Mountain Bike Action

I'm not sure why this magazine is so highly rated. Sure it's an O.K. magazine, if you like immersing yourself in hype, marketing-speak and incredibly superficial language. Admittedly the pictures are pretty and as an obsessed mountain biker i can say we like bike porn. I just cannot read any of the articles. Chock full of over-the-top adjectives and 'xtreme' language. I don't trust a magazine that calls every new incremental advancement in biking technology 'revolutionary' or 'amazing' or any number of disgustingly inappropriate modifiers. They ceaselessly use vapid 'technical' jargon made up to sound high-minded and high-tech, but is nothing more than marketing spew.

The tech advice column is full of suspicious letters that have the stench of stealth advertising. If there's one thing that's well thought-out about this magazine, it's how best to bombard the reader with sales pitches, half-truths and hype.

In short, this magazine is blatant industry propaganda. My first advice: don't buy it. If you do buy it (for the love of god) don't take anything between those covers seriously.

I subscribed to Mountain Bike Action and then decided I would try Mountain Biking for a while. BIG MISTAKE! MBA is a far better magazine! The bike reviews are more thorough and the articles by Richard Cunningham are very informative. I have been involved in Mountain Biking for over twenty years and since its inception, this magazine has been the standard! ("Dirt Rag" is good, too!)

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I have been mountain biking for over 7 years. (I don't count the first time around before suspensions.) I have been a reader of mountain biking magazines for almost 7 years. The only two magazines worth subscribing to are Bike and Mountain Bike Action. Mountain Bike Action is the magazine to read when you are looking for product reviews, web retailers, and technical advice. Read Bike for the pictures (and the stories). Bike is pure mountain biking porn and will make you yearn for warm days and moist singletrack. I read both of the above magazines cover to cover and keep recent copies in my "porcelain throne room". Old copies get saved for future reference.

You may occasionally get something interesting out of Bicycling or Mountain Bike, but I usually get through those magazines in about 15 minutes and throw them out. 'Nuff said.

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I love MBA but I'm not sure why anyone in their right mind would but it here for $19.99 when you can buy it directly from the publisher for $14.99. Otherwise, the mag is great. Good reviews, good pictures, decent articles. At the very least, its the best we have in the US. The UK have better mags but they cost a fortune to subscribe to over here.

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I like this mag for the repair tips and reports on what is coming out. Don't ever trust a review here. You would think they would at least keep the ads and the positive reviews for a product from appearing in the same mag or within one issue...

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Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

AHMM always seemed like a poor cousin to its sister publication Ellery Queen (EQMM). The stories don't have individual lead-in blurbs; instead, a brief editorial mentions any particularly interesting stories, introduces new writers, or calls attention to new departments in the magazine.

The stories, while not as polished or literary as in EQMM, are usually enjoyable. Some authors return to the same characters and I often look forward to their pieces, such as John H Dirckx's Detective Auburn, or D.A. McGuire, who had an excellent series with a preteen detective. Many new writers try the waters of AHMM first and then move "up" to EQMM.

In addition to the expected book review column, AHMM features a reader's contest called "Mysterious Photograph" where you can send in a short-short based on a photo they supply; there is a crossword or acrostic puzzle, and a new feature includes interviews with well-known mystery authors.

If you love mysteries, especially the short-story form, you should be getting both AHMM and EQMM.

Note: Starting with the 2004 issues, AHMM now publishes 10 issues a year; 2 are "double issues" with almost twice as many pages.

Though mystery novels have never been more popular, we seem to have forgotten the pleasures of the short story. Every month, AHMM offers a satisfying range of stories from noirs to cozies, from contemporaries to historicals, by both established writers and newcomers. This is a great place to spot talent on the way up or to sample the work of writers you don't know (without committing to a novel). Plus, short stories are perfect for the bus or the subway. Once, a wide range of magazines published short fiction in a variety of genres; AHMM is one of the few still upholding that proud tradition.

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I have subscribed to both Alfred Hitchcock and Ellery Queen for years. EQMM is usually a notch better in quality, but AHMM is the avenue for new writers to use more often. As such, the quality of writing is more erratic, but the stories are often more adventurous and the voice a little fresher. Not only that, but AHMM has a monthly contest which is fun and challenging for writers at any level, and a monthly logic puzzle which is always entertaining.

