COVER

Live From Mars (Space)

A One-Ton Rover Can Teach Us A Lot About The Red Planet--And The Blue One Too

COMMENTARY

FEATURES

Hesitant Steppes (World)

Mongolia has discovered elections and minerals. But the young democracy must tread warily if it is to chart an independent future

Wonder Women (Sports)

Why the London Games were a barrier breaker for female athletes

The Economy's New Rules: Go Glocal (Economy)

Globalization used to be a one-way street that led away from America. Now high energy prices, political risk and technological shifts are bringing opportunity back home. Welcome to the era of localnomics

THE CULTURE

Platform Drive (The Awesome Column)

Who better than me to punch up the Democratic Party platform?

BUSINESS

A U.S. Degree At Any Cost (Education)

An industry of "education agents," many corrupt, is taking advantage of Chinese demand for American diplomas

Show Me The Money (Game Changer)

The NBA is gearing up to sell ad space on jerseys. Will it earn the kind of cash that soccer leagues rake in?

Yes, More Solyndras (New Energy)

The solar company failed, but the decision to invest in it was the right one

LETTERS

BRIEFING

Good Genes (Health&Science)

Are we ready for inexpensive, easy access to personal DNA tests?

Robert Hughes (Milestones)

TIME's eloquent, merciless art critic

Eco Chic (Business)

How U.S. clothing brands are getting greener