Ok! First Celebrity News

My wife is a celebrity news (gossip) junkie :) She absolutely loves this magazine, some of the opinion pieces where they try to insert a more classic review or story are pretty pointless though she claims. Many of the article authors are just young and inexperienced. Guess you gotta start somewhere!

I ordered this magazine May 16, 2012 and the estimated delivery date is July 11, 2012. This is rediculous I have purchased several items after this and have received everything. I do not understand that is almost 2 months delivery time. I know that this states that it comes with a free kindle version but hmmmm I don't own a kindle. Unfortunatly this is the only way I was able to get this magazine subscription, there was no option for magazine only. I would not suggest getting this subscription for you or anyone else unless you are fortunate enough to have a kindle.

Sorry for the rant but I think this is REDICULOUS!

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The Strand

I recently received the first issue of the Strand Magazine, and I have to say that it is perhaps the best fiction magazine I have read in a long time. The issue I have is the holiday issue which has a new Rumpole of the Bailey story by Sir John Mortimer, a short ghost story by H.R.F. Keating, as well as fiction by Catherine Aird, Edward Marston, and Ed Hoch. They also had an interview with British writer Peter Lovesey as well as an article looking at Hercule Poirot, and Charles Dickens and Christmas as well as book reviews.

What is really fantastic about this magazine is that they are probably the only fiction magazine in large format that is colored. I combed through some used bookstores and found some back issues, they are also splendid. Those issues had interviews with Sir Peter Ustinov, Sir John Gielgud, Christopher Lee and David Suchet.

What did I like most about the StrandI can't say. I can only say it is a well rounded product that will appeal to the common reader as well as the discerning one. If you are tired of reading your stories in digest sized format and frequently getting disappointed by the quality, the Strand Magazine is a safe bet. I highly recommend it.

How good can it get? The Strand , seems to be jumping from strength to strength. I received issue 8, which was remarkable. The Strand publishes the finest short stories--the mystery stories are written by renowned award winning writers, who are at their best when they write for the Strand. The copy I have has fiction by Sir John Mortimer, in the shape of a Rumpole of the Bailey story; they also had fiction by new writers who I am sure we will hear more of in the future. They also had a very interesting interview with British actor Michael York; this was not he familiar article with tiny quotes but a vibrant Q & A format. They also had an interesting article about the spy genre-thank goodness they didn't overdo the James Bond link. I wish they had more book reviews, the ones they had were frank and candid though. All this reading made me buy all the back issues-don't ask them for the first issue, I am #1000 on my bookstores mailing list for the premier issue. The back issues show how the magazine is evolving and growing. Past issues had fiction by Peter Lovesey, H.R.F. Keating, Michael Gilbert, Bill Pronzini, Catherine Aird, Henry Slesar, and Ed Hoch. Most of the stories were a relief from the dumbing down that has been shoved down our throats by the media. They also had interesting interviews with John Gielgud, Peter Ustinov, David Suchet, and Christopher Lee. I also loved the articles they looked at various things from Jack the Riper, Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Patricia Highsmith and Charles Dickens. I heard they have a special holiday issue coming out this Fall, I can't wait.

Years ago I thought that the fiction magazine was dead and buried-I am happy that the Strand has injected the life-force back into it.

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I have to say I was surprised to find such great quality in a mystery magazine. Most magazines today are just filled with advertisements and relentless self-promotion; The Strand is really different. They have about eight stories per issue, by such writers as Ray Bradbury, John Mortimer, Peter Lovesey, and Edward Hoch. And these just aren't the mystery stories, which are time burners like in the stuff found in Ellery Queen and Alfred Hitchcock Magazine. These plots are well constructed and will stay with you long after you read them.

The magazine looks stunning as well; each cover has that classic feel. Inside the pages are full sized, glossy, full color, and the illustrations are super.

The issue I have on hand has an interview with the original Nancy Drew author Mildred Wirt Benson. I looked at their website and in the past they have had interviews with Sir John Mortimer, Peter Ustinov, John Gielgud, Michael York, Ian Richardson, David Suchet, and Christopher Lee.

The articles are fantastic--they are not talking down to the reader nor are they like some of those overly turgid academic articles that analyze everything to death!

I love the Strand, may they live long and prosper.

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Although the stories and interviews in The Strand are well worth reading, I think it is worth saying that there are not many stories per issue, and, at least in the case of John Mortimer's Rumpole stories, they are taken from forthcoming books. That being said, The Strand is worth the four stars I've given it, but I would describe it as a "coffee-table" magazine, if such a category exists, due to its glossy pages, large size format, and relatively low number of stories and interviews in content.

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I don't know what planet that guy is from who is saying below that he had to wait a long time, if he bought a pair of glasses he would notice that you have to wait for 12-16 weeks for every magazine you order from Amazon. I had no problem with that-I think the Strand is a unique magazine. With fiction by such great writers as Sir John Mortimer, Edward Marston, and great interview with actor Michael York. They also have fine articles one such article was about Hercule Poirot & Agatha Christie. They are doing a great job.

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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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Yum Food & Fun for Kids

It's always exciting for me to see publications geared towards kids and family, so I was thrilled to see Yum Food & Fun for Kids magazine. It has an upbeat outlook with bright graphics and is filled with tons of nourishing and fun recipes that kids can get involved in, too!

Yum Food & Fun for Kids has ideas like how to make easy chocolate dipped strawberries that are gorgeous for any occasion and a great way to get kids to eat more fruit! There are many scrumptious ways shown to help ensure your children are getting the recommended daily allotment of fruits and veggies like the World's Simplest Smoothie recipe, with only three ingredients. If you like themed parties, you'll love this magazine as there are several delightful suggestions, like an Alice in Wonderland or an Ice Cream Sundae party.

