Of the thousands of publications we read during the past year, those honored below excite us the most, expressing essential and quintessential thoughts not generally found in the major media. Some of the winners here are perennial favorites, some are new finds, but all are driven by a passion for putting new ideas and important stories out in the world.

General Excellence, Magazines
The American Prospect
If ever there was a year for a liberal magazine with a sharp focus on electoral politics to shine, it's this year. And this smart Washington, DC-based monthly is the magazine. $19.95/yr. (11 issues) from Box 601, Mt. Morris, IL 61504; www.prospect.org

General Excellence, Newsletters
Connection to the Americas
From indigenous uprisings to the war on drugs to the impact of corporate globalization, this bimonthly newsletter, published by the Minneapolis-based Resource Center of the Americas, provides essential summaries of the most critical issues facing Latin America. $40 ($50 in Canada)/yr. (6 issues) from Resource Center of the Americas, 3019 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406; www.americas.org

General Excellence, Zines
Cryptozoa
Androo Robinson fills this delightful zine with whimsical single-panel "picture fictions" that play with the imagination, illustrating everyday fairy tales that just may have actually happened. $1/sample copy from 2000 NE 42nd Ave., #303, Portland, OR 97213.

Best New Title
Kitchen Sink
Published by the San Francisco-based nonprofit Neighbor Lady Community Arts Project, this well-designed quarterly features piquant essays on arts and culture "for people who think too much." $25/yr. (4 issues) from 5245 College Ave., Oakland, CA 94618; www.kitchensinkmag.com

Arts/Literary Coverage
Art Papers
Smart and well-written, Art Papers covers what's exciting in local arts scenes around the country -- everything from the latest exhibitions to backyard sculpture and performance art -- with a minimum of artspeak and a maximum of clarity. $35/yr. (6 issues) from 1083 Austin Ave. NE, Ste. 206, Atlanta, GA 30307; www.artpapers.org