George W Bush’s first term was defined by the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the US’s resulting “war on terror” and invasion of Iraq. A fascinating social, cultural and political history of American life, through the words of British-American journalist and broadcaster, Alistair Cooke (1908 – 2004).
Alistair Cooke's Last Letter
In Alistair Cooke's last letter, he considers how the war in Iraq is a key element in the run-up to the US Presidential Election.
2/20/2004 • 13 minutes, 15 seconds
How WWI turned slimming into a fashion
Alistair Cooke recalls how slimming became fashionable during the food shortages that followed the First World War.
2/13/2004 • 13 minutes, 12 seconds
Encounters with Intelligence
Alistair Cooke looks at the meaning of 'intelligence' and recounts how he was mistaken for a spy during World War II.
2/6/2004 • 13 minutes, 22 seconds
Was Saddam a Threat or Not?
Alistair Cooke discusses the resignation of the US chief weapons inspector, Dr David Kay.
1/30/2004 • 13 minutes, 8 seconds
The Day of the GP is Over
Alistair Cooke remembers the days before specialisation when doctors in the USA used to make house calls.
1/23/2004 • 13 minutes, 31 seconds
Temperatures Drop
Alistair Cooke thinks back to a winter in Palm Beach, as Arctic weather hits the northern states.
1/16/2004 • 13 minutes, 30 seconds
Not Worth Talking About
Alistair Cooke refuses to join the throng of commentators writing themselves into exhaustion about the presidential candidates.
1/9/2004 • 13 minutes, 16 seconds
The Problem with Sport
With the New Year unfolding, Alistair Cooke wonders what makes people favour athletic prowess over academic skill.
1/2/2004 • 13 minutes, 22 seconds
Pork Barrel Politics
As the United States enters an election year, Alistair Cooke describes how congressmen will be trying to secure re-appointment.
12/26/2003 • 13 minutes, 51 seconds
Birth of a Christmas Fairy Tale
Alistair Cooke recalls the circumstances that led to the creation of Charles Dickens' most famous story.
12/19/2003 • 13 minutes
Looking for an Anniversary
If in doubt, find an anniversary! Alistair Cooke remembers when the centenary of Queen Victoria receiving the Koh-I-Noor diamond helped him out of a tricky situation.
12/12/2003 • 13 minutes, 32 seconds
Why the War Couldn't Wait
Alistair Cooke examines why it is so difficult to establish democracy in Iraq.
12/5/2003 • 12 minutes, 15 seconds
Healthy Eating
Alistair Cooke looks back at the history of Thanksgiving in the light of modern concerns about healthy eating.
11/28/2003 • 13 minutes, 55 seconds
Chinese Textile Tariffs
Alistair Cooke compares tariffs set on Chinese imports with similar attempts to protect America's home economy with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff during the great depression.
11/21/2003 • 13 minutes, 59 seconds
The Appetite for War
In anticipation of George Bush's visit to Europe, Alistair Cooke examines how the announcement of casualty numbers influences the public's appetite for war.
11/14/2003 • 13 minutes, 8 seconds
Social Lion and Remarkable Architect
Alistair Cooke celebrates the architectural achievements of Stanford White, amongst them Madison Square Gardens.
11/7/2003 • 13 minutes, 26 seconds
Towering Glass and Steel
Forty years on Alistair Cooke examines the knock on effect of the destruction of the original Pennsylvania Station.
10/31/2003 • 13 minutes, 12 seconds
The Pledge of Allegiance
Alistair Cooke examines the Pledge of Allegiance and its role in an increasingly secular society.
10/24/2003 • 13 minutes, 1 second
Separated by Language
Alistair Cooke was unable to give his talk. In this repeat, from October 1998, Alistair Cooke muses on curious linguistic differences between America and England.
10/17/2003 • 13 minutes, 27 seconds
The California Election
Alistair Cooke contemplates the result of the Californian Election and Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as governor.
10/10/2003 • 13 minutes, 50 seconds
I am a Jelly Doughnut
Alistair Cooke examines the roles Robert Lochner and Alexander Butterfield have played in American state affairs over the past four decades, including JF Kenndy's speech "Ich bin ein Berliner".
