Reading

A new study finds that even being assigned to a made-up group with negative stereotypes can hurt test performance if people identify strongly with that group. via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)

A LessWrong user believes that a 2011 review article exploring the connection between neuroscience and behavioral game theory might help understand human values. via LessWrong

Al Jazeera reports breaking news on Israeli strikes in Gaza resulting in dozens of casualties.

National Geographic explores teenage risk-taking and how it relates to adolescent brain development, arguing that teenagers weigh risks versus rewards differently than adults.

via Mind Hacks

Researchers examining factors contributing to weight gain found that the decline in smoking had the largest effect, explaining about 2% of the increase. via Freakonomics.

A reader asks where to find TST sneakers, and the blog author points them in the right direction. via Magnificent Bastard

A sitemap provides links to stories, events, education, community, and support. via The Moth

Shoe recommendations for men from Esquire's 2011 Fall Fashion Guide. via Esquire.

Lucinda Williams's eighth album, West, was co-produced with Hal Willner and features musician Gary Louris.

via Metacritic

Research shows that different languages are spoken at varying speeds, but the same amount of information is conveyed in a given timeframe. via kottke.org

Jason Kottke shares a video excerpt where Kurt Vonnegut explains the shapes of stories using a "good fortune-ill fortune" axis on a chalkboard.

Israeli strikes in Gaza leave dozens dead, prompting rocket fire from Hezbollah and sparking global protests. via Al Jazeera.