Blago OxFo'-a-Go-Go a No-Go (Feat. Ne-Yo)

By Karl Klockars in News on Mar 8, 2011 8:40PM

We've had weekend plans go pear-shaped on us a few times before, for a number of reasons - people drop out, car gets a flat, work intervenes, and so on. If we knew we had to get our legal ducks in a row in front of a Federal judge before being allowed to skip town, however, we might very well square away a few details before trying to make that trip.

Former Governor Rod Blagojevich pulled a potential trip to England off the table today, saying he "wasn't ready" and wouldn't be ready even if Judge James Zagel gave him the go-ahead anyways. The Sun-Times reports that Blago wasn't sure his passport was even valid, according to his lawyer Sheldon Sorosky.

Blagojevich was offered a speaking gig at the Oxford Union, who was going to pay his airfare and other incidentals to visit the UK and discuss...well, presumably his standard "I'm not guilty - Governor taken from the people - free rides for seniors - free health care for babies" schtick. While world leaders, politicians and other celebrities often get mentioned as former speakers at the Union, it's worth noting that this term also features speakers and events more appropriate to Blago's nut-shilling level like David Hasselhoff, Ne-Yo and a pancake party (featuring sweet and savory pancakes). But Kermit the Frog spoke to the Union as well, which is of course awesome.

The one positive outcome from this week's news cycle? It's allowed TV news shops around town to dust off the footage of Mr. Blagojevich dangling from that parachute harness in front of a green-screen to reference his last failed trip abroad to tape that "I'm a Celebrity..." show. That never gets old.