title: Great pictures and recipes

text: Wonderful recipes in this magazine.


title: great for kids who love sports!

text: Great sports magazine that's on my 9 year olds level!


title: A great look at what's new on the kosher scene - recipes, cookbook reviews, lifestyle and more!

text:
"Joy of Kosher" magazine fills a much-needed niche for kosher recipes, cookbook reviews, and the kosher lifestyle not found in other mainstream magazines. Sporting beautifully-photographed covers and spreads that are equally at home next to powerhouse food and cooking magazines, "Joy of Kosher" (which merged with Bitayavon in 2012) is your source for all things kosher. Far beyond mere recipes, "Joy of Kosher" includes news on kosher restaurants, kosher wines, cookbooks, kitchen tools, holiday decorating tips, and articles on kosher travel. You'll read interviews with kosher chefs and entrepreneurs and spotlights on new kosher products. Kosher wines and wine pairings are given plenty of space; there are dozens of up-and-coming kosher wineries in Israel (over 70!) and many top-rated wines among them.

More than just a cooking magazine (which it does very well), "Joy of Kosher" is a lifestyle magazine; sure, the emphasis is on kosher food and wine, but you'll also find articles on food and health, family outings/activities (such as the "Apple Picking: the Ultimate Family Trip" story from Fall 2013), and traditions. You'll also find articles that explore Jewish beliefs and their relationship to food. And the kosher recipes represent the culinary wealth of the Jewish Diaspora and beyond; you'll find  Italian caponata and herbed spaetzle rubbing elbows with whitefish shu mai dumplings, beef larb, or Moroccan-inspired tagines, along with upscale kosher dishes that mirror current trends. You'll see many articles and recipes from famous chefs in the kosher food world, including Jamie Geller (the "Jewish Rachael Ray" and author of two kosher cookbooks, including [[ASIN:0062207822 Joy of Kosher: Fast, Fresh Family Recipes]]), kosher pastry chef Paula Shoyer (author of [[ASIN:1454907142 The Holiday Kosher Baker: Traditional & Contemporary Holiday Desserts]]), and Chef Laura Frankel (author of my favorite "[[ASIN:0470260890 Jewish Slow Cooker Recipes]]").

Most importantly, the recipes are completely approachable using ingredients that should be readily available at your supermarket. Each issue also includes a handy recipe and nutrition guide that features an alphabetical listing of all recipes along with calories, fiber, sodium, carbs, fat and protein; as I watch my fat and calorie intake, I appreciated having this information readily available as not many cooking magazines provide it on a consistent basis (if at all). Recent issues have also put a spotlight on gluten-free and other special diets and a special focus on seasonal foods.

One thing you'll quickly notice is that advertising takes up a fair chunk of the magazine; in the Winter 2013 issue, I counted about 25 pages of full and half-page ads (some for other Joy of Kosher products) out of about 83 total. The colorful advertising in many cases blends in fairly seamlessly with the rest of the content.

The Joy of Kosher website offers additional articles, recipes, (kosher) cookbook reviews and giveaways that have introduced me to some great new kosher cookbooks (and I was also lucky enough to win an [[ASIN:B0015FLBCA Emile Henry Flame Top 3.7 Quart Tagine, Red]] as part of their "Best of Kosher 2013" contest!). Whether you're looking for new ideas for quick and easy (or international-themed) kosher meals, decorating ideas, or kosher vacation rentals and getaways, you're sure to love "Joy of Kosher"!


title: If you enjoy reading an eye-catching, easy-to-follow cooking magazine with fresh updates on old favorites, this is for you.

text:
I've been addicted to Martha Stewart's Everyday Food for several years, but until recently, I had been buying it by the issue instead of shelling out $30 for a year's subscription.

I love the fact that Everyday Food takes everyday ingredients and makes them extraordinary. Example: in a recent issue, 10 different chicken recipes were given, along with a primer on chicken and a wine pairing guide. The included chicken recipes ranged from classics such as chicken tenders, BBQ chicken and chicken club salad to the more exotic Greek chicken cutlets (with feta, olives, tomato and mint) and Indian-spiced braised chicken (ginger, coriander, yogurt, garam masala).

Another issue had a divine no-hassle dessert that tasted like a labor-intensive tiramisu: whipped ricotta, sugar, and instant espresso topped with crumbled cookies. Bonus: no raw eggs.

Everyday Food also has an eye out for healthier foods, including a focus on whole grains. Another recent issue featured a delicious bulgur breakfast porridge and veggie burgers with tahini mayonnaise. In the back of each issue is an Everyday Pantry checklist perfect for ripping out and taking along to the store. There is also a nutritional guide provided (I liked it better when it was at the rear of each magazine rather than in the front next to the table of contents).

In addition, Everyday Food frequently features articles on kitchen tools and appliances that are helpful for novice and experienced cooks alike.

My main criticism is that for a slim magazine, roughly 40% consists of distracting print ads. Also, Everyday Food is on the expensive side at $35 for 10 issues. And I liked it better having the nutritional info listed at the back, rather than the front. But these are minor gripes.

Compact and colorful, Everyday Food is a wonderful tool for any chef, particularly if you're short on time and you're looking for new ways to spice up your weeknight menus.


title: Too many “ gear ads” !!

text: Too many ads!


title: Not for me

text: I was so excited about this magazine but didn't find it that good - a lot of the information was repeated in other magazines. Instead, I've gone with People magazine.


title: Loving it!

text: I've renewed this magazine for my mom and she LOVES it!


title: Giftfor mom. She loves it.

text: It took two months before she got her first magazine. She does look forward to getting it. She loves to get mail


title: I like the crossword puzzles

text: I have been reading digitally for years but decided to switch to print so I could do the crosswords and save the issues.


title: Short Historical Articles on All Kinds of Handwork--With Projects Using Historical Techniques

text:
For many years, I have subscribed to PIECEWORK magazine, because I love reading articles about the history of beautiful handmade items (whether they're made by needlepoint, quilting, embroidery, knitting, crochet, bobbin lace, sewing, applique, beading, tatting, or some other technique).  From time to time I've thought about letting my subscription lapse (to save a little money and some storage space), but then I remember that PIECEWORK is the one magazine that I always look at and read, as soon as each new issue arrives.

When PIECEWORK was first launched, it had more emphasis on historical textiles (many of museum quality) than it does at present.  Today, because the magazine has already published so many articles on historical textiles, the emphasis is more on using historical textiles as inspiration for modern projects.  But each issue still includes complete instructions for a few small projects that use the historical/ethnic designs or techniques described in the articles (e.g., a crocheted lace edging, an embroidered sampler, a knitted Peruvian hat, a small pieced quilt).

In recent years, PIECEWORK has published annual "lace" and "historical knitting" issues, which have multiple articles dealing with those special topics.  I love the special issues, but I also enjoy the regular issues that include a variety of short articles on several different kinds of handwork--ranging from sewn aprons through beaded bags, the Bayeux Tapestry, embroidered pincushions, a silk wedding dress made from a WWII parachute, Coptic socks, nursery rhyme buttons, decorative braided landscapes, linens embellished with hardanger embroidery, or some other kind of handmade item, depending on the issue.  The short articles are illustrated with historical photos, and often accompanied by references for further reading.  In truth, I have never received a single issue of PIECEWORK that didn't contain at least one article that was well worth the price of the magazine.


title: Excellent if You Love Looking for Deals

text: I really, really enjoy this magazine. So much so that I opted to extend my subscription for 3 more years. It's filled with great advice on how to save money, little lifestyle tips (focusing on tips from real people and real families), and if you are an avid coupon clipper the magazine will pay for itself because there's always lots of coupons included.


title: everyday with Rachael Ray

text: Great magazine.  Lots of good recipes that are easy and Yum.


title: Good magozine

text: I got. This Magizime for many  yeats


title: Great magizine

text: This is a great magazine for cat lovers. I n have 4cats.I pass the magazine on to the little girl next door who just got her first cat.


title: Five Stars

text: AAA+++


title: Great articles and teaching moves for both beginners and advance yogis

text:
I have subscribed to this great magazines since 29007, and I am always astounded by the great spiritual articles, the mantras, meditations, anatomy dissections, the beginners programs and the advanced practices.  I am always learning and I have decided to scan some of my favorite articles as keepers to read again or pass onto people who may need some independent perspectives on life.

As a little yogi, you know it is not all about feeding the physical strength, but the mind and spirit have to be engaged as well.  As a kundalini yogi, I find the articles are just as applicable to my practice.  One of the few magazines that really provide the depth that I am looking for even though the advertising can be a little annoying sometimes when I am trying to cut some of the articles for prosperity.


title: No Thanks

text: The copies I received did not even look like real magazines. They looked like promotional magazine samples. Mostly ads. Very little content.


title: No Thanks

text: The magazine that arrived felt like a very cheap version. It didn’t look at all like a regular magazine. It looked like a sample or something. Very little actual content. Most of the magazine is ads. Even the little content there is felt like an ad.


title: Some Decent Content, but drowned out in Advertisements

text:
We were looking for a magazine for our 4 year old that would allow him to discover new things and let us expose him to the amazing things around him.  National Geographic for Kids sounded perfect.

