The Playboy model and alumni of this season’s “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC, Joanna Krupa, recently appeared scantily clad in an eye-grabbing campaign ad for PETA, promoting responsible pet ownership. Dressed as a sweet, but provocative angel, swathed in very little beyond a tiny puppy and a crucifix dangling from her side below rosary beads, the ad extorted “Be An Angel for Animals” as it promoted adoption over purchasing from breeders and puppy mills. The ad seemed to be a big hit, but the Catholic League came calling, and they were unimpressed by the use of a crucifix in Krupa’s ad.
In a statement calling PETA “animal killers” and “a fraud,” The Catholic League condemned Krupa’s ‘work’, saying the organization “exploits Christian symbols” with it use of a crucifix in the seductive advertisement. But Krupa fired back, with this impassioned response: “It’s understandable that the Catholic League is weary of another sex scandal, but the sex we’re talking about pertains to dogs and cats. As a practicing Catholic, I am shocked that the Catholic League is speaking out against my PETA ads, which I am very proud of. I’m doing what the Catholic Church should be doing, working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God’s creation.” No word at this time if there will be any retaliatory actions from Joanna Krupa’s local Catholic Diocese.
Wrote Catholic League President Bill Donohue in a statement:
“The fact is that cats and dogs are a lot safer in pet stores than they are in the hands of PETA employees. Moreover, pet stores don’t rip off Christian iconography and engage in cheap irreligious claims.
“PETA is a fraud. It also has a long and disgraceful record of exploiting Christian and Jewish themes to hawk its ugly services. Those who support this organization sorely need a reality check. They also need a course in Ethics 101.”
Responded Krupa:
“As a practicing Catholic, I am shocked that the Catholic League is speaking out against my PETA ads. I’m doing what the Catholic Church should be doing, working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of God’s creation.”
That’s dandy, Joanna. But can you explain how posing nude, with a crucifix covering your private parts, is remotely related to that cause? No way it’s to hype your upcoming Playboy pictorial, right?
“I think worrying about going topless in a photo shoot or film is really ridiculous,” Krupa said to Fox News. “And the fact is, Pope John Paul said, since we were born naked, it is art, and it’s just showing a beautiful body that God created.”
Lots, according to the Catholic League, which has voiced its opposition to PETA’s latest shock-’em-into-action ad campaign—which features a naked Joanna Krupa sporting nothing but angel wings and holding a strategically placed crucifix while exhorting us to “be an angel for animals” by adopting, rather than buying, new pets.
Plus, there’s another ad in which a topless Krupa holds her dog, Rugby, in her arms, a rosary dangling from her right hand.
More improper usage of a sacred Christian symbol, claims the league, which most recently took issue with an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, in which Larry’s urinary backsplash hits a painting of Jesus.
But Krupa is a Catholic herself, and she objects to this holier-than-thou stance.
“It’s understandable that the Catholic League is wary of another sex scandal, but the sex we’re talking about pertains to dogs and cats,” the model and Dancing With the Stars contestant fired back in a statement.
“As a practicing Catholic, I am shocked that the Catholic League is speaking out against my PETA ads, which I am very proud of. I’m doing what the Catholic Church should be doing, working to stop senseless suffering of animals, the most defenseless of god’s creation.”
Sounds like Krupa, who’s also a veteran of PETA’s “I’d rather go naked than wear fur” campaign, has thought this through.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is getting quite the reputation for using sex to sell its message. In January, NBC refused to air a PETA commercial during the Super Bowl in which a model appeared so enamored by her meatless lifestyle that she seemed ready to go to bed with her vegetables.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo (guy-YARD-oh) should not see many major changes. This all-wheel-drive exotic should remain the Italian company’s entry-level car. The car should come in LP560-4 hardtop and LP560-4 Spyder convertible versions. The Spyder convertible has a power-folding soft top. Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program, new last year, should remain available. This program allows personalization of the car with new paint finishes and interior materials. All Gallardos should remain all-wheel drive and use the LP560-4′s direct-injection 560-hp 5.2-liter V10. Transmission choices should include the 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic that includes steering-wheel paddles for manual gear selection. Most structural and body components should continue to be made of aluminum or lightweight carbon fiber. Available safety features should be unchanged, including ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and side airbags that cover the head and torso. Other available features should include a navigation system with TV reception, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link, and carbon-ceramic brakes. We have not yet tested an LP560-4.
