The Big O: My Love Affair with Playboy...

I know it's not for every girl, but I have always loved the Playboy Empire and everything about it. I remember when I purchased my first subscription, and getting the magazine wrapped in plastic, standing in the elevator with all the other tenants and feeling the disgusted eyes of the ladies and the jealous eyes of men (I can only assume that guys don't see many girls that are so excited to read it they're peeking inside before they get to their floor). I only had one person ask me "Playboy or Penthouse?" but I'll never forget my overly excited "Playboy!" response.

I'm not sure what it is, the girls, the spreads, Hef, the Mansion, the Chicago connection, or the articles (yes, I read the articles, and love the jokes)- but there's something about the bunny that excites me to the point where I'd be happy to rip my top off and join the fun... So when Skin told me that he got his hands on some classic Playboys from the 60's and 70's I left my desk chair spinning as I ran to see the goods. I was ecstatic to find 2 whole boxes of vintage mags that were older than me, and probably in better condition...

The first thing I noticed was they are much bigger than the current subscriptions (250-300 pages) and weigh a ton. All I could think of was guys in the army, lugging around a pound and a half of boobies while on tour... At just one dollar an issue, you could have an entire month of entertainment that could conceivably last decades. What I didn't know about the magazine back then was the sheer amount of content, the in depth articles and interviews could go on for more than 20 pages...

I'm sure you're thinking, how in Gods name could it last that long? Most articles these days aren't longer than three pages... Then I realized how they did it- lots of advertising! Yes, the current issues have everything from video games and body wash, to sexual enhancement pills and cologne, but what they're missing are the amazing Lee ads for ten dollar striped flared jeans, Dingo boots and cassette recorders that are three times the size of my iPhone.



















Advertising has come a long way, you can still find your cars, booze, and tobacco (the three staples of the all American straight man outside of boobs) but the presentation has obviously changed... Before there were pouches of dip, tobacco was still sold with pipes, and higher alcohol content vodka has replaced a classic can of Shlitz Malt Liquor.

When I picked up last months Playboy, it was easy to find the nudity, there were boobs on practically every page, but in the 70's you really had to look for it. And what was even more interesting- was the fact that I couldn't find a bush anywhere! Apparently in those days bush was still considered taboo (that ended in the 70's though, Skins favorite years for wild and crazy Furburger).

Obviously as time goes on businesses will progress and change, and the magazine has only gotten better as the years have passed, but there's something classic that I think can only come from appreciating the history. One of the things that I read was "What sort of man reads Playboy?" And I was pleasantly surprised to read the following:

"The kind that likes to widen his world. Yesterday's models are not for him. He rallies to new styles and special performance. He demands tomorrow's car today. And tomorrow he'll be asking for even more. Fact: Nearly one of every two men in the U.S. between 18 and 34, in households owning two cars purchased new, reads PLAYBOY- more than any other magazine. If you want to add pickup to your new model sales, go with the leader. Go with PLAYBOY. (Source:1970 Simmons)"

It's nice to see that some things never change, and I hope they never do. After all- 50 years is quite the accomplishment... If you would like to see more of the vintage issues, they're on display for your spanking pleasure. Lucky for me they're here, and I'll probably spend the rest of my day flipping through them on Skins office floor...

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Until next time- XX ~The Big O