NATION

In Your Face at the CIA

Porter Goss says the CIA needs an overhaul. But is he fixing what's broken — or conducting a purge?

Where Goss Sees Trouble

The CIA's new director sees his job as making sure the agency gets smarter and faster after a string of embarrassing intelligence failures. But is Porter Goss a reformer, or does he just want to enforce loyalty in the ranks?

Condi Gets Her Shot

She argued the hard-liners' case on Iraq. But the next Secretary of State remains an ideological puzzle

What We'll Miss And What We Won't

Four retiring Senators with 111 years of combined experience in Congress — Democrats Ernest (Fritz) Hollings of South Carolina and John Breaux of Louisiana and Republicans Don Nickles of Oklahoma and Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado — sat down for a last debate with TIME's Michael Duffy and Douglas Waller

BUSINESS

Two-For-One Sale

Can Kmart and Sears create a whole new kind of department store?

It's a Family Affair

Murdoch is battling Malone to keep a tight grip on News Corp. — and benefit heirs, if not shareholders

SCIENCE

Cosmic Conundrum

The universe seems uncannily well suited to the existence of life. Could that really be an accident?

BRIEFING

The Debate on DeLay (Notebook)

A recent rule change will allow the majority leader to keep his position even if indicted by a grand jury

Why Bush Has No Fear (Essay)

Since Cheney won't be his heir, the President can spend his capital freely

People

A Soprano in Iraq; Q+A with Freddie Highmore

GENERATIONS

Spicing Up Your Winter Travel (TIME Bonus Section December 2004: Generations)

When we asked our wine critic to write about her favorite winter getaways, we counted on sandy beaches galore. Instead her surprising picks will thrill your taste buds and dazzle your senses. From Morocco to New Zealand, these trips are for food and wine fanatics. And there's even a beach or two for those who like it hot while the wine chills.

Ask Francine (TIME Bonus Section December 2004: Generations)

Social Studies (TIME Bonus Section December 2004: Generations)

In her new novel, Susan Isaacs explores the issue of class

Full House Again (TIME Bonus Section December 2004: Generations)

A growing number of empty nesters are flinging open their doors to exchange students from abroad

WORLD

Hiding In Plain Sight

Why Pakistan still isn't aggressively pursuing the ex — Taliban leaders living inside the country

Wounds That Don't Bleed

How severe stress is taking a toll on U.S. troops in Iraq — and what Washington is doing about it

SOCIETY

Closing The Gap

Many middle-class African-American students are scoring lower than white classmates. But it may be their parents and teachers who need remedial work

THE ARTS

Let's Talk About Sex (Arts/Movies)

At last, a love story for adults. In 'Closer,' Mike Nichols explores the thrilling and damaging effects of passion

It's His Same Old Story (Arts/Movies)

Oliver Stone's Alexander is a Greek war epic that somehow still seems to be about Vietnam

Keeping Up the Ghost (Arts/Music)

Singer-songwriter Jeff Buckley has achieved posthumous success on the strength of one song

French Kiss (Arts/Movies)

A film that will wallop your head and heart

YOUR TIME

How Safe Are They? (Your Time/Health)

In a rare move, an FDA official openly attacks five drugs. Should you worry?

Living Like Lincoln (Your Time/Living)

Sales of log homes are on the rise as Americans seek out a rustic lifestyle