Reviews (1)

Road Map to Adventure
Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine is a great source for those who live in one of the greatest outdoor states in the country. From weekend getaways to week long excursions, you can find ideas and opportunities here. They have something for everyone. Wildflowers, Bird watching, Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, Biking, Historic. If you live in Texas, and you're looking for an outdoor lifestyle, this is your magazine. Each issue has some of the most increadible photography you'll find in any magazine. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Literary refreshment
I have only recently picked up a copy of one installment of this magazine and I was instantly captivated. The writing is refreshing. I am not generally a fan of magazines, but this one offers the peace of a collection of short stories. Touching emphasis is placed on the depth and elegance of the writing rather than sensationalist reporting. The editors clearly care as much about the message each issue sends as the authors of the pieces presented therein. The layout provides the respect to the articles and photography that they deserve. This magazine is an inspiration- to travel, to write, to learn and to live. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Readable, insightful.
"New Scientist is the one science magazine that's big enough to see science and technology in context and report the vital industrial, commercial and social consequences." New Scientist readership is almost 700,000 people according to their site. They have been established since 1956 and are headquartered in United Kingdom. I enjoy reading New Scientist magazines for several reasons. Its science news coverage is remarkable. If you are one of those people who would like to keep a close track of research, reports, papers and discoveries then this would constitute a good source of information. New Scientist staff is definitely covering the most important discoveries from journals such as Nature and Science. The Editorial section that begins each issue is almost always solidly and intelligently written. Technology section is also highly readable and interesting. I, for one, do not see any bias in reporting. US edition of New Scientist is specifically tailored for North American readers. In US editions jobs are posted specifically for United States residents. Each issue includes (on average) 3 featured articles. These are concise and are usually written by science journalists. From time to time one may see researchers writing the articles.

Allow me to make a recommendation. If you are after insightful and scholarly in-depth articles then you should proceed to subscribe to Scientific American. However, if you want excellent news coverage then stick to New Scientist. I also examined books that New Scientist reviews and found that most of them are scholarly (written by senior scientists) and are published by universities such as MIT, University of California, Princeton, Harvard and so on. This is a very good sign.

Assuming that New Scientist is a weekly magazine you get around 12 featured articles (each 3-4 pages long) and around 80 pages of science and technology news per month for around $50. I think this is a good deal. I should also point out that print-edition subscribers receive a free digital access to New Scientist Archive through NS site. Archive allows subscribers to read magazine content from late 1980's up to the present day. This may be safely shared with a family member at no extra cost.

According to the Media Pack document (that can be found on New Scientist site) 88% of readers are degree qualified and 68% are under 45 - young and innovative.

I described positive qualities of the magazine. Here are some negative comments that I would like to make:

- New Scientist magazine seems to be cluttered with irrelevant and unnecessary images (inserted in various positions and places). NS Staff probably likes to beef up magazine's volume to achieve its usual 60-65 page length. I strongly hate this trend that many magazine publishers seem to follow. The editions also contain some advertisements. You will definitely be treated to some.
- The "Dialogue" section is terrible. I never read it because I do not find it serious enough. It may be a good idea to advance a new section or expand existing ones.
- Some readers may not like the fact that there is "Politics" section in a science-oriented publication.

I would like to point out the fact that subscription price to New Scientist is cheaper at NS site (a little over $50) and student discount is also available.

The Brits do it again
Why is it that the English write the best weekly news magazine, The Economist, and the best weekly science magazine, New Scientist? Reading all these English magazines is wreaking havoc on my American spelling ability. The breadth of topics in New Scientist is remarkable, and the articles are pertinent, useful, and very enjoyable to read. If you're a scientist, read Scientific American. Everyone else, read New Scientist.

The best popular science magazine around
This one is difficult to beat. It concentrates on shorter, well written articles about recent or ongoing research. Whether the article is by a researcher or a freelance scientific writer the excellent editorial team helps create articles that are wonderfully readable and informative. Where many magazines are dry as tinder (eg. Scientific American) New Scientist has a more lighthearted approach. The Feedback section will send the most seriousminded reader into paroxysms of laughter.
New Scientist has a very broad defintion of science, and articles about linguistics, archaelogy, psychology, ethics, etc., are common. Neither are the editors afraid of taking a political stance. Every issue has a section of the politics of science in either Washingot or London.
If you want to keep ajour with the latest developments in science and technology and where width is emphasized over depth, this is the magazine for you.

