Uncommon Knowledge
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Mountain Dew Glow Stick
There are a lot of videos on You Tube showing how to make a glow stick out of simple ingredients and a soft drink. Jay and Janet have their doubts. Get the facts during our science show, Uncommon Knowledge.
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Time Flies
Each birthday seems to come a little sooner as we get older. There’s a reason for that. During this episode of WGLT's science show Uncommon Knowledge, Jay and Janet explain why "time flies."
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Disaster Scales
Natural disasters are measured. There's a difference between a magnitude 4.2 and a 5.5 earthquake. Or a category 4 and category 5 hurricane. Or an EF-1 and an EF-3 tornado. In this episode of Uncommon Knowledge, Jay and Janet explain the different measurements for different natural disasters.
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Catching Cold
The word "cold" can reference temperature or it's the word for a minor, but miserable little illness you can catch. But one meaning of the word doesn't have much to do with the other. Jay and Janet explain what causes the common cold, why it's probably called a "cold" and what you can do to avoid catching a cold.
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2 Cold 2 Snow
Myth or truth? It can get so cold it can't snow. In this episode from last year, Jay and Janet help explain the meteorological truth.
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Lux VS Lumens
In this episode of GLT's science show Uncommon Knowledge, listen as Jay and Janet use selecting the right bike light to explain two different measurements of light: lux and lumens.
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Baby Dreams
Babies dream. And while we don't know for sure, the dreams are different than adult dreams. In this episode of Uncommon Knowledge, Jay and Janet, with the help an Illinois State University Associate Professor of Psychology explain what's going on in those little heads during all those hours of sleep.
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Dry Ice, Part 2
Dry ice behaves on earth a little like it does in space. Learn more about sublimation from an Illinois State University Chemistry Professor and hosts Jay and Janet in this episode of our science show, Uncommon Knowledge.
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Dry Ice, Part 1
Dry ice can be loads of fun. It bubbles when dropped into liquid. It produces fog. It's used for special effects. But what is it and why does it produce all of that cool fog. With help from an Illinois State University Chemistry Professor, Jay and Janet explain dry ice.
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Interdependence and iPhones
A U.S. company might be responsible for and ultimately selling your smart phone, but it takes a global effort to make it possible. Find out what goes into your iPhone and how many countries it takes to get it in your hands in the 3rd part of a series on the Geography Awareness Week (11/11-17) theme "Declare Your Interdependence."
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Interdependence and Recycling
The piece of paper you recycle probably won't end back up in the printer as another piece of paper. Chances are the plastic in the water bottle won't hold drinking water again either. Find out what happens to recycled materials and the journey they sometimes take in the second part of month long series on the Geography Awareness Week (11/11-17) theme "Declare Your Interdependence."
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The Interdependence of China and the U.S.
You've heard the phrase...if China sneezes, the U.S. catches a cold. It speaks to the interdependence of the two countries, including trade. Jay and Janet have the first in a month long series on the Geography Awareness Week (11/11-17) theme "Declare Your Interdependence."
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Chaos
There's chaos and then there's chaos in the math and science realms. It's a deterministic system, but outcomes can be drastically altered by initial conditions. Jay and Janet help help explain chaos in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Household Hazardous Waste, Pt. 2
De-clutter your house of hazardous materials AND protect groundwater? It sounds too good to be true, but it is! The Ecology Action Center's Household Hazardous Waste Collection is Saturday, September 29th might be the most wonderful time of the year. Find out what happens to everything that's collected in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Household Hazardous Waste, Pt. 1
There's the cost of a product and there's the TRUE cost of a product that includes disposing of it safely. During our weekly science show Uncommon Knowledge, Jay and Janet explain what it costs to rid your home of household hazardous waste.
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Higgs boson
This elusive particle has been expected and even worked with in physics for years. But it's not until this summer that evidence it actually existed was discovered. During this episode of GLT's science show, Jay and Janet explain the so called "god particle" and why you should care.
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Maps and Dora the Explorer
The educational cartoon character, Dora and her always handy map are helping kids with spatial intelligence and with understanding maps. Jay and Janet explain in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Weather VS Climate
Our current hot, dry summer or our really mild winter is not necessarily evidence of global warming or climate change. Jay and Janet help explain the difference between weather and climate.
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Drainage Divides
It takes rain to have drainage. But when the drought affecting much of the country and central Illinois breaks you'll see drainage divides: small peaks or ridges that cause water to flow in opposite directions. The most famous is the the Continental Divide in the Rockies. There's another major one in Illinois. Jay and Janet with the help of Jim Carter explain drainage divides.
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Who Owns Rain?
