Headlines from January 15, 2013

If January has been any indication, Biden is poised for a far more influential role in the administration’s second term.
As we value a healthy debate, we don’t let that debate tear us apart. White House responds to secession petitions.
Clarence Thomas breaks seven-year silence to make fun of Yale Law School.
How they must bleed for us. In 2012, the world’s 100 richest people became $241 billion richer. #opinions
Animated GIFs are by far the most popular, followed by video. Inside the social media operations of a gay escort service. #nsfw
LA county coroners announce Natalie Wood may have been assaulted prior to drowning in 1981.
Washington Academy of Sciences creates seal of approval for sci-fi where the science is accurate.
I have never done this before. I don’t know what’s going on. A hungover journalist covers a tech release.
For the most part, all that body data you’re tracking through your exercise device is staying put—beyond your reach.
Related: Craig Mod hands over the reins to his fitness-tracking device. #tmn
Researcher claims many Scrabble tile values are too high and should be reassigned. #games
Amazing live-action, shot-for-shot Toy Story. #video
Scenes from Dr. Strangelove recreated using common household objects. #tmn
Obama to announce comprehensive gun-control plan, with 19 separate actions he could take alone.
Since the Newtown massacre, 836 Americans have been killed by gun violence.
Round-up of national gun-control action—measures being considered, fights being fought, and issues up for debate.
Glickman: We must recognize that many Americans view gun ownership as tantamount to their citizenship.
Unrelated: Russian minister of defense orders military-wide switch to socks from cloth wrappings.
In-depth look at how Las Vegas casino security teams beat their cheating customers.
Justice Department officials may join a federal whistleblower lawsuit to claw back Lance Armstrong’s sponsorship money.
My cover story about Armstrong, my affirmation of faith, was the worst piece of opinion I have ever written.
Reporter visits New York’s Society for the Suppression of Unnecessary Noise accompanied by a noise expert.
Now that marijuana’s legal in Colorado: Articles by the Denver Westword’s pot columnist William Breathes.
The Onion presents the six best dresses from the Golden Globes.
All I really need is the room to work—I don’t even need plumbing. Portraits of contemporary artists’ studios. #tmn
Latest Christoph Niemann: An appreciation for Maurice Sendak.
Posters encourage proper smartphone etiquette, like never texting or checking while speaking with others.
Scientist studies why children cut the crusts off whole-wheat bread.
“Artificial calamari” is made from pork bung, and other stories of doppelgängers. #audio
With new drugs, “people could cut their sleep requirements to as few as 2.5 hours a night without a decrease in mental acuity.”