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 #469: "I-35 Little Czech Bakery" - They sell fresh Czech pastries, coffee, travel pillows, and tamales, and is a typical Texas rest stop too. A poster in the store says that each week, the Czech Stop bakes with more than 1,200 pounds of cream cheese, 9,000 pounds of flour, 750 gallons of milk, 2,400 pounds of butter, 1,300 pounds of sausage, 2,100 dozen eggs, and 2,500 pounds of American cheese.

They’re the home of Kolache (pronounced "koh-LAH-chee") and klobasnek (pronounced "klo-BAH-snik") which are Czech pastries that is wildly popular in Texas.

Interesting Things #459: "Crystals That Generate Electricity From Heat" - A new study shows that simple changes to a synthetic copper mineral's composition can give it a complex structure and microstructure, laying the groundwork for properties that could change the way industry generates electricity.

#RoyaltyFree #Educational

Interesting Things with JC #457: "Sneezing Can Break Your Ribs" - You could break a rib if you sneeze too hard!

Interesting Things with JC #456: "Tongue Prints" - Like fingerprints, each person has a unique tongue print. The tongue is an important organ inside the mouth that is well protected from the outside world. It has unique parts that are different for each person, even between identical twins.

When temperatures dip into the 40s and 30s green iguanas in south Florida fall from the trees.. It's become such a concern that there are falling iguana warnings on the news! Iguanas can grow up to 6ft and 26lbs, so this isn't a small concern!! (3min audio)

January 10th, 1992 - A container ship from Hong Kong was trapped in a terrible storm. As the waves tossed the ship around, 29,000 rubber duckies escaped their container but were reclaimed by Davey Jones. Believed to have been lost at sea, they began washing ashore, and they are still finding land all over the world 30 years later!

Agent 355 was a female spy who worked directly for George Washington during the American Revolution, and was one of the first spies for the United States. Her real identity is still unknown to this day.

The living root bridges of Meghalaya are a wonder of the world. The roots of rubber trees are put into hollow betel nut plant trunks and positioned to grow over rivers. Once to the other side, the roots are fortified and a natural bridge continues to grow!

Although the Canary Islands are an autonomous region of Spain, they are 62 miles away from Morocco but 1,700 miles from mainland Spain. The island is not named after the wild canary bird, the bird was named after the islands!

When it's so cold your shadow freezes to the pavement, it might be a little bit tougher to play a game of football. Did you know that when temperatures drop below 10 degrees F, there is a 52% chance that there will be turnovers? Let's dissect football and the risk of sub zero temperatures!

Hazel is one of the rarest eye colors, Only 5% of people have Hazel Eyes. They're more frequent in people from Brazil, Europe, North Africa and Spain. People with blue eyes make up 8-10% of the world's population, while brown eyes account for 79%. Hazel is actually not a true color by itself!

For every 10 degrees of temperature drop, tires will drop 1-2 pounds of pressure. Cars typically require a tire pressure of 30 to 35 psi all year. Traditionally, car tires are filled with compressed air made up of 78 percent nitrogen and around 21 percent oxygen, but what about using pure nitrogen?! (3 minute audio)

The baseball cap gives people a way to show appreciation for their favorite sports team, or exemplify their enthusiasm for things they enjoy. With a rich history, this accessory is very popular. Dating back to the 1800s our beloved hats have evolved gently over time. It's even inspired many variations throughout it's rich history.

In the country of Japan east of Hiroshima on the island of Okunoshima, Only a 15-minute ferry ride from the mainland, there are a thousand, of not more, extremely happy and friendly wild roaming rabbits.

Independence day in Myanmar is a national holiday in on January 4th, it marks the date in 1948 when the Country declared its independence from Britain. Let's check out some more interesting things about Myanmar!

People crave the spiciness of food just the same way they crave something sweet or salty, but do any other living beings on earth enjoy the hot stuff?

Before we ring in the new year, let's discover some interesting things about the new years eve ball drop. Did you know the Times Square ball wasn't the first to drop? (4 min audio)

Can you hum While you hold your nose? When you hum, you are actually exhaling, so if both your mouth and your nose are closed, the air can't leave, there's no where for it to go!

On a long-haul 747 flight, passengers visit the restroom an average of 2.4 times, producing 230 gallons of waste…but where does it go?!