How to Spend a Trillion Dollars (The Well / Cover Story)
That's how much money Barack Obama says is needed to kick-start the economy. How he spends it could determine the fate of his presidency

Can Tim Geithner Lead the Economy Out of Its Mess? (The Well / Inauguration)
More than any other official, new Treasury chief Timothy Geithner bears the burden of rescuing the U.S. economy. Is he the right man for the job?

The Ghosts of '33 (The Well / Commentary)
Like Obama today, F.D.R. aimed to raise the spirits of a nation. Making peace with his predecessor was harder

Mapping the Occasion (The Well / Inauguration)
Parties, prayer services and a parade! A guide to Washington's megabash for the 44th President

America's Next Top Model (The Well / Inauguration)
When it comes to style, Michelle Obama brings a welcome sense of authority and a dash of whimsy to the White House

One Dream Realized (The Well / Inauguration)
Seven icons of the civil rights movement reflect on their progress and setbacks, the meaning of Jan. 20, 2008 to African Americans and what King would make of the country Obama will soon lead

Obama's Permanent Grass-Roots Campaign (The Well / Inauguration)
Linked by e-mail and Facebook, millions of Obama backers are staying involved--and gearing up for 2012

Town Overboard! (The Well / Commentary)
Washington has a bad case of Obamamania. Here's hoping the fever breaks soon


Change vs. More of the Same (Commentary / Tuned In)
As after 9/11, the media will be covering a popular Prez in a crisis. Can they do better this time?

God Is Black
What Obama owes to the omniscient, authoritative voices of James Earl Jones and Morgan Freeman


Postcard from San Francisco (Postcard: San Francisco)
Even as the economic gloom deepens, some financial experts just want to have fun. Have you heard the one about the stand-up economist?

TV's New Beginnings (Television)
After a slow fall, prime time is no longer a desert island

Cinema's Best Friend (Movies)
Why the movies have developed a serious case of puppy love. (Hint: they're fetching)

Our Inner Animal (Books)
Beasts are more human--and humans more bestial--than we think

Q&A with Elizabeth Alexander (Short List)


Boytox: Botox for Men (Life / Health)
More men are erasing their wrinkles, part of a "manscaping" movement that could turn out to be recession-proof

A Recession Etiquette Lesson With: Peggy Post (Life / Social Norms)


10 Questions for Hugh Hefner (10 Questions)
Mr. Playboy marks a recent biography and his publication's 55th anniversary. Hugh Hefner will now take your questions


The Moment (Briefing)
1|12|09: Washington

The World (Briefing)
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES

Verbatim

Pop Chart

A Brief History Of: Swearing In (Briefing)

Drawing Room (Briefing)

The Skimmer (Briefing)
The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama

Milestones

Charles Morgan Jr. (Briefing)

Richard John Neuhaus (Briefing)

A Personal Loss (Briefing / Appreciation)
The death of a courageous TIME reporter exposes the threats to press freedom in Sri Lanka


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