In some states, just because rain falls on your property doesn't mean the water belongs to you. And if the drought persists in central Illinois, arid state water issues could start becoming issues in Illinois. Listen as Jay and Janet skim the surface of...water rights.
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Neutrinos and Light Speed
Recent experiments are challenging Einstein’s Theory of Relativity. During our science show, Uncommon Knowledge, find out if neutrinos break the laws of physics by traveling faster than light.
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Bus Benefits
Buses count as sustainable transportation, but not if they’re empty. Uncommon Knowledge hosts, Jay and Janet, with the help of the Bloomington-Normal Public Transit System General Manager explain what it takes to make sure a bus is as green as possible.
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Bicycling Benefits
The Good To Go Commuter Challenge begins Friday, May 12th. If you're considering using a bike to get around, you may not have to work as hard as you might think to get physical benefits. Jay and Janet explain in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Venus Transit
A rare astronomical event occurs June 5th. It involves the alignment of the Earth, Venus and the Sun. Jay and Janet explain during this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Low Flow
Jerry, Kramer and Newman didn't care much for low-flow plumbing fixtures. Fictional TV aside, the technology can cut down on the amount of water you use, bringing your usage to a sustainable level. Jay and Janet have more with the ISU Office of Sustainability.
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Leap Year, Prt. 1
GLT’s Science show, Uncommon Knowledge tackles calendars. Find out why Leap Day is in February and find out why it’s in the second month of the year.
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Energy Efficient Home
Jay and Janet help explain what role convection, conduction and radiation play in trying to create an energy efficient home.
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Weight of Rusty Nails
In this episode...Jay and Janet answer the question "which weighs more...a bucket of new nails or rusty nails?" Take a guess now...or take a couple of minutes to discover the answer and find out why they weigh more or less.
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Space Shuttle, epilogue
The Shuttle program is shuttered, but NASA is not dead. In an epilogue to the four part Uncommon Knowledge series on the end of the shuttle program Jay, Janet and astronaut Scott Altman explain a few of the more than 100 NASA missions underway.
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Space Shuttle, Part 2
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 was July 8th.
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Space Shuttle, Part 1
The last launch launched July 8th. The fleet is now on displays at 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.
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The Geography of Your Community -- Invasive Species
There are introduced species and there are invasive species. Some are beneficial and some are destructive. Learn the difference during GLT Science Show Uncommon Knowledge, partnering with the Illinois Geographic Alliance to celebrate the Geography Awareness Week 2011 theme "The Adventure in Your Community."
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The Geography of Your Community -- Drainage Divides
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.
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The Geography of Your Community -- Veterans Parkway
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."
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The Geography of Your Community -- McLean County Settlers
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.
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Exponential Growth
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!
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Mole Day
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.
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Compostable Plastics
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.
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Tenth Anniversaries
When it comes to milestones, 10 is more important than 9 or 11. Jay and Janet, with the help of an Assistant Professor of Developmental Math at Illinois State University have a simple explanation...as easy to understand as 1,2,3.
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Space Shuttle, Part 4
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?"
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Space Shuttle, Part 3
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.
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Space Shuttle, Part 2
Space Shuttle pilots have an unflattering nickname for the orbiter. Shuttle Commander Scott Altman explains the nickname, along with the detaills 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.
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Space Shuttle, Part 1
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.
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Photosynthesis
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.
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Skunked!
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.
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Conditional Probability
You've tested positive for a disease. The chances you actually have the disease could have more to do with "conditional probability" than medical science. Jay and Janet explain in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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El Nio-La Nia
Weather in the southern Pacific can affect precipitation and temperatures in central Illinois. Jay and Janet explain the El Nio-La Nia phenomenon.
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Predator House Cats
There's a killer lurking in your neighborhood and maybe even in your own backyard. In this episode from April of 2010, Jay and Janet explain the danger posed to the environment by the common house cat.
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Photic Sneeze
A listener asked last week, "Why do I sneeze when I go into the sunlight?" We have the answer...from an episode first aired in April 2008.
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Water Pollution, Part 3
One of the biggest sources of water pollution is runoff after a storm. But as Jay and Janet learn there are things Illinois State University is doing to naturally filter storm water.
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Water Pollution, Part 2
It's getting harder to blame big business and industry for water pollution. In this episode of Uncommon Knowledge, Jay and Janet explain how to stop pollution at home.
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Water Pollution, Part 1
The problem of water pollution is solved? Well, not quite. Learn more in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Exoplanets-Kepler Telescope
The earth may be unique...but it is not the only planet in our galaxy. Astronomers are finding more and more thanks to an eye in the sky. Jay and Janet have the latest on the search for planets and what scientists have already found in this episode from August of 2010.
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Exoplanets
For centuries, the only known planets were in our solar system. That's changing as astronomers find more and more planets orbiting distant stars. Jay and Janet have the latest on the planetary search in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge which first aired in August of 2010.
