It seems like just yesterday that tennis star Martina Navratilova came out of the closet. But, in fact, it was a lifetime ago…1981. Over thirty years have passed.

The latest issue of Sports Illustrated is creating quite a media feeding frenzy for breaking the story of Jason Collins, the first gay athlete from one of North America’s big four professional sports (basketball, baseball, football, hockey) to declare his gender preference openly. 

It’s long overdue.

Congratulation to Sports Illustrated for breaking the story. It’s great to see such a iconic magazine brand getting this exclusive game-changing story.

The April 2013 issue of Canadian Geographic may not feature a fearsome predator, but the cover does have a way of “jumping” into your face.

Talk about “eye contact”…this cover sure delivers in that department.

We’ll see if this issue scores or if it croaks. 

I like its chances. 

The Jun/Jul 2013 issue of Canada’s History is set to hit newsstands May 27th, 2013. Here’s what Mark Reid, editor, has to say about the issue:

"The Bluenose was the greatest racing schooner to ever sail the waves. Fast, graceful, she took on all comers — and outran them all. To Canadians mired in the Great Depression, Bluenose offered a spark of hope. Gathering around their transistor radios, they thrilled to her exploits as time and time again she defeated her American rivals.

After the original Bluenose sank in the Caribbean, Nova Scotia built Bluenose II. The ship proudly represented Canada for decades. But when rot was recently discovered in the beautiful schooner, many feared it would lead to her ruin. Thankfully, a massive restoration effort has saved Bluenose II. This June, she will once again be sailing as Canada’s cultural ambassador — a reminder of a different age, a time when men of iron sailed ships of hard timber and helped shape a nation.

The legend of Bluenose and Blunose II lives on, and you can learn more in the June-July 2013 issue of Canada’s History magazine."

Canada’s History (aka The Beaver) has had much success with covers featuring ships over the years:

• Apr 2012…Set all time sales record. Still holds record for best in this time slot. Sold 36% better than the rest in 2012
• Dec 2006…Set all time sales record. Sold 96% better than the rest in 2006. Won Gold at Canadian Newsstand Awards
• Dec 2004…Best seller that year. Sold 48% better than the rest in 2004
• Dec 2003…Best seller that year. Sold 48% better than the rest in 2003
• Jun 2009…2nd best ever for this time slot. Sold 13% better than the rest in 2009
• Jun 1996…Best seller of 1996. Sold 15% better than the rest in 1996

The 2013 Travel Guides, published by Canadian Joe Turkel, are looking quite fine.

These annuals are not available by subscription, and are 100% newsstand driven products. The publisher supports the channel with aggressive newsstand marketing. All three are priced at $6.95 in both Canada and the U.S. markets.

“We are thrilled to have our three travel guides on newsstands across the U.S. and Canada as well as in other countries around the world. Our 2013 guides are being sold in over 9000 retail locations and we expect our sales to double versus our 2012 newsstand sales," said Turkel. The magazines are distributed by Coast to Coast.

Last year’s guides sold well:

• Florida Guide sold nearly 11,000 units
• Canada Guide sold nearly 9,000 units
• California Guide sold nearly 7,600 units
  

The summer issue of GardenMaking is set to hit newsstands on May 13th, 2013.

“Roses tug at a gardener’s heartstrings, but they can bring heartbreak if they don’t survive our winters,” said editor Beckie Fox. “Our feature describes 43 Canadian-bred roses that are as beautiful as they are dependable.” 

But Beckie points out… "And if roses aren’t your passion, there are plenty of other plant temptations in the summer issue: easygoing container plants; tall, slim trees for small spaces; and excellent eggplants.”

Click to enlarge image:

1. Subject Matter Matters…Roses are to GardenMaking as Jolie is to Vanity Fair
2. Great use of skybar area
3. '8 Helpful Tools' numerically quantifies benefit-oriented hook, as does '43 All-Canadian Beauties' in the main sell line
4. Well-placed starburst elegantly packs in three additional appeals
5. Big Bold Type Treatment both aggressive and sophisticated