Arkansas Wildlife (1-year auto-renewal)

I purchased this magazine subscription for my daddy, who loves the outdoors and the beauty of Arkansas. He loves the stories and the photos. Pages are high quality and shiny. Once his subscription was near the end, he signed up for 3 more years.

The New Republic (1-year auto-renewal)

A must for a political junkie. I need a balanced opinion from each side of the argument. I also subscibe to the National Review.

The New Republic is a weekly magazine that has well-written, well-researched articles.

And the "regulars" are looked forward every week.

Stanley Kauffmann is still reviewing films as he has for more than 50 years. His insights

and perspective are always most interesting.

Leon Wieseltier's "Washington Diartist" is a gem...every time. His one-page articles

provoke thought and discussion, partly because he is such a wonderful writer.

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Herb Quarterly (1-year auto-renewal)

Herb Quarterly has a wonderful home-grown feel that results from the marriage of watercolor and other fine art with all sorts of articles concerning herbs. While there is a quaint look to HQ the articles are up-to-date, thorough and very informative. This magazine will appeal to all types of people interested in herbs, from beginners to more adept herbalists, there is always something of interest. HQ features a diverse approach and coverage of herbs, crossing cultures and various orientations making it open to medicinal herbalists, gardeners, product formulators (handmade soap & other natural products) aromatherapists and magical herbalists.

You might try subscribing to this periodical if you have a desire to learn more about herbs, be they medicinal or culinary or for some other human purpose. It's just coincidence of course, but I had a migraine headache this past week and what is the lead article for the Spring 2005 issue? "Chart a course for Migraine Relief". Now how's that for currency? I find various HQ articles are "right on the money" in that respect.

Notice how human use drives human classification schemes in amateur approaches, while botany or science often often takes a different view? I was pleased to see that some of the articles in HQ included scientifically based information such as Latin naming so that I could cross-reference suggested uses. (I read the HQ issues cover to cover, However, I continue to cross-check everything as I don't want to poison myself and/or develop a horrible rash.)

The editors have made a wise decision which is to create a distilled journal with apparently fact-checked information. Rushing into print monthly may cause more than migraine headaches or rashes. Some monthly publications may 'increase' market share because they appear to be more current than a quarterly report, but I am not convinced material hastily prepared will be more useful. You cannot rush solid thinking and distilled knowledge, which some folks still call herbal wisdom.

This journal is full of wisdom.

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I can't figure out this magazine company. They put out a good magazine but don't ever subscribe because you won't see an issue. I paid for a 3 year subscription and spent 2 years writing them to ask about my issues. I even sent them a copy of the money order I used to pay for the issues. I was completely ignored. There's just no excuse for taking people's money. Do not subscribe to this magazine!!!

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From cover to cover, the recipes (not just culinary) the latest research, gardening tips and beautiful quotes all pertaining to herbs, flowers, fruits and vegetables are worth every penny. Every issue is like getting 3 different magazines all at once. A Foodie Mag, Gardening Mag, and Health Journal all rolled into one. Wonderful!

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The guide selects a few plants each quarter and provides detail on them. It is a good reinforcement for my studies, and it makes me feel like I'm a member of an elitist herbal/wildcrafter group. If you are studying uses for herbs, it's recommended.

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Shooting Times (1-year auto-renewal)

SHOOTING TIMES magazine has been around for almost five decades now. It's a like a Ford or Chevrolet. It's a standard source of information for people who are interested in shooting, re-loading and what's new.

I like it because I'm more interested in shooting than I am in hunting, hiking or other outdoor sports. SHOOTING TIMES is helpful to hunters, black-powder shooters, defensive shooters re-loaders and target shooters, but it retains more general focus which I find helpful.

I like to shoot and I enjoy keeping track of what's new. The current issue of SHOOTING TIMES has a great article by J. Guthrie about Marlin's new XL7 bolt-action rifle. There's also an interesting piece by Dick Metcalf about Ruger's new semi-automatic pistol, the SR9. I can always count on current information by well-informed writers in SHOOTING TIMES.

Although not specifically oriented to collectors, SHOOTING TIMES often includes an article about a classic firearm. This month it was the famous lever-action Savage Model 99. Paul Scarlata wrung a couple of them out on the range. They date back to the early 1900s, a time when most sporting rifles were lever-actions, not bolt-actions. And, they are still capable shooters if the rifleman does his part.

If you are interested in shooting, you'll enjoy SHOOTING TIMES. I like it and gave it five stars.

I went through Amazon to subscribe to this magazine because it did not appear you could subscribe to it at the Shooting Times website without also agreeing to automatic renewal. It is a great magazine.