10/3/2003 • 13 minutes, 34 seconds
Why it Costs so Much to Rebuild Iraq
Alistair Cooke asks why it is costing so much to rebuild Iraq and seizes the launch of a four-bladed razor to analyse the process of shaving.
9/26/2003 • 13 minutes, 42 seconds
A Category Five Hurricane
Alistair Cooke tells us two stories because in times of great stress - and waiting for hurricane Isabel is stressful - people have told stories.
9/19/2003 • 13 minutes, 43 seconds
In Memory of Henry Longhurst
Alistair Cooke celebrates the life of golfing correspondent and commentator Henry Longhurst.
9/12/2003 • 13 minutes, 31 seconds
A Million Iraqis Will Get the Message
Alistair Cooke contrasts the "crisis" in the tennis world with that in Iraq and bemoans the lack of sports stars who can put their troubles in perspective.
9/5/2003 • 11 minutes, 44 seconds
The Drastic Social Change in a Once Genteel Game
Alistair Cooke examines why how tennis at Wimbledon and across the globe reconciles traditional values with the modern world.
8/29/2003 • 13 minutes, 16 seconds
It Seemed like Doomsday at the Time
Alistair Cooke contemplates the importance of electricity in the light of recent power cuts in New York and Baghdad.
8/22/2003 • 13 minutes, 24 seconds
Some Colourful Legends are Based in Fact
Upon receiving a letter containing a Winston Churchill legend, Alistair Cooke remembers some more myths surrounding other famous characters.
8/15/2003 • 13 minutes, 15 seconds
Healing the Alliance Against Terrorism
Given the failure to reach consensus at the UN on how to tackle terrorism, Alistair Cooke reassesses his letter of 1998 discussing Bill Clinton's failure to get his way at the UN.
8/8/2003 • 12 minutes, 35 seconds
The Original Fast Talker
Following the death of two centenarians, Alistair Cooke discusses Bob Hope and Lord Shawcross and how their longevity relates to the pensions crisis.
8/1/2003 • 13 minutes, 13 seconds
It's Dangerous for Journalists to Retire
Alistair Cooke rejects the thought of retirement but contemplates the pastime of golf in the light of recent scientific studies.
7/25/2003 • 13 minutes, 41 seconds
The Power of a Phrase
Alistair Cooke examines the power of the catchphrase whether it be "uranium from Africa"; "winds of change"or "I was brainwashed".
7/18/2003 • 12 minutes, 48 seconds
Americans Choose Tony Blair
Alistair Cooke reflects on why Americans seem to trust Tony Blair more than their own president, George Bush.
7/11/2003 • 13 minutes, 54 seconds
Meeting the Stars
Alistair Cooke remembers meeting Ronald Colman and Katherine Hepburn.
7/4/2003 • 13 minutes, 9 seconds
Were We Misled into War?
Alistair Cooke asks whether the invasion of Iraq was based on a false premise: the existence of hidden weapons.
6/27/2003 • 13 minutes, 1 second
The Maddest and Most Criminal of Tyrants
Alistair Cooke examines tyrants who commit mass murder and compares Stalin with Hitler.
6/20/2003 • 12 minutes, 53 seconds
Dramatic Turns of History
Alistair Cooke contemplates how some political decisions change the entire course of world history by examining Saddam Hussain's decision to invade Kuwait.
6/13/2003 • 13 minutes, 2 seconds
Who Shall Police the Policemen?
Alistair Cooke asks how we can police the world in a time of modern terrorist conflict since America's founding fathers never legislated for an "undeclared" war.
6/6/2003 • 13 minutes, 13 seconds
Don't Pollute the Enemy's Water
Alistair Cooke questions how much confidence people should have in the military, the President, and in Congress.
5/30/2003 • 13 minutes, 50 seconds
The Creator of the Talent Industry
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the life and work of "the Oracle" Mark McCormack.
5/23/2003 • 13 minutes, 31 seconds
Tackling the Looters
Alistair Cooke contemplates how to prevent Iraq from descending into anarchy.
5/16/2003 • 13 minutes, 30 seconds
Today's News is Tomorrow's Collectors' Item
Alistair Cooke explains how Leo Szilard, a little know Hungarian refugee, helped stop World War II.
