FEATURES
THE MJ READERS POLL
This is a very special issue of MJ. In our first ever Readers Poll, we asked you what was on your minds, from the guys you admire and the girls you dream of, to the adventures you crave and the causes you care about. The stories below have one thing in common: They reflect what matters to men now.

Tom Hanks: The MJ Interview | 76
Your favorite actor brought history to life on the big and little screens. Here he talks about the lessons of the past, what makes a hero, and the meaning of being an American. BY MARK BOWDEN

This Land Is Your Land | 82
After years of neglect, it's time to take the environment -- the cause you most care about -- into your own hands. BY BILL MCKIBBEN

The Storm Chaser | 86
You want to know what it's like to see a hurricane up close? Photographer Warren Faidley didn't run when Hurricane Ivan hit the Gulf Coast -- and he's got the photos to prove it. BY RON BERLER

The Dream Wife: Heidi Klum | 92
Beautiful, fearless, and great in the kitchen: You picked supermodel Ms. Klum as a perfect wife. We agree. BY LRARY SMITH

My Friend Jack | 94
For a man who has turned to Jack Daniel's -- your favorite whiskey -- for solace throughout his life, visiting Lynchburg, TN, is more than a trip. It's a pilgrimage. BY RICK TELANDER

Home on the Range | 102
Tom Brokaw, your favorite newsman, is trading in his anchor chair and heading for the mountains of Montana. BY RICK BRAGG

Hail to the Beef | 110
Forget pizza. Your choice for the perfect food is a slab of beef, cooked over fire...to perfection. BY ALTON BROWN

Gear of the Year | 112
After you gave us your wish list, we tested hundreds of items to bring you the most lustworthy stuff of 2004.

In Lance We Trust | 126
With his sixth straight victory in the Tour de France, you say Armstrong has transcended his status as sportsman to become an American icon. BY JOEL STEIN

25 Best Action DVDs of All Time | 128
Epic gun battles, heart-stopping car chases, and, of course, Tarantino getting medieval on your ass. Here are your picks for the best action flicks ever. BY DAVID CHUTE

ADVENTURE
First Ascent A novice climber (and avowed couch potato) sets out to summit Mount Rainier -- one of the toughest climbs in the lower 48. Luckily, the legendary Ed Viesturs has his back. 24
World's Great Adventures From the beach paradise of Fiji to the mountain mecca of Whistler, you told us your all-time favorite adventure spots. Good choices. Now take our tips on how to do them right -- and take off. 32
Secrets of the Reef Impossibly clear waters, canyons of brilliant coral, schools of technicolor fish -- Australia's Great Barrier Reef is a mind-expanding experience. 42
Cruising the Pacific Coast Highway What happens when our road warrior uncorks Porsche's new 911 Carrera on America's greatest driving road? You get a vroom with a view. 48

PEAK PERFORMANCE
The 100 Best Trainers in America Finally: the definitive list of the top fitness instructors in the country (with phone numbers). PLUS: Our dream team of trainers designs a cutting-edge workout program just for you. 60

STYLE
The Adventure Hall of Fame Big mountains, big waves, big air: These are the men who broke new ground in the adventure world this year. Hang on as you hear their stories. 134
Shear Pleasure Shearling -- warm, breathable, and durable -- just may be the (second) best way to keep you toasty this winter. 142

MISC.
The Record Book Freerider Cedric Gracia sets a mountain-biking speed record, and more amazing adventure feats from '04. 174
Mail 16
Contributors 20