Abstract

Presents articles for people interested in self-sufficiency through alternative energy sources and life-styles.Ecology,do-it-yourself projects and home business.
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Reviews (9)

good solid info
A great magazine for self-reliant living.Neither preachy nor superficial, this gives you a good grounding in how to be self-reliant.

Getting better
When I first subscribed to Mother (as fans refer to it) it was an excellent back-to-the-earth journal inspired by the flight of so many 1960s people back to the earth, to rural communities, and to a kind of self-sufficiency. It was pretty much a handbook foir the beginning farmer, homesteader (rural or urban) or communitarian. But during the 1980s and 90s Mother took a very different turn.

Gardening and self-sufficiency became, well, fashionable, for want of a better word and Mother was transformed into a sort coffee table book for yuppie wannabe farmers. Gone were practical articles on recycling animal waste, replaced by colorful spreads with little practical information of any kind. I dropped my subscription as did many other old-timers.

A few years ago Mother rediscovered its original roots. It's still a thin, glossy mag rather than the thick, plain paper handbook of self-sufficiency it once was, but it's getting better. I haven't resubscribed but at least I buy the occasional issue now.

Almost as good as it used to be
TMEN used to be fabulous, full of articles on self-sufficiency. Then it turned into a yuppie rag, full of ads for credit cards and expensive vehicles. Now, slowly, it is returning to its former, true self. Continue on the path, Mother; you are heading in the right direction.

I want more
Dear Mother, I have been a loyal subscriber for the last 3 or 4 years and have enjoyed your magazine but.....
I have purchased some of your older magazines from used book stores and found a lot more info in them. I realize the price of the magazine is low to attract more subscribers but I'd rather pay more and get more. I'd like to see you charge twice as much and do twice as many articles on do it yourself farm projects etc. A major problem some companies encounter regarding cashflow is that they often try to get involved with too many external projects. I don't believe the magazine has any obligation to fund anything other than producing a well researched and well written rural living magazine. Which you do. I'm only hoping that you are not wasting valuable funds (funds you could be putting into fantastic articles) championing green causes. Please leave that to those who don't have better things to do with their time and money. I'm looking at an issue from July/Aug 1982 and WOW, is it packed with great how to articles, country recipes etc. I love this style of magazine but please, please, please, cut out any waste, charge more and provide more.
Perry Bailey

The best magazine around!
Mother Earth News is one of the best progressive minded magazines around.If anyone thinks this magazine is just for hippies who love nature, than that's fine with me.People who don't read this magazine have no idea how much useful information is packed into every issue.Anyone interested in a subscription, I think it is a great investment.Hopefully more people will start reading this magazine, especially those who used to, so we can get our Mother healthy again. ... Read more

Abstract

Science fiction novelettes, science fact, short stories, poetry and commentary; book reviews and upcoming events of interest to science fiction fans.
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Reviews (7)

Hard Science SF
Analog brings a dependable collection of hard-science fiction stories, novellas, and frequently, a serialized novel. Almost all of them are worth reading; I'm having trouble thinking of an Analog story that made me give up before reaching the end. While its sister publication Asimov's tends more to the social-SF or more literary forms, Analog sticks to a formula of hard-SF with some recurring features: one factual science article, one speculative science article, and a short SF humor piece (Probability Zero). Analog also has a lively letters column, where editor Stanley Schmidt or the story authors often reply. And Schmidt's editorials are always a good read.

Some of the factual science articles well-compliment the stories, some just don't have any relation (and if I skip anything in Analog, it's some of the drier fact pieces). Some excellent write-ups such as a comparison between long-term weather data and historical regime changes could lead to several future stories in the magazine.

Dependable, high-quality, and enjoyable.

One change in publication not mentioned here: both Analog and Asimov's have gone to 10 issues a year from 11, with 2 "double issues" instead of one per year. The double issue is always a treat but then one must wait 2 months for the next regular issue!

