The 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover girl is Kate Upton

By Ben Montgomery, Times Staff Writer When your honey finds you lustily staring at the 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, which hits newsstands today, you'll have a brand new excuse. You weren't feasting your eyes on flesh. Not on the women.

For anyone overly upset that Punxsutawney Phil recently predicted six more weeks of winter, let us offer five very welcome — and very lovely — signs that summer will be here before you can say "body paint." Arguably among

Kate Upton's 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover leaked a few hours ago – Barstool Sports had it, then other sites piggybacked – so here it is. She'll be on Letterman tomorrow. Thought you might be interested. Kate Upton

Kate Upton is gracing the cover of the 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. (Feb. 14) (/CBS News) Correction: Clarification: SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

QUEENSLAND, Australia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, the unveiling of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2012 revealed Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, Australia as one of the marquee destinations for models Kate Upton, Michelle Vawer and Adaora.