Playboy. We all know about Playboy, don't we? Dirty pictures, nasty stories. What sort of clod reads Playboy?
::::cautiously raising hand::::
That's right—I've been a long-time fan of Playboy. I've been a subscriber for 15 years, and I look forward to every issue. While my husband thinks he has some "manly" right to first read, he's wrong. It is, after all, my subscription.
So what could possibly appeal to me? What on earth could a 35 year old stay-at-home-mom find worth her time in Playboy?
Well, the pictures, of course!
All kidding aside (yes, I was kidding), Playboy appeals to me for a variety of reasons. Terrific writing, great articles, wonderful features, and monthly columns that never fail to entertain and inform me. My favorites?
The Interviews—I love the interviews—seems Playboy has a knack for getting down to brass tacks with some of my favorite celebrities. George Clooney, Ben Affleck, Mike Wallace, Johnny Depp . . .and who could forget the infamous Jimmy Carter interview? Playboy does a terrific job of asking the questions the other guys don't dare. A great place to find a candid look at your beloved (or hated) public figures.
Fiction—Playboy brings us wonderful works of fiction, some by newer authors, some by "names" like Ray Bradbury, Stephen King, etc. Entertaining, original, and usually a bit off center, Playboy's fiction is top-rate, and never fails to surprise me in a most delightful way.
The Advisor—Playboy's Advisor is a Q&A type set up, where readers send in questions needing answers. Want to know about the G-spot? Ask the Advisor. Want to know the best temperature for serving a particular wine? Ask the Advisor. Want to know about ABS systems? Ask the Advisor. Terrific stuff––I always learn something new.
Reviews—new movie releases, video and DVD releases, new books, music and video game releases—all are covered here. Not just the big, mainstream releases, but smaller "indie" works get attention, too. This is where I get some of my strange ideas for weekend movie rentals
20 Questions—a quick taste of a public figure––a mini-interview of sorts. Fun, upbeat, but usually not as "probing" as the interview, though. Lighter reading for a fun bite of your favorite actor, actress, or public figure.
After Hours—funny stuff. If you like Ripley's Believe it or Not, you'll get a kick out of this. Small newsbits giving the reader a taste of the absurd. From ludicrous laws in Arizona to tales of idiotic criminals, this is a laugh riot.
The Forum—if you like politics, and you enjoy being challenged a bit, this is the place. Articles and editorials examining constitutional issues, drug laws, archaic obscenity clauses, etc. Readers are encouraged to write in, and authors are often challenged. Very interesting reading.
Dave's Garage—David Stevens' column on mostly high-end vehicles. Test drives, auto reviews, and some fancy pictures. Great if you're "into" cars.
Party Jokes–okay, yes. They are raunchy. They're ba-aad. I love them. I laugh. I share them with my husband, and we laugh together. No one ever said we were the classiest folks on the block.
The PICTURES—did you think I was going to skip those? Lovely pictures of lovely women. No nasty, "dirty" pictures here. These are beautiful women with beautiful bodies, and I don't begrudge them their posing for Playboy. Who know? If I had legs up to my neck and a great airbrush, I might pose, too. Make no mistake—these women's images are heavily airbrushed—you're not going to find a realistic portrayal of the girl next door here. But that's not what the pictorials in Playboy are for. They're fodder for fantasy, and they do the job.
Playboy offers numerous other features and articles—electronic gadgets, stereo equipment, cigars, Playmate updates, gift ideas, etc. This magazine is packed with information and articles for just about everyone.
I know that some feel that Playboy is "smut." That it is worthless pornography that demeans women. I respectfully disagree. I see nothing demeaning about the human body, and I see nothing "smutty" about displaying pretty pictures of it. These women aren't in chains, they aren't being forced to pose. Nothing about Playboy encourages abuse. If it did, I wouldn't read it. In my opinion, it is a fun, informative, adult romp that is highly entertaining. Is sex discussed? Of course it is, in a frank and honest nature. I don't have a problem with that—after all, I am an adult, and I enjoy learning about all things, including sex.
Practical upshot? Playboy is a great read, and I recommend it to adults with no reservations.
PLAYBOY is a magazine of literature, political thought, sports, commentary and humor. Although PLAYBOY Magazine is most well-known for its pictorials ...More at Magazineline
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