Contemporary Mathematical Columns in Magazines

Solution 1:

There are some good columns at the MAA (Mathematical Association of America) website. (Websites are the 21st century equivalent of magazines.)

Solution 2:

I try to keep abreast of recreational math at mathpuzzle.com. And I try to link to anything worthy of linking to. I used to be one of the people writing columns for maa.org, and they were popular, but when I started working for Numb3rs, I didn't have as much time for columns.

Solution 3:

New Scientist occasionally publishes math news; I believe they have an article in the latest edition wherein mathematical modeling techniques are being used to some success to predict social unrest. Most of these articles have a distinctly applied math bend, but they generally do a good job at capturing the essence of the theory (if somewhat sensationalized). I should also add that New Scientist does include a weekly math puzzle.

For a more modern format, TED does have lecturers that talk about multidisciplinary work in applied mathematics and statistics. Searching for "math" on their website leads to a number of talks about Math education; although these talks lack in mathematical substance, they tend to try to present pedagogical strategies that are more applicable to non-math types -- perhaps exactly what you need to get a non-math inclined individual to revisit his/her opinions on the subject.

Unfortunately, most cutting edge work in math right now requires exceptionally deep understanding, and is very, very difficult to generalize to a broad, under-informed audience. As such, applications of math, where the topic can be made accessible to different fields and areas of understanding, have better representation in the mainstream.

Solution 4:

The Mathematical Intelligencer generally has some good content accessible to the laity.

Solution 5:

Plus Magazine: http://plus.maths.org/ and, slightly more statistically leaning http://www.significancemagazine.org/view/index.html