To The Best of Our Knowledge

from Wisconsin Public Radio

On a scale of one to ten, how happy would you say you are right now? If someone could teach you how to be even happier, would you be interested? Next time on To the Best of Our Knowledge, how to boost your happiness IQ. Also, eating for pleasure, with chef and food writer Deborah Madison. And, a new translation of the ancient Hindu Kama Sutra tells how to make life itself sexy.

Psychologist Martin Seligman is the former president of the American Psychological Association and the author of several books, most recently "Authentic Happiness." He tells Jim Fleming about his philosophy of "Positive Psychology." People can learn more at his website: www.authentichappiness.org. Also, Andrew Boyd is an activist and performance artist who calls himself "Brother Void." He tells Steve Paulson about his latest project: a book called "Daily Afflictions: The Agony of Being Connected to Everything in the World." It's a parody of New Age self_help guides.

Psychologist Carol Gilligan tells Steve Paulson that her work with teenage girls has shown her that Americans cling to "tragic histories" and have forgotten how to experience joy. Her latest book is "The Birth of Pleasure." Also, Sanskrit scholar Wendy Doniger tells Anne Strainchamps about her new translation of the Kamasutra. She says sexual positions are just a small part of the book, and that the British taught the Indians to be ashamed of this book, and their bodies.

Chef and food writer Deborah Madison talks with Anne Strainchamps about shopping at farmer's markets. She says slowing down for food is one of the best ways to bring pleasure back into your life. Her latest book is "Local Flavors." It describes a year of cooking and eating from American farmer's markets.

Books:

• Wendy Doniger & Sudhir Kakar, translators, Kamasutra (with colour illustrations) (Oxford)
• Carol Gilligan, The Birth of Pleasure (Knopf)
• Deborah Madison, Local Flavors: Cooking and Eating from America's Farmers' Markets (Broadway Books)
• Martin E.P. Seligman, Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment (Free Press)
  

Music:

• 1. "Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy," by Ren and Stimpy. On "The Best of Nicktoons" CD. (Kid Rhino)
• 2. "Soul of Constant Sorrow," by Patty Loveless. On her CD "Mountain Soul." (Sony Music)
• 2."Consequence Free," by Great Big Sea. On their CD "Turn." (Sire Records)
• 3. "A Hundred Lovers," by Timbuk3. On their CD "A Hundred Lovers." (Windham Hill Records)
• 4. "Turn," by Great Big Sea. On their CD "Turn." (Sire Records)

Distribution dates:

• week of 09/15/2002 - hour 2