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*** UPDATE *** Good news…
A federal judge today said a Chicago Tribune reporter does not have to turn over her notes from an interview of a juror in the William Cellini trial who apparently concealed her felony background during jury selection. […]
At a hearing today, U.S. District Judge James Zagel said Sweeney did not have to turn over her notes because Chiles did not say anything of merit.
* ABC7 says Rod Blagojevich is claiming to have a drug abuse problem…
Blagojevich’s attorneys also asked that the ex-governor be included in a prison residential drug abuse program. Successfully completing that can shave as much as a year off a sentence, but to qualify Blagojevich would have to show a documented pattern of substance abuse in the 12 months before his arrest three years ago.
“It wasn’t mentioned during the first trial, it wasn’t mentioned during the the second trial at all, even when he testified, so I think that you have look at that a little skeptically,” said Cramer.
You will recall that Scott Fawell recommended that Blagojevich apply for admittance into the program in order to take some time off his sentence. Blagojevich ought to be asked publicly about details before that request is granted.
* And the Tribune looks at why Rod Blagojevich may have wanted to be imprisoned in Colorado…
At first blush, Blagojevich’s request for a prison 1,000 miles from Chicago would seem to be an odd one, especially since attorneys said his family doesn’t plan to move to Denver. Blagojevich’s legal team on Tuesday did not explain the reasoning behind the choice. But Sam Adam Jr., a former attorney for Blagojevich who remains close to the ex-governor, said Blagojevich opted for the Colorado prison because of its reputation and proximity to Denver and its airport.
“My understanding is that it has fewer fighting outbreaks and gang problems,” Adam said. “And since this is not going to be a camp, you have to consider who goes there.”
While Blagojevich’s lawyer acknowledged the former governor would have preferred a federal prison camp and its lesser restrictions, he likely wouldn’t qualify for that because he was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison — the usual cutoff for camps.
Larry Levine, a prison consultant who served time himself, said that the Littleton institution also offers some perks not available at a similar facility in Milan, Mich., the closest low-security federal prison to Chicago. It has a smaller inmate population than Milan, one additional day a week for families to visit and perhaps most importantly, a camp that Blagojevich could move to in a few years, Levine said.
Blagojevich’s family isn’t moving to Colorado, so they’ll have to fly out to visit him. That could be costly…
Scott Fawell, former chief of staff to former governor George Ryan, served four years at a prison in Yankton, South Dakota.
He says Blagojevich’s preference of a prison in Colorado - more than a thousand miles from home - will be a costly one.
“We tallied it up. It was about $21,000 for Andrea to come and see me on a regular basis,” said Fawell.
* Meanwhile..
A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments on whether a juror’s criminal record entitles convicted Springfield powerbroker William Cellini to a new trial.
After Cellini was convicted Nov. 1 of trying to shake down a Hollywood producer for a campaign donation, it was revealed that a juror hadn’t disclosed two felony convictions.
Cellini’s attorneys say that juror cannot be trusted and compromised the verdict. Prosecutors argue the juror wasn’t automatically disqualified.
Judge James Zagel has set a Wednesday hearing.
More…
The newspapers’ plight has garnered support from the Chicago chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, which has criticized Zagel’s rulings on media issues in the past. The organization’s leadership said it objects to the reporters’ notes being used to do work that should be done by court officers.
“There isn’t anything the Tribune found that the judicial system and law enforcement couldn’t have found on their own,” said Beth Konrad, a past president of the Chicago chapter and a Loyola University Chicago journalism professor. “You can’t have a journalist acting as an arm of the courts.”
The situation also is being monitored nationally by First Amendment advocates, who argue that the public’s faith in both the court system and an independent press could be eroded if reporters are forced to surrender their work product.
“The last thing you want as a journalist is to be seen as an operator for the government, the judiciary or the defense,” said Lucy Dalglish, executive director of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. “How are citizens supposed to trust you if they think you’re working for someone else? They need to know you’re operating independently.”
* And while I may live to regret this, how about a caption contest? Here’s Judge James Zagel…
Winner will get a free ticket to a big party I’m throwing early next year. Sorry, but I can’t be more specific than that.
