Showing posts with label fine woodworking magazine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fine woodworking magazine. Show all posts

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Radio Control Car Action

Radio Control Car ActionI subscribed to this magazine for a number of years in high school, and pick up issues of interest, such as their buyer's guides, from the news stand every once in a while.

Car Action is the premiere magazine in the RC Car category. Covering everything from the cutting edge, sponsored racers, to "Readers' Rides", this magazine will keep you up to date and fuel your passion for RC Cars. Even the advertising can be informative, as you get to see what is available in the market.

Although I haven't picked on up personally in sometime now, I have to make an old school recommendation to all RC Car enthusiasts. Pick up an issue of RC Car action, and see for yourself.

I have subsribed to all the r/c mags for some time.

This mag has become a glorified catalog for the adertizers.

it used to be a real good mag once.

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i have always loved looking at this mag only thing that could make it better would be to have a crawler section in each issue.

Read Best Reviews of Radio Control Car Action Here

I'm recently getting back in to RC cars, and figured the best way to catch up was to grab a couple of magazines.

On one hand, you have RC Driver, which is a pretty broad publication that tries to cover beginners to enthusiasts.

On the other, you have this magazine, which is almost a parody of itself.

The January '13 issue seems to be pushing the "hot ladies love RC cars!" angle (with "hot" being incredibly subjective) when you manage to find a page that doesn't have something to do with Traxxas. Granted, as the holiday issue, it literally has a Traxxas catalog in the middle -but that catalog dominates the entire magazine.

What little original content there is seems to be rehashing descriptions you could read on any hobby shop's site, and apparently, publishing MSRP (or any price) on any of the products is a major faux pas in the editors' eyes. I guess if I loved Traxxas and RTR cars as much as most Radio Control Car Action's readers appear to, I'd probably know what the prices are without needing to be told.

I don't hate it, but I really don't understand why it's the more expensive of the two RC car magazines, when it has the least amount of original content.

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Great mag but the new pricing is a bit much considering they make a bundle on advertizing, especially from Traxxus!

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Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Sci-Fi

Sci-FiSci Fi Magazine is billed as the official magazine of the Science Fiction Channel. However, you should know that this magazine covers more than just science fiction and much more than the Science Fiction Channel. There is coverage of horror, fantasy, related video games, and books.

The two most extensive areas of coverage for the magazine are movies and television. In the issue I received were articles on new movies and current and planned television series. In case you think that this magazine is one big advertisement for this type of entertainment, think again. One article used the term "shlock-fest" to describe a movie (that I too think could be described by that terminology). Some articles are more in-depth than others, with some being short summaries, and others including quotes from directors, producers and actors.

In addition to the coverage of movies and television, DVD releases are covered. Included in many of the reviewing articles are grades so that you clearly know what the reviewer thought about the movie. While in the particular edition I reviewed I did not see any "Fs," I did see one "D." I will leave you to find which movies receive such a poor grade yourself, though I will also tell you that I agreed with all the grades with the exception of one.

I was impressed that this magazine covered books as well as video games. It seems to me that most magazines cover video games these days, so there was little surprise there, but when a magazine that appears to heavily weighted to television and movies covers books, even if the coverage was limited to one section, then Sci Fi Magazine truly makes all media related to the genre its own.

Having moved away from current video games, I am unable to speak about the quality of the video game reviews. However, once again there were grades for each of the video games, with enough explanation why the grade was received to justify the grade. One article about a certain video game based on a mega-hit fantasy trilogy explained that the graphics were incredible, justifying a higher grade, but the game play was sometimes tedious because you had to find a specific character during a battle (involving hundreds?) at exactly the right time, which kept the game from being a winner.

I stress again that this magazine covers more than just science fiction. In fact, I would say that the issue I reviewed contained more horror than science fiction, and about as much fantasy as science fiction. The magazine includes animé its scope as well. There was a tantalizing article about the impending release of early Miyazaki films (though the article stressed that the release had been delayed several times, so you should not hold your breath note that reviews are time capsules, so the early Miyazaki might have been released by the time you read this).

The editors and authors of this magazine are well versed in all these genres, and are readily able to relate the history of a particular film and its predecessors, as well as directors and actors, and any other individuals involved in a particular form of entertainment.

I have struggled to find a media magazine that talks intelligently to a reader about things they find interesting, versus whether they are dating or the clothes they wear and other mundane, irrelevant trivia. What I want to know is whether the movie, television show, video game, DVD, book, or whatever, is any good. What was the director's vision? Explain more what the actors have to say about the film, assuming they have something intelligent to say. While Sci Fi Magazine has a few minor annoyances (there were a couple of actor's quotes that related more to irrelevancies than something substantive), in general this magazine is the best single source of coverage for science fiction, fantasy, horror and animé movies, television, and DVDs, with additional coverage of video games and books. Once you try this magazine you may find yourself addicted.

