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COVER STORY
The Clint Eastwood Guide to Life 44
Is the man behind Dirty Harry Callahan getting soft as he moves into the "back nine" of his life? Hardly. He recently directed the dark, violent Mystic River, a major Oscar contender, which some critics consider the finest work of his life. He still loves his cars. He still flies his helicopter. And he's still got a way with the women. With Clint Eastwood some things never change. BY PETER TRAVERS

American Kickboxer in Thailand 50
The author grew up enamored of fighters -- boxers, matadors, soldiers -- and took up karate in grammar school. In college he tried his hand at boxing. Then he encountered muay Thai kickboxing, one of the most strenuous and dangerous brands of sport fighting on earth. Learning from a master, he transformed himself -- and within months was staring across the canvas at a professional kickboxer who was trying to kill him. BY SAM SHERIDAN

How to Plan the Ultimate Safari 56
Two things you should know about safaris: They make for easy traveling, because your guides take care of everything for you, and they're not cheap. But you won't be worrying about your wallet the first time you see a lion taking down a wildebeest, or an elephant wandering through your camp. Here's the complete guide to setting up the perfect African vacation. BY DAVID HERNDON

Poker Hits the Big Time 64
High-stakes poker has long been ruled by cigar-smoking men in ten-gallon hats. But as the classic game goes mainstream -- the World Poker Tour makes its network debut this month on NBC -- you'll see a new generation of brash, young players (think hoop earings, not bolo ties) battling for top billing. This is not your father's game of seven-card stud. BY BRAD REAGAN

ADVENTURE
Discover Panama With first-rate surfing, climbing, and whitewater rafting, Panama is shaping up as the next big adventure destination. 14
Skiing's New Frontier Zero crowds and sweet powder -- Bulgaria has some of the finest uncharted skiing east of the Alps. 20
Smart Travel How much weight do those liability-release forms they make you sign on adventure trips actually carry in court? A lot. 21
Extreme Vegas Forget gambling: Mountain bikers have found mile after mile of the sweetest singletrack, just 20 minutes from the Strip. 22

HEALTH & FITNESS
Cut Stress, Live Longer! Unchecked, stress may cause a huge range of health problems, but with the right techniques you can harness its power to help you perform better in all aspects of life. 25

AGENDA
Downhill Brawler The latest trend in ski and snowboard racing is more dangerous than ever. 35
Survival Tales New adventure books recreate two harrowing tales of endurance. 38
Hot Cars GM bounces back with three new designs. Plus: Porsche marks the 40th anniversary of the 911 with 11 classic models. 40
Mail-Order Meat What do you get when you join a food-of-the-month club? A fridge full of fresh sausage and jowl bacon. 42

STYLE
Fast Times Race cars and watches have gone hand in hand forever. Here's a look at some of the timepieces inspired by high-performance rides. 70

TOOLS & TOYS
Home Gyms Get buff in the comfort of your own home with the new breed of all-in-one exercise machines. We test and rate five. 73
Parkas Layers are fine for most cold weather, but sometimes you need to bring out the big guns. 76

MISC.
Trade SecretsMountaineer Joe Simpson on how to survive a wilderness disaster -- alone. 100
Contributors 10
The Mail 12