One of my favorite political “news” websites is Wonkette, and the warbloggers over there have this feature called “Wonk’d”, where people can write in about all the celebrities they see. Usually these celebrities are people like New York Times columnist Paul Krugman and maybe, if you’re really lucky, someone will have seen Newsweek’s Michael Isikoff at a Starbucks. Today, one of the Wonkette readers sent in a grainy, evocative picture of George Clooney in St. Louis, where he’s working on his new film Up in the Air. The Wonkette reader noted “Obama confidante and gorgeous Darfur lover George Clooney was just spotted in St. Louis. Filming started today here on his new movie, Up in the Air (otherwise known as George Clooney stalks around airports in bland, featureless cities like St. Louis).”

Apparently, people in St. Louis are totally freaking out with George in their midst. The local press is treating it like a papal visit, attempting to note Clooney’s comings and goings, even though the production company “has no comment” on Clooney’s whereabouts. St. Louis is turning into a town of stalker-razzi! Here’s some good local coverage from The Belleville News Democrat:

Dreamy — that’s how most women refer to actor George Clooney, who is currently in St. Louis for production of a movie titled “Up in the Air.”

Movie-related locations downtown include several trailers parked in a lot along Broadway, just south of Busch Stadium. The trailers have logos on them that read “Starwaggons,” and “Movie Movers Transportation Equipment.”

Production company officials have no comment on Clooney’s whereabouts. They do say that during the day, of course, Clooney is busy working and acting — playing his role in the movie. His nights are his own, however. And that’s where it gets interesting.

Clooney apparently has spent some of his off time in the Central West End. He’s already been spotted in a club known as Mandarin. And Culpepper’s waitress Laura Sieges left behind her assigned section Sunday night after somebody told her Clooney was right next door, inside Subzero. Sieges said she did not talk to him.

“No I didn’t, I was too nervous,” she said. “He was having dinner with some people.”

Sieges thought Clooney’s dinner guests were also move production officials. Sieges was asked if it looked like Clooney had a date.

“No,” she said. “There was a couple ladies and a couple gentlemen.”

Asked what she’ll do if she finds Clooney seated in her section, Sieges said, “I’ll probably run in the back and be like, ‘Oh my goodness, George Clooney’s here!'”

[From The Belleville News Democrat]

According to Cinematical, Up in the Air is supposed to be one of those weird Coen-esque comedies. They say “Clooney will play an HR guy whose single joy is nabbing his millionth frequent-flyer mile. While his life falls apart in his frequent-flying absence, Vera Farmiga’s businesswoman will keep meeting him in airports and hotels and develop a romance with him.” Jason Bateman just signed on to play Clooney’s boss, and the film is being directed by Juno’s Jason Reitman. No word on how long Clooney will be in St. Louis… though I hope those people don’t kill him with love.

Here’s George at the “Have a Heart” charity gala in Berlin on December 6th. Images thanks to Fame.com.