Thanks to the folks at Sovereign Media, Inc., for providing me with a copy of this magazine.

I have always wondered about the magazine but never read one until recently. I loved the articles and was surprized by the fact there is more than Sci Fi & Fantasy listed in this magazine. It was nice having a preview of TV shows I watch (although some of the material had already aired prior to the magazine coming out). I have even picked up a couple of books from the reviews in the magazine (and I am not a big Sci Fi/Fantasy book reader). I wish I had subscribed long ago.

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I love Sci-Fi and the insight it gives me to my favorite shows, etc. My only complaint is that some of the items are written months eariler and are now very out of date. otherwise, I love it.

Read Best Reviews of Sci-Fi Here

I enjoy reading anything about the latest Science Fiction movies, books, etc. This is the best book out there that gives me all I want to know.

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I wanted to renew my subscription online instead mail. SyFy is greatest -rating movies, books, dvds and TV. I consider it one best in reviewing SciFi ...

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Saturday, April 26, 2014

Vogue (1-year)

VogueAs Vogue documents the hottest looks from the world's best designers, the entire fashion industry holds its breath in anticipationthen scrambles to interpret what Vogue dictates: the magazine is that influential. If you're looking for good, practical advice on cosmetics or picking the right style swimsuit for your body type, you're better off with Glamour or Marie Claire. What you'll find in Vogue is not really "practical" but rather high falutin', haute couture kind of stuff. Compared to other popular women's magazines, what distinguishes Vogue from the rest is how it successfully situates the fashion/beauty business as a vital, viable and artistic component of culture and society. So you're not just getting fashion layouts to look at, but also great articles on writers, architects, actors, art exhibits, and so on. Most everything pictured in Vogue is of course, out of the average person's price range, and the overall magazine's tone makes no apologies for this snobbery. But I still think it's a beautiful magazine to look at for its artistic vision, and for well-written articles on culture.

Oh, I love Vogue and its flashy, flaunting of fashion, its articles lauding vacuous socialites, "it-girl" actresses and the occasional over-40 writer/power moguls, and pages of outerspace-priced clothing on willowy martian-looking mannekins (who we all know now on a first name basis). Really, I love it! Okay, well, it is a bit in love with itself and its authority on fashion, but really ladies, fashion won't save the world, no matter how many charity balls you cover. It's hard to get as worked up over a (last season) pair of ostrich shoes or clutch purse, and enter a mosh pit at some Barney's outlet sale at your "insider's" behest. It really could whip some impressionable young people into a froth of rampant materialism! Makes one wonder if those bound-in perfume samples are starting to smell like "advertorial!"

Vogue does have its merits, including great photography, the occasional thought-provoking article by a guest writer, and bits on designers lurking on the fringes of affordability. Still, it's a fun bit of eye-candy and fantasy/vicarious luxury living each month. Yes, I do have a subscription, but I read it with a boulder of salt lodged firmly in my cheek.

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This month's issue of Vogue (July 2008, with Nicole Kidman on the cover) clarified for me the significant drop in quality at American Vogue over the years. The magazine has reduced in size, now smaller than US letter paper. The spine measures less than 1/4 inch. The printing and paper quality are low. The content of the July issue, in particular was watery. Vogue used to contain expansive descriptions of trends and details, but if the last few issues are an indicator, they must have fired a lot of writers. What exists now is not much more than product placement ads. The photo pages are few in number as well. I know that there is much more to fashion now that what was in Vogue lately. What's going on? Maybe there needs to be a change in editorial leadership. In the meanwhile, sadly I probably won't renew.

Read Best Reviews of Vogue (1-year) Here

Vogue is full of ads. I pick this magazine up and I don't start getting to the articles until I am a fourth through the thing. I find the articles quite boring and not informative at all. One good thing about Vogue is the photos are pretty artistic and you get an idea of how fashion is art, but that is about all I get out of it. So, if you like advertisments this mag is for you.

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So I usually get magazines through the mail (old-fashioned way) and overall I had gotten great results. I believed that if I got a magazine subscription through internet it would be easier and faster. Was I wrong! First of all it took almost 2 months to get the first magazine, and when I did I got a 2 month old magazine, and up to now I have yet to receive the august issue which came out to stores almost three weeks ago. I definitely DO NOT recommend getting magazine subscriptions through anywhere else besides the ancient, yet effective way of mail.

