thePULSE
Bringing the Heat
By Lauren Koblara, Annette Cinelli, Sasha Fastovskiy
The sizzling sun has finally returned and that can mean only one thing ~ it’s time to bring the heat with Pulse’s Annual Swimsuit Issue! We are proud to bring you another collection of steamy pictorials, guaranteed to showcase some of the hottest trends this summer. Enjoy The 2008 Pulse Magazine Swimsuit Models!And for those who pick up this issue just for the articles, you are not forgotten! We interviewed Pulse readers for their insight on all hot weather topics. Here’s what they had to say!
Jessica Anderson, Insurance Underwriter, 27, Worcester
Katlynne Sliwoski, Fitness Model and Owner of Glow Tanning & Ambiance Salon in Millbury, 26, Millbury
Matthew Trahan, Student, 27, Worcester
Andy Trosello, Teacher/Lifeguard, 26, Framingham
Marie Kennedy, Copy editor, 25, Framingham
Reba Libby, Editor, 30, Auburn
Katherine Kane, Designer, 26, Worcester
Joe Lapin, Homemaker, 27, Brighton
Laura Cichon, Editorial and Production Assistant, 26, North Providence
Aaron Mailhot, IT Support Intern, eClinical Works, Oxford 19
Sarah LePain, Student, 20, Worcester
Pete O’Neil, Waiter, 23, Worcester
Sean Duncan, Banker, 27, Worcester
Randy McDermott, Car Salesman, 29, Shrewsbury
Roberto Sanchez, IT Specialist, 24, Worcester
Erica Carlson, Waitress, 27, West Boylston
Amanda Grossman, Teacher, 29, Auburn
Ashley Ryan, Student, 24, Worcester
Pulse: What’s your most embarrassing swimsuit moment?
Jessica: Two-piece bathing suit on a water slide…enough said.
Andy: My girlfriend at the time and I were at the ocean playing in the waves and her top got knocked off so that one of her breasts was exposed. She didn’t realize it and started walking down the beach back towards me and I had to tell her.
Marie: I found the cutest bathing suit at Old Navy, it was different shades of pink and green, fit perfect, and was on sale! Then I wore it to the beach and found out the top was see through when wet! So always check the lining in a bathing suit before you buy it.
Joe: I would say when I bought a pair of shorts and the drawstring didn’t pull in tight enough and I mooned a bunch of people when I got out of the ocean.
Laura: Aren’t all swimsuit moments rather embarrassing?
Aaron: DEFINITELY the time my (British) friend William decided to change out of his trunks, right in front of me, out in the middle of a water park. He didn’t warn me or anything, and I turn around to say something to him and there he is drying himself off. I tried to turn away quickly and act like I didn’t know him, but I unfortunately caught a glimpse of him in all his pride.
Pulse: More important, comfort or conversation?
Katlynne: I would have to say it’s a tie. I want a swimsuit that’s both sexy and one I am comfortable wearing. I don’t want a frumpy swimsuit but I also don’t want to be worrying all day that something may untie or ride up in the wrong place.
Andy: I think that comfort is more important. You have to feel good in your own skin and other things will follow.
Aaron: Comfort. People checking you out is a bonus.
Amanda: Conversation! During the winter we keep everything hidden. Summertime is when we can let it all out. I’m expecting some reactions when I hit the beach!
Pulse: What swimsuit do men like for women?
Reba: The ones that cover the least amount of skin.
Pete: In today’s economy, it’s important to cut back on spending. So I say, ladies, pass on purchasing a new suit and wear nothing. It’s the just the sign of the times. We all have to make sacrifices.
Randy: I’m all for the birthday suit.
Erica: Whatever one has the best chance of being washed away in the ocean.
Pulse: What swimsuit do women like for men?
Matthew: Obviously Speedos.
Sarah: Anything but Speedos!
Reba: The ones that cover the most amount of skin.
Laura: Um…the regular one. You know, the shorts one.