5/9/2003 • 13 minutes, 12 seconds
No More Wine and Roses
Alistair Cooke reflects on how the desert town of Las Vegas became the biggest tourist honey trap.
5/2/2003 • 13 minutes, 10 seconds
Taking it to the Brink
Unions, strikes and last minute negotiation talks blot out world catastrophes for Alistair Cooke.
4/25/2003 • 13 minutes, 19 seconds
The Lessons of Potsdam
Alistair Cooke considers how people can become desensitised to the horrifying images of war, using Winston Churchill's Potsdam experience for reference.
4/18/2003 • 12 minutes, 47 seconds
Saint Carlo
Alistair Cooke considers how to grow old successfully and pays tribute Dr. Carlo Urbani, the man who pioneered Doctors Without Borders.
4/11/2003 • 13 minutes, 22 seconds
Senator Moynihan: A Social Conscience
Alistair Cooke pays tribute to the brilliant and eccentric former senator, Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
4/4/2003 • 13 minutes, 32 seconds
The Anxiety of War
Alistair Cooke reflects of the casualties of war and losing friendships to time.
3/28/2003 • 13 minutes, 16 seconds
America invades Iraq
36 hours into the war with Iraq, Alistair Cooke considers the public and political support for the war and George Bush's lack of diplomacy.
3/21/2003 • 13 minutes, 36 seconds
Avoiding the Scourge of War
Alistair Cooke considers the ineffectiveness of the UN as an enforcing power and retells the history of Washington DC.
3/14/2003 • 13 minutes, 26 seconds
The Flaws of the UN?
Alistair Cooke reflects on the lives of three extraordinary men; Sir Alexander Cadogan, Philip Larkin and Mister Rogers.
3/7/2003 • 13 minutes, 27 seconds
The Secret of Life
Alistair Cooke looks back to the discovery of the chemical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid - slangily known as DNA.
2/28/2003 • 13 minutes, 35 seconds
A Planet of Snow
Alistair Cooke considers how cold winters affect New York's economy and reflects on his experience of 26 inches of snow on Boxing Day 1947.
2/21/2003 • 13 minutes, 6 seconds
Nobody is Breathing Fire and Smoke
Alistair Cooke considers how much caution should be taken when the National Security threat level is raised to 'imminent attacks'.
2/14/2003 • 13 minutes, 42 seconds
John Glenn at the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster funeral
Alistair Cooke reflects on astronaut John Glenn's eventful earth landing in his Mercury capsule, Friendship 7.
2/7/2003 • 12 minutes, 28 seconds
Peace For Our Time
Alistair Cooke explains how he is haunted by the similarities between the beginnings of World War Two and the current crisis in Iraq.
1/31/2003 • 13 minutes, 19 seconds
Getting Away From It All
Alistair Cooke ponders on how to relax when the body can no longer use physical exercise as a release.
1/24/2003 • 12 minutes, 14 seconds
Sharing the Water
Alistair Cooke considers California's drought worries and contemplates how to split resources like water equally.
1/17/2003 • 13 minutes, 38 seconds
Big Brother is Watching
Alistair Cooke explores the branch of the US Homeland Security System which has the power to keep files on anybody in the country who gives off even a whiff of suspicion.
1/10/2003 • 13 minutes, 54 seconds
Security and Psychic Powers
Alistair Cooke considers security in Times Square on New Year's Eve, a Chinese immigrant who took a prophet to court, and the apparent lack of professional predictions for 2003.
1/3/2003 • 12 minutes, 34 seconds
Christmas Reflections
Alistair Cooke contemplates the meaning of Christmas as it is celebrated now, and remembers the Christmases' of three famous men.
12/27/2002 • 12 minutes, 53 seconds
The Daily Sweat of Politics
Alistair Cooke ponders the daily grind of politics, and the struggle of President Lyndon Johnson in getting the whole idea of Medicare turned into law and made a reality.
12/20/2002 • 13 minutes, 54 seconds
Remembering a Dear Friend
Upon the death of a dear friend we are told a secret about President Kennedy that Alistair Cooke has kept for a lifetime
12/13/2002 • 13 minutes, 30 seconds
The Marshall Plan
Alistair Cooke ponders Britain's anti-American feelings and George W Bush's obsession with Saddam Hussein.
