FEATURES
50 THE SEXUAL MALE, PART ONE: THE FLIGHT OF THE SPERMATOZOON
After we track a sperm cell on its fantastic voyage to make a man, you may never
look at your bits and pieces the same way again. Study up: This is the first
chapter in a series of in-depth reports on the science of male sexuality. By
Chip Rowe
66 ELEMENTS OF SEDUCTION
Frigid, frightful February can become the hottest month on the calendar. Learn
about intoxicating love potions, the 10 sexiest places in North America and
sensual lingerie you'll want to buy now and peel off her later.
74 HEARTBREAK
Five literary luminaries consider love's sour side by sharing their personal
and sometimes painful relationship-ending experiences. By Kevin Canty, Aleksandar
Hemon, Susan Minot, Gary Shteyngart and Jeanette Winterson
92 THE GUY BEHIND FAMILY GUY
Discover who puts the fun in Family Guy's dysfunctional Griffin clan by going
behind the scenes with subversive Seth MacFarlane, creator of the most successful
animated TV series since The Simpsons. By Dave Itzkoff
102 ROMANCE 2007: THE TRUTH ABOUT LOVE, SEX AND THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION
As Valentine's Day approaches, now is the perfect time to brush up on what makes
the world go round. Hear advice from scientists, foodies, troubadours and, perhaps
most valuably, beautiful women who are learned in the ways of love.
FICTION
62 THE STARLIGHT ON IDAHO
In this dark and troubling tale from an American master, a man in rehab uses
a series of letters written to friends and family members to reconstruct the
chain of events that has brought him to rock bottom. BY Denis Johnson
THE PLAYBOY FORUM
41 SERVING THE PUBLIC
The titans atop the world's giant media companies seem willing to spend millions
to lobby for greater consolidation. Why do such huge amounts of money seem inversely
proportional to the quality of the radio, television and
newspapers being acquired? By Eric Klinenberg
20Q
72 Bettie Page
With her raven hair, beguiling smile and killer curves, she is one of the most
enduring and popular sex symbols of the past 50 years. In a rare interview,
the pinup icon and Playmate sets the record straight about a lifetime of lovers,
her biggest regret and which of her former associates she would most like to
knock on the head. By Stephen Rebello
INTERVIEW
47 SIMON COWELL
Caught between a rock (Randy Jackson) and a soft-hearted place (Paula Abdul),
the cantankerous American Idol judge (and co-creator) believes that when it
comes to helping contestants face the music about their lack of talent, a spoonful
of venom helps the medicine go down. Prime time's favorite critic sounds off
about tone-deaf singers, cultural snobs and why he prefers Kelly Clarkson's
music to Bob Dylan's. By Rob Tannenbaum
COVER STORY
As Cylon Number Six on Battlestar Galactica, Tricia Helfer is easily the sexiest
robot in history. "She glides; she's a seductress," says Tricia of
Number Six. But the talented model turned actress is more than a sexbot—she
goes deep into the many variations of her conflicted character. This cover image
by photographer Antoine Verglas reveals the sensual woman behind the machine.
Our Rabbit is left tied in knots.
PICTORIALS
56 TOUGH LOVE
Work up a sweat with Air Force drill sergeant Michelle Manhart in this steamy
layout.
78 PLAYMATE: Heather Rene SMITH
Though no longer a gymnast, the lissome Miss February still has all the right
moves.
110 OUT OF THIS WORLD
Looking anything but robotic, Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer alights from
the heavens for an exotic shoot.
NOTES AND NEWS
9 THE WORLD OF PLAYBOY
Las Vegas's Playboy Club opens with a real Bunny bash; celebrities help raise
money for an animal sanctuary with the Mansion's Wildlife WayStation brunch.
10 PLAYBOY AT THE PALMS Paris Hilton, Taye Diggs, Jamie Foxx and Tony Curtis were among the full house
of celebrities Hef welcomed to opening night at the Playboy Club and casino.
151 PLAYMATE NEWS
Miss July 1997 Daphnee Duplaix Samuel talks about her conniving alter ego on
the soap Passions; 50th Anniversary Playmate Colleen Shannon broke hearts on
British TV's Love Island.
DEPARTMENTS
3 PLAYBILL
11 DEAR PLAYBOY
15 AFTER HOURS
23 REVIEWS
33 MANTRACK
39 THE PLAYBOY ADVISOR
90 PARTY JOKES
147 WHERE AND HOW TO BUY
155 ON THE SCENE
156 GRAPEVINE
158 POTPOURRI
FASHION
96 PLAYBOY'S DESIGNER OF THE YEAR
Ozwald Boateng won acclaim in the U.K. when he opened his flagship store on
Savile Row. Now the innovative designer brings his flair for streamlined silhouettes
and daring use of color to America. By Joseph De Acetis
THIS MONTH ON PLAYBOY.COM
THE PLAYBOY.COM A-LIST
Discover the true mixology masters as we name America's top 10 bartenders.
MAGAZINE BLOG
Go behind the scenes with PLAYBOY'S editors, post your two cents and read more
of our interview with Tricia Helfer.
THE 21ST QUESTION
Get the final word from pinup legend Bettie Page.
HOT TOPICS
Stay abreast of the most intimate headlines in our new daily sex-news feature.
FASHION ARISTOCRACY
See video from our feature with PLAYBOY's Designer of the Year, Ozwald Boateng.
