Latest Post | Last 10 Posts | Archives
Previous Post: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Link; Guns; Lauzen; Cross; Beaubien; Crotty; Horses; Intertubes (use all caps in password)
Next Post: My bad
Posted in:
* We all coulda died today…
A small asteroid buzzed by Earth Monday, though only real astronomy geeks in the Pacific would have noticed.
The rock, estimated to be no more than 200 feet wide, zoomed past our planet at an altitude of 40,000 miles at 1:44 p.m. universal time — or 8:44 EST.
Dubbed 2009 DD45, it was discovered only on Friday by Australian astronomers. […]
Had 2009 DD45 hit the Earth, it would have exploded on or near the surface with the force of a large nuclear blast — not very reassuring when you consider humanity had only about three days’ notice.
According to the Australian news Web site Crikey, the asteroid is likely to be drawn in by Earth’s gravity, meaning it may return for many more near misses in the future.
It doesn’t make our state’s political situation any less stupid or exasperating, of course, but it sure makes you think about things.
[Hat tip: ColonelTribune]
* Then again, stuff like this happens and I almost wish the doomsday meteor would strike…
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich today signed a six figure book deal with one of the largest independent book publishers in the U.S., the PR firm representing Blagojevich announced today.
Blagojevich, who vehemently denies he tried to sell President Obama’s senate seat, will write about the discussions, the considerations and the factors involved in picking Obama’s successor to the U.S. Senate. Blagojevich maintains he was hijacked from office because of politics. In the book, he will write about his journey that led up to the twice-elected governor and former congressman being ousted from office. He also plans on exposing the dark side of politics that he witnessed in both the state and national level.
Phoenix Books is run by maverick publisher Michael Viner whose titles include books from celebrities like mega-rock star and businessman Gene Simmons and talk show host Larry King. Phoenix also has a large selection of popular fiction and intriguing mystery books. […]
Selig says the governor will tell the American public the truth about what happened. He does not intend to pull any punches and will reveal information and provide insights that will at times be embarrassing to himself as well as to others.
“There were some people in high places who didn’t want the governor to write this book and worked to try to squash a book deal,” says Selig.
Words fail me.
…Adding… From the above press release…
“The governor chose to go with a large independent company because he wanted to tell his story without any restrictions over content that might’ve come with a major publishing house,” says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich’s publicist and founder of The Publicity Agency.
As a friend of mine just said….
And by “content,” I’m guessing he means “reality”?
*** UPDATE *** Rep. Jack Franks apparently anticipated this book deal…
Hours before the formal announcement of Blagojevich’s book deal, one of his chief legislative critics announced a move to bar him from cashing in on the deal if the impeached ex-governor winds up being convicted of federal charges.
“Corrupt Illinois politicians, for example Rod Blagojevich, are looking to cash in by telling their stories after the fact,” Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) said. “They should not be allowed to benefit from their actions in any way, most of all financially.”
Franks’ bill would cover any book or movie deals that detail a crime for which the elected official was convicted, and any profits derived from the deal would have to be turned over to the state of Illinois.
Jack Franks=Karnak The Magnificent.
posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:05 pm
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
Previous Post: SUBSCRIBERS ONLY - Link; Guns; Lauzen; Cross; Beaubien; Crotty; Horses; Intertubes (use all caps in password)
Next Post: My bad
WordPress Mobile Edition available at alexking.org.
powered by WordPress.
Rich: I get it. The asteroid is a metaphor for our economic problems, right?
Comment by One of the 35 Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:07 pm
I blame the recession, global warming and the Octomom for this unacceptable near miss.
Comment by Downstate weed chewing hick Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:09 pm
40,000 feet? how does that compare to say, flight paths for jetliners? (I want to know how worried I should be.)
Comment by soccermom Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:10 pm
40,000 miles, not feet
Comment by montrose Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:12 pm
people get hit by a metaphorical asteroid every day…they, or their loved ones get hit by cancer or a heart attack, the big killers in our country. yes it’s true that politics is a piece of the business that runs our public service business, our government and is therefore serious. but, you are right, rich, it sure makes you think about things. maybe someone should have made money off th 5th CD race and just turned it into a reality show.
