The December/January Issues

Okay, so, I know I’ve been away for a minute, and maybe it’s just me, but I’m just really not all that excited about any of the (mainstream) winter  issues this time around, like, really not. Maybe because they are  double issues, I was expecting more. Maybe because I’m a winter baby I was hoping for the best, but, in the words of the song, I don’t think we’re gonna make it. Perhaps it’s just the previews I’m seeing online (I know I said that I was going to start subscribing and such, but really, I can’t see spending good money on publications I simply don’t really believe in. I know, I’m sounding very much like a Grinch right now, but I’ve let my many magazine subscriptions lapse over the past few months. I’m just not inspired, so I’m redirecting my energy and (meager financial) resources. But, here goes a little something.

New Youth Connections

New Youth Connections is starting things off with its “I *Heart* Tech” cover story. Hey! Not bad work if you can get it, or a bad field to pursue if you’re into it. I’m actually seeing a lot of really interesting articles here, among them:

“Off the Grid: Teens Give Up Their Gadgets”– Teen writers go without their  Ipods,cell phones, Facebook and internet

Seriously? I’m interested to see how THAT turned out.

“Books Byte the Dust”– A school library gets rid of its books

Say WHAT now? I can’t say that I’m a fan of this, for several reasons but it’s sure to be an interesting read.

“Pirate or Pioneer?” – My daily downloads are illegal- for now

This is in no way an admisison of guilt, but I’m sure many can relate. I see you “anonymous.”

“Dream Tech Jobs” – A tech-drive hobby could become your full-time job

Turning hobbies into full-time jobs? Yesssir. Yes ma’am…You know I’m all about that. Teaching entrepreneurship at a young age? Absolutely.

“Is Sexting Sassy or Stupid?”

I mean, at this point, do we really need to ask? Seriously, and I say this with no judgement, trust me, but if you must (and might want to examine why you feel you must) keep it…PG-13. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Law  & Order, read a gossip blog, or the news, you know that once it’s out there, it’ll be there…for your grandkids (and grandparents) to see.  Just a thought.

There’s also a report on high school dropouts and some interesting family pieces.

For a full list of all the articles (and to read them online) check out the site.

Seventeen

So, as you can see, Miley Cyrus is the  Seventeen cover girl this month. I feel a bit (more) out of the loop, because looking at this, I’m not sure why she’s on the cover (not saying that she’s undeserving. I have a 6 year old niece so I’ve seen my fair share of Hannah Montana, and I must say, chick is kind of nice with the show and the songs are catchier than a lil’ bit…“you get the best of both worlds, chill it out, take it slow, and then you rock out the show…” is my jam) but there she is, Seventeen-style. Here are a few (and I mean few) stories that caught my eye-

104 the truth about sex on tv The lies your favorite shows are telling you, plus how to feel good and be safe.

Now, I can get with this.  December 1 was Global AIDS Awareness Day and honest talk about safer-sex practices and healthy sexuality always have a place in teen magazines, says me.

105 “i was sick, scared, and alone” Katie, 18, shares her swine-flu story to help you stay healthy!

Yes, you read that correctly. There’s an actual “true life” story of an 18-year-old girl who shares her swine flu misadventure…I know it’s not funny by I snickered a bit, after rolling my eyes. Seventeen is nothing, if not predictable.  Btw…have you been vaccinated, yet? I know I’m one to talk, as I haven’t, but I’m not in a “high-risk” group, so I’m waiting my turn.

108 why guys dump girls they still like Real guys spill the top-5 reasons they bail. You’ll be surprised!

Now, Seventeen…really…what is this? Didn’t we already cover this in “He’s Just Not That Into You?” (Granted I didn’t read it or see the movie, but you know, I caught the cliff notes and I’m a believer in the message.)  Speak the truth to the youth, don’t send them down the path to over-analyzation and reading between the lines when, as well all know, actions (no matter what the secret reasons behind them) speak volumes louder than words (even well-meaning, surprising ones).

