FEATURES
76 THREE SENATORS GORE
The true first family of American politics has been the Gores. Al's cousin gives us Gore-centric details about what makes the clan tick. BY Gore Vidal
86 LOVE, JERRY
For the first time, PLAYBOY readers gain intimate epistolary access to legendary writer J.D. Salinger and the femme fatale who may have inspired him. BY NEIL COHEN
110 INO MAS!
A renowned playwright and filmmaker takes the measure of the Ultimate Fighting Championship matchup between Royce Gracie and Matt Hughes and defines what it takes to be a champion. Note: You don't need to win the bout. BY David MAMET
128 PLAYBOY'S HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Anyone game for a primo espresso machine, sculpture-like stereo equipment, a
model Ferrari or tickets to the Super Bowl? Wrap it up—we'll take it.
136 EROTIC PASSAGES
How does writing capture the sensual experience, its anticipation and tactile
thrills? Jay McInerney, Jane Smiley, A.S. BYATT, JUNOT DIAZ and Lauren Weisberger
share the love.
140 JAMES BOND'S DESK
Even 007 needs a desk. Now the magazine that first published a James Bond story
in America displays his unique taste in paperweights.
142 PLAYBOY'S MUSIC POLL 2006
Tune in to our annual survey of the year's best music, featuring interviews
with DJ Irie, John Medeski, John Scofield and Rod Stewart.
152 CENTER OF ATTENTION
Navigating your way through March Madness will be a slam dunk thanks to our
annual college hoops preview and top 25 picks. BY David KAPLAN
158 TWISTED CHRISTMAS Mel Gibson, Ann Coulter, Saddam Hussein and others spread holiday cheer in their
own idiosyncratic ways.
FICTION
98 WILLA
Getting stranded at a train depot in the middle of nowhere can be hell, literally,
in this eerie tale. BY Stephen King
THE PLAYBOY FORUM
57 TOUGH LOVE
There are plenty of op-eds about self-inflicted problems and the need for personal
responsibility, but they rarely target whites. BY ISHMAEL REED
20Q
156 SAMUEL L. JACKSON
The planet's coolest star speaks his mind about rappers who can't act, people
who give him attitude and his idea of female perfection. BY STEPHEN REBELLO
INTERVIEW
65 DIXIE CHICKS
They bad-mouthed the president and felt the backlash. Now the country trio talks
about their new audience and redefining the meaning of success. BY ALAN LIGHT
COVER STORY Cindy Margolis is a one-woman empire: the most downloaded woman on earth, a
poker ace, a sexy calendar model, a savvy businesswoman and an author-to-be.
She is the ultimate girl next door who now feels comfortable enough in her own
skin to show it all off. Senior Contributing Photographer Stephen Wayda captures
the great unveiling. Our Rabbit watches from an enviable position.
PICTORIALS
80 MISS GREAT BRITAIN
Meet the other Queen of England: Liverpool's own beauty-pageant royalty Danielle
Lloyd.
90 SEX IN CINEMA 2006 Angelina Jolie, Sharon Stone and Salma Hayek are here to testify: 2006 was a
banner year for on-screen sex.
114 PLAYMATE: Kia DRAYTON
Miss December is a DJ in heavy rotation on many holiday wish lists.
160 DESPERATELY SEEKING CINDY
The unstoppable Cindy Margolis says doing PLAYBOY is her crowning achievement.
We agree.
NOTES AND NEWS
15 ONCE UPON A DREAM
The dress code for Hef's annual Midsummer Night's Dream party is lingerie or
less, and the guests happily oblige.
135 CENTERFOLDS ON SEX: Victoria Fuller
It took an Amazing Race to inspire Miss January 1996 to join the mile high club.
201 PLAYMATE NEWS Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy are one funny couple; Miss June 1997 Carrie Stevens
redefines motherhood on HotMomsClub.com.
DEPARTMENTS
5 PLAYBILL
19 DEAR PLAYBOY
23 AFTER HOURS
33 REVIEWS
47 MANTRACK
53 THE PLAYBOY ADVISOR
126 PARTY JOKES
181 WHERE AND HOW TO B
205 ON THE SCENE
206 GRAPEVINE 208 POTPOURRI
FASHION
102 BLACK-TIE EVENT
'Tis the season to give a little something back—and wear a handsome tux
in the Process. BY JOSEPH DE ACETIS
THIS MONTH ON PLAYBOY.COM
THE PLAYBOY.COM A-LIST
We name America's top hotel bars in the first installment of our new best-of
feature.
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
PLAYBOY sports seer Gary Cole profiles five fantastic freshman hoopsters whc
may never see a sophomore slump.
DON'T SKIP THE FORMALITIES
One button or three? Vest or cummerbund? Find out in our guide to the essentials
of formalwear.
THE 21ST QUESTION
Get the last motherfucking word from Samuel L. Jackson in this online exclusive.
DRUMROLL, PLEASE
Vote in our annual music poll and rock out to clips from the nominees.
