Portland Monthly

I agree with the other reviewer there certainly are a lot of ads. Nevertheless, as a long time Portlander, I always enjoy sitting down and perusing the mag from cover to cover each month. It's *not* a hard hitting news source, nor is it usually very in depth. It's not intended to be. It is a slick, glossy overview of the best of what the city has to offer (including the ads). I've had two separate gift subscriptions, and am planning on renewing for myself when this year is up.

I received one issue so far. I love reading about all the local things about Portland. I look forward to the rest of them.

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Portland Monthly is meant to fun, pretty and bright. It is not the Economist. If your idea of a monthly is all substance and no style, subscribe to a "journal."

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I know all magazines have lots of ads, but Portland Monthly takes it to a whole new level. At least 75% of the magazine is ads, probably more. The remaining pages are usually uninteresting and poorly written. Once in a great while they will have something moderately interesting, but I can spend 5 minutes on the internet and find more interesting content. Needless to say, I won't be renewing my subscription. I wouldn't even read the magazine if they sent it to me for free.

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Out of Portland pride, I subscribed to this magazine for over a year and it has put out some decent issues. But see it for what it is: great aesthetics and okay content. 75% ads? Try 80%+ in some issues, mainly real estate which would be helpful to the serial RE investor or out-of-towner but it's too much for the local. (Not to mention Bend is the only clear winner for RE investments in Oregon). The editorial information can be better acquired elsewhere--and more accurately too. I'm a great lover and 15-year resident of Portland and this magazine seems to be "selling" more of a flashy Beaverton-esque image than Portland. I keep telling my visitors Portland is better than it's portrayed here and not as superficial. PM is known for having won numerous awards . . . for layout and design which I do give credit. This is good if you intend to advertise with them. However, when I get Portland Monthly issues in the mail, they go to straight to my roommate who likes the pictures. It's probably difficult to pull off style and substance these days in the extremely competitive and dwindling print media industry. They get a star for trying.

Soldier of Fortune

Yes, you read correctly, World War III. That is what we are fighting right now. Soldier of Fortune brings coverage from all over the world that you don't get in the mainstream press. And the talking heads on TV certainly don't mention some of what SOF covers.

In every issue, there is a Terrorism Sitrep which gives a run-down on various arrests, attacks and other details related to worldwide terrorism. It's the first thing I open to because in 2 or 3 minutes, I can get a feel for what's going on.

Further, they gave (and still give) excellent coverage to the wars in Afganistan and Iraq. But they still cover what mercs are doing in Western Africa and how a small group of guys is trying to make a difference on the US-Mexican border (Ranch Rescue).

All-in-all, a great magazine. Definitely on the cutting edge with its stories, giving the reader information not readily accessible. If you are a military person, and/or concerned about what's REALLY going on in the world, you should read this. If you claim to be a patriotic American, you should read this to find out what the mainstream press won't tell you about the Mexican army, illegal drug runners, and the invasion of our southern border. READ THIS MAGAZINE!

Soldier of Fortune is not a great magazine, but it is a good magazine to keep an eye on. The articles generally include interviews with prominent politicians and military figures, reviews of guns, and news stories and research pieces. The news stories tend to come heavily from the right, and the conclusions they come to sometimes sound like conspiracy theories, but it is good that some people lean forward on the news to try to put things together. Also usually included is a piece on a military operation of the past, reviewing tactics, equipment, and personalities involved. I enjoy reading this magazine and have learned some things from it. I recommend it.

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Though I live in the UK (England if you prefer) I subscribe to Soldier of Fortune, because I admire it's forthright, often outspoken views. Though there are military magazines published here they tend to be either factual (planes or tanks), or historical. SoF's passionate defence of America and it's constitution, and individual rights is something you do not see very often this side of the ocean! Our magazines tend to be more reserved. If only the UK could produce something as patriotic. Opinion aside SoF has sharp colour photos, and more important articles covering topics which are simply ignored by the mainstream media.

Heartily recommended. If you in the USA it's a bargain!!!

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I'm a Brazilian, single and I was born in 1970. I never left my country, except for some weeks. I read just a few issues of this amazing American magazine. Please, I read many other American magazines, also about weapons and wars, but Soldier of Fortune is the best of them. If you want to read what is really happening in places such as Iraq or wants to know what really are Iran, Somalia, Venezeula or even Argentina and Brazil, this is a great choice.