* Related…
* Brown: Strict rules for Blagojevich’s prison stint
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:29 am
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Looks like its time for the Fed Corrections folks to initiate drug/alcohol testing on Blago BEFORE he reports to ensure no fabricated issues to “play the system” as suggested by Fawell
Comment by one day at a time Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:39 am
“Judge Zagel … Nah, I’m not afraid of him …”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:40 am
i feel like everyone already knew he had a drug problem.
Comment by bondlover Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:40 am
“Look, when we get upstairs, if you just sweet talk Ole Zaggy-Poo … I see probation as a possibility, Rod …”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:44 am
“Boy Rod, some judge is going to be mad that you parked in their parking spot… whose do ya think it is?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:46 am
Just look at all those Whos down in Whoville.
Comment by just sayin' Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:49 am
Blagojevich’s worst nightmare: barber stripes
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:49 am
“Judge Zagel … will you sign my copy of Rod’s book for me?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:50 am
==WANTED==
Violator of reporter’s First Amendment Rights!
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:51 am
“Will you people please leave me the heck alone now? Go back to your normal lives, it’s over.”
Comment by Tom B. Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:51 am
Judge Zagel: “Rod, you are an idiot. You are corrupt. You were a terrible governor who lost the trust of the people and those in your own government and administration. What do you have to say for yourself?!”
Rod: “I’m, like, sorry?!”
Judge Zagel: “Good enough for me! 14 years instead of 20.”
Comment by Team Sleep Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:52 am
Actually the above ==WANTED== caption is mine; I just don’t want Zagel coming after me for suggesting this.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:53 am
It would seem the former governor has improved his performance at reading from a script.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:53 am
As with Speaker Madigan, Judge Zagel was not amused by Blagojevich’s incessant compliments about his tie.
Comment by Small Town Liberal Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:56 am
Hey Rich — The ABC article you link to re: Rod’s “drug problem” doesn’t mention anything about it. Is that the right article?
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:56 am
===The ABC article you link to re: Rod’s “drug problem” doesn’t mention anything about it.===
Yes, it does. Scroll down.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:59 am
It’s not just Blagojevich.
The entire nation has a drug problem. Solve it through full legalization and commercialization of marijuana and industrial hemp.
Comment by Kasich Walker, Jr. Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:00 am
Judge Zagel…Rod I see your lips are moving…Therefore you are lying. Drug problem? Really? Which drug? Plan B?
Comment by BIG R. Ph Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:01 am
Harrison Ford, age 73, will play a Chicago judge in the upcoming film, “How to Game the System”.
Comment by wordonthestreet Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:06 am
Judge Zagel, I just want you to know that it was Rich Miller’s idea to do the funny caption contest.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:07 am
“Judge Zagel, sir … I just wanted to say … before we all go upstairs and you hand down a Most Just sentence for crimes I have been convicted of … fairly …by a jury of my peers in … arguably … the fairest courtroom in the Northern Illinois District … I wanted to say … Patty and I are big fans of yours … and your work …that’s it … that’s all I wanted to say … we can shake hands later … “
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:07 am
Do I look like I’m joking.
Comment by Tom Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:11 am
“Blagojevich has a drug problem? After listening to his tapes, I think I might take up a drug problem.” Zagel is quoted on the latest motion.
Comment by Homer J. Simpson Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:12 am
Ok, now find me that Miller guy
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:17 am
Caption: I don’t say “Cheese!”
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:17 am
We used a computer program to simulate what Rod will like when he gets out of jail, and this was the result.
Comment by Pot calling kettle Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:17 am
Sir this balloon-o-gram is from Sam Adams Jr.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:17 am
You don’t have a drinking problem. You have a thinking problem.
Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:21 am
“You take the good. You take the bad. You *take them both and there you have the facts of life…the facts of life.”
Comment by QBRNST Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:25 am
Jon Lovitz as Tommy Flanagon doing his best Rod Blagojevich impersonation - “Yeah, I got a…a…you know, a..a..yeah, I got a drug problem - yeah, that’s the ticket…a…a…drug problem, yeah”
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:26 am
In the sun times story fawell says it costs his family 21k to visit him, in the tribune story its 20k.
Comment by Shore Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:30 am
“Is narcissism a drug too? Hmmm. Any messages for me while I was in court? Why hasn’t David Mamet called? I am available for another acting job.”
