Wine Spectator (1-year auto-renewal)

Wine Spectator is the most prominent and widely available wine criticism magazine and as such it has been endlessly pilloried. Well, they deserve it one recent issue's cover story was "Danny DeVito and Rhea Pearlman, Hollywood Power Couple!" How ridiculous can you get? The pages are littered with articles devoted to wealthy Californians and their extensive cellars; one recently spent an entire article on a rich man who helps his rich friends by cataloguing their cellars on, gasp, a spreadsheet! Yeah, it's like that.

Wine Spectator has also been criticized for the way it uses hyperbole to the extent that no one believes them when they're right anymore. Oenophiles now wait for Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) to back them up before believing it. "Best Vintage since 1961" and "Vintage of the Century" and "Vintage of the Decade" are far too common copy, coming once a year or so.

The vintner profiles hold some interest, but don't fool yourself, you read this magazine for the scoring. Wine Spectator has the resources to taste more wines than any other English language publication (that I know of) and despite some strange results, are generally good at evaluating the bottles in question. As I've noted elsewhere, in spite of the hyperbolic headlines, the Spectator is stingier than Robert Parker for rating wines "Outstanding." The caveat is that a lot of wines get bunched up in the 84-86 point range, although I suppose that matches my experience.

By comparison to the Wine Advocate, I find Wine Spectator scores much more inconsistent. This makes sense because the Spectator has a larger staff and it's difficult to establish a common benchmark across all of the offices and tasting panels. In their favor, they do review a fair number of lower priced wines, more than their aforementioned colleague, and their reactions are more or less in the ballpark as to where I'd put them if I were doing the reviews. But know when using the Spectator to allow some give on either side, a confidence interval, if you will.

It might be terrible that a magazine wastes its first three quarters of every issue on mindless fodder for social climbers. It might be tasteless that they spend so much time promoting the notion that wine is an investment, instead of an immensely enjoyable consumable commodity. But those of us with big brains and modest credit ratings know that there is much to be salvaged from the back of each issue. We also know that Parker is the first point of reference.

There's certainly a lot to hate about Wine Spectator and, for that matter, Wine Advocate. Many winemakers decry the existence of both magazines, and usually lay the blame entirely at Robert Parker's doorstep for making the 100-point rating system an industry standard.

Wine Spectator's scores have gotten better with time, as have their articles. They've shied away from California "glitz" and have looked more into food. Also, the education classes that they list on their website are becoming increasingly more helpful.

Apparently they listened to much of the criticism and worked toward creating a more respected magazine. I think they've done well.

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The Wine Spectator is one of those magazines designed to reassure you that you're rich or that you soon could be, all in the context of a shared love for the fruit of the vine.

There's lots of deadly serious material in this glossy, pleasing publication. But if you're a lover of wine who is *not* rich the category includes this reviewer you need to learn to take it with a sense of humor. Just enjoy the game.

That game includes a travelogue of the world's wine regions as well as the possibility of gaining a decent education via month-by-month reading in viticulture and wine appreciation itself. This reader is in it for the long haul I hope to enjoy good wine at an affordable cost for the duration of this earthly slog and the Wine Spectator is my companion along the way.

My job takes me out for many dinners in various parts of the world that include wine-splendored places like France, South Africa, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and of course Northern California. But with wineries now in 49 of the USA's fifty states, what's *not* a wine region these days?

On those business treks, I find myself out for dinner as often as not. It's personally satisfying to know just enough to order a Pinotage in Capetown, since only South Africa produces this varietal, or to opt for one of Argentina's persuasive Malbecs because they're just *that* good. We're not talking wine snobbery here, just satisfaction at the margins of life's all too margin-less journeys.

If this sounds like your game, the Wine Spectator may be a worthwhile investment. Even if not, consider splitting a subscription with a colleague. That's what I do. At half the price, I get a fine magazine and avoid burdening my bookshelves with one more heavy, beautiful, pleasant magazine. Life can deal you worse.

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The fact is that Wine Spectator is about the most inconsistant, beholden to special interest, pseudo-wine magazine ever! Their reviews are indeed gushing...I challange anyone to find a single negative comment. They say tastings are blind and comments are registered before the bottles are revealed so I would like to know how they consistantly come up with bottle-specific comments like, "this is a good Grange, but not quite up to the standards of previous vintages." ...Tasting is also done by panal highlighting another weakness: Usually, you can learn the palate and preferences of a particular reviewer, compare them to your own, and weight that person's ratings accordingly...here you have no idea which so-called 'experts' have reviewed a particular wine, so this tool is lost. Additionally, none of the WS reciewers, to my knowledge, posesses either a 'Master of Wines' or a 'Master Sommielier' certification. While extremely difficult to earn (Robert Parker has failed the MoW test twice), either should be a prerequisite for a professed expert (or at least one of them). For real wine enthusiasts, subscribe to decanter; for the more casual drinker, food&wine presents a much better value.