There’s also an article entitled,  “Invisible Attack: On p.142, how to protect yourself from bullies who can reach you 24/7.” Now if this is about what I think it is- cyber-bullying and/or stalking- than I’m all about that. Cyber-bullying is the epitome of b*!ch@ssness and, as we know from the news, can go downhill way too quickly.

For a full list of the articles in this episode, check out the break down at Seventeen.com.

Teen Vogue

Well looky here, Dakota Fanning is on the cover of Teen Vogue this winter. Again, not sure what project she has going on to warrant it, but I like her. I’ve seen her in a number of films, from way back when she was just a cute kid and I’ve consistently appreciated the acting skill. Nice to see the girl all grown up.

Now, I’m a little surprised at Teen Vogue. The past couple of months, I’ve been riding with them (not monetarily, but you know, supporting nonetheless) and this issue doesn’t seem to be bringing the same caliber of stories; however, here’s what we’ve got:

52 “All Together Now” We’ve introduced you to some amazing teen-started charities. Where are they now?

Love stories like this! It has it all- inspiration, taking action, realized dreams, and giving back to those who need it most. A definite “must read.”

71 “Fashion Blogger” Amidst a sea of front-row sameness, Jane Keltner searches for original thinkers.

Not sure what this is all about, but any article about “original thinkers” in fashion gets a second look from me.

75 “Talking Fashion” Party hopping with Young Hollywood … girl of the moment Tao Okamoto … trend spotting: animal prints.

Now normally I breeze right over “girl of the moment” type stories because, well, they’re so predictable, but I have no clue who this chick is. I quick clicked on her and I’m interested enough to read more. Nice to see Asian girls/models getting some shine. I’m digging her hair cut and her style is not.

93 ” Super Fan”  Thirteen-year-old blogger Tavi Gevinson plays dress up in Rodarte’s Target line.

Yeah…now I’m certainly not jumping on this “omg, she’s a thirteen year old blogger phenom” bandwagon, but you can’t hate on the girl for doing her thing at such a young age. I’d check and it out and see what’s really up with her.

128 “Dangerous Liaisons” More than a million teens are affected by STDs—yet unsafe sex is on the rise.

Self-explanatory here. Know what you’re doing before you decide you’re ready to get it in, ladies. And, please, be as safe as possible (remembering that abstinence is always an option)

150 “Fight Club” Name-calling, social isolation, rumor-spreading—when does bullying go too far?

Seventeen has a similar article on bullying, so you know I’m a fan of this kind of awareness. Now we’re all about sisterhood over here, but we’re also realists. You don’t have to like every other girl you meet, but there’s no rarely a need to be cruel. Seriously, save the energy. It’s so worth it.

For a full list of the articles in the December/January issues, check out the break down at Teen Vogue.com.

Girls Life

So, I have no idea who this is on the cover and that’s not such a bad thing, with all the recycling going on as of late. According to the site, this cover girl is Victoria Justice, an actress who stars as “the sweet sidekick on Zoey 101” on Nickelodeon and is getting her own show, called Victorious.

They have an article with New Mooner Taylor Lautner and aside from that, not much else I’d really check out. It’s usual fluffy Girl’s Life stuff- what clothes to wear, what makeup to pick, getting gifts for the low, how to eat right in the new year,  horoscopes, and quizzes. Oh, but there is an article on shoplifting:

GL Special Report: Lifted
More teens than ever are turning to stealing as a way to get everything from jewelry to UGGs. But do you know the real consequences and dangers of shoplifting?

That’s SO not the business ladies…don’t do it.

Now what Girls’ Life does have that I suggest you check it, is tons of holiday giveaways! Check out the December calendar for details. And remember to come back in January for lots more. They are also giving away a Grand Prize spa trip at a Florida resort for one lucky reader and her mom.

Girl’s Life is also looking for a new blogger! Would you like to blog about your “health and fitness adventures?” Well, then GL could be looking for you! Here are the details:

“Write an essay explaining why you should be the next blogger babe. The essay should be 300 words or less, and should include some of your healthy goals and fave workouts.

Email your essay to g-life@girlslife.com by December 23rd to be considered. You must be between the ages of 10-17 to enter.”

Check out the website for more details.