Aaron: Nice big trunks. They don’t want to see your junk in stark relief with Speedos or worse, risk letting it out with short trunk. I think that they tend to focus on the bare chest more, however. The tanner the better and the hairier the worse.
Erica: Anything the lifeguard is wearing. He can give me mouth to mouth anytime!
Amanda: I guess surfer shorts. But can someone please send out the memo that the fashion trend of wearing them low and showing butt crack is hideous! Fellas, if I wanted to see that I would have called a plumber.
Pulse: Ladies, what makes Speedos so bad?
Jessica: Nothing is left to the imagination. Plus, most of the men who wear Speedos have a lot they SHOULD be leaving to the imagination.
Reba: The sketchy guys that wear them.
Katherine: Upper leg hair!
Laura: The guy who has a body that is capable of pulling off a Speedo is not your regular “Joe.” Needless to say, basically only Olympic men’s swimmers should wear them.
Pulse: Guys, what about your girlfriend being too revealing?
MT: As long as she is comfortable I certainly don’t mind. It’s fun to have everyone look and then think, “Yeah, she is with me.”
Aaron: I love the sexy suits she wears. And I know that she has good values so I’m not worried. She can show as much skin as she is comfortable with and while other guys may look, only I get to touch.
Roberto: Can’t stand it! It makes for a long day at the beach. Instead of enjoying the sun, I spend the day burning holes with my eyes at sketchy guys. Not a relaxing day at the beach for me.
Pulse: Worst bathing suit trend?
Jessica: In general, I hate bathing suits that have any kind of big buckle on them….on top in the front or on the sides of the bottom…it makes for tan lines that must be explained.
KS: I’m not digging the one piece suits that are cut out on the stomach and sides.
Marie: Oh, I have quite a couple! Bathing suits made out of material that you clearly can’t swim in. That and girls who wear tons of jewelry with their swimsuits. It’s the beach ladies, not a Miss America competition!
Laura: Snake-print
Sarah: I’m not sure the name of the swimsuit but it’s a one piece that looks like a shark took a bite out of your sides.
Pulse: Guys, honestly, do you manscape for the beach?
Pete: You got to! Hey, the ladies like it, what can I say? Plus I’d rather chip away at it then have it pulled out all in one swoop. Haven’t you seen Steve Carell in 40 Year Old Virgin? I rest my case.
Sean: I used to. But then one time, I think I had some sort of reaction and my pale chest was beet red. Not the way you want to turn heads at the beach.
Randy: Absolutely not. I’m sorry, but it’s a little too metro-sexual for me. Besides, I think women want to cuddle up next to a big, strong bear rather than a baby seal.
Roberto: I hate to admit I do. My arms, back, chest. But I will not shave my legs. I have certain standards.
Pulse: What’s the worst pick-up line you’ve heard at the beach?
Erica: Some guy offered to “lotion me up.” I’m not sure what that was. It was more creepy than anything. And worse than that, he had a complete Rico Suave look to him. Tight jeans, no shirt, long wet hair, a red bandana, and BOOTS! Who wears boots to the beach?
Pete: One girl asked me if this was my first time at the beach. And she was serious! Yeah, I’ve heard a lot of good things about the beach, so after 23 years I decided to check it out and see what all the fuss was about. She was crazy.
Amanda: “Do you want to jump into the water with me, because you caught me on fire.” Does it get any cheesier than that? But A for effort I suppose.
Sean: I remember one that I said. I went up to a girl and asked her, “Do you know where the weight room is?” as I tried to strike a bodybuilder pose. Didn’t go quite the way I hoped. She said “Obviously you don’t.” Talk about a shot to the gut and the ego.
Ashley: “Is your name summer…because you are hot!” I usually get so annoyed by guys with lines. But this one I couldn’t help but laugh.
Roberto: My buddy went up to a girl and said “Can I borrow your sunglasses? You’re blinding me.” We all laughed at him, but it worked. He ended up getting her number and they are still dating today. It just shows the art of pickup lines may not be dead after all.
Pulse: Where’s the strangest place you’ve hidden your valuables at the beach?
