General Excellence (Magazines)
The Ecologist
Thought-provoking and strikingly designed, The Ecologist, a London-based monthly devoted to 'rethinking basic assumptions,' constantly reminds us that much of the damage we do to the natural world stems from our unquestioning faith in the ideology of unlimited economic growth. £28 or U.S. $45/yr. (10 issues) from Box 326, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8FA, UK; www.gn.apc.org/ecologist |
General Excellence (Newsletters)
PR Watch
From Madison, the progressive capital of the Midwest, comes PR Watch, the best source of information for all of us trying to unspin the frighteningly influential public relations industry. $35/yr. (4 issues) from Center for Media & Democracy, 520 University Ave., Suite 310, Madison, WI 53703; 608/260-9713; www.prwatch.org |
General Excellence (Zines)
The Match!
Fred Woodworth has been doggedly producing this incendiary anarchist journal since long before the Ruckus Society made headlines. From Tucson, The Match! is as ranty and outrageous as any political zine, but distinguishes itself with meticulous research and remarkable reach. Suggested newsstand price $2.75 (donations welcome, but do not send checks) from Box 3012, Tucson, AZ 85702. |
Local Regional Coverage
Mountain Gazette
Mountain Gazette, a lively bimonthly from the Colorado Rockies, features strong opinions, humor, and a ton of local flavor, from its obituaries and birth announcements to its essays about life at high altitude. $25/yr. (12 issues) from 5355 Montezuma Rd., Montezuma, CO 80435; 970/513-9865; www.mountaingazette.com |
Best New Title
Nervy Girl!
Based on the revolutionary idea that young women enjoy thinking about issues beyond makeup and boyfriends, the volunteer-produced Nervy Girl! celebrates women’s accomplishments. $20/6 issues from Box 16601, Portland, OR 97292; 503/256-3789; www.nervygirlzine.com |
Political Coverage
The American Prospect
In the crowded marketplace of political ideas, The American Prospect, a Boston-based biweekly for the liberal imagination, distinguishes itself with its analysis and sharp punditry. $29.95/yr. (22 issues) from Box 601, Mt. Morris, IL 61054; 888/687-8732; www.epn.org/prospect .html |
Reporting Excellence
Mother Jones
It’s been another great year for the venerable San Francisco bimonthly. With its hard-edged reporting, Mother Jones consistently digs up compelling stories that would otherwise go unreported. $20/yr. (6 issues) from Box 334, Mt. Morris, IL 61054; 800/438-6656; www.mojones.com |
Cultural Coverage
Yes!
A fine antidote to cynicism, Yes! A Journal of Positive Futures reports quarterly on everyday people doing important work that fosters social justice, economic democracy, peace, and environmental sustainability. $24/yr. (4 issues) from Box 10818, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; 800/937-4451;www.yesmagazine.org |
Writing Excellence
Michigan Quarterly Review
If you’re looking for strong literary nonfiction, turn to Ann Arbor’s Michigan Quarterly Review, which for four decades has been publishing some of the finest creative writing around. $18/yr. (4 issues) from University of Michigan, Room 3032, Rackham Bldg., 915 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109; 734/764-6330; www.umich.edu/~mqr/ |
Personal Life Coverage
Brain, Child
Only two years old, Brain, Child is the place to find fabulous essays and thoughtful commentary on raising children without losing your own passion for the life of the mind. $18/yr. (4 issues) from Box 714, Lexington, VA 24450; 888/304-MOMS; www.brainchildmag.com |
International Coverage
Transition
Founded 40 years ago in Uganda, Transition continues its long tradition of excellence as a venue for international writers covering Africa and the African diaspora. $27/yr. (4 issues) from Duke University Press, Box 90660, Durham, NC 27708; 888/387-5765; web-dubois.fas.harvard.edu/transition/ |
Science Coverage
The Ecologist
Covering the big issues that face us all—like biotechnology, food quality, and climate change—The Ecologist encourages its readers to rethink their basic assumptions about the world. £28 or U.S. $45/yr. (10 issues) from Box 326, Sittingbourne, Kent ME9 8FA, UK; www.gn.apc.org/ecologist |
Spiritual Coverage
Turning Wheel
A quarterly publication of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship in Berkeley, Turning Wheel has brought a thoughtful and personal perspective to peace activism for 23 years. $45/yr. membership (4 issues) from Box 4650, Berkeley, CA 94704; 510/655-6169; www.bpf.org/tw1.html |
New Paradigm Coverage
Resurgence
Always ahead of the curve, this beautiful and substantial British bimonthly is an international forum for ecological and spiritual thinking. Resurgence informs, delights, and inspires. £23.50 or U.S.$62/yr. (6 issues) from Jeanette Gill, Rocksea Farmhouse, St. Mabyn, Bodmin, Cornwall PL 30 3BR, UK; www.resurgence.org |
Design
Slow: The International Herald of Tastes
Tastefully translated and delectably designed, Slow is the Slow Food movement’s stunning second course. Gorgeous photos, classic type, and, mmmmm, just enough off-white space. Savor it slowly. $44/yr. (4 issues) from via della Mendicita Istruita, 14-12042 Bra, Italy; www.slowfood.com. |
Arts and Literature Coverage
No Depression
A substantial bimonthly bridging roots music and the alternative country scene, No Depression is chock full of in-depth profiles, interviews, and music reviews. $18/yr. (6 issues) from Box 31332, Seattle, WA 98103; 206/706-7342; www.nodepression.net |