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Double diplomatic turmoil

America's tricky relationship with Taiwan.

• 15 mins

A Brief Joust and Tumble with Sir Galahad

Alistair Cook looks at the rise and fall of Senator John McCain.

• 15 mins

Buying Judges and Acquiring a Patron Saint

Alistair Cook examines Irish heritage in America and the celebrations of St.Patrick's Day.

• 15 mins

A National Figure of Charm and Pity

Alistair Cooke considers the sole survivor of a capsized boat full of illegal immigrants.

• 15 mins

The Most Significant Event of Recent Times

Alistair Cooke considers the effects of the Chernobyl nuclear power station explosion.

• 15 mins

Never-failing, Ever-soaring, High-flying, Hi-techs

Alistair Cook wonders what alternative sources will be found to create energy.

• 15 mins

The Year of the Census

Alistair Cooke examines whether questions on the US census invade individuals' privacy.

• 15 mins

Cycle of Boom and Bust

After a stock exchange drop of 600 points, Alistair Cook remembers other booms and busts.

• 15 mins

A Sordid Struggle

Alistair Cooke examines the legal battle fought by Cuban Elian Gonzalez for asylum.

• 15 mins

The Outrageous David Merrick

Alistair Cooke remembers the colourful life of American theatre character David Merrick.

• 15 mins

The China Bill and other Kickshaws

Alistair Cooke reflects on China's trading privileges and a law against sizeism.

• 15 mins

Historic Turning Points

Alistair Cooke recalls when the private life of a politician was a taboo topic.

• 15 mins

A Giant Step for Womankind

Union resistance to trading with China, reminds Mr Cooke of the invention of dishwashers.

• 15 mins

Diet, Longevity and a Custard Pie

To eat meat, or to not eat meat? Alistair Cooke finds out the perfect diet for longevity.

• 15 mins

Polishing up his Escutcheon

Bill Clinton’s recent treaty summits look to Alistair Cooke like a quick legacy polish.

• 15 mins

A Wonderful Work or a Rat Trap?

In light of a Supreme Court verdict Alistair Cooke reflects on the rights of grandparents.

• 15 mins

This Great Festival of Consumerism

After enjoying his own Father's Day, Alistair Cooke becomes concerned by mass consumerism.

• 15 mins

Pursuing a Will-o-the-wisp

Alistair Cooke recalls the Korean War and how vetoes were written into the UN charter.

• 15 mins

Where Have all the Answers Gone?

Alistair Cooke bends his mind into a metaphysical helix to understand the human genome.

• 15 mins

Now Read On...

Alistair Cooke remembers George Gallup, the creator of the scientific polling method.

• 15 mins

Ghostly Applause for a News Blackout

Alistair Cooke evaluates the news blackouts over the Israel and Palestinian peace talks.

• 15 mins

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