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I look forward to receiving each issue. The photographs are great and they always seem to be writing about something that interests me. Just remember that most of the reviews are fairly superficial.

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This magazine is pretty decent. They cover all of the new stuff and perform side by side reviews/testing. Worth getting.

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Regardless of where you stand in " The Great American Firearm Debate ", if you've ever wondered what all the fuss was about, pick up a copy of Shooting Timres and give it a quick read. There's something of interest in every issue no matter what your experience or lack thereof. From plinking at tin cans with a .22 to defending your life and loved ones, Shooting Times is an excellent resource and one that I highly recommend.

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National Geographic Little Kids

Having received 6 issues now, I am very impressed with NG Little Kids. Each issue is 24 pgs long, of which 19 of them containing high quality photos (as opposed to drawings). It is packed with activities: a page or two on questioning animal behavior, figuring out rhymes, finding differences and similarities, naming close-up shots, matching big and small items, counting, solving a maze, finding animals within a scene, and imagining what an animal in a photo is thinking. Not only is there a short article detailing one animal but usually there is also one on a society culture (i.e. Africa, China, India), which most kids' magazines lack. A few pages are dedicated to science exploration, craft, and cooking. Every issue also has six tear-out cards of animals with an animal fact on the back of each. Even though it is geared to toddlers and preschoolers, this magazine interests all of my kids, ages 6, 4 and 1 (but really the best for ages 3-4). Best of all, except for a tear-out subscription postcard, there are no ads (unlike NG Kids). This magazine is better than National Wildlife Federation's Wild Animal Baby. As mentioned in a previous review, buy it direct from National Geographic to save money. The only thing I can think of to improve the magazine is to have more issues per year and maybe sturdier/thicker pages.

This is a new magazine from National Geographic my 3 year old loves it! The photography and illustrations are a step above most magazines aimed at toddlers. Plus, there are tear-out cards in every issue.

My only major complaint is that Amazon is charging way too much for a subscription. On the National Geographic site, you can get it for $15 a year. Don't waste your money here.

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My daughter (3 1/2) really likes this magazine. As another reviewer said, the content is great. The only problem is, there's not enough of it. It's a small magazine, and it takes us about 20 minutes to go through it. It needs to either be meatier, or more frequent than every 2 months! Even with re-reading, it doesn't last very long before she's memorized the whole thing.

It is cheaper on the NG website, which is how I bought it, and I still question whether it will be worth $15 again this year. For $2.50 an issue, I'd like to see more of it! It offers something that Ladybug and Highlights High Five don't, with a focus on nature and science, but I expected more magazine for the money.

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This short magazine is really wonderful for the audience it's targeted to: LITTLE KIDS. Think 2-3-year-olds here. My 3-year-old son received a subscription for his birthday and absolutely loves it. He and his Dad read it together and it only takes about 20 minutes to read the whole thing at his pace. I do think that the age appropriateness will depend on your kid; I'd say there are 1and 4-year-olds out there who would also enjoy it. I suggest searching your public library or inter-library loan to see if you can borrow a copy first to see if it's something your kid will like (this is what we did).

I want to address some complaints other reviewers have made:

1)Uses stock photos. They may be stock photos but they are fantastic ones, up close, and suited to young children. I can only imagine this keeps publishing costs lower than they'd otherwise be.

2)Too simple/not enough content. I disagree. This is meant to be a first magazine, even before a kid is old enough for the classic Highlights mag. It's got LOTS of high-quality photos so a kid can enjoy looking at it on his own. The written content is meant to be interactive I like this for a small child. If you want articles that keep you interested as a parent, you should get National Geographic or if your kid is beginning to read himself then order NG Kids. Also, in addition to the content in the magazine there is a website with games, "science experiments", crafts and short articles on animals. The web content doesn't match what's in the paper mag each month, but it is a fun way to fill in the gap while you wait another week for the next issues and fun to introduce your kid to learning on the web.

3)Too few issues. I agree it would be nice if there were 10-12 issues especially when paying full price for a subscription. But when on sale for $15 per year ($2.50 per issue) I don't think it's too terribly expensive if your kids devours it over and over again like mine does. Just when he's starting to get bored with the last issue another comes in the mail. This is another reason to try borrowing a copy you'll be able to see if the interest lasts.

4)Cheap. I assume this is what the reviewer meant who wrote that this seems like a freebie that comes with a Happy Meal. At first glance, yes, perhaps it seems that way. But the freebies at McD's are truly cheap and when they try to be educational are often inaccurate. This is small and short because it's aimed at young children, but it's very well produced. The photos are stunning and the "games" aren't as stupid and inane as the ones that come as freebies. It's fairly durable too, printed on high quality paper. I still make my son be careful with it because he's a rough kid, but it holds up well even to him.