For 2009, Lamborghini today took the wraps off a more potent version of its Gallardo coupe, called the LP560-4. The car delivers 560 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 398 ft-lbs of torque at 6,500 rpm via a 5.2-liter V10 engine. The car is capable of hitting 62 mph in an amazing 3.7 seconds. The sprint to twice that speed — 124 mph — takes just 11.8 seconds.
The 560 portion of the car’s name reflects its horsepower, while the “4″ designation indicates all-wheel-drive. The “4″ was likely added to the name in anticipation of the forthcoming rear-wheel-drive variant, which will likely end in “2.”
The engine not only gains power and displacement, it also features a new “Iniezione Diretta Stratificata” direct injection system. Despite its clearly increased output, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have been reduced by a staggering 18 percent. With the improved fuel efficiency the LP560-4 is capable of 12/20 city/highway mpg.
The enlarged and clearly redesigned cooling intakes meet the demands of augmented engine. The front spoiler, positioned low between the air intakes, improves aerodynamic equilibrium at high speeds.
The redesigned four-wheel-drive system, an improved suspension design, and optimized aerodynamics all contribute an improved driving experience. A weight reduction of 44 lbs and decreased friction between the components also enhance performance.
The Gallardo LP560-4 fulfils the not yet obligatory European pedestrian safety regulations, without compromising the look of the car.
The automated e-gear transmission has been completely redesigned for the LP560. Gear change time reduced by 40 percent, and the driver may choose between five different driving and changing programs. The most performance-oriented “CORSA” setting not only affects shift speed — it also directs the engine for maximum acceleration. The ‘Thrust Mode’ ensures maximum acceleration from neutral while the angle of the throttle valve and the clutch are optimized.
An optional carbon-ceramic-disc braking system makes use of eight-piston Brembo calipers up front, and four-piston calipers at he rear. Rotor size is 14.4 inches at the front and 14 inches at the rear.
Bi-Xenon headlights provide plenty of illumination at night, while LED daytime running lights give the car a more aggressive and high-tech look.
VEHICLE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2010 Audi R8 lineup gains a new, more-powerful model. This exotic car is an all-wheel drive, two-seat coupe with a mid-mounted engine. The entry-level 4.2 has a 420-hp 4.2-liter V8 engine. New for 2010 is the 5.2, which has a 525-hp 5.2-liter V10. Both models are available with a manual transmission or Audi’s R tronic automated manual. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, side airbags, and knee airbags. Standard features on all R8 models include leather upholstery, heated seats, and wireless cell-phone link. A hill-holder clutch, front- and rear-obstacle detection, rearview camera, navigation system, and high-end Bang and Olufsen audio system are standard on the 5.2 and optional on the 4.2.
ACCELERATION
Audi claims 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds with either transmission, and our manual test car felt at least that fast. The torquey V8 delivers forceful but drama-free takeoffs–aided by the all-wheel drive and traction control–plus ample highway passing punch. And it will loaf happily at town speeds without frequent shifting. No 5.2 or R8s with the automated manual transmission have been made available for testing.
RIDE QUALITY
Surprisingly comfortable despite an obviously firm suspension, 19-inch wheels, and wide, low-profile tires. Still, the R8 gets restless on patchy pavement and can jolt over potholes and sharp bumps, though we’ve endured worse. At least the test car showed no structural shudder or rattles.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
Prodigious dry-road grip and virtually no body lean make cornering racer-sharp. Quick, crisp steering with just-right weighting combines with ample engine power to allow precise path adjustments. However, wide tires tend to follow road grooves, and fast mid-corner bumps can cause an unwanted sidestep despite the stability control (which can be switched off). Powerful brakes erase speed quickly via firm, progressive pedal action.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
The R8 offers head-turning style, pulse-quickening performance, and superb build quality, yet is quiet and comfortable enough for daily commuting. It’s as thirsty as any high-power car, and aluminum-intensive construction makes it more costly than some rivals with equal or better speed and handling. Still, most buyers in the R8′s price class can afford a more practical second or third car, and low production–some 800 per year for the U.S.–insures the exclusivity such people expect. Overall, the R8 is an impressive supercar achievement and a great drive.
