In the Wake of Tragedy (Cover Story)
On the morning of Dec. 26, an earthquake off Sumatra was followedby a massive tsunami. Asia's suffering touched the world

Without Warning (Cover Story)
Could an oceanic detection system have saved lives?

A City of Debris and Corpses (Cover Story)
The horror of Banda Aceh, Indonesia

How Science Can Save Lives (Viewpoint)
We know plenty about earthquakes, but we don't always apply the knowledge

Tallying the Damage (Cover Story)
Asia's engine room wasn't swamped, but the waves wiped out countless jobs and rebuilding may take years

How to Help (Cover Story)
TIME lists some organizations who are contributing to relief efforts, and how to contact them

A Bloody Day in Paradise (Cover Story)
A Letter to our readers


Grapevine (TIME Global Adviser)
Don't Want to Burst Your Bubble, But ...

Curtain Raiser (TIME Global Adviser)
A grand encore for Milan's la Scala

Virtual Schools for Jocks (TIME Global Adviser)
More high school athletes are taking online classes. Does electronic ed work?

Cutting-Edge Cool (TIME Global Adviser)
A guide to some of our favorite ice-skating rinks on the planet

At the Airport (TIME Global Adviser)
Lufthansa's lavish new launchpad

In Search of Buddha
Is spiritual enlightenment a luxury that only the rich can afford? Pankaj Mishra seeks an answer


Hope in the Ruins?
Cooperation on relief efforts offers Sri Lanka's warring parties a chance to return to the negotiating table

I Changed My Mind
Despite promises to step down as military chief, Pakistan's President Musharraf decides to stay in fatigues

Every Family has Its Spats
Further controversy caps a difficult year for Japan's royals

Milestones
Events of the Week

Verbatim
Quotes of the Week

Letters
The Most Amazing Inventions of 2004