Zwecker

First of all -- I'm excited about all the emails (and Facebook comments on my profile page) about me hosting the stars of the Chicago production of "Xanadu" today (Max von Essen and Elizabeth Stanley). ... Glad everyone is excited about seeing them and hearing about the show at the Drury Lane Water Tower Place.

Also -- there sure are a lot of opinions about Etta James being angry with Beyonce and President and Mrs. Obama -- about having Beyonce and not Etta sing "At Last" for that first inaugural dance.

I think Etta over-reacted and, in fact, I agree with several people who have emailed me -- or commented on Facebook -- that Beyonce's beautiful rendition of the song was a great tribute to Etta and the song!

Wonder what the rest of you think???

As I just mentioned on our CBS-2 Morning News -- anybody from the Chicago area who is planning on being in Park City, Utah this weekend -- for the Sundance Film Festival -- are welcome to drop by the "Chicagoans at Sundance" party ex-Illinois Film Office director Brenda Sexton is hosting in her home along with Columbia College Chicago. Among the folks expected at newly-named HBO Films president Len Amato. If you want to go just shoot an email to dcazares@colum.edu.

Have fun!

No matter the denials or (more recently) the simple ''no comment'' lines, the Madonna-Alex Rodriguez romance apparently is the real deal.

Sources close to the music superstar and the New York Yankees slugger claim Madonna is truly smitten by A-Rod, allegedly telling a close pal Rodriguez ''has the heart of a poet trapped inside an insanely gorgeous body.''

» Click to enlarge image

Fans may be taunting rival Alex Rodriguez with pictures of Madonna again next season, as they did in July.
(Canadian Press/AP)

Rodriguez himself is said to be something of a romantic -- penning not Madonna poems, but sweet, personal and rambling expressions of his feelings.

One person who claims to have seen them calls the notes ''sort of like old-fashioned love notes.''

•   Unlike Madonna's soon-to-be-ex-husband Guy Ritchie, Rodriguez also is said to be ''very intrigued'' with the entertainer's well-known devotion to the kaballah teachings she has said are central to how she lives her life.

MICHELLE'S STYLE: While in town Monday, former ''Queer Eye for the Straight Guy'' star Carson Kressley predicted Michelle Obama ''will be a huge boost for the fashion industry, but not in a flamboyant way.'' The host of Lifetime's ''How to Look Good Naked'' said the new first lady will ''bring an excitement to the White House we haven't seen since Jackie Kennedy. ... Though we had another more recent first lady who loved fashion -- Nancy Reagan -- this is different. Mrs. Obama is a young, contemporary woman with two young kids. She's been a working woman. I think she will forge her own way and wear great clothes -- from American designers -- that will express her style in an elegant, sophisticated way.''

As for the rumors Obama will choose longtime Chicago favorite Maria Pinto to design her inaugural gown, Kressley said, ''I wouldn't be surprised. I get the sense she's all about encouraging good, homegrown American talent.''

Kressley was in town making appearances for the New York & Company chain, which sells moderately priced women's apparel. Among possible new projects on his slate: ''I did a pilot for a talk show for Lifetime and have my fingers crossed, but you never know in TV land.''

SEEN ON THE SCENE: The audience for Friday afternoon's taping of Judge Greg Mathis' show at NBC Tower got a nice surprise. During one of the segments, the TV judge told one of the litigants he had a deputy to help him with his final decision, and up jumped Shaquille O'Neal! The NBA superstar made big points with the crowd, especially when he spent special time with a young woman in the audience with Down syndrome. ... Sun-Timeser Richard Roeper slipped into Gibsons for dinner with ''Curb Your Enthusiasm'' star Larry David, after the duo did a Q&A at the Jewish United Fund dinner at the Chicago Hilton & Towers. Could Richard be making a future appearance on ''Curb'' -- similar to his recent gig on ''Entourage''? I wouldn't be surprised. ... Also supping at Gibsons in recent days have been actor Peter Gallagher and his son James, a theater student at Northwestern, and (separately) scribe Bill Zehme toasting his 50th, Ryne Sandberg, Adam Carolla and Mellody Hobson with her main man George Lucas. ... John Cusack made the scene at both Devon and Hugo's Frog Bar. ... ''CSI: Miami'' star Adam Rodriguez hung out at LuxBar. ... While in Chicago covering the presidential transition, CBS News' Bill Plante also celebrated the arrival of his newest grandchildren, Paige and Benjamin, twins born to son David Plante and his wife, Dr. Meredith Rivers of Wilmette. The babies arrived three years after Rivers gave birth to another set of twins. ... Hugh Hefner's ex, Bridgett Marquardt, partied at Martini Park with a bunch of pals. ... Meanwhile, former Hefner mainstay and ''The Girls Next Door'' star Holly Madison is expected at RiNo's third anniversary bash Thursday.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: The episode of PBS chef Ming Tsai's ''Simply Ming,'' taped in Chicago recently with Our Town's major foodie Gale Gand (all about cooking with lychees and champagne), airs at 1 p.m. Saturday on WTTW-Channel 11.

