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• • 8. NEW YORK'S WANNABE SUBWAY HEROES • Straphangers say they would have helped save a man pushed off a platform to his death if they had been there. • • 9. LOOK WHO'S ON THE CATWALK • Transgendered models are becoming more popular on runways in Brazil and Paris. • • 10. SPREADING THE GRAMMY WEALTH • Six different artists each snagged six nominations, including fun., Frank Ocean, Mumford & Sons and Kanye West. • •
AP News in Brief Procrastinators' guide to the fiscal cliff: Obama, Congress could delay past Dec. 31 deadline
• WASHINGTON (AP) -- The dealmakers who warn that a year-end plunge off the "fiscal cliff" would be disastrous don't seem to be rushing to stop it. Why aren't they panicking? • For one thing, the Dec. 31 deadline is more flexible than it sounds. Like all skilled procrastinators, from kids putting off homework to taxpayers who file late, Washington negotiators know they can finagle more time if they need it. • That doesn't mean delay would be cost-free. Stock markets might tank if 2013 dawns without a deal. But Americans could be temporarily spared many of the other ill effects if Congress and President Barack Obama blow past their deadline. • The Obama administration would have power to delay some of the tax increases and spending cuts that would officially take effect as January begins. Then, if an agreement is reached early in the year, it could be applied retroactively to wipe them out. • Some lawmakers even argue that briefly going over the cliff is the best way to force a compromise. The Obama administration on Wednesday indicated it would take the plunge if necessary to ensure that the wealthy end up paying higher tax rates. • ___
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