Comment by Amy Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:14 pm
Blagojevich’s book title: Asteroid
Rich Miller’s book title: Asteroid Hits Illinois
Comment by North of I-80 Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:15 pm
The truth as Rod sees it? I was really hoping he would throw everyone & I mean everyone under the bus he could.
Comment by scoot Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:15 pm
Anyone up for a pool on when Rockin’ Rodney gets outfitted with his very own pair of concrete overshoes?
Comment by enrico depressario Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:16 pm
Or will they find him in a trunk in the parking lot at Ohare or not at all?
Comment by Dan S, a Voter, Taxpayer and Cubs Fan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:21 pm
When it comes to exguv, the word “asteroid” seems to have two too many syllables.
Comment by A Citizen Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:22 pm
Blago’s book cannot be truthful without incriminating himself in the not to distant trial he faces. Having said that his book can only be filled with half truths at best! What a joke!!!
Comment by MOON Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:25 pm
Or will he be rumored to be buried in the foundation of the new Olympic 2016 Stadium?
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:26 pm
OK, let’s move away from that area please.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:27 pm
even if the six figure is just the first of the six figures, that’s a great deal of money for the goof. i’ll think of that while watching for milk prices for my family.
Comment by Amy Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:38 pm
Huh?
He is still awaiting indictment, and a lengthy trial many months away, which significantly limits the potential content of his book. Unless of course he’s going to spill dirt on personal items, which would be truly despicable, even for this miscreant.
He’s also potentially tainting his own jury pool.
Huh?
Comment by The Doc Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:41 pm
Oh no, I hope this story doesn’t bring the national media circus back to Illinois…Blagohairovich doing his book tour on Larry King etc. I wonder what the book will be titled. I think “Slumdog Milllionhairs” is already taken.
Comment by Hot Rod Lincoln Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:42 pm
So Guv. Lazy is going to “write” this “book”? I hope you’ll break the news about the poor unfortunate who takes the ghost writing job on this.
Comment by RoddW Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:48 pm
Other books by this publisher
I’m not making this first one up…
LADIES OF THE NIGHT: A HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE OLDEST PROFESSION IN THE WORLD by K.I.S.S. frontman Gene Simmons is another book from this publishers - get it?
Now I am…
GOVERNORS CAUGHT ON TAPE: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE SECOND OLDEST PROFESSION IN ILLINOIS by Rod Blagojevich, Former Governor of Illinois
FIRST LADIES OF THE NIGHT: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE ON HOW TO EARN MILLIONS PART TIME IN CHICAGO REAL ESTATE by Ann Blagojevich, Former First Lady of Illinois
PAY-TO-PLAY: A HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE OLDEST PROFESSION IN THE WORLD by Rod Blagojevich, Former Governor of Illinois
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:49 pm
Coming soon!
Also by this publisher…
WOMEN OF THE NIGHT: A HISTORICAL AND PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE OF THE OLDEST PROFESSION IN THE WORLD by Glen Poshard, Former US Representative - IL
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:52 pm
Who’s gonna write it for him? A ghostwriter?
His continued interest/amazement in himself is truly a thing to behold, even for a politician…
Comment by Anonymous45 Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:52 pm
Stranger. Than. Fiction.
Comment by JonShibleyFan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:53 pm
…finally…
MOBY DICK by Glen Poshard, Former US Representative - IL
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:54 pm
“…finally…”
Thank you.
Comment by JonShibleyFan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 3:55 pm
Rod should donate the book proceeds to reducing the Illinois deficit. To do any less would not be in keeping with his status as Supergov, champion of Illinois. Oh, never mind, it’s a pittance compared to the deficit. Spend it on jets and high living!
Comment by Ahem Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:02 pm
Dear Montrose,
Feet, miles — give ‘em an inch, that’s what I say…
(thanks, she blushed)
Comment by soccermom Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:03 pm
This “novel” will promptly make in the bargin bin at B&N.
Comment by NewDay Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:06 pm
I’ll bet Pat Fitzgerald pre-orders the book on Amazon.
