NATION

The General Jumps In

WES CLARK has launched a presidential bid that has a four-star luster. But is the antiwar general prepared for this kind of battle?

Brass Ambition

Wesley Clark climbed fast up the ranks of the Pentagon--charming some, alienating others. How good a general was he?

WORLD

Arafat's Bonus Round

Emboldened by Israel's threats, the Palestinian leader is gobbling up power--and vexing the U.S.

SCIENCE

Storm Surge

Was Isabel the first of a new wave of big, bad Atlantic hurricanes?

SOCIETY

Hobby Heaven (Time Bonus Section October 2003: Generations)

For some seniors, hobbies are not mere distractions, they're full-blown obsessions

Riding High (Time Bonus Section October 2003: Generations / Profile)

At 67, Mickey Gilley is one of the hardest-working country-music performers--and that ain't no bull

Self-Taught (Time Bonus Section October 2003: Generations / Turning Point)

A breakdown on an L.A. street corner spurred Martin Short to find his passion

BRIEFING

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

BUSINESS

Is Your Mutual Fund Clean

Having nailed the big brokerage houses, New York attorney general Eliot Spitzer takes aim at another group he says is cheating small investors

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Real Reagan (Book Excerpt)

Think you know what made him tick? His letters may surprise you

Our Family Therapy (Book Excerpt)

The Great Communicator was shy up close, but on paper he opened his heart

The Tao of Uma (Movies)

IN KILL BILL, THURMAN HAD TO LEARN TO ACT SOFTLY AND CARRY A VERY BIG SWORD

YOUR TIME

PEOPLE

LETTERS