FEATURES

COVER STORY
The 50 Best Places to Live in America | 76
Cosmopolitan city? Quiet village? Finding the ideal place to live is no small task, but we've done the legwork and found 50 dream spots -- from Austin to Boston, Santa Cruz to Santa Fe. If you're not living in one of these places already, maybe it's time to pack up and go.

Dennis Quaid's Paradise | 70
With fly-fishing streams and mountain trails right in his backyard, it's no wonder this all-American actor calls Montana's aptly named Paradise Valley home. BY WILLIAM HJORTSBERG

Into the Heart of the Storm | 62
It was an impossible mission: Fly a helicopter 2,000 miles roundtrip in a nor'easter to save the crew of a sunken freighter. A mission of this magnitude had never been attempted before. Could a few brave men from the air national guard pull it off? BY COLONEL EDWARD L. FLEMING

Baghdad Confidential | 96
In one year, while covering the war in Iraq, TV correspondent Dr. Bob Arnot lost both his job (at NBC) and his wife (she divorced him), and nearly got himself killed (repeatedly). In this uncensored journal he documents his year of living dangerously. BY DR. ROBERT ARNOT

Point & Shoot | 100
In a game that rewards flamboyant dunks and gaudy stats, point guards fly under the radar. But these four floor generals carry themselves with attention-getting style both on and off the court.

ADVENTURE
The 30 Hottest Trips of the Summer Still no plans for your summer vacation? From brand new Utah singletrack to a paddling paradise in British Columbia, here are 30 affordable getaways for every type of adventurer. 16
News "Daily Wavester" surfs a record 10,407 consecutive days. PLUS: Safari alternatives. 28
Lance Armstrong's Worst Nightmare Tyler Hamilton took fourth in last year's Tour de France -- with a broken collarbone. Now that he's healthy, he may be in perfect shape to beat his famous former teammate. 32

PEAK PERFORMANCE
Your Summer Body Get ready to kick sand in someone's face. Our monthlong program whips you into shape -- and you have to go to the gym only twice a week. 43
Health News Protect yourself from the diabetes epidemic, beat jet lag, and more. 52
Solar Power Step away from the sunscreen! Those rays may be better for you than you think. 54
Clear and Present Liquor People love vodka because it has little taste and mixes with anything. But should you pay big bucks for top shelf? 56

STYLE
Hold Everything Upgrade your funky gym bag with one of these stylish carriers. 106

GEAR GUIDE
Speed Demons The latest crop of running shoes provides a whole new level of comfort and support. We test and rate 11 of the best. PLUS: Olympic marathon hopeful Alan Culpepper on his kicks. 110
Rock Star Tommy Caldwell, the country's premier rock jockey, opens his gear bag for a look at his must-have climbing equipment. 114
Make His Day Guy gifts to give for Father's Day -- or any day. PLUS: The best new action DVDs. 116
Hot Topless Models Six sexy convertibles for summer. 118

MISC.
Real Heroes Two men sprang into action when a cougar attacked an unsuspecting bicyclist. 148
Mail 12
Contributors 14