Comment by The Teddster Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:08 pm
VanMan - former first lady is Patti, not Ann.
Comment by Anonymous ZZZ Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:11 pm
So this is how Milorad will finace his criminal defense. This should bring Genson back in the picture.
Comment by Dan S, a taxpaer, a voter and a Cubs Fan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:16 pm
I’m sure the former Governor will be donating the proceeds to “the working families” for whom he professed so much concern during his administration.
Comment by 3 beers to springfield Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:21 pm
I like Franks’ bill idea, but come on Rich he’s no Karnak. I mean who didn’t see this coming?
The whole media tour was pre-publicity for his book, all along it was the only way left for him to make any money. It was clearly obvious to me.
Comment by carbon deforestation Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:21 pm
The only reason Blogo is announcing the book deal today, is because the contract for the made-for-TV movie isn’t done yet . . .
Comment by carbon deforestation Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:22 pm
carbon, it was a joke.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:23 pm
Could Blago lose his book deal if he’s finally indicted?
Comment by Levois Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:27 pm
Although Franks’ hair sometimes resembles that hat that Johnny Carson used to wear for the bit
Comment by carbon deforestation Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:30 pm
What if he uses Bleeping Golden as a title?
Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:31 pm
So I assume we can look for this great piece of literature in the fiction section.
Comment by Cranky Old Man Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:33 pm
ZING!
Comment by Levois Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:35 pm
I suspect his attorneys (whomever they will end up being) will be thrilled with this…
Comment by OneMan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:35 pm
VQ, I thought the same thing. Until I read further: “The book, which has a working title of “The Governor,” is set to be released by Phoenix Books in October.”
Comment by LN Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:35 pm
who will ghost write the thing? Filan? Carroll? Nix?
too bad for the company…this thing is going to wind up being remaindered…shredded. No one will buy.
Comment by "low level paper pusher" Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:45 pm
I assume Capt. Fax and IL other journalists have all obtained copies of the so-called six figure contract…..that way we know how real this nonsense is….. we will await the link.
Of course we all know the Blagoof work ethic and understand this book will not appear for about 10 years.
Comment by EmptySuitParade Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:47 pm
An October release? Sounds like he’s going to be putting together a compilation of media coverage about himself. Otherwise, pretty much impossible to deliver a usable manuscript in that timeframe.
Comment by soccermom Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 4:57 pm
actually, Blago has been writing this book for years, in his basement at home — intended to be a campaign book for his presidency run. That’s what kept him indoors in his family residence for the past seven years.
ALthough it is kinda hard to write when laying on the floor in a fetal position… his handwriting may be hard to decipher.
Comment by Capitol View Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:02 pm
It will sell as well as Rudyard Kipling does today.
Comment by Anon Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:06 pm
Of course the title will be “Testicular Virility, or How I [BLEEP]ed Illinois!”
Comment by Ahem Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:13 pm
I’ll be looking for Blago’s work this fall at Borders between the Jughead and Bart Simpson Comic Books!
Comment by fedup dem Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:17 pm
“And with a Forward by the Editor, Richard Mell.” He made him what he is today!
Comment by A Citizen Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:19 pm
At first I wondered why Rod would write a tell-all (at least in his mind) book, given the consequences of the federal investigation. But then I had a good laugh and thought it’s only another chapter of his delusional life. Maybe he could title it “If I did it and they let me call witnesses and let me tell my story and blah blah.”
Comment by DHee Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:20 pm
I like the title ‘Bleeping Golden’. Are the ‘drunken legislators’ feeling queasy yet?
Comment by this voter will remember Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:32 pm
I would buy the book if Blago included a chapter on how Burris received a $300,000 IDOT contract.
Comment by Can't Say My Nickname Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:36 pm
I thought the courts have ruled on this and said it’s unconstitutional — you can sue someone and then use the assets from the book deal to pay off a judgment (see OJ Simpson), but you can’t make a blanket prohibition like this.
Comment by lake county democrat Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:37 pm
Nice October Surprise
I think he wants to call the book:
“If I Did It”.
or maybe:
“Con-text”
I hear if you pay him a little under the table, he’ll put a nice chapter in it about you. For a lot more, he’ll take one out.