Unfortunately, the magazine turned out to be filled with advertisements and non-educational articles.  At least once per issue, a story is dedicated to an children's movie.  Also, there are lots of ads for video games, many of which contain violent content (just a warning if you are trying to keep your kids away from violent video games).

In the end, the magazine seemed more like Saturday morning TV rather than a PBS nature show, which is what we were expecting.  The potential is there, but in all honesty, I think we get more out of flipping through a National Geographic with our son, then we do flipping through a National Geographick Kids.

Ranger Rick, Big Backyard are better choices, although they are wildlife/nature specific.  It would be nice if National Geographic really could make a children's version of their adult magazine, keep the substance and throw out the garbage.


title: If you have any interest in Alaska, subsribe to this magazine

text:
Each month I read this magazine cover to cover.  Ten years ago, I fell in love with Alaska on my "once in a lifetime" trip.  Now I am on my 12th visit to the state and hope to find a way to continue visiting.  This magazine helps me make it to the next trip and gives me more and more ideas about what to do when I am in the state.

The magazine is  great collection of fiction, shorts and feature stories that truly let you know what it is like to live in Alaska.  It's as close as an out of stater can come to being a resident.

As well as good writing, each issue brings tons of beautiful images.  If you know someone who is planning on visiting Alaska, think about getting them a gift subscription to Alaska magazine.  I can guarantee they will appreciate it.  Just be careful,  Alaska is as adictive as nicotine.


title: I love it

text: I love it


title: Motocross Action

text: My boyfriend absolutely loves this magazine! It's about the only thing he actually reads. There are plenty of high quality pictures so even I find it interesting. I would highly reccommend it!


title: A terrific value

text: There is something in each edition of the magazine for everyone in the family.  I look forward to receiving it each month.


title: Terrific Value

text: I read every issue of The New York.  I am getting it weekly for a total of only $5.00.  This is the best magazine value out there.


title: This is a beautiful magazine

text: This is a beautiful magazine just a bit too modern for me. Most of the designs are for large, really expensive homes.


title: Helpful articles

text: Full of helpful and interesting articles.


title: Classic

text: A timeless classic.


title: Five Stars

text: Love it!


title: I love this magazine

text: I love this magazine.  It is expensive but worth it.  I have been getting it for a year now and love every issue.  Have made a lot of things from them.  Very easy instructions and great ideas.  It is the only magazine I get now.


title: SO Happy To Receive TV Guide Again!

text: I love TV Guide and have always been a huge fan.  I was a subscriber years ago but wound up canceling due to the TV show schedule the cable company provides right on the TV. Seemed like a waste of money to subscribe to TV Guide when I could just take a look at the schedule chart right on the TV for free.  But I missed TV Guide and when I spotted a one year subscription  for both print and Kindle for only $20, I couldn't resist and subscribed once again.  I've now received my first issue and I'm thrilled. I really have missed this magazine. Yes, I can see the same TV show schedule right on the TV but I like having the paper magazine by my side to check out the schedule and I especially LOVE to read the articles and look over the TV show rating results.  And, of course, the crossword puzzle! SO happy to have my weekly crossword puzzle back! I do love my Kindle and use it all the time. I like that I have TV Guide access there but I definitely prefer having the actual magazine in my hand to hold and read.  If you are a fan of television, I cannot recommend TV Guide enough.  Definitely a 'must have' for TV watchers and the price can't be beat!


title: Five Stars

text: I enjoy reading O


title: Perfect in every way

text: Perfect in every way


title: Great product

text: Great product


title: Beautiful magazine

text: I'm enjoying the BIRDS & BLOOMS a lot.  Working on landscaping for attracting birds, hummingbirds, and butterflies.


title: Five Stars

text: Have to ask my son.


title: My favorite beauty mag!

text: Great for keeping ahead of the masses concerning new and great beauty products. They have fashion stuff in there too, but I have my own style and just kind of skim over those parts. But I love the beauty product reviews, advice and sneak peeks. Good selection of samples tucked in every month.


title: Getting the magazine

text: I few years ago. I ordered this magazine. The same thing that happened before is happening again. No Magazine. I won't do this again. And I really liked it.


title: Great price

text: Awesome magazine


title: If you are an inner city gardener this magazine is for you

text: Bought it as a Father's Day gift for my stepfather and I am renewing it as a Christmas gift.  He absolutely loves it.  All the years he's been married to my Mom he always had a vegetable / herb garden even when we had very small back yards.  As he tended his garden a few days ago he asked how many more issues would he receeive because he likes the magazine so much. I am going to look into getting him some back issues.


title: Not a What You Think

text: I am a Vietnsm Veteran and at this stage of life I wanted a magazine that reflected things that I grew up through; those changes that seem so common. I guess I was looking for a magazine that reflected the past like Ctacker Barrel does in their restaurants. This is full of short comments from senders, very little photos or reflections from our past and nothing to sit and show my kids that this was my life. This will give you a heads up. I just wanted to remember something of the past beside Vietnam, Riots etc. That washing machine. That television. The grocery store. The simple life

attachment_type: IMAGE


title: Excellent

text: My oldest son, a college grad in journalism. Love poetry and loves this magazine. So I rated it based on his satisfaction which is a 5-star of excellence and diversity. Takes a while for the subscription to kick in but in the end it is worth it. Hard to find good publications in this area of interest so if you love poetry this may be worth a try


title: Relaxation and comfort at your fingers

text: I have purchased this as gifts for some time. It is only published 3-4 times a year but the contents are excellent! For those looking to sit with a magazine and relax and learn how to be healthier, reduce stress and live a better life I recommend this journal subscription.


title: Wild West magazine

text: I order it for my brother and he loves it. I have never read it. Marlene Nelson


title: High quality magazine and a refreshing look at styles.

text: A refreshingly nice magazine with more ideas than advertising!  Also good ads.  A nice change from the ones I have been subscribing to for so many years.  Excellent quality and nothing online can top the feel of a good magazine held in your hand!


title: Great magazine

text: This was a gift that was well received and made the recipient very happy!


title: New yorker

text: Don't read it


title: Good info

text: Have liked for several years


title: New Mexico Travel and Culture

text:
I like magazines that emphasize travel and culture. I like them even more when they focus not just on the popular tourist spots, but also on lesser- known travel gems that can be found in every state in the nation. A magazine that fulfills my wishes is New Mexico Magazine.

With this monthly publication, you get a rundown of the events, the places, the people, the art, and the food that make New Mexico unique. The photography is eye- catching and there is a good mixture of articles relating to natural attractions vs man- made points of interest and events, as well as a good number of articles dedicated to well-known and not well- known attractions.

The layout of this publication is good and I like the state map in the front that shows the locations of the featured destinations in each issue. There are monthly sections for art and food, the latter of which includes recipes so that you can create authentic New Mexican food right at home. For a touch of humor, turn near the end of the issue and enjoy the monthly feature called One of Our 50 is Missing. It has short, funny stories of New Mexicans who discover that much of the rest of United States is apparently unaware that New Mexico is a U.S. state.

It's fun to learn about places to go and people to meet. New Mexico has much to offer in terms of natural scenery, great food and culture, and friendly folks. New Mexico Magazine brings it all together for you, in each monthly issue. A few less ads would be cool, but this is still a very good publication for learning more about New Mexico and for planning your next visit.


title: Get Your Dose of Political Discussion with The Nation

text:
Politics can make for some entertaining and lively conversation. In recent years in particular, political talk has been livelier than ever, but it has also turned ugly and the once civil discourse between dissenting views has become more opinionated and even personal. One magazine that fits in very well with these times of political polarization is The Nation

The Nation is a magazine that is all about political issues from a decidedly left- leaning perspective. No matter what the issue, The Nation takes a progressive position that seeks to bring about change in order to benefit the largest number of people - at least, in the minds of its writers. Whether the topic is gun control, taxing the wealthy, improving health care, or expanding government benefits, The Nation’s position is frank and always takes a leftward slant.

I read a few different political magazines and have found some of them good, even if I don’t necessarily agree with every position they take.  With The Nation, the formula is similar to that of other political magazines but one difference I have noticed is that The Nation seems a little more extreme and angrier than the others of its ilk. The articles sometimes voice a sense of irritation, like the writers just cannot believe what is going on around them and why Americans have not wised up and smelled the dead rat in front of them. Yes, there are some articles like this in the other political publications, but the Nation really lets its irritation shine through.

This is not to say that The Nation is completely without any good articles. It does hit the nail on the head with several of them, like ones promoting church/state separation, civil rights, and other topics. The writers do manage to make some very compelling, articulate points. The articles that voice irritation can sometimes twist reasoning and logic, but these social issue articles often make good sense and the writers seem to know the topics well. Yes, they are biased but that is precisely what a magazine like this is all about: Promoting a specific point of view from one side of the issue, completing ignoring most or all counter viewpoints.

I like reading political magazines even if I don’t agree with everything they say. The Nation has some articles that are difficult to stomach, but it has others that offer some good insights into the important issues of the day from an alternative but always left- leaning perspective. Even if you are a dyed in the wool conservative, there are still some important things to learn from the opposition and The Nation provides everything you would ever want to know about education, the economy, foreign policy, civil rights and more from a distinctly leftward point of view.


title: America's National Parks Need Our Protection

text:
America has many great wonderlands and its system of National Parks, National Preserves, Seashores, Monuments, Memorials, etc., is the most developed in the world. The many great scenic and historical preservations are spotlighted in this publication, National Parks Magazine, the magazine of the National Parks Conservation Association.