12/6/2002 • 13 minutes, 47 seconds
Patriotism, Thanksgiving - and Apple Sauce
Alistair Cooke looks back to the origins of the festival and remembers the day in 1938 when Franklin D Roosevelt declared 24 November to be "a day of general Thanksgiving".
11/29/2002 • 13 minutes, 25 seconds
Armageddon Can Wait
Alistair Cooke contemplates what he considers to be; 'the striking resemblance of the events of the past year or so to the chronicles of the Bible'.
11/22/2002 • 13 minutes, 8 seconds
Iraq's Midsummer Nightmare
Alistair Cooke considers the US congressional elections and the passing of the United Nations Security Council resolution of warning to Saddam Hussein.
11/15/2002 • 13 minutes, 8 seconds
When the Miraculous Computer Fails
Alistair Cooke explains why 31 small and rarely mentioned American political parties can be all important in US elections and what happens when the polling computer stops working.
11/8/2002 • 12 minutes, 33 seconds
All Politics is Local
Alistair Cooke recalls his very odd introduction to American politics; explains why Boston's top politicians have always been Irish and why all politics is really local.
11/1/2002 • 13 minutes, 52 seconds
Implement Me No Directives!
Alistair Cooke contemplates the excellence of the Old Testament as a work of literature, Churchill's use of language and the wording of UN treaties.
10/25/2002 • 13 minutes, 43 seconds
Heaven on the Half Shell
Alistair Cooke ponders the topics he chooses for his essays, his memories of San Francisco and the historical connection between China and California.
10/18/2002 • 13 minutes, 12 seconds
Protest for Peace
Alistair Cooke considers drafting during the American Civil War, anti-war protesters, rioting and the history and nature of Al Qaeda .
10/11/2002 • 13 minutes, 55 seconds
What the American People Want
Alistair Cooke examines the relationship between politicians and public opinion, as well as the life and polling discoveries of George H Gallup.
10/4/2002 • 12 minutes, 51 seconds
Watch out for Isidore
Alistair Cooke ponders names - the names of hurricanes, black Christian names and biblical names, as well as phonetics and the recital alphabet.
9/27/2002 • 12 minutes, 51 seconds
President Kennedy had Just had a Nasty Shock
Alistair Cooke considers the Cuban missile crisis, weapons inspections in Iraq and the scandal of Richard Nixon's membership of an all white golf club.
9/20/2002 • 11 minutes, 59 seconds
It's Been Hard Convincing Allies that it's War
Alistair Cooke reflects on the anniversary of the September 11 attacks and considers a type of warfare so new that some European generals can't be convinced it is war at all.
9/13/2002 • 13 minutes, 1 second
President Bush II has never been busier, 2002
Alistair Cooke reflects on President George Bush's recent holiday and considers the workload of "the most powerful man in the world" with reference to the Iraq crisis.
9/6/2002 • 12 minutes, 55 seconds
Fireworks over Manhattan
Alistair Cooke talks about the US Open tennis championships ceremony paying tribute to heroes of 9/11 and how former NY mayor David Dinkins loved tennis.
8/30/2002 • 13 minutes, 11 seconds
If in Doubt, Find an Anniversary
Alistair Cooke explores the weird and wonderful anniversaries of 1902, including how the teddy bear was named, the zipper and American slang.
8/23/2002 • 12 minutes, 23 seconds
Cool it, Man!
Alistair Cooke talks about floods in Europe; Dresden damage during WWII; air conditioning & the heatwave; forest fires; floods in Mississippi.
8/16/2002 • 12 minutes, 19 seconds
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Whilst the warship, Monitor, is dredged out of the Atlantic Ocean, Alistair Cooke reflects that Europe’s reliance on the UN for sanctions against Saddam Hussein is an 'easy cop out'.
8/9/2002 • 11 minutes, 47 seconds
Dead Cat Bounce
Alistair Cooke on the US stock market; the trapped Pennsylvania miners; troops required for invasion of Iraq and Pope John Paul II's visit to Toronto.
8/2/2002 • 14 minutes
Am I My Brother's Keeper?
Alistair Cooke reflects on the generosity of Andrew Carnegie, and the vice of greed within philanthropy.
