Alternative Press Magazines & Zines

Because there is such a huge volume of alter- native material being published, in any single issue we are only able to review a hundred or so of the periodicals we receive. Zines and magazines go in and out of publication daily, so don’t be surprised if a few of those listed here have already folded. You’re almost always better off sending cash or stamps (or IRCs—International Postal Reply Coupons) for smaller zines, unless the review specifies otherwise. If you want to be sure whether a zine or magazine is still available, send a SASE with a request for current information first. APR will send a free exchange copy to every publication reviewed in these pages (as long as it is at least 16 pages in length in standard 8˝x11 size or 32 pages in smaller format). Please be aware that we receive hundreds of periodicals, more than we could ever review, and are constantly backlogged. Also keep in mind that the APR issue we send for exchanges will be the one a publication is reviewed in (when it is reviewed), so please be patient. APR does not exchange with non-English language publications. All reviews in this issue are by Jason McQuinn [JM], Tom Wheeler [TW], Chuck Munson [CM], Kerry Mogg (KM) or Allan Antliff [AA].

ADVOCATING AGAINST THE IDEAL
Zine for Women Who Refuse
#1 (P.O Box 2346, Sioux City, IA 51106; www.geocities.com/susansite) is 26-pages worth of pretty type faces. Advocating against the Ideal is a feminist zine that makes clear exactly why liberal feminists need to read more radical literature. This issue’s “highlights” include rants about being criticized for not wearing a dress and the probing question as to why there isn’t a “Mr.” America contest. Unfortunately, this zine’s handful of vacant critiques about sexism are drawn from the surface issues of high heels and diets culled from women’s magazines. Readers interested in a dialogue about the real causes of misogyny should look elsewhere. Send $1 for Issue #1, $2 for following issues. Cash only. [KM]

THE AMERICAN DISSIDENT
A Literary Review of Dissident Poetry and Essays
#3/Fall 2000 - Winter 2001 (1837 Main St., Concord, MA 01742-3811; e-mail: enmarge@hotmail.com; web: members.aol.com/enmarge.page.html) is a 48-page biannual zine of political poetry, rants, and cartoons. The poetry is a mixed bag, but most of it is at least interesting. I thought the bios for each writer were often more interesting than their poetry. I particularly liked Michael Ceraolo’s two “essays on news reports.” It’s encouraging to see that somebody is at least trying to show that the literary arts can be political. $14 for 2 issues. [CM]

ANARCHO-SYNDICALIST REVIEW
#30/Winter 2000-2001 (POB 2824, Champaign, IL 61825; e-mail: asr@labourstart.zzn.net) is a quarterly 38-page magazine about anarcho-syndicalism and the radical labor movement. The cover story is titled “Anarcho-Syndicalism versus Insurrectionism,” which provides an anarcho-syndicalist on this minor tendency of anarchism dubbed “insurrectionism.” This tendency, where it isn’t uncommon to hear about anarchists robbing banks or blowing up car dealerships, can be found in Italy and Greece. The illegalists are clearly anarchists, so it’s a shame to see yet another so-called revolutionary organization (the Spanish CNT) distancing itself from this tendency. Other feature articles in this issue include “General Strike in Serbia,” “The Rebirth of French Anarcho-Syndicalism,” and “35-hour Week: lower incomes and more work.” Recommended. $15 for 4 issues [CM]

ANY TIME NOW
Anarchist-Decentralist Newsletter
#11/Fall 2000 (Affinity Place, Argenta, B.C. V0G 1B0, Canada; web site: http://sites.netscape.net/atnzine/; e-mail: dickm11@excite.com) is a 6-page discussion zine for libertarian “moderation.” This issue includes another quick criticism of Noam Chomsky’s defenses of late of government as instrument of the popular will, a review of the editor’s “Road to Fascism” pamphlet by Dick Martin, and reviews of a few assorted anarchist periodicals. Subscriptions are $1/issue.

ARSENAL
A Magazine of Anarchist Strategy and Culture
#2 Fall 2000 (1573 N. Miwaukee Ave. PMB #420 Chicago, IL 60647; e-mail: arsenal@wwa.com) is a superbly produced and thought-provoking journal of anarchist theory and practice. This issue includes a history and analysis of the Philadelphian anarchists’ success in maintaining a very public presence in their city; a discussion of the difficulties the band Chumbawumba face when exploiting market capitalism to spread their politics (the distinctions drawn between contributing to a subculture as opposed to an anarchist culture are particularly interesting); illustrations by Chicago artist Josh MacPhee protesting the industrialization of the human spirit; an article on “Bringing the Struggle Home” detailing what anarchists can learn from the strategies of the Zapatistas; and “A Look at Eugene’s Anarchists” by Laura Buddendeck. The only stinker is “Anarchists in the Neighbourhood” by Brian Dominck, in which theoretical confusion and the author’s own hubris come together in a call to abandon anarchism in favour of “community work.” And now a message from the reviewer, who’s seen a few anarchists deteriorate into government-grant fed reformist social workers: how this article made it past the editorial board of a journal like Arsenal is beyond me. That said, this issue is highly recommended. $4 [AA]

