COVER
The Electrifying Edison (Thomas Edison)
Thomas Edison helped create the American way of innovation--but today the U.S. is in danger of losing its pre-eminence in science and technology
Let There Be Light (Thomas Edison)
Edison perfected the incandescent bulb and devised a system of electrical current to serve homes and businesses. Then came the hard part
The Incredible Talking Machine (Thomas Edison)
The invention of the phonograph made Edison world-famous--but it took him years to understand what it did best
Lights, Camera ... Edison! (Thomas Edison)
He and his talented team didn't just invent machinery for the movies--they invented the magic
ESSAY
Good Neighbors (Commentary)
The world suddenly has warm, fuzzy feelings for the U.S.; so what's goodwill worth to us?
My Own Private India (Commentary)
How the Jersey town named for Thomas Edison became home to the all-American Guindian
NATION
Can Obama and Petraeus Work Together? (The Well / Nation)
After General Stanley McChrystal's very public insubordination, Obama recruited his boss, General David Petraeus, to take over the Afghanistan war. Can the two men become partners?
The Rise and Fall of Stanley McChrystal
A photo profile of the relieved commander of the American war effort in Afghanistan
Judging Elena (The Well / Profile)
She's known for her keen intellect and her ability to reach across the aisle. Are those enough to confirm her as the next Supreme Court Justice?
WORLD
Turning to the East (The Well / World)
Feeling betrayed by Israel and snubbed by Europe, Turkey is forging a new identity as an independent regional power. Will the country be able to court multiple alliances, or will the West lose one of its closest friends?
TO OUR READERS
The Inventor
For our ninth annual history issue, we profile Thomas Edison, whose genius has shaped not only our lives but how we think about ourselves
LETTERS
Inbox (Inbox)
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Why Motown Wants to Save Its Symphonic Soul (Music)
In hard-hit Detroit, a symphony orchestra survives by reinventing itself
Knight and Day: Tom Cruise's Charm Offensive (Movies)
Tom Cruise perfects his manic act as a winningly unhinged secret agent in Knight and Day
Mark Mothersbaugh and Jerry Casale: Men of Devo
Thirty-two years after mystifying a national audience on Saturday Night Live, new-wave pioneer Devo has released Something for Everybody, its first album of new material in two decades
Short List
TIME'S PICKS FOR THE WEEK
BUSINESS
How Goldman Trashed a Town (The Well / Business)
When Wall Street's most profitable bank teamed up with a billionaire hedge-fund manager, the people of Cedar Rapids paid the price
SOCIETY
Good News for Summer: Grill, Baby, Grill! (Life / Taste of America)
Greener, tastier cookouts, minus the hot dogs
Death or Taxes (Life / Cash Crunch)
A legal quirk makes 2010 a great year to bequeath wealth. Can resting in peace be incentivized?
Power of One (Life)
A childhood surgery made Ben Sater want to help his hospital. Almost $1 million later, the teen is still on his game
SPECIAL SECTION
China's New Continent (Global Business / Africa)
Pouring investment into African nations, China finds fertile territory for its rising influence
Business Books (Global Business)
How the recession will help you find inner peace, save the planet and learn how to sew. An upside to the downturn
PEOPLE
10 Questions for James Patterson (10 Questions)
The prolific novelist's latest book, Private, is out June 28. James Patterson will now take your questions
BRIEFING
The Moment
6|19|10: Gulf of Mexico
Mark Halperin's Take: A Rose Garden 10-Strike
President Obama turned what could have been a crippling blow — losing General Stanley McChrystal in Afghanistan — into one of the strongest moments of his presidency to date
The World
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES
Why Harry Reid's Chances Are Improving in Nevada
Senator Harry Reid of Nevada looked beatable this year. Now? Not so much