Interesting Things with JC #529: "Taste Buds" change from birth to adulthood, influencing flavor preference & sensitivity!

Interesting Things with JC #527: "Debt Ceiling" - In the United States this is a pretty big current event. What exactly is the Debt Ceiling though? Let's find out!

Interesting Things with JC #526: "Bending Light with Air" - The greater the density of the medium, the more light is bent!

Interesting Things with JC #525: "British Leyland" was formed on this date in 1968. The company produced iconic cars such as the Morris Marina, Triumph TR7, Austin Allegro and the Leyland Atlantean double-decker bus.

Interesting Things with JC #523: "Veal Parmigiana" a classic Italian-American dish that has its roots in the early 20th century, made by breading and frying veal cutlets, layering them with tomato sauce, mozzarella, & Parmesan cheese!

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 #520: "Cracking your Knuckles" is not proven to cause harm but may lead to discomfort and can develop into a habit resulting in grip loss, but no studies have linked it to arthritis.

Ref - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28699710/

Interesting Things with JC #519:"Posture" - Maintaining good posture is crucial for overall health and well-being. It can can help improve self-confidence and mood and prevent injuries.

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 #510: "Smell & Dreams - A Mysterious Link" - The sense of smell is intimately linked to the brain regions responsible for memory and emotion, such as the amygdala and hippocampus. This link could explain why certain smells can elicit memories and emotions that can then be incorporated into dreams.

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 #506: "Fat Dogs" - Overweight dogs are more likely to become obese, which can lead to inflammation and disease. Overweight or obese dogs account for 59% of dogs in the United States and 63% of dogs in the United Kingdom.