Great Idea, Inadequately Executed
The idea behind Analog magazine appears to be to create a blend of Asimov's (science fiction and fantasy novellas, novelettes, short stories, and poems, plus book reviews and editorials) and Scientific American (hard science nonfiction articles). Analog achieves this goal, but has three flaws: the fiction is not as good as Asimov's, the editing (as in basic error-catching related to grammar and spelling) is below the level of Asimov's or Scientific American, and they often/usually miss the opportunity to pair up a nonfiction article with a conceptually related piece of fiction. I periodically try Analog, but keep ending up with a sense of mild dissatisfaction.

Reminiscence
I haven't actually read Analog for about 20 years, but it was my introduction to science fiction very nearly 40 years ago, when I shared a flat (sorry, must use American, an appartment) in New York with one of John W. Campbell's editorial assitants! Since then, the genre has provided education, solace, amusement - and some disdain from others - and I despair at how few really good new English SF writers there seem to be. However, anyone (and I do mean anyone) who tries Analog with an open mind will find it a revelation.

Real science fiction -- and great nonfiction!
Disclaimer up front: I've had three novels serialized in ANALOG (Nebula winner THE TERMINAL EXPERIMENT; Hugo and Nebula nominee STARPLEX; and the just-completed HOMINIDS). But I'm also a long-time reader of the magazine (28 years now), and I love it. The fiction is real SF -- stories in which the science is accurate and the speculation credible. But I also love the editorials by Stanley Schmidt; the "Alternate View" columns by Jeff Kooistra and John Cramer (some of the best science writing available anywhere these days), the spirited letters-to-the-editors section, and Tom Easton's book reviews. This is the number-one bestselling science-fiction magazine in the world, and justly so.

Best in the field
I've been a subscriber for about 40 years, from when it was named Astounding, and almost never disappointed. In addition to great authors (many of whom I met first on Astounding/Analog pages), great short stories, reviews, and feedback - don't miss the thought provoking editorials. No matter who is the current editor, the editorials make you check your firmly held beliefs and preconceived notions, and *think*. You may not agree, but you'll definitely think. Well worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

After 14 years, he STILL wants to read this......
We first got this magazine when our son was 5 years old. He could not read, so we would read it together, and it delighted him. With lots to do from the object search (find the objects hidden in pictures), to the questions, quizzes, to the "how-to-draw" lesson featured in each issue, there was plenty to attract all ages of readers from K to , well, my son is now 19 and still reads it!

It all started with our youngest daughter becoming 5 this past winter. Our 19 year old son found her pawing around in his hidden stash of NATURE FRIEND MAGAZINES which we had stopped getting over a decade ago. He kept carrying on about how he wished we could get it again "for her sake".

I looked all over the internet, through every directory and in old editions of the magazine, but NATURE FRIEND seemed to have disappeared.

Then we found it here on AMAZON.COM a couple of months ago. We got our first issue a few weeks ago and there is always someone reading it somewhere in the house- ME INCLUDED!

The quality of the magazine is greatly improved. There is plenty to do for all ages, recipes, studies of interesting things (like where do dandelions come from and how did they get here and what do you do with them....) and interactive projects for all ages.

One of our favorite features is the HOW TO DRAW series that they still have. Very nice lessons on drawing some kind of animal or natural thing are given. Readers send in their best shot at it and many photos of their contributions are featured in future issues. There is a lot packed in to this 25 page magazine- and NO ADS!

I can not rate this magazine highly enough. We stopped getting BIG BACKYARD because this magazine offers so much more and we could only get one magazine for this year. We are so glad to have found it again- and it has even improved! ... Read more

Abstract

Featuring articles dealing with space exploration and astronomy for young people.
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Reviews (1)

Just say Yes to Odyssey!
This magazine is sooooo much better than some of the other commercial publications. The writing is solid, the subject matter is solid. It's amazing how well written it is. There are no ads! They don't plug anything. I was sick of getting worthless ad filled kids magazines like National Geographic Kids. Odyssey is a must subscribe for every kid who likes science. Actually, it's just a must subscribe. Encourage your libraries to subscribe. This must be had in every school library. It contains relevant and important information delivered with a high level of writing. ... Read more

Abstract

Feature articles on all types of wildlife, commentary and conservation news of note published for a number of American zoological societies and aimed at a general audience.
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Abstract

Articles and book reviews for those interested in the history of aviation.
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Reviews (3)

One Of The Best Mags I've Read
One of the few magazines I will read cover to cover. Even those articles about civilian aircraft (I am a military aircraft enthusiast/author) I read with great interest. Many articles are about events/machines/people that I've never heard of but are fascinating to learn about. My only criticism is that it is not a monthly publication. It would be a great day indeed if the publishers decided to make it so. Either way, it is worth the money for a subscription.