National Parks Magazine is published quarterly and can be counted on for about three featured articles and standard departments. The magazine aims to keep its supporters and others informed about the challenges, success stories, and various concerns surrounding the different units of the National Park service.

This magazine is published by a non- profit organization that is focused on conservation and because of that fact, the issues tend to talk mainly about the many problems that plague the parks and what needs to be done to correct them. The NPCA likes to talk about its own efforts and successes in this magazine, but it is also quick to point out when more work needs to be done.  Other readings in each issue sometimes venture into informative or educational articles. The informative articles are the type one would expect in a publication such as this. They feature a specific National Park, National River, etc., and then take the reader on a journey throughout the park unit, filling the reader in on the important things to know if planning a visit. The educational articles are often about animals and present facts that make the animal unique and worth conserving.

National Parks Magazine is a very nice, well- written and informative read and there are very few advertisements. America has some amazing National Parks, National Monuments, and other nationally designated sites and National Parks Magazine does a nice job bringing the different units into your life through its quarterly reporting. It would be cool if the magazine talked more about visiting the parks and what they offer, but you have to keep in mind that this magazine is tied to a non- profit organization that is focused on conservation and because of this, the writings ten to be geared in an activist direction. Remember this before you decide to subscribe and enjoy your issues of National Parks Magazine.


title: Learn About Our Past with American Archaeology

text:
Published by the Archaeological Conservancy, American Archaeology is a quarterly publication that summarizes many of the important happenings in the world of archaeology around the United States. The magazine talks about ancient cultures and ways of life as we interpret them today based on recent archaeological findings.

I’m a supporter of the Archaeological Conservancy and one of the benefits of supporting this non- profit organization is that you get a subscription to this magazine with your membership. And it is certainly worth the money, as this is easily one of the best magazines of its kind or any kind. The articles help you get in touch with ancient peoples, understand their way of life, and discover what drove Native Americans and others to live the way they lived.

This publication isn’t strictly about the United States. It does venture into other areas of the continent from time to time and it doesn’t always resort to ancient times for its inspiration. Some of the articles are based on happenings from the more recent past- sometimes, only a hundred or so years ago. It shows that any piece of history, ancient or not, can still be worthy of an archaeological discovery.

American Archaeology is a well- edited magazine and one thing many readers will greatly appreciate is the lack of advertising. Other than a few small ads near the beginning and end of each issue, the rest of the magazine is advertisement free. And even the few ads that exist are not bad at all, for the simple fact that they feature relevant services, usually seminars and excursions focused on archaeology.

Learning about the past and preserving historic sites, structures, burial mounds, etc. is an important way to discover more about who we are as people. American Archaeology is an excellent publication for those who want to tap into our heritage and learn more ways how we can preserve and interpret these important remnants of human history. It’s one of my favorite magazines and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in this subject.


title: Archaeology Magazine: One of the Best Magazines in Existence

text:
I have several magazines that I consult for my reading enjoyment and/or enlightenment. With most of them, I thumb through and focus only on articles that seem interesting, but there are a few magazines that seem to hit the mark so consistently that I read the almost the entire issue month after month. One good example of the latter is Archaeology Magazine.

What sets this magazine apart from most others is the content itself. Yes, there are some cool illustrations but where Archaeology Magazine shines is with the articles themselves. They are packed full of fascinating information and they enrich your knowledge of history. And I don’t mean refresh your knowledge- I mean enrich, because much of what you read here is going to involve historical facts you likely never heard before. I come away from every issue learning something brand new about a specific era in world history and the cultures that lived and thrived during that time.

Archaeology Magazine has very few advertisements. Most of them are clustered at the end of each issue, so you get uninterrupted reading from start to finish. Another thing I love is that most of the articles are not excessively long. Some are only a half- page or less. At most, they might cover four pages tops. I like this, because I’m the type who may not want to commit to a long, say, 10 page magazine article. I read some magazine with long articles like this and the moment I see that it’s going to be this long- and I always check before I start reading- I often skip the article completely.

Yet another reason to love Archaeology Magazine is the quality of the writing. The editors make sure each article is clear and concise, with proper grammar and clarity. The articles are educational and they maintain an academic style. You’re not going to find much in the way of humor or other creative forms of non- fiction prose. No, Archaeology Magazine sticks with the facts and presents them in and informative way that archaeology and history enthusiasts will appreciate.

I usually skim through most magazines, but Archaeology Magazine is different. It is one of the very few magazines that maintain my interest from beginning to end, with every article worthy of a read. Try this magazine for yourself, and get enlightened on the fascinating world we live in and all of its glorious past.


title: National Wildlife Magazine Informs and Educates

text:
National Wildlife Magazine is a very nice publication for those with an active interest in wildlife protection and general nature conservation. It offers some very good articles on wildlife and the constant struggles animals face as they fight for survival in a world increasingly dominated by humans.

National Wildlife Magazine seeks to inform and educate and its articles include stories about success stories and challenges as well as the occasional article or department that offers up animal trivia and facts. One article may include a story about the loss of habitat for wild cats while another may talk about the brute size and strength of a rhinoceros. Whatever the story, this magazine is right there, informing and educating its readers about the wild and wonderful world of animals.

Advertisements are part of this publication and this fact may surprise some who read this publication for the first time. Many non- profit organizations publish magazines but a good percentage of these magazines are completely ad- free. This magazine has a few ads, but they cover only about one- fifth of the pages in each issue. There are few enough of them that they do not take away from the magazine's enjoyment.

Besides the articles, another excellent feature of National Wildlife Magazine is the photography. In fact, I would bet that some people try to get their hands on this magazine solely for the purpose of looking at those amazing photographs of animals in their natural habitat. The photographs are impressive and memorable, with some of them depicting an animal standing still or lying down in the wild and others showing an animal chasing and catching its prey, in high speed detail. Every issue is loaded with these amazing pictures of animals and it isn't surprising that so many readers mention the photographs among their favorite parts of the magazine.

Wildlife continues to struggle for survival and National Wildlife Magazine is one of the better non- profit publications that bring this information to your home. It is not an easy magazine to find, but I recommend grabbing and reading a copy if you can. It rates among my all- time favorite wildlife magazines.


title: Garden Gate: Great Magazine Free From Advertising

text:
Garden Gate Magazine is a publication for gardeners of all stripes- a magazine with nice photography, gardening and craft instructions, and general tips to make your garden and general landscaping look better then ever. Amatuers and experienced gardeners alike will find many useful tips and bits of advice on decoration, plant care, and more.

I'm not big on outdoor creations, but I agree that a well- manicured landscape and a nice garden area is not only easy on the eyes, it can also add a sense of peacefulness by its mere presence. Who doesn't enjoy walking into a beautiful garden area? Even if you have little interest in gardening, horticulture, or anything related, there is much to be said for a nice, green/flowery yard and Garden Gate Magazine is very useful to help you achieve exactly that, with projects and advice for individuals at different skill levels.

I have been reading Garden Gate Magazine for only a short time but I have found much useful information in this publication. The lists and the step by step instructions are among my favorites and I like that the magazine is not geared only toward those with the extra- green thumbs. I am not very skilled in a garden so I need a publication that respects my limited abilities. Garden Gate Magazine has plenty to offer an inexperienced person like myself and at the same time, it has plenty of great ideas that involve more extensive building and planting, making the magazine useful for the more experienced individual. Garden Gate Magazine leaves no person behind, and that is one of the publication's many appeals.

Garden Gate Magazine spells everything out nicely and includes plenty of diagrams so that even an outdoor klutz like myself can figure out what each thing means and what to do. The magazine has a good deal of information, too, and some might find it surprising that a publication with only 50 pages can include so much in so little space. Take a look at the Departments, "In Every Issue", and features listed above. When was the last time you saw a table of contents like that in a fifty-page magazine? There is a reason Garden Gate Magazine is able to pack in so much in so little room and the reason is there are no advertisements!! This is such a refreshing change from other magazines and it makes a big difference when you are trying to follow instructions. There is nothing to distract and the articles are not very long, making this the perfect reading option for those with shorter attention spans.

When a magazine is free from advertisements, it is often high in price and Garden Gate Magazine is no exception. The magazine is published only six times per year and each issue carries a high cover price around five dollars. To make matters worse, you don't get much of a cut in price when you subscribe. Buy all six issues at your local newsstand and it will cost you $30. Subscribe for a year, and it will cost you $24. This is a savings, yes, but it isn't nearly the level of subscription savings so common with other magazines. A two- year deal makes the savings better (presently 2 years are offered for $38, cutting the cover price by 37 percent), but the cost per issue is still quite high and it is the direct result of publishing ad- free.

If you can get past the cost, however, you will find that Garden Gate Magazine is a very good magazine with much to offer everyone who loves a nice landscape. As I said, I'm not even much into this type of work and I don't landscape as a hobby, yet I still like reading this magazine. If a publication can pique the interest of someone who doesn't even have a true interest in the subject, it must be doing something right and Garden Gate Magazine is definitely a periodical that is doing almost everything correctly.


title: National Geographic Kids: Too Much Fluff, too Little Education

text:
Kids like to read magazines and books as long as they contain visual elements, games, and other things to keep them entertained. They don't even mind a little bit of education and learning as long as it is entertaining in some way. This is why kids' magazines are often so visual and colorful and National Geographic kids is, as expected, a publication loaded with pictures and bright colors. The magazine is focused mainly on animals, but also includes material on science, geography, technology, etc.