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The Geography of Water -- Upstream Effects
We usually think of practices upstream having an effect downstream...but rivers are two way "streets" and what happens downstream can also have a big effect upstream. In part four of a month long series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance. Jay and Janet explain what happens downstream can have a big ecological and economic impact upstream.
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The Geography of Water -- Reservoir Management
Life downstream of a reservoir is controlled in part by whoever is in charge upstream. In part three of a month long series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance. Jay and Janet explain the consequences and benefits of reservoirs.
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The Geography of Water -- Who Owns Rain?
In some states, just because rain falls on your property doesn't mean the water belongs to you. In part two of a series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance, Jay and Janet skim the surface of...water rights.
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The Geography of Water -- Desalination
The earth is practically covered with water, but without an expensive process, none of it is very useful. In the first part of a series on water, GLT's Uncommon Knowledge celebrates Geography Awareness Week with the Illinois Geographic Alliance. Jay and Janet explain the problems with desalination.
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Mole Day
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.
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The Cost of Money
Producing some coins in the U.S. cost more than the coin is worth. What's up with that? Jay and Janet explain.
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Infinity Paradox
Infinity can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially when trying to count numbers to get "there." In this episode from last year, Jay and Janet and an ISU mathematician help explain a paradox associated with infinity
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Smart Phone Viruses
No one is talking much about Smart Phone viruses. That could be because there hasn't been a big outbreak. Yet. Discover your risk and how to keep safe in this edition of GLT's Uncommon Knowledge. First broadcast in June 2010.
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The Hangover
The morning after was famously (and hilariously) portrayed to the extreme in the recent movie "The Hangover." While the events are unlikely, the bodily effects are universal. Jay and Janet explain what's happening and what you can do to cure a hangover.
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Pregnancy - Beauty Treatments
Sometimes that pregnancy "glow, " just isn't enough. But do you run the risk of harming your baby with beauty treatments? Jay and Janet have the answers in the final part of the Uncommon Knowledge series on pregnancy.
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Pregnancy - Boy or Girl
You could always just look closely at an ultra-sound image to determine the gender of a baby before born. There are also all sorts of folksy ways that some swear by. It's part three of our series on pregnancy.
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Pregnancy - "Dangers" of Lifting
There are restrictions on how much and how to lift objects while pregnant...but some of the most alarming warnings can be ignored as Jay and Janet explain in part two of our series on pregnancy.
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Pregnancy - Heartburn and Hirsute Babies
Discover the correlation between heartburn symptoms and hairy newborns. It's the first part of a series on pregnancy myths.
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Bats and Insects
To control insects -- especially mosquitoes -- choosing bats over birds makes more sense. Jay and Janet explain why in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Encryption
The computer coded language of spies is more often used for everyday business, like accessing your bank account. Jay and Janet explain encryption in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Man on the Moon -- Stars (encore)
It was 40 years ago this year (July) that man landed on the moon. Since then a conspiracy theory that the landing was a hoax has gained momentum. This month to celebrate mankind's first steps on the lunar surface (yes, we believe) Jay and Janet debunk the "evidence" some think prove the landings never happened. In this episode, first broadcast earlier this year, they tackle the starless moon sky.
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Geography of Europe -- The Euro
Uncommon Knowledge and the Illinois Geography Alliance team up to celebrate Geography Action Week with a month long series on the geography of Europe. Learn more about the Euro and how symbolism on the currency celebrates unity AND diversity.
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Geography of Europe -- Soccer
Uncommon Knowledge and the Illinois Geography Alliance team up to celebrate Geography Action Week with a month long series on the geography of Europe. Discover the geography of the world's most popular sport and how it spread from Europe.
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Geography of Europe -- Venice
Uncommon Knowledge and the Illinois Geography Alliance team up to celebrate Geography Action Week with a month long series on the geography of Europe. Find out why Venice, Italy is sinking and what's being done to hold back the water.
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Geography of Europe -- The E.U.
Uncommon Knowledge and the Illinois Geography Alliance team up to celebrate Geography Action Week with a month long series on the geography of Europe. Discover how the European Union is drawing countries together and pushing them apart at the same time.
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Old Water
It's easy to take the "everyday" for granted. For instance, the water that flows from the tap. As you'll hear in this episode from earlier this year, uou may be drinking ancient water, not easily replenished.
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Dark Matter
It can't seen, but it can be measured. Learn more about what's filling space in the universe in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge from earlier this year.
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Million Billion Trillion
The financial crisis has politicians and the news media tossing around some really big numbers. Jay and Janet explain all the zeros in this episode from earlier this year.
