This week we're replaying some of our favorite hoops-related episodes. In this episode from February 2022, a basketball story that’s almost too perfect for words: a high school team put its manager into the game, and not only did he play, he stole the show. Plus: the Glacier Express is called the “world’s slowest express train,” and its eight hour trip takes you through all the stunning scenery in Switzerland.

The game nobody could forget (ESPN)

The World’s Slowest Express Train Has Panoramic Glass for Breathtaking Views (Thrillist)

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This week we're replaying some of our favorite hoops-related episodes. In this episode from November 2021, a look at an NBA game in 1978 in which, thanks to some complications, four players are on the box score for both teams. Plus: two artists build an installation in Taiwan that resembles a stairway to heaven! Alert Led Zeppelin.

In 1978-79 season, deal like no other happened at NBA trade deadline (NBA.com)

Artists Build a ‘Stairway to Heaven’ Optical Illusion (Laughing Squid)

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This week we're replaying some of our favorite hoops-related episodes. In this episode from July 2022, the story of Wataru “Wat” Misaka, who became the first non-white player to be drafted into what is now the NBA. And basketball wasn't the only sport in which he excelled. Plus: the Twin Cities hosts a "kick volleyball" competition at the Hmong International Freedom Festival.

Japanese American Former Basketball Star Inspired On And Off The Court (NPR)

Hmong International Freedom Festival (Visit Saint Paul)

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This week we're replaying some of our favorite hoops-related episodes. In this episode from February 2022, Lisa Leslie, a high school basketball player who would later become one of the biggest names in the WNBA, had a record day, scoring 101 points in just 16 minutes. Plus: research finds a silver lining for Olympic runners up.

That One Time: Lisa Leslie Scored 101 Points in a High School Game (24/7 Live Culture)

Olympians That Win Silver Tend To Live Longer Than Those That Win Gold (UNILAD)

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This week we're replaying some of our favorite hoops-related episodes. In this episode from March 2022, we look at one of the most stunning performances in the history of pro sports: Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in an NBA game. Plus: a short film called “Donkey Baseball” featured fans in a baseball game where, yes, most of the players had to ride donkeys.

The Legacy Of Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-Point Game (WBUR)

Five things you didn’t know about Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game (Sporting News)

Donkey Baseball (YouTube)

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Today in 1910, the birthday of Charlie Douglass, who popularized the use of prerecorded laughter to help TV comedies seem more funny. Amirite folks? Plus: an astronaut uses microgravity to demonstrate a shape that we can't reproduce on Earth.

Charles Rolland 'Charlie' Douglass (Variety via Archive.org)

The Art of Science: Soft Cell in Space (University of Oxford)

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A brand new year can be confusing for lots of reasons, but for Romans, the year 46 BC was when they tried to fix all the issues with their calendar and it made time literally drag on. Plus: a new wooden compass could help people with dementia find their way through the world.

Why Julius Caesar's Year of Confusion was the longest year in history (BBC)

wooden compass with single red arrow leads people with dementia to their homes (designboom)

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New Year’s Eve is full of traditions, including several in different parts of the world where people wear red underwear for luck as one year ends and the next begins. Plus: in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, the New Year's disco ball drop comes with a Pennsylvania Dutch twist.

Grab Your Red Underwear and Get Ready for New Year’s Eve (Ripley’s)

PEEPS, PICKLES, AND PUCKS: Unique New Year’s celebrations planned across Pennsylvania (ABC 27)

Thanks to our Patreon backers for supporting our show all year long! Why not join them in 2026?