My girls are big fans of several kids' magazines and they look forward to receiving issues in the mail each month. I like most of them, due to their educational value. But I must take exception to National Geographic Kids magazine. This publication does contain some educational material, but the problem is that the education is minimal, with the remaining pages covered with meaningless fluff and advertisements. The ads are especially annoying because National Geographic Kids intermingles the ads into what seems like an educational article. It is done in a subtle way that you may not even notice at first.

National Geographic Kids attempts to break up the educational material with trivia, some photographs, and a few other things, but they are not items I would expect to see in a publication that is supposed to be aimed at children in the later elementary school age years and that is supposed to educate. It is also surprising how thin the magazine is- it seems more like a thick newsletter than a magazine publication.

National Geographic itself is a great magazine and I am very surprised that such a quality publication would permit its name to be scarred by the likes of this magazine. It could be so much better with a little work. It isn't like National Geographic doesn't have the resources to make improvements. They have the expertise and the know- how to make a quality kids magazine, but seem content with this publication in its present form, in spite of its many flaws.

Kids magazines are plentiful and there are some really good publications available that help teach kids about different subjects in an entertaining way. National Geographic Kids, unfortunately, isn't one of them. The worthwhile material can be isolated to about one- third of the magazine's limited pages and the overall educational value is minimal. Sum everything together and you have a magazine that isn't worth the money and should be avoided.


title: Texas Monthly Keeps You Up to Speed with the Lone Star State

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Texas Monthly Magazine is a magazine about a state, its places, and its people. This publication covers Texas culture, travel, music, arts, dining, special events, and more. Each issue takes readers on a journey throughout the state and keeps them up to date on the Lone Star State and her people.

Texas Monthly Magazine has more departments than the typical magazine and many of them are fun to read, offering a quick look inside a lesser- known town, festival, or individual that calls Texas home. A good example is the department titled Street Smarts. This short section offers a glimpse inside one of Texas' thousands of small towns along with a numbered list of special points of interest in the city. The music and books departments are fun, too, because they present some popular and soon- to- be- popular media from Texas residents. Another department I like for its pleasant amusement is one called the Manual. It presents something Texas- related in the areas of fashion and style and then offers some advice on the best usage or display of the item based on Texas culture.

Texas Monthly Magazine offers several long, featured articles and they can usually be found starting in the middle of each issue and continuing all the way to about the three- quarter mark. These longer featured articles can focus on most anything, from travel to art to food, to the people who create the art and prepare the food.  There are usually at least a few current event- type articles related to something important in the news while the other featured articles include stories about people, events, etc., that are generally timeless.

Texas Monthly Magazine is a well- written, well- edited magazine and it a nice reference and reading tool for Texas residents who like to learn more about the state and find new places to visit and things to try. I like having it handy, but if I could change one thing about this magazine, it would be the number of ads in each issue. True, all magazines need advertisements in order to generate reveune, but the number of ads in Texas Monthly Magazine is a tad excessive. Each issue opens up with about eighteen pages of ads before even reaching the table of contents. The next hundred or so pages have ads on every other page and the ads only diminish when you get to one of the featured articles. After that, the ads return for the remainder of the issue, with the final thirty to fifty pages consisting of practically nothing but ads.

Going back to the positive points, another reason to like Texas Monthly is the long length of each issue. The magazine is much longer than most, with some issues approaching 300 pages in length. Yes, the ads are excessive, but even if all the ads were removed, you would still have a very large amount of reading material in each issue- much more than found in the majority of magazines.

Texas is a very large, very diverse state with many things to offer and Texas Monthly is a very enjoyable read that helps Texas residents keep up with some of the many happenings in this great state. The ads are excessive, but when all factors are taken into account, this is still an enjoyable publication that every Texan should read and that many outsiders will enjoy as well.


title: Women's Fitness, and Other Things

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Fitness Magazine is a health/beauty/fitness publication that concentrates its efforts on the physical well- being of the individual. This magazine is geared toward woman's health and it offers some good articles on such health- inspired topics as the nutritional content of specific foods; strategies for losing weight; natural ways to battle allergies; and many more.

Getting in shape and staying in shape are certainly worthwhile goals and this magazine has some good pointers, but there are a few things about this magazine that I do not appreciate. One is the misleading title. When I see the word "fitness" on the front of a magazine, I expect the publication to dedicate itself not just to losing weight, but also staying in shape through physical workouts, weightlifting, and more. However, there isn't much in this magazine that is dedicated to fitness education, weightlifting, or any other similar topic. The other issue I have with this magazine is its beauty and fashion emphasis. True, some of these articles do correlate with health and fitness but others are more fluff than substance.

Looking at other aspects of Fitness Magazine, I like that it includes the featured cover articles in their own reference section because this makes it easy to open an issue and go directly to an article of interest. I also like the low price. You don't find magazines priced at such a low level nowadays, and this is a refreshing change. On the other hand, there are a large number of advertisements in each issue, and this is likely part of the reason the retail price is kept at such a low level.

So, what is my bottom line on this magazine? Well, there is some good material in this publication, some good advice on medical matters and nutrition, and other positive qualities. However, this publication deviates from the subject of fitness on a frequent basis and it doesn't contain many articles on the mind and spirit, like its subtitle suggests. Thus, the pros and cons are just about on par with each other, leading to an average rating overall.


title: Popular Mechanics: Practical and often Fascinating

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Popular Mechanics is a magazine dedicated to mechanics, repair, industry, and technology. This magazine offers timely articles that are often intelligent, thought- provoking, and often fascinating and/or awe- inspiring. They often talk about mechanical achievements, impressive technology, record- setting feats, etc. These articles show what humans are capable of doing and they remain in your memory for some time.

These achievement- type articles are often the best in each issue, however, Popular Mechanics is more than just a magazine about incredible achievements. With Popular Mechanics, you get articles about cars, home improvement, repair, etc., which are more practical than anything. Car enthusiasts often enjoy Popular Mechanics more than anyone, due to the magazine's consistent articles on automobiles and reviews of automobiles. There are, in fact, multiple articles on automobiles and/or automotive technology in each issue and they are often among the lengthiest in the magazine.

Besides cars, Popular Mechanics likes to devote space to the subject of home repair and improvement. These articles are nice because they offer practical advice that can help do- it- yourself readers save a good deal of cash. They are often educational in nature, too. How Your House Works, for example, is a subsection of the Home department and it describes in detail how a certain part of your home functions. It might sound boring at first, but it is often fascinating to learn what goes on behind the walls, under the foundation, inside the appliances, etc. Sometimes, the educational lesson is obvious but other times, the lessons learned are eye- opening and will expose homeowners to things about their home they never knew existed.

Popular Mechanics is, overall, a very nice publication that I will continue to read. I like the articles that emphasize fascinating innovation and achievement best, but I can also agree that the home and automotive articles are very practical and useful. The over- emphasis on automobiles is a small complaint about Popular Mechanics, but the magazine as a whole is very good and very readable.


title: Garden and Gun: The Allure of Southern Culture

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Garden and Gun is a magazine about Southern living, with a combination of articles that appeal to both women and men. This magazine covers a range of topics that can include everything from gardening to history to hunting and beyond.

Garden and Gun is a magazine with an unusual title and this is the first aspect of the magazine that will catch your attention. What kind of a title is Garden and Gun? It sounds like some sort of twisted joke, but there is a reason for the unusual choice of title. It is intended to demonstrate the wide range of topics contained within and the balance between articles that appeal to men vs. articles that appeal to women, in contrast to most other southern reads which are often designed to appeal only to women. For the most part, this magazine succeeds with its balance, although there tend to be more articles related to gardens than to guns.

Garden and Gun has a large number of departments and they include everything from cooking, to sports, to music, to fashion, and beyond. And, of course, they all relate to the American South. One department might focus on Southern eating while another will focus on Southern architecture. Each article concentrates on the southern way of doing things and how this part of the United States has its own particular means to achieve an end. The writing is good and often features comments and interviews from ordinary people who love their southern heritage and want to share it with the reader.

Photography is important to any magazine and the photos in Garden and Gun add significantly to the magazine's appeal. The photos include a fair share of scenic places, but the appeal goes beyond that. The photos depicting ordinary things are just as interesting. The food, for example, is often photographed in a way that brings out the fine details of the featured dish and many will be impressed by how realistic it looks. You will also find interesting photographs taken in unheard of places. It could be a simple photo of a schoolhouse or a photo of an empty church. These are the types of photographs you don't expect to see in a magazine and, like a work of art, they get your imagination going.

Garden and Gun tends to jump around with its articles, and this fact may not sit well with some readers. I find it okay, but one fact I wish was different is the magazine's tendency to play it safe and stick with topics that are non- controversial in nature. We all know that southern politics are known for their conservative bend and southerners often accept socially conservative beliefs as gospel truth. These topics of controversy would make for some great articles, but Garden and Gun tends to avoid this type of material and stick with whatever is safe. Even the articles about guns and hunting are presented in a non- confrontational way.