THE BAD DAYS WILL END!
# 3/Fall 2000 (Merrymount Publications PO Box 441597 Somerville, MA 02144) is a bulletin advocating libertarian communism. This issue includes a book review by historian Michael Siedman, a turgid article on “The Necessity and Impossibility of Anti-Activism” by J. Kellstadt (who cribs from anarchist Alfredo Bonanno’s The Anarchist Tension), a piece first published in 1972 called “The Work of Ideology” (gotta love that!) and “Back to the Situationist International” by Gilles Dauvé. A carping cartoon asserting anarchists “lack analysis” rounds out this grim example of Marxist theory-wrestling. $2.00 per issue. [AA]

BLINK CULTURE SCHLOCK
‘toons from Japan’
#12 (239 Harvard Ave #1, Allston, MA, 02134) Having just endured a beginner’s Japanese course, I could appreciate Steve Degregorio’s observations about some of the stranger elements to be found in Japanese culture and language, which are expressed in 14 pages worth of short panel cartoons. Generally, the jokes revolve around a couple of American kids teaching English in Japan. My fave: “you know you’ve been in Japan too long when you drop all particles when talking…” But that should also give you an idea of what you’re in for. If the above quip isn’t entirely meaningless to you and you find jokes about “Gaijin” your bag, than Blink could be worth a perusal. $1.50 or trade. (KM)

BLU
#10 (POB 903, 2023 Route 213,Rifton, NY 12471-0903; e-mail: pete@blumag.org; web: www.blumag.com) is an amazing 66-page magazine of revolutionary politics and culture which comes with a cool CD. The theme of this issue is “Global Guerillas,” which means that the reader can learn about gang organizing, playahating, martial arts and hip hop, Frantz Fanon, hackers and phreakers, women Zapatistas, hip hop in South Africa and much more. The cultural mix includes an interview with John Trudell, color pictures of various hip hop and rock steady shows, graffiti art, the art of tattooing, and a generous helping of reviews. This is all done in a visual style explosion that makes Blu one of the most dynamic political magazines around. The CD contains an eclectic mix of political funk and hip hop, including songs from Aztlan Underground, Arsonists, Zion I, Fun’da’mental, and Stewy Nuke’em. $27 for 6 issues and 6 CDs [CM]

BROKEN PENCIL
#13/Summer 2000 (PO Box 203, Stn. P, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5S 2S7; web: www.brokenpencil.com) is a 98-page magazine that reviews Canadian zines and covers the alternative press from a Canadian viewpoint. In a time when so much American culture is exported to Canada, perhaps it is time for American folks to check out what the Canadian alternative press has to offer. This magazine is a good start, because it mixes scads of zine reviews with articles and excerpts from zines. In this issue, Skot Deeming writes “A History of the small town zine scene,” Emily Pohl-Weary contributes an excellent article titled “Postering Public Space,” and Kevin Jagernauth profiles Jean Smith, an ex-Riot Grrrl on the Kill Rock Stars record label. $4.95 / $12 for 3 issues[CM]

THE BULLETIN OF THE ATOMIC SCIENTISTS
Vol.56,#6 (6042 South Kimbark Ave., Chicago, IL 60637-2806; web: www.thebulletin.org) is a 74-page bimonthly magazine on peace, international relations, foreign policy, nuclear power, and nuclear weapons. The Bulletin is most famous for the its “clock” which visually depicts how close the world is to nuclear disaster. In “The limits of coercion,” David Cortright and George A. Lopez examine the history of the U.N. mission to disarm Saddam Hussein. They explain that despite the demise of the UNSCOM inspection force in 1998, a great deal of disarmament was accomplished over the course of the 90s. This is also a special issue on “Government Secrecy.” Steven Aftergood looks at the current state of U.S. government secrecy, especially in light of recent leaks such as the infamous Wen Ho Lee case. James P. Thomas recounts his experiences trying to get secrets about the Hanford installation. Peter J. Westwick writes about the history of nuclear secrecy and Howard Morland asks “What’s left to protect?” $28 for one year. [CM]

BURGER DUDE
(Buy Books On the Web.com; 862 West Lancaster Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010-3222)- Service workers of the world, unite. If you haven’t managed to slip Marx’s Capital into your bedside reading yet, the well-produced, 48- page Burger Dude will suffice. Stone’s short, clipped sentences initially trick readers into thinking the novel is a simplistic, goofy parody when in fact Burger Dude is actually a sustained critique of capitalism. Stone uses his main character Ray, to examine the insidious pitfalls of the free market we can so easily slide into. A hapless hippie c. 1971 at the start of the novelette, all Ray wants is a car to take him to the beach. However, Ray’s chosen path soon becomes a life of wage-slavery to the burger chain that employs him, as he miserably slogs through the decades under the not- so- watchful eye of his dimwit boss. Burger Dude’s ending is wacky, culminating in Ray’s psychotic break from reality; his success at becoming the very thing he loathes is equally unconvincing, but this aside, Stone’s work is entertaining and recommended. $9.95. [KM]

