Interesting Things with JC #652: "Lawrence of Arabia" - Discover the man who changed the way we see the Middle East. T.E. Lawrence, aka "Lawrence of Arabia," died on this day in 1935. His vivid sensory descriptions in "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" inspired generations.

Interesting Things with JC #643: "Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad" - Did you know the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869 revolutionized transportation and commerce in the US, connecting the East and West coasts for the first time? Built by over 20,000 workers, including Chinese immigrants, it reduced travel time from months to days.

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 #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!

As the Olympic games draw to a close, let's look at some of the more interesting things about the city of Beijing. It is China’s second-most populous city after Shanghai, estimated at 20.4 million people. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The first city erected on the spot, Jicheng, was founded in 1045 BC and was the capital of the Ji Kingdom.