Southerners have their own way of doing things and Garden and Gun does a good job capturing the soul of the American South. I like the photography most of all and there are some good departments in each issue. The publication has a few shortcomings, but it is good enough for the occasional read.


title: Ready Made: Tacky, but Sometimes Fun and Interesting

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Ready Made Magazine is a publication aimed at the young person who likes to create his/her own things, and these things could include anything from clothing, to furniture, to mixed drinks, and beyond. More than just a magazine about saving money, Ready Made is a publication that attempts to bring out the creative side in its readers with suggestions for making everyday items from ordinary goods.

Ready Made spends most of its pages showing readers some unique ways to make things, and the suggestions range from the practical to the unusual. On the practical side, the magazine suggests making things like planters using coffee cans and vases using empty bottles. But then, there are some crafts that are not so obvious, like using a metal mixing bowl for a light fixture by inverting the bowl and attaching a light bulb from the inside. You never really know what unusual ideas Ready Made Magazine is going to offer in each issue, and this helps keep the magazine fresh and somewhat interesting.

Judging Ready Made Magazine as a whole is sometimes difficult due to the nature of the publication. Creativity is certainly a good quality, but Ready Made Magazine gets a little too weird for my tastes. Suggestions for making your own soap, creating different foods, and making mixed drinks are fine and normal, but some of the suggested crafts are odd at best and extremely tacky at worst. Taking things like sandwich boxes, cookie tins, mail boxes, and other things and turning them into lights and other fixtures can result in some incredibly tacky décor. And the clothing suggestions are often too outrageous to be true. How many among us want to be seen wearing a skirt made from an old pillow case? Every now and then, Ready Made Magazine will surprise me with a recycled item that actually looks presentable but more often than not, the suggestions look a little too contemporary and non- traditional for my tastes.

Ready Made Magazine is a publication that many will find entertaining, but usually for the wrong reasons. I like some of the articles on recipes and making household cleaners but the suggestions for do it yourself projects are often beyond the scope of good taste. You will end up either shaking your head in disbelief or enjoying a good laugh as you soak up the tackiness and wonder exactly who would really want some of these unusual items in their home or on their person. So, when all factors are considered, Ready Made adds up to an average magazine overall with an equal balance between good and bad points.


title: Improve Your Woodworking Knowledge and Skill

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Woodworking is a popular hobby and those who partake in this activity often turn to printed resources for new ideas, tips, etc. Wood Magazine is one publication designed to help woodworkers in several ways. It offers new techniques, new tools, and new projects for the budding or experienced woodworker who is seeking out ways to improve/develop their woodworking talents. Wood Magazine wants its readers to be educated and curious, and it offers articles that satisfy both desires.

Wood Magazine's articles span a wide range, with some that cover basic tasks like cutting wood at an angle to more complicated tasks like carving unique shapes and patterns. One fact that readers will notice immediately is that Wood Magazine's articles are divided up so that woodworkers at all levels- from novice to expert- will find something to which they can relate. The articles tend to lean slightly toward the beginner to intermediate level, but there are certainly enough advanced articles in each issue to keep all woodworkers busy and satisfied.

The articles in Wood Magazine are generally short, and they are often written in a step by step format, with illustrations and measurements (where applicable) to remove any guesswork from the process. These visual aspects and step/bulleted format make the magazine seem like a reference guide at times, but they are very useful for someone who wants to build one of the items and doesn't want to take any chances.

If there is anything unattractive about Wood Magazine, it would have to be the high price. The cover price is high and there is little discount incentive when you sign up for a subscription. Also, this magazine is published only seven times per year. This latter fact could frustrate some woodworkers who want new and fresh ideas on a more frequent basis.

Aside from the cost, however, Wood Magazine is a good magazine for woodworkers at all levels. The tips and tricks are useful, the education valuable, and the projects interesting and/or practical. It makes a good magazine for the occasional or serious woodworker who wants to develop one's skill and/or increase one's interest in the art of making things from wood. A little more length to the magazine and a lower price would be nice, but it is still a good magazine overall.


title: Improve Your Knowledge, with Popular Science

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Popular Science is a magazine I have been reading on and off for more than twenty years and it ranks as a science magazine for the masses. As most readers will tell you, Popular Science is a beginner's science publication and is generally intended for those who are curious about science and want to gain a better understanding of science and technology.

Popular Science is more about technology than science and this is evident from the departments and most of the featured articles. Yes, Popular Science does include articles about atoms, chemicals, outer space, physics, etc., but the majority of the articles are about modern technology and its uses and applications. The technology articles are dedicated to subjects such as new vehicles, environmental trends, electronic devices, and more. Articles like these might seem a little out of scope, but one has to remember that the first word in the title of the magazine is Popular. Technology is huge, so it makes sense that the magazine would dedicate such a large percentage of its articles to high tech.

The writing in Popular Science is very good, but as I said before, this magazine is intended more as a beginner's guide to science and technology. This means the articles will be perfectly fine for those with limited science and technology knowledge.  For those with a more advanced scientific mind, some of the articles may be too elementary. However, every issue can be counted on for at least a couple of in-depth, intellectual articles. Also, one needs to keep in mind that the articles are generally short and cover only a page or two. This is nice for those with shorter attention spans and for those who want to soak up as many facts about as many different things as possible.

Learning more about science and technology is certainly a good idea and Popular Science is a good choice of reading material for those who are scientifically curious, want to improve their science knowledge level, and want to learn about the latest technology. The magazine could prove to be a little too simplistic for those with a working or educational background in science, but for everyone else, Popular Science presents a good means to keep up with the latest in science and high tech with writing that is clear and intelligent without going over the top.


title: Dwell Magazine Offers Unique Designs for the Home

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My mailbox overflows with magazines and among the themes, home and home- related topics are the most common. Dwell Magazine ranks as one of the better home magazines I read each month and it is one of only a few publications that I will return to throughout the month for entertainment and other purposes.

What makes Dwell a unique publication is its dedication to more interesting and unusual home remodeling and rebuilding ideas. Other modern home magazines exist, but Dwell Magazine takes the idea of modern to a slightly different level than other, similar publications. With Dwell Magazine, the reader is presented with unusual homes, both on the exterior and interior, and many of them are certainly eye- catching, if nothing else. This magazine is all about homes that offer distinction and some of the design ideas are very interesting and will stick with you for a long time.

Probably the most unique fact about Dwell Magazine is that, while it focuses on unusual and creative home design, it manages to maintain a level of livability. Other magazines that focus on unusual things- whether it's the home or something else- often take the weirdness factor to the extreme and they end up alienating most readers. But Dwell Magazine avoids making this mistake. The ideas it presents are unusual and creative, but still within the boundaries of taste and practicality.

Magazines usually offer articles that cover a large range of topics each month, but one other interesting aspect of Dwell Magazine is that each magazine is based on a specific theme. This theme is clearly spelled out on the front cover, directly under the magazine's name, in bold letters. This is nice because you already have a good idea what to expect when you open the pages of any issue. The featured articles for the month will stick to the main theme for that particular issue.

Dwell Magazine is one of hundreds of publications that focus on the home, but it easily stands out in the pack and I rank it among my favorites in this genre. I'm not into home design on a do-it-yourself level, but I do like to look at homes and the rooms within homes and I am always open to new ideas. Dwell Magazine offers plenty of creative ideas every month and it's a good magazine to consult for home makeover plans.


title: Enjoy a Fantasy, with Yachting Magazine

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Yachting Magazine is a publication dedicated to the acquisition of large sea going vessels and the enjoyment that spending time on a yacht can bring. This publication is all about big boats, with an emphasis that is divided between buying a yacht, comparing yacht performance, evaluating new models of yachts, and enjoying life to the fullest as the owner/operator of your own home on the water.

Yachting Magazine is a magazine about luxury and it compares favorably to other, similar publications. Magazines about yachts are intended for an elite group of people for whom money is no object and Yachting Magazine is no different. The big boats talked about, tested, and offered for sale in the classified section usually sell for a minimum price of around half a million dollars and many of them sell for multiple millions of dollars, placing the bulk of the magazine's promoted material out of the reach of most individuals.

Even though yachting magazine is impractical for most people, there are a few nice features with Yachting Magazine and at the top of the list is the photography. Not only do you get to gaze in awe at these incredible aquatic machines, you also get to enjoy great photographs of beautiful lakes, oceans, and rivers where yachts of different sizes can often be found. These photographs set the imagination soaring and they rank as the magazine's number one asset. Second to the photographs are the travel articles. Again, they usually feature some nice photography, not to mention a few travel secrets from coastal and/or riverfront cities around the world.

As for the writing in Yachting Magazine, it is generally good, but other than the articles mentioned above, most of the material in this publication is too simplistic and/or irrelevant to the bulk of the population. For example, the evaluations of new make/model of yachts are often very lacking, offering only a one page summary, which isn't nearly enough to make an informed buying decision. Worse from a practical standpoint, the vessels the magazine features are usually in the one million+ dollar price range. This is fantasy material for most people. The yachts are nice to look at and fantasize about, but unless I receive a pay raise in the one- thousand percent range, there is practically no chance that I will be purchasing a multi- million dollar yacht any time soon.