For any war happening today, this is the best magazine to read. It seems that it doesn't sells good, but this is the best magazine in its area.

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This Mag covers everything from our troops serving in combat and occupation missions to the best new equipment. SOF also gives you a rundown on different weapons and stories of guys who lived to tell their own personal war stories. The World SITREP column in the centerfold gives a look at global stability or lack thereof and you can read about terrorist arrests and threats you are not being told about through mainstream media. The contributing editors are in the places they are writing about and are not there on assignment for the Mag, but are there helping to better the cause, so that what you read is accurate and fresh. I have been reading SOF since I was in 6th grade in the early 80's and I can remember reading about Osama bin Laden well before most Americans ever even heard the word Taliban. Read it and be up to speed it's a great source of info.

BTW you will save a lot of money by using the subscription card in the Mag

Simply Knitting

I've been buying knitting magazines for a year now and have finally decided that this is my absolute favorite! I like it because it has a very attractive lay out and a great variety of features. It is very down to earth with sections that focus on the readers: pen-pal ads, want ads, reader questions and photos of projects. There is always a really cute Alan Dart pattern of an animal, ornament or other toy. Debbie Bliss is also a regular pattern contributor. They have a good focus on building basic knitting skills with photos to help explain and a stitch library showing 3 new stitches to try. Interesting articles about knitting, past and present. They always review a groups of yarns in the same weight, as well as several books and websites. Lately there have been many US based websites reviewed. And you can't beat the fact that there is a gift with each issue...recent gifts include a pair of bamboo knitting needles, project clips to hold seams while you join, 3 ball yarn keeper/guide, a booklet of patterns for an Advent tree and 25 ornaments to make for it. Readers range in age from kids up to grannies. Pattern models tend to be babies, young children, older teens and gals in their 20s-40ish. Once you use the guide and glossary to get in English knitting mode, the patterns are not diffcult to understand and the print is color coded for different sizes and large enough to follow easily. Yes, the ads do focus on the British market, and the patterns use British yarns. They do however make the yarn weight and guide requirements very clear so you should be able to substitute fairly easily if you aren't using the suggested yarn. The patterns are often a new take on a classic form. And the variety is good: decorative items, ladies, childrens, mens, socks, bags, cushions, etc. If you are a knitter interested in the most trendy or difficult knits, this may not be for you. But if you knit for fun and fellowship, take a look!

I've now read 4 issues of this magazine and found several projects in each one. For beginners, the tutorials about the special techniques used in each project are especially helpful, and they make a quick review for more-experienced knitters. The 'learn to knit' section in the back of each issue is nearly as comprehensive as many standalone knitting-basics booklets. The projects in each issue's theme are generally diverse, with some patterns being attractive to more traditional or experienced knitters and others appealing to newer or more trend-conscious knitters.

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This magazine is worth the $$. The reason it's expensive is because it's from Britian but it's so worth the price. There is a new issue every month with a free gift. The magazine has something for every kind of knitter. Every issue has all kinds of knits that include accessories, baby items, adult clothing, dolls, tips and more. There are interesting articles every month that involve knitting for a great cause. What more can I say, except I love it!

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im a grandma now but i learned to knit at age 3. i have knitted and created and been proud of the beautiful things ive made for three generations. when i was young we had mccalls big magazine there was knitting world a lovely publication and workbasket a tiny book chock full of quality patterns. then knitting here in this country lost favor no one knits any more just us dinasaurs and a very few youngsters. patterns for toys at a time when imports are loaded with danger are almost non existant those that are available are sloppy garter stitch squares you sew together. sweaters are what i call unconstructed sloppy collars poorly designed. i had all but given up. then i found a simply knitting magazine at a garage sale i couldnt put it down. when i got to the alan dart pattern i was hooked. a real toy with shaped body expressive features actually had fingers and ears and a beard i found things for gifts and for the church sale i looked everywhere before finding a subscription here i paid very high single copy prices on e-bay. i have had a monthly delivery of this wonderful magazine for a year now. i can tell anyone who is thinking of the price do it. so its expensive, if you love to knit, if you want to learn, if you know how but havent knitted in ages because the available pattern books have been so poor that you havent made a thing in years, BUY THIS ONE!

