Porthole

"Porthole" is a magazine about cruising, and is generally informative and interesting. The format has recently been enlarged by the publisher, which is a big improvement.

The magazine is a glossy, color spectacle that deals mostly with reviews of ships and itineraries, with some superficial human interest articles thrown in for good measure. In general "Porthole" is more about visceral impressions of ships and cruises rather than about hard, factual information, which is largely to its detriment. For that reason, I prefer "Cruise Travel" magazine, which has a more thorough analysis of current topics, particularly in their itinerary reviews and "Ship of the Month" sections.

Interestingly, I recently got both "Porthole" and "Cruise Travel" on the same day and both of them had as the cover story Holland America's new "Oosterdam". While "Porthole" showed some nice photos largely of common areas and talked about how spacious it was, "Cruise Travel" detailed the new ship's layout, size of different class cabins, itinerary review, facilities and features, fares, etc. To me the information in "Cruise Travel" was unquestionably superior, although the "Porthole" photographs were nicer.

I enjoy reading "Porthole", and particularly enjoy the coverage of more obscure expeditions, such as the recent (June 2004) article on European river cruises. The coverage of the 'Queen Mary 2' was also excellent, particularly the excellent photographs. Overall, I think Porthole is a good magazine, but not the best in the category. For that try "Cruise Travel".

Don't waste your money on Porthole!

For much better information on cruises, try "Cruise Travel" Magazine. It is by far the best cruise magazine on the market. Although is is only published every two months and isn't very long, it offers up-to-date and useful information on the cruise travel industry and destinations. The Cruise of the Month, Port of the Month, and the Ship of the Month features are great, and the letters to the editor are very well-written and interesting. There are quite a few ads, but they are all relevant to cruising and are helpful when planning a cruise.

Cruising is not just for the rich anymore! Cruise Travel Magazine can help you plan the trip of a lifetime. Prothole only caters to rich travelers.

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I WAS EXPECTING A MAGAZINE ABOUT CRUISING, INSTEAD I FOUND THAT IT WAS ABOUT SERVICES FOR CRUISE COMPANYS WITH LITTLE TO INTEREST THE AVERAGE CRUISER.

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I would never order a magazine subscription from Amazon again. It takes twice the time to enter and receive your first issue. I would purchase the subscription from the publisher direct as it takes less time and is the same price.

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Russian Life

Russian Life provides a fascinating mix of articles in each issue on things reasonably related to Russia. Some stories cover current events, others delve into recent and ancient history.

All articles are very well illustrated and are written at a level that can appeal to both the casual and the dedicated Russophile. I enjoy the magazine on one level, and my Russian born wife enjoys it on a very different level, with the main point in common being that we both read it from cover to cover.

I love the short little factoids that they also include each issue, and even find the advertisements interesting!

Lastly, they have an annual Russian calendar that I've been buying in copious quantities each year excellent for personal use and for gifts! A great magazine from a great company, and about a once-great and potentially great-again country.

I love this magazine. I have spent a lot of time studying and working in Russia and this magazine serves as a wonderful link for me to this amazing country, it's language and culture!

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My wife and I really look forward to each new issue of Russian Life. My wife is Russian and I really enjoy learning about Russian culture. This magazine always has an interesting mix of articles that has helped to expand my understanding of the Russian culture and even my wife has learned a few new things. They cover everything from Russian history to religion to fairy tales and beyond. If you are even the slightest bit interested in Russia and its history, you won't be let down by this publication.

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I am planning on moving to Russia in the near future. Russian Life is providing me with a lot of insight to the real Russia.

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This magazine has so much interesting information! I try to keep up with Russian culture and I love the little slices of history and language that are added in. Those are the building blocks for all the changes Russians have already accomplished and what they hope for the future. I have been a subscriber for many years!