Taken as a whole, Yachting Magazine is an acceptable publication that I will continue to read solely for its eye- candy properties. I really like the photography and the magazine can sometimes impress with a few of its travel articles. But other than that, Yachting Magazine is a fantasy read, pure and simple. Even though the photographs are great and they can set your imagination on fire, the magazine is an impractical read for most with more fantasy material than your favorite adult movie.


title: Rich People Love Their Toys

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The Robb Report is an amusing yet very professional magazine aimed at those with too much money and too few things to buy. This publication features outrageously priced merchandise and let's you, the reader, gaze in awe at some of the ways in which the fabulously wealthy spend their excess cash.

I have been enjoying the Robb Report for about a year now and as I read each issue, I find myself alternating between various emotions. On one hand, the magazine offers a fascinating glimpse inside the buying world of the filthy rich. On the other hand, one has to wonder what would convince someone to spend huge sums of money on merchandise that, while certainly high in prestige, could still be obtained for much less money without sacrificing much quality. I realize the incredibly rich like their toys and need something on which to spend their cash, but some of these items go way over the top, to put it mildly. Items such as eight hundred dollar sunglasses or five thousand dollar watches are often highlighted in the pages of the Robb Report and while they certainly capture one's imagination, you have to question what would convince a person to spend so lavishly.

Even though the Robb Report is a fantasy read for most people, it still has much to offer and one thing I like about this magazine is the writing. Not only is it top- notch, but these individuals really know what they are talking about and they are able to keep the writing on a level that makes living the good life seem ordinary. In other words, this magazine doesn't read like a shock piece- it assumes that the reader is already well- acquainted with living a life of luxury and may not even be that impressed by a one- thousand dollar writing utensil or a fifteen thousand dollar set of golf clubs. Another great quality of the Robb Report is the photography. It is absolutely superb, with illustrations that are vivid, clear, and inspiring in a fantasy type of way.

Rich people like their toys, just like everyone else and the Robb Report fulfills their needs by presenting a quality magazine that is flawlessly written and exquisitely illustrated. It is a fantasy read for most people, but it performs its main mission quite nicely: Spotlighting extremely expensive merchandise for the highly affluent and offering a glimpse inside the lifestyle that many of the world's super rich enjoy every day.


title: Poets and Writers Offers Inspiration and a Peak Into Writing Culture

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Writers are usually on the lookout for information. They want to know how to succeed at the business of writing. They want to know how to promote themselves. They want tips and advice for success. Most turn to the world wide web for this, similar information but there are still a few traidtional avenues for writing advice, and one of them is magazines. Among magazines for writers, Poets & Writers Magazine is one of the better choices available. It brings the world of writing to your fingertips every two months with helpful articles about writing style, publication challenges, etc., along with interviews from established writers who are ready to share their secrets.

Poets & Writers Magazine concentrates a large percentage of its articles and advice on the world of poetry, so it makes a valuable resource for those who specialize in writing poems and want to expand on their talents. It also emphasizes fictional writing and each issue can be counted on for at least one interview with a famous or semi- famous fiction writer/poet. These writers are ready to share their successes and challenges with the reader and many will find these articles personable and inspiring.

With the emphasis on fiction, some people might come away from Poets & Writers Magazine with a feeling of disappointment. I am one of those people who read and write nothing but non- fiction, so I was a little disappointed when I discovered that Poets & Writers contained so little material for non- fiction writers. However, I can still see the value of this magazine for all writers. Going back to the articles about specific writers, for example, one can quickly read about their struggles, successes, failures, etc. and relate them to any type of writing. And while there are not as many tips and advice columns as there are in other writing publications, there are still a few and they are pretty good, even if usually very general and obvious.

Poets & Writers Magazine contains plenty of advertisements. The ads focus on writing conferences, publishers, university degree programs, writing workshops, writing retreats, and other events. Some might argue that the pages contain too many advertisements, but since writers who read writing magazines are usually looking for ways to promote themselves, improve their education level, and perfect their art, it makes sense that advertisements are such an important part of the magazine. I know some people who grab a copy of Poets & writers magazine solely for the advertisements, so I cannot necessarily say this is a con. Unusual is the writer who doesn't want to grow and expand his/her craft through promotion and education so it makes sense that advertising is so prevalent in this type of magazine.

Poets & Writers Magazine is a useful publication for writers- particularly those who write poetry and general fiction. The magazine is published entirely in black and white, except for the cover photo and some of the advertisements, and it offers a good deal of length per issue for your reading enjoyment. It is a magazien about writing culture as well as writing education and promotion and while it would be nice if it included more information for non- fiction writers, it still has many good things to offer and it makes a great gift choice for the aspiring poet and/or fictional author.


title: For Intense Basketball Fans Only

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Dime Magazine is a publication that is all about basketball and the personalities who have helped shape the sport and have helped make it a popular part of our entertainment and culture. This magazine is unique in that it focuses only on the sport of basketball. Most all other popular sporting magazines cover all types of sports from football to tennis and everything in between. But Dime Magazine is one- hundred percent basketball and it devotes its pages to the men and women behind the sport and what they are like when not playing the game. There is some talk about the sport itself, but Dime Magazine digs deeper than that. It strives to let the reader know about the basketball people themselves; what they are like, what they believe in, what their family life is like, etc.

Dime Magazine covers basketball in every form, including college, NBA, WNBA, and world competition, but the majority of the articles cover the NBA and its many dazzling stars. Occasionally, Dime Magazine will offer an article on a woman who plays college hoops or a rising basketball star in another part of the world. But most of the stories revolve around the personalities that make the NBA what it is today. These personal stories are often very frank and very to the point. As most fans already know, the NBA has some very unique and powerful personalities among its personnel and these men do not hold back their feelings and do not resist massaging their own egos. They let you know exactly what they think, whether it's about basketball or some other subject.

Dime Magazine is a very consistent magazine. Each issue contains about the same number of pages with sections laid out in roughly the same way. One quality that many will appreciate is the lack of advertisements. There is a fashion section near the end which is like an advertisement, but other than this, Dime Magazine devotes most of its pages to stories and interviews with the players. This publication wants to keep basketball enthusiasts informed about some of the most interesting players in the game and it wastes little time or magazine space deviating from its main purpose.

Basketball fans are often die- hard and many individuals live and breathe the sport they love. Dime Magazine is a great publication for these intense fans of basketball because it goes much deeper than the game itself. Basketball is fun to watch, but there is more to the game than what one witnesses on the court. There are also the personalities that have helped shape the game of basketball and Dime Magazine is a nice publication for reading about and learning more about the interesting men and woman who have helped make basketball the cultural phenomenon that it is today.


title: Build Your Dream Aircraft with Kitplanes

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Kitplanes is a different kind of magazine and one that will only appeal to a limited audience. This magazine is intended for those who love airplanes and whose interest in airplanes reaches a level that goes beyond simply flying. Kitplanes takes aviation to a different level for a magazine by focusing on actually building aircraft. Kitplanes is more than just a mechanical read- it is also a creative read that explores the different ways that small aircraft can be built, the different designs, and the different styles and capabilities.

Most of the pages in Kitplanes are dedicated to design and construction. From the initial mental blueprint to the proper hardware, Kitplanes wants to help the enthusiastic hobbyist construct the dream machine. Some of the articles in Kitplanes are educational in nature, focusing on the specifics of aerodynamics, the pros and cons of using different types of metals, etc. The magazine even includes some success stories from builders who have completed their aircraft construction and want to share their results with the reader.

Mechanics are important, but in the day and age in which we live, technology is more important than ever and Kitplanes is right there to help. Small aircraft isn't as sophisticated as commercial aircraft, but the aircraft building hobbyist still wants to be as safe as possible, and Kitplanes offers plenty of tips on instrument panels, safety systems, and other things high tech in nature.

One other interesting aspect of Kitplanes is that it's a very consistent magazine. Each issue I have read contains exactly 80 pages and the departments and most of the regular features are found on exactly the same page number each month. For those who like consistency and repetition, this is a nice feature for a magazine. But this will not sit well with people who like a little variety from time to time. I am one of the types who like some variety in my magazines, so the consistency is a strike against the magazine, even if only a small strike.

Kitplanes is, overall, a pretty good magazine about a very expensive hobby. I find the articles pretty good, even though some are certainly better than others. Some are a little too brief and assume the builder needs guidance from start to finish but Kitplanes is still a useful magazine for those who dream about constructing their own airplane. It does have a few shortfalls, but for the flying enthusiast who dreams of constructing his/her own aircraft, Kitplanes is a magazine worth reading.


title: Balancing Work and Home

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Pink is a business magazine for women. It's a publication written and targeted to the successful career woman and it's a magazine I have been glancing through for the past several years. Pink discusses a myriad of topics that are important to the career female, including success and advancement in the workplace, to balance between home and career, to staying healthy so that the working woman can enjoy the fruits of her labor. This is a magazine that aims to show that women can be a successful business professional while also maintaining her sense of femininity. Traditional female traits and business success do not have to be mutually exclusive ideas. They can co- exist, and many women are quickly realizing that they, too,  can be soft and feminine while also holding a position of high prestige in their place of business.

Because Pink is about business, a large number of the pages in each issue are dedicated to career development and some of these articles can offer good advice and inspiring wisdom. These success stories rank among the best articles in each issue. These women are ready to share their climb to the top with the reader, explaining what worked and what didn't work; the obstacles faced; and the ways in which they learned to balance their success in the workplace with their family life and other job as a concerned mother and parent.

