1
U.S.
Obama Facing Critical Choice After Shooting
Hurricane Sandy, last month’s Latino turnout for Democrats and now the Newtown, Conn., shootings have presented President Obama with many decisions — and openings to make new arguments.That Old Sick Feeling
Obama’s fiscal deal offer was already distressing — cuts to Social Security, and a big concession, it turns out, on taxation of dividends, retaining most of the Bush cut (with the benefits flowing overwhelmingly to the top 1 percent). It wasn’t clear that the deal would have gotten nearly enough in return.
But sure enough, it looks as if Republicans have taken the offer as a sign of weakness, as a starting point from which they can bargain Obama down. Oh, and they’re not giving up at all on the idea of using the debt ceiling for further blackmail.
In other words, all of a sudden it’s feeling a lot like 2011 again, with the president negotiating with himself while the other side enjoys the process.
So Obama needs to draw a line right now: no further concessions. None. He’s already given too much.
Yes, this probably means going over the cliff. So be it: it’s less bad than the alternative.
And if Obama does try to make more concessions, Democrats in Congress need to let him know that they’re not behind him, that he cannot count on their vote."
2
Opinion
Why We Need Sandy Relief Now
If Congress doesn’t move swiftly to provide a full package of funds to help the Northeast region recover, the nation’s overall fiscal condition will suffer.
3
Technology
In Europe, a Push for Higher Phone Fees
Phone bills could rise if a European Union plan to encourage spending on high-speed broadband networks is enacted.
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World
Monks Lose Relevance as Thailand Grows Richer
The country’s rapid economic rise has altered the role of the local Buddhist monk, once a moral authority, now someone whose job is often limited to presiding over ceremonies.
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U.S.
After Recession, More Young Adults Are Living on Street
Across the country, tens of thousands of jobless young people — many with college credits or work experience — are struggling to house themselves since the recession.
6
World
British Tabloids Face Pressure Over Page 3
Past campaigns to end the topless photographs that are a regular feature of British tabloid newspapers have gained little traction, but it's different now that the country's news media are under wider scrutiny.
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World
Hearing Reveals Details of Spy’s Life, but Motive for Death Is Still a Mystery
A hearing last week into the 2006 death of Alexander V. Litvinenko, a former K.G.B. officer, only added to speculation about why he was poisoned in a London bar.
8
Business Day
Please Don’t Mess With the Charitable Deduction
It’s time to erase the notion that the tax break for charitable giving benefits the rich at society’s expense.
8
Arts
After Criticism, Public Library Offers Peek at Renovation Plans
On Wednesday, the New York Public Library plans to unveil the Norman Foster design for a new circulating library in its Fifth Avenue landmark building.
9
Business Day
Once Proudly Web Only, Shopping Sites Hang Out Real Shingles
After years of criticizing physical stores as relics, even e-commerce zealots are acknowledging there is something to a bricks-and-mortar location.
9
Business Day
Please Don’t Mess With the Charitable Deduction
It’s time to erase the notion that the tax break for charitable giving benefits the rich at society’s expense.
10
Real Estate
A Suburban Wasteland in Virginia Gets a Modern Urban Feel
Fairfax County and developers have transformed Merrifield, Va., not far from Washington, from a dingy crossroads into a vibrant retail and residential community.
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Business Day
Once Proudly Web Only, Shopping Sites Hang Out Real Shingles
After years of criticizing physical stores as relics, even e-commerce zealots are acknowledging there is something to a bricks-and-mortar location.
12
Fashion & Style
A Wedding Date That’s a Cinch to Remember
Many couples found Dec. 12, a k a 12/12/12, an auspicious day to report to the Marriage Bureau.
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Business Day
Bank Data-Theft Suspect Allowed Out of Jail
The Spanish National Court granted conditional freedom to Hervé Falciani, a former HSBC employee wanted by Swiss authorities in the theft of secret data on tens of thousands of private accounts.
15
Dining & Wine
A Do-Your-Own Quick Bite From Spain
San Sebastián Food in Spain has introduced a kit for preparing and serving pintxos or quick bites.
16
Business Day
S.&P. Ratchets Up Greece’s Credit Rating to B – With Stable Outlook
The Standard & Poor’s ratings agency upgraded Greece’s credit grade by six notches, lifting the country out of default but leaving its devalued bonds in junk status.
17
Times Topics
Fifty Shades of Santa
A fat, bearded guy in a weird costume can do wonders for a single, lonely woman on Christmas Eve.
18
N.Y. / Region
Its Restaurants Empty and Its Trains Stalled, Hoboken Encounters Storm’s Increasing Toll
Hurricane Sandy crippled the PATH station in Hoboken, the most transit-reliant community in the nation, which has severed a crucial artery to and from Manhattan.
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Business Day
U.S. Shrinks Trade Deficit as Oil Falls
The Commerce Department reported that the current-account deficit for the July-September quarter was the lowest since the final three months of 2010.
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World
Congolese Rebel Leader Is Acquitted of War Crimes
Testimony was “too contradictory and too hazy” to convict Mathieu Ngudjolo of a 2003 attack on a village that left 200 dead, the International Criminal Court said.
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N.Y. / Region
Court Limits Questioning of Motorists by the Police
Police officers in New York may not ask a car’s occupants if they have a weapon unless evidence has been found of criminal behavior, according to the state’s Court of Appeals.
20
World
In Russia, Calls for a Halt to Adoptions by Americans
After President Obama signed a law last week that bars those accused of rights abuses from traveling to the United States, some Russian lawmakers vowed to retaliate..
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