This episode kicks off with real “hibernation weather” energy: Mary and Linda swap stories about brutal cold, wind chill, and winter survival basics (space heaters, unused upstairs heat, keeping sink cabinet doors open, and letting faucets drip so pipes don’t freeze). They reflect on how much of the U.S. seems locked in a widespread cold plunge—and how places used to snow and ice handle it better than regions that rarely see it.

Once the show officially begins, Linda pivots into the day’s Curiosity Corner topic: crows (and ravens)—why they feel so mysterious, why a big gathering can look like they’re “plotting,” and what science and folklore say about them.

Symbolism & mythology: Crows/ravens show up across cultures as messengers, tricksters, and signs of change—sometimes tied to death and danger, but also intelligence, loyalty, and rebirth.

Extreme intelligence: They’re among the few non-human animals known to use tools, solve multi-step puzzles, and adapt quickly to problems—helped by a high brain-to-body ratio in the corvid family.

Memory & recognition: Crows can remember human faces, share “danger” information with other crows, and may even recognize emotional cues.

Street-smart behavior: Examples include dropping nuts onto roads for cars to crack, then retrieving them when it’s safe.

“Crow funerals”: Groups gathering silently around a dead crow may be a way of learning what caused the death so they can avoid the same threat.

Why they gather in huge groups: Winter roosts can range from hundreds to enormous numbers. Linda shares the famous folklore term “a murder of crows.”

Crow vs. raven differences: Ravens are larger, often more solitary, with different tail shape and flight patterns—while crows are more common in urban settings.

Raven behaviors that feel almost human: Mimicry (even mechanical sounds), playful sliding in snow, “fake hiding” food to outsmart watchers, and cooperative trickery.

Linda also shares a memorable personal detail: seeing ravens at the Tower of London and how their size and sound stood out—then connects ravens back to classic literature like Edgar Allan Poe and his famous raven imagery.

They note that feeding wild birds should be limited (treats/snacks only) so animals don’t become dependent, and they end with a cozy winter message: stay warm, stay curious, keep pets safe in extreme cold, and enjoy learning something new.

They close by previewing the week: Travel Tuesday, Fad-Free Food, a new Thursday show focusing on small business owners, and Captain Len Caine / Captain Kindness on Fridays.