How the Stars Were Born (Space)
For the first time ever, scientists are taking an incredible journey to the dawn of the universe


Don't Mess with Nancy Pelosi (Profile)
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


The Middle East War For Hearts and Minds
By rushing to rebuild Lebanon, Hizballah and Iran are spreading their influence in the Middle East. Can the U.S. do more?

The End of Invincibility
Why the stalemate in Lebanon has made Israelis more determined to strike harder next time

Blind Justice (China)
The saga of a brave activist reveals both the pity and the promise of China


The Great Wall of Arabia
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
Reporting from her Washington base camp, ANA MARIE COX dishes the dirt on D.C.

Bush's Brownie (Update)

A Command For Africa


Food for the Eyes and Ears (Innovators: Forging The Future / Sound & Light)
Whether illuminating rock concerts or lighting up Scottish highlands, they are showing us new ways to see and hear

The One Who Got Away
The decision to abandon a high-profile case against a dotcom poster boy marks the end of a sorry era


The Myth About Homework (Viewpoint)
Think hours of slogging are helping your child make the grade? Think again
 Talk Back
Ask TIME editor Claudia Wallis how much schoolwork is too much.


The Secret Love Lives of Teenage Boys
Social scientists who study young love are discovering that contrary to popular belief, male adolescents don't just want to have fun


A Duel to Fuel Tennis
Federer and Nadal give the sport a high-profile rivalry


5 Classy DVD's From the Criterion Collection (Worth Your Time)
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)
The new breed of pop singers loves to tell us about the burdens of stardom. Their music is better when they don't.


Travel Tips (Travel)

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


Read the story


This Essay Will Help Your Kid Get Ahead
Actually, it won't. But why are so many products making such ridiculous claims?