Interesting Things with JC #715: "The Chinese Water Deer" - Unveil the captivating tale of this unique animal, its tusks, and wetland lifestyle!

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 #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 #468: "Public Glass Bathroom in Sulphur Springs Texas" - Using the restroom is typically a private activity but in Sulphur Springs Texas you can find the only public bathrooms in America, with see-through walls!

Interesting Things with JC #452: "An Illinois-Shaped Cornflake" - In 2008, two sisters from Virginia discovered an Illinois-shaped cornflake and, believe it or not, sold it on eBay for $1,350.

Interesting Things with JC #450: “Love Your Lawyer Day" is observed on November 4, which is the first Friday of the month this year.

Interesting Things with JC #445: “World Record Jack-O-Lantern” - A gardener in Minnesota is turning the biggest pumpkin ever grown in the United States, which weighs 2,560 pounds (1,186 kg), into the biggest jack-o'-lantern ever made.

Interesting Things with JC #255: "Quantum Locking” - Quantum levitation is a process where scientists use the properties of quantum physics to levitate an object over a magnetic source. Quantum Locking is very distinct from traditional magnetic levitation. The object can be moved, rotated, tilted, and it stays locked in mid air!

Interesting Things with JC #245: “42 Round Boxing Match” - April 17, 1860 — The first “world championship” boxing match took place on this day – not in a grand stadium like New York’s Madison Square Garden that was to host later famous battles, but in an open field…in southern England!

Interesting Things with JC #244: "Alfred Levy and the Invention of Hold Music” - Music on hold was born out of an accidental discovery by factory owner Alfred Levy in the early 1960s. The phone lines in his factory were somehow picking up a radio signal from the radio station nearby, and callers could hear music when they were put on hold.

Interesting Things with JC #234 - on April 6th 2016, the first baby born with DNA from 3 parents through mitochondrial transfer happened in Mexico. The technique is designed to help couples who carry rare genetic mutations have healthy children.

The Sunken City is the name given to the site of a natural landslide which occurred in the Point Fermin area of the San Pedro neighborhood of Los Angeles. A slump in the land caused a huge portion of the city and beachside homes to slide into the ocean.

On March 15th, 44BC, Julius Caesar was assassinated by 40 senators and 60 co-conspirators. He was stabbed 23 times during a meeting of the Senate, at the Theatre of Pompey, in Rome. There were many signs for Caeser not to attend the meeting that day…

Charles Looff was a German master carver and builder of hand-carved carousels and amusement rides, who immigrated to the United States of America in 1870. During his lifetime, he built over 40 carousels, several amusements parks, numerous roller coasters and Ferris wheels, and built California's famous Santa Monica Pier. The Crescent Park Carousel was his crown jewel and is the largest and most elaborate carousel he ever constructed.

The Hungry Tree is located on the grounds of the King's Inns in Dublin Ireland. Its believed to be between 80 and 100 years old. Its a London Plane tree that’s currently in the process of devouring a cast iron bench! It cannot be stopped, the Hungry Tree does what it wants.

Lead glass, commonly called crystal, is a variety of glass in which lead replaces the calcium content of a typical glass. In past decades, it was a popular material used to create decorative vases and bowls as well as crystal glasses and decanters. Lead glass is also known as X-ray glass or radiation shielding glass as one of its major applications is in the absorbance of high energy radiation while maintaining optical transparency. Also, lead glass has a lower thermal conductivity than lead-free glass. Interestingly, even though stained glass windows are a type of leaded glass, industry experts often use them separately to create distinction between the two.

Interesting Things with JC #110: “The Magic of Model Trains” — Journey through the enchanting history of model and toy trains, from their humble beginnings to today’s multi-million dollar displays in Germany. Explore how these intricate creations not only ignite the imagination but also keep the spirit of youth alive into our later years. This episode also delves into the special connection model trains have with the holiday season, capturing their enduring magic and mystique.

Interesting Things with JC #107: “KFC, Japan, and Christmas” - In Japan, KFC is a holiday staple, with clever marketing driving $53 million in sales annually. Let's explore this unique cultural phenomenon!