Guess Joaquin Phoenix wasn’t kidding about quitting acting. A close associate of the former Oscar nominee told me Sunday ‘‘This is the real deal. Joaquin is not only working on an album, he’s already talking to a number of people about putting together a concert tour for either late next year or early 2010 to promote it.’’

Asked what direction Phoenix’s music is taking him, the source said, ‘‘he’s interested in a wide range of styles — clearly rock with a pop twist, and of course he developed a great love of country [music] when he did ‘Walk the Line,’’’ portraying Johnny Cash — the role that snared Phoenix is first Academy Award nomination for best actor.

†At the Saturday premiere for ‘‘Two Lovers’’ with Gwyneth Paltrow — what Phoenix insists is his final big screen film — the always quirky actor telegraphed his feelings by writing ‘‘Good Bye’’ on his knuckles. Along with confirming his client was serious about switching from acting to making music, Phoenix’s publicist said that over the past few years, the entertainer also has been directing music videos.

SPEAKING OF MUSIC: After all the hoopla about Celine Dion’s election night Chicago concert — the singer’s fans now won’t have to choose between going to her United Center concert or watching the returns. Unfortunately, Dion has had to postpone her Tuesday gig due to illness. Her publicist said the songstress is battling a recurrent naso-pharyngeal infection and is under doctor’s orders not to sing for five days. The Tuesday concert has been rescheduled for Dec. 16. Tickets purchased for the Nov. 4 performance will be honored. Refunds may be obtained at point of purchase.

†Cast members from ‘‘Dirty Dancing,’’ will perform tonight at Petterino’s ‘‘Monday Night Live’’ open mic cabaret night, beginning at 7 p.m. — co-hosted by Petterino’s musical mainstays Denise McGowan and Beckie Menzie.

†To toast it’s 10th anniversary this month, Davenport's, the popular cabaret/showroom on North Milwaukee, has pulled together a terrific lineup that includes Broadway star Karen Mason — currently appearing in ‘‘Hairspray’’ — who will play Davenport’s Nov. 11-16, Cory Jamison (Nov.

5-9) and Chicago cabaret diva Denise Tomasello (Nov. 22). ... Meanwhile, two of Davenport’s piano bar players have also hit the big time. Johnny Rodgers is off to Broadway in December to connect with Liza Minnelli, with whom he recently released a CD ... and kudos to Eli Mattson, who just landed a major recording contract after taking second place on ‘‘America’s Got Talent.’’

SEEN ON THE SCENE: The San Antonio Spurs’ Dave Robinson was spied dining at Art Smith and Julie Latsko’s Table Fifty-two, where (separately) singer Andrea Bocelli and award-winning songwriter David Foster also supped the other night. ... Among those showing for the big South Shore High School reunion Saturday (for classes from the 1960s) were former Lucas Films prez Gordon Radley and Donald Pliner, amused as many women present kicked up their heels — showing the famous shoe designer their fancy footwear. ...

Actress Patricia Kalember, currently rehearsing here for ‘‘Don't Dress for Dinner’’ at Royal George Theatre, makes a guest appearance on tonight’s episode of ‘‘Gossip Girl’’ (7 p.m., WGN-Channel 9).

Bill Zwecker is seen at 5:50, 6:25 and 11:25 a.m. weekdays, and contributes to the weekend morning newscasts on WBBM-Channel 2.

The force of nature that is Martha Stewart swirled through Chicago Thursday, boosting her new, very comprehensive Martha Stewart’s Cooking School ‘‘how to’’ cookbook, but also further reinforced the lifestyle guru’s far-reaching brand.

In a chat with the Sun-Times, Stewart shared some secrets and scoops:

†While her many products already are sold in Macy’s, Costco and Kmart, ‘‘I long have dreamed about having free-standing Martha Stewart stores. ... and we can easily fill a store with all the products we make,’’ said Stewart.

While no locations are set, ‘‘I would love to have a store on Michigan Avenue...that would be great,’’ said the queen of crafting, cooking and raising the bar of American’s taste levels.

‘‘Though that concept may first be launched internationally.’’

†Not only is Stewart staunchily supporting the candidacy of Barack Obama, she didn’t flinch when asked if she would consider serving in an Obama Adminstration.

‘‘I think I’d make a perfect secretary of agriculture,’’ zinged Stewart, with a twinkle in her eye — but with a look that said she wouldn’t shy away from taking her skills as an organic farmer to a higher level.

