The Inputs Series
Part 2: Printed Journals and Magazines
In the first issue of this series on my “inputs” — namely, journals, podcasts and online newsletters — I examined the podcasts I regularly listen to. Continuing the series, below I review the printed magazines and journals I read. Note that I read them in hard copy, but most of them are available digitally as well. (Access may require membership.) Enjoy!
Published by the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, founded by Eknath Easwaran, each quarterly issue delves into Easwaran’s writings by theme. Recent issues have addressed: Peacemaking; Determination: Harnessing the Will; and Discrimination: Making Wise Choices. Easwaran’s writings have influenced me more than anyone else over the past three years. Most days, I usually read a few pages from one of his books. I enjoy taking an issue or two of the Blue Mountain Journal with me when I travel.
QST is the monthly journal of the American Radio Relay League, the national association of ham radio operators. I’ve been licensed since 1991, since I was 16 years old. To pass the licensing exams, I studied a lot of electrical practice and theory, and radio wave dynamics. I haven’t kept up well in the last two decades, so I can’t follow the technical or do-it-yourself articles like I used to. Still, I enjoy reading about DXpeditions to rare, hard to travel to foreign lands. One of these days, I will be able to spend more time on the radio. And then I will re-learn all that electrical theory, and finally pass the Extra Class license test, the hardest and most prestigious.
The Journal of the American Bonsai Society, BONSAI is a lovely publication featuring bonsai artists, exhibitions and techniques. Since beginning in bonsai two years ago, I’ve enjoyed reading tips from master artists and seeing their tremendous creations.
Over the years, I have subscribed to many fly fishing magazines. Many. The Drake tops them all, in my view. It doesn’t take itself too seriously or turn fly fishing into an overly sentimental tear-jerker. The writing is fun and punchy.
Through my membership in the Filson Historical Society, I receive this quarterly, scholarly journal on the history of the Ohio River Valley and Upper South. Usually, I read one or two of the essays. I enjoy reading pieces by people who have studied, researched and thought about a subject for months or years, before putting pen to paper.
On Point is the “Journal of Army History.” My former boss at the Army Historical Foundation, Matt Seelinger, makes this journal’s writing redound to the bravery and dedication of the American soldier throughout our history.
I remember reading these as a 12 or 13-year-old, dog-earring pages, underlining stats, reading each issue for weeks. And talking baseball with my brother Brooken and our friend Pat Mulloy. Man, those days held magic for us. Baseball possessed a hypnotic spell over us. We couldn’t get enough. Baseball Digest was the best, simply the best. Recently, after about 34 years, I re-subscribed. No, the magic ain’t the same, but it’s still pretty darn good.
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