SPORTS ILLUSTRATED STILL DELIVERS

Sports Illustrated is like an old friend. For 40 years, my friend has arrived in my mailbox with all kinds of sports information from around the world. There are contenders to Sports Illustrated's crown, such as ESPN the magazine and just the electronic media in general but SI is still number one to me.

I want to mention 3 features that keep me reading SI:

1. The weekly features and coverage

2. The special issues

3. The Photography,

First, the weekly features which include items that have been around for years such as Scorecard and Faces in the Crowd. Scorecard gives a brief overview of major events and interesting stats. Faces highlights the achievements of everyday people who are probably not covered in their local papers.

SI also has some new features which appeal to the need to know it now philosophy of today. SI View provides editorial thoughts and highlights the coming events in sports. "Inside" is another feature which gives quickie views of all the current sports.

The heart of the magazine, of course, is its coverage of major sporting events. Upcoming previews of the Superbowl or World Series or reviews of these events are always professionally done and provide information that I have often missed.

The second major category that I like about SI is its special issues which often occur when the magazine has an anniversary. These provide nostalgic looks at where we've been. Occasionally, a major scandal such as drug use or gambling will be covered and these are always eye-opening.

One special issue that has caused more controversy and sold more magazines than any other is the Swimsuit Issue. Some folks scream and cancel subscriptions while the magazine always has to be printed with extra issues.

The final category of excellence is photography. SI is a sister publication of Time and Life and these magazines have always featured great photos. SI has a dedicated staff of photographers who always seem to be in the right place at the right time. They now have a feature "Leading Off" which provides incredible shots each week.

In short, it may be old but it just keeps getting better.