According to the BBC “several episodes will be filmed during the trip, which Winfrey said had been almost a year in the planning and would take in beaches, vineyards, Sydney Harbour and the Great Barrier Reef.” Which, didn’t Tyra Banks do this once for America’s Next Top Model?

An interesting twist to all of this is who will be flying the plane. The BBC also reports that “Hollywood star and licensed commercial pilot, John Travolta will fly them over for the eight-day trip.” Yay? Another question: do people get to say no or is this ‘like in for an Oprah show in for a reality show 17 hours by plane away.’ It goes without saying that Australia Tourism is very happy with this development.

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

After hearing Alec Baldwin talk about the state of Hollywood, it’s easy to understand why he wants out. He says that movies are largely driven by business and marketing today, and the days of great actors are well behind us. Every actor has to make the choice between acting in great, perhaps overlooked films, and blockbuster pictures that earn you lots of money. Fifteen years ago, Baldwin says he made the mistake of going after the money.

Baldwin was very forthcoming about his decisions and his career, just not when interviewer Janet Maslin requested it. In fact, the whole interview seemed like a long charade for Baldwin who alternated between regaling the audience with stories, cracking jokes, making analogies, and doing impressions. Through the chaos of Baldwin’s act and contradictions of his words — and his many asides, to the audience’s delight — Maslin somehow managed to keep the actor relatively on track.

What drew Baldwin back to the topic at hand was the opportunity to express his admiration for those who came before him on the big and little screens. For the upcoming It’s Complicated, a romantic comedy whose screened clips were raunchier than you’d expect from the aging actors, it was the chance to work with Meryl Streep. That seems to be consistent with Baldwin’s proclaimed agenda for his Academy Awards’ hosting duties in the spring when he’ll aim to combine the reverence of the biggest night in cinema with his antics on stage with longtime friend, Steve Martin.

Jack Donaghy, Baldwin’s character on “30 Rock,” appears to have grown to be more like Baldwin himself, though he claims he only contributes ideas, not lines. After word came out that Comcast was taking over a controlling stake at NBC Universal, Baldwin suggested Donaghy barricade himself in his office. He says that these kinds of meta-references have pleased General Electric’s executives, but not so much NBC’s people.

Maslin pointed out that earlier in his career, because he was so good looking, not many people credit Baldwin for being funny, despite his work on “Saturday Night Live.” Now, and maybe because of his declining looks, Baldwin wryly pointed out, everyone seems to give him credit – be it for his comedic ability, his environmental efforts, or a possible future run for political office.

Everyone, and we suspect Baldwin himself is with that group, is trying to figure out the same thing: What’s next for Alec Baldwin?

What They Said
“Movie audiences date you and TV audiences marry you.”
- Alec Baldwin is going to stop having affairs

“Public officials deserve a lot more scrutiny than public figures.”
- Alec Baldwin believes that the public has no right to know what he does in his personal life

“Comcast is in Philadelphia, G.E. is in Fairfield, and that’s all I know.”
– Alec Baldwin knows less than Jack Donaghy about the inner workings of NBC Universal

“It’s like ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ without the wit or charm.”
- Alec Baldwin insults “The Room,” but in a way that “The Room” fans would probably celebrate

What We Thought

• We found Baldwin’s comments about the decline of modern movies fascinating. He claims that John Travolta was the last true movie star, someone whose persona could draw customers to his movies and then deliver on that stardom. Since then, Baldwin says actors are used more to get people into the seats, but it’s the technicians who have to do the real work on the product.
• After drilling Baldwin on some more serious points, Maslin tried to lighten the mood by asking Baldwin a series of true-or-false questions based on what she read about him online. This Internet fact-check revealed that Baldwin once had a job as a waiter at Studio 54. It also left him wondering whether the audience came to hear him talk about that.

PANEL RULES!
Some audience behavior seems to repeat itself panel after panel. We’ll be updating a running list of “PANEL RULES!” that will help ensure that you are not the dweeb of the Panel Nerds.

Panel Nerds don’t like…Reminiscers
It was nice of so many of Baldwin’s old neighborhood friends (and dentist) to come out and support the Westchester County native. But did they all have to make their ways to the microphone? The first time it was endearing, but by the third and fourth example we were wishing for strangers to bypass the memory keepers in the line. With limited time and access to Baldwin, we wanted to hear more questions and answers. Instead, we heard a series of anecdotes that didn’t lead to anything but self-indulgence. Let’s keep the focus on the celebrity panelist, not those who shared a backyard with him.

I’m not entirely sure last night’s dinner welcoming Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India could have received more coverage than it did — the NYT, HuffPo both ran live blogs of sorts, and Politico practically went wall-to-wall. Probably it didn’t hurt things that the first couple was so eye-catching. I mean really! Policy issues aside have you ever seen a more striking couple? Before returning home for his meatloaf dinner CBS’s Mark Knoller tweeted out the festivities with his usual triva-packed thoroughness, copied pasted below for your enjoyment.

