Headlines from October 24, 2012

More people around the world are at risk of getting sick from toxic pollution than malaria. #health
The president is directly responsible and should be held fully accountable. The foreign policy lies we believe.
McGovern to Obama: We tend, as lawmakers and as citizens, to drift along with the familiar ways of thinking.
The history of horses and bayonets in the army.
On stage after the third debate, President Obama shakes hands with Mitt Romney’s grandson. #photos
Two nights before the election, Obama will have a primetime role in the Weinstein-backed SEAL Team Six. #tv
Nighttime calls to random U.S. towns to find out what’s going on. #tmn
Millions of Muslims begin the annual journey to Mecca. #photos
Munich society seemed to function quite well, despite what must have been the most unbelievable hangovers known to man. #drinking
Superman quits the Daily Planet, turns to blogging. #journalism
Dior ad banned for photoshopping Natalie Portman after a complaint by repeat offender L’Oréal.
Explained: Lance Armstrong probably won’t be legally obligated to return his yellow jerseys. #cycling
When the going gets tough, you need to reach down and find those obscure, untested, oxygen-boosting drugs that nobody has ever heard of. #tmn
This is the last story ever written about cycling.
The Flannery O’Connor soundboard.
Ira Glass ties balloon animals, answers questions about blow jobs. #video
Obama and Romney enter final two weeks; Obama publishes 3.5 million copies of a 20-page agenda pamphlet.
Republican Senate hopeful says pregnancies caused by rape are intended by God.
Broad survey of International reactions to America’s presidential race.
In pictures: Fitness center opens in Pyongyang and Vice-Marshal of the Korean People’s Army makes a speech.
Caffeine in energy drinks officially out of control as “a seismic shift is occurring in beverage consumption.”
Food and drink now banned anywhere in Rome of “particular historic, artistic, architectural and cultural value.”
Work by Roman street artist Borondo recalls classical painting techniques. via
Academic assessment of pornography star James Deen in light of his Jewishness.
Lettuce bot kills weeds and excess heads, and feeds remaining crops at the same time.
Scientists discover that apes won’t have human-size brains until they learn how to make dinner.
Critics say Montana’s “castle” law has provided a way to kill people without consequences.
Round-up of five terrific horror movies you’ve never seen. #tmn
Long article on the costs of product failure and why everything breaks down eventually.
In contrast: Expect news soon that Voyager 1, launched in 1977, has exited the solar system.
If you were trying to design a friendlier Petri dish for infectious agents, you couldn’t do better than a spacecraft.
Tribute to the graphic design and gameplay of the fabulous but forgotten card game Mille Bornes. via
Improv Everywhere hosts unauthorized boardroom meeting in a Staples office-chair section. #video
Anil Dash and Paul Ford report on everything you need to know about yesterday’s Apple event.
Related: Paul Ford writes six-word reviews for 1,302 mp3s. #tmn