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Superlative Picks: June 26, 2006 Magazines
Boston Common Five issues per year Over the course of an average month, I read over sixty magazines. That sounds like (and is) a lot of magazines; however, I am compelled to “keep up” with the latest news and trends in a wide variety of subjects. And I achieve that goal … after days of nonstop reading. But from those 60+ periodicals, I read one which educates me – and at same time, actually provides “leisure”, just by reading it. Boston Common launched last September. When I picked up that first issue, I asked myself “What can this newcomer provide which its plethora of competitors don’t?”. The answer came after finishing Issue 1, and the four subsequent issues. Boston Common does inform. But unlike that plethora ... it’s relaxing to read. Each issue highlights a national celebrity with local ties. This issue features Medford native Maria Menounos, entertainment reporter for “Access Hollywood” and West Coast contributor for “Today”. The first issue highlighted Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler. The spotlight on local notables continues with the magazine’s “In the Spirit” section, providing extensive coverage of Boston’s social and charity events scene, where so much money is made for so many worthy causes. And then, more famous locals … but with a twist. Among the many essays in each issue are a number written by local celebrities. The “twist”: sometimes they write about a subject with which they’re associated – sometimes, they don’t. In the current issue, Senator John Kerry (D-MA) writes about returning soldiers who suffer post-traumatic stress disorder, and how these soldiers need our help. A few pages down, WGBH TV chef Ming Tsai documents his culinary tour of Hong Kong. Later, WHDH anchor Caterina Bandini recounts her efforts to overcome her fear of flying by learning to fly a plane. But Boston Common isn’t totally about “famous people.” The magazine covers local styles, trends, and products. They have an informative section called “Common Ground”, which covers different aspects of fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and home furnishings, just to mention a few topics in the area of shopping. I do look forward to seeing what the writers and editors choose as the products they highlight (fully cognizant that, while I like their “picks”, they’re not infallible picks, such as the Superlative ones we provide here!). The one problem with Boston Common is that there are only five issues each year. I’d be happy if they released more issues. Maybe not as a monthly … but certainly more than just five. Of course, I am voicing an opinion driven by what I’d like. While Boston Common is an entertaining and fun read, the magazine has a Boston “feel” to it, in the guise of what visually looks like a major national periodical. Other regional magazines – both current and defunct – made an irritatingly blatant effort to “trumpet” their local roots; almost “forcing” the theme down the readers’ throats. The editors and writers of Boston Common presents their magazine for what it is; saying “Here it is.” And after reading it, the strong Boston theme becomes self-evident, not contrived. At 10 x 12 inches with 224 pages, Boston Common is certainly a “coffee table magazine”. And it’s one you’ll be proud to have in plain view. Except for me … but that’s only because my copy becomes dog-eared after the second read-through. But by that time, I’ve gotten a lot out of the magazine. And will in the future.
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