Classical pianist/composer Marc-André Hamelin has released a new record, twelve etudes, for which there are a few video performances. I must say that I am not incredibly familiar with Hamelin's work, but what I have heard I have always enjoyed immensely. His recent work is truly remarkable. Etude no. 7 is written solely for the left hand.
Do the Math, the Bad Plus Blog has an interview with the man.
The New Yorker has published some of literary theorist and critic Roland Barthes's journals on the topic of mourning his mother (behind paywall). Accompanying the magazine piece, the New Yorker has published a few of his journals with original images and translation.
Here is an interesting discussion between the science writer Robert Wright and Nobel Prize winning physicist and Herman Feshbach Professor of Physics at MIT, Frank Wilczek discuss his new book, The Lightness of Being, metaphysics, and quantum theory. I saw Wilczek speak at the University of Minnesota back in 2006 discussing his Nobel prize work and current research. Very interesting then and very interesting here.
Damasio is one of the most important neuropsychologists ever and here is a 1 hr+ long interview with David Brooks of the NYTimes at the Aspen Institute.