Playboy January 2007

FEATURES 56 THE GREATEST SHOW IN SPORTS Since its 1979 launch ESPN's SportsCenter has been one of the most compelling reasons to watch TV. We join key participants Keith Olbermann, Chris Berman, Stuart Scott and others in reliving lively moments and vivid catchphrases ("Boo-yah!") from sports journalism's most influential program. By KEVIN COOK 72 THE IMMIGRATION MESS A day without illegals would spell disaster for a society in which hungry new-corners perform essential, poorly paid tasks. A renowned Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist takes an incisive look at the people desperate to come to the U.S. and the forces hell-bent on stopping them—and why. By JIMMY BRESLIN 76 PARTY OF THE YEAR! Cheney goes hunting, Mel Gibson goes driving, Borat offends, and Samuel L. Jackson tends his favorite reptiles. What a crowd! What a party! ILLUSTRATION BY JANET WOOLLEY 90 RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR If your New Year's resolution is to party like it's 1999, here is a step-by-step guide detailing bar essentials, who's coming to dinner, what's being served and when to turn the lights down low. 108 MARRIAGE & MAGAZINE ST. In 1960 New Orleans was an exotic city where people of different races, classes and political attitudes lived in relative harmony. In this evocative episode from his forthcoming memoir, the author of Dog Soldiers recalls a temptation he faced in the French Quarter and how it changed his life. BY ROBERT STONE 2007 CARS OF THE YEAR Our intrepid automotive team selects this year's best models, including a pack of street-legal speedsters, a hyperquick hybrid and a blast from the past drive circles around the competition. BY KEN GROSS FICTION 78 THE MYTH OF SISYPHA The award-winning author of the Fearless Jones books—and Bill Clinton's favorite writer—explores the erotic in a ta???? ?o????le that turns a guy betrayed by his girl into a sexistential hero. BY WALTER MOSLEY THE PLAYBOY FORUM 45WE'RE WATCHING YOU Since 9/11 the line between public and private has become alarmingly blurred. Are we being kept safe or being robbed of our privacy? BY JONATHAN RABAN COVER STORY Pam Anderson has graced our cover more times than anyone else in history, and it's easy to see why. Cultural historian Neal Gabler says, "She is a sex symbol without apologies or complications or affectations, which means there is no one else quite like her." Top glamour photographer Sante D'Orazio captures pure Pam in neverbefore-published photos worthy of a goddess. Our Rabbit gets tangled up in the moment. 20Q 130 ELLEN POMPEO The porcelain-skinned actress who plays lovelorn Dr. Meredith Grey on Grey's Anatomy discusses her bartending prowess, her awkward first encounter with Jake Gyllenhaal and her infamous Punk'd prank. BY STEPHEN REBELLO INTERVIEW 51 T. BOONE PICKENS This legendary oil tycoon and corporate raider made a fortune from black gold. Now the $2.7 billion man gives a gloomy forecast for oil, predicts a bright future for water and talks candidly about his battle with depression. BY DAVID SHEFF PICTORIALS 67 THE PASSION OF PAM Pamela Anderson is the quintessential PLAYBOY icon. Reacquaint yourself with the evidence. 94 PLAYMATE: JAYDE NICOLE Miss January gives you a reason to shout, "O Canada!" 122 THE YEAR IN SEX All the memorable displays of flesh and notable sexcetera we fashion could fit onto seven hot pages. 133 PLAYBOY'S PLAYMATE REVIEW Study the 12 candidates' most persuasive positions, then vote for Playmate of the Year. NOTES AND NEWS 11 THE WORLD OF PLAYBOY The Bunny search begins at the Playboy Club in Las Vegas; Elvira scares them stiff at the Mansion. 12 HANGIN' WITH HEF The party goes on for Hef and his girlfriends as they rub elbows around town with Oliver Stone, Dave Navarro, Cameron Diaz and others. 121 CENTERFOLDS ON SEX: TINA BOCKRATH For Miss May 1990 it's all about paying lip service and a guy's comfort with his sexuality. 171 PLAYMATE NEWS A look back at Kara Monaco's reign as Playmate of the Year; a glimpse behind the scenes at an erotic website run by Miss June 1992 Angela Melini. DEPARTMENTS 3 PLAYBILL 15 DEAR PLAYBOY 19 AFTER HOURS 27 REVIEWS 37 MANTRACK 43 THE PLAYBOY ADVISOR 106 PARTY JOKES 155 WHERE AND HOW TO BUY 175 ON THE SCENE 176 GRAPEVINE 178 POTPOURRI FASHION 82 SOFTWARE The scents of seduction. 84 WETWARE Gels to keep you fresh faced. 86 HARDWARE Watches for prime-time viewing. THIS MONTH ON PLAYBOY.COM THE PLAYBOY.COM A-LIST Where will you hear the next big band? We name the top 10 rock clubs. PLAYMATE OF THE YEAR Cast your vote for the sexiest Centerfold from the class of 2006. CARS OF THE YEAR Get revved up with exclusive coverage of the sweetest new rides. THE BEST OF BUBBLY As the holiday party season starts to pop, check out our guide to champagne toasts. THE 21ST QUESTION Get a final diagnosis from Grey's Anatomy babe Ellen Pompeo. THE PLAYBOY BLOG News, views and inside perspectives from PLAYBOY's editors