Seriously, why spend any money to buy what will of necessity be a re-hash of his speeches and press releases, since he dare not write anything in it that could be used in his federal trial? Six figure but maybe most of them will be zeroes. And the “powerful forces” talked of? That was Rahm’s brother’s talent agency I bet.
This book will be out October first and in the remainder bin by October ninth.
Comment by Gregor Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:39 pm
Rich -
Warren Ribley was just named as the Director of DCEO.
Comment by Ms. Rutan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 5:43 pm
Title: For a Few Dollars More
Comment by Lefty Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 6:50 pm
I say he should just write a novel about Illinois/Chicago/D.C. politics and present it up front as fiction. Change names to protect the innocent (and guard against libel suits), use artistic license to merge characters, change details, etc. Writing it as fiction would also enable him to include all his favorite four-and 12-letter words and some juicy sex/violence/action passages (which no contemporary novel is complete without). Heck, anything he writes is going to be treated as fiction anyway so why not go for it. Even if it’s a really bad, “It was a dark and stormy night” kind of novel, at least readers could amuse themselves by trying to guess which real people he was portraying in the course of the story.
Comment by Bookworm Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 8:08 pm
I would be interested to see what kind of “dirt” Blago can substaniate. I would say there are a lot of nervous Democrats out there right now.
Speaking of nervous. I just read where John Filan, Head of the Illinois Finance Authority still has a job. Why is that? Is it that Governor Quinn can bring himself to “fumigate state government”? Or maybe he can’t find enough qualified Democrats to jump on a sinking ship? Either way he needs to get moving on cleaning house. There are to many Blago holdovers that are still on the state payroll — Filan is an example. They need to go and fast. Otherwise, it would appear that Quinn is just another typical party politician. Action speaks louder than words.
Comment by southern illinoisan Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 8:48 pm
Jack Franks is ridiculous - talking about a glaring vendetta. Franks is trying to take away the pension of the ex-Gov and now this. If OJ simpson - who killed his wife, and Charles Manson - who killed countless, can write books about their drama, why can’t Blago? This is America - even if you don’t like the guy, people are allowed make money off of all sorts of things. Franks shouldn’t be able to stop him from writing a book or doing a movie deal, if that’s where this thing goes. Franks comes off as petty and angry and evil minded. It makes me feel bad for the Governor. Get a life, Franks!
Comment by Lulu Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 9:25 pm
Whatever the title, the subtitle will be, “Admissible As Evidence”.
Comment by Ann O'Namus Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 9:42 pm
Does that six-figure contract include the cents side of the decimal point?
Comment by Vote Quimby! Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 9:44 pm
Also, weren’t so-called “Son of Sam” laws forbidding criminals from profiting from books or movies about their crimes struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court about 15 or 20 years ago? If that is the case, Franks’ bill isn’t going anywhere; it would be unconstitutional.
Comment by Bookworm Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 9:54 pm
Blago is innocent until proven guilty. Air ‘em all out Fmr. Gov!
Comment by Darth H8ter Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 10:03 pm
‘Re-Write to do…Right?’
Comment by Frank Sobotka Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 10:09 pm
Who would buy the book, really? Six-figure book deal? Check the decimal point. The only way he could write a book that would sell would be to incriminate himself further before he goes to trial.
Rod might be an interesting story (I doubt it) by Scott Fitzgerald. The Great Blago; a small man who unexpectedly reaches the heights and screws it up. Interesting because its so vulgar and sad.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 10:11 pm
Ann O’Namus - “Admissible as Evidence”, that’s a great one. This just shows how really stupid Blago is to write something before he even knows the temperature of the hot water he finds himself sitting in. October will come and go without a release of THE book IF Blago’s trial is scheduled for that month.
Personally, I’ve already watched him fictionalize his 6 years in office by going on every TV program his PR firm could muster. I’ll save my money and just read about it here.
Comment by Little Egypt Monday, Mar 2, 09 @ 11:09 pm
Title of the book? As heard on the radio in Springfield: “When Bad Things Happen To Bad People” … .
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Mar 3, 09 @ 7:32 am