Rhee Tackles Classroom Challenge (The Well / Nation)
Teachers hate her. Principals are scared of her. How Michelle Rhee became the most revolutionary — and polarizing — force in American education

Obama and Education (Nation)
After a season of ambiguity, Obama will have to choose sides on school reform


Jump-Starting the Obama Presidency (The Well / Nation)
Taking control of economic policy, Obama has assembled a team charged with preventing a depression. Inside their race against time

Will Obama Roll Back Bush Anti-Terror Tactics? (The Well / Nation)
Barack Obama is already under pressure to roll back the harsher facets of the Bush Administration's war on terrorism. Why some liberals may be disappointed


Bush's Last Days: The Lamest Duck (In The Arena)
Bush's disappearing act during the economic crisis is a fitting coda to a failed presidency

Obama Chooses an Unlikely Team of Hawks (The Wall / Commentary)
Why the biggest roles for Obama's foreign policy picks will be the ones they play at home

Barack Obama, and the Rush For Election Souvenirs
The rush for election souvenirs reminds us why we collect: to preserve our most moving memories

Cupcake Kings Go Global, With a Little Help From Joel (The Awesome Column)
A Nicaraguan baker gets a microloan from Joel — with some strings attached


Focal Points
In this issue, TIME's reporters look at two of the major challenges facing America: the economy and the state of our public schools


The World (Briefing)
10 ESSENTIAL STORIES

Pop Chart

A Brief History Of: Cloning (Briefing)

The Skimmer (Briefing)

Drawing Room (Briefing)

Milestones

The Moment (Briefing)
11|26|08: Baghdad

Verbatim

The Sound of Change: Can Music Save Cuba? (The Well / World)
Poor and isolated, Cuba is crumbling. Can music save it?

Postcard: Winchester (Postcard: Winchester)
As college students drift away from religion, one Methodist university sees an opportunity. Speed-dating for churches in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley


Slender in the Grass (Health / Fit Nation)
Parks are for more than play. A new study links green spaces to healthier bodies — and minds


Danger: Walking While Working. (Life / Social Norms)
Does a new desk really solve the problem of having no time to exercise?

O Christmas Tree (Life / Going Green)
If you want to be as eco-savvy as possible this holiday season, get a real tree — then replant it

Don't Panic, Retirees! (Business / Right on Your Money)
The market may have cracked your nest egg, but here's why you may not have to scramble


Holiday Movie Preview (Holiday Movie Preview)
A nun, a priest, a lover, a cattle drover, a man who grows younger, a wrestler who won't quit, an interviewer and a former President, a bluesman, a gay activist, a happy couple and a band of brothers. You'll find them all this season at the movies

Short List (TIME's Picks for The Week)


10 Questions for Annie Leibovitz (10 Questions)
In Annie Leibovitz at Work, the photographer explains her artistry. Annie Leibovitz will now take your questions


Person of the Year.
TIME asked prominent individuals, including former Persons of the Year, whom they would choose for 2008. The nominations continue


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