Interesting read
Although it's a thin mag, the pages are packed many articles and few ads. Overall, it gets a bit more technical than the other 'pop science' magazines. The writing is usually good, but there is a definite polital slant to the left. Buy from the New Scientist web site for 1/3 the price.

The best of the popular science magazines
New Scientist began in the 1960s as a magazine aimed, not surprisingly, at the new scientist- the young researcher or student of the era who was as much concerned with politics and policy implications of science as he or she was with science itself. Since then the emphasis has shifted to a more general reviews of science, though the left-wing tilt is still there.

No matter, for politics seldom interfere with the general tenor of the magazine. New Scientist is a mix of short snippets, news items, more detailed articles and regular in-depth articles on some contemporary or emerging science or technology. The writers include both free-lancers and academics, and the level of writing is uniformly very high.

Though it's a rather thin bimonthly, you'll find far more depth and range in a month's worth of New Scientists than you would in a year's worth of Scientific American. For the educated reader it's the single best source of general science information available. ... Read more

Abstract

Articles and book reviews about the critical investigation of paranormal claims from a scientific point of view.
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Reviews (7)

Bunkie debunk, debunk, debunk...
Nothing like starting with a trite title. I've been subscribing to this fine journal longer than I have "Skeptic" which I also recommend. Indeed, I recently argued with a colleague, one who's convinced that she's had an out-of-body experience (OBE), who thinks this journal is the closest thing to heresy she's ever encountered. (Suffice it to say, the argument didn't go on for long. I climbed aboard my UFO and went off to Xanadu and we remain friends.)

I should mention too another friend who jumps from one New Age fad to another. He prefers "Skeptic" to this as he feels the editors of that magazine are less prone to insult the things in which he chooses to believe. So if your hypersensitive, this might not be for you. I'm not that sensitive, just know who NOT to bother arguing with.

I look forward to every issue of Skeptical Inquirer. Some of the articles are a little terse, but that's okay. I mean, Carl Sagan was right: extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Yet there's people who'll buy the latest health fads, the latest UFO claim--the list grows by the day.

To be perfectly honest, I thought the magazine was a little better when it was quarterly. (I think it's every other month now.) But I still read it cover to cover. It's a little less "academic" than "Skeptic" but that doesn't mean less researched. There just tends to be a little more wit than that other journal. When Martin Gardner had a regular column, I turned to that before the other articles. But Martin, like the rest of us, isn't getting any younger. I'll still have to read his library of books much of which graces my bookshelves.

Folks, there's a lot to learn. The "mainstream" media tend to NOT discourage items that lead to the Amityville Horror and countless other scams. (I just remember that one, hence my referring to it specifically.) Indeed, this is one of the few magazines that I not only read but save in one of the binders I also got from them (along with the legged Darwin fish for my car and the slogan, "I doubt it" which flashes on my cyber-hat. Sorry. Someone gave that to me for my birthday and that just seemed an appropriate slogan to flash to people who buy the stuff so seldom challenged by people who should know better!)

If you are inclined to skepticism, you're healthier than the average American these days. I recommend this journal. The subject matter is broad, the articles are fun, and

A Decent Magazine
The act of skeptical inquiry in and of itself primarily results in what is often called "debunking." As a citizen living in country of people hoodwinked into beleiveing that witches, unicorns,and bigfoot all exist relative to their fairy tale roots, this magazine serves as a refreshing antidote. Most often you will find that those who are displeased with the magazine are those who want to read "serious inquiry" into X Files type events that are invariably a hoax. If someone wants to believe in the Loch Ness Monster or bleeding statues; that is their perogative. But they shouldn't be surprised when skeptical inquiry results in a less than favorable verdict for their pet-fantasies. For those that are interested in reading the best magazine of skeptical/rational inquiry outside of a straight science magazine; enjoy this one.