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These books fit nicely on the cardio machines I use at the gym. As for me, I'd leave an iPad or Kindle on the machine and be halfway home before I miss it. If I do that with one of these books, so what? There'll be another in the mailbox in a couple of weeks.

I go there, get up on the elliptical trainer or treadmill, bury my nose in a well written mystery and 40 minutes later I'm done. I lost 100 pounds in 12 months by doing this. Make AHMM and EQMM part of your healthy lifestyle change today.

PS, I think the writing is great. It's clean, clever, witty and most of the authors have a really enjoyable writing style and voice. This review is for AHMM but I'm going to paste it into a review for EQMM as well.

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When it comes the the unusual, the more literary and the suspenseful, it's Hitchcock for me! The magazine allows for stories with the supernatural and that tends to keep the reader guessing until the end, as opposed to the typical cop/detective/sleuth tales in EQ. I love the often-moody atmosphere and the scene-building in Hitchcock.

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Selling Power

This publication keeps up with current industry trends and technological changes. It's a must-read, whether part of a sales team or a sales leader. Does a great job of addressing today's issues in the selling process. Well-organized layout.

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Green Guide

For anyone who wants to live a healthier, more responsible lifestyle this site is for you! I've always lived "green" but in retrospect feel my life before The Green Guide was one of ignorance. It offers great resources on green companies, helpful information on what to look for and an endless supply of tips. I can even ask my own questions and receive detailed informative answers to unique issues. Share this one with friends!

An excellent source on environmental issues, healthier living, and green products. I like to cook and use it frequently for information aboout organic produce, meat and uncontaminated fish.

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This is an excellent publication (based on the first issue). It comes from a reputable source (national geographic) therefore you can be assured that it's based on legit info, not just opinion. This is packed full of useful and enlightening info, so much so that I've shared it with at least 4 other people! I read this along with mother earth news each month and I absolutely have a richer, greener and more responsible life as a result!

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Woodworker's Journal

I subscribe to several woodworking magazines and have subscribed to Woodworkers Journal since 1990. Each magazine has a character of it's own with a woodworking level reflected in the complexity of the projects it presents. This magazine is a bit more complex than, say Wood magazine. It should be understood that some style and esthetics are usually compromised when a project is simplified. I have one of Woodworking Journal's projects in my living room. It is perhaps the most beautiful piece I have ever made. If you have become an advanced amature (sp?) this magazine will give you projects that you will take pride in making and showing to others.

There are two good ways to tell what audience at which a woodworking magazine is aimed. The first is the type of advertising, and the second is how much skill do the projects expect you to have. It is pretty clear right away that Woodworker's journal server home woodworkers who are already of moderate skill. The advertised 'big toys' run in the 500 to 1500 dollar range, although there are a couple of high end combination machines in the adds as well.

Articles expect you to know how to use the tools of the trade but not sure about the 'best' way to do something. A recent issue makes a study of an intarsia backed high chair with some interesting joinery, and instructions for making a genuinely exotic angle jig for a table saw. Writing is solid and reasonably illustrated, but they devote little space to what you should already know, which can make these projects a stretch for a tyro.

The Magazine is very tool oriented. There isn't a lot of space devoted to hand tools or history. Expect articles comparing nail guns and helping you decide whether stationary or bench top equipment is right for you. However, traditionally manual tasks like finishing also receive their due. I found the Woodworker's Journal suited me quite well, and I expect to continue reading it.

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As a library administrator I get to see and read an awful lot of woodworking books and magazines. I have been a personal subscriber to Woodworker's Journal for a year now, and an off and on reader of the magazine for about 5 years. In that time I have grown to appreciate this as a very good woodworking magazine. Is it my favorite? No, but I still like it well enough to recommend it to others. I also regularly read Fine Woodworking, Workbench, Wood, Popular Woodworking, etc. and like all of those, this magazine has its strengths. I find that WJ is very into power tools, tool reviews (theirs are among my favorites), and shop projects. Having said all of that, I also must confess that the best piece of furniture I ever built came from a plan in WJ magazine (an arts & crafts style wine storage table), so don't pigeon-hole it too much.

Try it for a year and I bet you won't be sorry!

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I felt compelled to write a short note after receiving a renewal notification too early.

