So this year Oprah WInfrey is flying her audience to Australia. This was the only thing she could think of to one-up her gifts from previous years (including the time she gave everyone a car).

Who: Alec Baldwin interviewed by Janet Maslin What: TimesTalks’ “Live with Alec Baldwin”Where: The Times CenterWhen: December 3, 2009Thumbs: Up

Is it just that between Twitter and YouTube and livestreaming we are able to pay better attention to White House affairs such as last night’s state dinner, or is it just that the Obama’s are more fun to pay attention to? Because I for one can not remember so much attention being paid to a state dinner in the past. Short version: even if you weren’t there, it’s possible not to miss a thing.

In light of the news that Sarah Palin‘s almost-son-in-law Levi Johnston will make an appearance in Playgirl, we went on a little trip back through the archives. “Research,” you could call it, of the illustrious company Johnston will join when he stars in an issue of the now-online magazine. We found John Travolta, Sly Stallone, and some, um, less notable stars. See them in all of their glory inside.

I am not a car person — have never been, never will be. I still don’t really even understand the “Cash For Clunkers” story. However! Turns out that, without knowing how to change the oil or why V-8 doesn’t just pertain to vegetable juice, I knew a whole lot about cars (even people who ain’t too clever/can learn to tighten a nut forever!).