Links for 1/5. The best stories in economics, energy, investing and other remarkable news..

How fast does “virtual reality” have to be to look like “actual reality”? | Ars Technica

Our robotic revolution is only just beginning to gather steam – Telegraph

Europe’s dream of toppling dollar fades as Asian Tigers dump euro – Telegraph

Waitrose boss: Britons should brace themselves for ‘massive’ food price hikes – Telegraph

The Fiscal Fudge – early analysts’ reaction | FT Alphaville

Mary Beard reviews ‘Shopping in Ancient Rome’ by Claire Holleran · LRB 3 January 2013

DailyTech – Quick Note: Corning Will Unveil Gorilla Glass 3 at CES

BBC News – Obese who refuse to exercise ‘could face benefits cut’

The Good News about Big, Bad Government Debt

BBC News – Bullet-proof vests for US school children

BBC News – US rape case loophole prompts uproar

The Market Likes the Fiscal-Cliff Tax Deal – Businessweek

A Fiscal Cliff Deal Republicans Should Learn to Love – Businessweek