'Your papers, please' must never be heard in America

While politicians dream of a blockbuster holiday shopping season that could blunt public fear of the "fiscal cliff," some creative rivalry is brewing among competitive retailers. "Violent shopping tactics" could await eager consumers in major cities, such as Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, warns Buy.com, a major online retail site.

To Trump, or not to Trump: indeed, presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich huddles with billionaire Donald Trump in Manhattan for a time on Monday, a stop made by most of his rivals in months past. Mr. Trump himself has emerged as the newest Republican kingmaker, emerging as moderator for a newly minted debate hosted by Newsmax in Iowa at month's end that may or may not include the phrases "you're fired" or "I'm declaring my candidacy for president."