1979 12 00 Playboy - Recognize aliens

Magazine Overview

Title: PLAYBOY
Issue: DECEMBER 1979
Volume: XXVI
Publisher: Playboy Enterprises, Inc.
Country: USA
Price: $3.00

This issue of Playboy, dated December 1979, is presented as a "Gala Christmas Issue" and focuses on entertainment for men, blending celebrity profiles, lifestyle advice, and speculative topics.

Cover Story: Raquel

The cover prominently features actress Raquel Welch, described as "A Photographic Celebration of the Decade's Most Desired Woman." The image shows her in a striking red swimsuit, with her arms raised.

Feature Articles

Al Pacino: His First Ever In-Depth Interview

The magazine includes a significant interview with actor Al Pacino, marking his first in-depth discussion published in Playboy.

Norman Mailer's Account of Gary Gilmore's Final Hours

Renowned author Norman Mailer contributes a piece detailing the final moments of Gary Gilmore, a controversial figure known for being the first person executed in the United States after a 10-year moratorium on capital punishment.

Betting the N.F.L. - How to Beat the Point Spread

This article delves into the world of American football betting, offering strategies and insights on how to overcome the point spread in NFL games.

Sex in Los Angeles - The Secret Life of Tinseltown

An exploration into the hidden aspects of sexuality within the entertainment industry in Los Angeles, often referred to as Tinseltown.

Special Features and Departments

"Playmates Encore Your All-Time Favorites Look Better Than Ever!"

This section revisits and showcases past Playboy Playmates, highlighting their enduring appeal.

Sex Stars of '79

A feature on prominent figures in the realm of sex and entertainment for the year 1979.

Plus: Notable Contributors

The issue boasts a diverse lineup of contributors, including authors John Updike and Frederick Forsyth, artists Harvey Kurtzman and Will Elder, comedian Richard Pryor, actor Anson Mount, artist Shel Silverstein, and artist Leroy Neiman. The issue also promises "A Feast of Holiday Goodies."

Playboy's New Age Primer

This section is dedicated to exploring topics at the intersection of technology, parapsychology, and social science, aiming to prepare readers for the future.

Space Watch: How to Recognize an Alien

Drawing from UFO investigator Leonard Stringfield's research, this article provides a composite description of what an alien might look like, based on reports of extraterrestrial encounters and abductions. The description includes physical characteristics such as height (three and a half to four and a half feet), a large, pear-shaped head, deep-set eyes, a lack of external ears and hair, a thin neck and torso, and thumbless hands with four fingers.

Go Sit in a Cave: The Benefits of Negative Ions

This piece discusses the concept of negative ions and their potential to energize the body. It references ancient yoga practices and modern scientific studies, suggesting that environments with high concentrations of negative ions, such as those found near waterfalls, in caves, or in natural settings, are more beneficial for health and well-being than polluted or artificially conditioned air. The article categorizes the effects of different ion counts per cubic centimeter, from "oppressive" at 0-100 ions to "very stimulating and relaxing" at over 50,000 ions.

The Serpent Strikes Again: An Acupressure Technique

This section introduces a mysterious acupressure technique from the Orient, described as a method for a man in good health to reawaken his "serpent of love." It involves massaging a specific pressure point located in the hollow on the outside of each cheek of the buttocks, aiming to create a sensation between sensuous and uncomfortable, leading to a sense of relaxation and potential arousal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The December 1979 issue of Playboy continues its tradition of blending popular culture, celebrity features, and lifestyle content with more speculative and fringe topics, such as ufology and New Age concepts. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and entertainment, presenting a wide range of subjects from celebrity interviews and sex-related features to more esoteric discussions on aliens and energy ions, all within the magazine's characteristic adult-oriented framework. The inclusion of a "New Age Primer" suggests an interest in exploring emerging ideas and beliefs that challenge conventional scientific or social norms.