At least it has the counter-evidence...
but this doesn't mean that it makes much sense. The only reason I gave this magazine two stars is because it presents the skeptical side of things. This is to balance the believers side. A while back the air force came out with an "explanation" for the Roswell incident. They claimed that crash test dummies were being experimented with and this explains the aliens witnesses saw. Do crash test dummies walk around like the aliens winesses saw? No. Theres not enough evidence one way or another to say what happened at Roswell, if anything. Witnesses could have lied for any number of reasons. The military could have been experimenting with top secret projects and pressured witnesses to keep their mouth shut. But this magazine bought the airforce explanation,which makes zero sense. When the evidence is murky and can go either way, the smart thing to say is "I don't know." This is way better than skeptics believing that crash test dummies explained it all, which is pretty foolish. Descartes wrote once in his discourse on method that one should Doubt EVERYTHING. This is what a true skeptic does. The impression I got from this magazine is not one of true skepticism, but a club of like minded people who got together to express their beliefs. All fine and well. All skeptics are not represented by this magazine. It could also be that what this magazine calls crackpots, psuedo scientists, and the rest are also skeptics, who doubt orthodox beliefs and who doubt the proofs that are brought forward by the orthodoxy. I am all for exposing fraud and the profit, fame, etc. motives behind it. But I believe you should think for yourself to find truth and not be swayed by what a believer or skeptic says. A recent editorial in this magazine called the disagreements between the orthodox and the unorthodox a "war." This gives me an insight into what some of the people behind this magazine really believe. A war implies a victory to impose your will on others. In this case it is to impose these skeptics beliefs on everyone else. The old religious inquisitions are dead, but it looks like the new scientific inquisitions are well on their way.

The best of a weak field
While it lacks the gloss and pizazz of the one other major magazine in the field (Skeptic), the Skeptical Inquirer is the far better publication of the two. It's much less of a one-man show, being guided by an organization (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of the Paranormal, or CSIOP) rather than a semi-charismatic leader. That's not to say it doesn't have its faults.

Like Skeptic, Skeptical Inquirer is heavy on the polemical approach and light on the tolerance. There tends to be a very heavy-handy and condescending attitude towards any religious belief, with a few odd and contradictory exceptions. For example, Martin Garder is a board member and a major inspiration of CSIOP; indeed, his books on "Fads and Fallacies" are among the most often-cited works on pseudoscience. Gardener himself is a practicing Christian, as he discusses in his book "What I Believe", yet he's all too quick to comdemn religious beliefs not concordant with his own. The truely skeptical reader might wonder why Garder's beliefs get a pass, but other religions are deemed cults. Why are only some revelation acceptible?

Overall, though, The Skeptical Inquirer does tend to have a little more of a scientific slant than does The Skeptic, and one will find more scientists writing in The Skeptical Inquirer. For instance, the current issue (July/August 2003) has an article on Memory Recover authored by (among others) Elizabeth Loftus, and a reply by Stephen PInker to an earlier article.

Given the choice between the two magazines mentioned, The Skeptical Inquirer gets my nod as the preferred publication. But it should still be read with an attitude at least as skeptical as the magazine itself.

Debunkers, Not Skeptics
I've read a number of articles in this so-called magazine of skeptics. I'm not impressed, and I'm a natural skeptic myself. I follow the evidence where it leads, even if it doesn't fit into my world view, something the Skeptical Inquirer doesn't even try to do. Instead, they debunk the evidence with an "It can't be, therefore it isn't" attitude. When someone does meet their high standards, but, fails to get past their "It can't be" attitude, they raise the bar for evidence. If that fails, they attack the credibility of the witnesses. When all else fails, then they resort to character assasinations. These illogical ways of thinking are strange for "skeptics" who pride themselves on their logic and rationality. Don't get me wrong, there are a number of good articles in every issue, but, the debunking attitude, with its closed minded preconceptions, ruins the premise of the magazine. If you want to debunk evidence, fine, but, change the name of the magazine to reflect its content. Otherwise, the contents are as misleading as the magazine's name. I think "Evidentiary Debunking" is a more appropriate title. Give the illogical skeptics their own magazine and let the rest of us read a true "Skeptical Inquirer". ... Read more

Abstract

Written for the knowledgeable amateur astronomer.Articles on space science, astronomy, observatories, planetariums, telescopes and celestial events.
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Reviews (6)

