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From Party Convention to Coronation

Alistair Cooke remembers past political conventions, including John F Kennedy's.

• 15 mins

From Exciting Horserace to Exhibition Trot

Alistair Cooke recalls the longest presidential nomination ballot in US history.

• 15 mins

Running Mates and Carpet Baggers

Alistair Cooke explains the origins of the American political phrase "running mate".

• 15 mins

Mother Nature's Wild Fires

Alistair Cooke reflects on colossal forest fires raging across the United States.

• 15 mins

Russia: The Victim of Democracy

Alistair Cooke considers the tragic sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk.

• 15 mins

Father, God, Undefined

Alistair Cooke questions the use of the American constitution's religious right.

• 15 mins

Doing What Comes Naturally

The search for athlete perfection leads Alistair Cooke from exercise techniques to drugs.

• 15 mins

Trouble with the English Language

Alistair Cooke looks at the affect of poll ratings on presidential elections.

• 15 mins

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