CLASS WAR
No. 80/Autumn 2000 (PO Box 467 London E8 3QX) is the tabloid-style journal of the anarchist class war federation in England. The cover illustration, “time to pour oil on troubled waters,” features laughing firemen spraying oil from a petrol truck onto flaming parliament buildings. A regular column, “Doing the Business,” covers direct action around the United Kingdom. Analysis of the recent UK truckers’ strike and a discussion of May Day 2000 events in London demonstrates Class War still has its fingers on the pulse of rebellion. Well worth the price at approximately $3 per issue (CW is carried by many alternative info shops in the US and Canada). To subscribe send Ł 20 for 5 issues. Make checks out to London Class War. [AA]

CONDUIT
Big Bang: When Science and Poetry Collide
#9/Fall 2000 (510 Eight Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413; e-mail: conduit@bitstream.net) is a 72-page journal of prose and poetry. The poetry here is of better quality than most poetry zines, although the art is limited and mostly boring. This issue is loosely arranged around science themes: statistics, mathematics, political science, and geometry. Needless to say, some of the poems fit into these themes, while most do not. Includes an interview with Chet Raymo, who is a physics and astronomy professor who writes poetry. $11 for 2 issues. [CM]

CONFLUENCE
Winter 2001 (POB 63232, St. Louis, MO 63163; e-mail: mkbohnert@hotmail.com) is a 16-page tabloid of social & environmental news for the Mississippi River Valley and Ozark bioregion, but centered on St. Louis concerns. This issue includes cover stories on the Missouri Prison Labor Union started by Jerome White-Bey and on the “Death Penalty: Justice or Vengeance?” Subscriptions are $20-$25/year (4 issues). [JM]

DISCUSSION BULLETIN
#101/May-June 2000 through #105/Jan.-Feb. 2001 (POB 1564, Grand Rapids, MI. 49501) is a 32-page assortment of letters and reprinted articles primarily from the anti-market, non-statist radical milieu. Each issue usually includes several ongoing debates over the meanings of communism, Marxism, unionism, democracy and revolution, with some occasionally interesting and enlightening comments. The Jan.-Feb. issue includes part one of John Spritzler’s worthwhile critique “Facing History: How Working Class Germans Fought the Nazis and how Liberal Foundations Lie about It.” Always wide open to participation from readers who identify with this political sector. Subscriptions are $3/year (6 issues).

EARTH FIRST!
December-January, 2001 (PO Box 1415 Eugene, OR 97440) is a must-read journal dedicated to the defence of all life on this planet. This issue includes an account of the spirited demonstrations in the Czech Republic that rocked the IMF/World Bank and the successful of disruption of World Economic Forum meetings in Melbourne, Australia last fall. There is also a moving tribute to David R. Brower, the inspirational activist who never compromised in his efforts to push grassroots environmentalism “hard left,” as it were. Updates on new and on-going campaigns to stop the destruction of wilderness and the creatures who inhabit it make for worthwhile reading. In keeping with the times we live in there is a special insert, “fire in the eyes,” which discusses the police use of toxic chemicals to keep the rabble in line . . . hey, that’s you! Highly recommended. 3.50 US/$4.00 Can. [AA]

THE EAST VILLAGE INKY
#10 (122 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, e-mail: inky@erols.com) is a funky, hand-lettered, quarterly, small-format (4"x 5.5") zine recording the daily life (and the imagination) of a mother with a three-year-old and an infant and a fixation on Asian cultures. This issue includes a search for an ideal preschool, “Advice to Fathers,” and an account of the Xmas holidays. Sample copies are $2; subscriptions are $8/4 issues. [JM]

EVERYONE’S BACKYARD
Vol. 18, No.3. (Center for Health, Environment and Justice, Inc. 150 S. Washington St., Suite 300, P.O Box 6806, Falls Church, VA 22040; web: www.chej.org) is a 32-page, NGO produced magazine about environmental justice. E.B is heavily focused on dioxin, something they address in an editorial in this particular issue. Features include a report on the People’s Dioxin Action Summit held in Berkeley in August of last year. Other features of note include the “Corporate Corner,” a needed “outing” of the worst corporate crooks; the top ten generators of toxic pollutants; and the results from the Campaign for Cleaner Corporations survey. Also includes an action line, a legal corner and resources list. No price listed. [KM]

EXTRA!
Vol.14,#1/Jan.-Feb. 2001 (Subscription Services, POB 170, Congers, NY 10920-9930; www.fair.org) is the 32-page bimonthly magazine of FAIR (Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting), a “national media watch group that offers well-documented criticism of media bias and censorship” published from a left-liberal perspective. The Jan.-Feb. issue features criticisms of the mainstream media’s U.S. election coverage last year, including media fixations on Gore’s “populism” and Ralph Nader as spoiler, as well as the exit-poll errors during election day. The issue also features an important report on the Palestinian uprising revealing that it has become nearly taboo for mainstream media to name the Israeli subjugation of the occupied territories an “occupation.” Always recommended as an antidote to pervasive media biases. Subscriptions are now $21/year (including the bimonthly newsletter, EXTRA! Update). [JM]

