50 BEST MAGAZINES (as per the Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune ^ | 6/15/06

[Borges]

We drew from all quarters of the periodicals universe in compiling this year's selections. And what can we say about the choices? They're eclectic, accessible and they reflect the tastes of folks who spend a lot of their time immersed in the world of words and images. But magazines are changing a bunch. In the last 12 months, we saw the curtains drawn on Cargo and Organic Style, which made our cut in 2005. Yet some, like gracefully aging performers, remain on the stage: The Atlantic and Harper's. We still like them, as our list shows. But our selections are meant to be a conversation starter, so look them over, then tell us which magazines would be on your list.

[Argus]

The Atlantic has been going downhill since Michael Kelly was killed in Iraq. In this issue they have a cover story attempting to paint Zarqawi as no big deal. Funny it hits the stands right as the Z-Man gets toasted and al Qaeda in Iraq starts to come apart like a cardboard suitcase.

For my money, you can't beat National Review, Family Handyman, the NRA mag, and the Spectators British and American.

[Cobra64]

Consumer Reports hate cars that have any personality. I bet they just love the dopey little hybrids.

I'll stick with my 64 Shelby AC Cobra.

[Cobra64]

Motor Trend, Road and Track, Handguns, American Rifleman, Southern Living

[ChadGore]

Magazines . . . are like so 80s.

[GSWarrior]

Call me old fashioned, but I like The Grit.

[WIladyconservative]

49. Wisconsin Trails. Yes, there's more to that place up north than water parks and Brewers games. This lovingly designed and thoughtfully edited monthly explores the state's rivers, recipes, history, weather, characters and even its own brand of humor (the Special Humor Issue included a centerspread of a dairy cow).

OMG - the people in Chicago recognize we're a separate state!

[Jack Wilson]

America's 1st Freedom (NRA)

[Eepsy]

First Things is very good.

[Migraine]

Good call on Economist! Glad they left out Nat. Geographic! I'd add Arizona Highways for sheer beauty and some good reading about unspoilt places.

[Fresh Wind]

Bah. Not one car magazine in the whole 50. World Soccer, yes, but no car mags.

[AmishDude]

Notices from the American Mathematical Society.

I love the centerfold.

[Steve_Seattle]

Six my my favorites (from different times in my life)are now defunct:

True
Sport
Gnosis
Sports Car Graphic
Strange
Auto Week

As for Esquire, I used to like it back in the 60s, but it's now become an insipid "girly man" magazine. And The Atlantic has been in decline since the death of Michael Kelly. Some of the best magazines in the world are the British motor racing magazines - lots of detail, pics, depth, and stats. They cover just about every [European] event you can think of.

[kanawa]

My #1...

;~)

[Steve_Seattle]

I think Bon Appetite is the best food mag.

[USFRIENDINVICTORIA]

The Economist is good -- I've posted a few articles from it on FR. When they report, they at least try to deal in facts. Their editorial position is "liberal" -- which means free-market, capitalist, conservative in American.

Fine Woodworking is also great.

[sean327]

Where is Dallas Cowboys Weekly? No list is complete without it!!

[TXnMA]

What is that lightweight boat -- and where can I get one?

I love to fish small ponds, and my 36-year old Dayton Sportyak has helped me catch far more (and larger) fish than my bass boat has. Unfortunately, it is showing its age and the effects of passage over too many gravel bars...

Seriously -- I need one of those lightweight boats/kayaks! Help, please!

[Trajan88]

Emperor Trajan88 gives a thumbs-up to Car & Driver, Consumer Reports, and Men's Journal.

[Knitting A Conundrum]

No science and no knitting mags. Can't be a complete list.

[Tom D.]

You might like Cook's Illustrated. Also Scientific American is worth while. I respectfully disagree with those who disparage The Atlantic. They cover the spectrum of political thought. P. J. O'Rourke and Mark Steyn both appear there regularly. Of course you do get some liberal thought too, but it is always a good idea to have some insight into what the other side is thinking (or in the case of liberals, feeling.