UPDATE 2/16/11 12:21pm: Voting is now closed. Join us tonight at the Hotties Party to find out who won!
Keep a glass of ice water handy. You’ll need it to cool off as you check out this year’s Memphis Flyer Hotties.
We received more than 100 nominations from friends, family, co-workers, and secret admirers. Flyer staffers spent countless hours debating the hotness of each submission (yes, we have tough jobs), and the following 14 made the final cut. Our winners are just as attractive on the inside as they are on the outside.
For the first time in the six-year history of our Hotties issue, Flyer readers have the opportunity to vote on their favorites by making a small donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis.
Cast your vote by using the Buy Now links below each Hottie’s profile. You’ll be taken to PayPal to complete your transaction.
(Don’t worry if you don’t have a PayPal account, you can pay with your debit or credit card as a Guest.)
Voting closes at noon on Wednesday, February 16th. Join us as we crown King and Queen Hottie on Wednesday, February 16th, 5:30-7:30pm at our 2011 Memphis Flyer Hotties Party at the 1884 Lounge at Minglewood Hall. Go here for event and ticket info.
100% of all voting and ticket sales go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis
(We’d like to extend a special thanks to Senses for providing the swanky venue for our Hotties photo shoot.)
James Inscho, 26
Pisces
Painting student at the University of Memphis
In a relationship with “Hottie” Whitney Hubbard
Artist James Inscho may be hot, but hands off. He’s already got a super-hot girl. He and Whitney Hubbard make up this year’s Hot Couple. Whitney describes James as “the sweetest and funniest” guy you’ll ever meet.
If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower?
I’d like to be able to clone myself so I could get more done.
What’d you have for dinner last night?
I made veggie burgers for me and Whitney. We try to eat local and as vegetarian as possible.
Biggest fear?
Losing someone close to me.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My girlfriend Whitney, some paint, and canvas.
Most memorable Valentine’s Day?
On our first Valentine’s Day together, Whitney and I drove to Panama City, and we hung out on the deserted beach. We got a hotel, just enjoyed each other’s company.
What’d you want to be when you grew up?
A Disney cartoonist.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
When I was 4, I saw a small frog hopping on the grass. I wanted to play with it, so I opened the window with my plastic G.I. Joe knife. When I realized I couldn’t physically get back into the window, I made the teenage boys next door help me by threatening them with my plastic knife.
Bad habits?
I tend to ramble.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
“Everybody Wants To Rule the World” by Tears for Fears.
What book are you reading now?
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley.
Whitney Hubbard, 26
Pisces
Photographer
In a relationship with “Hottie” James Inscho
Whitney Hubbard works as a professional photographer, and she’s currently developing a comic. Her good looks and talent make her a magnet for admirers. Said James: “I have to beat the other guys off with a stick.”
Describe yourself in three words.
Clumsy, short, creative.
If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would you do today?
I’d travel to China.
What are you most likely to be arrested for?
Probably trespassing. As a photographer, I like to adventure into old buildings in weird areas.
Describe the perfect date night.
James and I like to drive to small towns and eat at places we’ve never been. I’d like to do something adventurous, like hiking in a new place.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
I have the entire Backstreet Boys discography.
What book are you reading?
I just finished Pinion by Jay Lake. I’m a huge sci-fi nerd.
What’d you want to be when you grew up?
A forest ranger.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
A Hendrick’s gin and tonic.
Bad habits?
I cuss too much, and I eat way too many sweets. And I’m a very messy person.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Audrey Hepburn, photographer Diane Arbus, cartoonist John Allison, Jim Carrey, and sculptor Sarah Sze.
Iyona Hilliard Houston, 31
Aquarius
Attorney
Married
You’d never know by looking, but this smokin’-hot attorney is also a new mother. She probably shed the baby weight in a pair of high heels. According to her husband Earl, Iyona Hilliard Houston has been known to wear four-inch pumps with her workout clothes!
Which reality show would you like to be on?
Everybody’s been trying to get my husband and me on The Amazing Race because we’re such opposites. Or Survivor, but I’d never last on that show. I’m scared of bugs.
Biggest fear?
Dogs. I have a little dog, but I don’t like to walk outside because our neighbor’s dog may be loose.
First job?
