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Step Aside Sue, Here Comes Spinosaurus

Mike Hettwer National Geographic

Sue the Tyrannosaurus Rex discovered in South Dakota in 1990 was 40 feet long and one of the largest predatory dinosaurs. But a century ago, paleontologists found fossils of an even bigger dinosaur on the edge of the Sahara Desert, the Spinosaurus. The fossils were completely destroyed in a World War Two allied bombing raid, leaving the dinosaur something of a mystery and not as familiar as the T. Rex. But the recent discovery of new Spinosaurus bones has answered many questions about what some paleontologists have called one of the strangest and weirdest creatures that ever existed on Earth.

A new NOVA/National Geographic special, “Bigger Than T. Rex,” explores the mystery of the Spinosaurus. It's a story that includes an eccentric German scientist, Nazis and mysterious Moroccan fossil traders. One of the experts consulted for the program is Matt Lamanna, assistant curator of vertebrate paleontology at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. He joined Dakota Midday and discussed the 95-million-year-old dinosaur and the story behind its discovery.

"Bigger Than T. Rex" is featured tonight on SDPB1 Television at 8 pm, Central; 7 pm, Mountain.

Karl was born to northeastern South Dakota crouton farmers, but was orphaned as a toddler during the Great Salad War (1966-67). Rescued by a flock of chickadees, he grew up in the woodlands of Sica Hollow. Legends of a bird boy living in the trees attracted the interest of renowned ornithologist and amateur bandoneon repairman Dr. Vogel Gehrke. With a handful of suet, Dr. Gehrke coaxed the timid boy down from the trees. He adopted him, named him Karl and taught him not to molt on the carpet. Dr. Gehrke’s book, The Bird Boy of Sica Hollow, was a best seller and Karl became a minor celebrity and teen idol. He appeared as a guest star on numerous television programs, most notably an awkward role on The Love Boat as the boyfriend of Captain Stubing’s daughter, Vicki. After critics panned his 1980 album, Bird Boy Does Disco, Karl retreated from public life and returned to Sica Hollow. Living in an isolated tree house, Karl achieved a reputation as a mystic. Pilgrims and seekers from around the world came to ask him about the meaning of life and for vinaigrette recipes. Growing tired of answering questions, he climbed down from his tree, shaved his massive white beard and took a job as the host of SDPB Radio’s Dakota Midday where he could ask the questions instead. After three years in that position, he ran out of questions and became host of Jazz Nightly instead. Karl makes his home in Vermillion with his charming wife Kari and three delightful children, Kodey, Kasey and Spatula. His hobbies include reciting the alphabet, combing his hair and doing volunteer work with delinquent songbirds.
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