Language

An interesting study on the roots of the Japanese language that offers glimpses into a technique that has not yet been accepted by linguists as well as the political implications of language:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/04/science/04language.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Promoting

A high-level list of what to examine for potential issues if your author platform isn’t growing the way you’d hoped:
http://www.savvyauthors.com/vb/content.php?1116-5-Reasons-Your-Platform-Is-Growing-So-Slowly-by-Cathy-Yardley

Publishing

An insider look at the pitfalls when self-publishing on Amazon:
http://davidgaughran.wordpress.com/2011/05/05/my-fifteen-minutes-of-fame-sales-bestseller-charts-mistakes/

Science

Interesting look at people who require very little sleep. This fascinates me because in my teen years I fit this profile in most respects, but as an adult I’ve developed a distressing need for 7-8 hours of sleep. It has left me craving a return to those earlier years when I had all the time in the world, and I see many of these characteristics in my older son. So, are you a short sleeper? Or do you envy them enough to join a mob (see Beggars in Spain by Nancy Kress): http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576242701752957910.html?mod=wsj_share_twitter#articleTabs%3Darticle

Writing

A bird’s eye view of what makes a compelling story. This is only part one, but its three items are important ones:
http://doortoriver.com/2011/04/what-makes-a-compelling-story/