PHOTO GALLERY: OBAMA STATE DINNER

# I’m heading home. I’m the one wearing Harry’s Big & Tall. Have a good evening.

# You’re on your own for the entertainment incl: Jennifer Hudson and the National Symphony Orch with Marvin Hamlisch conducting.

# The “K Fund” also pays the cost of foreign travel by the President and Vice President – and entertaining of foreign leaders.

# Former Chief of Protocol Amb. Donald Ensenat, says he never learned why the “K Fund” was called that.

# Appropriations for State Dinners come from the “K Fund” – which is administered by the Office of the Chief of Protocol at the State Dept.

# The govt does not disclose how much tonight’s State Dinner costs. Experts I’ve spoken to say it could be as much as half a million dollars.

# The exchange of toasts seemed genuinely cordial and pleasant – as did the surroundings in the tent.

# PM Singh ends his toast pledging to work with Obama “to renew and expand our strategic partnership.”

# Invoking the words of Nehru, Obama toasts PM Singh: “to the future that beckons all of us. let us answer its call.”

# Obama begins toast: “we have incredible food and music and are surrounded by great frriends.”

# Hail to the Chief is being played as Pres. Obama and the Prime Minister and wife enter the tent.

# Tent hardly seems like a temporary structure. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling. And four tapered candles light each table.

# Waiting for exchange of toasts to begin at State Dinner. The tent is far more spacious than the State Dining Room.

# @plocke I didn’t make the inquiry, but having heard the response to another reporter, I was honor bound to share it with one and all.

#All the guests have arrived and walked the press gauntlet if they chose. Waiting for exchange of toasts in the tent on the South Lawn.

# @Pearlagogo Havent a clue. Looked llike a well-tailored regular black tux. Every man looks more Maitre d’ in a tux, than US Pres.

# @samerfarha still at work. let you know in a couple hours.

# Who was Mrs. Obama wearing? Her press secretary says it’s designer Naeem Khan.

# Very few of the men are asked who they’re wearing. Another double standard.

# @drcdiva free advertising for the designer? Then why not plug your toothpaste or brand of deodorant? I’m wearing Crest and Right Guard.

# Does the 5th Amendment cover “who are you wearing?” I’m sorry, on advice of counsel (or personal stylist), I decline to answer.

# Seems rude to ask “who are you wearing?” Like asking “how much money do you have on you?”

# Actors Alfre Woodard and Blair Underwood just arrived. As did director Steven Spielberg. They seemed at ease posing for photos.

# Some US officials seem ill at ease walking by the cameras upon arrival in the WH. Seems too much like the Golden Globes.

“Some reporters are asking arriving guests “who are you wearing.” Is that code for something? “Do you favor health care reform?” ”

# Some reporters are asking arriving guests “who are you wearing.” Is that code for something? “Do you favor health care reform?”

# @4lgsgood My knowledge of fashion comes from having seen Devil Wears Prada on cable last week.

# FYI – the white house website is proving live streaming video of the arrivals and State Dinner. Next up – exchange of toasts about 815pm/ET.

# Mrs. Obama looked elegant in a silver strapless gown, with a chiffon wrap around her arms. The Pres. was wearing a black tuxedo.

# They all shook hands, posed a moment for the photographers then turned and entered the state floor of the WH.

# Pres. & Mrs Obama just welcomed Prime Minister Singh and Ms. Gursharran Kaur upon their arrival at WH North Portico for the State Dinner.

“Guest list is out for State Dinner: Steven Spielberg, Alfre Woodard, Katie Couric, Brian Williams, Richard Trumka, Gov. Bobby Jindal”

# More names from SD guest list: Jiff Immelt (GE), Sanjay Gupta, Thomas Friedman, Mayor Mike Bloomberg & scores of US & Indian officials. about 14 hours ago from web

# Guest list is out for State Dinner: Steven Spielberg, Alfre Woodard, Katie Couric, Brian Williams, Richard Trumka, Gov. Bobby Jindal (more)

# Food Fit for a President: a great compilation of presidential menus on the CBS News website at http://bit.ly/6J8K5i

# @rachelrule you’re most welcome. Love the Marine Band. Sorry didn’t get the full State Visit performance today.

# I don’t mind not being invited to tonight’s State Dinner – since it’s meat loaf night at my house.

# @aimeeb262 as a kid, i was far more familiar with rugula than arugula.

# @mitchellreports thanks andrea. i was a guest once during Clinton. Suspect you’ve been to more than most presidents.

# State Dinner entertainment: Jazz vocalist Kurt Elling, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson & Natl Symphony Orch w/ Marvin Hamlisch conducting.

# WH Exec Pastry Chef William Yosses & his team created the desserts.

# WH says Mrs. Obama worked on the menu with Guest Chef Marcus Samuelssson & WH Exec Chef Cristeta Comerford & her team.

# More menu: Green Curry Prawns w- carmelized Salsify & collard greens; Pumpkin Pie Tart; Pecan Pralines, Passion Fruit & Vanilla Gelees.

# Menu details: Potato & Eggplant Salad with White House Arugula; Red Lentil South with cheese. Roast potato dumplings w- tomato chutney.