FALL OF AMERICA
(Left Bank: 1004 Turner Way E., Seattle 98112) is a slow though well-intentioned 128-page novel about a group of train-hopping, slacker-types from California, caught off-guard by a sweeping fascist state spreading across the U.S. The first half of the novel is taken up with the boring lives of the slackers, as they ruminate on the corporate control of everything, the evils of conformity and their own stream-of consciousness “thots.” Given that Fall of America is likely to only be picked up by those already politically aware, these fictional speeches not only preach to the converted but are far too didactic. Robnoxious is not a bad writer, and the novel does pick up towards the end (after a large protest goes wrong and martial law is declared), but writing purely for the sake of communicating politics is never a good idea – Ayn Rand comes to mind. $2. [KM]

FREEDOM
Anarchist Fortnightly
Vol.61,#5 through Vol.61,#24/Dec. 16, 2000 (84b Whitechapel High Street, London E1 7QX, England) is a long-running 8-page tabloid of anarchist news and comment covering international, as well as British, social struggles. The December 16th issue includes commentary on the Florida election farce in the US, and the continuing success of the coverup of the Bloody Sunday 1972 murders of unarmed protesters by the British armed forces in Northern Ireland. Still the most frequently appearing anarchist periodical in English. North American subscriptions are Ł22/year (24 issues). [JM]

GIRLFRIENDS
Vol.7,#8/Feb. 2001 (3415 Cesar Chavez St., Suite 101, San Francisco, CA 94110; www.girlfriendsmag.com) is a super-glossy, colorful, 48-page advertising-saturated, magazine of “Lesbian Culture, Politics, and Entertainment.” The February “sex” issue covers the Alabama dildo ban, the current range of lesbian “Sex Options” (Carol Queen), and “The Bisexual Within” (Jenny Weiss), along with an interview with Michelle Tea. Single copies are $4.95; subscriptions are $29.95/year. [JM]

GRASSROOTS ECONOMIC ORGANIZING NEWSLETTER
#41/42/Summer 2000 (177 Kiles Road, Stillwater, PA 17878; web: www.geonewsletter.org) - GEO’s mandate is to “provide news and a bi-monthly forum” around alternative economic enterprises. This 22- page issue was about co-operatives in places as varied as Hungary, Mexico, Bosnia, Africa and Cuba, with an editorial about the need to buy co-op and boycott multinationals. GEO focuses on both fair trade and organics, with strong emphasis on the mechanics and implementation of co-operation, period. The journal doesn’t water anything down and is at times a little dry, but don’t let that scare you away. They are probably the only journal besides Dollars and Sense to tackle alternative economics in a thorough manner. Includes book reviews. $3.50 U.S/4.75 Canada. (KM)

GREEN ANARCHY
No. 3/Winter 2000 (PO Box 11331 Eugene, OR 97440) is a nicely put together journal of anarchist politics. This issue includes an insert with a thoughtful, well-reasoned outline of the GA perspective on what ills the world. Several first-hand reports cover major demonstrations against corporate/state abuse from around the world (Bolivia, for example). If you are looking for news on radical events written by the people who make them happen, look no further. A listing of actions against biotech operations and the exploitation of animals suggests we aren’t all laying down and playing dead in the face of capitalism’s outrages. A constructive and inspiring article on organic gardening and community building rounds out the issue. Highly recommended. $2 US/$3 Can. [AA]

GUIDE DU PLOTZ: PARIS
#14/undated (Barbara, P.O Box 819 Stuyvesant Station, New York City, 10009) is a witty, 23- page guide to Paris, sans pretension. As the zine’s intrepid creator says so aptly in her “pre-prologue,” “get your café noir….and settle your candy ass down for a good long read of Plotz 14…” The style is biting, and the pace is quick, with paragraphs placed under headings such as “How you say — bitch — en Francais” and “Tack is Tack is Tack is Tack.” The format is also very clever, done up as a 50’s era travel guide and illustrated with simple yet stylish graphics. Although very little actually happens during the author’s trip to Paris she is nonetheless a gifted storyteller and can embellish like no one else. Narrations such as “Secret Agent Plotz-O” detail attempts at leaving Plotz stickers in trendy shops in both England and France (“Some people pack Dramamine when they go away on trips. Me? I pack homemade Plotz stickers of an afro-clad woman with Jewish stars in her eyes.”) Two other little tidbits round out the Guide Du Plotz, “The Shame on Jew series: The sad, sick tale of Balthus” (a Parisian artist into denying he was Jewish); and “Out the French Jews!.” Very funny, very well written and very recommended! $2 plus 2 stamps. Back issues available for $1 plus 2 stamps. Cash only. (KM)

GUINEA PIG ZERO
A Journal for Human Research Subjects
#8 November, 2000 (GPZ PO Box 42531 Philadelphia, PA 19101; e-mail: gpzero@netaxs.com; web: http://hop.to/guineapigzero) is a must-read journal for anyone who wants the straight goods on government-sponsored experiments, industrial capitalist medicine and the commercial drug industry. The view is from the inside as editor Bob Helms, human guinea pig for hire with an investigative snout, documents the malpractices of characters like Dr Orne, a recently-deceased University of Pennsylvania CIA operative and psychiatrist who specialized in still-classified research on involuntary human subjects (unwitting prisoners, military personal and the like). This issue also includes a history of the life and death of Jesse Gelsinger, a young man who was suckered into participating in a highly dangerous test and died at the hands of company doctors working for Human Gene Therapy and Genovo, Inc. There are also report cards on drug testing outfits for those brave readers who practice Helms’ trade. Each issue comes with a rich peppering of hilarious illustrations, tales from history (“The Skeletons in Ben Franklin’s Closet”), short stories and witty Aphorisms. Highly recommended. Send checks payable to R. Helms. Individuals: $5 per copy, $15 for a 4-issue subscription. Institutions: $8 per copy, $24 for a 4-issue subscription. [AA]