Comment by Esquire Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:30 am
Judge Z: “Anybody seen Bill Quinlan,they promised he was gonna testify”
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:33 am
commissary is 200 bucks a month (2,400 a year) flights are 600 a person round trip. you add in maybe 100 bucks a person for dinner, car, other stuff on the trip, say the family goes to visit 4 times a year total for visits $8,400 a year. That’s $10,800 a year team blago is spending on his prison stay with patti unemployed. x 12. well over $120,000 grand for his time behind bars plus the $20k fine he had to pay.
oof
Comment by Shore Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:40 am
Fitz, you’re giving me grey hair!
Comment by In absentia Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:45 am
Say what…a drug problem….you’re kidding me….right?
Comment by Sunshine Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:45 am
Watch ‘Judge Z’s House’ a new show where politics meets reality. Coming January 2, weekdays 3:30 on TruTV.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:49 am
“Cubby Broccoli Enterprises is pleased to announce the next Bond villian will be the former star of MUSIC BOX and HOMICIDE. ‘We feel that Judge Zagel’s appearance will give both Gert Frobe and Joseph Wiseman a run for their money.’”
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:51 am
“Jail him, Dan-o”
Comment by Pat Collins Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:54 am
Outside the courtroom, Judge Zagel shows his ______ face.
a. Friendly
b. Angry
c. Relieved
d. Joyful
e. Poker
f. Any of the above - and more!
Comment by Former Titan Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:55 am
Pam Zekman made me do it.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:55 am
Does hairspray intoxication count as a “drug problem” in the federal system?
Comment by IrishPirate Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 10:57 am
I got this tie from Pat Quinn.
Comment by walkinfool Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:06 am
Jim Thompson’s elf on his way to his work bench.
Comment by amalia Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:17 am
Behold my scarlet and gray stripes of doom. Behold them, and TREMBLE!
Comment by beserkr29 Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:18 am
You know, listening to some of those tapes I wondered if Rod wasn’t snorting. Not that he gets to announce it now in hopes of getting some time off.
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:20 am
“Where does he get that wonderful hair?”
Comment by Stones Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:26 am
I would like to see Rod complete the 12 steps.
Comment by Boone Logan Square Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:29 am
“*#*#ing Golden” Senate seat ain’t nothing compared to a Pure Platinum Lifetime Seat on the Federal Bench.
Comment by x ace Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:36 am
“We loved you in ‘Up’ …”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:38 am
“What? No, I don’t need a robe to recognize an untruth!”
Comment by LisleMike Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:41 am
- Boone Logan Square - Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:29 am:
I would like to see Rod complete the 12 steps
There is no way he could get past the 1st Step: Admit that he is powerless over anything and that his life has become out of control.
Comment by Dan Shields, Springfield, IL Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:45 am
Patti B. has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (me too), and yet she cannot handle selling their house without Rod being there? Give me a break!
Comment by wishbone Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:50 am
A parody on the “Theme from Zorro”:
Out of the night
When the full moon is bright
Comes the jurist known as Zagel.
This bold renegade
Carves a “Z” with his blade
A “Z” that stands for Zagel.
Zagel, Zagel, the judge so cunning and free
Zagel, Zagel, who makes the sign of the Z.
He is polite
But the wicked take flight
When they catch the sight of Zagel.
He’s friend of the weak
And the poor and the meek
This very unique jurist Zagel.
Zagel, Zagel, the judge so cunning and free
Zagel, Zagel, who makes the sign of the Z.
Zagel, Zagel, Zagel, Zagel, Zagel!
Comment by Dooley Dudright Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:52 am
Caption:
“I see what you did there”
As to Rod: the only drug he was addicted to was fame. And maybe Rogaine.
Comment by Newsclown Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 11:53 am
Does the drug use stem from that buscapade a few years back? Maybe one of the other easy Riders can report in.
While the Rogaine suggestion is the best…maybe the Blgoofian drug news stems from the sociopathic tendencies….our favorite post.
Profile of the Sociopath
This website summarizes some of the common features of descriptions of the behavior of sociopaths.
Glibness and Superficial Charm
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as “their right.”
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.
Incapacity for Love
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others’ feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet “gets by” by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others’ lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:02 pm
Blagojevich’s drug of choice is lying.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:11 pm
Tell Mike it was only business. I always liked him.
Can you get me off the hook, Tom? For old times’ sake?
