Happy Thanksgiving

Edition: US - Today's top story: How to bridge the political divide at the holiday dinner table [Click here to view this message in your web-browser]. Edition: US 24 November 2016 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair] Editor's note Today we have a feast of Thanksgiving reading for you, whether you’re waiting for [the turkey] to cook or recovering from [partisan tensions] at the dining room table. Myths figure large on this most American of holidays. Our two historical pieces highlight some often overlooked truths. Peter C. Mancall of USC Dornsife tells the story of the “[English schemers] who tried to chase those Pilgrims and Puritans away” and Billy J. Stratton of the University of Denver highlights [the heroism of two soldiers] who refused to take part in the massacre of Native Americans. From all of us at The Conversation, we wish you a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving. Maria Balinska Editor Top story A time to join with close ones and, perhaps, open a dialogue? quinn/flickr [How to bridge the political divide at the holiday dinner table] Andrew J. Hoffman, University of Michigan Many are dreading meeting relatives for Thanksgiving after Donald Trump's surprise victory. A student of the cultural divide around climate change offers tips for opening dialogues on politics. Politics + Society - [Remembering the US soldiers who refused orders to murder Native Americans at Sand Creek] Billy J. Stratton, University of Denver A scholar of American Indian studies shares the lesser-known, true story of two men who stood up and spoke out against the murder of American Indians, and how they are celebrated as heroes today. Arts + Culture - [The two men who almost derailed New England's first colonies] Peter C. Mancall, University of Southern California – Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences The Pilgrims were thankful for finally being able to vanquish Thomas Morton and Ferdinando Gorges, who spent years trying to undermine the legal basis for settlements in Massachusetts and beyond. Science + Technology - [You should talk about politics this Thanksgiving – here's why, and how] Stacy Branham, University of Maryland, Baltimore County After such a difficult political experience, empathy is the key not only to feeling connected, but feeling understood – and understanding others. - [Cyber Monday gives a big boost to mobile commerce] A. Ant Ozok, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Americans' reliance on their smartphones and tablets will drive online shopping revenue to new heights – and could introduce new buying experiences as well. - [How much should air traffic controllers trust new flight management systems?] Tannaz Mirchi, California State University, Long Beach The FAA's NextGen system should bring safety and efficiency to American air travel, but its users need to understand it clearly. Economy + Business - [Why we have globalization to thank for Thanksgiving] Farok J. Contractor, Rutgers University A globalization expert shares two surprising tales of how the powerful winds of trans-Atlantic trade affected the quintessentially American holiday. Education - [How Thanksgiving tells a story of America's pluralism] Matthew Dennis, University of Oregon At a time when America feels divided and families face rifts, the history of Thanksgiving offers lessons in unity, generosity and faith. - [What is behind the turkey pardoning ritual?] Tobin Miller Shearer, The University of Montana The presidential turkey pardoning draws on a language of forgiveness, common to many religious traditions. - [Where are the voices of indigenous peoples in the Thanksgiving story?] Sarah B Shear, Pennsylvania State University American textbooks confine the history of indigenous peoples to a distant past. Should history textbooks be revised to include Native American voices? Environment + Energy - [Locavore or vegetarian? What's the best way to reduce climate impact of food?] Elliott Campbell, University of California, Merced Food is a big part of everyone's carbon footprint – about the same as electricity use. How can our diet make farming more planet-friendly? - [The Asian roots of umami – the 'fifth' taste central to Thanksgiving fare] Gabriella M Petrick, University of New Haven When you enjoy the delicious, savory foods of Thanksgiving, you're experiencing umami, the fifth taste, with a little-known history rooted in Japan. [The Conversation on Twitter] [The Conversation on Facebook] 3.7 million unique visitors a month You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly]. We’ll miss you. 745 Atlantic Ave. 8th Floor Boston, MA 02111