I first ordered the Journal in June 05, I received a renewal that I thought was in order in March 06, now I'm getting another one in Dec 06.

It seems Amazon is engaging in some behavior that takes several months of subscription time away from consumers who order through them. Be careful

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Woodworkers Journal has been around a long time (40 years maybe?). Its because it is such a well written, well rounded magazine. Its my go to magazine for projects (which I have built many). The issue size is good, the writing top-notch, and projects galore. Good for the price, good for the projects, good for the write-ups. Their reviews of tools are usually spot on. I just find this and Fine Woodworking the best of the bunch.

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Mes Premiers J Aime Lire - Print + CD-Rom

My 7-year-old daughter speaks French pretty well but is still learning to read. Mes premiers j'aime lire magazine is wonderful. Each issue comes with a short story that is also read on the accompanying CD (5-10 minutes in length). The stories are interesting and while written for children always have new vocabulary words that neither of us know. I enjoy listening to the CDs and my daughter listens to them over and over again! In addition to the main story, there are several "bandes dessinees" (comic strips) in each issue, a word search or other simple word games, and 2 pages of definitions for particularly challenging vocabulary. This is a wonderful addition to our regular French learning curriculum and highly recommended. It took almost 2 months before the first issue was delivered but now I get them regularly and in excellent condition.

ShopSmart (1-year auto-renewal)

I consider this magazine to be the feminine version of Consumer Reports. The articles are condensed versions of most that can be found in the regular Consumer Reports mag as well as the website. But these are mostly "female" related items, bras, saving at the grocery, purses, wines, etc. The colors are flashy and eye catching whereas the Consumer Reports magazine itself is more utilitarian.

I really like this magazine because it's shorter to the point articles, I don't have to search long lists to find the top 3 of something. This magazine gives the best recommendations as well as those not recommended. They've left out most of the dirty details to get to that point. The magazine also covers stories about the top 10 tips to save at the grocery, the top 10 websites that save you money, cleaning products you can't live without, the best little black dress and on and on.

They also have articles about single females' necessary household tools, and gives the best recommendations for power/hand tools for women. So that's why I'm saying it's meant for women mostly rather than guys.

It is expensive for 6 issues but in one purchase you could save $20, so to me the magazine is worth the cost. If you want, just get the online consumer reports, website only access and you'd have the best of both worlds.

The price listed is $22.95 for 12 months (6 issues). But the magazine is published 10 times a year and the publisher is assigning expirations based on six issues (approx. seven months). This makes the cost per year $42 (considerably more than a year on Consumer Reports at $29).

The magazine itself is fine (three stars) but the dishonest advertising is completely unacceptable.

Also, they seem to be charging a 30% premium to edit CR for a "feminine" audience.

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I've bought the magazine a few times now at the newsstand, and I like the content and layout. However, much like its parent company's Consumer Reports, it is expensive for what it is. Six issues for $23? Not too mention, I have to take even more issue with that price.

If you look at the magazine's website you'll see that it is actually $18 for six issues and $4.95 for shipping and handling.

Shipping and handling for a magazinereally?

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I recommend that you subscribe to Consumer Reports OR ShopSmart, but not both. Here's why:

Since ShopSmart is published by Consumer Reports, I knew I could count on reliable reviews and ratings, no outside advertising, and advice that would save me money. I've subscribed to Consumer Reports for years, and knew what to expect. ShopSmart follows in the footsteps of Consumer Reports in all of these respects.

What really bothers me, though, is the amount of duplication between the two magazines. The January 2011 issue of ShopSmart contained the following, all of which appeared in the January 2011 issue of Consumer Reports:

1. Rating the best cookware sets

2. Rating the best frozen pizzas

3. An article on where sugar is "hidden" in various foods.

4. A discussion about the best all purpose cleaner

5. A review of the Duracell MyGrid charger (including the exact same accompanying photo in both magazines)

6. An article about the dangers of mercury in tuna fish

7. An article about the dangers of shattering glass bakeware

And more...and this is pretty much par for the course each month. I noticed this much overlap in a free trial issue, but thought it was an anomaly...not their standard operating procedure.

It is my opinion that the same organization I trust for their reviews is taking advantage of my trust by making two magazines with so much duplicate content. I will continue to subscribe to Consumer Reports, but I will NOT be renewing my ShopSmart subscription unless it stops duplicating so much of Consumer Reports.