Merchant cashier at Graceland.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My family, an endless supply of water, and a pair of heels. I have to be cute.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Jumped off a 60-foot cliff in Jamaica, even though there was a sign warning to beware of injuries.
If you ruled the world, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I would make sure that all children are adopted.
What book are you reading?
Straight Talk, No Chaser: How To Find, Keep, and Understand a Man by Steve Harvey.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
Passion-fruit martini.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
My husband, Abraham Lincoln, Tim McGraw because he’s so sexy, President Obama, and Nat King Cole.
Chase de Saint-Felix, 22
Sagittarius
Philosophy student at Christian Brothers University/ server at Young Avenue Deli
Single
Not only is Chase de Saint-Felix adorable, turns out he’s also the Student Government Association president at CBU. And he’s a suave dresser. We hear he struts across campus in dapper suits when he’s headed to an SGA meeting.
Describe yourself in three words.
Driven, curious, clever.
Favorite food?
Sushi.
Biggest fear?
Other than snakes, probably letting people down.
First job?
I was 14, and I worked in a coffee shop. They wouldn’t even let me touch knives, because I was so young.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My iPod, a hatchet, and some kind of book.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
I’ve got Justin Bieber on there.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
I’ll probably start off with a gin and tonic and step it up from there.
Most memorable Valentine’s Day?
I was 14, and I got a secret-admirer gift. It was a naked cupid statue, and it was really cheap and horribly made, but I thought it was awesome. I still have it.
What reality show would you be on?
Probably The Amazing Race. Part of me also thinks I would like to be right up in the action of Jersey Shore.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I played freeze tag on a mountaintop in Colorado at 3 a.m. Everybody was wearing bathing suits, and it was snowing. It was literally freeze tag.
Shayla Lawrence, 25
Aquarius
Works for an infant mortality reduction program
Relationship status: “It’s complicated.”
Shayla Lawrence isn’t just a gorgeous face. She also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Memphis, and she’s reading in this weekend’s production of The Vagina Monologues at TheatreSouth.
If you knew you would die tomorrow, what one thing would you do today?
I’d try to go to Brazil.
What was your first job?
I worked at a corrections center for a paralegal.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My iPod and headphones (that counts as one), an airplane so I could leave, and my cell phone.
Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter definitely. I’m not on Facebook. I prefer the anonymity of Twitter, and it’s effective for funny one-liners.
Describe the perfect date night.
Getting something to eat and coming home to watch Dave Chappelle.
What’d you want to be when you grew up?
I guess the last thing I remember is wanting to be a journalist when I was in high school.
What book are you reading?
I’m in school, so books are a “no” for now.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
“Butterfly” by Crazy Town.
Biggest fear?
Disappointing my family.
Last movie you watched in a theater?
The last Chronicles of Narnia. I saw it with my little “sister” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Shiraz Bin Hassan, 23
Engineering student at Southwest Tennessee
Community College/desk clerk at Underground Art
Single
Despite sharing the same name with the earthy red wine, Shiraz Bin Hassan has never tried the drink of the same name. His preferred drink is Jägermeister. By the way, you can’t see them in his picture, but Shiraz is covered in sexy tattoos.
Describe yourself in three words.
Optimistic, funny, charming.
Favorite food?
Cupcakes with sprinkles.
If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower?
Pyrokinesis [the ability to create or control fire with the mind] and the ability to fly.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My girl, a toothbrush, and the Iron Man suit to get off the island. But knowing me, I’d enjoy the solitude.
Favorite band or artist?
Pantera and Ghostface Killah.
What’d you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to play in a band and be a big rock star.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I stole my parents’ car when I was 16, and I drove to Nashville and back without them knowing.
If you ruled the world, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I’d make a law that everybody has to read a book.
Bad habits?
I bite my nails and the inside of my jaw.
Describe the perfect date night.
We’d be under the stars. We’d be taking the scientific approach and looking at the planets.
Wendy Marie, 27
Aquarius
Executive assistant at CGI Entertainment
Single
Wendy Marie has the world’s most infectious laugh. She giggled throughout her interview and the photo shoot.Wherever she is, we’re certain Wendy is laughing as she reads this.
Describe yourself in three words.
Open-minded, fun, hungry.
What’d you eat for dinner last night?
