WGLT-FM: Assorted stories from WGLT-FM : NPR

You've probably heard of the Continental Divide. You'll also find smaller drainage divides in your community, directing water one direction or another. GLT's Uncommon Knowledge partners with the Illinois Geographic Alliance to celebrate the Geography Awareness Week 2011 theme "The Adventure in Your Community." Jay and Janet with the help of Jim Carter explain drainage divides.

Veteran's Parkway in Bloomington-Normal, IL is a former edge in the community, it's a throughway, it's a destination and it's a barrier. Learn more about the geography of roads as GLT's Uncommon Knowledge partners with the Illinois Geographic Alliance to celebrate the Geography Awareness Week 2011 theme "The Adventure in Your Community."

Early settlers had to find just the right spot to be successful. What would become McLean County and Bloomington, IL had just the perfect combination of attributes. GLT's Uncommon Knowledge partners with the Illinois Geographic Alliance to celebrate the Geography Awareness Week 2011 theme "The Adventure in Your Community" with a month long series.

It's fund drive time at WGLT. Your pledge helps pay for Uncommon Knowledge. But how much should you give. Jay and Janet have a warning about just how quickly your pledge can add up...even when you start out with just a penny. Listen for the episode after a behind the scenes glimpse of what goes on before we start recording an episode of Uncommon Knowledge. Thanks for your support!

A mole is animal which burrows underground. It's a spot on your chin you have to shave around. It's also a unit of measurement. Jay and Janet celebrate Mole Day in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

You'd think a compostable, recyclable container would be both easy to compost and recycle. And you'd be wrong. Jay and Janet, with the help of the Ecology Action Center, explains.

When it comes to mile stones, 10 is more important than 9 or 11. Jay and Janet, with the help of an Illinois State University Developmental Math Assistant Professor have a simple explanation...as easy to understand as 1,2,3.

Mixed drinks or store bought pre-mixed drinks combining caffeine and other stimulants with alcohol have proven dangerous. Jay and Janet explain how the drinks pull the body in two different directions ending with a sometimes unfortunate result.

The last space shuttle mission is underway and eventually all 4 orbiters will be grounded at museums. In the last part of a four part Uncommon Knowledge series on the shuttle, Jay and Janet ask shuttle commander Scott Altman "what’s next? What comes after the shuttle?"

The last Space Shuttle launch is scheduled for July 8th. None have taken off during rain or thunderstorms. That's because the shuttle and an airplane, which can fly in inclement weather, react very differently to lightning. Jay, Janet and Shuttle Commander Scott Altman explain.

Space Shuttle pilots have an unflattering nickname for the orbiter. Shuttle Commander Scott Altman explains the nickname, along with the details and dynamics of landing a shuttle in part two of a four part series on the end of the shuttle program. The last launch is scheduled for July 8th.

The last launch is scheduled for July 8th. The fleet is being moved to museums. In the first of a four part series, you'll hear from Shuttle Commander and central Illinois native Scott Altman about why it's time to shutter shuttle.

From one kernel of corn, farmers get a big green plant producing thousands of kernels of corn. Jay and Janet explain how that's possible in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.

A really hot summer or a winter "snowmageddon" is not evidence of global warming or climate change. Jay and Janet help explain the difference between weather and climate

A well known remedy to get rid of skunk smell might not help as much you expect. Jay and Janet have the truth about tomato juice eliminating skunk smell during this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.