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Thursday, April 10, 2014

Threads

ThreadsThis is a quality magazine with a knowledgable staff. I have never been disappointed with an issue--each one has helpful tips that are explained in detail with examples, good graphical representation, and procedures. A while ago my father-in-law asked me how sewing machines worked, how the threads could connect to work at all, and lo and behold, the next issue of "Threads" explained that very concept in an easy-to-understand way. I like how this magazine covers so many different topics. For example, recent issues covered such items as choosing the proper sewing machine needle for your project, how to use the different feet that come with sewing machines, how to make the perfect button hole, which hems for which garment/fabric type. Some sewing magazines just focus on the fads, spending so much time on one subject (like machine embriodery--which would be helpful if I had one!) that those of us relatively new to sewing don't get the real tips and tricks that any sewer needs to create a quality garment or other project. Recommended.

I used to dream about subscribing to Threads and drool over them in the library, but the new format beginning in Fall 2005 is disappointing. They have added many more articles of interest to very new sewers such as how to choose the correct needle for a fabric. This basic info is readily available in many basic sewing books and it is not why I renewed to Threads for another 3 years. This magazine once showed cutting edge techniques and lots of projects that intermediate and advanced sewers could savor. As a beginning sewer I used to dream about conquering the exciting projects in Threads. Now, they have watered it down to appeal to less skilled people at the expense of the projects and information that made it stand out from other sewing magazines. This is still a "good" magazine, but no longer excellent. I wish that I could get back my money for the next 3 years and spend it on fabric.

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I have always enjoyed every issue of Threads in the past. The new format / contents does not appeal to me. Threads is now a beginner sewing magazine like many others on the market. Thread's was once a great magazine, the only one on the market for the intermediate and advanced sewers. The projects were wonderful and I and other's I know kept every single issue. Not now, there isn't really much in Thread's for the wearable art/advanced sewer. I will really miss the couture finishing techniqes and other articles with new ideas. These articles were much more detailed than any book. Because of this detail a sewer with some experience could use these articles to become an advanced sewer more quickly than buying many books. I only gave the 2 star's because it is a nice beginner magazine. If you are new to sewing this is a good magazine, but the more advanced sewer's should pass this one up.

Read Best Reviews of Threads Here

I have been sewing for 30 years. I started when I was only eight years old. I thought I knew how to sew. I would see garments in shows and wonder how some people could do such a beautiful job. I finally found the answer! This magazine covers so many topics to really sharpen sewing skills and make projects have that extra special touch. The articals are interesting and the instuctions are clear. Even the ads are helpful to find the hard to get items. I would highly recomend this magazine to anyone that sews.

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I simply love this magazine. Over the years as I have taken on a sewing project. The odd class play costume, pair of curtains or the shirt I wanted. This Magaizine has always had the best explainations of sewing instructions, plus pictures to go along.

I have enjoyed their insightful discussions of fabrics as well as all the latest "news" from the wide world of garment making. I apperciate that they are not devoted to making holiday crafts! The world does not need another set of fluff instructions.

I look foward to the beautiful back page of historical fabric as well every month.

Its the only magazine of which I have ever collected an entire set of back issues. These I consider a bit of a "Sewing Safty Net" They are worth their weight in gold.

Some day maybe I'll buy the issues binders.

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Friday, February 14, 2014

Lenswork

LensworkLenswork is a gem. I adore the three layer black and white printing process used to display this art photograph. The tones and details are so rich and vibrant. A unique joy just for the photos. All in black and white so if you are intrested in color you won't find any here.

There is plenty of new and retrospective photograpy sections. There are three to four photographers work in each issue. Always something very new and something wonderful from the past.

The magaizine has great interviews of photograpers and essays on art and photograpy. There is not real techincal ideas about photography, but many ideas and philospophical challenges to jump start your photographic imagination. It is an inspiring work.

Also it is not subsidized by advertising. Only advertisment you will see is print sales from the magizine itself and a subscription application. So it is selling it own ideas not some slotch that drives you to by a product.

There's a lot to like about Lenswork the selection of images, the quality of the printing, Bill Jay's "End Notes" but the thing I like the most is that there is almost no discussion of equipment. Brooks Jensen (the editor/publisher) doesn't appear to care what camera you used to make a photograph, or how many miles through a raging blizzard you hiked to make it. All that matters is the image. And after you've finished looking at the images, you'll find a lot of wisdom and practical information packed into each issue, too.

Highly Recommended!

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This is a 'small' magazine in size but large in terms of inspiration. The photographs and the stories are not so much focused on technique but more on the artistic values and philosophy of photography. Each issue includes an interview with an artist as well as one or more sets of photographs. The publishers are deeply involved in photography and often contribute their own images. Like good art, the photographs show that good photographers can turn ordinary objects into interesting subjects. Hence, the inspirational value of the publication.

In addition to 'standard' magazine fearures, the publishers often offer the ability to purchase limited edition prints like the current offer for some of Bradford Washburn's mountain photographs.

Read Best Reviews of Lenswork Here

This is perhaps my favorite Photography magazine. The printing is fantastic as is the subject matter. I really like the fact there are no ads in it at all. So many photography mags are just an extended catalog for B&H or Adorama that this is a breath of fresh air.