Roberto: I usually do the standard procedure and throw my money into my shoe. One time I put some bills in there, and forgot I left them there. I walked around everywhere. It’s amazing how many people won’t give you change for a sweat-soaked twenty.
Ashley: My dog was sleeping on the beach, so I put my wallet under him. Not a smart move. He stunk it up pretty good. I walked around all day smelling like a golden retriever.
Sean: I had the best idea ever. I dug a hole for my wallet, just before some swim time in the ocean. I thought no one would find it. I was right! I totally forgot where I dug the hole. I searched all over. At some point, I’m sure someone found a nice little treasure. You’re welcome!
Pete: Under my hat while I wore it. Seemed fool proof to me. Until it got blown off while riding the boat. I have to start getting suits with pockets.
Pulse: What’s your favorite sport to play at the beach?
Sean: You have to get a volleyball game going. It’s a must. Although, it could turn into a spectator sport when you see some hot girls jumping up to spike the ball. Real easy to be distracted.
Amanda: Football in the water! It’s always fun to get a chance to really tackle the guys!
Roberto: The only one I’m looking to play at the beach is hunting for females. Isn’t that the best sport?
Pete: I’ve always been a fan of the ball and paddle classic. It’s a good time. Except when you hit the ball too hard. Nothing ruins a day at a beach when you smack a muscle-bound man with a rubber ball. I’m speaking from experience.
Pulse: Any bad sunburn stories?
Ashley: There’s one that stands out in particular. It happened just like it happens to everyone else. I fell asleep on the beach. I had my sunglasses on. The rest of the week I had an alien-looking face! Red face, except for one long strip. That week at work was pretty brutal. My co-workers were ruthless and I had a lot of strange looks from customers.
Randy: It was right before my high school graduation. I got too much sun during the weekend. I was burned real good, especially on my face. It got more embarrassing the day of graduation when I put on my gown ~ a dark red gown. So for the ceremony I was a walking lobster. All the red made my blond hair look like it was glowing. I’ve made sure there aren’t too many graduation pictures around the house.
Erica: It was at the very start of the summer, maybe early June or so. I underestimated the strength of those UV-Rays. My friend told me I should wear some a shirt or put some lotion on. I ignored him. I got so burned on my shoulders and neck. To this day I have a permanent tattoo of freckles as a result of my stubbornness.
Sean: It’s a family tradition with my brothers to ALWAYS smack around any sunburned person. And they don’t joke around. If you’re burned, expect a nice smack on the back and a “How ya doin’?” So I’m always sure to have sun block whenever we go out. I’ve had enough painful smacks in my time.
Pete: It would have to be the time I lost a bet and had to put tape on my stomach in the shape of a smiley face. My whole torso was burned, and this pale face on my stomach was smiling away. It was a good ice breaker for hitting on the girls at the beach, though. So at least some good came out of it.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bathing Suits Then and Now
By Annette Cinelli
Did you know that women had two piece bathing suits in the 19th century? Granted they were a bit different than they are today. Instead of the traditional bikini look, it was a gown and a pair of trousers! Not quite what we ladies are used to nowadays. One can’t help but wonder how little time was spent swimming and how much was spent trying not to drown.
A lot has changed through the course of bathing suit history. As water activities became more popular, it was obvious that women needed a new, updated wardrobe for swimming, something that would give them the freedom to enjoy the water but keep their womanly features concealed.
Annette Kellermann, an Australian-born swimmer, aquatic performer, and actress caused quite a commotion in 1907 in Boston. She was arrested on a beach for wearing a brief one-piece bathing suit. The publicity from this incident helped relax laws about what women could wear to the beach.
By the early 1920s, the trend was a one-piece with a long top and shorts. Women still wore stockings, but slowly the size of the suit began to shrink and women started to expose more of their skin.
After World War II, the first bikinis were introduced. These suits differed from their predecessors because they featured a section of bare midriff. They were named after Bikini Atoll, the site of nuclear weapons testing in the 40s and 50s. Through the 50s, the bikini covered the navel, but since the 60s, it has continuously pushed the envelope between sexiness and modesty.
