TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE
from Wisconsin Public Radio
July 21, 1996 Programs
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1100 - 1159 Hour #1 Addiction 1 - Alcoholism
1200 - 1259 Hour #2 Conquering Cancer
1300 - 1359 Hour #3 Competition
PROGRAM RUNDOWN Hour 1:Addiction 1 - Alcoholism
SEGMENT 1:
Former U.S. Senator George McGovern is a hero to millions of
Americans who opposed the Vietnam War. McGovern's public
acclaim is matched by private tragedy -- his daughter battled
alcoholism for years; it finally killed her in 1994. McGovern
tells her story in a memoir called "Terry" and in this
conversation with Jim Fleming.
SEGMENT 2:
Science writer Stephen Braun describes to Steve Paulson the
biochemical effects of alcohol on the human brain and explains
why anti-depressant medications seem to help some alcoholics.
Braun is the author of "Buzz: The Science and Lore of Alcohol
and Caffeine." Also, addiction expert and self-described
iconoclast Stanton Peele tells Judith Strasser what's wrong
with Alcoholics Anonymous and describes what he considers more
effective therapeutic treatment strategies.
SEGMENT 3:
California writer Caolyn See chronicled her life in a family
ravaged by alcoholism in a memoir called "Drinking: Hard Luck
and Good Times in America." No teetotaler, See rejects what
she considers America's puritannical attitude towards alcohol.
She tells Steve Paulson why.
For cassette copies of this hour, call 1-800-747-7444, and ask for program number
07-21-A.
PROGRAM RUNDOWN Hour 2:Conquering Cancer
SEGMENT 1:
Michael Korda was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1994. He's
turned his experience with the disease into a book: "Man to
Man: Surviving Prostate Cancer." Korda tells Judith Strasser
that men can learn a lot from the way women have handled breast
cancer and that letting embarrassment keep them away from
treatment is the worst thing they can do
SEGMENT 2:
Frederica Perera explains to Jim Fleming how the new field of
molecular biology tracks the physical effects of pollutants in
specific populations. Perera is associate director of the
Columbia-Presbyterian Cancer Center in New York. Also, organic
chemist Kip Guy tells Judith Strasser about the development of
synthesized taxol, an anti-cancer drug derived naturally from
endangered old growth yew trees in the Pacific Northwest. He
explains why taxol is an interesting substance to chemists.
Guy (and co-author K.C. Nicolaou) wrote about taxol in the June
'96 issue of Scientific American.
SEGMENT 3:
Poet Donald Hall, himself a cancer survivor, shared a long and
happy marriage with poet Jane Kenyon, who died of leukemia in
1995. Hall talks with Judith Strasser about the marriage, his
and Jane's illnesses and how cancer affected their work. Hall
also reads some of Jane's poetry and his own.
For cassette copies of this hour, call 1-800-747-7444, and ask for program number
07-21-B.
PROGRAM RUNDOWN: HOUR 3: Competition
SEGMENT 1
Alfie Kohn hates competition - in sports, in education, in the
workplace. He tells Steve Paulson why fostering cooperation is
a better way to elicit excellence. Kohn is the author of "No
Contest: The Case against Competition" and "Punished by
Rewards: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A's,
Praise and Other Bribes."
SEGMENT 2:
Sports columnist Joan Ryan has written an expose of high-
profile girl's athletics called "Little Girls in Pretty Boxes:
The Making and Breaking of Elite Gymnasts and Figure Skaters."
Ryan tells Jim Fleming that these girls are subject to
relentless pressure and sometimes brutal coaching. They may win
medals but at staggering cost to themselves.
SEGMENT 3:
Neil Snyder says competition is the surest path to success -
certainly in the new world markets. He tells Steve Paulson
that it also enhances self-esteem. Snyder teaches business at
the University of Virginia and is the author of "The Will to
Lead." Also, philosopher Drew Hyland reminds Judith Strasser
that the "com" in "competition" means "together." He thinks
competition is natural and doesn't have to be alienating.
Hyland teaches philosophy at Trinity College in Hartford,
Connecticut.
For cassette copies of this hour, call 1-800-747-7444, and ask for program number
07-21-C.
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Last modified: Friday July 19, 1996