7/26/2002 • 13 minutes, 14 seconds
The Avenues to Express Greed had Grown
Whilst corporate fraud and greed hit the news headlines, Alistair Cooke considers the complicated language used by Alan Greenspan to calm the stock markets. Plus, he explores the education choice in 1951 for a young black girl.
7/19/2002 • 13 minutes, 23 seconds
Don't Name it, Cure it
Alistair Cooke considers his shifting habits and examines what President George W Bush is doing about fraudulent financial deals by corporations and, allegedly, Bush himself.
7/12/2002 • 13 minutes, 23 seconds
The Old West
Alistair Cooke on why Deadman Flat is the closest the public can get to the G8 conference; why sweat shops are good for their workers; the Duke of Norfolk and the Fourth of July.
7/5/2002 • 13 minutes, 26 seconds
American Policy has One Main Aim
A letter from a student leads Alistair Cooke to consider anti-semitism in New York, and the ramifications of President Truman's decision to help found and protect an Israeli Jewish state.
6/28/2002 • 13 minutes, 13 seconds
Goldfinger is Still Alive and Well
Alistair Cooke remembers Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the second Gulf War and the brutal repression of the Kurds and considers the continuing threat posed by Saddam Hussein.
6/21/2002 • 12 minutes, 16 seconds
The Last of the Old Time Gangsters
Alistair Cooke considers the life and death of infamous American Mafia boss John Gotti.
6/14/2002 • 13 minutes, 12 seconds
A Ruin Running to the Horizon
Alistair Cooke reflects on the wreckage of the Twin Towers, a vast canyon in the heart of Manhattan and how the ramifications of 9/11 stretch from school children to horse racing.
6/7/2002 • 13 minutes, 33 seconds
Fountains and Trade Wars
Alistair Cooke examines George Bush's visit to Europe in the midst of a trade war and reflects on why you can't have plastic surgery if you want a personality.
5/31/2002 • 13 minutes, 39 seconds
Secret of Eternal Youth
Alistair Cooke on the elderly residents of Florida who think they've discovered the state's legendary fountain of youth and the alleged forewarning of the September 11 attacks.
5/24/2002 • 13 minutes, 59 seconds
Joy and Sorrow for the Libertarians
Alistair Cooke on the libertarian Cato institute, economist Milton Friedman, why China's newfound capitalism is fully sanctioned by Marx and the massive deficits of US states.
5/17/2002 • 13 minutes, 31 seconds
Princes of the Church Live as Princes of the World
Alistair Cooke talks about airport security on a war footing; deep vein thrombosis, and how the Roman Catholic church uses canon law to protect its clergy.
5/10/2002 • 13 minutes, 39 seconds
New York: How are you Doing?
Alistair Cooke on the psychological damage done to New York school children by the September 11 attacks and the prevalence of al Qaeda cells in countries allied with the US.
5/3/2002 • 13 minutes, 16 seconds
The Catholic Church and Child Sex Abuse
Alistair Cooke considers the scandals of child sex abuse by clergy in the Roman Catholic church and the role of bishops and cardinals in enabling abusers.
4/26/2002 • 13 minutes, 50 seconds
A Window of Relief
Alistair Cooke explains the exhausting effects of transcontinental flight and examines the split between the Democrats and Republicans over the attitude of Ariel Sharon.
4/19/2002 • 13 minutes, 12 seconds
Middle East: Mind Your Language
Alistair Cooke examines the historical roots of US involvement in the conflict between Isreal and the Palestinians and why, when it comes to treaties, even the smallest words count.
4/12/2002 • 13 minutes, 7 seconds
Medical Buzz Words
Alistair Cooke considers the use of medical buzz words such as virus and Alzheimer’s.
4/5/2002 • 13 minutes, 11 seconds
Persian Poets Need Not Apply
Alistair Cooke considers the contrasting ways in which English and American high schools teach science and the difference a scientific education makes in every field.
3/29/2002 • 13 minutes, 11 seconds
The Unsung Heroes
Alistair Cooke praises unseen fighter pilots protecting New York and examines the stepping-up of internal security and the publication of a list of nuclear threats to the US.
3/22/2002 • 13 minutes, 31 seconds
Memory of a True Great
Alistair Cooke explores the difficult and exceptional life of champion American golfer, lawyer, scholar and engineer Robert Tyre Jones.
