CURRENT ISSUE
July 2009
Features
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On the March
A traveling exhibition of China's terra cotta warriors sheds new light on the ruler whose tomb they guarded
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Nikita in Hollywood
Lunch with the Soviet leader was Tinseltown's hottest ticket, with famous celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Dean Martin
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We Have Liftoff
The launch 40 years ago of Apollo 11, which put a man on the moon, brought Americans together during a time of nationwide unrest
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Birth of a Robot
Can scientists build a machine that learns as it goes and plays well with others?
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Catching a Wave
Electrical engineer Annette von Jouanne is pioneering an ingenious way to generate clean, renewable electricity from the sea
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High Hopes for a New Kind of Gene
Scientists believe that microRNA may lead to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating cancer
Departments
"Salami, Mr. Holcomb?"
The first women to attend the Naval Academy became seniors in 1979. Photographer Lucian Perkins was there as the old order changed
Forest Primeval
An Illinois coal mine holds a snapshot of life on earth 300 million years ago, when a massive earthquake "froze" a swamp in time
Keeping Company
Observing ibises and kayaking among sharks, author Barbara Ehrenreich savors life "up the Keys"
The Great Escape
For the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Douglas, Arizona was a place to "refresh the wells" and drive into the sunset
Forever Yours
Libraries, universities and museums are especially important in uncertain times
Ant Eye View
A new photo exhibit featuring the work of biologist Mark Moffett reminds us that we still live in an age of discovery
Stealth Machine
The SR-71 Blackbird, now featured in the Transformers movie sequel, was faster than a rifle bullet and flew 16 miles above the earth
Q and A: Jean Shin
The artists creates sculptures from castaway objects such as old lottery tickets and broken umbrellas
What's Up
There Oughta Be a Law
Centuries hence, historians may wonder: Where exactly did Congress store all those pork barrels?