Ava Regina (was Hef Rex)

Peggy Wilkins mozart@lib.uchicago.edu
Thu, 05 Jun 2003 01:41:19 -0500


>>>>> "Steve" == Steve Sloca <gokings@comcast.net> writes:

    Steve> Although it may be true philosophically that Hef is
    Steve> "irreplaceable," the fact is that Playboy *must* replace
    Steve> him--and soon.

Soon?  Personally, I am in no hurry to usher Hef out the door; quite
the opposite.  If anything, I wish he were more involved in the
magazine like he used to be, rather than less.  You talked about him
as if he were quickly approaching death's door.  Not only is that far
from the case, but we should realize that even a young person can die
at any time.  What's all this about multiple strokes -- wasn't there
only one, and that one back in 1985?  What do we know about drug use,
isn't that getting awfully personal, not to mention uninformed?  And
who is to say that going out on the town with friends isn't a pleasure
that would contribute to prolong life?  Alzheimer's and Parkinson's?
Neither is inevitable with age, and I know of no evidence for either.
I find all these speculations both irrelevant and mean.  They really
have no place here.

I have no problem with suggestions for a successor to Hef, it's
certainly relevant, but I'd appreciate a bit more care in talking
about it.

Peggy Wilkins
mozart@lib.uchicago.edu