# @roykissel sporks? at a state dinner? good tip. will pass it along to the Social Secretary.

# http://twitpic.com/qryba – Tight shot of State Dinner place setting. (CBS News Photo by Frank Thorp).

# http://twitpic.com/qrxf9 – And here’s your first peek at the State Dinner Menu. (CBS News photo by Frank Thorp)

# http://twitpic.com/qrwtd – Here are the place settings for tonight’s State Dinner. (CBS News photo by Frank Thorp)

# @mj_santos it’s not meant to be rude – but US reporters have to pursue the news of the day – and today’s it’s Afghanistan.

# Will you be at tonight’s State Dinner – or at home doing meat loaf night? My webpiece at: http://bit.ly/8Kzhx5

# Compared to Bush’s 6 state visits, Bill Clinton hosted 25 state visits during his 8 years.

# Singh made an “official visit” during the Bush years – a notch below State Visit on the protocol scoreboard – & got an “official” dinner.

# Bush/43 hosted only 6 State Visits during his 8 years: Mexico, Poland, Philippines, Kenya, UK (Queen Eliz.) and Ghana.

# Technically, State Visits are meant for Chiefs of State. Singh, as PM, is a head of government. But nobody gets sued. about 22 hours ago from web

In light of yesterday’s Associated Press report that Johnston would, in fact, pose (after a stint in the gym), 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. (The final print issue was published last November.) And though the magazine historically struggled with getting the high-profile nude shots that would have set them apart as extra-scandalous, they did manage to snag quite a few hilarious, er… stars. If you want to call them that. Let’s just say Nick Nolte and Sly Stallone are about as highbrow as you’re going to get.

Check out the cover stars!

But! I am a pop culture person. And car people have clearly contributed to pop culture, which is how I knew about purple french tail lights and thirty inch fins without exactly knowing what they were. It was how I knew that cars were indicia of status and class differences (thank you, Bruce Springsteen and Dreamgirls), and how I knew that people who were too obsessed with that status were probably douchebags (thank you, “Justification For Higher Education” poster).

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!). From Hot Rod to RamRod, Cadillac Assembly Line to Cadillac Ranch, Little Deuce Coupe to Little Red Corvette, here’s where I learned it all from. Maybe I am a car person after all — such a thrill when your radials squeal. Here we go:

Back To The Future DeLorean DMC-12 Here’s the thing about the DeLorean: The doors go up. Even a non-car nerd like myself recognized that as cool in 1985 when my beloved Alex P. Keaton migrated to the big screen to shred a little Chuck Berry and not hook up with his mother. Like me, fellow Canadian Michael J. Fox was weaned on the metric system, so 88 miles per hour may not have sounded quite as impressive as 141.622 km, but still — nice car.

Grease 1948 Ford “Greased Lightning” This, for me, is the iconic car song, because it involves male bonding, cruising for chicks and very specific car knowledge all in one snazzily-choreographed package. When I first saw this movie at age 5 I was as clueless about overhead lifters and four barrel quads as I was about what, exactly, constituted a pussy wagon, but I understood that having a shiny car with lightning on the side was cool. (Similarly, I also understood that a black-clad pelvic-thrusting John Travolta was hot.) I cringed as much as the next purist to see that smooth sleek metal despoiled by Balmudo’s souped-up muscle car later in the movie, but that was a minor technicality; Greased Lightning drove on bravado, brotherhood and creaming chicks. Am I wrong, or is that basically the plot of The Fast and The Furious? Lighting, lighting, lightning, lightning, lightning!

Ghostbusters Ecto 1 The Ghostbuster’s car wasn’t what one would describe as a pussy wagon, exactly, though it did get them to Gozer’s shrine where Dana awaited to lustily do the bidding of Zul, and that probably would have been enough for Bill Murray‘s Dr. Venkman. It was also an excellent example of how a car can be retrofitted with special features to customize it for specific use. Obviously necessary when transporting poltergeists that slime you with green goo.

Christine 1958 Plymouth Fury When I was in junior high, I went through a major Stephen King phase. Christine wasn’t as bone-chillingly scary as The Shining with its dead people in bathtubs or as close to home as Cujo, the friendly dog next door who would rip your face off, but for sheer raw mayhem, inventive swearing and a fundamentally tragic love triangle to rival that of Lancelot, Arthur and Guinevere, it definitely holds up. Reading through the transformation of Arnie Cunningham from pimply pocket-protector-wearing nerd to the guy with the hot car who scored hot girl I can remember how lovingly Stephen King described the details of the car: The upholstery, the curves, the mechanics (not to mention how lovingly he described how the car would ram Arnie’s enemies straight to hell, spattered blood and matted hair and all). This trailer for the 1983 John Carpenter film version was far from subtle — we get it, the car’s a jealous bitch — but the book somehow made the rather ridiculous idea of a car possessed by Satan into a book that has stayed with me two decades later. I’m not sure what it taught me about cars but maybe it helps explain why I never got my license.

>>>NEXT: The General Lee, Archie Andrews’ Jalopy, and Julia Roberts in thigh-high boots