Best Astronomy Magazine
I started taking an interest in Astronomy 2 years ago when I purchased an Orion 6-inch Dobsonion. I was recommended this magazine which I subscribed to about 3 months ago. I love every issue of this magazine and can't wait till I get my next issue. Being new to Astronomy, I don't necessarily understand all the content of every article, but understand enough to continue to spark my interest. I am sure over a period of time, I will understand more. This magazine is for anyone who is interested in this discipline. The pictures are absolutely breathtaking and there are ariticles that cater to the need and experience for all from novice to experts. I like the reviews of the new telescopes, cameras, software, etc. When I am ready to get into Astrophotography, I will use this magazine to guide me into buying my first Camera. The articles keep you up-to-date with the latest development in astronomy and the sky charts help you plan what's new and most visible in the sky in the particular time of month in question. I usually get done reading the entire magaine the first 3-4 days it arrives. The only thing that I don't like are all the advertising pages though some of them are very useful in seeing what new products are out there. Maybe SkyandTelescope can group all the advertising pages into its own section since they do make up about 1/4 of the magazine. However there are enough non-advertising pages to make this magazine by far the best Astronomy Magazine!!

The Best
I am a retired English Professor and amateur astronomer, and I have subscribed to Sky and Telescope for over 20 years. It is the most professionally produced magazine I have ever read.

Its writing is mature and superbly edited, its photographs are beautifully rendered, its staff continually improves the magazine through better editing and production, and it provides articles on a broad range of subjects: the latest space probes and research; the dating of paintings or historical events by the night sky; Hubble and amateur photographs; meteor showers; what's up in tonight's sky; star maps; calendars of events world-wide; reviews of telescopes, accessories, computer software, and books; and more.

Sky and Telescope is widely read by professional astronomers and is probably bought by more amateurs world-wide than any other astronomy magazine.

If you have never looked through a telescope, if you use a telescope often, or if you have a telescope that you have packed up, this magazine should stimulate you to go out to see the night sky and discover where we live and what we live for.

More Telescope than Sky
I've subscribed to this magazine for years even though my main interest is cosmology. Even professional astronomers subscribe so we highly recommend this magazine.

In my opinion, it's the most professionally done popular astronomy magazine, better than "Astronomy" and more focused than "Discovery." S&T has many gorgeous astro-photos, mostly done by pros with fab equipment as well as images from the Hubble. So why does the magazine devote more than half its pages and articles to amateur telescopes and accessories? Because that's what pays the bills! So I've packed up my telescope and left it in the garage, but I still subscribe because every issue has at least one article (feature or news) about science. The monthly star map, cepheid graph, and NEWS make the rapidly increasing subscription price still worth it.

Sky & Telescope Magazine Review
I have subscribed to Sky & Telescope for several years now. I have also subscribed to other Astronomical magazines including "Astronomy". I let all other subscriptions lapse but kept S & T chiefly becouse of it's "newsnotes" and "missionupdate" sections that have been expanded in recent years. The rest of the magazine is equatable to "Astronomy", lot's of great pictures, some good science features and way too much advertising. On the plus side of the ads is that that is how we keep up on new inovations in the hobby. Of particular note are the classifieds - if anyone ever buys that 73" diameter Large Cervit Mirror Blank please invite me to your observatory!

A must read for astronomers
I always enjoy reading this magazine. It is the most intelligent of the astronomy related magazines. It gives basic observing information for that month and articles on various topics from space exploration to the latest theories in astronomy to reviews on astronomical equipment. If you are interested in amateur astronomy this is a good place to start. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

LOVE THOSE ARABIANS
Sure do wish they would lighten up on the xbreeds and focus on the Arabian more. This magazine is supposed to be about ARABIANS. NOT SADDLEBREDS.It seems as tho the breeders are trying to make Saddlebreds out of the Arabian, and if they don't want the Arabian then go buy a Saddlebred!!!! It is so sad we have lost the original Arabian,that nothing can replace. Who could ever want anything better? THE BEAUTIFUL ARAB IS THE BEST!!!!! THE ORIGINAL ARAB IS UNEQUALLED. ... Read more

Abstract

Reports on recent research in pure and applied sciences, written for scientists of all disciplines.
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Reviews (1)

American equivalent of Nature
Unlike Scientific American, this journal offers research level articles, spanning all of science. Internationally, it is comparable to Britain's Nature. Except that this journal consciously does not have that emphasis towards the biological sciences.

