Condoleezza Rice will be in Chicago to discuss new book

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Dr. Condoleeza Rice visit at the Union League Club

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Updated: December 11, 2011 8:35AM

J UST IN: FORMER SECRETARY of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice will be interviewed by WLS-Channel 7’s Kathy Brock at the Union League Club’s popular Authors Group luncheon Nov. 15.

Rice, who was the first female U.S. national security adviser and first African-American female secretary of state, will discuss her latest book, No Higher Honor.

Rice most recently stated that “the U.S. should consider even tougher penalties against Iran’s government and be doing everything we can to bring it down.” So, is she saying this country needs to get into a third war?

BEARS’ DEFENSIVE tackle Amobi Okoye and Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker are co-chairing the GEANCO Foundation’s “Health and Hope for Africa Concert” gala Dec. 3 at the Museum of Science and Industry. The headliner is vocalist Syesha Mercado, an “American Idol” finalist.

THE CHICAGO UNITED’S annual “Changing Color of Leadership Conference & Bridge” awards dinner is Nov. 16 at the Hilton Chicago. Patricia Hemingway Hall of Health Care Service Corporation will receive the Bridge award, and 45 local execs will be honored in the 2011 Business Leaders of Color publication. WLS-Channel 7’s Ravi Baichwal is emceeing the dinner, and his colleague Hosea Sanders is hosting the luncheon.

THE BOOK REPORT: BUDDY Valastro, star of the hit TLC series “Cake Boss,” will sign his new book, Baking with the Cake Boss, at Anderson’s Books in Naperville at noon Nov. 16. Later that day, he will do a show at the Rosemont Theatre . . . Hockey Hall of Famer Stan Mikita signing his new book Forever A Blackhawk on Saturday at Barbara’s Bookstore in Burr Ridge starting at 1 p.m. . . . Local publicist Allen Rafalson’s self-published book The Santa Claus Trial is now available online on Kindle and Barnes & Noble’s Nook.

CONGRATS TO CHICAGO coach Roy Curry, two-time Super Bowl champ Gloster Richardson and the late, great Walter Payton, who were among the former players honored last weekend at the Jackson State University “All Century Football Celebration” in Mississippi. More than 500 guests attended the dinner at the Walter Payton Recreation & Wellness Center. Walter’s mother, Alyne, widow Connie Payton, and his brother, Eddie Payton, represented the Hall of Famer. By the way, the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation’s annual Soldier Field Toy Drive is Sunday at the Bears vs. Lions game.

DID YOU KNOW that the Bears’ J’Marcus Webb dines at Harry Caray’s on Kinzie after every Bears’ home game? And that the eatery has named a Grey Goose cocktail in his honor and when anyone buys that drink, the full amount goes to his favorite charity — St. Sabina Academy? Well now you know!

SMOOTH & COOL MUSIC: The awesome singer/songwriter Michael McDonald in concert for the Keshet’s Professional Leadership Board’s benefit at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Nov. 19 . . . Altoist Tia Fuller & Quartet Thursday through Sunday at the Jazz Showcase. . . The hot duo of Nan Mason & Terry Higgins at the new Twelvewest club Friday. . . . Kid Rock at the House of Blues Nov. 26 . . . R&B Artist/actor Tyrese (“Transformers”) Gibson, whose latest CD is “Open Invitation,” performing at the Harris theater Dec. 17 and sponsored by Power 92 radio.

HARRY BELAFONTE, while in town this week to hype his new book, My Song — A Memoir, dined at Alex Dana’s Rosebud on Rush with his wife of two years, Pamela. Harry’s good friend, Tony Bennett, placed a call to good friend Alex, who made sure the couple was treated royally.

ATTENTION VETS: Cook County Commissioner Edwin Reyes’ “Third Annual Veterans Job and Benefits Free Fair” is Saturday at the Logandale/Avondale School, 3212 W. George St., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

THE CAROLYN Y. Adams Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual benefit is Sunday at the Flossmoor Country Club.

BIRTHDAYS: Tom Carey and belated to Roy Curry. On Friday: Demi Moore, attorney Joseph Locallo, Dr. Anne Wolfe and WIND’s Amy Jacobson and son Andrew. On Saturday: Sammy Sosa. On Sunday: Joe Mantegna, Billy Siegel, Whoopi Goldberg, Paulie Fosco, Paula Lingo, and Lorenzo Clemons. On Monday: Prince Charles, and Dom DiFrisco.

Well, that’s Stella in the City!