Vol. 168 No. 10
COVER
For the first time ever, scientists are taking an incredible journey to the dawn of the universe
NATION
The California congresswoman leads the Democrats with a fiery style that could make her the first woman Speaker of the House
How Veterans' Hospitals Became the Best in Health Care
No longer a nation's shame, veteran care is acing competitors - and showing that maybe national health care isn't such a bad idea after all
Frustration Nation (White House Memo)
Like past Presidents, Bush becomes introspective. Momentarily
WORLD
The End of Invincibility
in Lebanon has made Israelis more determined to strike harder next time
Blind Justice (China)
activist reveals both the pity and the promise of China
NOTEBOOK
Fearing that sectarian fighting may spread south, the Saudi Kingdom wants to erect a fence along its border with Iraq
Banned: Fine Food and Fun
Iran's Hard Line Begins At Home
What's Next
Numbers
Punchlines
Milestones
Verbatim
The Ana Log
Washington base camp, ANA MARIE COX dishes the dirt on D.C.
Bush's Brownie (Update)
A Command For Africa
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Whether illuminating rock concerts or lighting up Scottish highlands, they are showing us new ways to see and hear
BUSINESS
The decision to abandon a high-profile case against a dotcom poster boy marks the end of a sorry era
EDUCATION
Think hours of slogging are helping your child make the grade? Think again
SOCIETY
Social scientists who study young love are discovering that contrary to popular belief, male adolescents don't just want to have fun
SPORT
Federer and Nadal give the sport a high-profile rivalry
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Treasures old and new from the leading producer of gorgeous digital packages
Another Hollywood Split
The Tom Cruise--Paramount divorce robbed the town of its belief in two sure things: studios and stars
Welcome to my Bubble (Music)
don't.
YOUR TIME
Back-To-School Fashion (Style)
The Right Way to Volunteer (Money)
PEOPLE
10 Questions for Meredith Vieira (Interview)
The soon-to-debut new anchor of NBC's Today show talks about morning viewers, working moms who want to have it all and how The View has become a joke
LETTERS
ESSAY
Actually, it won't. But why are so many products making such ridiculous claims?