Baked fish, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, and a Caesar salad.
If you knew you would die tomorrow, what one thing would you do today?
I would tell everyone that I loved them.
Most memorable Valentine’s Day?
I was in high school and my boyfriend at the time got me this extra-large, like on-steroids, stuffed bear. I hate stuffed animals. I didn’t know what to do with it.
What’d you want to be when you grew up?
A lawyer.
If were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you have with you?
The complete anthology of James Allen’s works, a good friend, and a tarp.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I quit my government job to work my current job. And I once visited someone that I barely knew halfway around the world.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
Lemon drop martini, unless it’s a bad day, and then I want a double shot of Ketel One Orange.
What are you most likely to be arrested for?
Disorderly conduct.
What book are you reading right now?
This Is Why You’re Fat (and How To Get Thin Forever) by Jackie Warner.
Martavius Hampton, 22
Cancer
Psychology and sociology student at the University of Memphis
In a relationship
We’re not sure how Martavius Hampton has any time for his studies. He volunteers for, like, a million organizations — the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center, the Tennessee Equality Project, Friends for Life, and the Crisis Center. Oh, and he’s a strict vegetarian.
Describe yourself in three words.
Ambitious, persnickety, caring.
What’d you eat for dinner last night?
Sweet ‘n’ sour meatless meatballs.
If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower?
I’d get into people’s minds.
Most memorable Valentine’s Day?
When I was 15, I had my first Valentine’s date. We went to Chili’s, and it was raining and all romantic. It was the best thing in the world.
First job?
Cash register at Papa John’s when I was 16.
Bad habits?
I bite my nails.
What book are you reading?
The Way We Eat: Why Our Food Choices Matter by Peter Singer.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
I don’t drink, so I’d order water.
Biggest fear?
I have a fear of drowning.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My iPod, my grandmother, and a notebook.
Alex da Ponte-Baack, 22
Cancer
Lead vocalist in Yeah, Arturo
Single
Music is in Alex da Ponte-Baack’s blood. The lead vocalist of local indie-pop band Yeah, Arturo also happens to be the great-great-etc. grandkid of Lorenzo da Ponte, the opera librettist for Mozart.
First job?
I worked in a day-care. I’m good with the kids.
What advice would you give to someone trying to date you?
I tend to go for wholesome girls, the girl-next-door type.
Which reality show would you like to be on?
The Real L Word.
Favorite band or artist?
It’s a toss-up between Brandi Carlile and Tegan & Sara.
What are you afraid of?
I am absolutely terrified of flying insects.
Bad habits?
I’m OCD and everything has to be at the right angle and perfect and tidy. I guess that’s more of a good habit.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink? I don’t drink. I tried drinking for about a month, and the only thing I could tolerate was Woodchuck apple cider.
Favorite food?
Before I became vegetarian, it was hot wings. But now it is Memphis Pizza Café’s Ultimate Cheese pizza.
If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would you do today?
I want to have kids someday. I would need to have a little Alex out there.
What book are you reading? I just finished A Wolf at the Table by Augusten Burroughs.
David Parks, 23
Taurus
Bassist for Sean Kingston
In a relationship
At age 23, musician David Parks is already a star. He’s traveled the world as bassist for reggae-pop sensation Sean Kingston. In fact, Parks just wrapped up a 50-city tour with Kingston and teen singing sensation Justin Bieber. When asked about the most embarrassing song on his iPod, Parks replied Bieber’s “Somebody To Love.” That might be shameful for some dudes to admit, but we think Parks has a pretty good excuse.
Describe yourself in three words.
Smart, funny, driven.
What’d you eat for dinner last night?
A roast and some macaroni.
Describe the perfect date night.
Go see a movie, get some drinks, and hear some live music.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
Jack and Coke, always.
What book are you reading?
Decoded by Jay-Z.
If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower?
I would be able to fly and climb high buildings, and I would be very fast.
Favorite band or artist?
Kanye West.
Facebook or Twitter?
I have to say Twitter, because my parents have officially shown up on Facebook.
What’s your biggest fear?
To not be successful.
Which reality show would you like to be on?
I was already on P. Diddy’s Making the Band. I think I’ve met my reality-show quota.