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:12 pm
Did the Trib reveal how long they hid the info from the court?
Comment by CircularFiringSquad Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:14 pm
You like the tie? Some guy named Milorad sent over a box of never used very expensive ties… with a note that said he wasn’t going to need them any more. What a thoughtful and generous individual.
Comment by Njardar Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:14 pm
As Brooks drifted off to his special place, he recalled why some of the boys took Rod for snobby. He had a quiet way about him, a walk and a talk that just wasn’t normal around here. He strolled, like a man in a park without a care or a worry in the world, like he had on an invisible coat that would shield him from this place. Yeah, I think it would be fair to say… no one could stand Rod from the start.
Comment by LINK Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:19 pm
Let me get this straight he is claiming an Brylcreem addict.
Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:30 pm
“Must supress desire to yell, ‘I shall welease . . . Wahdehwick!’”
Comment by anonymice Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:39 pm
Yeah … I believe that lie too … not!
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:39 pm
N*E*X*T~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!!!!!!
Comment by illinoismedcannmike Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:40 pm
What drug addiction, is Blagojevich taking Rogaine steroids?
Not surprised Zagel is backing away from involving reporters, he really doesn’t need to stir up that hornet’s nest.
Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:47 pm
Shore, I’m sure Patti will quietly get a nice paying job from Daddy Mell or one of his cronies. Heck, think of the money she will save by not having to deal with Rod’s tailor and hair care bills!
Comment by Hank Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 12:59 pm
~Patti B. has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (me too), and yet she cannot handle selling their house without Rod being there?~
Doesn’t she also have a real estate license?
Comment by Cheryl44 Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:00 pm
I AM THE LAW!…and the fashion police.
Comment by gilder Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:05 pm
You think you got it rough? My hair looked like Rod’s before the trial.
Comment by gilder Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:06 pm
“By the way Governor, I got an A in constitutional law!”
Comment by Siriusly Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:16 pm
A test of Blago’s hair would reveal if there has been any drug use and over what period of time.
Comment by orlkon Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:21 pm
“Are you lookin’ at me?!
Comment by Abby Normal Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:26 pm
His drug problem is the lack of a prescription to address his psychological problems including delusions of grandeur,impulsivity, obsessive compulsive behavior, and a lack of concern for the welfare of others including his immediate family. He is a sociopath, and there is unfortunately no prescription that helps those afflicted with this mental illness. Not a even a stint in the Federal pen will change his prognosis, and mental state. When he opens his mouth, a lie is coming out. He will only sound and act more desperate as his prison sentence looms. I think he’s a pretty good risk for flight, and I sure as hell wouldn’t let him show up in March to start his term in the pen. Right after Christmas sounds good to me. Kiss the family and your ass goodbye.
Comment by Borealis Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:39 pm
If Blagojevich pulls this one off, he’ll have 13 other problems to shave off of his sentence.
Comment by JakeCP Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:43 pm
Roast beast is a feast I can’t stand in the least.
Comment by just sayin' Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:46 pm
“Do you feel lucky, punk? Well? Do ya’???”
Comment by Hawkeye Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:53 pm
“Hey Rod, Patti’s technically single, right?”
Comment by LaboriousLy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 1:58 pm
Really?
Comment by Retired Non-Union Guy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:02 pm
“Squirrel!”
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:03 pm
Nice Rich!
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:13 pm
@Oswego Willy: The reference to the animated film “Up” floored me. Well played!
Comment by Esquire Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:15 pm
The family replaced rod with a dog? Funny, so did Illinois.
Comment by Publius Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:18 pm
“A ‘Free Rod’ button sir, $2?”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:20 pm
this Miller guy put MY picture on HIS blog for people to make fun of me? ?
I’ll have to look at that judge’s ruling that bloggers don’t count as the press. . .
Comment by Todd Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:24 pm
Thanks, Esquire.
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:31 pm
Give Blago an atta boy for never having an original thought. How transparent can he be that he took Scott Fawell’s advice and applied for a drug rehab program while in prison? Holy cow, the drama just never ends with this guy.
Comment by Little Egypt Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:33 pm
“If you think that going on an uncontrtite media blitz is going to stop me from throwing the book at you then just try me”
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:40 pm
Also in re Rod’s drug problem- I thought they made drugs to STOP you from being delusional. What was he taking?
