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Humor & Fun

Friday

Diversions

'Human Directionals' Twirling for Your Attention

People twirling signs are becoming an increasingly common sight at real estate openings and sandwich shops across the country. Producer Jennifer Sharpe investigates this flowering of what in the business are known as "human directionals."

'Human Directionals' Twirling for Your Attention

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Monday

All Things Considered

Adult Marching Band Refuses to Yield

The Get a Life Marching Band resembles a typical high school band. They play instruments, wear uniforms, and march in parades. But there is one noticeable difference: Most members graduated from high school more than 30 years ago.

Adult Marching Band Refuses to Yield

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Sunday

Friday

Books

'On the Couch': Cartoonists Aim Ink at Shrinks

Passive-aggressive, dysfunctional, in denial -- these phrases were once uttered only in the sanctuary of a psychotherapist's office. Now they're often the punch line of a good joke, and a new book showcases some of the best psychiatry-related cartoons.

'On the Couch': Cartoonists Aim Ink at Shrinks

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Wednesday

Day to Day

My Own Take At Being A 'Dog Whisperer'

Slate human guinea pig Emily Yoffe tries to train her dog using the techniques of the man known as "The Dog Whisperer," Cesar Millan. Did it work? Yoffe shares her experience with Alex Chadwick.

My Own Take At Being A 'Dog Whisperer'

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National

Bob Newhart, 'I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This'

After all his success in TV, movies, on records and in stand-up, Bob Newharts' first book is just out. It's called I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This! The book tells the story of a kid from Chicago who turned the trademark stammer and one-sided telephone conversations into a career.

Bob Newhart, 'I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This'

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Tuesday

Monopoly Gets a 21st-Century Makeover

A brand-new edition of the popular board game Monopoly is on store shelves, and the game's distributor says the new version -- dubbed the "Here & Now" edition -- reflects life in the 21st century.

Monopoly Gets a 21st-Century Makeover

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Sunday

Thursday

Goodbye Baltic Avenue: Monopoly Makeover

Real estate analysts say 2006 might be not be a seller's market. But thanks to a new edition of Monopoly, out in stores Thursday, would-be capitalists can gobble up red-hot properties just like the boom days of '04.

Goodbye Baltic Avenue: Monopoly Makeover

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Sunday

Tuesday

Author Interviews

The (Wacky) World According to John Hodgman

Writer John Hodgman expounds on a variety of fascinating and sublimely ridiculous subjects — historical, literary and hobo — in his book The Areas of My Expertise.

The (Wacky) World According to John Hodgman

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A Chess Classic: 'The Immortal Game'

In 1851, two chess masters sat down for a practice game in London. What should have been a throwaway game intensified and was quickly dubbed "the immortal game." David Shenk, author of a new history of chess called The Immortal Game, describes the historic match.

A Chess Classic: 'The Immortal Game'

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Sunday

Friday