I used to live in Iowa. I'd like to think that, because of that simple fact, that I wouldn't be remotely prejudiced against anything that came from there -- but the truth is that when I received Out of Order #6, I had somewhat lower standards than I might have normally. After all, many zines come from more urban areas, where life has a sort of metallic tang to it. All that I can remember about Cedar Falls from the few times I was there was a much more earthy smell -- of beer and manure.

So OoO #6 arrived on my doorstep, a little quarter-sized offering bound with some sort of nylon fiber that held it together remarkably well. All right, I thought, I never said that it wasn't a creative place, just a little ... uh ... hickish. The cover had extremely cute cows and sheep on a farm on the front, and I set it aside. For a month.

I picked it up again today with the intent to read it, review it and move on. Instead, I spent nearly an hour going over it twice. Jen Walsh has herself an engaging perzine -- full of journal entries and stories, interspersed with a sense of style that is slower and more simple than some, but strong nonetheless.

Inside is a great story she submitted to "Two Minutes to Midnight," a Web project that asks "What would you do if the world was to end at midnight ... and it's 11:58?" She has articles on the dynamics of attraction and how to marble paper. She lists the things she likes, like recycling and silver pens. And strangely, there's an article on her sense of style.

Ignore the cows and chickens. OoO #6 is a wonderful little piece, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of what she puts out there. You can, too, by sending $1 plus a stamp, trade or craft supply to Jen at 919 Oak Park Blvd., Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

[ by Elizabeth Badurina ]