5)Small. While the magazine is small (6.5x7 inches) I see this as a plus. Have you ever seen a 2-year-old trying to hold up a large floppy magazine or piece of paper? Very frustrating for the kid. NG Little Kids is the perfect size for little hands.

All in all I'd highly recommend this magazine TO A SPECIFIC AUDIENCE: preschoolers who love animals and nature but can't yet read. If that's not your child, then check out some of the other quality nature magazines for older kids (i.e.National Geographic Kids, NG Young Explorers, Big Backyard, or Ranger Rick).

***I'd also like to point out for parents who are wary of the intent behind science-based kids' materials that I've never seen anything in the issues so far that I thought needed further explanation or correction. Whether you are a Creationist or believe in evolution, you probably won't find anything in here to give you pause.***

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As an educator and mom of a 3 year old, this magazine rocks! My 3 1/2 year old LOVES it! It is highly engaging. She loves to read it over and over and at this age, and as a developing reader, that is what she should be doing. The age range (3-6) is actually perfect. This product is not meant to send you kid to a corner and keep them quiet for an hour. There are fabulous activities that build reading readiness and help emerging reader. To get the full value out of the magazine make sure you are reading it with your child, and using the guides (such as the questions) to interact and educate your child! Also, there are NO ADS in this magazine....ther is a subscription card, but that is easily taken out and thrown away or passed on to a friend!

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Kyocera SE47 OEM Portable Car Kit

It's unstounding how exactly COMPLETE WOMAN SEX & LOVE is this Kyocera SE47 IEM Portable Car Kit. The best part is that the whole thing folds up to portably fit into my littlest pocket (the one that's inside the other pocket) and I don't even know it's there, and then, when the bad guys come, I suddenly remember and can pull it out and push the button and VOILA, I have a whole entire car I can get away in. It's fast, too, and sleek, and the complete woman sex & love ladies love it. Everybody wants my SE47.

(NOTE: I didn't give it 5 stars only because I believe that any portable car kit should only be rated on a scale of 1 to 4 stars.)

Make-Up Artist Magazine

I have to disagree with the previous reviewer.

Although there are fewer instructional articles than I would like, I feel the magazine provides good information on the make-up industry and is well-balanced between beauty and prosthetic applications. The primary focus appears to be the movie industry, although print and fashion are covered as well. And yes, the make-up conventions and trade shows are heavily advertised.

Unfortunately they seem to have eliminated what I thought was the most interesting aspect of the magazine where make-up artists from around the country submitted photos of some of their best or most interesting work and how they achieved it.

But those negative aspects certainly do not warrant a 1-star rating. I wouldn't give it a 5, but a 4 is fair. They still have some instructional articles (which are often multi-page comprehensive stories) and plenty of interviews with industry leaders.

Some of the notable articles in the past couple of years have been how-to's from the artists behind Pirates of the Caribbean, Dreamgirls and Apocalypto, which were all insightful.

And there are regular articles from Dick Smith, the godfather of modern-day prosthetic make-up artistry (although his articles are not always make-up related.)

There are also an exceptional amount of large color photos to provide inspiration for your own work.

Overall, the magazine does have some fluff and could offer more informational features but I still think it's one of the best out there for this industry.

Make Up Artist Magazine used to be a decent trade publication where professional makeup artists could pool and share information. Unfortunately, that was years ago. The useful articles are few and far between,and are sandwiched between fluff pieces usually designed to stroke egos or plug the latest MA tradeshow. Generally, not worth the time if you're a professional in the business.

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Just about everything you want to know about the make-up world is here. Highly recommend this magazine if you are interested in make up, special effects or beauty.

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It is an excellent magazine, I just wish it would have more step by step instruction on the application of the make-up..

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Macworld (1-year auto-renewal)

Macworld's glossy monthly has been around for about as long as Apple has been making Macs. I've been a subscriber for most of that time and if I had saved past issues could probably paper Cupertino's main streets with this periodical's pages.

There are a number of magazines devoted to Macs and their unusually devoted users. Macworld is probably the most mainstream and dependable of them.

As with most periodicals dedicated to high-tech fields, there is more in these pages than the casual user can digest. Many of the articles appeal to the MacGroupies subset of MacUsers, those who find the product fascinating in itself rather than merely a boon to productivity dedicated to other ends.

However, even a normal MacUser like myself (since 1987) can enjoy the coverage of all things Apple, including the constant improvements for which the company has become known and the relentless speculation about What Comes Next.

