Buying Guitar Player

Guitar Player has become a wonderfully diverse and intelligent voice and advocate for new, and generally less heard styles and talent. Lately they have featured many terrific artists that are just under the pop culture radar. I find myself running to the computer to check out 4-5 new artists per month based on GP advice. In addition, their features are not glib, puff pieces, but detailed, literate and informed journalism. GP is going way beyond the hip flavor of the month or showing (yet again) some standard Hendrix lick. I think that GP has intelligently responded to the glut of free tab on the internet. There is no longer any need to waste print or editorial space on the Free Bird solo, as you can download the tab in seconds. Instead, they are introducing and championing fantstic players whose work is too difficult or demanding for the average 15 year old tabber. Don't get me wrong there are excellent articles still about legends (Jeff Beck, Satriani, George Benson) but they are now balanced with other talents. GP is definately the thinking guitarists guitar magazine.Get more detail about Guitar Player.

Buy Soap Opera Digest

I am unable to review this magazine I have never received an issue.

Needless to say, I am not happy about this.

Lynda EplerGet more detail about Soap Opera Digest.

Purchase Financial Times

Financial Times
The FT is an excellent newspaper providing daily coverage of financial news, but also of the cultural scene, of the arts and the book world from a worldwide perspective.
The problem is in the delivery system with chinks not having been taken care of over several years: my order went in Sept.11, with a prospective delivery date of Sept.28. After my purchase this date changed to Oct. 16, but when I used the automated phone line to the supplier Synapse, the delivery changed again to Oct. 26 - and this company has not even processed my subscription yet by getting in touch with the FT.
In sum: customers could be much better served than this.Get more detail about Financial Times.

Order National Review

I read Commentary, Weekly Standard and National Review on weekly/monthly basis and I found National Review to be highly informative, fair and balanced. I like its intellectual content and trust its great fair reporting. Highly recommendedGet more detail about National Review.

Where To Buy Bookmarks

I highly recommend this magazine for any book lovers. I read about forty books a year. (on my Kindle) And this is a invaluable source for me. The first half of the magazine is hit or miss but the reviews are very helpful. I learned about several new and exciting authorsGet more detail about Bookmarks.

Shop For AJN: American Journal of Nursing

This journal is noted for its accurate and informative information in the field of nursing. It is very helpful in keeping up-to-date on the latest developments in medical science. Also, provides practical guidance in the practice of nursing. Frequently provides articles for which CME credits can be earned. Don't think I could ask for more.Get more detail about AJN: American Journal of Nursing.

Fine Homebuilding

Gave as a gift, specified who to send it to and Amazon put the subscription in to be sent to me. Called Amazon and got a real "run around". Finally had to call a second party as they outsource subscriptions to straighten the mess out. Hope not everyone goes through the almost 2 hour telephone calls I went through to straighten it out. Most unusual for Amazon, as every dealing I have had with them has been excellent.Get more detail about Fine Homebuilding.

Handguns Review

I bought my first gun, a Beretta 92, in May 1999 in response to the Columbine tragedy. It was a "silent protest" against the heartless anti-gun political opportunists who were exploiting the victims during the aftermath, which made me sick & disgusted. It wasn't long after that first purchase when I began a subscription to "Handguns" magazine. I was a subscriber for 10 years until a couple months ago when I decided not to renew my subscription for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that I live in California, home of the "certified safe by the state" approved roster of handguns for sale, which prohibits most new models from being sold in CA unless they're bastardized to meet state requirements... like the bozos in Sacramento know anything about what makes a gun safe or not!

Well, you don't subscribe to a magazine for 10 years if it's crappy, right? This is a great magazine, and all about handguns. It contains the usual articles you would expect about new models and such, plus firing line reports for several models in each issue, but it also contains ancillary topics such as tactics, gun rights, ammunition, new accessory items on the market, nostalgic reviews of classic handguns, etc. It's a bi-monthly publication from the publishers of "Guns & Ammo", which of course is the gold standard by which all other shooting publications are judged. I believe "Handguns" carries on the tradition of G&A nicely. This magazine isn't as thick as its main competitor (American Handgunner), but I prefer "Handguns" because they stick to business, while AH seems to be run by a bunch of narcisistic egomaniacs who use their magazine as a forum for patting themselves on the back. I think "Handguns" also has a better command of English grammar than AH and is easier to read, though they're still a far cry from perfect in that regard. However, AH has a handgun giveaway contest in each issue, which "Handguns" does not, so props to AH for that.

