COVER
Rhee Tackles Classroom Challenge (The Well / Nation)
Teachers hate her. Principals are scared of her. How Michelle Rhee became the most revolutionary — and polarizing — force in American education
Obama and Education (Nation)
After a season of ambiguity, Obama will have to choose sides on school reform
NATION
Jump-Starting the Obama Presidency (The Well / Nation)
Taking control of economic policy, Obama has assembled a team charged with preventing a depression. Inside their race against time
Will Obama Roll Back Bush Anti-Terror Tactics? (The Well / Nation)
Barack Obama is already under pressure to roll back the harsher facets of the Bush Administration's war on terrorism. Why some liberals may be disappointed
ESSAY
Bush's Last Days: The Lamest Duck (In The Arena)
Bush's disappearing act during the economic crisis is a fitting coda to a failed presidency
Obama Chooses an Unlikely Team of Hawks (The Wall / Commentary)
Why the biggest roles for Obama's foreign policy picks will be the ones they play at home
Barack Obama, and the Rush For Election Souvenirs
The rush for election souvenirs reminds us why we collect: to preserve our most moving memories
Cupcake Kings Go Global, With a Little Help From Joel (The Awesome Column)
A Nicaraguan baker gets a microloan from Joel — with some strings attached
TO OUR READERS
Focal Points
In this issue, TIME's reporters look at two of the major challenges facing America: the economy and the state of our public schools
BRIEFING
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Pop Chart
A Brief History Of: Cloning
The Skimmer
Drawing Room
Milestones
The Moment
11|26|08: Baghdad
Verbatim
Betty James
Irving Brecher
WORLD
The Sound of Change: Can Music Save Cuba? (The Well / World)
Poor and isolated, Cuba is crumbling. Can music save it?
PHOTOS: The Sounds of Salsa Fade from Cuba
The island nation's heroic music struggles to be heard in a cacophony of rock, reggaeton, and politics. Photographs by David Burnett / Contact Press Images for TIME
Postcard: Winchester (Postcard: Winchester)
As college students drift away from religion, one Methodist university sees an opportunity. Speed-dating for churches in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley
HEALTH & MEDICINE
Slender in the Grass (Health / Fit Nation)
Parks are for more than play. A new study links green spaces to healthier bodies — and minds
SOCIETY
Danger: Walking While Working. (Life / Social Norms)
Does a new desk really solve the problem of having no time to exercise?
O Christmas Tree (Life / Going Green)
If you want to be as eco-savvy as possible this holiday season, get a real tree — then replant it
Don't Panic, Retirees! (Business / Right on Your Money)
The market may have cracked your nest egg, but here's why you may not have to scramble
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
December's Movie Onslaught: TIME's Picks (Holiday Movie Preview)
A nun, a priest, a lover, a cattle drover, a man who grows younger, a wrestler who won't quit, an interviewer and a former President, a bluesman, a gay activist, a happy couple and a band of brothers. You'll find them all this season at the movies
Short List (TIME's Picks for The Week)
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Person of the Year.
TIME asked prominent individuals, including former Persons of the Year, whom they would choose for 2008. The nominations continue