Strong balance of civil & military aviation, but infrequent
I ordered this magainze, and although it covers one of my favorite subjects I did find that I was not as pleased as I had hoped. This magazine does not come monthly, and so you find yourself wondering if your issue is lost or if your subscription is messed up. Also, it has an awful lot of material that is used to cover civil aviation, but since I am not as interested in civil as I am military aviation, I was not able to appreciate as much of the magazine as I had hoped. overall, it is fairly balanced, and given that the civil world is much less writen about, that is to the magazine's credit, but I wish I had ordered something else instead.

great stuff!
I take several different magazines, of different types.This is the one that I invariably read cover to cover, every single issue. OK, so you have to be _interested_ in the specialized subject matter, first. But if you do have any interest at all in Aviation History, this magazine presents a seldom-failing insight into lost, little-known, and obscure aspects of the entire century of aviation. The writing is literate and interesting, and they come up with some marvellous, mostly unpublished, pictures. I would recommend at least a trial subscription - my bet is that you'll like it. ... Read more

Abstract

Reports and feature articles on pilots, astronauts and aerospace scientists, re-created epic flights of famed air and space craft of every type and every era; the official publication of the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum.
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Reviews (8)

This is a top muscle magazine
I'm subscribed to several bodybuilding magazines, and this one, along with FLEX, are the best magazines that I've found to date. The small writeups in the front parts of the magazine are very informative and there are useful articles instead of junk everywhere like magazines such as MuscleMag.

Reader of all Fitness Mags
Living overseas with the Army, we have an option of about 5 or 6 men's fitness magazines. This is by far the best of them that I have read and am now a devoted follower. There are changes I would love to see happen. I would like to see fewer advertisements that look like articles. All of the fitness magazines are owned by a pharmaceutical, but the ads I see most in this mag are not by the same people who own it. Of course they do what is best for the bottom line. Lately, they made a change of not requiring that their fitness girl is a DD. That is great because fake women are worse than bodybuilders on synthol. They have the best articles. I believe FLEX has better coverage of the sport, but the scientific research in this magazine is by far what makes it sell. The staff is knowledgeable and honest about the sport and the science backing their claims. I highly recommend this mag to all men who are serious about bodybuilding and fitness who aren't procrastinating by sitting on their asses waiting for a special pill to come along.

As Mike Mnetzer used tro say;
"The bodybuilding magazines are just catalogues and offer very little information on scientific bodybuilding."

Take a look at Muscular Development. This is a catalogue for Twin Lab products and you guys complain about Muscle & Fitness?

As far as the drug free thing, steriods have been a bodybuilders aide since Sergio Oliva won his first Mr. O. Today, what guys like Sergio took pre-contest, current champions take for maintenance and really load up pre-contest!

Why did they stop being ALL NATURAL???
I used to subscribe to this when it was ALL NATURAL. Then overnight they went to all drugs and sleaze and childish nonsense. I tried to get a refund but was ignored. Unable to cancel my subscription I simply threw it into the trash can each month before my children would see it. I hate this magazine and would not allow it in my house once it was filled with nothing but drugs and insults. Thank god there are much better alternatives. Actually, any magazine any where is better. If and when they switch back to ALL NATURAL I may buy it again, until then NO WAY!!!

Best Bodybuilding Mag EVER!!
Some people may not want to hear the truth about professional bodybuilding, like the guy who gave this magazine 1 star. To people like him I say continue living in your fantasy world and go read Muscle and Fitness. There you can keep believing that the pro's get to be 280 @ 3% body fat by using creatine. As for the rest of us who do not live in the land of Oz we can all benefit from the no-nonsense scientific articles put forth in Muscular Development. This is THE BEST magazine to read if you really want to know how to get freaky big. The beginning of the magazine is filled with excerpts from various medical and scientific journals and the articles that follow give you some great advice on 'roids, supplements, contest prep, dieting and training. By far the best magazine in the business. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles, interviews, and book reviews that investigate controversial ideas and promote science and crititcal thinking.
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Reviews (4)

Fine, professional, but could use a few improvments.
First, lest any reviewer challenge my mere four stars, I like "Skeptic." I've been reading it for years, and am a member of the society. Personally, though, I prefer "Skeptical Inquirer," a periodical of the same genre.

