Why "thoughtful" resistance against Trump is necessary

Half way through Donald Trump’s first term, the president’s many opponents are offering up several strategies to make sure he isn’t re-elected in 2020. Today in The Conversation Canada, Ajit Pyati of Western University says history shows an effective way is through “thoughtful resistance” as practised by Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Thomas Merton – a Trappist monk and social justice advocate who “involved himself wholeheartedly in the pressing issues of his time, including civil rights, the Vietnam War and nuclear proliferation.”

It’s one of several good reads we’ve got to start off your week.

  • Spending time in the kitchen is a great way to connect with your kids and grandkids over the holidays, so we’ve got recommendations on five kid-friendly cookbooks. And just in case you’re worried the cooking will pack on the pounds, we’ve also got a 10-point wellness plan to help you stay on track and keep your festive spirit.
  • Earlier this fall, the World Health Organization Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products came into force. We explain how the country of Paraguay is the source of billions of illegal cigarettes.

And finally, anthropologist Andrew Roddick of McMaster University writes about the connection between climate change, ancient civilizations and the threats that face vulnerable populations.

Regards,

Scott White

Editor

Today's Featured Articles
U.S. President Donald Trump is seen here arguing with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi in the Oval Office of the White House, who are off-camera. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

The importance of thoughtful resistance in the age of Trump

Ajit Pyati, Western University

To defeat Trumpism and movements like it, we can be either be part of the problem or part of the solution. Contemplative resistance that reflects on our own collective dysfunction is necessary.
Reading recipes enhances vocabulary. Baking involves measurement, addition and subtraction. Slicing your personal pizza is a great way to explain fractions to your child. (Shutterstock)

The gift of cooking: Five fun and healthy recipe books for kids

Kathryn Walton, University of Guelph; Angela Wallace, University of Guelph

Research shows that cooking with your kids helps them try more foods, eat more healthily and waste less food. It also offers opportunities to practise math and bond as a family.
The practise of ‘mindful eating’ can help you maximize the pleasure from rich holiday foods, without eating too much. (Shutterstock)

Ten ways to indulge and stay healthy this holiday season

Melanie Gregg, University of Winnipeg; Danielle Defries, University of Winnipeg

From going out dancing to choosing smaller plates, two nutrition researchers offer some tips for reaping the fun of the holidays without destroying your health.
Paraguay plays a major role in the global illicit tobacco trade, and the problem was seeded by transnational tobacco corporations. Shutterstock

How Paraguay dumps billions of illicit cigarettes on the global market

Benoît Gomis, Simon Fraser University

The history of Paraguay's role in the global illicit tobacco trade, and its implications.
Firefighter Jose Corona sprays water as flames from the Camp Fire consume a home in Magalia, Calif., on Nov. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Using archaeology to understand the past, present, future of climate change

Andrew Roddick, McMaster University

With the dire consequences of climate change looming, archaeologists recognize the importance of communicating their findings on ancient landscapes and the threats that face vulnerable populations.

Education

Health + Medicine

  • Having a second child worsens parents’ mental health: new research

    Leah Ruppanner, University of Melbourne; Francisco Perales, The University of Queensland; Janeen Baxter, The University of Queensland

    Many parents decide to have a second child in the expectation that two can't be more work that one – but new research shows that idea to be mistaken.

Environment + Energy