Playboy February 2007

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.