The Conversation

Eclipsing the occult in early America: Benjamin Franklin and his almanacs

Written by Carla J. Mulford, Professor of English, Pennsylvania State University

Franklin's lifelong quest was spreading scientific knowledge to regular people.Mason Chamberlin, CC BY

By the time he was 20 years old, colonial American Benjamin Franklin had already spent two years working as a printer in London. He returned to Philadelphia in 1726. During the sea voyage home, he kept a journal that included many of his...

Trump and Obama have one surprising thing in common – the words they use

Written by Ronald R. Krebs, Beverly and Richard Fink Professor in the Liberal Arts and Professor of Political Science, University of Minnesota

Six months have passed since Donald Trump entered the Oval Office.

His administration remains deeply understaffed. His legislative agenda is stymied. He has been active in issuing executive orders, but many are toothless, others are only in the early stages of undoing Obama policies and some are tied up in the courts. So far, Trump’s...

How eclipses were regarded as omens in the ancient world

Written by Gonzalo Rubio, Associate Professor of Classics & Ancient Mediterranean Studies, History, and Asian Studies, Pennsylvania State University

A solar eclipse observed over Grand Canyon National Park in May 2012.Grand Canyon National Park

On Monday, August 21, people living in the continental United States will be able to see a total solar eclipse.

Humans have been alternatively amused, puzzled, bewildered and sometimes even terrified at the sight of this celestial phenomenon. A range of...

Disasters can harm older adults long after storms have passed

Written by Sue Anne Bell, Clinical Associate Professor of Nursing, University of Michigan

U.S. Army Spc. Pam Anderson applies first-aid medical attention to an elderly man during flood relief operations just outside of Winona, Minnesota, August 20, 2007. Staff Sgt. Daniel Ewer, U.S. Army, CC BY

My phone rang around midnight: A major hurricane was predicted to hit a nearby coastal town, which was under a mandatory evacuation order. Many...

The military, minorities and social engineering: A long history

Written by Richard S. Slotkin, Olin Professor of English and American Studies, Emeritus, Wesleyan University

LGBT veterans march in a Boston parade. Contrary to what some may say, the military has a long history of embracing socially marginalized groups.AP Photo/Steven Senne

President Trump’s tweeted ban on transgender persons serving in the U.S. military has restarted the perennial debate about the relation between military service and social...

Why governmental transparency will not work without strong leadership

Written by Suzanne J. Piotrowski, Associate Professor of Public Affairs and Administration, Rutgers University Newark

President Donald Trump speaking in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File

Walter Shaub, the former director of the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, has warned that President Donald Trump’s conflicts of interest could put America at the risk of becoming a “kleptocracy”: that is, a country led...

Why Ronald McDonald Houses should welcome homemade casseroles

Written by Richard Gunderman, Chancellor's Professor of Medicine, Liberal Arts, and Philanthropy, Indiana University

When someone gives away a casserole, care and concern are among the ingredients.Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.com

I recently learned that the Ronald McDonald House at the children’s hospital in Indianapolis where I work as a pediatric physician has banned donations of casseroles and other home-cooked dishes. Using capital letters for emphasis,...

Affirmative action around the world

Written by Michele S. Moses, Professor of Educational Foundations, Policy and Practice, University of Colorado

Educafro, a Brazilian black activist movement, protested in 2012 to demand more affirmative action programs for higher education.AP Photo/Eraldo Peres

As reports have surfaced of the Trump administration’s intent to investigate affirmative action admissions in higher education, the debate over whether and how race should be considered in...

Scientist at work: Why this meteorologist is eager for an eclipse

Written by April Hiscox, Associate Professor of Geography, University of South Carolina

Hiscox and students practice for the big day with a weather balloon.Joshua Burrack, CC BY-ND

By all accounts a total solar eclipse is a life-changing event. I wouldn’t know, I’ve never seen one. Fortunately for me and millions across the U.S., that will change this summer.

I’m not really an eclipse expert, even though I can’t...

The grand jury's role in American criminal justice, explained

Written by Peter A. Joy, Henry Hitchcock Professor of Law, School of Law, Washington University in St Louis

Special Counsel Robert Mueller.AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

Grand juries play a major role in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Special Counsel Robert Mueller has called upon a federal grand jury to help him investigate Russia’s role in the 2016 election. It is a logical step in an investigation where there is some evidence that needs to be be...