If I had to criticize anything in "Handguns", it would be the gun rights column. At times--not very often, but sometimes--the author (Don B. Kates) seems like he's out in left field, out of touch with reality. He actually stated, for example, that now that the Democrats are in control of Congress again after 12 years, the Obama administration would _not_ attack gun rights because they had more important issues on their agenda; yet Obama is underhandedly trying to ban guns through the back door, via proposed "anti gun trafficking" treaties with Venezuela (not to mention a few other things). Assinine statements like that from a bona fide gun rights expert and legal authority makes you wonder what goes through his head sometimes.

Another criticism of "Handguns" is that they don't seem to review very many "budget" guns in their magazine. Not surprising, I suppose, because they do have to appease their big-buck advertisers, right? I'd also like to see this publication become monthly again, but I suppose it's kind of difficult to fill the pages on a monthly basis; when I first started my subscription they were bi-monthly, then went monthly for a couple years or so before switching back to bi-monthly again.

Nevertheless, as I said, this is a wonderful publication for the handgun enthusiast. I've only missed one issue since cancelling my subscription, and honestly I already miss it! I predict I'll break down and resubscribe before the year's end. By the way, [...]Get more detail about Handguns.

Mountain Bike Action Top Quality

I'm not one of those downhill-at-a-45-degree-angle types, but I do have a vintage 1997 GT Aggressor hard-tail mountain bike, bought new back then, and I just can't let go of it. It's light CrMo frame is tough as nails, and the RST front shocks, Shimano Deore V-brakes, Deore rear derailleur, and Deore rapidfire shifters have never been replaced. It's now on its fourth gel seat, third set of pedals and second set of nubby Tioga Psycho tires.

Maybe one of the reasons that this bike has lasted is that it is kept maintained, and one of the sources that I use for tips is Mountain Bike Action, also known as MBA to MTB enthusiasts. For those new to the sport, MTB is an acronym for MounTain Biking, so now you know.

Some of their How-To articles are just common sense reminders, while others give us new food for thought. As an example, there was a 2005 article entitled "10 Ways To Stay Up In Sand" that offered some excellent tips on staying on the top of the granules, floating across the surface, and stay seated unless one hit a section of granular powder at speed.

Another that appeared in the summer of this year was "Top 11 Tire Tips by Kenda," which should be read by all cyclists in its entirety, especially for its common-sense tips on how to avoid tire pinch-flatting. If you don't have the issue, check their site online and see if it's not still there.

Their MTB news is generally interesting, and usually up to date. The bike tests are generally interesting, even if just for the information on how the current gear has improved... or dropped in quality. Of particular interest are their product reviews, which can cover anything from tools to gloves to hydration gear.

This magazine, along with Park Tool The Big Blue Book of Repair - 2nd Edition are all one could ask for in terms of keeping ones MTB in good shape, and my own aging bike is a good example of that. If you need a simpler bike repair reference The Bicycling Guide to Complete Bicycle Maintenance and Repair: For Road and Mountain Bikes is an excellent choice, especially if you're trying to teach kids about bike maintenance, and it's now available in its expanded and revised 5th edition.

The venerable Bicycling magazine from Rodale has been around for many years, but its focus is more towards the road rider as opposed to the mountain biker. Rodale also publishes 'Mountain Bike' (subscription unavailable here as of this writing), but I'll personally give 'Mountain Bike Action' a slight edge for overall content. If you're looking for a publication with more "meaty" content, you may want to consider Dirt Mountain Bike Magazine, a true diehard downhill mountain bike magazine, but be prepared to pay a higher price for this 5-star publications.

Is MBA a perfect MTB enthusiast magazine? No, not by any means, for like most monthly publications these days, there are too many pages filled with advertising, and that's why I've rated it at 4-stars. But from the mountain biking magazines available at a somewhat reasonable price today, it's one of the best.Get more detail about Mountain Bike Action.

Spider This instant

My grandchildren love these magazines. It is one gift that I can give that I know they will enjoy. Their mom reports of the smiles on their faces when they get them in the mail. Get more detail about Spider.

