my job does not include shushing

utne reader librarian danielle maestretti reads, archives, and consecrates 1,300 magazines a month. seriously, friends, it's like she reads every word. for some this would be torture. for folks like us, of course, it is the coolest job in the world. well, she's now sharing her favorite pieces from the mostly-alternative press in shelf life, a weekly four-minute video and regular column in the print publication. from ms. maestretti's manifesto:

In the independent press, there is no room for reporting that favors scandal over truth, for petty partisan differences, for celebrity-stalking or false optimism. Writing is not always elegant. Photos are often black and white. The May issue might not be published until September. But I think most Americans, regardless of political affiliation or personal beliefs, would prefer these small imperfections to the more polished fluffy stuff that's becoming difficult to avoid.