HARBINGER
A Mouthpiece of the CrimethInc. Underground
#3 (CrimethInc. HQ, 2695 Rangewood Dr., Atlanta, GA 30345; web: www.crimethinc.com) is a 20-page newspaper of what could be described as Situationism updated for the 21st century. This is probably one of the more innovative political newspapers to come along recently. Instead of telling you why you should believe Ideology X or pay attention to a strike in Korea, the folks involved in this project are more interested in getting the reader to open their mind about the politics of everyday life. Highly recommended. [CM]

HARPER’S
Vol.302,#1809/Feb. 2001 (Subscription Dept., POB 7511, Red Oak, IA 51591-0511) is a slick, 92-page monthly edited and produced with an understated, literate style that makes it one of the best of all mainstream US magazines. Although not an alternative magazine itself, it is one of the few well established periodicals to include reprints from alternative press titles as well as a wide variety of other, often unusual, sources. This issue is extremely notable (and is included in this listing) for its cover story, “The Case Against Henry Kissinger, Part 1: The Making of a War Criminal” by Christopher Hitchens. This is a crucially important mainstream media event. The taboo against naming the men and women at the pinnacles of US power and wealth as war criminals must be broken before they will ever begin to fear facing any justice for their manifold crimes against humanity. Harper’s has made an important start by naming Henry Kissinger as someone who, by his consciously murderous orders (in Vietnam, Chile and elsewhere), fully deserves to be hung from the neck until dead. The cover price is now $4.95; subscriptions remain $21/year. [JM]

HOPE DANCE
#24/September/October 2000 (P.O Box 15609, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406. hopedance@aol.com) is an excellent 71- page issue on urban sprawl, sustainable communities (such as the Oak Creek Commons Co-housing group in Paso Robles, CA) and California’s SOAR (Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources) initiative. Packed with information, interviews, and first–rate features, this issue also has articles on pesticides and a number of columns devoted to topics such as the WTO; health; parenting; local eco-political news; and disarmament. A substantial book reviews section rounds out the magazine. One downside: the large format is financed through lots and lots of ads. Although targeted to California residents, Hope Dance is good reading for anyone and everyone. $10 for six issues. (KM)

IDS INSIGHTS
Vol.1,#2/Nov. 2000 (IDS, 177 East 87th St, Suite 501, New York, NY 10128) is the 12-page newsletter of the Institute for Democracy Studies, presenting accounts of its latest investigations into rightwing, anti-abortion, anti-feminist organizing in the U.S. This issue includes quick descriptions of the Federalist Society, Priests for Life and the National Pro-Life Religious Council and their latest programs. Subscriptions are $25/4 issues. [JM]

INSURGENT
Vol.12,#2/November 2000 (Erb Memorial Union, Suite One, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1228) is a 24-page radical newspaper serving that hotbed of radicalism: Eugene-Springfield, Oregon. In the local news department, several University of Oregon students were arrested at the School of the Americas protest, the legal situation is updated for local activists Free and Critter (charged with arson), activists protested Staples, and the Portland City Council is kissing the FBI’s ass. Andrew X contributes a provocative essay titled “Give Up Activism,” which should ruffle a few feathers. This issue also includes a special pull-out section on animal liberation, veganism, and the Animal Liberation Front. Recommended. $15 for a subscription. [CM]

IN THESE TIMES
Vol.25,#4-5/Jan. 22,’01 (Institute for Public Affairs, 2040 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647; web: www.inthesetimes.com; e-mail: itt@inthesetimes.com) is a professionally-produced, 30-page fortnightly “alternative newsmagazine” providing a left-liberal perspective on major national and international news stories in a timely manner—impossible for periodicals appearing less frequently. The January 22nd issue includes criticism of the Supreme Court’s election of George W. Bush (“Voting Wrongs” by Sam Muwakkil) and the incoming administration (“Uncle Tom’s Cabinet?” by Barbara Ransby & Cheryl Harris), along with another exposé of the Navy’s devastation of Vieques in “Anchors Away” by Juan Gonzalez, and an update on the disintegration of the peace process in Colombia by Ana Carrigan. Subscriptions are now $36.95/year (26 issues). [JM]

LOVING MORE
New Models for Relationships
#23/Fall 2000 (PO Box 4358, Boulder, CO 80306; e-mail: brett@lovemore.com; web: www.lovemore.com) is a 42-page quarterly magazine devoted to the exploration of alternative relationships. This issue includes an interview with Brad Blanton, author of the book Practicing Radical Honesty. Janet Kira Lessin contributes “ The Perils and Pearls of Polyamory.” The strength of this magazine rests on the personal accounts of alternative sexuality that are contributed by readers. These accounts take the ideas of alternative sexuality into the practical realm, thus providing a guide for those who are tired of traditional relationships. $30 for a one year membership. [CM]