Today, it remains the most popular bathing suits style, although there are more options than ever. There are stylish one-pieces and tankinis with a tank top style top and choice of bottoms. You can find bikini-style bottoms and boy shorts, not to mention bottoms with skirts that not only offer ample coverage, but are cute too! The ability to mix and match is another great advantage to the variety of contemporary swimsuits. You can pick any combination of different size tops and bottoms. The most important thing is how you feel in them. If you feel confident and know you look great, others will think so too!
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It’s a Scorch-ah!
Tips to Avoid Summer Burn
By Jennie Fitzgerald
It’s summer ~ your first instinct is to put on your bathing suit and catch those UV rays. Think twice! The key to healthy skin is protecting it from free radicals, and, yup ~ you guessed it ~ they come straight from the sun. After speaking with Dr. Mary Maloney, Chief of Dermatology at UMASS, I can offer you these following tips that will help your skin stay young and glowing…without the damage.
- OK, ladies, I know you’d rather lather on the oil and fry in the sun, but in all honesty, do you want to end up looking like Leatherface? Using an SPF is a MUST. But here’s the secret…professionals recommend that you use two ounces to cover your whole body and if you do, then using SPF 15 is just as good as using half the recommended amount of SPF 30. Since most of us don’t use two ounces, SPF 30 is a safer bet.
- The sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so avoid outside activities during this time of day.
- Don’t forget about those eyes and lips! Wear sunglasses that have UV protection to prevent cataracts. Use ChapStik with SPF.
- The lighter your skin and eyes, the more likely you are to get skin cancer or cataracts ~ the shade should be a friendly place for you!
- Don’t believe the myth that you can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day ~ clouds only block 20-40% of UV rays.
- Eating tomatoes and blueberries prevents burning ~ who knew?!
- So… you don’t take all the precautions and come home with a burn (tisk, tisk) ~ add a little Alka-Seltzer to a bath and it will relieve the pain.
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30 Unforgettable Swimsuit Moments in TV/Movie History
By Lauren Koblara
Ever since the days of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, the film and television industries have had a passion for beaches, surfing and summer romance. Amidst all of the bikini clad scenes, some have managed to stand the test of time. If you’re unable to sneak away to the beach or if you find yourself trapped by bad weather in a beachfront hotel room, there are plenty of movies and shows that can offer you that mental escape. Here are some of the most memorable, so set up that beach chair in front of the TV, sip on a Piña Colada, and take in a marathon of sand, sun, and sexy bods. It’s almost like being there.
Steamy Swim Scenes
Is it the sound of crashing waves, maybe the skilled cinematography? Or perhaps it’s all about the swimsuit… or lack thereof? Either way, there is something about these steamy scenes that keep us hitting the rewind button to watch them time and time again… sometimes in slow motion.
- Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, From Here to Eternity (1953)
- Denise Richards and Neve Campbell, Wild Things (1998)
- Opening credits, NBC’s “Baywatch” (1989-2001)
- Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields, Blue Lagoon (1980)
- Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue, Cocktail (1988)
Steamy Swim Scenes
Is it the sound of crashing waves, maybe the skilled cinematography? Or perhaps it’s all about the swimsuit… or lack thereof? Either way, there is something about these steamy scenes that keep us hitting the rewind button to watch them time and time again… sometimes in slow motion.
- Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, From Here to Eternity (1953)
- Denise Richards and Neve Campbell, Wild Things (1998)
- Opening credits, NBC’s “Baywatch” (1989-2001)
- Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields, Blue Lagoon (1980)
- Tom Cruise and Elisabeth Shue, Cocktail (1988)
Bathing Beauties
Whether it’s a provocative one piece suit or a barely there bikini, these starlets know how to work the beachwear. Women want to be them and men want to…let’s just say that these gals bring the heat to the beach.
