NATION

Frist Among Equals

The Senate's only physician is on call to restore the G.O.P. to health. But is he equipped for the job?

WORLD

Shadows in Our Midst

A New Year's Eve alarm has its roots in Canada, but are there really al-Qaeda fugitives on the loose?

Star of His Own Show

Kim Jong Il has made an effort in recent years to appear less strange, but his outsize sense of drama is always on display

SOCIETY

Abducting The Cloning Debate

The scientists' nightmare: How do you conduct a reasoned debate about complex moral issues when the news is coming from outer space?

BRIEFING

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

BUSINESS

Getting Turf Conscious

Goodbye to old sod: stadiums are switching to a new synthetic grass that's both tough and tender

EDUCATION

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Bad in Goodness (Books)

In his last two books, Richard Price journeyed to the streets. In this powerful novel, he explores himself

Hint: It's Not Plastics (Books)

In What Should I Do with My Life?, a writer finds inspiration in people who have it all figured out

Old Wind in New Bottles (Television)

The Weather Channel seeks to turn yesterday's tornadoes into today's high drama with Storm Stories

No Coattails (Television)

Two series fail to create a West Wing dynasty

YOUR TIME

Relearning to Pack

How to keep the new bag-screening rules from holding up your next trip

Never Say Diet

A picture may be worth a thousand calories in the battle of the bulge

SPECIAL SECTION

Tight Skivvies (Time Bonus Section / Inside Business)

They're what everyone's wearing this season. Here's why

Gang Green (Time Bonus Section / Inside Business)

Our expert panel examines how smart firms today invest in ways to make their plants and products cleaner

PEOPLE

LETTERS