After Rod Blagojevich’s impeachment, he landed a book deal, his own radio show and even an appearance singing Elvis tunes at a block party. And it wasn’t just the former governor spinning off new products and services spawned by his infamy. Like it or not, Blagojevich seems to have inspired a new realm of cultural influence. Call it the Blagosphere. cmastony@tribune.com
PERSONAL CARE
Product: Blago “It’s Bleep’n Golden” Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner
What? The shampoo and conditioner feature keratin and panthenol, substances claimed to make your locks feel as thick and lustrous as the former governor’s famous mane.
Price: $8 each ($15 as a pair) through blagohair.com
RADIO
Product: Weekly radio show on WLS-AM 890
What? Blago’s talk show, from noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays, launched in July.
Price: Free to anyone who can stand to tune in
THE INTERNET
Product: governorrod.com
What? Blago launched his own campaign-style Web site this month, with topics broken down into categories such as, “about Rod,” “news from Rod” and “Rod in the news.”
Price: Free
BOOKS
Product: Blago autobiography titled “The Governor”
What? Due out Sept. 8, the book is billed as “the most comprehensive look to date at the life of a twice-elected public official in the notoriously complicated world of Illinois politics.”
Price: $24.95 (but already marked down on Amazon.com to $16.47)
THEATER
Product: “Rod Blagojevich Superstar”
What? Drawing inspiration from “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Second City stages a musical parody of the rise and fall of the ex-governor, with the cast portraying characters such as Patrick Fitzgerald, Dick Mell, Lisa Madigan and, of course, Roland Burris.
Price: $25 a ticket
TELEVISION
Product: Wife’s appearance on NBC reality show
What? In April, news emerged that the former governor was hoping to join the cast of “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.” A judge ruled against his participation, and so Patti Blagojevich went to the Costa Rican jungle instead.
Price: Free to TV viewers. But it’s unclear how much Patti Blagojevich made from the appearance; her compensation was not disclosed.
ART
Product: Paintings, sculptures and stencils
What? Inspired by Blago’s antics, Chicago sculptor David Trost created a 4-foot ceramic bust of Blagojevich, and Pilsen artist Ray Noland created a black graffiti stencil that shows Blago running in his familiar tracksuit. Last month, a group of artists launched a three-day art show that displayed two dozen Blagojevich-inspired creations.
Price: Prices for such artworks range from $20 (T-shirt) to $7,000 (wooden sculpture)
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