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I have subscribed to "Consumer Reports" for years as I like their unbiased reviews and policy of not accepting advertising revenue. I still subscribe to "Consumer Reports" and have decided to subscribe to "ShopSmart" as well, as it retains the unbiased, no advertising attributes of "Consumer Reports" and focuses on making daily purchasing decisions without any hype or gimmicks.

"Consumer Reports" is extremely useful, but can be quite tedious and detailed, particularly when dealing with electronics or durable goods. "ShopSmart" retains the same general editorial tone, but is much more concise. The individual articles are informative but rather brief, focusing more on value choices versus technical minutiae: of the two it is the more readable magazine by far.

While I still consider "Consumer Reports" as the gold standard for product evaluation and differentiation, "ShopSmart" provides useful, easy to apply information in a highly readable package.

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Macleans Magazine

Though the magazine is owned by Rogers corp. which I hate very much, the magazine is great. It was once a lesser known and hard leftie magazine. These days it is among the finest in the world. Mark Steyn shines among their columnist. Andrew Coyne is now a well known author for his great works. The interviews in the magazine are informative and bright. All in all, this is one magazine I am proud to be subscribed to. IMO, it ranks among the finest magazine in North America. Better than Newsweek magazine, if you will, and you should know that it is sued by the Islamic Jihadists in Canada. I like it so much. 5/5

It took the full eight weeks to start arriving, but it was worth the wait. I enjoy learning things from outside my previous experience; Maclean's is going to expand my knowledge set quite a bit, as well as providing a hard copy to keep and the sort of commentary the online newspapers just don't run to. Thanks for giving me access to something I simply could not find otherwise.

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This magazine is a pretty good magazine with a Canadian slant. Also, the Macleans university guide is pretty helpful for students who are going to go to post-secondary education here in Canada soon.

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Nice to read news from another point of view, especially from our good neighbors to the North. I wish we were more like them.

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A magazine that is written by many National Post alumni, I think Maclean's does a decent job with its Canadian and international content. Considering it is one of the few national magazines in the country, there's little competition, if at all. Its ideology comes across as mainstream, but for the most part it is decidedly right-wing, which is unfortunate because of its position as the virtually lone national political magazine. But Maclean's will never be capable of matching the breadth and talented writing in American magazines like Newsweek or Time, who recently transfered its remaining costumers over to Maclean's. While it is occasionally interesting, most of its articles are rather forgettable. If you're looking for Canadian politics and general interest, than you might be best served here. But if you don't mind foreign publications, definitely look elsewhere.

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Lymphology

Lymphology is a fairly technical journal that would appeal mostly to professionals. I have lymphedema, and I am a Registered Nurse. I enjoy the articles greatly. I feel that reading Lymphology helps me to stay up-to-date on lymphedema issues.

Classics Illustrated Regular

Beginning in 1941, Albert Kanter's CLASSICS ILLUSTRATED series introduced millions of young readers to "Stories by the World's Greatest Authors." Now the comics-style literary adaptations are offered again in the original format by Jack Lake Productions for a new generation to discover. Old favorites such as THE THREE MUSKETEERS, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, MOBY DICK, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, and THE TIME MACHINE have returned to print with vintage 1950s artwork by George Evans, John Severin, Norman Nodel, Joe Orlando, and Lou Cameron -all as vibrant as ever. For collectors, a previously unavailable British edition of THE AENEID (pencils by Reed Crandall) has been added to the revived North American series as issue No. 170. Other reissued titles include GULLIVER'S TRAVELS, HUCKLEBERRY FINN, FRANKENSTEIN, SWISS FAMILY ROBINSON, TWENTY THOUSAND LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, TREASURE ISLAND, THE CALL OF THE WILD, THE WAR OF THE WORLDS, ROMEO AND JULIET, and A JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. First-timers and faithful fans alike should be pleased.

Ships Monthly

This is the best general magazine dealing with ships that I have seen. I have been a subscriber since 1974, and unlike many publications, it has significantly improved with time. All contemporary ships are illistrated with color photographs, most of which are sufficitly large to provide a good view. Many of the historical photos are also in color; however, good quality black and white ones are provided for those subjects that preceded color photography.