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I subscribed to WS for a couple years in the late 90s, and loved the magazine. It keeps a balance between reviews of wines both new (which is the main emphasis) and older vintages, and background stories on vintners and so on. The writers are almost all very good (and I'm a professional writer myself) -only one of them do I dislike and he doesn't review the wines. Both the wine connoisseur and the novice can profit from reading this publication. I only dropped the subscription because I moved and the collection, no issue of which I wished to discard, was occupying more and more space on my bookshelves.

Now I subscribe to the online edition so I can check ratings before I buy a wine. The WS, in addition to Parker and other reviewers, perform an essential service for critical consumers who can't otherwise judge whether a bottle is worth the price asked. And we need WS and Parker and all to tell us when the best reds are ready to drink -some really great ones are not mature for more than a decade. I drank the highly rated Chateau Canon 1982, for which I'd paid over $100, 17 years after harvest, and my group could tell it wasn't ready -still closed down. Sure enough, if I had read Spectator carefully, I'd have picked another bottle for that occasion because they said it wasn't yet mature.

Robert Parker has the reputation for being more influential for high-end wines, but Wine Spectator's scores are generally pretty close to his. And they review a broader spectrum, as noted by other commentators below. WS will often steer you to excellent buys for under $15, or even under $10. If you get only one of these per month, or steers you away from a very overpriced bottle, the subscription (about $50) pays for itself.

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Sports Illustrated KIDS (1-year auto-renewal)

I hesitated before subscribing to this magazine on behalf of my son, mainly due to a vague sense of dread about how SIKids might handle the inevitable boorish behavior by various jock/celebs. Every week in the "older" version of SI, you read something about drug bust this, assault and battery that--and you wonder what effect the antics of these millionaire morons has on kids. Well, to my surprise (and relief), SIKids generally skirts this type of nonsense and focuses squarely on the achievements of great athletes. The layouts and photos are great and the writing never talks down to kids. Instead, the magazine seems to excel at delivering good, solid journalism that kids can actually appreciate and relate to. SIKids is a VERY good investment if your son or daughter loves sports!

This a fabulous sports magazine whiich features interviews, sports reporting, quizzes and games, and stories about professional as well as amateur (many of them young) athletes. The magazine is fun, factual, and age appropriate. In fact, I sometimes enjoy the purity of the stories, which evoke the joy of sports and elevate the human angle. Each issue also has a 2-page mini-poster, and lots of fun features that not only inform and entertain, but promote reading. One of the best gifts you can get for any young sports fan--but you may find yourself borrowing it!

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Sports Illustrated for Kids is an excellent magazine for younger sports fans. In each issue you get collectible cards, the "Buzz Beamer" comic, trivia challenges, a calendar, a "What's On TV" column and, of course, informative articles featuring athletes, plus so much more.

As a 14-year-old sports fan, I truly look forward to receiving this magazine every month because it's so fun and interesting to read.

This is a must have for kids and teens who enjoy sports!

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I ordered this as a birthday gift for my 8yr old nephew who loves to both play and watch sports. Now he grabs the issue as soon as it arrives and runs to his room to read it and get his new trading cards. Each issue also comes with a small poster in the middle that can be hung in their room or locker. It appears to have the same or similar articles as the "adult" version but no swimsuit issue and otherwise edited for the younger set. He has already asked me to renew the subscription for his next birthday. This is a great way to get your kids reading which will also help improve their writing as well as other skills needed in school (and life).

If your child loves sports I highly recommend investing in a subscription well worth the $20!

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I have been a subscriber to Sports Illustrated for Kids for nearly 10 years now. Sports Illustrated for Kids is a great magazine that is sent out monthly to subscribers. It includes great stories about professional players and their personal lives as well as stories about kids in the sports world and a lot more. Sports Illustrated for Kids is full of great, interesting articles, fun games, trivia, comics, and is very easy to read. Every month their is a featured player, who a large article is written about and a large poster is included. There is even a section for video game fans called Sports Gamer that reviews the latest sports video games.

If you are looking for a special gift for a child who likes sports, I highly recommend that you subscribe to this magazine.

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Astronomy

Love Astronomy Magazine, but it's $29.95/year via the magazine insert subscription card, and $42.95 via Amazon.

Why???

So, you are interested in astronomy and ready to pick up a subsciption to an astronomy magazine, but are not sure which magazine to purchase? First let me say, "Good for you!" I never go a month without a magazine. It is difficult to keep up to date with the night sky without a monthly guide.

