COVER
Second Act (Religion)
How Benedict XVI may become more influential after his resignation
A Papal Benediction (Features / Religion)
The 265th Pope's decision to give up earthly power offers the world an unusual--and needed--spiritual lesson
EDITOR'S DESK
The Pentagon and the Pontiff (Cover)
COMMENTARY
Aiming Low, Missing Greatness (In the Arena)
A lack of visionary ideas marks the start of Barack Obama's second term
Organizing for Failure (Murphy's Law)
The President needs to stop campaigning and get serious about governing
FEATURES
The Most Expensive Weapon Ever Built (Nation)
The Pentagon's $400 billion F-35 is running into turbulence just as deeper budget cuts loom
Dirty Dancing (World)
Did a bitter feud at Moscow's famed Bolshoi Ballet prompt an acid attack on the company's artistic director?
(Very) Close Encounter (Science)
A near miss by an Earth-buzzing rock reminds us of a danger we can't ignore
Women in Combat (The Culture)
Ronda Rousey kicks female fighters into mixed martial arts
THE CULTURE
The Best and the Rest (Movies)
Oscar picks and predictions from TIME's critics
[Insert Catchy Name Here] (The Awesome Column)
What I learned from winter storm Nemo: news events need cuter names
10 Questions for Gavin Newsom (10 Questions)
Former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom on fire-hydrant adoption, gay marriage and Republican hair
How to Plan on Good Weather (Travel)
Sport-specific sites to inform your trip
Pop Chart
Beyond Counting Sheep (Education)
Why math is the hot new bedtime reading
BRIEFING
Was bin Laden's Killer Left Behind? (Nation)
Richard Artschwager (Milestones)
Art-world original
World
Donald Byrd (Milestones)
Jazz innovator
He, Robot (Health&Science)
The high-tech future of the human body
James DePreist (Milestones)
Conductor
Milestones (Milestones)
Briefing
Sure Shots? (Tech)
Why images are taking over social networking
Up in Smoke? (Nation)
The GOP's views on marijuana are showing signs of a shift