Cyndii Jo Hartley, 34
Gemini
Hairstylist at Epic Total Salon
Single
This hot hairstylist contacted us to nominate one of her friends for the Hotties issue, but the submission was past our deadline. Little did Cyndii Jo Hartley know that someone had nominated her.
Describe yourself in three words.
Quirky, outgoing, sweet.
What’d you eat for dinner last night?
Mexican chicken soup that a friend of mine made.
If you knew you would die tomorrow, what one thing would you do today?
I’d want to see all my loved ones.
Which reality show would you like to be on?
I want to create a dating reality show with John Stamos called Love & Uncle Jesse.
Biggest fear?
Being buried alive.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. I tried Twitter because I wanted to follow Nathan Fillion from Firefly, but then I realized it brought me no closer to him than I was before.
What book are you reading?
Furious Love, the story of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Last movie you saw in a theater?
Country Strong.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore because they know each other. Billy Bob Thornton, my best friend Ashley Bugg, and John Stamos.
Most memorable Valentine’s Day?
This really nice guy took me to a Grizzlies game and then to see Isaac Hayes at the Isaac Hayes restaurant. I only went out with the guy twice, but he could plan a date.
Jittapong Malasri, 26
Aries
Civil engineer
In a relationship
By day, Jittapong Malasri (he goes by J.T.) is a civil engineer, but he moonlights as a print model with Colors Agency. With a hot face like that, it’s no wonder.
Describe yourself in three words.
Fun, energetic, mysterious.
Favorite food?
Cold pizza in the morning.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Wearing a loincloth onstage at a packed-out Minglewood Hall.
What are you most likely to be arrested for?
Streaking, public nudity.
Biggest fear?
Small spaces.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
My Android phone, a 55-gallon drum of suntan lotion, and a cooler of Coronas.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
“All the Single Ladies” by Beyoncé.
What book are you reading right now?
What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide to Speed-Reading People by Joe Navarro.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
A shot of Patrón.
Bad habits?
I’m not good about folding my clothes, and laundry gets piled up on my couch.
Holly Cole, 27
Pisces
Singer-songwriter/art student at the University of Memphis
In a relationship
“Holly. Hottie. It’s practically the same word.” That’s what this Memphis folk rock artist’s nominator pointed out. But singer-songwriter Holly Cole isn’t just a pretty face. She writes beautiful lyrics and haunting melodies and has a lovely voice. She’s also a talented sculptor.
What’d you eat for dinner last night?
Bowl of soup and a piece of bread.
If you knew you would die tomorrow, what would you do today?
I’d fly to Cabo San Lucas.
First job?
I worked at Iguana Coast in the mall.
Facebook or Twitter?
Facebook. Twitter is so confusing. I signed up for it and after having an account for an hour, I said screw this, and I deleted my account.
Favorite band or artist?
Fleet Foxes and Bob Dylan.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Flares, a knife, and a library.
What book are you reading?
Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris.
Last movie you saw in a theater? True Grit.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
Dirty martini.
Bad habits?
Procrastination.
Adam Hite, 27
Pisces
Web designer/bassist in the band Arma Secreta
Single
On Saturdays, musician Adam Hite helps serve vegetarian meals to the homeless with Food Not Bombs. He’s also an avid cyclist, and he holds a degree in music engineering. Oh, and in the words of Adam’s nominator, this guy is “single/ready to mingle.”
What’d you eat for dinner last night?
Lemongrass tofu from Saigon Le.
Biggest fear?
Letting people down.
If you could bring three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Music, a bike, and Pho Hoa Binh.
First job?
I worked at a construction site cleaning up trash.
Most memorable Valentine’s Day?
I gave a Valentine to a girl named Eve when I was in kindergarten. We were Adam and Eve.
What’d you want to be when you grew up?
A baseball player.
Most embarrassing song on your iPod?
Probably a song from Paramore.
Craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Riding my bike across the I-55 bridge into West Memphis.
What book are you reading right now?
The autobiography of Gandhi.
We’re at a bar. What’s your first drink?
Coffee, because I don’t drink.
Get your Hotties Party tickets today!
Wednesday, February 16th, at the 1884 Lounge inside Minglewood Hall from 5:30 – 7:30 pm
(Note: No tickets will be mailed. Tickets will be at Will Call under the name of the purchaser on the night of the event.)
