We all enjoy solitude from time to time, but for some people it's a way of life, even an obsession. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, the habits of hermits. One woman's agonizing decision to become a single parent. And the hunt for the real E.T.

We hear a vox pop on what people like to do when they're alone. Then, sailor Derek Lundy (author of "Godforsaken Sea: Racing the World's Most Dangerous Waters") tells Steve Paulson about The Vendee Globe — perhaps the world's most grueling and dangerous solo sailboat race. Also, Judith Strasser reads a poem she wrote about the prospect of spending several weeks alone on an island in Lake Superior.

Jane Doerfer run a cooking school for solo cooks in Florida. She talks with Judith Strasser about why it's so hard for people to eat out alone, and remembers the best experience she ever had dining alone in a restaurant. Also, Susan Phelps is founder of National Hermit Week and the author of "A Guide to Hermit Living: Do You Have What It Takes?" She tells Steve Paulson about some infamous hermits, and explains why she thinks we all ought to spend some time alone.

Are we alone in the Universe? Theoretical physicist Paul Davies talkswith Jim Fleming about the prospect of encountering non-human life in the universe, and what it might mean for the world's religions. He thinks Christianity will have the most trouble. Also, Melissa Ludtke (Author of "On Our Own: Unmarried Motherhood in America") tells Judith Strasser why she decided to become a single parent and what the experience has been like.

Distribution dates:

• week of 08/01/99 - hour 3