THE INNOVATION ISSUE

FEATURES
The Future Is Now | 82
Hunger for innovation is hard-wired into every American man's psyche. And brother, that's a good thing: Never before have we been so strongly united -- one nation under bling. INTRODUCTION BY JOEL STEIN

Ferrari's Redheads | 85
A look back at the 1958 Ferrari 250 Testarossa -- and a preview of its hotshot grandson, the 2006 Superamerica. BY ARTHUR ST. ANTOINE

Perfect Things | 86
Our up-to-the-second compendium of the most innovative gear in the world, including slicker surfboards, craftier camping gear, more radical running shoes, better bikes, and dozens of other inventions you suddenly can't live without. PLUS: The $100 laptop and Green Gear of the Year.

Mission to Mars | 92
The first interplanetary explorers are going to need the right tailor. BY CHRISTOPHER MCDOUGALL

Q & A: Yvon Chouinard | 98
The founder of Patagonia reflects on creating the world's most progressive adventure empire. BY MARK ANDERS

Rage Against the Machines | 106
Digital special effects were threatening to make Hollywood stuntmen obsolete. Enter Brand X Action Specialists, the real-life action heroes who are fighting back against the machines. BY KEVIN CONLEY

Cliffhanger | 112
Two years ago Aron Ralston cheated death but lost his arm in a remote Utah canyon. On South America's highest peak, he found himself fighting for his life all over again. BY ARON RALSTON

Keepers of the Flame | 120
Don't call them Old School: These top adventure athletes keep tradition alive while pushing the envelopes of their sports. BY MICAH ABRAMS AND STEVEN KOTLER

Surfing Montauk | 128
At this East Coast surf mecca, the hardcore never miss a day -- even when the water's 36 degrees. BY CLAIRE MARTIN

ADVENTURE
New Frontiers: A Guide for Intrepid Travelers Who Always Want to Be First There are still new worlds to explore and uncharted territories to get lost in -- if you know where to look. Here's a discriminating 13-page guide to the next frontiers of adventure.
Including: The last untouched island in the Caribbean; the wild new side of Eastern Europe; and the hottest spots in the Middle East for 21st-century explorers. PLUS: A sneak peek at the not-too-distant future of adventure. Think skiing in Dubai and an extraterrestrial travel planner. 34
Deadly Racers You've got to see the annual Omak Suicide Race to believe it. The world's most dangerous horse race, run in Washington state every August, brings out the competitive best (and some say the bloody, violent worst) in American sports. 56
Fathers of Invention A preview of new books about past and future innovators, from Ben Franklin to the guy who built the Mars Rover. PLUS: A noted futurist predicts the rise of the nanobot. 64

PEAK PERFORMANCE
Cutting-Edge Workouts Training's next generation will take you beyond the local gym -- way beyond. Soon you'll be working out in giant gyroscopes, developing "micromuscles" you never knew you had, and using cardio techniques for your arms. And that's just the warm-up. 67
Nutrition The next generation of energy drinks is all about the protein. We compare the old and the new -- including a protein drink you can concoct on your own. 74
Ask Dr. Bob Our in-house doc answers your questions about the latest cholesterol drugs, effective new mosquito repellents, and a weight-loss "magic bullet." PLUS: Breakthrough devices in sports medicine. 76

STYLE
Skin Deep Sweat, mud, and bike grease are murder on your skin. These eight skin-care products can help you save face. 134
Wrist Rockets A new wave of high-tech wristwatches can measure altitude, distance on a map, and more. 136

MISC.
The Record Book Tow-in surf kayaking, BASE jumping with "tracking" pants, the largest halfpipe ever, and more innovations on the adventure front. 164
Mail 26
Contributors 22

On the cover: This 1958 250 Testarossa, one of Enzo Ferrari's greatest creations, is part of Ralph Lauren's acclaimed collection of exotic cars. Photographed by Michael Furman