COVER

NATION

ESSAY

Extreme Parenting on TLC (Commentary / Tuned In)

How cable's megafamily reality shows captivate parents and push our social buttons

Do-It-Yourself Heroes

In tough times, the virtues that inspire us are old-fashioned, unglamorous and hiding in plain sight

WORLD

The Montana Town That Wanted to Be Gitmo (Postcard: Hardin)

With its costly new prison standing empty, a Montana community hopes to lure inmates from the world's most infamous detention center. The town that would be Gitmo

BRIEFING

SCIENCE

How to Prepare for a Pandemic (The Well / Science)

The H1N1 virus may be fizzling out for now, but new diseases will always threaten us--unless we strengthen our global warning system

HEALTH & MEDICINE

SOCIETY

Eating Local Before It's Too Late (Life / Food)

As regional fare gets harder to find, two new books celebrate America's culinary heritage. Squirrel mulligan, anyone?

Rocking Out at Denny's? (Life / Nightlife)

To draw a younger crowd, the chain is amping up its late-night vibe. Drunks welcome

RELIGION

BUSINESS

Recession Bee (Economy)

Here's a matrix of investments that do well, based on the shape of an economic recovery and your age. But don't bet your retirement on any one scenario--diversification works in a rebound too

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Glee: A Chorus of Laughter (Television)

The delightful, devilish Glee parodies High School Musical's themes and American Idol's dreams

TO OUR READERS

The TIME 100 Gala

At our fifth annual dinner, Michelle Obama praised social entrepreneurs, John Legend rocked out, and Oprah toasted her schoolteachers

LETTERS