Maxim, the magazine known for its stellar political reporting, released its list of the “World's 10 Hottest Politicians” on its website this week. The list does a good job of globetrotting, but tends to stay away from the real issues.

While there were plenty of accomplished, attractive women in the bunch, we at AfterEllen.com tend to look past the tailored pantsuits to the issues at hand. It takes more than winning a beauty pageant to win our hearts.

The ladies in Maxim’s top spots left something to be desired; namely, a general interest in human equality.

Maxim’s #1: Mara Carfagna, Italy

Sure, she is a gorgeous Italian socialist and former actress, but Carfagna, the Italian minister for equal opportunity, apparently doesn't understand what "equal" actually means. As a former showgirl, you would think she would give some credit to women working in the sex industry, but this month she criminalized street prostitution, calling it a ”a shameful phenomenon.”

Carfagna also claimed that gays in Italy shouldn't need a gay pride march, because gay rights were ”no longer a problem.” Obviously, this woman doesn't get out much. She also opposes gay marriage. … continue reading

The men have spoken: Maxim has come out with its annual list of the 100 Most Beautiful Women. This year’s list is a veritable who’s who of reality television, teen queens and people I’ve never even heard of. If you haven’t gotten around to picking up your copy of Maxim or your subscription has ill timely run out, don’t fret – here is a breakdown of this year’s chosen ones.

Knocking Lindsay Lohan off her throne at number one is Marisa Miller, a Sports Illustrated cover girl and Victoria’s Secret model. Poor Lindsay — how could she stand a chance against someone with that kind of resume? But fear not, as Lohan wasn’t completely ousted; she fell eight spots to number nine. (Maxim must deduct sexy points for DWI records.)

Filling in the rest of the top 10 are:

2. Scarlett Johansson
3. Jessica Biel
4. Eva Longoria Parker
5. Sarah Michelle Gellar
6. Elisha Cuthbert
7. Eva Mendes
8. Christina Aguilera
9. Lindsay Lohan
10. Ashley Tisdale

Let me continue on a positive note – there were some surprises: America Ferrera (No. 84), Danica Patrick (No. 91), Emma Watson (No. 94) and Zooey Deschanel (No. 95) all made the list. Granted they are all toward the bottom, but still this is progress and we need to start somewhere. Makes you wonder if maybe, just maybe, the guys over at Maxim got tipped off about the AfterEllen Hot 100 and decided to incorporate some of our carefully chosen favorites into their list. But then I came to No. 36 (Heidi Montag), No. 56 (Lauren Conrad), and No. 74 (Audrina Partridge) — all the ladies of MTV’s “reality” show The Hills were present and accounted for. Ah well, so much for progress. … continue reading

"My eyes, my eyes!" That's the theme of this week's Who Thought THAT Was a Good Idea? in which we count down the week's most cringe-worthy entertainment and celebrity news and moments.

Topics covered in this episode include awkward interviews, gratuitous lesbianism, Maxim cover girls, lesbian look-alike lovers and Gabrielle Christian hooking up on-screen with a guy twice her age (yikes!).

Watch it now! … continue reading

Sarah Michelle Gellar is the Woman of the Year. But wait, wait — before you get all excited, let me clarify. She is the 2008 Maxim Woman of the Year. Yeah, kind of puts a damper on your wooing and hooing, doesn't it?

Oh, Buffy, Buffy. Maxim? Really? What happened to “Are you ready to be strong?” How can you be strong while clutching your cleavage? That can't be a good fighting stance.

As much as I think it's every woman's prerogative to use her sexuality however she pleases, these shots disappoint me. Sarah in black lacy bra and fingerless gloves does not scream, “Strong! Independent! Woman!” to me. It screams, “Hello! Still here! Remember me?” … continue reading