Maybe I'm crazy for showcasing another guy on my website. Especially when that guy already has his own website www.julian-fantechi.com and that guy is also Playgirl magazine's "Man of the Year" for 2007, like I need that competition. But, hey, what can I say? I'm a giver and "big" enough to share the limelight with him. (Sexual inuendo intended)

Before I met Julian Fantechi I had every intention of hating him. At my age, I didn't need another hard bodied interloper trying to steal my thunder at the latest Romantic Times convention in Houston. But, in a classy move, Julian came up to me and introduced himself saying "Hey, you're CJ! You're the guy we're all aspiring to be!" I had a really hard time hating him after that and it got even more difficult. In the many years I've been doing the conventions I've never had a guy come up and introduce himself to me and I've been doing these things since Hoover was in office. I was impressed and then he ambushed me with a barrage of compliments that caught me completely off guard. The guy knew my bio better than I did. Not to mention, he has a thousand watt smile that you never see in his Playgirl layout.

We chatted as much as we could and found we shared much in common. Both of us have been in Playgirl. Although, I was not Man of the Year. But, I'm not dead yet and there's still a chance for me to be named "Old Man of the Year". We've both been battered in the press for our somewhat salacious notoriety. One of his newspaper headlines heralded "Go To The Head Of The Crass" after Julian's centerfold debuted capitalizing on his job as a teacher for special needs children in New York. Fantechi has a masters degree in Pediatric Occupational Therapy, so he's got more going on than just a pretty face...and body. I was a little surprised to find out he has a really good sense of humor. I am one romance novel cover model who constantly gets judged by my cover and there I was judging Julian on his. He is a funny guy who said he likes to shock people. So let's see if he shocks you in this interview.....

CJ: You probably weren't always the centerfold star you are today. What were you like in high school? A geek or a jock?

Julian: Let's see, I was an athletic supporter.

CJ: I'll take that to mean you were a jock.

Julian: I was always insecure as a teen....

CJ: I hear you. I was a geek myself back in the day. Helped me do a "Nerd To Knock Out" show for Jerry Springer, but don't tell anybody. How did you get started modeling?

Julian: I was in a club and this guy came up to me and gave me his card and said he was an agent. I thought it was BS and blew him off. I showed my friend the card and he said they were a good agency. The next thing you know I'm shooting my first exercise magazine layout.

CJ: You've been in Playgirl more than once. What was your first time like?

Julian: The first time was a simple B/W layout. I didn't even let them use my last name.

CJ: What was it like seeing yourself in the magazine for the first time in your birthday suit?

Julian: It was OK seeing myself nude in the magazine. The camera adds to EVERYTHING, you know!

CJ: I've heard it adds 10 pounds, but never 10 inches! I have to get one of those cameras! Did you ever have a problem getting aroused for the shoot?

Julian: I never had any problems getting aroused for the shoots. I have a wild and vivid imagination, so I get excited very easily.

CJ: Greg Weiner was your photographer for the "Man Of The Year" layout, which is an ironic name for a Playgirl photographer. What was he like to work with?
Julian: Greg was awesome to work with. He was awesome and cool.

CJ: You must have gotten a good response from the readers of Playgirl to be chosen "Man Of The Year". How does that feel?

Julian: Getting "Man Of The Year" was a great honor. The readers vote, so that meant they liked what they saw. I often think it's weird. I'll be doing mundane stuff like taking out the garbage or shopping for TP and I'll think "I'm the Sexiest Man Alive! Yea, right!"

CJ: I think we've both had our share of bad publicity from being in Playgirl. I heard there were some negative stories about you in the press since you work with special needs children. "Hot Naked Teacher" headlines always sells newspapers. Was it a problem at your job?

Julian: As far as my day job goes, I cleared it all beforehand. I was told as long as I don't advertise that I am a physical therapist in the school system I will be fine. The media was looking for a story and boy, did they create one!

CJ: I told my family after everything was done. My father said "Just don't embarrass us!" I said "You should have told me this 20 years ago!" How did your family react to your posing for the magazine?

Julian: Well, my family is pretty dysfunctional. So, this was kind of expected of me. I mean, I went to college and on to grad school. So, I did something outrageous to balance out all the good stuff.

CJ: Where do you want your title to take you?

Julian: I really want to expand my career into something dynamic and creative. I am trying to get into acting and television. I know it's a tough road, but as long as I can have fun with it and feel challenged I'm all for it.

CJ: Does Playgirl have you traveling around the country making personal appearances?

Julian: For "Man Of The Year" I'll be doing promotions all over the country. Heading to Denver Memorial Day weekend. Then, Seattle, San Diego and Honolulu in July.

CJ: I've always wanted to go to Hawaii, you lucky stiff. No sexual pun intended! What other perks have you gotten from being "MOTY"?

Julian: I got to work on ABC's "UGLY BETTY" as a featured extra, that's where I met Salma Hyek and America Ferrara and the cast. It was an awesome experience.

CJ: Playgirl has a big Gay readership. Does that bother you?
Julian: I appreciate ALL of my fans, male and female. I consider myself very lucky to have them.

CJ: I know what you mean. I hear from people from all over the world, both male and female. It's very flattering and much appreciated. Are people always judging you by your looks and bio?

Julian: I DO get judged by my looks. People often tell me when they meet me "You're nice!" with a surprised look on their face.

CJ: What's a common misconception about you?

Julian: I know a lot of models can be stuck up and into themselves, but I never let that get the best of me. I also realize we all get old. Our bodies change. We all end up in the same place eventually, so might as well be nice person too.

CJ: Who's getting OLD? What have you heard?

Julian: I must confess that I am a BIG CJ fan. I can't hold back anymore. You are a romance cover God! You put Fabio to shame. I want to propose this to you during my interview. Let's team up and do the first 2 man romance novel cover ever. How 'bout this, you and I with our swords hanging out staring at a beautiful woman...or a piece of cake? Whatcha think?

CJ: Well, if there's going to be cake, count me in! Whose sword will we use to cut that cake? Seriously, that is a pretty good idea, Julian. Good thinking. See, you are more than just a pretty face. Several years ago I did a cover where I was the long haired blonde hero on the front cover and the evil dark haired cousin on the back, but I was still both guys. Heck, I'm game. Let's see if we get any offers! Being "Man of the Year" must be great.

Julian: OK, back to the interview. Yea, it's been fun being "MOTY" Getting recognized in NYC and being asked for my autograph. I would not trade that for anything. Well, except to do that cover with YOU!

CJ: I told you I can't hate this guy! Julian, you've been great. I wish you much success in the future, bud!

* Julian wants to thank the The Staff at Romantic Times magazine as well as the ladies at Between Your Sheets and Dark Castle Lords.