†For today’s Halloween episode on her daily show (11 a.m., WMAQ-Channel 5), Stewart revealed ‘‘it’s all about marble’’ — as in ‘‘living statues’’ of famous historical or mythical figures. Martha herself will be costumed as a statue of the goddess Medusa, complete with ‘‘the most amazing snakes headress.’’

†Stewart said, ‘‘I’m constantly amazed by the power of the Internet.’’ At her first booksigning at a mall in Short Hills, N.J. last weekend she was delighted when long-reclusive singer Lauryn Hill, ‘‘joined by four of her children,’’ stopped by to by Cooking School.

‘‘I put the photo of her and me on my blog and suddenly it made big news!

All these music websites got so excited and starting linking to it, since no one really knew where Lauryn was. ... I hope she’s not mad I blew her cover,’’ laughed Stewart.

†Though currently single (‘‘My boyfriend of 15 years is no more.’’], entertaining is still central to Stewart’s life and ‘‘my totally redone new version of my Entertaining book will be out within the next year to 14 months.’’

I only met Jennifer Hudson’s mother Darnell Donerson on two occasions — the night Hudson won her Oscar, and a few weeks later, when the newly-minted Academy Award winner was honored in Chicago.

On Oscar night in Hollywood, Mrs. Donerson told me, ‘‘I have to keep pinching myself. This is so unbelievable,’’ said Mrs. Donerson at the Governors Ball, just as her daughter ran up — tightly clutching her new Oscar — who stressed, ‘‘If it wasn’t for my Mama — I wouldn’t be here!’’

†Going back over my notes from our second chat, that chilly early March day in 2007, makes me even sadder — as I am again reminded of the strong love and devotion the Oscar winner’s mother had for her daughter.

Hudson had returned home in glory, honored by both her alma mater, Dunbar Vocational High School, and the city of Chicago, celebrating the young singer and novice actress winning an Academy Award for her first film, ‘‘Dreamgirls.’’

Even after experiencing all that  Oscars hoopla, it was clear Mrs. Donerson was still shy talking with the press. ‘‘I’m still not used to this. This is Jennifer’s day. It’s all about her. Why do you want to talk to me?’’ said the soft-spoken lady with the lovely smile and dancing eyes.

Reminded that Hudson always had credited her mom with giving her the confidence to try out for ‘‘American Idol,’’ thus beginning the young woman’s road to fame and fortune, Mrs. Donerson chuckled quietly. ‘‘Isn’t that what parents should do? To encourage their children? To help them follow dreams? ‘‘That’s all I did.’’

Mrs. Donerson explained that ‘‘Jennifer just always had this wonderful voice and love of singing ... I think it also helped that I loved music and loved to sing. ... Some of my happiest memories of Jennifer growing up are of us singing together. Music just makes you feel good. It helps you get through the tough times, don’t you think?’’

Let’s hope that along with Jennifer Hudson’s deep faith, it will be those memories of singing with her Mom — clearly her biggest booster and best friend — that will help the talented entertainer deal with the unimaginable pain she and her family face now.

PIVEN’S POINT: It was a case of Hollywood meets Broadway Thursday night — both on stage at New York’s Barrymore Theatre, and afterward at the Red Eye Grill cast party for Chicago’s own Jeremy Piven and his co-stars Raul Esparza and Elisabeth Moss, celebrating opening night of the revival of Chicago native David Mamet’s ‘‘Speed the Plow.’’ A slew of of Moss’ ‘‘Mad Men’’ TV co-stars showed, including Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Vincent Kartheiser, Michael Gladis and Brian Batt. Also spied toasting the actors and the play  — which has snared rave reviews — were Liev Schreiber and love Naomi Watts (expecting their second child), Kathleen Turner, Piven’s mom and sister, Joyce and Shiva Piven, Andrew McCarthy, Ian McShane, Stephanie March and ‘‘Supersize Me’’ filmmaker Morgan Spurlock,  no where near any Big Macs!

†I got to watch the Friday night performance and add my kudos as well. This is play, co-produced by Chicago’s own JAM Theatricals team of Steve Traxler and Arny Granat, is Tony Award-worthy all the way. It’s fascinating to see Mamet’s play about greed, ambition and gamesmanship in the world of a 1980s Hollywood movie studio, still resonates with 2008 audiences. However, due to the current McCain-Palin campaign rhetoric, there are big laughs at three points — when the word ‘‘maverick’’ is uttered — which unlikely happened during the original production in 1988.

†Backstage Friday night, Piven was congratulated by the ‘‘Entourage’’ star’s ‘‘TV wife,’’ actress Perrey Reeves (‘‘Mrs. Ari’’). ... When asked about his mom’s thoughts about the play, Jeremy said Joyce Piven ‘‘has seen it five times and given me the best notes [on how to improve his performance] I’ve gotten from anyone!’’

