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Nathan Eovaldi agreed to $68 million, four-year contract with Boston Red Sox because he would have a job in starting rotation rather than as reliever

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) David Weintraub, Vanderbilt University(THE CONVERSATION) Bright stars top Christmas trees in Christian homes around much of the world. The faithful sing about the “Star of Wonder” that guided the wise men to a manger in the little town of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. They’re commemorating the Star of Bethlehem described by the Evangelist Matthew in the New Testament. Is the

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Jacqueline D. Woolley, University of Texas at Austin(THE CONVERSATION) The holiday season is upon us, and so are its attendant myths, most prominent of which is the Santa Claus story. This is the time that many children are told about a man who lives forever, resides at the North Pole, knows what every child in the world desires, drives a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer and enters

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Mary Steffel, Northeastern University and Elanor Williams, Indiana University(THE CONVERSATION) There are many social norms that dictate gift-giving, including when, how and what to give as gifts. Interestingly, these norms don’t seem to be about making sure that recipients get the gifts they want. What makes for a good or bad gift often differs in the eyes of givers and recipients.

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) William B. Farquhar, University of Delaware(THE CONVERSATION) Yes, of course we all know we should exercise every day during the holiday season to help counter the onslaught of excess calories that started on Thanksgiving and will mercifully end with a New Year’s toast. We may even tire of hearing about exercise and weight from family, friends and the media. But an equally important

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Temple Grandin, Colorado State University(THE CONVERSATION) Editor’s Note: Temple Grandin, Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and an advocate for people with autism, wrote eloquently about her identification with Spock, the half-Vulcan character in TV’s Star Trek, in her 1996 autobiography Thinking In Pictures. TCUS asked her to comment on the passing of

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Dimitris Xygalatas, University of Connecticut(THE CONVERSATION) The mere thought of holiday traditions brings smiles to most people’s faces and elicits feelings of sweet anticipation and nostalgia. We can almost smell those candles, taste those special meals, hear those familiar songs in our minds.Ritual marks some of the most important moments in our lives, from personal milestones

US Olympic Committee fires chief of sport performance Alan Ashley because of his silence in Larry Nassar sex-abuse case

Several people who were severely injured when a man drove his car into counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Virginia told a jury they have experienced devastating physical and psychological effects

Google to close Plus service four months earlier than planned after privacy flaw exposed personal information of 52.5 million users

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Jamie Smolen, University of Florida(THE CONVERSATION) For many, the holidays are indeed the most wonderful time of the year. Families and friends come together and enjoy food, good cheer – and, often, alcohol. Commercially speaking, alcohol and the holidays seem to be made for each other. Alcohol can be a quick and easy way to get into the spirit of celebration. And, it feels good.

Stocks ended another bumpy day slightly higher as gains by big technology companies helped the market erase an early plunge.

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Linda Saab, Wayne State University and Arash Javanbakht, Wayne State University(THE CONVERSATION) This time of the year brings a lot of changes to the usual day-to-day life of hundreds of millions of people: The weather is colder, trees are naked, snowy days become plentiful and friendly critters are less visible around the neighborhood. Especially in the Western Hemisphere, this

Health officials are reporting the most cases ever of a mysterious paralyzing illness in children

A porn actress who claimed she had an affair with President Donald Trump has joined other women to voice opposition to a 2016 law that raises the age requirement for dancers in Louisiana strip clubs 18 to 21

A Texas judge has accepted a plea deal allowing a former Baylor University fraternity president accused of rape to avoid serving jail time

Chelsea says four people have been suspended from attending the team's matches amid a police investigation into whether Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling was racially abused at Stamford Bridge

A new watchdog report has found that U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are increasingly searching the electronic devices of travelers and did not always follow proper protocol

A psychologist has testified that a man who drove his car into counterprotesters at a 2017 white nationalist rally has a long history of mental health issues

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Rubén G. Mendoza, California State University, Monterey Bay(THE CONVERSATION) On Friday, Dec. 21, nations in the Northern Hemisphere will mark the winter solstice – the shortest day and longest night of the year. For thousands of years people have marked this event with rituals and celebrations to signal the rebirth of the sun and its victory over darkness.At hundreds, and perhaps