The once imaginative, informative and thought provoking magazine that was Smithsonian has been morphed into a rag that achieves to do little more than rehash old stories that are neither informative, original, or thought provoking. How many more doomsday global warming articles must we be subjected to? How many more founding father bashing articles must we endure? Why was the monthly American History article abandoned? Who in their right mind publishes a magazine at Christmas time with a devil baby on the cover? I'll tell you who - the rubes and cast-offs from the Enquirer that have overtaken this once magnificent magazine and now pander to the lowest common denominator. This magazine has lowered itself to the denizens of the supermarket checkout, and is worth little more than that which lines the bottom of birdcages.

DrMcD1970

USA

This was one of my first "guily pleasures" (I started subscribing to the Smithsonian Magazine when we had a newborn and were on a very tight budget). But my husband fell in love with the magazine as well and alleviated my guilt. We love the well written articles, the beautiful pictures, and the focus on world events. We have gotten this for my parents and my in-laws for several years and they love it as well.

cldamon

Sachse, TX

  **Smithsonian** is a magazine that is affiliated with the Smithsonian institution, the world's largest museum complex and research organization. This magazine is published monthly with a circulation exceeding two million, making it one of America's 50 most popular magazines. **Magazine Commentary:** Smithsonian is a magazine for more intellectual types who enjoy finding out new things about art, history, science, etc. The name "Smithsonian" usually conjures up images of history and greatness, thanks to the Smithsonian institution in Washington, D.C. This magazine is owned and administered by the same folks who operate the museums. When you subscribe to Smithsonian, you get more than just a magazine. You also become a member of the Smithsonian, which includes a membership card and discounts on visits to the Smithsonian. People who purchase/read Smithsonian are usually those who enjoy topics like history, science, and world geography. Smithsonian combines these topics into each issue, with an occasional splash of current events, especially if they relate in some way to science, health, or conservation. The monthly columns and articles, which form the bulk of the magazine, are more than simple history or science refreshers. Smithsonian takes an intellectual angle on issues and historical events, presenting sides to a story that many people might never have considered before. If I had to choose my favorite areas of Smithsonian, they would be the Indelible Images department and the People File, as well as the monthly articles that are not part of any regular department. It's interesting to read about these historical events and these interesting individuals who have made unusual contributions to science, health, etc., yet remain relatively unknown. And I really enjoy the debate that many of the articles are likely to spark. The writers sometimes present just a few facts, but other times they create a debate by bringing a fresh perspective to the table regarding an important historic event or world concern. This magazine gets your brain cells moving; encouraging readers to step back and rethink the positions that have held for so long. **Bottom Line Viewpoint:** Smithsonian makes a great gift for those who like to read about the topics of history, science, and excursions to lesser- known places. It's like a combination of Popular Science, National Geographic, and Scientific American, all rolled up into one. It's an excellent magazine, with a name that commands respect.

Bryan-Carey

Houston, TX

I've had my subscription to Smithsonian for a few months now and it's absolutely wonderful for a lover of history and the quirky such as myself. The most recent issue I read not only had a huge spread on Hadrian's wall across Great Britain, but several other interesting articles from across the globe, include a current foul up with some red knot migration patterns that is occurring. It's a really great and informative magazine, and at least now your innate knowledge will be useful!!

doormat1982

Hastings, MN

Smithsonian Magazine is one of those gems that just keeps on giving and giving.  I travel a lot and it's hard to receive subscriptions in a timely manner, but occasionally, I get a chance to read a Smithsonian and it never fails to be interesting, however old the issue is.  If you like history, you will always find something new to learn here.  But it can be anything at all that might inspire the article, because like the great Smithsonian Museum, anything or anybody can make an impact on American life, and the Smithsonian does the best job of collecting and assimilating Americana.  Since I'm interested in a variety of things and read fiction and non-fiction equally, with a special love of things historical, just about anything can grab my interest if its presented in an intelligent way, but especially if it leaves me intriqued and wantng to learn more about a subject that is new to me.  So if you believe that learning is a lifelong endeavor, you should read Smithsonian.

RVTraveler

Sioux Falls, SD

The Smithsonian Magazine is always welcome in my house. I especially like the little sections like "This Month in History", "Wild Things; Life as We Know It" and "What's Up." They always have interesting items to wet your appetite and make you want to know more. The Smithsonian inspired me to take one of the best trips of my travel career. It had a wonderful article about Auburn University architectual school students designing and living in Hale County, Alabama, one of the poorest counties in the nation. The students were using alternative building materials that society often throws away. I just had to see this. It was wonderful. The students and the people they were helping were so very interesting. Being a local historian I particularly like the articles about history and archaeology. The articles are well researched and written but inspire you to want to know more. I have often researched further on a subject once having read about it in the Smithsonian.  The "Last Page " always has something funny but also to give you pause. The February 2009 edition "A Requiem for the Redhead" really made you think.

Mopsa

Cabot, PA

Smithsonian magazine covers a broad range of topics and includes a variety of writing styles. Within its pages of any given month, you may be treated to an extenisve study of an exotic species located in the third world country, an informative, authorative piece on a historical figure or a personal narrative of a unique and interesting experience. Every article is well-written and accessible. In addition to better than average writing, the Smithsonian features glorious, full-page color glossy photographs which accompany most articles. While its cover price is a bit more than the average newstand magazine, it is certainly worth every cent as it save the consumer from being bombarded with advertising. Often, however, you can find a better per issue price by order a year's subscription. Smithsonian often offers discounted prices for subscriptions that is worth looking into.

LisaMichelle

Albuquerque, NM

I love the Smithsonian brand and their magazine is no exception. Every issue is packed with the kind of stuff that is educational and entertaining. They always have the best writers and pictures. Honestly, mags like National Geographic bore me, but I have always been entertained by Smithsonian. I do not subscribe yet but probably will soon...will be worth it in the long run. A great break from all the celeb and girl mags!!!

GraceTan

Lompoc, CA

I love this magazine for its unique articles and educational take on current events. The one drawback is that you need to be a member of the Smithsonian Institute to receive it. You can't buy it at the store. But it's worth the subscription. I love reading this magazine during my metro commute. It makes the time fly by.

amirarockwood

Arlington, VA

This magazine is the best magazine. It has very well organized and written articles. The advertising is relevant. It is a very good value. My whole family enjoys it. We have even been known to fight over it. I would recomend it to anyone who enjoys interesting articles. The pictures are also great in this magazine.

jeanvers

Greensboro, NC