HIS MAJESTY'S GOLDEN TIME

In the past 50 years, Thailand has gone through 15 constitutions, 17 coups and 21 Prime Ministers. KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ, 68, has outlasted them all. The world's longest-reigning living monarch, he is the national symbol of stability. Millions of Thais helped celebrate his golden anniversary on the throne with elaborate festivities, including a candlelight vigil and a parade of elephants and marching bands. "Without His Majesty's guiding hand," said former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun, "we would not be where we are today."

EVEREST AT THE PEAK

If you think Tom Cruise in the blockbuster Mission: Impossible bore a striking resemblance to James Bond, credit high flying tailor TIMOTHY EVEREST. The 34-year-old gave Cruise's made-to-measure suits a sleek, modern, British edge. Since he opened shop five years ago, Everest has catered to politicians and rock stars alike. Outfitting would-be secret agents created new challenges. While shooting one rigorous action scene, Cruise trashed his trousers. An Everest suit usually takes four weeks to complete, but the replacement pants had to be made in just four hours. "Almost an impossible mission," Everest quips, "though we didn't self-destruct in the end."

HIS CUP RUNNETH OVER

Could the French Open possibly have been more magical for tennis tyro YEVGENI KAFELNIKOV? Not only did he beat No. 1 Pete Sampras en route to becoming the first Russian winner of a Grand Slam tourney, but he also took the doubles title--the first men's two-trophy sweep at the French since 1968. Kafelnikov, 22, rewarded himself with a few days off in his Black Sea hometown of Sochi. Says he: "I'm not going to go wild." That's O.K. He'll always have Paris.

SEEN & HEARD

The line between saint and weirdo has always been dotted. Consider the case of scruffy humanitarian Bob Geldof. Not so long ago, he was conquering big odds and bigger egos to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief. Now he's just another celebrity with a bizarre divorce settlement. Paula Yates, Geldof's flamboyant wife of 10 years and the mother of his three children, is pregnant by Australian rock star Michael Hutchence. After bitter feuds over who would get what, it was decided that for now Yates would move back into Geldof's house and Geldof would move into Hutchence's. The obvious solution, really. Summoning up dignity outside of court, Geldof said, "There's a world outside where Paula and Bob's life is of no significance." He must want to get there very soon.

SO CLOSE

No one has ever swum the 160-km distance between Cuba and America solo--not even SUSIE MARONEY. Though the fearless Australian made it to U.S. waters--itself a record--37 hours after leaving Havana, she quit 19 km short of her goal, Key West, Florida. In the rough waters, Maroney, 21, became battered and seasick as she was tossed against the sides of her sharkproof cage. Then the hallucinations set in. Will she try again? Says she: "Once is enough."