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 2:45 pm
Zagel (pop up above head): i knew he had to be snorting something…
Comment by bored now Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:03 pm
I refrain from any lampooning or otherwise tomfoolery connected in any way to the very intelligant, hardworking, prestigous and dare I say–dashing–federal jurist.
Oh and…I forgot…..
That Patrick Fitzgerald is a gentleman, a scholar, and a snazzy dresser!
Where is a photo of Judy Baar or Roland Burris when you need one.
Wink Wink.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:26 pm
Intelligent. Duh.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:27 pm
Clerk: Judge, a photo of you just made CapFax.
Zagel: I now understand that reference to “I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here”.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:36 pm
===Intelligent. Duh. ===
You sucked up so hard your brains froze.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:37 pm
Yes, governor, I’m serious. And stop calling me Shirley.
Comment by Former Titan Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:37 pm
Slowly I turned …step by step…inch by inch…
Comment by Dinsdale Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:42 pm
So, that’s what Rod wants the extra month for - time to develop an Oxy habit.
Comment by JoeT Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:43 pm
Or time to doctor up some photos of him and Stu Levine kickin’ it at the Purple Hotel.
Comment by JoeT Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:46 pm
A drug problem? Is that supposed to be funny? Do I look funny? Funny like I’m a clown? I amuse you?
Comment by Mad Brown Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:46 pm
===sucked up so hard your brains froze.===
Like a mental slushie.
Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:51 pm
lol That was quite clever, Dinsdale.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:58 pm
The trick is now to have Fawell make *another* recommendation in the paper about seeking psychiatric help… maybe Rod will also take THAT bait…
Comment by Gregor Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 3:58 pm
Rod’s trial took a toll on Santa; he has lost weight, lost facial hair, and has toned down the red and white suit to just a tie.
Comment by Bonsaso Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 4:00 pm
If I have to deal with Blago again, I will need to enter a drug rehabilitation program!
Comment by State of ILL Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 4:13 pm
Zagel: Look Rod, I know you’re asking to be placed in a prison close to Denver, but let me be honest with you. The Tebow luck only goes so far.
Comment by East Coast Transplant Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 4:23 pm
Rich: If Cellini gets a new trial due to the juror issue, will he ne retried on all of the original counts or only the two conviction counts?
Comment by anon1 Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 4:40 pm
Judge, can we get a smile for the camera?
“I am smiling.”
Comment by William Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 4:49 pm
“Marshal, summon this Miller person and his fax machine to the Court forthwith!”
“What do you mean he didn’t fax the picture? I was told he specialized in the fax machine.”
“Then summon him and his computer forthwith. Oh, and may I borrow your tie? I dressed in the dark this morning and had no idea I was wearing the hideous colors of Ohio State. This tie must have been a gift.”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 4:52 pm
That last one wasn’t really a caption, so…
“Judge James Zagel gestures toward a stack of 7,426 letters received from a writer named “Bill” urging that Rod Blagojevich be given probation.”
Comment by Arthur Andersen Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 4:57 pm
I heard Rod’s drug problem was an addiction to Zagel®
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 5:00 pm
This one might be trouble:
“Bailiff, I want you to go next door to Judge Hawton’s court, where they’ve just begun hearing a divorce action. I want you to bring that jury in here, and take this jury to his court. Bailiff, are those instructions clear? “
Comment by 618er Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 6:21 pm
You know the state police is a very close organization, very close.
Comment by Spring Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 6:21 pm
Joking your honor
Comment by Spring Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 6:24 pm
Yes I know it was not funny, I apologize your honor
Comment by Spring Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 6:25 pm
I’m sorry, I just wanted to go to Richs party
Comment by Spring Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 6:27 pm
The original Jay-Z
Comment by PublicServant Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 6:57 pm
Mr. Blutarski, er, I mean Blagojevich, vain, coifed and clueless is no way to go through life.
Comment by Quizzical Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 8:52 pm
Zagel: Real cute Mr. Cellini, want to put the syringe down?
Comment by Way Way Down Here Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 8:53 pm
and that’s why there’s three branches of government, eh
Comment by anonymous squared Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 8:59 pm
If Kipling were alive I’d order him to disclose his notes for that stupid “If” poem.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:18 pm
Roy Scheider arrives to sign autographs at the “Jaws” fan convention.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 14, 11 @ 9:20 pm