This week we're replaying some of our favorite monster-themed stories. In this episode from February 2021, the story of Milicent Patrick, who designed the monster featured in the classic movie “Creature From The Black Lagoon.” Plus: in Japan, the Telecube gives remote employees a work space inside a phone booth. 

Movie monster maker Milicent Patrick finally gets her due in ‘The Lady From the Black Lagoon’ (Los Angeles Times)

Get your work done inside Tokyo’s first convenience store private working booth (Sora News 24)

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This week we're replaying some of our favorite monster-themed stories. In this episode from September 2019, researchers try to finally solve the long-running mystery of the Loch Ness Monster, though they can agree that whatever is in there isn't shown in the famous photo of "Nessie." Plus: a study finds T. Rex probably had a kind of air conditioner built into its head?!?

The Legend of Loch Ness (Nova)

Loch Ness monster might actually just be a giant eel, scientists say (USA Today)

T. Rex had an air conditioner in its head, study suggests (Science Daily)

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This week we're replaying some of our favorite monster-themed stories. In this episode from June 2020, a look at one of the most important monster movies most people have never heard of. “Them!” (note the exclamation mark in the title) featured giant irradiated ants, James Arness, the Wilhelm Scream, Fess Parker, Leonard Nimoy and more! Plus: science has determined how to give  the perfect hug, so start practicing.

11 Fun Facts About Them! (Mental Floss)

Hug me tender: scientists unlock the secret to the perfect cuddle (Yahoo! News)

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This week we're replaying some of our favorite monster-themed stories. In this episode from June 2020, a couple in Murphysboro, Illinois reports seeing a tall, hairy, extremely smelly creature that over time became known as The Big Muddy Monster. But what the heck was it? Plus: the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s final concert. And yes, there’s a historic marker on the site.

Chasing Monsters: Big Muddy Monster still has Murphysboro residents wondering (The Southern Illinoisian)

Big Muddy Monster Case File (Murphysboro.com)

The King’s Final Bow: Elvis’s Last Concert in Indianapolis (Indiana History Blog)

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For some people, watching football is the best part of Thanksgiving weekend. Today in 1950, there was a football game that had to be seen to be believed: the Snow Bowl. Plus: today is known in some circles as Dine Over Your Kitchen Sink Day.

Snow Bowl - November 25, 1950 (Weather.gov)

How A Blizzard Made The 1950 Michigan/Ohio State ‘Snow Bowl’ Most Unusual Read More: A Blizzard Made The 1950 Michigan/Ohio State 'Snow Bowl' Unusual (WBCK)

International Association of People Who Dine Over the Kitchen Sink (Weird Universe)

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There aren't a lot of top-drawer Thanksgiving specials, but the "WKRP In Cincinnati" episode "Turkeys Away" may qualify. Here's some of the real life story that inspired the absolutely bonkers plot of the show. 

Turkeys Away: An Oral History (Classic TV History)

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Today in 1804, the birthday of President Franklin Pierce. He's not well known today, but in his time, people learned about the 14th president through a biography written by the acclaimed novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne. Plus: today in 1999, the area around Cape Canaveral, Florida gets a very appropriate area code. 

Franklin Pierce: NH's Forgotten President (NH Magazine)

Nathaniel Hawthorne, Party Hack (Slate)

3,2,1, Call Cape Canaveral (New York Times) 

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This is maybe the most adorable scientific study of the year: researchers have been testing whether bumblebees like to play with toys… and they do! Plus: in Duluth, Minnesota, the famous Bentleyville Tour of Lights is underway.

Bumblebees Like Playing With Toys, Study Finds (Treehugger)

Bentleyville Tour of Lights 

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The World Cup is getting underway in Qatar. The Cup's official ball has a colorful and busy design, perfect for HDTVs. Here's the story of how the classic black and white ball got its design. Plus: this time in 1938, some TV viewers in New York were watching... the BBC?

The Footballs during the FIFA World Cup™ (FIFA)

BBC Television received in New York - November 1938 (Archive.org)

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Today in 1923, the birthday of Alan Shepard. He was the first American in space, and the first person to ever play golf on the Moon. Plus: when night falls tonight in the northern Alaska town of Utqiaġvik, also known as Barrow, it’s going to linger.

The Moon Club (USGA)

America’s northern most town entered polar night Thursday (WHSV)

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