3/15/2002 • 13 minutes, 32 seconds
The Day the Money Stopped
Alistair Cooke recalls his personal experience of the day in 1933 when every bank in America shut and the lessons it taught him about how economies work.
3/8/2002 • 13 minutes, 4 seconds
High Noon
Alistair Cooke offers his view of the flawed ideology behind the idea of an "axis of evil" and the US's relationship with its traditional allies and its many new ones.
3/1/2002 • 13 minutes, 18 seconds
Giuliani Receives Knighthood
Why shouldn't Rudolph Giuliani receive a knighthood? Alistair Cooke reveals the historical objections and misconceptions of America's relationship with honours.
2/22/2002 • 13 minutes, 5 seconds
The Next Step for the USA
Alistair Cooke expresses his concern about the US government's conception of an "axis of evil", their desire to invade Iraq and the possible restraining power of the UN.
2/15/2002 • 13 minutes, 12 seconds
Pork and Dogs
Alistair Cooke explains why we should all be interested in the President's budget; the new found importance of US homeland defence and the pork barrel metaphor.
2/8/2002 • 12 minutes, 57 seconds
Aftermath of War
Alistair Cooke examines the ever changing nature of war, the history of four Geneva Conventions and argues the case for a new convention for a new type of war.
2/1/2002 • 13 minutes, 39 seconds
Batten Down the Hatches
Alistair Cooke examines the very real impact of inaccurate weather forecasts; the fall of Enron and the new US foreign policy being enacted at Guantanamo Bay.
1/25/2002 • 13 minutes, 27 seconds
Living Like a Queen
Alistair Cooke wonders, upon considering the reality, why anyone would want to live like a Queen and examines the lifestyles of US presidents.
1/18/2002 • 13 minutes, 28 seconds
There's No Place Like Home
Alistair Cooke on how an unlikely political allegiance is transforming American education, the altered state of US law making after September 11 and Milosevic at the Hague.
1/11/2002 • 13 minutes, 45 seconds
Ringing the Changes
Alistair Cooke considers change, the election of George W Bush, the transformation of Rudolph Giuliani after September 11 and Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New York.
1/4/2002 • 13 minutes, 29 seconds
Tears and Anthems
Alistair Cooke questions why hearing the American national anthem should be uniquely affecting since the attacks on September 11th.
12/28/2001 • 13 minutes, 52 seconds
The Messiah at Christmas
In the wake of 9/11, Alistair Cooke remembers introducing Bernstein to Handel's Messiah and admires the generosity of Tiger Woods. First broadcast 21 December 2001.
12/21/2001 • 13 minutes, 3 seconds
The Golden Gate
Alistair Cooke discusses the rumour of a potential attack on the San Francisco Bridge and the warnings by scientists about global warming.
12/14/2001 • 14 minutes, 19 seconds
Security, Civil Rights and New Laws
Alistair Cooke considers the political and ethical dilemmas of "racial profiling" at airports since September 11th.
12/7/2001 • 13 minutes, 58 seconds
The Terrorists' Trojan Horse
Alistair Cooke reflects on the horror of home grown terrorists used by al-Qaeda and other terrorist cells.
11/30/2001 • 13 minutes, 32 seconds
French forces in Afghanistan, November 2001
The coincidences between the assassinations of Abraham Lincoln and John F Kennedy. Plus, the UN debate on war with Afghanistan.
11/23/2001 • 13 minutes, 17 seconds
Project Space Guard
Alistair Cooke discusses the creation of The Space Guard Project, invented to eliminate potential extraterrestrial catastrophes.
11/16/2001 • 13 minutes, 2 seconds
The Stars and Stripes
Alistair Cooke reflects on the outpouring of patriotism and the outburst of flag hanging in response to the September 11th attacks.
11/9/2001 • 13 minutes, 52 seconds
The aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks
Alistair Cooke reflects on how America is coping in the aftermath of the terrorist attack on September 11th.
11/2/2001 • 14 minutes, 16 seconds
Living with anthrax
Whilst coping with the daily threat of possibly finding anthrax in the mail, Alistair Cooke reflects on how hope and fear are wrapped up within the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
10/26/2001 • 13 minutes, 7 seconds
In The Olden Time: Before 11 September
Alistair Cooke reflects on how the September 11th attack has changed the American psyche, and considers how letters filled with anthrax are exacerbating the problems.