MOLE
An Informal Journal of Panic Culture
#13/undated (POB 2482, Merrifield, VA 22116; web: www.patriot.net/users/playhaus/mile.html) is an irregularly produced 48-page newsprint zine which often digs into various aspects of underground culture. This particular issue is focused on jazz music featuring interviews with drummer William Hooker, avant-jazz guitarist Joe Morris, Kahil El’Zabar and Peter Brotzmann. There’s also an extensive music and book review section. Send $3 for a sample copy. [TW]

MONSTRESS
#2 (P.O Box 576, Union City NJ 07087; e-mail: evonderheid@hotmail.com) is a sweet and well-written, 14-page “women-oriented” zine (though not exclusively that). I enjoyed the article on heavy foreign coins (though being from Canada I won’t be able to ditch my weighty currency via any of Erica Vonderheid’s clever tips). Other articles include the joys of sauerkraut; why you could live at the Pittsburgh airport; the most eclectic review section I’ve ever seen (Patsy Cline, the Best of Meat Loaf, and White Rabbit candies). Best feature: the Good Advice on the back page re: “On the First Date”. (If you are considering asking “the young man across from you at the romantic candlelit table” if he’s done time–don’t do it). $1or trade. (KM)

MUSELETTER
#107/Dec. 2000 & #108/Jan. 2001 (Richard Heinberg, 1604 Jennings Ave., Santa Rosa, CA. 95401; e-mail: rheinberg@igc.org; web site: www.museletter.com/museletter/) is a readable and enjoyable 4-page monthly comment zine “of cultural renewal.” Each issue includes one substantial essay or review by publisher Richard Heinberg, author of the book Memories and Visions of Paradise: Exploring the Universal Myth of a Lost Golden Age. The December issue is an exception to the rule, including short comments on the “Aftermath of the Coup” (the Supreme Court’s election of George W. Bush) and a couple “appreciations” of anthropologists influential for the publisher. The January issue covers “Biotechnology & the Fate of the Soul” (on whether or not to “restrain” development of gene technology). Subscriptions are still $15/year. [JM]

NEWS & LETTERS
Vol.45,#10/December 2000 (36 S. Wabash, Room 1440, Chicago, IL 60603) is a 12-page newspaper published by an organization of Marxist-Humanists. Feature articles focus on the recent U.S. elections, the student movement in Iran, the Israeli-Palestine conflict, and “Marx’s Critique of the Gotha Program, 125 Year Later.” $5 for 10 issues [CM]

NEW UNIONIST
#275/Nov. 2000 through #277/Jan. 2001 (1821 University Ave W #S-116, St Paul, MN. 55104; web site: www1.minn.net/~nup) is now an 8-page monthly tabloid of the New Union Party whose fantasy is to get all workers “to unite in one rank-and-file controlled union.” The November issue includes an article on “Global Warming,” claiming that “the capitalist system is acting as a cork on the teapot of human inventiveness and innovation” for problems whose solutions are unprofitable, but “beneficial to the majority.” The January issue argues that business cycles or “boom & bust” are endemic to capitalism. Subscriptions are still $5/year. [JM]

NON-VIOLENT ACTIVIST
Vol 17 No. 5/September-October (2000 War Resisters League 339 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10012) is the bi-monthly magazine of the War Resisters League, covering non-violent direct action in the cause of peace and resistance to injustice around the globe. This issue includes an interesting first-hand account of the current struggle against Israeli oppression, detailing the non-violent tactics of Palestinians and how they are met with violence by Israeli forces. Chris Ney of the WRL provides an excellent analysis of the successful Bolivian uprising against International Monetary Fund/World Bank attempts to privatize drinking water in that country. Activist news from around the globe and a lively letters section round out the journal. Well worth the price. $1.50 [AA]

NUKEWATCH PATHFINDER
unnumbered/Winter 2001 (POB 649, Luck, WI 54853-0649) is an 8-page anti-nuclear weapons & anti-nuclear power tabloid, documenting and encouraging “nonviolent” resistance. This issue features information on the Yucca Mountain, Nevada waste dump in “A License to Kill?” and Bonnie Urfer’s survey of “ICBMs still in our Backyards” (showing the sites of the remaining 500 US land-based nuclear missiles), along with a short report from a Depleted Uranium Weapons conference in Manchester, England. Send an SASE for a sample. [JM]

OFF OUR BACKS
Vol.31,#1/Jan. 2001 (2337B 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009) is a longstanding 18-page feminist news tabloid with a strong emphasis on international coverage and lesbian separatist issues. The January issue features a brief interview with an Israeli peace activist, a description of the tactics of the Center for BioEthical Reform (purveyors of a creepy abortion = genocide project), an excerpt from the new book (edited by Diana Russell & Roberta Harmes) Femicide in Global Perspective on AIDS in South Africa, and Alyn Pearson’s somewhat schizoid, though lucid, thoughts on hating, yet dating, men. Subscriptions are now $25/year (11 issues). [JM]