Vanity Fair July 2007 Africa Issue, Brad Pitt / Desmond Tutu Cover

I have spent years of my life reading and watching news about Africa, and it never matched what I experienced being on site. This issue of Vanity Fair portrays it ALL: the Good, the Bad, The Ugly, the Amazing and the Truth. For a fashion addict that I am, I never bought an issue of Vanity Fair and that day in the Hudson News store, the "Africa" logo caught my attention. When I opened the magazine, this is what got me to buy it, I read the following lines: "The media often treat Africa's 53 countries as a vast hopeless mass. `That hurts' writes one of Kenya literary stars who has a deeply individual tale of his country stunning political change and the emergence of the "Equity Generation"".

A fundamental statement is made in that sentence: it's not Africa, it's about 53 Africans countries, with different cultures, different stories, different lives, different histories...

This issue depicts Africa in its True Light and opens doors to:

the world to appreciate, to explore, to connect, to respect, to help Africa

Africans to embrace their homeland and fight for it

Every article is worth reading and gives hope to true journalism. I will buy more of this issue I started to do, to offer to my loves ones. I should thank Vanity Fair, the editor and guest editor.

I got sent an issue with the wrong cover Pitt is on it, Tutu not. Other than that the magazine is very interesting and has a lot of informing articles on Africa in it.

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Modern Railways

Following Mr. Henry Posner's recommendation about this magazine (and a sample copy ordered from Ian Allen), I decided to spend the big bucks to purchase a subscription and have not been disappointed. Of course, you'll have to brush up on your British geography to understand where they are (plus the problem of them using real English instead of whatever we speak over here). This magazine does a wonderful job of demonstrating what the English expect of their passenger and freight trains with its highly illustrated articles and many news events. I would highly recommend this magazine for anyone interested in the world of railways outside North America.

South Dakota Magazine

This magazine covers people, places, happenings, etc. in South Dakota.

There is always something each month of interest to everyone in South Dakota, from South Dakota, or interested in South Dakota.

The photography and articles are excellent and a relaxing read.

Fun for the family and a great way to learn about an oft forgotten treasure of a state!

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Fly Tyer (1-year auto-renewal)

I have been subscribing to this mag. for years. There is always at least one article that will teach you something you didn't know before. Photos are alway crisp and clear. Keeps you primed for Spring fishing during the cold winter.

I've been a subscriber for 5 years and the magazine has been a great assistance to my growth as a fly tier.

The magazine has published a long series by John Betts on the history and methodology behind the sport. It has covered the "ultra realistic" school and (for me) every issue has at least 3-5 new flies or techniques (out of an average of 12-15 flies featured in each edition).

It is a quarterly and each of the four issues are much enjoyed by this reviewer.

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If you are looking for a magazine on fly tying Fly Tyer is the one. Filled with information and illustrations on all the new and classic fly tying paterns. Plus stories of intrest about history and people involved in fly tying and fly fishing. Well worth the cost!.

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This magazine is excellent if you are serious fly tier. If you are just looking for some cool patterns to tie and catch a couple of fish, y o u t u b e and g o o g l e should offer you everything you are looking for. But for the serious tier, this magazine is great. Lots of great advanced patterns and techniques. I only wish it were at least bimonthly rather than quarterly.

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I have subscribed to Fly Tyer for many years. Every issue is packed with high quality articles. Subjects range from historical flies to using the newest materials. There are illustrated instructions for tying all types of flies. You will find fly patterns for all locations, fresh water, and salt water. Start your library today! I would recommend Fly Tyer to all Fly Fishers.

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Bloomberg Businessweek (1-year auto-renewal)

I was a long-time and avid subscriber until last year. In fact, I started in 1989 while in business school. The aspect that I appreciated the most was the in-depth reporting that I couldn't get anywhere else. However starting in 2008, I noticed that the in-depth articles were getting fewer and more of the reporting seemed to be the same as any newspaper. That was about the same time I started hearing that the operation was for sale.

So, I canceled in early 2009. Recently I got an offer for a free issue of the relaunch under the new ownership of Bloomberg. I have to say I'm very impressed. The in-depth reporting is back. Also, there's a breadth of content that probably comes from the Bloomberg network that is also very welcome. So, I'm a fan again. Hope they keep it up.