10/19/2001 • 13 minutes, 42 seconds
Blair and Bush: The special relationship
Alistair Cooke questions the use of anxiety inducing warnings from the FBI of imminent terrorist attacks, the partiality towards singing the national anthem, and Tony Blair's popularity ratings in America.
10/12/2001 • 13 minutes, 38 seconds
Civil Rights and Censorship
Alistair Cooke compares the uses and abuses of civil rights and censorship by UK and US governments during wartime.
10/5/2001 • 13 minutes, 13 seconds
The "Loss of Eden"
Alistair Cooke considers the lifespan of a letter written by Einstein to warn the President of the power unleashed by nuclear reactions, and how terrorism is used by governments.
9/28/2001 • 13 minutes, 55 seconds
America on Standby
In the aftermath of September 11th, Alistair Cooke considers how the actions of New York City Mayor, Rudolph Giuliani, compare with the activities of President Bush and his government.
9/21/2001 • 13 minutes, 1 second
America's Day of Terror, 9/11
Alistair Cooke reflects on how he and the rest of the American population reacted to the World Trade Center terrorist attack on September 11th 2001.
9/14/2001 • 13 minutes, 35 seconds
A Conference Against Human Prejudice
Alistair Cooke likens the problems arising from the UN Convention on racism to those found on and off the professional tennis court.
9/7/2001 • 13 minutes, 23 seconds
The Threat from Wobbling Warheads
Alistair Cooke reflects on President Bush's determination to build an all-embracing defence missile shield.
8/31/2001 • 12 minutes, 18 seconds
Financial Wizards and Economic Prophecy
Alistair Cooke reflects on the worldwide pandemic of economic decline.
8/24/2001 • 13 minutes, 58 seconds
Life, Death and Medical Research
A coma patient kept on life support for 22 years makes Alistair Cooke consider the complex political and ethical issues of medical advancement.
8/17/2001 • 13 minutes, 8 seconds
Golf: It's a Very Difficult Game
An special mixed-couples golf match that paired Tiger Woods with Annika Sorenstam, and David Duval with Karrie Webb, inspires Alistair Cooke to reflect on his most beloved sport, golf.
8/10/2001 • 13 minutes, 45 seconds
East meets West
Alistair Cooke explores Europe's ignorance of America's long and continuous concern with Pacifica and the Far East.
8/3/2001 • 13 minutes, 44 seconds
Policies and Popularity
Whilst Presidential poll ratings stagnate, Alistair Cooke considers the affect of policies on George Bush's popularity.
7/27/2001 • 13 minutes, 54 seconds
Stem Cell Brain Drain
Alistair Cooke debates the ethical and political difficulties surrounding human embryo stem cell research.
7/20/2001 • 13 minutes, 26 seconds
Secret Service Secrets
Alistair Cooke considers the private and public life of a President as George Bush takes his presidential vacation with a small army of domestic and overseas reporters.
7/13/2001 • 12 minutes, 57 seconds
Ringing the Changes!
Whilst fireworks burn brightly in the sky, Alistair Cooke reflects on the celebrations that take place every 4th of July to commemorate US independence, and the women's finals at Wimbledon.
7/6/2001 • 13 minutes, 33 seconds
Changing Tastes: 25 Years of Social Taboos
Alistair Cooke reflects on the changing social taboos and bigotries over the past quarter of a century.
6/29/2001 • 13 minutes, 49 seconds
Wake Up to Summer
Alistair Cooke reflects on how people switch their political interests from the national to the local and the talents of the mocking bird.
6/22/2001 • 14 minutes, 17 seconds
Diplomacy and Public Relations
Alistair Cooke considers President Bush's political blueprints for his European policy discussions.
6/15/2001 • 13 minutes, 4 seconds
Prescription for a Pessimist
After taking a break from the news in an attempt to remain light-hearted in the face of huge world problems, Alistair Cooke reflects on his timeout, and how news reports affect a person’s psyche.
6/8/2001 • 13 minutes, 58 seconds
Life's a Gamble!
