COVER
Aung San Suu Kyi: Burma's First Lady of Freedom (Cover)
Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi is a profile in courage, but can she bring democracy to a troubled land? In a revealing interview, she talks of her hopes and fears
ESSAY
Media Noise: The Year of Living Predictably (Commentary / In the Arena)
While the media hyperventilated, nothing all that surprising really happened
Why 2011 Will Be a Happier New Year (Commentary / Worldview)
Despite an unsettled year politically and economically, things are looking up
Holiday Spending Spree: Where's the New Austerity? (Commentary / The Curious Capitalist)
It's no secret that many Americans have buried themselves under a mountain of debt thanks to overshopping and skimpy savings. Is this a spiral that will continue, or can it be stopped?
Joel Stein's Predictions for 2011: Pimento Cheese?! (Commentary)
And other exciting new trends for 2011, as predicted by experts — and me
NATION
Can Obama and McConnell Make Washington Work? (The Well / Nation)
They have little in common and have never been friendly, but Barack Obama and Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell are Washington's new power pair
Foster Care: Extreme Edition (The Well / Nation)
An innovative program in St. Louis is making big strides in matching hard-to-place kids with adoptive families, on a fast track
WORLD
Can Sudan Split Without Falling Apart? (The Well / World)
Southern Sudan is set to become the world's newest nation. But a peaceful divorce from the north could still descend into war
Clooney's 'Antigenocide Paparazzi': Watching Sudan (World)
Satellites — and some star power — will put Sudan's crisis in the spotlight
George Clooney in Sudan
The actor visits the volatile region to draw attention to the dangers that could result should southern Sudan vote to separate from the north
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Can Oprah Stand Out from the Cable Crowd? (Television)
With a new cable channel, Oprah tries to spread her star power and self-power gospel over 24 hours
Can Spider-Man Fly on Broadway? (Theater)
It's Broadway's juiciest backstage drama in years: Can the new Spider-Man musical overcome its troubles and soar?
Q&A Duran Duran (Q&A)
Short List
TIME'S PICKS FOR THE WEEK
SOCIETY
Rage Against the Machine (Life / Cash Crunch)
Smart meters will tell us more about our energy use, unless consumers mutiny first
Bowl Game CEOs: College Football's Big Winners (Life / Sports)
One Game, Four Hours, and Six Figures
Wellness: Does Your Doc Know What To Look For? (Life / Health)
As insurers focus on lifestyle, doctors are scrambling to become better nutrition and exercise coaches
PEOPLE
10 Questions for Jeff Bridges (10 Questions)
The Oscar-winning actor stars in TRON: Legacy and True Grit. Jeff Bridges will now take your questions
BRIEFING
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Lab Report: Health, Science and Medicine
All in a Year's Work (Richmond Memo)
How Virginia's attorney general became a Tea Party star
Verbatim
Teena Marie (Milestones)
The Moment
Snowpocalypse