ONWARD
Vol.1,#3/Winter 2000-2001 (Onward, POB 2671, Gainesville, FL 32602-2671)is a 24-page newspaper of anarchist news, opinion, strategy, and theory. This is probably the best anarchist newspaper to come along in some time. The articles are readable, relevant to current events, and frequently find a way to make the reader go “aha!” Of interest in this issue is Ernesto Aguilar’s article titled “Revolutionary Barrio Organizing Confronts Cops, Electoral Politics, Racism” and Rob Augmon’s “One Anarchist’s Experience at the SOA.” Augmon’s article, which is critical of the style of SOA protests, has already generated several responses on the Internet. A special section on women in struggle includes articles on women in the EZLN (Zapatistas), women and self-defense, sexual assault in activism, and a recent gender conference where activist men hijacked the spotlight. A good source for anarchist news and opinion. $1 for a sample. $7-10 for one year. [CM]

OUR NETHERWORLD
A Zine About Social Injustice and the Prison System No. 1/Summer 2000 (Anthony Rayson c/o South Chicago ABC Zine Distr. PO Box 721 Homewood, IL 60430) is a homegrown anarchist prisoner zine chock full of information on the massive incarcerated population in the United States. Among other articles this first issue features an analysis of politically motivated torture practices in America, the substandard state of prison medical care, and statistics documenting the systemic racism fuelling imprisonment. Donations are welcome. [AA]

PASSIONFRUIT
A Women’s Travel Journal
#6/Winter 2000 (2917 Telegraph Ave, PMB 136, Berkeley, CA 94705; web site: www.passionfruit.com) is a new attempt at sharing women’s travel stories on more than the usual superficial travelogue/fashion/consumption level of most magazines, nonetheless political, social and historical background are strikingly absent in most. This 48-page issue opens with Terri Hinte’s account of a couple of local concerts in Marienbad in “Accordian Dreams,” followed a number of shorter stories like Jennifer Hile’s description of a cemetary for the wealthy amidst the slums of Manila, Lilian Liang’s account of getting lost on the way to the Saqqara pyramids outside Cairo, and Lara McKinley’s report on the bus system in Guatemala. The best pieces in this issue are Colleen Kaleda’s account of a tour of the San Blas archipelago among the Kuna Indans and Marianne Dresser’s “Waiting for the Lady: A glimpse of Burma’s pro-democracy movement.” Subscriptions are $18/year. [JM]

PEACE MAGAZINE
Vol.17,#1/Jan.-Mar. 2001 (POB 248, Stn P, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2S7, Canada) is a 32-page quarterly devoted to international analysis from a liberal/pacifist (at times even naively neo-liberal) perspective which sees “democracy...on the upswing around the world.” This issue features a letter crticizing its poor coverage of Cuba and Peru—which the magazine’s editors misleadingly title “Defend Castro” (when the letter’s only brief mention of him is in regard to the many US attempts to assassinate him), a poorly-argued piece titled “Poverty: A Cause of War?” by Morris Miller, and a more interesting interview with a delegate to the International Criminal Court. Subscriptions are still $17.50/year. [JM]

PORTRAITS FROM MEMORY: NEW ORLEANS IN THE SIXTIES
(Surregional Press, 1539 Crete St., New Orleans, LA 70119-3006; e-mail: mesechabe@hotmail.com; web: www.resodance/mesechabe) is a 54-page special magazine devoted to the history of activism and underground in journalism in New Orleans in the 1960s, Darlene Fife and her husband, Robert Head, edited the underground anti-war newspaper NOLA Express. In addition to covering the activism of the period, NOLA Express alsopublished such literary luminaries as Charles Bukowski. Fife and her coterie of friends were some of the first anti-war activists in New Orleans. Being on the cutting edge of the early anti-war movement, Fife and her fellow activists were either being harassed by the local cops or the annoying local Spartacists. Their protests evolved from pickets of local government buildings to draft counseling of young men who didn’t want to fight in the U.S. invasion of Vietnam. In addition to recounting the trials and tribulations of a struggling underground newspaper (remember mimeograph machines?), she paints a picture of the local scenesters, ranging from religious cult leaders to LSD advocates. A fascinating personal account of 1960s underground publishing and anti-war activism. $12 [CM]

POST AMERIKAN
Vol.30,#1/Feb.-March 2001 (POB 3452, Bloomington, IN 61702) is a long-running bi-monthly, 20-page community-oriented, alternative tabloid. This issue includes the usual eclectic range of content, from a cover ad parody for George Bush (using a MasterCard logo transformed into “MasterRace”) to interesting articles on the 25th anniversary of the car-bomb murder of Arizona journalist-legend Don Bolles (by Steve LaPrade) and on cordwood masonry building (by Nikolai Zarick). Subscriptions are a cheap $6/year. [JM]