Now, onto the positive.

This quarterly journal is very professionally done. It's thick, has a cover that'll cause it to last for years. And that's good to me. I stack up magazines like this and make them an important part of my library.

Some of the articles tend to be a little cumbersome. However there is balance. Indeed, a buddy of mine fluctuates between skepticism and adoration of Carl Jung and Whitley Strieber. (!) So he prefers this to the aforementioned periodical; he feels less a pie-in-the-face from "Skeptic." I recall a few issues ago a discussion in "Skeptic" about the popular book "The Skeptical Environmentalist." Probably 16 pages of that book were in the magazine. Then a few scholars were allowed to respond from their different perspectives. Good. I don't have time to read the book so that balance gave me the analysis I needed if I should argue either way.

In another issue there was discussion of the Yanomami and related tribal people in the Amazon forest. I shared that with a PC anthropologist who's worked down there. I couldn't help but be amused by her take on what I suspect was a far more "objective" (i.e., skeptical) view than hers in the magazine.

Each issue has a number of fabulous book reviews. One I treasure was from one of the authors of "A Higher Superstion," another superb text I long ago purchased from Amazon.com.

One of my favorites, James Randi, also has regular columns in here.

Another skeptical acquaintance challenged editor Mike Shermer's objectives. Apparently Shermer--who's written several fine books available from Amazon.com--got his doctorate in history and found himself unemployed. He created The Skeptics Society to remedy that problem. Well, so what? You might say the same of Bill Gates who makes a lot more than Shermer.

Overall, I like the society, and this periodical. One very minor comment: each issue has "Junior Skeptic" in the back. It's actually a fine, fine publication aimed at the younger among us. One issue was dedicated to the issue of those who claim we didn't really go the the moon. Another was on one of the perennial favorites of many of us when were younger: the Bermuda Triangle. I wish the magazine would produce a separate "Junior Skeptic" and market it to, say, junior high school science classes. I feel they'd make money off it--a whole new market--AND encourage the scientific processes so challenged today by anywhere from "creation science" advocates, Afro-centric "scholars," and all sorts of UFO advocates, astrologers and countless others of dubious merit.

So there. Only four stars from someone who reads this--shall I way religiously? It's good. So read it, and note the analysis techniques endorsed by its editors and writers.

a great magazine for preaching to the choir
Its been said that the essence of the scientific method is testing. On this I agree. I also agree with the scientific method, since this makes sense. What I dont agree with are magazines like skeptic that appear to identify the scientific method with what skeptics believe. In other words if a skeptic believes something it must be scientific. That's the impression I got from reading this magazine. Since science is essentially testing, lets test some of the claims this magazine makes. One article I read claimed that quantam mechanics "proves" that the universe is a random occurence. This is not really a new theory, Lucretius wrote a book on it thousands of years ago called 'On the nature of the universe." Some of the more extreme views of quantam mechanics even say that the universe came from nothing! Of course that's all a random occurence. What the author of this article fails to see is that if everything is a random occurence, then so is the scientific method and what it finds. Truth then must be random, and since it is then you never know when its going to change. Scientists and skeptics might have better luck at the casino. What stunned me is that the author of this article wrote it with a straight face. So much for objectivity. If random theory is true(and the author seems to swear by it), scientific method is garbage. Einstein may have indeed been right that God does not play dice (random theory) with the universe. He then links random theory with another illogical and self refuting doctrine:evolution. Here we have a belief that from non living matter came life! That is you have the absurd come true; you can get something from nothing! Incredible. Doubters may reply;"Science has proven such things by observation and experiment." The problem here is that observation and experiment is no substitute for logic. Scientific method and all rational thought is built on logic. If observation and experiment contradict logic, it cannot be logic that is at fault. If it were science must abandon its logical foundations. In fact they have appeared to do so with random theory and evolution. This is why when I read this magazine its actually very funny. I gave it two stars because some of the articles are good, but the rest is good for comedy relief.

