Some people say it's only skin deep, but philosopher Elaine Scarry believes it's profoundly connected to truth and justice. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, an appreciation of beauty, and a man who turns road kill into art. Also, photographer Annie Leibovitz on the beauty of older women.

Photographer Annie Leibovitz tells Steve Paulson about some of the images in her new book, "Women." The book includes photographs of coal miners and textile workers, as well as movie stars, super-models and old women, including the photographer's mother. Also, self- proclaimed lipstick addict Jessica Pallingston tells Jim Fleming why she puts on fresh lipstick to go to sleep, how to make your own, and that lipsticks with naughty names sell better. It will come as no surprise to learn that Pallingston's book is called "Lipstick."

Philosopher Elaine Scarry teaches aesthetics at Harvard. Her book is "On Beauty and Being Just." Scarry explains to Steve Paulson why she thinks beauty inspires us to a greater appreciation of all life, and how aesthetic principles lead to social justice. Also, Scott Lesh is an artist whose pieces include the actual dead remains of animals, and occasionally even of human beings. Lesh tells Jim Fleming that he finds these forms beautiful and wants people to think about the nature of materials.

Poet Mark Doty tells Judith Strasser that he never fit in as a child but found salvation in the arts. He explains how a sissy boy with an alcoholic mother found freedom of expression thanks to a gifted public school teacher, and eventually became a poet. Doty's memoir is called "Firebird."

Distribution dates:

• week of 11/28/99 - hour 2