After several years, I am giving up by BW subscription. The magazine is getting pretty light and reminds me more of USA Today than the New York Times. The articles are pretty general and lack depth. Additionally, the magazine is very US-centric and often limits global coverage. It is a good light read for US business news, and if you aren't looking for great depth, might be a good choice. For my money, I would rather pay up for the Economist and Fortune.

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First of all, I subscribe to Fast Company, Inc, Businessweek, and HBR. If you want to learn how to run a business than Bloomberg Businessweek is not the magazine for you, you need to maybe subscribe to HBR (Harvard Business Review) where they have awesome case studies and pretty much base their entire magazine on how CEOs run companies, how start ups succeed, and include non-stop in depth case studies detailing what statistically works and what doesnt in certain areas of business. There is no other magazine in print that will give you the know-how to learn everything, but Harvard Business Review will keep you sharp. They also have apps for the iphone with informational videos.

If you are in an online start up, the natural course would be to read "TechCrunch" everyday to keep up with what's going on in the online world (It is a web-based magazine).

"Website Magazine" which is free and highly advisable if you have a web-based business because you stay in tune with the very fast moving happenings of the internet. Website magazine covers SEO, Social Media, and Tools you need to know about. They have a PRO option for $22 a year that allows you to sift through all their issues and have access to premium info, I highly advise this as it will keep you in the loop of what available tools there are for you to succeed in the internet world and at the end of the day its completely free for a standard print subscription, so why not try it?

"Fast Company" magazine is just okay, let me tell you why. Everything covered in Fast Company you can find on TechCrunch for free. Fast Company has a free online magazine that is updated very often, and they do not do a good job of condensing all that info. into their printed monthly issues, so why not just go with the free route? Again, you will only find a few case studies in this magazine, but will have some info on what's going on in the start up world via its interviews with entrepreneurs and current articles about the tech world. Fast Company is more of a start up news magazine opposed to you learning anything crucial.

"Inc" Magazine is decent because it gives you resources that you can use for your current business. I believe it is from the same publishers/editors as Fast Company as the layout is exactly the same. INC is geared towards giving you information on how others are succeeding in their business opposed to just a news magazine.

And Finally "BusinessWeek". You need businessweek if you want to be "updated on business news" and cannot sift through cnn money online everyday or watch the news all the time and want to keep up with current happenings. It is a macro business magazine covering business related topics around the world. I love it because it is raw information mailed to my doorstep. The magazine is heavy and it never seems to end, this is good because you want information on current business events right? 5 stars.

I know this is a magazine review, but I figured if someone wants some advice on some good business literature, my favorite business books are Art of the Start by Guy Kawasaki, Competing for the future by CK Prahalad, from Good to Great, and The Four Steps to the Epiphany by Stephen Gary Blank. You will definitely benefit from these books and I believe they are a must have for emerging entrepreneurs.

Hope this review helps.

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A good magazine for those of us with a short attention span that want more straightforward details on topics we are already familiar with.

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Business Week provides a very basic overview of business on a weekly basis. Articles are very low on sophisticated analysis (unlike The Economist), too many pictures, not enough macroeconomic coverage and too much story-by-analogy. Too geared towards business managers and business students (undergrands primarily). Needs much more sophisticated analyses regarding stories.

Update as of June 2010:

Now, about 2 months after Bloomberg has taken over the magazine, many of the changes implemented by Bloomberg have improved the quality of the magazine (i.e., primarily more in-depth and intelligent articles as opposed to the previous superficial articles) but, so far these have been relatively minor. The magazine is worthy of a 3.5 stars instead of a four at the moment. However, the changes being implemented by Bloomberg are being made in a relatively slow and incremental way so it is not difficult to believe that, in a few months time, this magazine will become a four star. A determination will be possible to make around the Fall of 2010 when Bloomberg fully implements all of its planned changes.

Update as of January 2012:

Not that Bloomberg has fully implemented its plans the quality of the magazine has dramatically improved.The magazine is written much more intelligently and now would benefit not just, primarily, lower level undergraduates but higher level and those in the working world. A big improvement over the years immediately proceeding the magazine's purchase by Bloomberg. The magazine can now be rated a solid four star.

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