Radio Long Island City — searchable YouTube transcripts & AI Q&A

Observatory 12 November 2026

The episode marks the arrival of dunlins, small Arctic shorebirds, to local beaches for the winter, noting their synchronized flight patterns and feeding habits. It also commemorates historical events and birthdays, including the 1990 proposal for the World Wide Web and the birthday of Wallace Shawn, known for 'My Dinner with Andre' and 'The Princess Bride.'

Observatory 11 November 2026

The episode commemorates Veterans Day by reflecting on the end of World War I and the often futile nature of war, while also honoring the sacrifices of veterans. It highlights the founding of the Mattachine Society, the first durable gay rights group in the U.S., and notes the destruction of Atlanta by General Sherman during the Civil War. The show also celebrates the 100th birthday of Route 66 and the birthday of musician Jon Batiste.

Observatory 10 November 2026

The episode is a daily almanac-style broadcast for November 10, 2026, mixing astronomical and tidal data with historical anniversaries. It highlights the invention of the windshield wiper by Mary Anderson, whose patent expired before she could profit, and the debut of Sesame Street, which was nearly named '123 Avenue B'.

Observatory 9 November 2026

The episode commemorates November 9th, 2026, with a day of remembrance for Kristallnacht and notable figures like Dylan Thomas, Carl Sagan, and Mary Travers. It also reports on local conditions, including the London plane trees dropping leaves, the new moon, and the 1965 blackout. The speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering historical events and the contributions of these individuals.

Observatory 8 November 2026

The episode commemorates the 1901 gospel riots in Athens, arguing that national identities are constructed rather than natural, as the violent reaction to a modern Greek translation of the Gospel marked a turning point in the language debate. It also highlights the humble beginnings of HBO, which launched in 1972 with only 365 subscribers, and notes the record-breaking 24.38-meter wave surfed by Rodrigo Koxa in 2017, illustrating the extreme conditions at Nazaré.