COVER

Life as the Biggest Loser (Health)

The reality show helps contestants quickly drop a lot of weight, but what happens when the show is over?

NATION

The Candor Candidate (The Well / Nation)

Why the candid candidate is telling people things they don't want to hear

An Auto Insider Takes on Climate Change (The Well / Nation)

Congressman John Dingell has been accused of being in bed with the auto industry. But that's not stopping him from tackling global warming

America's Fear of Outsiders (History)

The U.S. has always been a nation of immigrants. It's always been a nation ambivalent about them too

ESSAY

Romney's Disappointing Campaign (Commentary)

Viewpoint: The fast-moving Republican star acts like a man on a mission, says Joe Klein, but without a shred of courage or conviction

How Libby's Trial Hurt the Press (Viewpoint)

On the eve of Scooter Libby's sentencing, the damage from a troubling prosecution has already been done — to journalists and the public interest

BRIEFING

Plague on a Plane. (The Moment)

The borders germs sneak across are the hardest to police

The Mexican Press in Peril (World Spotlight)

Why some journalists in Mexico are staying silent during the recent violence between drug gangs

WORLD

BUSINESS

No More Gushers for ExxonMobil (Life: Living - History - Business - Technology - Behavior - Life After Work / THE CURIOUS CAPITALIST)

The company's stingy approach to oil exploration means you can count on high gas prices to stick around

Struggling with Retirement (Life After Work)

Couples often have conflicting ideas about what the R-word means. Start talking now

HEALTH & MEDICINE

How Babies Decode Faces (Life: Living - History - Business - Technology - Behavior - Life After Work / Behavior)

For infants, learning a language can mean looking as well as listening

SOCIETY

The New Trend of Used Clothes (Life: Living - History - Business - Technology - Behavior - Life After Work / Living)

Used clothing stores get a fashion makeover as shoppers recycle their cheap-chic wardrobes

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Ocean's Thirteen, the Interview (Arts: Architecture - Downtime / Movies)

Matt Damon, George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Ellen Barkin discuss how to make a movie without really trying

SPECIAL SECTION

At Your Service (Pursuits)

Luxury hotels offer increasingly over-the-top amenities to attract a seasoned and free-spending clientele

Mission Impossible (Pursuits: Travel - Tasting)

Trained at the top hotels, these concierges know how to service even the most outrageous request

The New Brew (Pursuits)

Instead of uncorking a vintage red, Michelin-starred chefs are tapping into a long list of artisanal beers

LETTERS