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Auto Idling VS Engine Shutoff
Cars are more fuel efficient. But can you save even more gas by shutting it down and starting it back up instead of letting the engine idle. Jay and Janet have the answer in this episode from May 11, 2009.
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Hollywood Science 5 -- Armageddon
They call it science FICTION for a reason. We wrap up our Hollywood Science series with the movie Armageddon, which has all kinds of problems with real science. Plus, Jay and Janet just didn't think it was a very good movie. First broadcast in February 2009.
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Hollywood Science 4 -- Honey, I Shrunk The Kids
Reducing the size of something -- including people -- at this point is science only found on the big screen in movies like Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Jay and Janet explain how film makers gloss over this "science" as the series on Hollywood Science continues.
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Hollywood Science 3 -- Star Wars
In a galaxy, far, far away apparently time and distance are irrelevant. Jay and Janet explain as they point out a problem with Star Wars as the series on Hollywood Science continues (first broadcast in February '09)
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Hollywood Science 1 -- Space Cowboys
It's movie blockbuster season and we're looking back at our Hollywood Science series. This blockbuster from 2000 starred Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Marcia Gay Harden and lots of bad science. In the first episode in a month long series debunking Hollywood science, Janet and Jay tackle Space Cowboys.
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Man on the Moon -- Telescopes
Man landed on the moon July 20, 1969. It's a fact. This month to celebrate the 40th anniversary, Jay and Janet debunk the "evidence" some think prove the landings never happened. This time they ask why a telescope hasn't simply zoomed in on the moon landing sites and snapped a picture.
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Man on the Moon -- Flag
This month to celebrate mankind's first steps on the lunar surface (yes, we believe) Jay and Janet debunk the "evidence" some think prove the landings never happened. This time they tackle the "waving flag" planted on the moon.
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Man on the Moon -- Stars
It was 40 years ago this month that man landed on the moon. Since then a conspiracy theory that the landing was a hoax has gained momentum. This month to celebrate mankind's first steps on the lunar surface (yes, we believe) Jay and Janet debunk the "evidence" some think prove the landings never happened. This time they tackle the starless moon sky.
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Northern Lights
What are the Northern Lights? And do you have to be north to see them? Answers to those questions from Jay and Janet in this episode.
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Ice Cream Headache
Eating ice cream can be just as painful as it is pleasurable. Jay and Janet help explain why we get that horrible headache behind the eyes when we eat something cold and eat it fast.
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Carbon Neutral
Some countries around the world are striving to be the "greenest" with goals to be carbon neutral. Jay and Janet explain what it means to be "carbon neutral."
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SPF & Sun Exposure
Jay and Janet give you all you need to know to protect yourself from harmful sunshine.
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Escape Velocity
After debunking the Hollywood science in the movie Space Cowboys some listeners said "Hey, what would it take actually do what they did in the movie." Jay and Janet have the real science in this episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Red Skies
It’s an age old saying giving sailors a forecast of sorts. But does the color the sky really give sailors delight or warning? Hosts Janet Moore and Jay Ansher get to the bottom "red skies" in an episode from October 2008.
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Dirty Money
The more it's handled, the dirtier money gets. But can it be dangerous or make you sick? Jay and Janet have the answer in this encore episode of Uncommon Knowledge.
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Lead VS Feathers
This is classic physics. A pound of lead and a pound of feathers weighs the same -- a pound. But perception is another thing. Jay and Janet explain in this episode first broadcast and podcast August 25th, 2008.
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Caffeine
Caffeine makes you feel alert. But we all know the feeling is temporary. Discover how the substance works in your body in this episode first broadcast and podcast August 18th, 2008.
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The Monty Hall Paradox
You have three doors from which to choose. You pick one and one is revealed. Do you switch your choice to the other door. Jay and Janet explain this classic probability puzzle. This episode was first broadcast and podcast June 4, 2007.
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Questions Answered about CFLs and Mercury Pollution
Jay and Janet talk Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs again...and go a little further to answer a listener's questions about the hazards of mercury pollution.
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Reasons for Seasons
Uncommon Knowledge celebrates three years on the air during January 2009 with one the first episodes which first aired in early 2006. In this episode you'll discover winter and summer have nothing to do with the proximity of the earth to the sun.
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Heat VS Temp
Uncommon Knowledge celebrates three years on the air during January 2009 with one the first episodes which first aired in early 2006. In this episode find out the difference between heat and temperature.
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Volcano Viscosity
Uncommon Knowledge celebrates three years on the air during January 2009 with the first episode which aired January 15, 2006. Some Volcanos are more prone to exploding than others and the difference is as simple as the difference between peanut butter and ketchup.
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8910 Illinois State University
Normal, Il 61790-8910(309) 438-8910 -
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