When math hurts
Psychologist Sian Beilock's study shows that, for those who are anxious about math, just thinking about it causes a brain response similar to physical pain.

Bird by bird
An Oriental Institute Museum exhibit traces the ubiquity of birds in ancient Egypt to geographical accident, avian behavior, and human fascination.

Sources of inspiration
Three UChicago composers describe the wonder of their work.

Chicago Sun-Times (October 31, 2012)
University of Chicago steps up for city kids
UChicago Promise, a new program to help Chicago high-school students prepare for and thrive in college while eliminating debt, inspires thanks.

NPR (October 30, 2012)
Hilarious and heartbreaking
Kurt Vonnegut's (AM'71) letters reveal the author as an example of the "flawed, wonderful humanity that he loved and despaired over his entire life."

Salon (October 27, 2012)
America's next top mortician
Known for her darkly funny YouTube series, Caitlin Doughty, AB'06, conveys a "positive death message" to encourage honest, open mourning.

Wall Street Journal (October 25, 2012)
The artist next door
Theaster Gates, the University's director of arts and public life, is named an Innovator of the Year for art that is transforming his South Side neighborhood.

New York Times (October 23, 2012)
University of Chicago works on its neighborhood
The "once in a generation" 53rd Street revitalization effort attempts to strengthen the University's relationship with Hyde Park.

Tuesday, November 13
Chicago by the Book: Neil Steinberg
6:00-8:30 p.m. | Chicago

Wednesday, November 14
South Florida Harper Lecture with David Bevington: Love and Friendship in Hamlet
6:00-8:30 p.m. | Miami

Thursday, November 15
Third Thursday UChicago Alumni Happy Hour
5:00-7:30 p.m. | St. Louis Park, MN

See events across the country and around the world.

PERSPECTIVE

"Capitalism and the Jews"
A recording of a 1978 lecture by Milton Friedman, AM'33, attempting to reconcile contradictory Jewish influences on free enterprise.

 Listen to the audio clip.

FROM THE EDITORS

Your life in just six words
Scenes from a writing workshop with Wade Rouse.

 Read the story.

ANNOUNCEMENT

2013 Diversity Leadership Awards
Nominate alumni and staff members for contributions to the University's diversity mission. The awards will be presented in January at the University's annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. The deadline for nominations is November 16.