The Secret Lives of Pets
Alan Beck studies the relationship between pets and their owners. His early research of animal behavior included a study of stray dogs in Baltimore. Beck says that medical experts should take into consideration the benefits of pet ownership when evaluating an individual's health.
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Other segments from the episode on December 7, 1988
Aiding the Civilian Survivors of the Vietnam War
Lady Borton performed humanitarian work in Vietnam during and after the war. Her experiences in that country with refugees had a profound effect on her. She lives simply and, like many combat veterans, grapples with PTSD and flashbacks. Borton's book about Vietnamese refugees is called Sensing the Enemy.
A New Documentary on Maria Callas
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new PBS documentary about Maria Callas. He says it's not as well-organized or thoughtful as an earlier film about the opera star; the late singer would be better served by a complete broadcast of one of her performances.
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Language commentator Geoff Nunberg considers how electronic communication like telephone conversations and radio broadcasts have changed the ways we introduce ourselves.
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