But you are probably trying to decide whether to read "Astronomy" magazine or "Sky & Telescope". These are the two big North American competitors. The good news is, you won't go wrong. Both are excellent magazines and both are of similar quality, size, and usefullness. I regularly read both of them. The difference is a matter of subtle leaning. Astronomy magazine leans a little more toward the amateur. It includes monthly selections that will help a person who is learning the sky. It is a favorite of those who appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Sky & Telescope is a little more technical. It is written for someone who tackles the subject with the passion of a scholar. As I wrote, the difference is subtle. Either way, you won't go wrong.

Let me go out on a limb here. If you are reading this review and trying to decide, you probably will enjoy Astronomy magazine more.

UNLESS . . .

That is, unless you do not own a telescope and do own a pair of binoculars. Sky & Telescope includes a small "Binocular Highlight". It isn't large, less than a page, but it is enough to challenge you.

Which way do I personally lean? Last year I leaned toward Sky & Telescope and picked up occasional Astronomy magazines at the bookstore. This year I subscribe to Astronomy and pick up occasional Sky & Telescopes at the books store. Next year . . .who knows? I keep trying out different magazines and comparing them. I also subscribe to another astronomy magazine.

A final word, there are other serious contenders in the field of astronomy magazines. For example, "Sky at Night" has them both beat, but it costs a lot more, so I don't get it.

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By far, this is my all-time favorite astronomy magazine, and its companion website is a fantastic, useful, up-to-date resource. This magazine has fantastic photos and illustrations. Its plethora of articles are well-written and diverse---from simple star-gazing techniques, to amateur astronomy, to serious astro-imaging, to NASA's greatest projects, to cosmic oddities like Wolf-Rayet stars. Occasionally, readers are treated to some astro-history or other stories relating astronomy to other topics such a mythology, history, philosophy, literature, biology, archaeology, current events, etc. [Review Update June 4, 2008: As an example of this last statement, the new July 2008 edition of Astronomy contains an intriguing article on a old mystery: "Did Ancient Astronomers Build Stonehenge?" by Dan Falk. The article opens dramatically with an eerie image of Stonehenge and Comet Hale-Bopp from 1997; this image is a well-placed spread (filling two pages), capturing the minds and imaginations of readers. As a second treat this month, the magazine also includes an Astrobiology article, "Are We Looking for Life in the Right Places?" by Daniel Pendick.)

The magazine always includes reliable features like a lovely "The Sky this Month" pull-out section that describes sky events, constellations, and objects as they will appear in the given month. "Ask Astro" answers many questions on space topics, and Phil Harrington's "Binocular Universe" article always helps viewers locate the treasures of the sky. Bob Berman's "Strange Universe" is a good read, usually with a dash of humor and / or personality.

Updated Note June 4, 2008:

As an eyeglass wearer, I am always sensitive to layouts, prints, and text. Astronomy magazine's fonts and visual design elements are bright, clear, and easy to read.

**Before you decide on this magazine, check out Sky & Telescope magazine and its reviews. I subscribe to both magazines and have found that each magazine has its own personality and readership. I prefer Astronomy, of course, as stated above; however, Sky & Telescope has some interesting features and notable strengths too. A visit to your local library or newstand can give you the opportunity to preview each magazine for yourself before signing onto a subscription. **

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I absolutely love this magazine. It keeps me up to date on what's happening in the night sky and in the world of telescopes and astronomy. Aimed more at the casual amateur. I tend to think of it as a lighter version of Sky & Telescope

Very beautiful and they are liberal with pictures of night sky objects. If you are just beginning out in astronomy this is a great place to start. You are going to be shocked by how many things are going on in the night sky on a regular basis! Not just phases of the moon and meteor showers here. They also have lots of stuff about telescopes which I really like.

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This Magazine as well as the organization behind it has seriously deteriorated . As another reviewer described it , the shrinkage not only in the size of the magazine but also its relevant content . It seems to contain more science fiction and hypothetical material as time goes on . No longer is it based on what would resemble an aid to the hobby of astronomy and the use of a telescope . Sky & Telescope is far superior if this type of publication is what you are after .

Classic Bike Guide

When I first saw the Classic Bike Guide magazine I must admit I had my doubts. But then I bought a copy and was blown away by the read. It covered all the trully classic bikes from AJS to Norton to Triumph and so on. The articles are at just the right depth, not to bland and providing enough technical information to make the true enthusiast (like my goodself long live the Sunbeam) salivate.

You have got to try this mag.

