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This year American consumers are expected to take advantage of retailers' holiday promotions and spend big on gifts for themselves. Fifty-nine percent of shoppers polled plan to "self-gift" — the highest number in a retail industry survey's 10-year history.

Low interest rates have sparked a record wave of mortgage activity, and the need for more people to process the paperwork. Mortgage employment rose by 9 percent this year, to its highest level since the financial crisis in 2008.

With stores opening earlier and earlier, it's not just Black Friday anymore. Then it's on to Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Mobile Tuesday.

As diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas intensify, analysts say Hamas appears to be in a stronger position than ever before. Diplomatically, it has received enthusiastic support from Egypt and other Arab neighbors. And, the conflict has helped to strengthen Hamas domestic political position.

Now that the Supreme Court has found the Affordable Care Act constitutional and the president's re-election made clear that big chunks of the law will take effect in 2014, the administration is finally releasing rules of the road that states and insurance companies have been clamoring for.

Jami Attenberg's black comedy about the fallout of one woman's food addiction is a tough but affecting story about family members putting up with each other. Critic Maureen Corrigan says the novel's fragmented narration and jumpy timeline add to its emotional punch.

NPR's Neal Conan reads from listener comments about past segments on the topics of banning high school football and shoplifting.

Short answer: Of course! Long answer: Here's what it's costing taxpayers, what people are doing about it, and what might happen if we broke up the banks.

Since an escalation in fighting between Gaza and Israel last week, there have been more than 100 casualties on Gaza's side of the border. On Israel's there have been three. That low death count in Israel, despite many rockets fired into its territory, is thanks largely to the Israeli "Iron Dome" air defense system. For more on how that system works, Robert Siegel speaks with Barbara Opall-Rome, Israel bureau chief for Defense News.

With the conflict in Gaza on its seventh day on Tuesday, Egypt dispatched its foreign minister to Gaza City at the head of an Arab delegation. Egyptian officials say a ceasefire deal could be reached soon, but meanwhile the Israeli air strikes and Hamas rocket attacks continued. Anthony Kuhn talks to Audie Cornish.

Nearly 10,000 trees in New York City — many healthy and hefty — were lost to the winds of Superstorm Sandy. Natural scenery aside, they affect the environmental quality of the city.

Ang Lee's adaptation of Yann Martel's 2001 best-seller employs cinema's most advanced digital techniques in the service of an adventure yarn that's gloriously old-fashioned — and often just glorious. (Recommended)

Julie Klausner talks about what makes the comedy podcast such an appealing form for comedians. Is it the connection with the audience? The creative freedom? The loose conversations? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)

Colorado and Washington recently voted to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Supporters say that will generate tax revenue and free up law enforcement resources. So would the United States be better off legalizing all recreational drugs? A panel of experts debates for Intelligence Squared U.S.

Imagine going to college and finding an oil rig. That is happening at more than a dozen schools across the country that are tapping natural resources. Some students, faculty and environmental groups are raising concerns about possible explosions, and soil, water and air contamination.

Every year, the president pardons a turkey in a lighthearted Thanksgiving tradition. But while the business of pardoning humans is more serious, it's also increasingly rare. President Obama has granted just 1 pardon for every 290 applications — a much lower rate than other recent presidents.

Kevin Clash, the Sesame Street puppeteer who made Elmo a sensation, has resigned.

The tax assessor who oversaw Mecklenburg County's much-maligned 2011 revaluation is out. County Commissioners announced Tuesday night that assessor…

Rosie Napravnik is America's leading jockey — and a woman in a male-dominated sport. Commentator Frank Deford reflects on women's sports, competing with men, and fans.