A small tornado of a controversy brews in the pages over whether Macworld should dedicate so much space to iPod and music issues, but Apple seems to have fairly dictated by its sprint in that direction that a magazine dedicated to covering the company's products will need to follow the direction it sets.

There are lots of productivity hints that if followed will keep you increasing your own effectiveness on the machine. The most useful feature for me has been the high-quality discussion of the improvements Apple continues to build into its own operating system(s).

Macworld is the go-to Mac magazine, if that's what you need.

No, I'm not a salesman for Macworld -at least, they're not paying me anything for being one. I only know, as an owner of Apple computers for over 25 years, that Macworld will repeatedly show you how to do things that (1) you always wanted to do on a Mac, and (2) you didn't know you could do on ANY computer.

See, a key reason you're buying a Mac is that it makes it possible to do so very many things easily that a PC either can't do or makes very difficult. Right? Well, as easy as Macs do make most things, there are still a lot of details that can be hard to absorb quickly when you're just trying to make things work. Especially when you feel as though you could erase something vital accidentally with just the push the wrong button.

MACWORLD GETS THAT, and has LOTS of easy-to-undertstand articles on how to reduce your fears, get things done, and even simplify the processes in the long run. Plus, they have a website, where you can look up past and side articles that pertain to exactly what you are trying to do.

In addition, as a new Mac owner, you'll find that there are tons of outside companies -large and small -that make software and peripherals for Macs. Most are very good, but some are so geek-centric that it can be hard to understand whether what they have to offer is beneficial to you or just more on your system. Macworld is very smart about helping you understand which ones to pay attention to and which ones to avoid.

Lastly, I suggest you think of Macworld as you would a guide to your favorite hobby. That is, it's likely to have a lot of information that you know, but it will also constantly update you on aspects that you don't. Plus, since new products come out constantly for the Mac, it will also keep you up-to-date on what's available that may or may not make sense for you.

In the long run, I predict that you'll soon find a Macworld subscription to be one of the cheapest (and most valuable) investments you've ever made. And good luck with your new Mac. Welcome to the fold.

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Macworld magazine has helpful information on Macs, software, Apple products and products made by other companies that are used with Macs such as printers, scanners, etc. The articles are not as in-depth as they were in the past. (I have read every issue ever published) The magazine also has less pages than in the past.

They give an overview of hardware and software and some helpful tips plus news about what is happening at Apple Corp.

A few months before your subcription ends, you will receive a renewal notice. You will be surprised to find that the renewal price is about twice as much as the original subscription price. Of course, you can start a new subscription at the lower price. But then you might miss an issue. Or you might get two issues one month and then you will only have 11 magazines from your new subscription.

Macworld should take a lesson from Wired Magazine and realize that it is possible to have a large magazine with lots of in-depth articles and a low subscription price. Hint: It is called advertising space.

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Five ESSENTIAL Stars. Macworld Magazine is the one magazine that has it ALL in one convenient place and is absolutely necessary for the Macintosh computer user. Published monthly, it is chock full of articles on and reviews of the latest Macintosh/Apple equipment, software, applications, games, browsers, neat websites, and other essential products and services. From the "FEEDBACK" letters to the editor that have real substance, to an extensive "REVIEWS section covering areas like cameras, camcorders, printers, notebooks, laptops, desktops, CD & DVD recorders, etc.., to the in-depth "SECRETS" covering areas like 'the Working (office or home office) Mac', 'Digital Photo', 'Mobile Mac', 'Geek Factor', the awesome Mac OSX 'Help Desk', and the essential helpmate 'Mac 911', Macworld is the Gold Standard. It even has regular tutorials for the daring Darwin UNIX user, giving the real geeks a literal software tool kit into the inner workings of Steve Job's marvelous computer (only for the most experienced expert user). Even in cases when another magazine has a similar article, Macworld always seems to do it better, probably because it has been at the Mac publishing game longer than any other magazine to my knowledge.

The arrival of Macworld magazine at your home or office each month will cause you to set aside an hour or two to read the magazine from cover to cover, and if you're like me, store it for future use. Some competing Mac magazines come with a monthly CD disk with applications, utilities, and games, but Macworld has an interesting solution in this area: they provide a "Virtual CD", based on a URL, found at the bottom of the table of contents, that leads you to a webpage full of monthly surprises normally found on a monthly disk, eliminating the need for an evergrowing stash of computer magazine CDs. Plus you have access to previous month's articles and columns. Great idea. Five Big "CORE 2 DUO" Stars!!

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MacWorld is required reading for the serious Mac user. It reports the latest changes in Mac software and hardware from both Apple and third-party vendors. Reviews of the latest products are essential so that you can decide when to upgrade your existing system.

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