Alistair Cooke reflects on the political centrism occuring in both the US and the UK. He considers the new conservatism of the Labour party in Britain, and the differences between the Democrats and Republicans in the US.
6/1/2001 • 13 minutes, 57 seconds
The City that Waits
Alistair Cooke examines how earthquakes in San Francisco are over shadowed by power problems, and reflects on President George W. Bush's reduction in foreign policy.
5/25/2001 • 13 minutes, 45 seconds
California Dreaming
Alistair Cooke considers arguments surrounding the power failure crisis in California and explores the deregulation of resources.
5/18/2001 • 14 minutes, 16 seconds
A Universal Shout
Alistair Cooke reflects on how the credibility of the United Nations has been eroded, and how a "universal shout" of anti-Americanism has echoed around the world.
5/11/2001 • 12 minutes, 34 seconds
The Supreme Court
Alistair Cooke reflects on the Supreme Court and the way in which it makes its decisions.
5/4/2001 • 13 minutes, 23 seconds
The Media Just Love Anniversaries - However Grim
Alistair Cooke examines the media depiction of violence and reviews the coverage of the second anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting.
4/27/2001 • 13 minutes, 49 seconds
Trilbies are Fashionable Again!
Alistair Cooke considers the unfashionable problem of carbon dioxide emissions and the renewed amour for trilby wearing.
4/20/2001 • 13 minutes, 58 seconds
Déjà Vu All Over Again
Alistair Cooke reflects on the crash landing of an American spy plane on a Chinese island.
4/13/2001 • 14 minutes, 4 seconds
A Hero's Welcome: John McCain is Back!
Alistair Cooke considers Senator John McCain's campaign funding reform bill.
4/6/2001 • 13 minutes, 53 seconds
The Entire Civilised World is Shocked Beyond Civilised Expression
Alistair Cooke reflects on President George W. Bush's decision not to support the Kyoto Treaty.
3/30/2001 • 13 minutes, 39 seconds
Bush Leads from the Right
Alistair Cooke considers the first two months of George W. Bush in the White House.
3/23/2001 • 13 minutes, 22 seconds
Sounding the Alarm to Farmers
Alistair Cooke reflects on the foot and mouth epidemic affecting Britain, and the ban implemented by America on all living animals imported from Europe.
3/16/2001 • 13 minutes, 53 seconds
The Vice Presidency and a Precaution Against Death
Alistair Cooke considers the health of the American vice-president, Dick Cheney, and wonders whether the Senate could pass President Bush's tax bill and make it law.
3/9/2001 • 13 minutes, 16 seconds
A Villain of American History
Alistair Cooke is shocked by the results from a national poll asking US citizens to name the four greatest presidents in American history.
3/2/2001 • 13 minutes, 43 seconds
The Scandal of Pardons and White House Furniture
The controversial Clinton exit inspires Alistair Cooke to investigate past presidents' departures from the White House.
2/23/2001 • 13 minutes, 43 seconds
From Shirtsleeves to Shirt Sleeves in Three Generations
Alistair Cooke reflects on the generations of wealthy families who prosper or loose it all.
2/16/2001 • 13 minutes, 47 seconds
Famous and Good Intermediate Clowns
Alistair Cooke remarks on the cynicism of old motion picture comic WC Fields and considers George W Bush's push to decentralise government.
2/9/2001 • 13 minutes, 54 seconds
How am I doing?
Alistair Cooke investigates the quirky work habits of past US presidents, including Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and Calvin Coolidge.
2/2/2001 • 13 minutes, 52 seconds
A Precautionary Bit of Advice
Alistair Cooke compares the colourful characters of past US presidents, including Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan and Harry S Truman.
1/26/2001 • 14 minutes, 17 seconds
Grandiose Inaugurations we Have Known
Alistair Cooke compares Andrew Jackson's rowdy inauguration with that of George W Bush.
1/19/2001 • 13 minutes, 51 seconds
First and Foremost Bureaucrats
A childhood fishing trip becomes more poignant to Alistair Cooke after discovering that the North Sea is falling victim to water pollution.
1/12/2001 • 14 minutes, 7 seconds
The Magic of the Internet?
Alistair Cooke contemplates whether the internet really is the miracle cure for the US economy.
