Trend Alert: Ralphlauren.com Launches New Site

An incremental number of brands are heading directly to the consumer with original editorial content.  Case in point, this November, Ralph Lauren recruited Departures associate editor Matt Trainor to be editorial director of ralphlauren.com, according to Irn Carmon at WWD.  Originally launched in 2001, the online magazine RL has been relaunched.  The new issue features  — an interview with Georgina Bloomberg and her horse-jumping prowess, and stories on wine and spirits, luxury cars, grooming, travel and philanthropy.   For a sneak peek, click here!

Time Out New York Invites You TO CALL THEM!

As Brian Farnham prepares to move on from Time Out New York to the online world, he and newly appointed EIC Michael Friedson deliver a hot new issue of TONY.  

On the new cover is TONY columnist Julia Allison WITH HER PHONE NUMBER!  And yes I called the number.  It is her and you can leave a message.  

Great job!  Strong picture, innovative idea and perfect topic for single New Yorkers.

I Just Don't Get TV Guide! I Mean, What?

Yes.  That’s all I can say at the moment.

It's Britney Spears Week at Wenner Media

Why would Wenner Media place Britney on both Rolling Stone and US Weekly at the same time?  Good question!  If you have any insite into this strange decision, please shoot me an email at mark@coverawards.com. 

UPDATE FROM MEDIAWEEK: Bauer Slashes Rate Bases of In Touch and Life & Style; L&S' Publisher Heads to Maxim

Mediaweek’s Lucia Moses breaks news regarding Bauer’s celebrity titles InTouch and Life & Style.

The publishing house today announced it was cutting its rate bases of In Touch and Life & Style, whose sales have taken a hit since their cover prices rose by $1 to $2.99 last fall, according to Mediaweek.   Neil Goldstein, publisher Life & Style, is heading to Maxim.  For the complete story, click here.

Which Britney Cover Will You Buy This Week?

Say it Ain't So Lynne

“My Mom Slept with My Husband.  Is It True or Is She Just Delusional?”

I have a great suggestion for the Spears’ family.  Let’s get Britney out of the mental ward (so yes, she is delusional) and bring her to the Jerry Springer show.  

Jerry could ask Kevin if he slept with Brit’s mom –  that would make great television.   This could even be a primetime special.  With the writers strike and all – why not?  Of course, I’m KIDDING.

By the way, is that a picture of Lynne and Kevin actually having sex and it’s sensored from the waste up?  Damn, if we were in another country we’d see the whole pic.  LOL!

US Weekly Shows Compassion for Britney Spears – Has Hell Frozen Over?

Are the attacks against poor Britney Spears finished?  It looks that way with the new cover of US Weekly.   While I’m not happy to see her on the cover with what she’s going through, it’s a very sympathetic approach.  Very surprising from Janice Minn and the team at US Weekly. 

(Editor’s Question:  Why would they ruin this great cover picture with the pink semi-circle on Brit’s head “Hillary Clinton ‘My Worst Outfits.’”)

P.S.  Click here and you’ll see I called this cover topic as well. 

A Giant Parade in New York City – But Don't They Play In New Jersey???

Does it matter that the New York Giants play football in New Jersey?   I’m sure many of you around the country are asking that question.  Well, not to New Yorkers as thousands turned out in NYC to celebrate the Giant’s improbable victory over the New England Patriots.  

After all, we know the Giants would prefer to have their stadium in New York!   Who would want to play football in New Jersey when you could play in New York?   I guess the owners think the rent is lower there or something!  

What a Cute Picture of Shiloh!

But there’s trouble! 

The baby with the best genes on the planet is in danger and the Jolie-Pitt’s are doubling – yes doubling – their security force.    And?

(Editor’s Note:  Yes, I predicted this cover topic as well!   Click here for the undeniable proof — it’s the baby cover prediction!)

And to the insets…

I still can’t believe Matt is going to be a dad.  He seems like the type of guy that will always be on the beach with his shirt off — or at the Chelsea Gym working out.  Hey now! 

Wow – can’t wait to find out what it’s like inside Britney’s mental ward.  Picture it, LA 2008, one of the world’s biggest pop stars inside a padded room.  How depressing!   I still love her new album – it’s definitely her best one yet!  It’s too bad that Britney is not healthy enough to enjoy what should be the best time of her life.