for years was on HSN hawking jewelry, clothes and diet food. Then she landed at Evine for several years, until announcing recently that she was leaving there.

We’re told that many, many years ago Somers was on QVC selling her Thighmaster.

So maybe she’s about to return.