Happy Birthday, Hef

Hugh M. Hefner

Today should a holiday...a FEDERAL freakin' holiday. Today, Hugh M. Hefner, one of the most polarizing figures in modern American history celebrates his 80th birthday. In 1953 Hefner published his first issue of Playboy magazine and created a whole new lifestyle in the process. Hate him or love him, you can't deny his impact on society.

Hefner has made a career out of being a dirty old man with class. To be honest, he has made it into a lifestyle. He could best be described as America's Cool Uncle. The one that takes you to your first strip club, buys you a drink on your 21st birthday, and makes the family reunions worth going to.

Most people associate Hefner with two things, T&A. While his Playboy magazine does feature A LOT of naked and nearly naked women, it also contains quality writing. Famous names like Tom Clancy, John Updike, Joyce Carol Oates, Martin Luther King, and Miles Davis have either written or been interviewed for Playboy. Alex Haley conducted the first Playboy Interview in 1962. Later Haley went on write Roots and The Autobiography Of Malcolm X. So when guys say, "I read the articles" they might be telling the truth.

People are quick to say the Hefner is a negative influence on society but they must not know about many of his charities and social programs. The Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award "honors individuals who have made significant contributions to protect and enhance First Amendment rights of Americans." The Playboy Foundation offers grants to support "local and national nonprofit organizations that protect the rights of the individual in a free society". He was also a vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.

Hefner has displayed the beauty of the female body when it was taboo, showcased minority talent at majority white establishments during a time when it was "not done" and fought to protect the First Amendment. All this while having more fun than any one man should have.

At the age of 80, Hefner is living a more exciting life than I could ever imagine. Talk bad about me if you want to, but this dude is one of my role models. I have few goals in life. To be honest I have given up on most of them but I still have one. I want to visit the Playboy Mansion before I turn 30. The Playmates don't even have to be there because I would probably die of a heart attack if they were. I just want meet the legend...Hef.

Forget a day, we should celebrate his birthday for an entire week. I want all of you to wear a smoking jacket to work. When you go to the club, don't just dance with one person, dance with seven. Men AND women, go out to dinner in your pajamas. This week ask yourself "What Would Hef Do?", then do it.

Have fun, try to make a difference and don't hurt anybody in the process.

Happy Birthday, Hef. Here is wishing you many more years of relevance, reverence and revelry.