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WELCOME to the new Utne Reader. With this issue, we’re unveiling a host of improvements that make the magazine more exciting to look at, more compelling to read, and more useful to you in making sense of the personal, political, and cultural challenges of our times.

We’ve redesigned, rearranged, and created new departments to do an even better job of fufilling our longtime mission:

• to to deliver the freshest ideas and insights from important sources usually ignored by the major media;

• to draw attention to existing problems and opportunities out there in the world in a way that inspires discussion and action;

• to to celebrate the people who, in ways both large and small, are making a difference in the lives of others; and

• to to spread a bit more whimsy, joy, and laughter through the universe.

You’ll also see a new tagline on our cover—"A Different Read on Life"—that captures the spirit of the magazine. We are committed to bringing you the news, the wisdom, the practical steps, and the visionary thinking that is often missing from mainstream debate. This is in no way a retreat from bringing you "The Best of the Alternative Press" which is how we’ve described ourselves for the past 18 years. We will continue to reprint the most inspiring and informative articles we uncover from the more than 1,500 feisty publications streaming into our office.

Indeed, you will get a greater taste of alternative media than ever with the revamped Street Librarian column (p. 40), media reviews in our expanded Utne Weeder section (p. 37), and short profiles of fascinating publications at the end of articles and in special Behind the Story and Tell Me More boxes. At the same time, look for groundbreaking original articles in our pages as well as great stories reprinted from newly released books, provocative Internet sites, the international press, and other alternative news sources.

THE REDESIGN AND reorganization of the magazine has been a long time in the making. Co-publisher Julie Ristau took charge of managing the process, and the search for the right designer stopped just a few steps from our front desk: at the office of our art director, Kristi Anderson.

Kristi had redesigned Utne Reader once before, in 1990, so she knew what she was getting into. Rolling up her sleeves and working closely with our chair, Nina Utne, Julie, the entire editorial staff, and her talented art department colleagues Jessica Coulter and Jennifer Dix, Kristi got down to the business of reflecting upon, reinterpreting, and eventually reinventing the visual appearance of the magazine in ways that make it easier for you to navigate. Nina and I saddled her with a nearly impossible goal—a magazine that evokes both timeless elegance and contemporary pizzazz. Kristi’s success at all of this can be seen right here in your hands. I think you’ll be as thrilled as we are with the magazine’s new look.

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