Time
64
COVER: The Soviets overtake the U. S. as the No. 1 nation in space
Moscow now has the world' s most powerful rocket booster, unmatched expertise in manned spaceflight, a world- class planetary exploration program and an unwavering commitment to become the dominant presence in space. Experts in the West think the Soviets are far ahead of the U. S. -- and may stay there into the 21st century. -- Can America come back? See SPACE.
20
NATION: The U. S. blasts a boatload of Iranian minelayers in the gulf
Catching a band of sailors red- handed, the U. S. gives credence to its threats of retaliation against terrorism and consequently heightens tensions with the Khomeini regime. -- Who killed Joseph Biden' s presidential campaign? -- Can Robert Bork win over enough Senators to gain confirmation? -- Across America, the war rages against bicyclists.
44
BUSINESS: Is America ripe for a crash? Some scholars see parallels to the 1920s
While a depression is still remote, the euphoric stock market may be headed for a fall when it wakes up to economic problems like the trade deficit. Everywhere, from bookstores to boardrooms, speculations about the financial future fill the air. -- The former chief of the global satellite network heads for prison. -- A leading specialty retailer, the Gap, takes a sudden spill on Wall Street.
34
World
Costa Rica' s Arias gets a mixed welcome in Washington. -- Sanctions against South Africa are ineffective. -- A new era for Quebec.
59
Sport
N. F. L. players strike for free agency as the owners prepare to roll on with retreads. Baseball' s free- agent limits strike out.
61
Health & Fitness
And now, workouts for tots. But whose needs do they serve -- the parents' or the children' s? -- An alert for carriers of the sickle- cell gene.
75
Education
After a bleak period, women' s colleges are coming on strong by appealing to growing numbers of career- minded students.
78
Art
The work of 17th century Spain' s doctrinaire mystic Francisco de Zurbaran goes on magnificent display at the Metropolitan.
82
Books
Gail Godwin' s enthralling A Southern Family portrays a tragic loss of ideals and energies. -- The astonishing life of Beryl Markham.
88
Living
Depressed by dreary drapes and rugs? Drive- up decorators offer an instant overhaul. -- Swizzle sticks take on new pizazz.
89
Video
The new season features tweedy urban achievers and young couples coping with parenthood, as yuppies invade prime time.
9 Letters
12 American Scene
92 People
76 Press
80 Milestones
Cover: Photograph by A. Pushkaryov -- TASS