Headlines from January 4, 2013

As Sandy Hook students head back to class, school officials create a familiar, friendly environment.
Chris Ware on his latest New Yorker cover, inspired by Newtown and a sharp contrast to his back-to-school cover.
On Christmas Day 1945, five Fayetteville, W.Va., children went missing during a house fire—no evidence of their deaths exists.
X-rays of famous Tudor portraits reveal earlier paintings underneath. #art
There are only four NFL games this weekend, so go ahead and pick a team you don’t hate. #tmn
The making of “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” which was recorded just 18 days before Otis Redding died in a plane crash. #music
Going back through the scripts, you can see why [Monty Python] wasn’t destined to last for long. #comedy
As long as my marbles stay in order, we’ll keep doing it. Michael Apted on the past, present, and future of the Up series. #tv
TMN’s Jonathan Bell on growing up in Britain alongside the children of Up! #tmn
Edith Zimmerman: “After editing an advice column for two years, I’ve decided that there is no such thing as advice.”
How lead is possibly behind everything from crime to ADHD. #longreads
FDA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife butt heads over the environmental safety of the sterile, genetically modified “Frankenfish.” #nature
We don’t want to die in Dallas. Birnbaum digs deep with Ben Fountain, the author of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.
Selections from our “Reading Roulette” series in time for Gérard Depardieu’s Russian decampment. #tmn
Robert Krulwich on the joys (no combs) and trials (no sitting) of weightless space living.
The known universe, from the Himalayas to the afterglow of the Big Bang. #video
Hard-line conservatives oppose or go mum during Boehner’s reelection as House speaker.
Six Indian parliamentarians have charges of rape against them.
“There is no reason to think that India is destined to abuse women”—but the journey will be a long one.
Pakistani schoolgirl activist shot in the head by the Taliban leaves hospital in Britain.
Treat coal from Indian lands as an alternative energy source. Ten weird parts of the fiscal-cliff bill.
After more than 30 years of constant increase, prison populations have begun to decline.
Sartorial profile of the diamond floral tiara worn by Princess Marie of Denmark. via
Notes on the troubadour life from when Tom Waits became “Tom Waits” in an LA motel.
There will never be a knuckleball revolution in baseball. Why more pitchers don’t take on the game’s trickiest throw: it’s deadly, but too difficult.
David Simon of Treme chooses favorite songs for a French radio program.
Blind man explains how he uses Instagram on his iPhone.
See also: Movie reviews from a blind film critic. #video
For your lunchtime poetry reading: “I’d Like to See You at Thanksgiving” by J.Y. Strain.
Fawning profile of the (deservedly) exalted George Saunders on the occasion of his new book. #longreads
Study uncovers the “end of history illusion,” where people constantly underestimate how much they will change in their lives.
Accounting for basketball players who score 100 or more points in a single game.
Andy Murray doesn’t swear he’ll stick to his pledge to quit cursing on the court.