Mother Jones Immediately

Fantastic news magazine. Look forward to every issue. Have had a subscription for 2 years now. Get more detail about Mother Jones.

Boys Life Best Quality

This is my 9 yos first year of Cub Scouts (Webelos), and we were all very excited for this new opportunity. I went ahead and ordered Boys Life when I registered my son for scouts, looking forward to a monthly magazine that would reinforce the Scout values. I am very, very disappointed. The amount of advertising is disturbing. It seems that for every 1-2 pages of content there is an equal (if not more) amount of advertising. The few articles that I've read have been interesting, but not at the expense of over-exposure to pop culture and media. Shame on you, BSA, for failing to reinforce the values that your organization promotes during den and pack meetings. One look at this magazine, and the values I see promoted are consumerism and video gaming. This will be the last year that I waste $24 on this magazine. Get more detail about Boys Life.

World War II History Get it now!

I submit the order for this magazine at the end of July. It is end of September and I have not receive anything yet....Get more detail about World War II History.

Writer's Digest (1-year) Buy Now

Like most magazines, Writer's Digest is hit and miss, depending on where you are as a writer and what kind of writing you do. Some articles speak to you, while others will appeal to writers in very different situations from your own. But even still, it's useful to get a glimpse into the other areas of the business of writing that I'm not quite ready for.

This magazine is geared toward writers in general, but skews toward adult writers. As a writer of Young Adult and Middle Grade books, there's still plenty for me in this magazine because for the most part, writing is writing. But a little more focus on the one area of publishing that hasn't faltered in this tough economy (i.e. children's books) would be nice.

My only complaint is one I've had with other magazines: When my subscription starts, please don't send me this month's and last month's issues at the same time!!! I'm sure this saves the magazine money since they can unload the unsold issues from last month and count it toward my 8 issues, but part of the fun of getting a magazine delivered to your house is that you get to look forward to a new one every month for a year (although with WD, it's only 8 issues in 12 months, so not even every month with this one). Even worse, I had both the September and October issues arrive on the same day! So I guess I'll only get 11 months worth of service, even though their sending me a years worth of issues. And for that, I'm withholding a star.

UPDATE: 3 Days later I received the November/December issue!!! So my first three issues (two of which are obviously the back issues they're trying to unload) arrived in less than a week and almost half of my 8-issue subscription is spent. That's just ridiculous. If it would let me change my rating, I'd take it down to 3 stars, but apparently I'm locked in at 4.Get more detail about Writer's Digest (1-year).

Guitar World (1-year) Order Now

The price of this magazine made it a no brainer Christmas gift. Just have to wait for it to go on special.Get more detail about Guitar World (1-year).

Taste of Home Decide Now

This is a wonderful magazine. When i bought my first home, the previous owner left a copy on the counter for me. I have bought them ever sense! Everything i cook/bake out of this magazine gets great reviews. The stories are heartfelt and interesting. I pull out an issue whenever i am expecting company.Get more detail about Taste of Home.

Backpacker (1-year auto-renewal) Right now

I just received my first magazine. I read it from cover to cover enjoyed it very much. Can't wait for next month.Get more detail about Backpacker (1-year auto-renewal).

Lowest Price Cooking With Paula Deen

Yes, Paula Deens magazine is nice to look through, but every recipe I have tried, such as the cakes, they do not work. Those cake pictures look so good, but then when you make the recipe, it's not a pretty picture! In fact the only book to ever come close to being 'right on' in recipes is the little Christmas book I purchased about 2 years ago. Those recipes work.
If you're just buying her stuff to look at, it's more than perfect. But if you're buying to actually cook from them, spend your money on good quality cookbooks.Get more detail about Cooking With Paula Deen.

Low Price Cycle World

Great mag for everyone except Harley zombies. This and The Horse are my favorite reads. Get more detail about Cycle World.

Save Technology Review/MIT

This is a good source for a quick interesting survey of latest innovations. There are also a few longer articles in each issue that are well written and interesting. The content is easily understood by non-experts in the various fields discussed. Get more detail about Technology Review/MIT.

Discount Ladybug

My 5yr old grand daughter loves these coming in the mail and reading them over and over.Get more detail about Ladybug.