you wont be sorry. if you dont keep patterns you can resell each copy for more than you paid if you find another disallusioned knitter. but you will keep each issue and if there is a child close to you alan dart toys are to die for. i could type praise for hours but my latest issue just arrived and there are at least 8 patterns i need to make. two beautiful dolls to make and a water bottle cozy three sweaters all beautiful and 2 needle socks and a scarf. so much to do so little time. and a free measuring tape this issue.

i sure wish this country would offer knitting magazines again but for now im with the brits they have the most wonderful patterns.

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I found this in a bookstore, but am seriously considering a subscription despite the high cost in the US. It is definitely worth the price tag the free gifts alone would be valued at about half the cost. The March '08 issue has a wonderful purse clasp with very clear instructions on how to make an adorable purse. Watch out for the different terminology that is used in the UK, especially with crochet. (Yes, there is a bit of crochet included, but don't worry if you don't like to crochet it's minimal for edgings and such.) Simply Knitting also uses higher quality and larger paper very pretty and nice to handle.

Colorado Biz

This magazine is progressive and insightful. The editorial design is top quality. It's fun and challenging. It avoids the typical business mediocrity in regional publications.

Oh, by the way, I am the Art Director of this magazine, so my review might be a little biased. Sorry.

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Ol' Skool Rodz

Ordered this as a gift for someone who loves old cars & is refurbishing an old Chevy truck...he loves this magazine.

I purchased it as a gift a couple of month's before Christmas and it just arrived so I wasn't pleased with the timing, but my husband was very pleased with the magazine. Would say it appeals to the older Rod generation he's in his 50's.

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i havent gotten a single issue yet , dont understand why payment went threw so whats the problem . Just waiting

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New Moon Girls

I first came across this magazine years ago when it was a fledgling publication. I was so impressed that I filed it in my memory banks and years later, when my daughter was about 6, I bought her a subscription. She's thirteen and still loves it. This magazine is ad-free and is written by girls, for girls. They promote open-minded exploration of ideas and values. And they explore all sorts of topics girls are interested in, everything from friendships to menstruation to zits to human rights to natural resources -all without ads or stupid stereotypes. I highly recommend this magazine and often give it as a gift! My only regret: they don't publish a similar magazine for boys! Most boys mags are just trendy trash.

I love this magazine for my tween girl!! It's got the kind of wholesome content that American Girl magazine has but without the ever-present push to buy products. It has excellent thought provoking stories, great for parents trying to raise a girl in today's materialistic, big-on-bling, low-on-substance world! An excellent alternative to most of the "teen magazines" that many tweens end up looking at. I think my 11 year old daughter has much better things to do with her time & mind than to lay around swooning over clothes, makeup & boys from tv shows.

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My 8 year old daughter just started getting this magazine. She really enjoys reading so the multiple short stories in the magazine are perfect for her.

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The stated age range for this magazine is 8 and up. I have not subscribed to the magazine, but I looked through the free sample copy on the publishers website, and I wanted to write to warn parents that it covers some fairly heavy topics. Things that are at least mentioned in passing include: body image issues, eating disorders, teasing, bullying, sexual abuse, forced child marriages, sexism, when to start dating, texting, etc. Most of the issues are handled tastefully, without inappropriate details, and giving room for the complexity of the issues. But depending on your girl and your household, you may not want to introduce these topics yet.

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After reading 2 issues of this magazine, I feel strongly that the suggested age range (of 8 and up) is off.

The first issue I picked up had a discussion about suicide, the next had one about abortion. These are two important topics but, IMHO, not for 8 year old readers. I also wished the discussions of "huge crushes" on boys had been left out. If I had reviewed these two issues before subscribing, I would not have done so at this time.

In addition to these "older" topics, there is some other good content. My complaint is that the age recommendation is way off. I would put this magazine more at the 12 and up range.

InStyle (1-year auto-renewal)

Hello, first off, I'm a dad and I got this magazine to add to other subscriptions for my daughter as she went from the tweens to the teens to help introduce her to styles and products in the marketplace.

