In the early 1920s, scientists working for General Motors made a discovery they believed could eliminate the engine knock that plagued early automobiles. By adding lead to gasoline, they were able to silence the quaking engines. But their solution would prove hazardous. Lead is a known poison and has been blamed for numerous health problems, including developmental problems in children. Media studies professor William Kovarik (Radford) argues that General Motors, Standard Oil and DuPont -- all of whom were involved in the sale of the fuel additive in the US for more than 50 years - ignored early tests and accidents that demonstrated the dangers of leaded gasoline. Their reason, he says, was profit.

Second Week (Aug. 11 – 17) Outer Banks Lore: Duck and Blackbeard

Constituting just 2 percent of North Carolina's Outer Banks, the town of Duck long avoided the building boom on the barrier islands that guard the Tar Heel coast. But in the past 20 years, rental properties have gone up where duck blinds once stood. And sun seekers have replaced the families who eked out a living from fishing. Judy Mercier (CNU), author of Duck: An Outer Banks Village, made her first visit to Duck in 1989. She became fascinated by stories of one family's efforts to rebuild the dunes and another's attempts to build a resort for African-Americans. Also featured: In 1996 researchers searching for the remains of Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge discovered what they believe to be the pirate's flagship sunken in about 20 feet of water off the North Carolina coast. Since that time, divers have recovered numerous items including cannons, pewter dishes and gold dust. Geologist Jim Craig (VT) is among the scientists studying these items for clues that could help them eliminate any doubts they've found one of Blackbeard's vessels.

Third Week (Aug. 18 – 24) Keeping Our Waters Clean

Almost 30 years have elapsed since passage of the Clean Water Act, which put federal muscle behind the push to rid America's waterways of pollution. But are our rivers and streams getting cleaner? The number of miles of polluted rivers in Virginia doubled between 1996 and 1998, according to a study released by a river conservation group in February. Geographer Rick Roth (Radford), treasurer of Friends of the Rivers of Virginia, and biologist Katie Register (Longwood), director of Clean Virginia Waterways, discuss the state of rivers in the Old Dominion and the impact that increased development will have on them. Also featured: Suburban sprawl in Tidewater is in part to blame for the declining numbers of canebrake rattlesnakes, according to biologist Alan Savitzky (ODU). A species tied to our colonial past - its likeness graced the "Don't Tread on Me" flag of the American Patriots - Savitsky says the canebrake rattler's dwindling numbers are a harbinger of the demise of important forest wetlands.

Fourth Week (Aug. 25 – 31) The Truth About Robert E. Lee

Few historical figures are more dear to the hearts of Virginians than Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Frequently hailed as both a brilliant military tactician and the consummate Southern gentleman, Lee's star still shines brightly. But how much of this adulation is warranted? It was Grant's victory over Lee that helped bring an end to slavery. Historian Gary Gallagher (UVa) is the author of numerous books about the Civil War, including the soon-to-be published Lee and His Army in Confederate History. He joins us to discuss the Lee of popular myth as well as the Lee of historical fact.