Digestable Storehouses

Digest-able Storehouses

Just as a “magazine” is a storehouse for ammunition, similarly a publication could, in a sense be considered a “storehouse” or “arsenal” of ideas. These days, there is a magazine for any and everything. Publications abound freely. Few subcultures, trades, hobbies, or fetishes are left without representation. Thanks to Superstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, it is not uncommon for the layperson to be generally familiar with some of these esoteric publications. Here are my top 10 that you may not immediately think of when perusing the magazine racks.

1. Amelia's Magazine http://www.ameliasmagazine.com/
This is an English magazine with a beautiful website. Amelia is the empress of style, covering anything and everything cool and current that you may want to know about in her beautiful magazine. Amelia's covers are known for being unique (previous issues have been texturized with Swarovski crystals, and fur. Others have been glow-in-the-dark and scratch 'n' sniff.) Her colorful, artistic pages are just as pretty as you'd see in any museum. In fact, you can even order limited edition prints from her. Each issue is a limited edition, designer original, by Amelia in her home office, in East London.

She interviews everyone from illustrators, zine publishers (trust me, these are like no zines here in America) and musicians to the founders of the new green networking site, Ecomotion.

2. Garden & Gun: Soul of the New South "http://www.Gardenandgun.com/
A bi-monthly Southern lifestyle magazine that deftly captures the magic of the new South –the food, arts, politics, sports, and community.

From down home cooking tips and recipes to the latest fishing advice, this would be my one stop shop to find out what's going on in the south. The picturesque landscapes of destinations make you feel like you are there. As do the in depth coverage of festivals such as the, 105th annual Gasparilla Invasion and Parade of Pirates. How to pick the best exhibitions, how to choose the best Fly Rod camp. If it happens in the South, it happens in Garden and Gun.

3. Weird New Jersey http://www.weirdnj.com/
Weird New Jersey is a self-published, kitschy annual travel guide.
The features come from interviews, letters, miles of traverse; all seeking anything and everything weird and unique about New Jersey. “Your travel guide to New Jersey's local legends and best kept secrets.”

The “New Jersey Hall of Shame” is a list of about 25 New Jersey citizens of shameful notoriety, including Andrew Cunanan, Versace's murderer, and the Menendez brothers (who were born there). They are always taking nominees.


4. Weird Universe http://www.weirduniverse.net

"Weird Universe explores every aspect of the natural cosmos; proving, that is not only 'stranger than we imagine, but stranger than we can imagine.'"

From “Archaeology” to“Walking Zombie Syndrome,” to a story about Russian porn star Yelena Berkova running for mayor of her city. Weird Universe covers it all; with everything in between. Few oddities have been missed. Regular columns such as, “Your daily Loser,” and “People who's sex lives are worse than yours,” will be a sure-fire boost to your self-esteem.

5. Gastronomica http://www.gastronomica.org/index.html
is an academic/literary journal about food and food culture. It's recipes and articles will whet and feed readers sensual and intellectual appetites for culinary culture. Has a “Food on Film” section, which discusses food themes in movies, such as American Pie, Austin Powers, and American Psycho, among others.

6. Obscure Magazine http://www.obscuremagazine.com/about.cfm
One definition of the word “obscure” is, “not readily understood or clearly expressed.” The editors of this magazine felt that this was true of media's coverage the black community. They hope to give clarity and understanding to black ladies by empowering them. With articles on spirituality, family, community, health, wealth, entertainment and beauty, Obscure is devoted to positive and healthy foundations.


7.The Hungover Gourmet http://www.hungovergourmet.com/
This is basically a food magazine for guys, who have no cooking experience. The editor of this magazine says, "I think it's unfortunate that more men don't cook, like to cook, or admit to cooking. Sure, plenty of guys'll own up to strapping on a ridiculous hat and apron to burn a few steaks beyond all recognition, but is that really cooking?"
Complete with recipes, burger reviews, blogs, and drink recipes ...oh, and hangover cures, The Hungover Gourmet will soon be every guy's best friend and savior. 
8. Sheep! Magazine "http://www.sheepmagazine.com/"http://www.sheepmagazine.comFrom the same publishers who gave us Backyard Poultry and the Dairy Goat Journal, Sheep!gives us everything we need to know to raise sheep effectively. From shearing tips to business tips, you'll find your “flock wisdom” here. Even “help for the reluctant shepherd.” Show the world you are a sheep lover with an “Ask About My Sheep” shirt!
9.Monocle  "http://www.monocle.com/"http://www.monocle.com/ Headquartered in London with offices in Tokyo, Sydney, Zürich and New York, Monocle covers international and global affairs, including business, culture and design. It comes out 10 times a year in print and everyday at monocle.com. The staff includes award-winning editors and correspondents from The New York Times, The Independent on Sunday, the BBC, CBC and many more. Monocle is designed to look more like a book than a magazine. It is both highly portable and collectable (it's very “bookish.”) Writers and photographers cover international stories on politics, branding, and popular culture.
10.Reason Magazine "http://www.reason.com/"http://www.reason.comWith pithy contributors such as Christopher Hitchins and Michelle Malkin, Reason is the monthly print magazine of “free minds and free markets.” Covering politics, culture, and ideas with freedom from partisanship, through a mix of news, analysis, commentary, and reviews. Makes a case for freedom and individual choice in all areas of human activity.
Not only is Reason Online updated daily with articles and columns, it also contains the full text of past issues of the print edition of Reason. Reason Online is free.
Reason and Reason Online are editorially independent publications of the Reason Foundation, a national, non-profit research and educational organization.


Hopefully you will be as delighted as I was to discover these “arsenals.”
It's kind of fun to realize there is a magazine for every subculture and hobby. Sometimes it can be interesting and enlightening to delve into some completely random, glossy knowledge. If reading a book can be a journey of the imagination, maybe a magazine can be a weekend getaway.

c. 2009