Single Minded
"Skeptic" is the quarterly house publication of the Skeptic Society, and that in turn is mainly the work of Michael Shermer, a one-man Skeptic industry. Shermer is chairman of the society as well as editor and publisher of the magazine; that's both good and bad. Good, as it's always nice to have a founder who can set direction for an organization, and bad, because "Skeptic" can be as narrow minded in its approach to inquiry as any of its targets. Indeed, the magazine might best be titled "Michael Shermer's Skepticism".

At its best "Skeptic" offers short essays that illustrate some area of interest. The latest issue in my hand has a few such examples.

One is a piece on a school board's decision to tech creationism alongside evolution, and the reaction of the teachers involved. There's also a piece by Shermer himself on how he learned to be a "psychic" in one week for a documentary. The piece isn't terribly informative, nor does it offer anything new for the typical Skeptic reader but it's well done and provides some useful examples.

Much of the content rehashes old ground, though. A piece on the conspriacy theories surround the HAARP project mainly quotes text from HAARP's web site. An article on Roswell rehashes the well-known chronology for the upteenth time, and is of interest mainly because it's written by someone who was involved with Project Mogul.

And much of the issue is devoted to narrow, polemical articles and reviews that are poorly argued. The attitude seems to be "we're preaching to the choir here, so there's no need to be too detailed." There are a few articles on time travel- one by Shermer himself- that argue time travel is impossible. Problem is that the arguments given are either naive, easily refuted or just plain fallacious. Shermer himself relies on the appeal-to-authority argument- Thorne and Hawking say it's not possible, ergo it's not possible.

My general feeling about "Skeptic", and the society, is that there's far less here than meets the eye. There's probably as much or more information of interest to the skeptical (but open minder) reader to be gleaned by simply doing the occasional web search.

A Great Source for Critical Thinkers
I stumbled upon this magazine while searching for articles to use with the critical thinking class I teach. Needless to say, I was floored by the useful content packed into every issue of SKEPTIC. It has become a mainstay in my classroom mostly because of the diverse array of topics discussed in each issue.

The only problem I have with this publication is the fact that often the writers seem to enjoy their point of view a little too much. Frequetly it seems as if they are mocking their topics instead of intelligently assessing the subject at hand. This overt bias often works to discredit what could otherwise be an effective and persuasive article. The writers need to let logic and not elitist emotional appeals sway their readers.

Bottom Line: A good read and an excellent resource for teachers looking to challenge their students. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Spooky and Satisfying
This magazine is the only one like it out there,it is in a class by itself.If you love stories of the paranormal then you will love this mag.

One of the best of it's kind.
I came across an issue of FATE magazine among a stack of assorted magazines given to my mother. I forget the issue number, but on the cover of FATE for that month was a picture of a giant squid. Having had a brief fling with tabloids, I thought it would be an interesting read. Let me tell you, I read that magazine from cover to cover. Never before have I found a magazine of this sort. It takes a serious approach to the often-considered fantastic creatures--such as Bigfoot and the Loch Ness monster--but it also documents a great deal more.

From reports on the latest findings in cryptozoology to suggestions regarding achieving out-of-body experiences, this magazine has enough in it to keep anyone interested. I've had a subscription for almost a year, and I intend to renew when my year is up.

Don't miss out on the FATE! Who can live without regular reports on E.T. activity and the uncovering of ancient artifacts? It's all here, within these pages. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

pointing dog journal
I have read this magazine almost from it's inception and find everything about it to be first rate. From the stories of bird hunting in an earlier time to the loads of valuable information it contains. Anyone who likes dogs should find this a valuable and entertainig magazine whether they hunt or not. ... Read more

Abstract

Incorporated with International Wildlife (IWL). Details conservation issues & natural world discoveries. Provides tips on how to support environmental efforts.
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Reviews (2)

Great!
This magazine is the best magazine I've EVER read! It'll inform you about just about ALL of the latest technology. If you want 400+ gadgets, electronics, and technology described (and a lot are rated out of 5 stars for: performance, value, and overall), THIS IS THE MAGAZINE FOR YOU! Just make sure you can read. (Popular Science is my second favorite magazine.) T3 magazine is Great!Woo-Hoo!

