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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

Trilbies are Fashionable Again!

With a new trilby at the ready, Alistair Cooke considers the problem of CO2 emissions.

• 15 mins

The Media Just Love Anniversaries - However Grim

On the anniversary of the Columbine massacre, Alistair Cooke examines the media reporting.

• 15 mins

The Supreme Court

Alistair Cooke reflects on the Supreme Court and the way in which it makes its decisions.

• 15 mins

A Universal Shout

Alistair Cooke considers the anti-American sentiments being shouted from around the globe.

• 15 mins

California Dreaming

Alistair Cooke considers arguments surrounding the power failure crisis in California.

• 15 mins

The City that Waits

Alistair Cooke examines how power supply issues in San Francisco now eclipse earthquakes.

• 15 mins

Life's a Gamble!

Alistair Cooke reflects on the political centrism occuring in both the US and the UK.

• 15 mins

Prescription for a Pessimist

After a break from the news, Alistair Cooke reflects on how knowledge affects the psyche.

• 15 mins

Diplomacy and Public Relations

Alistair Cooke considers President Bush's European policy blueprints.

• 15 mins

Wake Up to Summer

Alistair Cooke considers how people alter their politics from a national to a local level.

• 15 mins

Changing Tastes: 25 Years of Social Taboos

Alistair Cooke considers the changing social taboos and bigotries over the past 25 years.

• 15 mins

Ringing the Changes!

Alistair Cooke reflects on the Independence Day celebrations and the Wimbledon finals.

• 15 mins

Secret Service Secrets

Whilst Bush takes a vacation, Alistair Cooke considers the private life of the president.

• 15 mins

Stem Cell Brain Drain

Alistair Cooke weighs up the political and ethical debates surrounding stem cell research.

• 15 mins

Policies and Popularity

Whilst poll ratings stagnate, Alistair Cooke considers George Bush's popularity.

• 15 mins

East meets West

Alistair Cooke explores Europe's ignorance of America's long history with the Far East.

• 15 mins