As you might then expect, the preferred audience is professional scientists (and engineers). Typically, a scientist might direct her paper here, instead of a journal in her field, if she expects that her results might be considered of interest to a broader science community. Oh, and it would raise her profile amongst them, which certainly is desirable.

Another important use of this journal is to search for job vacancies in your field. Many American and overseas universities list tenure track and postdoctoral positions here. But beware! Some fraction of these positions already have preferred candidates. The universities are only advertising here to comply with EEO rules, and may often slant the ad or filter the resultant applications to ensure that only the desired candidate gets the job.

But even in the case where a position actually has no predetermined candidate, often many qualified people will apply. For a tenure track Assistant Professor job, you can expect over 100 applications, from people with PhDs. ... Read more

Abstract

Washington-based for American agribusiness including farmers. Includes forecasts & judgements relating to farm commodities, farm inputs, agricultural legislation & regulations, farm exports & other matters.
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Abstract

Contains peer-reviewed articles, original research reports, a news section, editorials, letters, and book reviews on timely science-related topics.
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Reviews (1)

AAAS flagship publication
The flagship publication of the AAAS, and probably the best American equivalent to Britain's Nature. The articles are research reports, with the quality very high due to the AAAS's careful review process.

Typically, an article is sent here instead of going to a more specialised journal in the author's field because she thinks it might have broader interest than just strictly in her field. Outreach. Sometimes perhaps to improve her chances of getting future research grants, since this journal is very well known. ... Read more

Abstract

An environmental magazine which provides information, news and commentary on environmental issues.
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Reviews (2)

Great Environmental Magazine
I recently subscribed to E! and the two magazines I have read have had some great articles.

Finally, Independent environmental reports
E is a publication I recognize for its solid reporting on key issues. But most importantly, it is the independence of the solid, in-depth special reports that is most valuable to me and my fellow environmentalists.

Not found in E are the typical political grunts and trite statements. I do not feel I am reading a political manefesto, or degrading my life by reading E. Just as important, when passing it on to others, I do not feel that I am an extension of some action group, but know that what I pass on is solid, quality reporting that take into account all sides of an issue. In addition to the solid reporting on an issue, E has expanded so every issue contains information on personal health, Green travel with a nice section on Green Investing that I found is truly effective for me.

Overall I give E four stars for content and ADD a star for remianing indpendent of "in-your-face" commentary. A true Time magazine quality for the environmentally concerned. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Undoubtedly the most gorgeous magazine in circulation...
Even if you don't care for Arabian horses, this magazine will catch your eye...even non-horse folk are compelled to pick it up, thumb through the thick quality pages and comment on the gorgeous photos. Many subscribers/readers have been treasuring their magazines for many years (myself included) for the wealth of information and photos used in research over the years. And the editorial staff and regular staff writers such as Mary Jane Parkinson, Gari Dill-Marr and the late great Gladys Brown Edward have no peers. The great difference between the "World" and the "Arabian Horse Times" is that the World TRULY does focus on the Arabian horse worldwide, not just the United States.

A WONDERFUL read and each issue is a keeper!

arabian horse world
I first started with this magazine back in 1978 when I was training arabian horses, breeding etc.. The mag was very useful and much larger back in 78 as compare to now. But the quality is still present. I'm also an artist part time and have used the incredible photos as reference in drawing and painting horses and the quality is 1st rate. The story lines I've found interesting and informative. As all mags have the problem of advertisting to keep publishing business, I did not find it to be over board as in some mags and most was related to horses anyways. I've been out of the horse business for 14 yrs now and serve in the Canadian Forces, but I still like picking up an old friend in this mag and see all the new stock from the old stock I use to work with, overall the mag is an excellent breeders guide as to what is out there for the breeder and buyers. Keep up the good work, maintain the high quality and remember why you publish the mag in the first place is why I still buy it, to keep the arabian horse lover's appetite wet. Lee

Great magazine for arabian lovers!
This is a great magazine for Arabian Horse Owners or those that just love Arabians.

Arabian Horse World Magazine
If you are looking for a beautiful monthly magazine with outstanding photography, this is it! If you are looking for a monthly magazine with information on the larger Arabian horse farms in the U.S. and around the world, this is it! If you are looking for show results and pictures, this is it! Occassional ariticles on breeding or horse handling. I love to look at it and plan. Great Reference tool for breeders. It has also interesting to see the changes in styles as the years go by. ... Read more