THE Technology Enthusiast's Dreambook
If you are into all things digital, electronic, or simply wonder what magazine can help you gear up like James Bond, look no further my friend. T3 is a tad spendy on the subscription price because it is an import from the UK. This also affects readers in the US and Canadian markets because some of the products discussed aren't available in North America. However, by the same token, it allows the tech savvy to see what's shaping up overseas, and in many cases, what's on it's way to the States or Canada. Yet, due to inability to customize for the West (a large percent of it's profitable market) I give it a 4 instead of a 5. A sugguestion to those interested in this mag as a gift for someone else: try looking for Sony Style Magazine. It is along the very same lines but it's Sony product specefic (Sony is the very heart of modern consumer technologies). Sony Style can save those considering a mag subscription for a tech lover some serious bucks by skipping the import fees since it is pressed domestically in the US. ... Read more

From Amazon.com

Published by New York's treasured American Museum of Natural History, Natural History gives a monthly peek into current goings-on in the broad realm of natural history and science. Dinosaur buffs, world travelers, animal lovers, stargazers, birders, and history fanatics alike will find articles and photographs to pique their interests. Less weighty than its chief peer, National Geographic, Natural History takes the armchair traveler into the world of bugs, archeological excavations, and the rest of the universe. Without ever reading like a specialized journal, the magazine creates an intelligent and in-depth discussion of each topic, and articles are illustrated with photographs, drawings, charts, and maps. Perhaps because National Geographic covers so much cultural and physical ground, Natural History features more focused articles on scientific discovery. Still, it's a glimpse into a vast world, and a good substitute for a monthly visit to the Museum of Natural History. --Gilia Angell ... Read more

Reviews (3)

my oppinion
i enjoyed the magizine. it was also helpful in school. i learnt a lot from reading it

Excellent Articles
This is an outstanding journal. The articles are diverse, informative, and current. Other than possibly Scientific American, there is not better journal for the life sciences.

An earlier reviewer critized the journal for not using the metric system. Personally, I do not find this to be a problem with a journal which is primarly qualitative and not quantitative.

It an ok magazine
Having read a few copies of these magazine I'm left with mix feelings. I'll admit I'm tempted to subscribe - if only for the lovely pictures. On second thought I might be better off subscribing to National Geographic. I'll also admit the articles are well written and informative. The problem I had with this magazine is that it does not use the metric system! This might sound silly, but once your use to reading science magazines with it, reading one without it seems idiotic. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A very goodmagazine for Appaloosa owners
I've been getting this magazine off and on for about ten years and it is a decent magazine that deals with the appaloosa breed. So if you have an appy or plan on getting one or if you just enjoy the breed there is some wonderful photos and info in The Appaloosa Journal. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great mag!
This is an excellent magazine for the interested layperson. The articles are very informative but not too technical, and the photography is first rate. It covers prehistoric and historic archaeology in North America and Mesoamerica, so it highlights a part of the world that other archaeology magazines do not. Plus, a part of the subscription price supports The Archaeological Conservancy, a nonprofit group that buys American archaeological sites to protect them. If you want to keep track of what's happening in American archaeology but don't want to read the dry professional journals, then this is the magazine for you.

Superb Magazine
This is a very well done magazine. An "archaeology buff" friend of mine recommened it to me. It's about archaeology in the United States and does a great job of covering the entire country. Articles include historic and prehistoric archaeology. The subscription includes membership in The Archaeological Conservancy, which is a group that preserves important archaeological sites, so the money goes to a good cause. This group even offers archaeological tours and members are kept up to date on what is offered. I highly recommend this magazine.

Archaeology Lesson
I found American Archaeology to be intriguing and easy to understand considering I don't have a background in archaeology. I found that the articles were very interesting and covered a wide range of topics, from current events to preservation projects. I think it is a great publication for those fascinated with the field of archaeology. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles on natural history and environmental concerns for an educated, concerned, activist audience.
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