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Just the Facts, Ma'am

Prostitution at the Sydney Olympics makes Alistair Cooke reflect on idealism and reality.

• 15 mins

A Vague Beast Called Big Oil

The rising prices of gasoline leads Alistair Cooke to wonder who the culprit is.

• 15 mins

There He Goes Again

Alistair Cook ponders the history of the American presidential debates.

• 15 mins

The World's Tumult and the Price of a Barrel of Oil

How do conflicts in Jerusalem and Belgrade affect world trade? Alistair Cooke finds out.

• 15 mins

A Supreme Diarist

Alistair Cooke celebrates the life and work of diarist James Agate.

• 15 mins

Suffocating in an Ocean of Advertising

The bombardment of Presidential election adverts becomes too much for Alistair Cooke.

• 15 mins

The Day of Judgement

Who will be the next President? Alistair Cooke evaluates Al Gore and George W Bush.

• 15 mins

Paralysis by Analysis

After the close election, Alistair Cooke considers what authority the President will have.

• 15 mins

The Florida re-count, 2000

The various legal issues underlying the failure to elect a new President.

• 15 mins

The Origin of the Continental Blow Out

After feasting on turkey and yams, Alistair Cooke delves into the origins of Thanksgiving.

• 15 mins

It's a Nine Ring Circus and You'll Never be Bored

Alistair Cooke compares the voting irregularities of 1876 to the current electoral crisis.

• 15 mins

Bedazzled and Bewildered

Alistair Cooke asks whether voting result doubts are paralysing America's government.

• 15 mins

An Embarrassing Relic of Authoritarianism

Alistair Cooke contemplates the pros and cons of democracy.

• 15 mins

How Wrong We've Been, from Madison to Roosevelt

Alistair Cooke discusses the confirmation of the new president, George Bush.

• 15 mins

America is Back to Normal

After the presidential election excitement, Alistair Cooke ponders the secrets to old age.

• 15 mins

The Magic of the Internet?

Alistair Cooke debates whether the internet is the miracle cure for the US economy.

• 15 mins

First and Foremost Bureaucrats

Reports of pollution in the North Sea remind Alistair Cooke of a childhood fishing trip.

• 15 mins

Grandiose Inaugurations we Have Known

After George Bush’s inauguration, Alistair Cooke recalls Andrew Jackson’s rowdy induction.

• 15 mins

A Precautionary Bit of Advice

Alistair Cooke compares the colourful characters of past US presidents.

• 15 mins

How am I doing?

Working 9 to 5? Alistair Cooke investigates the quirky work habits of past US presidents.

• 15 mins

Famous and Good Intermediate Clowns

Alistair Cooke considers George W Bush's push to decentralise government.

• 15 mins

From Shirtsleeves to Shirt Sleeves in Three Generations

Alistair Cooke reflects on the rise and fall of wealth through three generations.

• 15 mins

The Scandal of Pardons and White House Furniture

Clinton's White House departure inspires Alistair Cooke to explore past presidents' exits.

• 15 mins

A Villain of American History

Alistair Cooke is shocked by the results of a recent poll to name the greatest presidents.

• 15 mins

The Vice Presidency and a Precaution Against Death

Alistair Cooke considers the role of vice-presidents through history.

• 15 mins

Sounding the Alarm to Farmers

Alistair Cooke reflects on the foot and mouth epidemic affecting Britain.

• 15 mins

Bush Leads from the Right

Alistair Cooke considers the first two months of George W. Bush in the White House.

• 15 mins

The Entire Civilised World is Shocked Beyond Civilised Expression

Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bush's decision not to support the Kyoto Treaty.

• 15 mins

A Hero's Welcome: John McCain is Back!

Alistair Cooke considers Senator John McCain's campaign funding reform bill.

• 15 mins

Déjà Vu All Over Again

Alistair Cooke reflects on the crash landing of an American spy plane on a Chinese island.

• 15 mins