I loved the recipe for "Overnight Banana Cinnamon Oatmeal" which is cooked with old fashioned oats in the crockpot! It's super easy to make and is ready when you are in the morning with lots of healthful nutrients all in one bowl.

These are only a few of the awesome ideas in Yum Food & Fun for Kids. Highly recommended!

I reordered this magazine November 2012 for me and for a Christmas present for my granddaughter. Neither one of us has received an issue yet. It is now March 18, 2013. It is very disappointing! Also embarrassing, since it was a Christmas gift for her.

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I've been picking this up on the news stand every quarter for about a year so I finally decided to subscribe. Every issue is packed with really fun, and mostly easy, ideas for families. There are crafts, recipes and fun activities to do togehter. I love this magazine and will continue to subscribe to it until my kids are too old for it!

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This was purchased as a gift for my grandchildren and I imagine they are having a lot of fun with it. The initial report is that it looked great.

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I really enjoy all the craft and food ideas provided by Yum Food and Fun for Kids. Also there is great nutrition information within too.

New York Review Of Books

A playground for the mind. Covers a wide range of subjects. Each review is a full essay on the subject of the book. Many reviews compare and contrast several recently published books on the same subject. Learned and sophisticated yet fully accessible. An on-going liberal arts education and the easiest way I know to keep the eclectic learning that a liberal arts education aspires to.

New York Review of Books is the best publication in the United States for serious readers. But as any of us who have them stacked up for years know they we need to get it on Kindle. What's the delay?

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Sometimes I read all the reviews in the NYRB, even reviews of things I'd probably never buy, or art exhibitions I wouldn't go to. They are so well written that I learn a lot. I have some favorite writers who show up there a lot, such as Garry Wills.

In magazines like Time the reviews are so consumer-oriented that you really wouldn't bother with them unless you were actually considering buying the book or recording that they're talking about. But in the NYRB, they really talk about interesting stuff. There are also a lot of essays that aren't reviews, exactly, but just reflect on the state of the world. The New Yorker used to have long essays like that, but since Tina Brown started running it, they don't do that any more. (Basically, with the New Yorker you used to get free "books", because some of those essays were as long as short books. Now you don't. There are still longish essays like that in the NYRB, sometimes published in parts.)

There is also something aesthetically pleasing about the size and layout of the magazine. It's tabloid-sized on newsprint (but not newsprint that yellows with time) and is very readable. No glossy trash.

I checked my last issue and the new-subscriber price listed there is $64/year. So Amazon's price is OK. If you get an issue on the newsstand for $4.50 and then subscribe, you'll pay $68.50.

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NYRB is among my favorite subscriptions (I used to love the Atlantic Monthly; but, it has been rather disappointing over the last several years since they dumbed it down); In terms of sheer intellectual depth and range, it is very tough to beat the NYRB. While I do not read the NYRB cover to cover (and you do get articles that are sub-par), I end up spending at least 5 hrs on each issue.

I receive the print edition as well as access the content online. While I love the convenience of online access, I look forward to the print edition every month simply to browse though all the books that are advertised by various publishers. Over the last several years, I have found many great books through this avenue (and the some through Amazon's recommendations)! I hope NYRB introduces personalized recommendations (only from the traditional inventory of books it advertises in the print edition) in recommending additional books online both old and new.

The main strength of this magazine is the fact that a typical review article is written by an expert with deep knowledge of the subject (some times opinionated; but always intelligent and engaging). While the article draws on more than a single book, I like the fact that the article is typically written as a commentary around a theme and is more than a summary of the books under review.

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THE NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS is published 20 times a year, biweekly except in January, July, August and September. It is a respected publication which is devoted mostly to reviews of current books and an occasional movie. It also contains articles of social or political interest. The Letters section is usually brief with little waste.

Contributors to a recent edition included Mark Danner, Sister Helen Prejean and Daniel Mendelsohn. Reviews covered such diverse items as a collection of short stories by Graham Greene and two books about the actress Anna May Wong in addition to ALEXANDER, a film directed by Oliver Stone.

THE NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS consistently offers provocative writing in a highly readable style. It definitely deserves its reputation for excellence.

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Light of Consciousness : Journal of Spiritual Awakening

I discovered this journal in a news stand at an organic market and found it fascinating throughout. I liked the discussions about Vedic as well as Buddhist and other philosophies. The articles show the ways in which the ancient wisdom traditions on enlightenment/awakening are closely related. There is just no argument about this, only different words used to describe the same experience. A refreshing read.

For some time I had been looking for an interfaith spiritual magazine at the level of seekers with some experience. This one is based in Hinduism but contains articles on other traditions and evidences religious tolerance. At a certain level of practice and experience the boundaries which divide us are just plain wrong thinking. This magazine would be a good basic education for beginners but also seems challenging enough for a well-worn traveller on the road. It is literate and sophisticated, and the graphics are beautiful and inspiring.

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This magazine has become my favorite tool for my spiritual awakening. The articles are articulate, heart-felt, and easy to understand. Since they only have four issues a year, you have time to reflect upon each article and get the most from the writer. It also gives me time to read over several times and keep finding new things. I have found so much joy in this subscription and now family members are reading, too. This makes for positive conversation at family dinners. There is no political agenda and the magazine speaks of science as well as spirituality, which I think is important. I will be subscribing as long as they keep writing. Namaste.

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Light of Consciousness is exactly the type of magazine I was searching for. The articles are short, well written and easy to understand. Keep up the good work.

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This magazine is full of thoughtful, useful spiritual reflection and advice written by people who are experienced on their own path. It's smart and inspiring, neither overly intellectual nor vapid. Everything is well written, and it's nicely put together, too. A unique magazine.

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