Chicago Tribune's 50 Best Magazines of 2005

Well, I do think that most all of the publications on their list are worthy. I was disappointed that Seed didn't make the cut, but since it was brand new in 2005 and was still just finding its style. My wife and I do subscribe to a few off of this list, and here's my top picks:

1. Wired - Still a great publication and geekiness is not a prerequisite for enjoying it.
2. Seed - Great writing and irreverent style. Doesn't pull punches on the science but very readable by lay-people such as myself.
3. The Economist - I don't have a subscription and I generally just pick up a copy here and there. I always learn something, though.
4. Time - Still a great digest of the weekly news. However, just like The Economist, I don't subscribe and only read it now and then.
5. Men's Health - It is the best of the men's magazines, but has slid some in the past few years in an attempt to become more polished. However, after 13 years of subscribing, I'm about to let mine lapse for reading of more niche publications. However, just about anything Rodale Press is worth reading, such as:
6. Backpacker/ Runner's World - All of the quality of Rodale Press but more about what I enjoy most.
7. National Geographic's Adventure Travel - The travel magazine that actually writes about the kinds of things my wife and I love to do and places we dream of going.
8. Make (quarterly) - I'm hanging on to every issue so I'll have some killer projects to do with my kids someday.
9. No Depression/ Paste - Two great music publications I pick up from time to time to learn what all the cool kids are into.
10. Real Simple - If you know what it is, you're probably surprised for me to list it. However, I've always been impressed with this magazine. It's all the great design of Martha Stewart's Living combined, but for people who have lives.