Anna Chapman's Lessons in Brand Management

(Oct. 20) -- If you want a lesson in personal brand management in the early 21st century, look no further than former Russian spy Anna Chapman (and really, why would you want to look any further anyway). She's readily becoming the Rachael Ray of the "come-hither-look" industry.

Today's Chapman news includes the revelation that she is now an iPhone application, in addition to being a Maxim Russia cover girl, Heat magazine model, space launch attendee, Russian laureate and banking consultant.

"Poker With Anna Chapman" was launched earlier this month by Illinois-based company Zeda. (Still no word on how this doesn't break her deal with the United States government not to financially profit from her former life as a spy in the U.S.)

"We chose Anna because she is a trendy modern girl," a spokesman from Zeda told The Daily Mail. And what's more trendy and modern than Cold War-era spy tactics?

For only $1.99, you can now keep Anna in your pocket and/or play poker with her on your iPhone. The app features Chapman in what appears to be a black leather cat suit and back brace (?) combo, holding a gun as she looks coquettishly over her left shoulder.

Those who are skilled enough to beat her at a game of trickery and bluffing will be let into the inner sanctum of her life: "An exclusive collection of Anna's photos in which she flaunts posh outfits and allows a glance at her social life with parties, shopping and more." She will "open her Facebook page for the luckiest players" and will also maintain a personal blog, according to the application's description.

So much for the old days of spying, says Christian Science Monitor Moscow correspondent Fred Weir. Chapman has "made a mockery of the old KGB dictate that retired spies should fade away into anonymity, leaving nothing but a glorious public myth behind."

Though others clearly believe that her "public myth behind" is going to sell some magazines and poker games.

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