PRISON LEGAL NEWS
Vol. 12 no. 10/October 2000 (2400 NW 80th Street PMB 148 Seattle, WA 98117) is a monthly magazine devoted to prisons and prisoners in the United States. There is plenty in each issue on administrative injustices, corruption, prison brutality, jail-house torture and the like. This issue reports numerous cases, including the death of James Livingston, a man with a history of mental illness who died in jail after being strapped to a “restraining chair” and repeatedly pepper sprayed. Court victories are covered and a regular news-in-brief column also keeps readers up to date with items such as the recent sentencing of a Corcoran, California prison guard for soliciting to commit murder (he offered $1,000 for the hit). 12 issues, $25 for individuals/$18 for prisoners. [AA]

THE PROGRESSIVE REVIEW
Washington’s Most Unoffical Source
#368/Dec. 2001 (1312 18th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036; web site: http://prorev.com; e-mail: news@prorev.com) is a 12-page bimonthly newsletter covering the geographical seat of U.S. government power from a “progessive,” pro-capitalist perspective. The December issue covers the long, corrupt history of rigged U.S. elections. Sample copies are $3; subscriptions are $18/year. [JM]

RADICAL MIDDLE
Vol.2,#9/Nov.-Dec. 2000 (POB 57100, Washington, DC 20037; web: www.radicalmiddle.com) is a fairly new 8-page, (almost) monthly newsletter from Mark Satin (formerly author of an irritatingly superficial book on Green Politics, and editor/publisher of New Options newsletter), who as best I can tell is now advocating a sort of marriage of the human potential movement and neoliberalism. This issue focusses entirely on “Confronting the Social Causes of Psychological Depression,” a subject Satin considers “too taboo” for mainstream media to explore, although his own concern is pretty shallow, evaluating the phenomenon using the typical assumptions of capitalist institutions and values. In actuality, severe depression should be an expected mass response to the accelerating destruction of community, folk culture, individual autonomy and freedom, and the natural environment in a process in which the vast majority of people feel completely powerless to do anything at all about it. Satin’s responses to depression seem to me like offering band-aids to gunshot victims. Subscriptions are $36/year/10 issues. [JM]

SKATEDORK
#4/Fall/Winter 2000 (221 Spring Ridge Dr, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922) is a 36-page collection of personal stories about skateboarding. Most of the stories about these thrill-seekers are quite entertaining and Joe Griego’s “Show Me the Love” gives you a pretty good sense of the “rush” skaters enjoy. Send $2 for a sample copy. [TW]

SOCIAL ANARCHISM
A Journal of Theory and Practice
#28 & #29/2000 (Atlantic Center for Research and Education, 2473 Maryland Ave., Baltimore, MD 21218; web site: www.nothingness.org/sociala/; e-mail: sociala@nothingness.org) is a 96-page biannual journal with something of an academic orientation (contributors are most often faculty or students, etc.). Issue #29 features Institute for Anarchist Studies director Rebecca DeWitt’s “An Anarchist Response to Seattle: What Shall We Do with Anarchism?” and Henry Rosemont, Jr.’s “U.S. Foreign Policy: The Execution of Human Rights” (a decent overview of U.S. crimes against humanity, though he ends up arguing that anarchists should vote for lesser evil regimes), along with Robert Graham’s survey of the flawed opposition to Murray Bookchin’s demagogy in “Broken Promises.” As usual there are also many book reviews—in this issue, most notably Susan White’s lengthy, fawning review of Richard Porton’s notably flawed Film and the Anarchist Imagination. Single copy $5.00; subscriptions $16/4 issues or $25/4 issues (overseas). [JM]

SOO TO SPEAK
A feminist journal of language and art
Winter-Spring 2001 (George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, MS 2d6, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444) is a biannual, 120-page journal of poetry, fiction, essays and graphic art. This issue features “Some Thoughts on What’s Wrong with Feminist Theory Today” by Carol Hanisch, short fiction by Katherin Nolte, Peggy Duffy and Kim Jensen. Single copies are $6; subscriptions are $11/year. [JM]

STUCK IN TRAFFIC
#34/October 2000 (powers@attglobal.net)
16 pages of observations about ‘current events’ like debating the bill on U.S trade with China, Napter, and reviews of commercial cultural product such as “Hollow Man”. Neither bad nor particularly interesting or original. $1/issue, subscriptions $10/year. (KM)

SUBTERRAIN
#30/undated (POB 3008 MPO, Vancouver, BC, V6B 3X5, Canada; e-mail: subter@portal.ca; web site: www.anvilpress.com) is a 44-page quarterly literary magazine featuring a mixture of fiction, poetry, commentary and visual art. This issue features fiction by Adam Schroeder, Tom Henry and Matthew Firth, along with a couple childhood reminiscences by Ryszard Dubanski and John Moore. Subscriptions are $15/year (3 issues). [JM]

THIS
Because Everything is Political
Vol.34,#4/Jan.-Feb. 2001 (#396-401 Richmond St W, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3A8, Canada; email: thismag@web.net; web site: www.thismag.org) is a well-produced 44-page magazine with a liberal to leftist slant. This issue includes a recommended listing of “7 Habits of Highly Effective Nations” (from early childhood education to slowing down the production of garbage), and an interesting photo-essay on street-vending in Malawi by Chris Osler. Subscriptions are $24/year. [JM]

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Updated: 8/4/2001