Interesting Things with JC #521: "Folsom Prison Blues" - Johnny Cash records a live album inside Folsom State Prison in 1968, becomes a country music legend, and sheds light on prison realities.

Interesting Things with JC #517: "The Infinite Book Tunnel of Prague" - The Prague Municipal Library is home to the "Idiom", a unique art installation made up of hundreds of books stacked into a towering cylindrical structure. It is held together in a mysterious way and features mirrors that create the illusion of infinite space.

Interesting Things with JC #516: "Hippos Sweat Red" - they secrete a reddish fluid, mistakenly believed to be sweat or blood, that has antibiotic and sunscreen properties. Some biologists say it could be a great lip balm for people. Thank you to Haley at Applebees in Cheektowaga, New York, for suggesting the topic for today.

Interesting Things with JC #515: "Turtles can breathe through their butts." It's less efficient than normal breathing, but it helps in winter!

Interesting Things with JC #514: "53 Skateparks in One Day" Matt Kaleta and his friends from Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada set a world record skating 53 skateparks in one day.

Interesting Things with JC #513: "World's Largest Human Hairball" named Hoss breaks world record weighing in at 102.12 kg/225.13 lbs & is recognized by Ripley's and Guinness.

Interesting Things with JC #512: "Why do so many things taste like chicken?" Allegedly, everything exotic on a menu tastes like chicken!

Interesting Things with JC #511: "The Hydraulis" was the first keyboard instrument ever invented. It generated sound by using pipes and water.

Interesting Things with JC #509: "Harry Chapin & Jim Connors" - In this unique and profound 33-minute interview, we're given a window into the world of #HarryChapin and #JimConnors, two iconic figures in the music and radio industries. Jim Connors, renowned as the morning host at #WJET in #Erie, #WMEX in #Boston, and #WYSL in #Buffalo, had a keen eye for talent, significantly influencing the careers of numerous artists, including the gifted singer/songwriter Harry Chapin.

The discussion opens with how they first met in the Boston area, blossoming into a friendship that deeply influenced Chapin's early career. This interview not only highlights their personal bond but also delves into the creative process behind Chapin's third album, #ShortStories, released in #1973. The album features the international hit #WOLD, which brilliantly captures the intricate demands of the radio business while echoing a universal yearning for a more grounded, ordinary life. This song not only resonated with #radio personalities but also reportedly inspired #HughWilson to create the beloved #TV show #WKRP in #Cincinnati.

Further enriching this conversation, Harry Chapin shares the inspiration behind his hit song "Taxi," revealing the emotional depth and personal experiences that fuel his songwriting. The dialogue explores the struggles and successes within the music industry, highlighting the pivotal role of authenticity in creating music that genuinely connects with listeners. Chapin's approach to songwriting seeks to mirror the emotional authenticity of artists like Jacques Brel, whose profound impact on French music is well recognized.

Both Chapin and Connors discuss the importance of maintaining artistic integrity, even in the face of commercial pressures and the challenges of controversial lyrics. This segment sheds light on their views of the music industry, emphasizing the value of telling genuine stories and staying true to one's artistic vision.

Throughout their careers, both men have navigated the complexities of fame and the music industry, always striving to keep a strong connection with their audience and to remain grounded despite external pressures. This dialogue is a must-hear for anyone interested in the intricacies of songwriting, the history of radio broadcasting, and the enduring impact of genuine musical storytelling.

Interesting Things with JC #508: “Ellis Island” - On January 1, 1892, Ellis Island officially opened its doors to immigrants from around the world. During its 62 years of operation, an estimated 12 million immigrants passed through Ellis Island in search of a better life in the United States.

Interesting Things with JC #507: "New Year's Danish Plate Smashing" - The tradition of plate-smashing on New Year's Eve is a popular and beloved custom in Denmark, where people throw unwanted plates and dishes at the front doors of friends and family for good luck. The tradition is believed to have originated in the 19th century as a way to let go of old grudges and start the new year with a clean slate, and has evolved from an older tradition of ringing bells on New Year's Eve to ward off evil spirits.

Interesting Things with JC #505: “The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple” and Museum in Singapore is a popular tourist destination known for its intricate design and displays of Buddhist art and history. The temple is named after the left canine tooth of the Buddha, which is considered a symbol of his teachings and is believed to have special powers.

Interesting Things with JC #504: The ".38 Special" was developed in 1898 as an improvement on the .38 Long Colt, and is known for its accuracy, moderate recoil, and superior means of self defense.

Interesting Things with JC #503: "38-Minute War" - was a brief but decisive conflict between the United Kingdom and the Zanzibar Sultanate, lasting just 38 minutes

Interesting Things with JC #502: "Largest Recorded Snowflake" fell in Montana in 1887 and was reportedly 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. (38x20cm)!!!

Interesting Things with JC #501: "Candy Canes" - The candy cane was created in the 17th century in Germany and popularized in the early 1900s with added red stripes.

Interesting Things with JC #500: "Silent Night" - First performed on Christmas Eve 1818 at the St. Nicholas parish church in Oberndorf, written as a collaboration between Father Joseph Mohr and Organist Franz Xaver Gruber, in Mariapfarr, Austria.

Interesting Things with JC #499: "Holiday Garland' - Deck the Halls and Hang the Garland! Just be careful where you put your baubles!!

Interesting Things with JC #498 - The Theatre Royal Drury Lane has been in operation for over 350 years. It has seen famous premieres, shows that stole the show, and its own dramas, both on and off stage!

Interesting Things with JC #497: "World's Largest Schnitzel" - 3,700 gallons of oil were needed to fry the huge meat mound.