It seems like everyone in Hollywood is ready for their close up, even wild animals. For example, a smiling bear that was recently photographed near Pasadena, Calif. According to the Los Angeles Times, wildlife photographer Johanna Turner captured the rare black bear image with a trail cam in late April. Nature and urban life seem to be crossing paths more and more lately. Sam Benson Smith, digital managing editor at Audacy station KNX in Los Angeles, joined the “Something Offbeat” podcast to talk about it.

It seems like everyone in Hollywood is ready for their close up, even wild animals. For example, a smiling bear that was recently photographed near Pasadena, Calif. <a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-05-10/wildlife-photographer-photo-smiling-bear-pasadena-california">According to the Los Angeles Times</a>, wildlife photographer Johanna Turner captured the rare black bear image with a trail cam in late April. Nature and urban life seem to be crossing paths more and more lately. <a href="https://x.com/sambensonsmith?lang=en">Sam Benson Smith</a>, digital managing editor at Audacy station KNX in Los Angeles, joined the “Something Offbeat” podcast to talk about it.

What’s the deeper story behind that weird headline you forwarded to your friends or shared at the watercooler? We ask questions to gain grounded insight into the stranger news of the week.

What&rsquo;s the deeper story behind that weird headline you forwarded to your friends or shared at the watercooler? We ask questions to gain grounded insight into the stranger news of the week.

Something Offbeat

Meet Hollywood’s newest star — the smiling bear

For our second anniversary this summer, we’re looking back at one of our first episodes!

ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:

Remember the fun of naming your pet? Now, imagine taking on the task of naming an entire species. Earlier this year, Dr. Christopher Whalen of Yale University got that chance. This week on Something Offbeat, we talk to Whalen about his discovery – an ancient ancestor of the octopus that he named after President Joe Biden – and to Dr. Brittany Kenyon-Flatt of North Carolina State University about the history behind scientific names.

For our second anniversary this summer, we’re looking back at one of our first episodes!
ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION:
Remember the fun of naming your pet? Now, imagine taking on the task of naming an entire species. Earlier this year, Dr. Christopher Whalen of Yale University got that chance. This week on Something Offbeat, we talk to Whalen about his discovery – an ancient ancestor of the octopus that he named after President Joe Biden – and to Dr. Brittany Kenyon-Flatt of North Carolina State University about the history behind scientific names.

Vintage Offbeat: An ancient sea creature named after the president

Long Form (multi topic, hourly/full show)

According to a study released this summer, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago likely helped grapes flourish in the Western Hemisphere. While there may not be a direct correlation between dinosaurs and grapes, Monica Carvalho, the assistant curator at the Museum of Paleontology at the University of Michigan and co-author of a study tracing the origins of grapes in our hemisphere, explains what new grape seed fossils discovered in South America reveal.

According to a study released this summer, the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago likely helped grapes flourish in the Western Hemisphere. While there may not be a direct correlation between dinosaurs and grapes, Monica Carvalho, the assistant curator at the Museum of Paleontology at the University of Michigan and co-author of a study tracing the origins of grapes in our hemisphere, explains what new grape seed fossils discovered in South America reveal.

Pinot Naur? What the dino-killing asteroid has to do with your favorite wine

This Friday marks the 47th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death at age 42, which means that it is Elvis Week, a weeklong celebration of the late King of Rock and Roll at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tenn. Presley may have left Earth decades ago, but he’s still a household name and an enduring American icon. More than that, Audacy reported earlier this year that fans are still paying big money for Elvis memorabilia – $150,000 for a pair of his blue suede shoes. Why has our love for Elvis stood the test of time? We reached out to Sally Hoedel, author of “Destined to Die Young” and other books about the King to find out.

This Friday marks the 47th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death at age 42, which means that it is <a href="https://www.graceland.com/elvis-week-schedule-of-events">Elvis Week</a>, a weeklong celebration of the late King of Rock and Roll at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tenn. Presley may have left Earth decades ago, but he’s still a household name and an enduring American icon. More than that, Audacy reported earlier this year that fans are still paying big money for Elvis memorabilia – <a href="https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/national/elvis-presleys-blue-suede-shoes-sell-for-usd150k">$150,000 for a pair of his blue suede shoes</a>. Why has our love for Elvis stood the test of time? We reached out to <a href="https://elvisauthor.com/">Sally Hoedel</a>, author of “Destined to Die Young” and other books about the King to find out.

Meet Hollywood’s newest star — the smiling bear

Something Offbeat

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