Mark

Nursing Made Incredibly Easy

Easy to access information -isn't that what most bedside nurses need most? NMIE offers tables, pictures, and other methods to easily access the information you need. It is not a research journal, and doesn't pretend to be. NMIE is for clinical nurses who need information fast and easy, and want to be shown how to put new information into clinical use immediately.

I recommend this journal to anyone who wants to stay up-to-date quickly and easily. It's a very helpful addition to every nurse's library.

I have never subscribed to any nursing magazines before. I always felt that they weren't very practical for my job in the ER as a RN. Well, this is the best nursing magazine that I have ever read. The articles are very informative and well written, hence the name of the magazine. I have gained valuable knowledge reading the articles. Any new and experienced nurse should read and subscribe to this magazine.

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Simplified versions of complicated medical information! I love this magazine!It is Nursing Made Incredibly easy! Wonderful Gift for a Nursing Student, New Nurse Grad., or a Nurse who loves a review of "nursing school information." Provides wonderful examples, and illustrations! This is a must for any nurse! The book series is wonderful also!

Director of Medical/Surgical/Pediatrics

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This journal/magazine presents evidence-based information in a format that makes learning accessible and much easier, especially for nurses who don't have a lot of extra time. It uses creative illustrations and cartoons in the sidebars to illustrate key points. You can learn even by just browsing through the tables and illustrations.

My very first issue was quickly snipped into pieces for both staff and patient education materials. I used some of the illustrations and tables on our bulletin boards in the hospital hallway (appropriately referenced, of course). Nurses constantly commented on how they loved the illustrations and summary tables, how they really clarified some of the pathophysiology for them. Then, imagine how surprised I was to see the bulletin board a week later with BLANK SPACES glaring at me!! People, most likely patients, had actually stolen things off of the bulletin board! Looks like they finally found some information that made their disease easy to understand!

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I have read so many comments about this publisher and the customer service they offer. As a recent nursing graduate, my father ordered me a gift subscription to AJN & Nursing Made Incredibly Easy in JULY. In one weeks time, AJN sent me April, May, June & July issues. Nursing Made Easy sent me Jan/Feb, March/April, May/June issues. This made me so upset! AJN had my subscription to expire in Mar & Nursing Made Easy had my ending in Jan/Feb. I called both magazines customer service (the number is printed in the front of both magazines) and they changed my subscription to expire in July (which is when it should have started & ended). I can't believe that these magazines do this. Everyone who has experienced these problems should call customer service and make them make it right!!!!!

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Car Craft (1-year auto-renewal)

Car Craft has a nice mix of content some high end feature cars, low buck tech tips and even some humor. They cover old engines, new engines and older cars, but what stops them from hitting five stars is the lack of new platform content. 60s and 70s iron is rare and expensive, and if you are looking for ways cars not from that era, there is precious little car content. Newer engine information is present in spades, and there is still plenty of excellent general technical advice that all enthusiasts will appreciate, so it is worth the subscription price. Finally, Car Craft brings some irreverence that is sets it apart from other publications and helps keep it light and fun.

I've been a Car Craft subscriber for the past 5 years and have had an opportunity to review some of the older issues as well and I have enjoyed them all.

They tend to have a nice mix of interesting new products, well done cars, engine/body tech, and other interesting articles. They covered the LA street racing scene recently and it was a great article. I'm a big fan of their junkyard crawl section (which unfortunately has been missing from the last couple of issues!) done by Steve Magnante, the walking car knowledge encyclopedia of Barrett Jackson fame.

My favorite thing about Car Craft is that they give you a great rundown of what is actually in a car for components. As I build my own muscle car projects, I want to know what others are using in their cars. I find that specific information about components in a car is missing from other mags, but not CC.

I have only two minor quibbles with the magazine. First is that I am a Mopar guy at heart and find that Car Craft sometimes devotes a bit too much space to Chevys, especially Novas and Camaros. However, I can always appreciate a nice car and I still enjoy articles about nice/interesting examples of those models. Second is that they do a lot of coverage of West Coast shows and meet and greets, but little to nothing from the East Coast. I realize that they live on the West Coast, though, so they can only cover what is around them, but its still a bummer for an East Coast guy...

I must disagree with anyone who calls it Car Crap. Each and every issue which I receive gets read cover to cover within a few days of receiving it and I bet you will find the same phenomenon occurs when you subscribe to it as well!

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I had problems with missing issues for Car Craft magazine due to an address change. Several e-mails did not correct the problem.

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This is a fun, informative magazine. I enjoy reading it and getting the info on how to upgrade my Mustang. This is good since they don't focus only on Mopar or Chevy or Mustang.

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I bought this subscription several years ago for my car-fanatic husband. He looks forward to every issue. I love the auto-renewal because I don't have to worry about renewing it every year when I know he will want another subscription!

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