SPECIAL MUSIC: U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, Mayor Daley and Secretary of State Jesse White all are boosting Walt Whitman’s Soul Children of Chicago gospel choir’s ‘‘Youth Alive’’ event at UIC Pavilion beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday.

Lisa Marie Presley and fourth husband and music producer Michael Lockwood aren’t saying much about their newborn twin daughters — Elvis’ third and fourth grandchildren. But this is what we know so far:

*A source close to Angelina Jolie told me Sunday, the actress — who gave birth to twins herself July 12 — has called Presley to congratulate her.

*No names have been released for the new babies, but various rumors claim the girls will be named Gladys Love (after Elvis’ mother) and Jessie, a female version of Jesse, Elvis’ identical twin who was stillborn.

*Officially, Cindy Guagenti, Presley’s publicist would only confirm the children were born in an unnamed West Coast hospital by Caesarian section on Tuesday and that the 40-year-old mother and daughters are doing well. One child weighed 5-pounds, 15-ounces, the second baby was 5-pounds, 2-ounces.

*According to sources, the twins were born at Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, Calif. Lockwood was present for the birth and Lisa Marie’s teenage children, Riley and Ben Keough, were also at the hospital.

HANGING WITH LILO: During Lindsay Lohan’s Friday visit to Chicago (joining girlfriend Samantha Ronson for her monthly DJ-ing gig at Hotel Sax’s Crimson Lounge), the actress again was overheard saying she and Ronson could easily live in Chicago. ‘‘It’s such a great city and pretty much paparazzi-free!’’ At the club, Lohan invited soldiers from Fort McCoy (just from Iraq) into the DJ booth and happily posed for photos.

ROLLING WITH RIVERS: Before Joan Rivers keynoted the annual Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation luncheon at the Ritz Carlton Friday, the comedian told me she’s made a TV pilot for Mark Burnett (‘‘Survivor,’’ ‘‘The Amazing

Race’’) called ‘‘How Did You Get So F-ing Rich?’’ It’s an updated version of ‘‘Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous,’’ but ‘‘focusing on unknown rich people.’’ A Rivers favorite in the pilot is a ‘‘Wharton [Business School] grad who horrified his mother when she learned he started a sex toys business. But now that he’s made millions, she’s now out there, handing out ticklers!’’

*At the luncheon, Rivers alternated between racy jokes and truly inspirational chat about ‘‘survival’’ — sharing her own tough life experiences, including her husband’s suicide and various career lowpoints.

But it was Rivers’ humor that dominated. As for Angelina Jolie, Rivers quoted the actress as saying she’d feel she was a success if her work with the United Nations ‘‘only made  one person happy.’’ Zinged Rivers, ‘‘Then, how about giving back Jennifer Aniston’s husband?’’

The inability to find Osama bin Laden bugs Rivers. ‘‘He’s on a kidney dialysis machine — in Afghanistan — where they only have one electrical outlet in the whole country. We just have to find that plug — and follow the cord!’’

*Also Rivers snared some gasps from the mostly-female audience when she dissed the late Princess Diana. (You have to remember the Joan is close pals with Prince Charles...) At any rate, Joan said she never understood why Diana was so unhappy. "After all, she looked fabulous, was tall, thin and blonde....She had more money than you can imagine. She even had a crown! Plus she had two normal children and....a husband who didn't want to sleep with her -- how perfect was that!"

(Now THAT is another example of typical Joan Rivers humor!!!)

Hi all -- A few minutes ago, I introduced our morning show audience to the 2 goldfish sent over to the station by our friends at the IMAX Theatre at Navy Pier -- promoting the opening of a wonderful new IMAX documentary in 3-D, "Dolphins and Whales: Tribes of the Ocean."

Ironically, it's narrated by Chicago native Daryl Hannah -- who first found big fame as that iconic mermaid in "Splash" with Tom Hanks.

Anyway....as we asked -- send me suggestions for names for our new little friends. So far, the best suggestions are "Katie" and "Couric," and "Michael" and "Phelps."

Do you have something better?

Let me know....

While there's news this week about an Academy Award campaign being started by the late Heath Ledger's co-stars in "The Dark Knight," I can tell you Gary Oldman and Maggie Gyllenhaal were talking about it -- way back when I spoke to them at the press junket for the "Batman" film in Los Angeles-- about a month before the film was released.
That said, I'd be curious to hear from those of you who have seen the film.
In my opinion, Heath would have been nominated for an Oscar even if he had lived.
Because of his tragic and untimely death, there's an emotional outpouring -- which is understandable, but it should not cloud the issue.
He deserves that nomination -- and very likely the statuette, when they are handed out next February.
As Michael Caine told me on the red carpet -- at the Chicago premiere for "The Dark Knight" -- "if Heath doesn't win the Oscar, then I'd like to see the performance that beats him!"

Let me know what you think.