Oddly enough, I have benefited a lot being able to recommend many of the products advertised therein to her (we used a Neutrogena face wash this week that actually worked!) and to have some idea what to purchase as gifts for other family members, etcetera.

As clothes and cosmetics become more and more expensive it helps to be able to make an informed decision the first time you buy and I enjoy giving many of the products as gifts for birthdays, Christmas, and surprises.

The magazine portrays some glitz but really appears to be excellent in its articles, advice, and the products it advertises (editor: cigarette ads are the exception).

Having run the gauntlet of women's and girls magazines and read all of them that my daughter subscribed to growing up for content and to discuss ideas with her, I recommend this for women and teens.

Be sure to order from Amazon, as I had major problems trying to give a gift subscription from InStyle's website as their site placed the order when I did NOT complete the order process and billed my friend instead of me and instead of being a surprise it was a month of wasted time back and forth with e-mails cancelling subscriptions and all the while they stated that I should notify so-and-so if I was displeased, but so-and-so NEVER got back to me, what a total mess!

Be careful with auto-renewal option. Just received auto-renewal for 1 year at the rate of $29.95 ! NOT a good deal on 2nd year.

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I ordered this subscription in mid December and still have not received my first issue. I would love to say I love the product though!

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I bought my first issue of InStyle two years ago and its gone downhill imho. The article titles on the front typically have absolutely nothing to the article itself, like what to wear now does not explain what to wear now nor does it point you in any general direction. The only plus side to the magazine is that it features bargain prices on clothing every once in a while. The pairings of clothing they put together used to be great, very wearable for the daytime and for most people not in a fashion business. Now it seems as if they've tried to mimic the weirdness that you see in Lucky magazine.

Another plus is the makeup and hair section, they do a good job showing what the newest trends in makeup are with a wide range of prices and products. FYI skintones are also factored in.

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Not only is this magazine a fun read, but also informative. It gives great ideas on what to wear, what make-up or skin products are the best, the latest hot spots and fun places to go, and great ideas for gifts and parties. The interviews and articles are informative and fun, but my favorite section is when they let you in on a celebrity/prominent person's party or get together. They give you all the details as well as some recipes of items they serve so you could recreate it if you wanted to. I like it so much I actually bought the InStyle Party book! This is a great magazine!

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Backhome

Backhome is published in the same town in NC that the original Mother Earth News was, uses some of the same authors and artists, and has the same friendly, practical, folksy feel that you've been looking for ever since.

Filled with information for young and old, rich and poor, city or country (but especially country), Backhome is a good magazine from good people for the good life. You'll enjoy garden-fresh recipes, tons of how-to articles for the homestead, information on animals and herbs, reusing and making do, and humor to make the true back-to-the-lander smile and nod. If you enjoyed the classic Mother Earth News, come Backhome again.

This magazine is more like a good booknot many ads, with excellent articles and no fluff. It seems like the best of traditional knowledge with seasonal relevance and modern consideration. Back Home is great for DIYers and those who are interested in sustainable living. Highly recommended.

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A very useful and practical magazine if you are a do-it-yourselfer. I highly recommend this magazine.

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Ive thoroughly enjoyed the heck out of the 3 issues ive received so far. Even the articles that have nothing to do with me are interesting.

Really wish there were more issues per year though.

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Who needs Martha Stewart's cupcakes and flower arranging? Not when you have Backhome's articles about solar and water generators, raising chickens and rabbits for meat, and which tractor is best suited to your needs. It even talks about the value of a good dump! (As in, that place you used to take your trash in the old days.) Not a frou frou magazine!

Memphis

This magazine is a 'steal' for the price ($15) The editors keep its readers informed on anything that matters! It is a 'slick' copy, fit for any coffee table!

We have subscribed since it's inception, along with magazines for other cities we frequent (we live in a suburb of Memphis). It gives you a lot of great information and its restaurant listings in the back are most helpful, especially when a new one appears. We love the "Ask Vance" column about old Memphis (pre 1965) as we have both lived here most of our lives and we are now retired. We frequently give gift subscriptions to newcomers.

If you plan on coming for Memphis in May (our annual month-long festival) it gives you great coverage so you know when to come for things like the BBQ contest or Sunset Symphony. (If you plan on coming this year, better make hotel reservations NOW).

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