Playboy June 2004

COVER STORY No actress better understands how much love bites than Charisma Carpenter. Portraying Cordelia Chase, she drove stakes into the undead on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off series, Angel. Photographer Russell James hypnotized Charisma into taking off her demon-slaying tool belt and uniform. Our Rabbit gets all tangled up in this angel's hair. FEATURES 72 FEEDING OUR DEEPEST FEARS In 1983 two scientists decided to shoot DNA into an onion with a pellet gun. What seemed like a bizarre experiment has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. Today 75 percent of all processed foods in the U.S. are genetically modified. These Frankenfoods, as critics call them, have the public guarding its plate. Are the fears justified? We predict the twists, turns and turbocharged turnips in the controversy's future. BY DAN BAUM 86 WELCOME TO THE MACHINES Are you ready for a revolution? It's already here—futuristic digital gadgets are about to change the way you play. Check out a new DVD-Tivo combination unit, a remote control that programs itself and a DVD server that will keep you from ever needing to step outside again. BY STEVE MORGENSTERN 92 PLAYBOY'S SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW We screen this season's blockbusters so you don't blow popcorn money, two hours and a shot at canoodling with your date. We take you into Spider-Man 2's web, The Stepford Wives' microchips and Anchorman's wardrobe. Plus, the summer's must-miss bombs. 116 LOVE AND WAR IN LAS VEGAS Sin City's quickie-marriage industry rakes in more than $600 million a year, and every chapel wants a bigger piece of the wedding cake. But aren't hired assassins and sidewalk beatings going overboard? A battlefield report on the chapel wars. BY SCOTT DICKENSHEETS AND KATE SILVER 122 THE FETISHIZED WOMAN You've heard of leg men and ass men. But what about men who worship women with crossed eyes? Or huge noses? We found fetish fans who get off on every nook, earlobe and kneecap on a woman's body. Get ready to study the sexiest map ever. BY CHIP ROWE 133 CENTERFOLDS ON SEX: CHARLOTTE KEMP Charlotte licks and tells about sex and the city. 134 20Q JUDE LAW The star of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow has spent much of the past year battling robots, British tabloids and Oscar fever. Law discusses the golden rules he lives by: Never let the press see you sweat, and have a plan before simulating sex with Nicole Kidman. BY MICHAEL FLEMING FICTION 98 . THE BLIND MAN'S WIFE When an acclaimed author meets a woman, it's love at first sight. But when his eyes fail and leave him in a world of darkness, he sees her in a whole new light. BY PAUL THEROUX INTERVIEW 63 DEREK JETER Baseball's all-American, apple-pie image may be imploding, but that hasn't affected the 29-year-old Yankees shortstop. In a hard-hitting Playboy Interview, Jeter fields questions about his complicated relationship with Alex Rodriguez, his reputation as a party animal and his doing the conga with George Steinbrenner. BY DIANE K. SHAH PICTORIALS 78 PLAYMATE OF THE YEAR: CARMELLA DECESARE The votes have been counted. Now help us inaugurate 2004's PMOY. 102 PLAYMATE: HIROMI OSHIMA This Japanese native is hotter than wasabi. 138 CHARISMA CARPENTER The Angel star sheds her wings. NOTES AND NEWS 13 HANGIN' WITH HEF 14 50TH ANNIVERSARY INTERNATIONAL PARTY Hef hosts a party heard around the world, with Jamie Foxx, the Hilton sisters and Kimberly Stewart. 55 THE PLAYBOY FORUM Gore Vidal takes on the pledge of allegiance, and a sex-advice columnist explains why straight guys should care about gay marriage. 175 PLAYMATE NEWS The new Playmate calendar revealed, and Jenny McCarthy's new book. DEPARTMENTS 5 PLAYBILL 19 DEAR PLAYBOY 23 AFTER HOURS 42 PLAYBOY TV 45 MANTRACK 49 THE PLAYBOY ADVISOR 114 PARTY JOKES 158 WHERE AND HOW TO BUY 179 ON THE SCENE 180 GRAPEVINE 182 POTPOURRI FASHION 124 WET SUITS No nude beach in your neighborhood? Try on these swim trunks. BY JOSEPH DE ACETIS 130 MONSTER TREADS Let your feet go commando in new sandals. BY JOSEPH DE ACETIS REVIEWS 33 MOVIES Shriek for Shrek 2, Harry Potter grows up, and Soul Plane crashes. 34 DVDS In America is a borderless classic, the crowning end to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and the topless scene that made Kate Hudson almost famous. 36 MUSIC Wilco gets weird; most of Guns n' Roses reunite. 38 GAMES A video game from Uncle Sam will shock and awe you; Space Invaders celebrates its 25th anniversary. 40 BOOKS Chuck Palahniuk's strange nonfiction, Jim Harrison's new novel about a dysfunctional family, and PLAYBOY'S latest books.