by Race in the Workplace special correspondent Erica Mauter

E-Mail Is Easy to Write (and to Misread) - New York Times
“New findings have uncovered a design flaw at the interface where the brain encounters a computer screen: there are no online channels for the multiple signals the brain uses to calibrate emotions.”

No More Discrimination Lawsuits? Supreme Court May Make It Easier to Retaliate - DiversityInc
“[Cracker Barrel owner] CBOCS West v. Humphries considers whether employment laws that prevent race discrimination also prevent retaliation against those who complain of it. Should the Supreme Court side with CBOCS West, it would become easier for companies to retaliate against workers who file discrimination lawsuits. This would discourage many from disclosing illegal discriminatory practices.”

How to Find a Name Inside a Target Company - Practical Job Search Advice
Besides the obvious “company website” and “Google” answers, Liz Ryan suggests searching through Yahoo Groups, online newspaper archives, Google blog search, LinkedIn, and your alma mater’s alumni website.

The Pmarca Guide to Career Planning, part 1: Opportunity - blog.pmarca.com
Very thorough, high level, strategic look at career planning. Starting with “Career planning = career limiting.” Followed by Part 2: Skills and education and Part 3: Where to go and why.

Mega-Cases, Diversity, and the Elusive Goal of Workplace Reform by Nancy Levit - Social Science Research Network
From the abstract: ” Employment discrimination class action suits are part of a new wave of structural reform litigation. Like their predecessors - the school desegregation cases in the 1950s, the housing and voting inequalities cases in the 1960s, prison conditions suits in the 1970s, and environmental lawsuits since then - these are systemic challenges to major institutions affecting large segments of the public. This article explores the effectiveness of various employment discrimination remedies in reforming workplace cultures, promoting corporate accountability, and implementing real diversity. ” (via Workplace Prof Blog)

Isiah, Clarence: two revisionist ex-bosses - TIME’s Work in Progress
Lisa Takeuchi Cullen looks at Isiah Thomas and Clarence Thomas. “I guess bosses haven’t changed much in 16 years. But they better watch out. Juries apparently have.”

Recommended Reading is a weekly feature where we link to some of our favorite workplace-related blog posts and articles. If you would like to suggest a link to Erica, please email tips@raceintheworkplace.com