A reasonable variety of topics are covered; although the emphasis is on Europe. There are also occasional features on U. S. subjects. My only complaint is that passenger ships tend to receive more than what I consider to be the space they deserve, thereby short-changing the great variety of other fascinating ships, both military and commercial. The articles are well-written, and the authors appear to be knowledgeable with respect to their subjects. In a number of cases, I wished the articles were longer because they were so good, and I wanted to read more.

Given that Europe is currently the world's center of maritime technology and innovation, the Euro-centric slant of the magazine is a stength. I highly recommend SHIPS MONTHLY to anyone with more than a casual interest in ships and shipping.

Ships Monthly as the title indicates is a monthly magazine devoted to ships and shipping, both contemporary and historical. It is publsihed in the U.K. where the hobby of shipspotting, ship photography and historical research on ships is far more advanced than in the U.S. Given its British and continental audience, the magazine is oriented to the U.K. and western Europe. A typical issue will have the latest news on ferries (quite a popular subject in the U.K.), waterfront news, cruise ships, cargo ships, naval vessels and tugs. Following those pages, illustrated with color photos, there is usually a feature on ships of the past with an emphasis on passenger liners. There is often an article or two on naval issues, both historical and contemporary. Sometimes there is a very useful and long article on a major port with an emphasis on where one may access the water and take photographs. There usually is an article about some aspect of contemporary shipping. Rounding out the issue are regular columns including an interview with a ship's captain, historical photos, inquiries, letters, and the like. Also quite useful to this reviewer are the numerous advertisements from publishers and retailers of maritime books--most of the books advertised are not listed on Amazon. Despite the expense to those of us in the U.S., this magazine is HIGHLY recommend for anyone that has a serious and deep interest in shipping, both past and present. The British and European emphasis can be irritating and your favorite subject might not be included, but there is a complete void of this genre of magazine in the U.S. Highly recommended by this review who is admittedly a very hardcore ship fan--I would not want to be without it. If you are merely curious about shipping you may want to stick with the internet (such as and if you are a certified ship addict then Ships Monthly is for you.

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Love of Quilting

There are many quilting mags out there so which gets our limited cash?

I used to go to the magazine stand and count the number of quilt patterns in the magazines that I'd consider making; the one with the highest number went home with me. Well, this one has a great mix of patterns that we too-busy, too-broke, too-fussy quilters would actually make. I know many quilters love the new fabric styles (I call them Midwest Modern since that's the name of the first one I saw that I truly disliked) and there are a few of those here.

Mostly there are simple and complex designs, interesting stories, and several Americana designs that work well for Quilt of Valor projects. Who wouldn't love a magazine that encourages us to make quilts for our troops?? In general the colors are more traditional, with surprising combinations and unusual settings to keep things interesting. The photography is nice as well, showing the lovely quilts off to good advantage. each issue has lots of options to choose from so you are not at a loss for ideas.

One really disturbing trend that seems to be growing at this and some other magazines is the preponderance of quilts month after month by the same 4 or 5 independent designers. Two separate issues had 3 projects by the same designer. REALLY??? There are thousands of quilters out there coming up with gorgeous quilts and posting them online; why aren't the mags making use of all this talent? Month after month it's the same 4 or 5 designers getting all the glory. Most do not seem to be actively soliciting fresh faces with fresh ideas. Not cool.

(Ok, McCall's Quilting has quilts by the many of same designers month after month, but they are all editors or staffers there. I like it that the folks who put the magazine together are designing the quilts in it.)

I do wish they would add quilting suggestions for every design, but even so this is one of the better option for us quiltaholics.

So-I am a subscriber to this magazine. When I signed up for it (back in february), they offered a free gift... (still don't know what that is yet..) Today I get this free DVD in the mail of patterns and such. I think 'oh this must be my free gift'... um. no. If you read the fine print, you have so many days to send it back if you don't want it or you'll be charged 13.95 (a savings of over 40%off the regular subscriber price!) Not impressed.

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Gave lots of sources as well as several nice quilt patterns. Fons & Porter are known for their quilting. LL

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These magazines have great patterns and are not stuffed with a zillion foolish advertising dropout filler. (I have a pet peeve about paying for something and having it filled with paper bits that have to be unloaded before you can read the magazine. I enjoy advertisements that are relevant to the magazine topic, however). I also appreciate the ability to see the magazine online or download it to my iPad.

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