- Phoebe Cates, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
- Cameron Diaz, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
- Eva Longoria, MTV Music Awards (2005)
- Bo Derek, 10 (1979)
- Jessica Alba, Into the Blue (2005)
Godly Guys
Eye candy in the movies is usually geared towards the male viewers, so let’s be thankful for these drool worthy scenes that showcase those bronze tans and flawless physiques. Oh yeah, and the movies aren’t that bad either. Turn up the A/C ladies. It’s about to get hot in here.
- Matthew McConaughey, Sahara (2005)
- Taye Diggs, How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
- Jude Law, The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
- Leonardo DiCaprio, The Beach (2001)
- Jesse Bradford, Swimfan (2002)
Bond, James Bond.
Secret agents have all the fun, but none of them have more fun than Bond. After all, what good is saving the world if you don’t look fabulous doing it? Catching a glimpse of these skin baring classic James Bond scenes might make you want to change careers. Just keep an eye out for those seductive double agents.
- Ursula Andress, Dr. No (1962)
- Halle Berry, Die Another Day (2002)
- Daniel Craig, Casino Royale (2006)
- Gloria Hendry, Live and Let Die (1973)
- Sean Connery, Dr. No (1962)
And Let’s Not Forget…
Swimsuit Moments You Wish You Could Forget
Even though there are plenty of smoldering swimsuit scenes worth remembering, there are also those images that are forever burned in our minds… no matter how hard we try to forget. And yes, it just so happens that most of those moments involve a Speedo.
- Sacha Baron Cohen, Borat (2006)
- Randy Quaid, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
- Martin Lawrence as Big Momma, Big Momma’s House 2 (2006)
- Mike Myers, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
- Heidi Montag, “Higher” music video (2008)
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Push it up, Stick it Out, and Dive Right In:
The Truth About What Your Bad Beachwear Says About You
By Sasha Fastovskiy
Of all the relaxing times in the year, beach time is the most stressful. Even natural beauties pluck, prep, and pour themselves into the most fitting of swimwear. Then, all beachonistas lie on the beach, smothering themselves in lotion, occasionally flipping through a page turner (Vogue or a selection from Oprah’s Book Club), and gawking at their neighbors (“Oh good, I’m not the fat one on the beach today,” or “I hope those skinny bee-atches drown.”).
It is in these gawkier-stalker moments that we inadvertently look at ourselves. Suddenly, a time for relaxation turns into a depressing self-reflection on one’s body, and a to-do list is formulated. What we don’t realize is that everything we’ve put on is already speaking volumes about who we are, what we like, and what we want others to think. In order to portray the best image, we should keep it classy, keep it sassy, and most importantly, we should hide our…assy.
Bangles, Baubles, Jewels Galore: Okay, so besides the fact that they produce odd tan lines and they’re incredibly uncomfortable, they also scream narcissism. Plus, they may get ruined after sand, salt water, and chlorine. Wearing a ring, or that necklace-you-never-take-off, is okay, but anything else is just showy.
Swimming in the not-swim-proof: Some people try to hide those ever so unflattering areas by wearing shirts, shoes, or even sweatshirts in the water. Truth be told, that only brings more attention to whatever you’re uncomfortable with. Instead of playing “hide the body,” pick a flattering swimsuit, and own up to it.
But I Haven’t Gained Weight: Yes, you have. Get rid of old bathing suits after a few years. Bodies change, even if only in the slightest ways, so what you showed off at 25 shouldn’t be what’s on display at 30. If all else fails, pretend you’re in it for the newer styles. No one’s saying to rock the granny attire, but if you can’t pull it off, it’s best to put something else on.
Speaking of Grannies: Sometimes, more is more. Cut-out swimsuits and monokinis may be all the rage, but most aren’t too beach appropriate. Save the uber-sexy for the pool parties. And the same for the men out there. If you’re not in St. Tropez, make sure it (I’m referring to your swim attire, of course) goes to your knees (at least!). Oui oui?
Photos by Patrick O’Connor
Models: Haley Schutz, Douglas Butikofer, Seth Pitts, Nicola & Gianna D’Errico, Tim LeFave, Ashley Parent
when i was a kid, i really enjoyed going up and down on water slides, it is a very enjoyable experience ““