The photography itself is second to none. Always something interesting and fresh.

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I'm not a techy camera person, but I do appreciate quality b&w photography and the creativity of active photographers. Lenswork magazine highlights quality work and provides interview info on the artists. It's like attending gallery openings! I enjoy it, and the format lets me experience the photographs myself. It's a well-done, intelligent publication. Worth the price!

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Friday, February 7, 2014

American Craft

American CraftAmerican Craft is a feast for the creative spirit. Fresh ways of viewing traditional crafts, new ideas, beautiful photos. What more could one want from an arts magazine!!

This is a pretty magazine but I won't be renewing the subscription. This would be a good magazine for trained artists who take their stuff to art shows and art galleries. I do mosaics and sell my stuff at craft shows and online. I didn't find much that interested me.

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If most periodicals were produced with the finesse and quality of American Craft, we would not be having a discussion about the decline of such in the marketplace. It's a wonder to hold and a wonder to read. I've not tossed or even recycled a single issue.

Read Best Reviews of American Craft Here

Everything about this magazine is great. It has excellent photos & articles about unique crafts, plus the design & layout is outstanding.

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

Zoobooks

ZoobooksWe first ran across a Zoobook magazine in the gift shop section at Smoky Mountains National Park. I bought one for my then six year old younger son. He became so involved in it, and so excited, that when we got home I immediately subscribed, and the subscription continued for quite a few years.

Now he is out of college and working full time...and still has ALL his Zoobooks in a case, sealed up, in my house. That says something, I think, with all the books and magazines my kids were given over the years.

I do NOT know how the current issues are, but am subscribing for my 6 yr old and 4 yr old grandsons, the sons of my elder son. The older boy is currently REALLY into dinosaurs, and I recall with my son's subscription, there were quite a few that covered dinosaurs, as well as current animals, birds and so on.

I know the price is high compared to many other children's magazines out there, but I think it is worth it IF they are what they were approximately 20 years ago! At that time they were head and shoulders in quality above every other childrens' magazine about nature, animals, and so on, or at least until the child is old enough to read the adult version of National Geographic magazine!

Very highly recommended!

As to the price, I just received our renewal notice, and the Amazon price is identical for 1 year, minus the poster and stickers.

To the product, I grew up with ZooBooks and absolutely loved them (still trying to find my three 2 in. binders full in my parents garage); so as soon as my son started reading, we signed him up. Nearing his first year of subscription he loves them just as much as I did.

Now, having read and enjoyed them for years as a child, and now looking at them again as an adult, I must say, I am not sure the quality is now what it was 20 years ago. Until I find my back issues, I can not say for sure, but they do not seem to have as many pages these days. Also, I am pretty sure that 1 year equaled 12 issues, but it seems that the entire magazine industry is going to fewer issues per year to save.

All and all however, this is still a wonderful product for any inquisitive child and I happily give it 5 stars!

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Our seven year old loves these magazines, and gets very excited whenever a new one arrives. We started getting them for him when he was only 5, and while he enjoyed them then, he really didn't get engrossed with them until he was 6. They have a lot of detailed information about whatever animal they are featuring, with gorgeous illustrations and photographs. They do include often include pictures of the animals as predator or prey, so if you have a child who is really sensitive to wildlife deaths, take that into account when deciding if this is right for you. (Our son isn't bothered by it, but one of his friends sometimes gets a little upset when looking through the magazines at our house.) These are definitely aimed at a slightly older child, so if you have a younger child, look at Zootles instead.

Read Best Reviews of Zoobooks Here

We bought a year subscription (10 issues) through Groupon for $10. I've seen them come through a few times now so if you want to order this great magazine but the price is keeping you from doing it look around. There are deals out there if you are patient!

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No the price at Amazon is the same as at the Zoobooks site, $29.95. It's true you don't get the poster and stickers but I like the convenience of ordering via Amazon and renewals are a snap.

My nephew, who is ten, loves these magazines and that's a good enough recommendation for me.

Dave in TX

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Friday, August 30, 2013

Farm Collector

Farm CollectorThe magazine is overly-filled with ads and little quality content. Pictures of tractors and implements are of fair quality. I would recommend finding another magazine. in addition I reviewed 1 issue and cancelled with Amazonwithin 5 days another issue arrived. Not a big deal up front however when I requested a refund they subtracted for 3 magazine issues. Again, not a big loss but definitely not a good customer service model.

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Wyoming Wildlife (1-year auto-renewal)

Wyoming WildlifeI was so pleased with the quality of the writing and the photography. The articles are in-depth, but written for the interested general public, not scientists. From the letters to the editor, they obviously have some long-term devotees.

Wyoming Wildlife contains excellent photography and the articles are interesting and well written. It is a great value at such a low price.

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