Most of the departments and other material in Pink are pretty good and there is some sound advice that can apply to anyone, whether male or female. But I must admit that I do get a little tired of the seeming battle of the sexes component of this magazine. Many of the articles deal with career obstacles, and this is fine. But they often portray the women as victims or possible victims; otherwise intelligent people who have to overcome many additional obstacles due to being a woman- obstacles that men supposedly do not need to worry about. The magazine almost seems to pit one side against the other and even if it is intended in an educational way, it takes away from the value of the magazine. I would rather read the positive aspects of being a career woman and how women have faced the challenges presented by their profession, regardless of whether the so- called obstacle is a man or a woman.

Pink is, overall, a pretty good magazine for the career women who also has a family and wants to learn new ways to balance these competing realms of her life. It does tend to emphasize the male vs. female aspect of work a little more than I would prefer and when it does this, it sometimes makes the women seem like victims. But when Pink is sharing female business success stories or dispensing advice, it is a solid magazine that most any professional woman will appreciate and this fact alone makes Pink a publication worth reading.


title: Can't Curb Your Enthusiasm? Read Cycle World!

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Motorcycle enthusiasts are a unique breed and the main quality that sets them apart from the rest of civilization is their unyielding enthusiasm for their chosen sport/hobby. They often become consumed with biking and, like golf fanatics and others, they view every spare moment as an excuse to partake in their chosen activity.

Cycle World is a magazine designed with the motorcycle enthusiast in mind. This publication is made for the type of biker who not only likes to ride his cycle, but also liked to learn as much about motorcycles as possible. There are, of course, plenty of articles in each issue of Cycle World that talk about the joys of riding and the sport of motorcycle racing. But Cycle World includes other articles, too- articles that only the well- rounded motorcycle fan will be likely to read and appreciate. Some articles focus on new technology. Others dispense advice on motorcycle repair. There are also travel articles and personality profiles as well, making for a nicely rounded publication.

I'm not a motorcycle enthusiast or even a casual fan, but I still like certain sections of Cycle World and I try to read a few of them every month. My favorite sections of Cycle World are those that feature new products. Cycle World is among the first publications to report on new motorcycles and other related products and the magazine includes plenty of great photos, test data, and various statistics. In a matter of minutes, one can quickly learn the pros and cons of a specific motorcycle and more easily make a buying decision. Even though I am not a fan, I still like these articles because, like articles on new cars, they often include some very cool new product offerings that can easily impress anyone- even a nonfan like me.

Motorcycles are loved by their many enthusiastic fans and Cycle World is a magazine intended for those who want a well- rounded publication about motorcycles, their upkeep, and their use for entertainment. Most of the pages in each issue are dedicated to the different motorcycles produced by different manufacturers, but there is plenty other information to be found in this magazine about motorcycles and Cycle World makes a good choice for those who want to know how to ride, repair, and enjoy their hobby as much as possible.


title: Learn the Tools of the Writing Trade

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Writer's Digest is a magazine designed for writers and it attempts to cover many different aspects of writing in its columns and featured articles. Most every issue offers at least one interview with a famous or semi- famous author. This spotlighted author could be the author of a book, a screen writer, or some other type of author. These interviews offer some good insight into writing success and the necessary skills and sacrifices to succeed at your chosen craft.

Aside from the interviews, Writer's Digest is basically a magazine of tips and advice. One issue might talk about ways to break into the business of movie reviewing for newspapers. Another might talk about ways to make your writing more concise and less wordy. Still another article might discuss ways to overcome writer's block. The main goal of Writer's Digest is to help the reader become a better writer and, hopefully, gain an offer for a publication at some point in the future.

One thing that is a little different with Writer's Digest is that it doesn't contain the long list of standard monthly departments like you find in other magazines. With Writer's Digest, the departments are de-emphasized and there are only a few of them in each issue. The rest of Writer's Digest is dedicated to columns and featured articles. This format is unique and it makes Writer's Digest a good choice for those who like change and prefer to read something different in each issue.

Writer's Digest does contain a pretty good number of advertisements, but the ads are usually for writing conferences, writing software, writing contests, or ads that encourage a visit to the magazine's own web site. Because the ads stay so focused on the subject of writing, they don't seem all that bad and they are not distracting. I know some Writer's Digest readers who actually look forward to the ads so that they can find information on the latest contests. And speaking of the magazine's web site, it seems to be an important component of the magazine because it is referenced on many pages throughout each issue.

Writer's Digest is a pretty good magazine for writer and I like it for its advice and classified ads more than anything. The success stories can sometimes get a bit carried away and they make it look a little too easy to land a huge writing contract. It would also be nice if Writer's Digest was published monthly rather than semi- monthly. But Writer's Digest is still a good magazine for writers everywhere, with plenty of good advice and tips to help you become the writer you always knew you could be.


title: Modern Country Decor

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Country Home is a magazine that does all it can to bring the country home to you, regardless of what type of setting in which you presently live. I am a city slicker all the way and I certainly have no interest in selling my home and purchasing a farm. But I still like Country Home magazine for several reasons. Most important of all, I like that Country Home doesn't completely push the country look and/or country lifestyle. This was a pleasant surprise when I started to read Country Home because, based on the name, I was expecting a magazine that was all about the country lifestyle, complete with recipes for grits, outhouse remodeling tips, and ideas for purchasing the best wicker furniture. But Country Home isn't like that at all. This magazine is certainly country- oriented, but it emphasizes a more modern country look for the home that can be applied to most any household, regardless of location.

Country Home offers several different sections and different monthly features but the theme that the magazine continues to return to is that of home decorating. Turn to different sections of Country Home and you are most likely to see articles on antiques, collectibles, flowers, and other like items and how their inclusion can make your home look better. There are also some recipes offered in different parts of Country Home, and they offer some interesting recipes made southern style.

Country Home certainly attempts to keep its country roots at a modern level, but that doesn't mean you won't find anything that is truly down home in the pages of Country Home. There are some very rustic suggestions for home decor in the pages of Country Home and some of them will likely turn off the majority of city- dwelling readers. When I read Country Home, I tend to flip past these articles because they are a little too down on the farm for my tastes. The other articles about home decorating are at least modern looking enough to consider, even though it is doubtful I would ever adopt one of the styles mentioned in this magazine.

Country Home is, overall, a very good magazine and, coming from someone like me, that says a lot considering I have little or no interest in country life or the country theme for home decor. The reason I like the magazine regardless is because of the writing, the antique articles, the occasional travel article, and the collectibles ideas, not to mention the recipes. Combined together, Country Home offers a total greater than the sum of its parts and it makes for a very appealing magazine.


title: Intellectually Stimulating and Highly Anticipated Each Month

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The Atlantic is an intellectual magazine and one that I have been reading on and off for many years. This magazine is best known for its political/current events/social articles that tackle some tough issues of the day and it delivers most effectively when it's offering some commentary on world events and social issues and these are the articles I turn to first when I read The Atlantic. I like the political articles best, but there are plenty of other non- political yet very thoughtful articles in each issue.
Most every article in The Atlantic is thoughtful and well- written. Look closely at the authors of some of the stories in this magazine and you will notice some high- profile names on more than one occasion. Christopher Hitchens, Mark Bowden, Eric Schlosser, and others are known to contribute an article or two in each issue of The Atlantic. These writers, and others like them, are ready to offer their take on some of the critical issues of the day.

The Atlantic certainly offers some interesting, thoughtful, intellectual articles and one fact that sets them apart from those found in most other magazines is that the featured articles are often very long- sometimes exceeding ten pages in length. Most magazines shy away from articles this long because they know that most reader's have an attention span that is far too short to finish the entire piece of reading in one sitting. But The Atlantic is different. If the subject matter is such that an article needs to be ten- plus pages in order to thoroughly cover everything, then The Atlantic is quick to oblige. I appreciate the excellent coverage but I must admit that some articles are almost too long. Even when I have an interest in the subject matter, I often end up stopping halfway through because I cannot hold my attention any longer.

Another section I like in The Atlantic is the book reviews section. To present a fair and balanced perspective, The Atlantic reviews new books from many different genres and I like that there are different reviews of varying lengths. One section of The Atlantic called Cover to Cover includes short summaries of many different books. These are nice when you don't have time to read a lengthy review of a book and just want the basics. But there are also some very long book reviews in The Atlantic, along with some advertisements for new books that include a short, 50 to 100 word summary of the book. I like reading the reviews, but I like this section best for its exposure to new book releases. It is like looking at a quick rundown of intellectual books and I have, in fact, discovered some very good titles from this part of the magazine.

Overall, The Atlantic ranks among my favorite magazines and I look forward to some serious, intellectual reading in each issue. I admit that some articles are a tad too lengthy, but I still like The Atlantic for its intellectual stimulation and for its focus on current events. It's a very good magazine for cerebral types who like to read about politics and social issues.


title: Barron's Offers Timely Financial Updates and Great Writing

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Barron's is a popular magazine/newspaper that helps investors keep abreast of financial markets, industry news, economic trends, profit forecasts, and other related topics. This publication bills itself as the magazine of the Dow Jones, and it offers investors and other financial gurus some solid and timely financial reading.

