For every woman on campus tired of reading about 95-pound fashion models and the latest Britney fiasco, a new campus magazine is offering an alternative.

FLY magazine, which will be published for the first time this April and can now be viewed online at www.clubs.psu.edu/up/fly/Fly/Home.html, focuses on physical health, sexual health, art and politics -- all with

an emphasis on a positive female image.

The magazine, founded by editor Annamarie DiRaddo (sophomore-journalism), began preparing for its first issue in fall 2007.

Since then, about 35 students have joined the staff.

Most of the staff members are not studying journalism, DiRaddo said, and a wide variety of majors can be found on the staff, including biology, art, political science and women's studies.

The members were drawn to the magazine because of its interesting twist on college magazines, staff member Brianna Lieberman (sophomore-journalism) said.

"We write about meaningful issues, something with thought and depth ... something beyond frats and the campus," Lieberman said.

Despite the fact that the magazine focuses on feminine topics, DiRaddo said a lot of the contributors to the magazine wouldn't consider themselves feminists, just students looking for an outlet to express ideas.

"I'm not a feminist; I'm just a writer who likes to write," Lieberman said.

Though a self-proclaimed feminist, DiRaddo said she recognizes people may be turned off by the tag.

"There are so many meanings and stereotypes," said DiRaddo, whose own definition of feminism is equality among all races and genders. "When I think of feminism, I think of humanism, and that's what this magazine is."

FLY's focus is in marked contrast from mainstream magazines like Seventeen and Cosmopolitan.

"I didn't want to be like them," DiRaddo said.

Instead, the magazine portrays more worldly issues, offsetting topics often found in popular women's magazines, like striving for an ideal body. The group's current online articles include "Body Trends throughout History," and "Uncovered: World Beauty."

"The magazine doesn't focus on clothes size or make-up," Nicole Benner (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said. Instead, the focus is on "women as strong individuals," she said, adding that it's not a hardcore feminist magazine.

FLY will contain in-depth stories exploring local, national and international news.

Articles range from topics like local community groups to the national presidential nomination and international environmental issues, DiRaddo said.

The stories have no boundaries, DiRaddo said, and other articles explore child trafficking, Roe v. Wade and governmental issues in Kenya.

DiRaddo said The New York Times and feminist magazines Bitch and Ms., with their bold and liberal takes on the news, influenced her brainchild.

"I want to make it controversial and make people think," DiRaddo said.

The magazine's title could inspire thought. DiRaddo said FLY has versatile meanings and can refer to something being hip or to the ability to get excited about an issue and "fly with it."

Likewise, the members of FLY have flown with their magazine idea, working a variety of jobs for the project.

Besides helping with the writing and artwork for their stories, staff members also contribute to the business aspects of the magazine, such as advertising and fundraising, Lieberman said.

FLY is also open to new people looking to join the magazine.

But even with sufficient help, creating a new magazine from the ground up is difficult.

"It's like having another class," DiRaddo said.

The magazine staff often meets in the Willard Building, because the members don't have an official office. FLY is also struggling to obtain funding, which DiRaddo said is frustrating.

The magazine is being funded by University Park Allocations Committee, but members have organized two events -- a lollipop sale that raised $55 and a spa-ghetti dinner that raised $170 -- to help get the inaugural issue get off the ground.

Despite the difficulties, FLY plans to strive on campus.

"If you're passionate about something you'll find a way to do it, no matter the obstacles," Lieberman said.