Playboy November 2006

FEATURES 68 ISLAM IN THE CRUCIBLE Prodded by U.S.-backed government officials, many religious leaders in Middle Eastern Arab countries are trying to persuade the next generation of Muslim youth not to adopt an ideology of martyrdom and anti-American warfare. The author of The New Iraq gives a firsthand account of the struggle to reclaim Islam from the terrorists who hijacked the religion and discusses how this effort could impact global security. BY JOSEPH BRAUDE 80 THE WORST BREAK OF MY LIFE A penile fracture is every guy's worst nightmare, but in this astonishing—and edifying—account of his own catastrophe, the former lead singer of That Petrol Emotion tells how a man can weather disaster and spare the rod. BY STEVE MACK 88 WELCOME TO THE NEXT LEVEL The next generation of video games isn't next anything—it's now. In this special section we preview the hottest games for fall and beyond, look at the state of the current console wars and invite you to take a byte out of our third annual set of slinky video game vixens with their biosuits powered down. BY SCOTT ALEXANDER 112 HOW SUITE IT IS The Hugh Hefner Sky Villa has opened on the 34th floor of the Palms Casino Resort Fantasy Tower in Las Vegas. It will run you about $35,000 a night, but you won't find more sumptuous lodgings anywhere. Take a peek inside with several Playmates, including Amanda Paige and Sara Jean Underwood. FICTION 84 THE WISDOM OF THE DOULAS Doula is the Greek word for slave, but Mitch doesn't work for those wages. In this tale by the author of Home Land: A Novel, Mitch is the only male midwife in his city and has an unorthodox approach to postnatal care. The family that hires him must figure out if he is a certified doula or simply certifiable. BY SAM LIPSYTE THE PLAYBOY FORUM 47 THE PLAYBOY VOTER: A SPECIAL REPORT, PART II We continue to examine 8 million PLAYBOY voters' views on the most polarizing political topics of the day. Among the questions we pose: When should U.S. troops leave Iraq? Should illegal immigrants be deported? Are you better off economically than you were five years ago? Our readers consistently buck both Wearty and regional lines and occupy a commonsense middle ground. 20Q TENACIOUS D Nobody rocks quite like Jack Black and Kyle Gass. The self-proclaimed greatest band in the world shocks and awes us with the truth about its mock rockumentary The Pick of Destiny, discloses who gets more backstage Betties and composes an impromptu D ditty just for you. BY ERIC SPITZNAGEL INTERVIEW ARIANNA HUFFINGTON The first lady of blogs was a noted biographer, a political wife, an outspoken columnist and a TV talking head before shifting from mainstream media to the web with The Huffington Post. Now the opinionated activist sounds off about spineless Democrats, why President Bush is dangerous enough to be impeached and why God belongs in politics. BY DAVID COVER STORY Ever since she played wicked Harmony Kendall on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, Mercedes McNab has driven us wild. Now the expert Afro-Brazilian dancer is revving up more than her swiveling hips for big-screen roles in The Pink Conspiracy and Hatchet. Senior Contributing Photographer Stephen Wayda captures her contours. Our Rabbit prefers to ride a blue Mercedes. PICTORIALS 72 HIGH-PERFORMANCE MERCEDES Test-drive the curvy Mercedes McNab as the veteran of Buffy the Vampire Slayer showcases her softer side. 98 PLAYMATE: SARAH ELIZABETH The Florida Panhandle sizzles with a dangerously hot Miss November. 126 POETRY IN LOTION Meet the well-bronzed contestants of the Hawaiian Tropic International Pageant, now without their bikinis. NOTES AND NEWS 11 WORLD OF PLAYBOY Hef visits Craig Ferguson on the set of his Late, Late Show; Holly, Bridget and Kendra help throw a singles party at the Mansion. 12 JULY FOURTH SPLASH AND ALL STAR BASH Stars celebrate Independence Day with Hef and support a benefit hosted by such football greats as Rodney Peete and Mike Sherrard. 125 CENTERFOLDS ON SEX: -STACY FUSON Miss February 1999 says shy guys are mysterious and have the best shot with her. 167 PLAYMATE NEWS Cynthia Myers goes on tour with the midnight-movie favorite Beyond the Valley of the Dolls; Miss March 1990 Deborah Driggs writes about pubic fashion. DEPARTMENTS 3 PLAYBILL 15 DEAR PLAYBOY 19 AFTER HOURS 27 REVIEWS 37 MANTRACK 43 THE PLAYBOY ADVISOR 110 PARTY JOKES 147 WHERE AND HOW TO BU` 171 ON THE SCENE 172 GRAPEVINE 174 POTPOURRI FASHION 118 BOOK JACKETS Meet six socially conscious authors who wear their hearts—and some serious style—on their sleeves. BY JOSEPH DE ACETIS THIS MONTH ON PLAYBOY.COM SWEETS FOR THE SUITE Take an over-the-top animated tour of the new Hugh Hefner Sky Villa at the Palms in Sin City. READY, SET, DRINK! We turn the best NCAA football games into college cocktail competitions. A-PLUS ATTIRE See behind-the-scenes video of the writers from the Book Jackets feature. SEX AND THE PITHY Renowned PLAYBOY sexpert James R. Petersen nails down the 10 sexiest memoirs ever written. THE 21ST QUESTION Get the last word from Tenacious D and listen to the song Jack Black wrote exclusively for PLAYBOY.