Many people who read Barron's head directly to the Market Week section in order to catch up on the latest investment prices. Each weekly issue of Barron's offers plenty of stock tables, Commodities Pricing, Options market pricing, etc., so it makes sense that a concerned investor would turn to this section first, in order to check investment prices. But Barron's is much more than a collection of statistical tables. Each issue contains a large number of featured articles and regular columns and there are very few departments. The bulk of each issue is dedicated to short articles about specific companies, economic concerns, innovative technology, Wall Street trends, and other noteworthy topics.

Barron's is a very expensive publication, but among its many good points is the fact that it is published weekly and therefore is very up to date and timely. If you're an investor, you are fully aware of the importance of timely information and Barron's provides exactly that. Whether the subject is the high price of oil, corporate takeovers, or volatile interest rates, Barron's is right there, offering a timely article about the important issues of the day.
One other noticeable fact about Barron's is that devotes only a minimal amount of space to advertisements. There are some ads, and they are usually clustered in the first part of each issue. Most all of the ads are relevant to the subject matter of the magazine, and it is common to see ads for insurance companies, mutual funds, brokerage services, and the like. Because the ads are almost all about finance, they tend to blend into the articles and you do not notice them like you notice the ads in other magazines.

Investors, financial professionals, and concerned citizens like to keep up to date on financial and economic affairs and for these individuals, Barron's ranks as one of the best financial publications available today. The articles are quite thorough for such a short magazine and while some articles can get a little too advanced for the novice investor, there is still much to be learned in every issue of Barron's. Timely financial data, great writing, and relevant articles make Barron's a magazine worth reading for those with an interest in the subject of finance and investments.


title: Maximizing Electronics Enjoyment

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Maximum PC is a magazine for electronics freaks, offering many different articles about electronics; how to buy them, how to repair them, how to get the most out of them, and how best to replace them. This magazine is aimed in one primary direction: Making the most out of the electronic devices available. This is accomplished through the many instructional articles, how to guides, and question and answer sessions.

When Maximum PC isn't offering words of wisdom on ways to improve your life with electronics, the magazine is usually offering reviews of new products. The reviews section is one of the largest parts of each issue and while it does a nice job bringing new products to the forefront, the reviews are often less than stellar. Rather than analyze a few products in- depth, Maximum PC instead prefers to offer shorter reviews of many products. This part of the magazine seems more concerned with quantity than quality, in contrast to most of the remainder of the magazine.

One thing about Maximum PC that isn't to my liking is the technical nature of many articles. Maximum PC likes to get to the root of things (literally), and it is common to find articles talking about circuits, memory, and other boring subjects. This is fine for those who take their technology to the extremes, but I have no interest in learning about the inter-workings of the wiring inside my personal computer or the electronic pulses that cause my printer to respond on queue. This is a little too much technology for me, but I know there are some readers who will relish the depths that Maximum PC goes to when it strips down electronic devices into their component parts.

Overall, Maximum PC is a pretty good electronics magazine for young and middle- aged adults. It loses me from time to time when it gets overly technical, but it still ranks as a good magazine about electronics. The numerous question and answer sessions, the educational articles, and the product reviews make this a magazine worth reading.


title: Making Your Living Space More Livable

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This Old House is a magazine dedicated to home improvement. Based on the popular PBS television program, this magazine aims to help its readers find new and better ways to improve the home and perform routine maintenance.

Magazines and the internet are my primary sources when home repair reaches the critical point. This Old House is one of several magazines I like to read and it is the one I turn to most frequently when I need to find out about home maintenance. The majority of other home- related publications deal strictly with enhancements, remodeling, and general improvement. This Old House offers these types of articles, along with articles on general home repair, landscaping techniques, utility cost savings, and more.

My favorite departments in This Old House are "Around the House", "Toolbox", and "Salvage". The last department, Salvage, sounds boring at first but it often gets very creative. This department selects a common household item- usually one that is probably slated to get tossed in the trash- and points out a creative way to re- use the item. Some of the ideas they come up with are surprising, making this one of the first sections I turn to when I get a new issue in the mail.

Some parts of This Old House are not appealing at all, either because the suggestions are far too costly for someone like me; because they involve skills that I do not possess; or a combination of the two. The Luxury department is one such area. Another is the Design sections. These areas are intended for the more advanced home improver who has advanced skills at home design. There are some very expensive suggestions, too, and these parts of the magazine provide more fantasy reading than anything. However, there are still enough less expensive ideas to keep the magazine useful and practical.

Overall, This Old House is a good magazine that offers some home improvement ideas, some repair suggestions, and some ways to enhance your home's value. The general repair advice is pretty handy and while I don't have much use for other parts of the magazine, I can agree that these are helpful to the right type of person. It makes This Old House a good publication for those who seek advice for home repair and home enhancement.


title: Smart Money Combines Business and Personal Finance

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Smart Money is a solid magazine about business and finance and I have been reading it on and off again for the past five years. This magazine is a little bit big business and a little bit personal finance, combining together the features of a business magazine with that of an investment publication.

One of the main things I like about Smart Money is the fact that it includes so many different articles each month. There are only a few regular departments in this magazine. The majority of the pages include featured articles and short articles that change from month to month. These articles can cover a wide range of topics from ways to cut your electric bill to the latest regulations in the insurance industry.

Smart Money is an intelligent magazine and its articles are often a little more advanced than those of other financial publications. They don't reach a level that is too advanced to make them incapable of understanding, and that is good. But they are certainly intended for the savvier investor who already knows the ropes and wants some more specific, intermediate to advanced advice on personal finance and corporate happenings.

Overall, I rank Smart Money as a very good personal finance magazine and it is one I will continue to read when I get the chance. It is like a combination of Fortune and Money magazines and its timely articles are often very interesting and helpful. Whether it's an article on reducing your cell phone bill or an article about the profit picture in the oil business, Smart Money is certain to inform and enlighten.


title: Well- Polished, Professional Magazine

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Opera News is a magazine dedicated to opera and the individual talents that contribute to the full opera production. This magazine offers a way to find out dates for upcoming operas; backgrounds on some of the more popular opera stars; reviews of operas and opera related media; interviews; etc.

I am not a man of the arts by any stretch and it's a rare day that finds me sitting in a theater seat, watching a bunch of stage performers sing and dance. But I still like Opera News nonetheless and I can understand fully why fans of opera enjoy it so much. It covers the big operas, the big stars, and much more.

Articles about specific performers are common in this magazine but Opera News isn't just a magazine about opera performers and the long hours they labor for their chosen profession. No, this magazine offers more than that and there is something for any lover of entertainment to enjoy. There are plenty of reviews of operas, DVD, CD, and books; interviews with stars; and plenty of news and official information. The fact that the name of the magazine includes the word "News" is no accident, for Opera News is exactly that: a news source for all things opera and opera related.

Since I have limited interest in watching operas, I tend to gloss over the interviews and bios (I have no idea who these people are anyway). My favorite sections are those that cover news stories and the reviews at the end of the magazine. The news articles are usually good and I like the featured articles that talk about opera history and other like topics. And, as an avid reader, I like reading the book reviews even though I am unlikely to ever purchase one of these books.

Overall, Opera News is a magazine that every opera lover should read. I am not a fan of opera and theater but even I have found some reading value with this magazine. Its subject is one with limited appeal, but its value is obvious, even to someone like me who has little interest in this topic.


title: Reeling in a Record - Setting Catch

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Bassmaster is a magazine about fishing and it likes to boast that it is the "Worldwide Authority on Bass Fishing". This magazine divides its focus among different areas, like finding/fishing for bass, buying the best equipment, and keeping pace with the different sporting tournaments that focus on bass fishing.

I spend very little time participating in outdoor sports but I have been known to cast a reel over an expanse of water on an infrequent occasion. With Bassmaster, consumers like me can quickly get the information needed to find places to fish for bass. There is also plenty of tips and advice from Bassmaster magazine and from fishing professionals. They clue you in on the right environment and weather conditions for bass fishing, the best equipment to use, and the most effective lure to improve your chances for landing that prized catch.

Bassmaster is like other sporting magazines in many ways, but it differs a little from other fishing magazines, mainly in its coverage of the sport of bass fishing. Part of the reason for the emphasis on sports is Bassmaster's affiliation with sports authority ESPN.  ESPN is the main reason the sporting aspect gets the amount of coverage in Bassmaster that it does and it helps make the magazine that much better to read.

Bassmaster is loaded with different departments and among all the magazines I read each month, Bassmaster probably has more departments than any other publication of similar length. The departments are short- usually covering only one page each- but they offer some of the magazine's best and easiest to read material. Departments like "Ask the Experts", "Bass Basics", and others are good for finding some quick information on fishing and how to make it more enjoyable and more successful. I like the Destinations section, too, because it offers some information on lakes and rivers that would make good choices for vacationing as well as fishing.

I don't fish very often and I'm not someone that would be classified as an outdoorsman, but I still like Bassmaster magazine. It offers some good writing and compelling articles about bass fishing, both as a casual hobby and as a competitive sport. If someone like me- a person who doesn't even fish very much- can find reasons to enjoy reading a magazine like Bassmaster, just think of how much a true fan of this activity will like this publication. It's one of the better fishing magazines and it makes a good choice of gift for a dedicated fisherman; offering plenty of good reading each month all for a low subscription cost.