Chinese President Jiang's 1997 visit to America to meet President Clinton, the dangers of a strong Chinese economy, and Saddam Hussein's threat to shoot down planes over Iraq.

Alistair Cooke discusses the reality of wind chill, questionnaires for appointing cabinet officers and the secrets to old age.

Alistair Cooke explains how America was able to wait patiently for the confirmation of their new president, George Bush.

Alistair Cooke contemplates the pros and cons of democracy and the role of America's Electoral College.

Alistair Cooke asks whether the doubts about the result of the Florida vote are paralysing America's government.

Alistair Cooke examines the voting irregularities of 1876 and applies the lessons learned from them to the current electoral crisis in Florida.

Alistair Cooke looks at the origins of Thanksgiving and seasonal trends in food.

The various legal issues underlying the failure to elect either George W Bush or Al Gore as president are explained by Alistair Cooke.

Given the closeness of the recent election, Alistair Cooke asks what sort of mandate the next President will really possess.

Democrat or Republican? Gore or Bush? Who will be the next President? Alistair Cooke reviews the two candidates.

Alistair Cooke looks forward with pleasure to the Presidential election and an end to wall-to-wall lobbying and advertising.

Alistair Cooke celebrates the life and work of diarist James Agate and contemplates how he would have approached the pressing issues of the modern world. .

Alistair Cook considers two conflicts - the rioting in Jerusalem and the revolution in Belgrade.

With a presidential election a month or so away, Alistair Cook ponders the history of the American presidential debates.

Whilst the rising price of gasoline (or petrol to the European listener) is casusing a problem across both Europe and the US, Alistair Cooke considers who, if anyone, is really to blame for this big oil situation.

In the midst of the reporting from the Sydney Olympic Games, Alistair Cooke is surprised by an article detailing the legal status of prostitution in Australia. Whilst reviewing the article he reflects on the eternal struggle between political idealism and reality.

In the run up to the presidential election Alistair Cooke considers the affect of the poll ratings, Governor Bush's language gaffs and personality contests.

Alistair Cooke examines the lengths athletes go to for sporting success and reflects on the history of bodily enhancement through drugs, hormones and exercise techniques.

Alistair Cooke considers the American passion for trusting in God and how religion is linked to the American constitutional rights.

Alistair Cooke considers the tragic sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk and what public reaction in Russia has revealed about the government's relationship with it's people.

Alistair Cooke talks about the colossal forest fires raging across the United States and explains how they've started to become an issue of political partisanship.

Alistair Cooke explains the origins of the American political phrases "carpet bagger" and "running mate" as well as the role of the vice president.

Alistair Cooke considers the outdated presidential nominating conventions and remembers the dramatic evenings of the longest ballot in US history.

On the eve of the political parties choosing a nominee for the presidency of the United States, Alistair Cooke remembers some previous party conventions.

Alistair Cooke evaluates the effect of the news blackouts surrounding the Israel and Palestinian peace talks and reflects on their joint history and turbulent relationship.

Alistair Cooke remembers George Gallup, the man whose scientific polling method changed the study of government and public opinion forever.

Alistair Cooke bends his alphabet into a metaphysical helix in order to gain an understanding of the human genome.

On the 50th anniversary of the United Nation's Korean War Alistair Cooke remembers the conflict that was often called the "forgotten war", including how the veto clause was written into the UN charter.

Alistair Cooke ponders on how long the ordinary American family has been paying attention to Father's Day and is worried by the great festival of consumerism.

In light of a new vedict surrounding the visiting rights of grandparents, Alistair Cooke reflects on the pace at which the Supreme Court makes its decisions.

Alistair Cooke reflects on how President Clinton is polishing up his political legacy with his recent Chinese and Russian treaty summits.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the beginning of the national obsession with cholesterol and the scientific study which proved eating too much meat is bad for you.

If the mother of invention is necessity, then Alistair Cooke reflects that the father is resistance. In the light of unions disagreeing to trade with China, he reflects that all inventions meet with resistance at first...including dishwashers.

After a shock announcement from New York City Mayor Giuliani, Alistair Cooke considers when the taboo of writing about the private life of prominent politicians was lifted.

Whilst the House of Representatives vote on granting China permanent trading privileges, Alistair Cooke considers San Francisco's law against sizeism.

The life and times of a colourful character in American theatre - David Merrick - are remembered by Alistair Cooke.

Alistair Cooke examines the legal battle to declare six year old Cuban Elian Gonzalez eligible for permanent asylum in the US and the political ramifications of the case.

After the New York stock exchange plunges more than 600 points, periods of boom and bust are remembered by Alistair Cook.

Alistair Cooke examines whether questions on the US census invade individuals' privacy and explores the uses of private information.

While technology stocks are puzzling financial experts, Alistair Cook wonders what alternative sources will be found to create energy.

Alistair Cooke considers the ramifications of the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power station and the Pope's apology for the Catholic Church's sins against unbelievers.

Alistair Cooke discusses the case of 6 year old Cuban Elian Gonzalez, the sole survivor of a group of would-be illegal immigrants whose boat capsized off the Florida coast.

Recalling a misleading first impression of America, Alistair Cook examines St. Patrick's Day celebrations and the influence of Irish immigrants on the Democratic Party.

Alistair Cook looks at the rise and fall of Senator John McCain - briefly a challenger to George W Bush to be the Republican party's candidate in the forthcoming election.

America's tricky relationship with Taiwan is under the spotlight as the country enrages China by ordering $6bn of warships from the US.

Alistair Cook considers how a meeting of Opec and the price of oil may ultimately affect the future of the US more than Republican primaries.

Alistair Cooke commemorates the life of Charles Schultz, the creator of the comic strip characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy and Woodstock.

Considering America's financial situation, Alistair Cook remembers a forgotten lesson: the folly of economic prophecy.

Reflecting on the history of how political parties choose their candidates, Alistair Cook finds that the conventions have become coronations, and hails the power of the primary.

Following North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms's scolding lecture to the United Nations, Alistair Cook reviews how his message was received.

Upon finding that "Fur is back" Alistair Cook reasons America's climate is the reason it never actually went away.

Alistair Cook takes in the story of Rip Van Winkle as he tries (and fails) to make sense of the multi-million dollar tie up between Time Warner and America Online.

Alistair Cook discusses the global televised countdown to the millennium; Russian president Boris Yeltsin's resignation, and the audacity of Mr Putin in praising the Soviet secret police.

Alistair Cooke discusses the precautions being taken by the US government to minimise the potential damage to the banking and administration services from the millennium bug.

Whilst looking on the tasteful fairy lights of Park Avenue's festival decorations, Alistair Cooke reflects on how, not so long ago, Christmas had a reputation of debauchery.

A vintage edition of Letter from America, first broadcast in December 1967. Alistair Cooke muses on parking tickets for senators and tells a Christmas story.

Passive smoking fears make Alistair Cooke evaluate the cleanliness of the air around us. Plus, he adds a postscript to his evaluation of the protest against the World Trade Organisation in Seattle.

Alistair Cooke discusses the protests against the World Trade Organisation convention in Seattle and argues that globalisation can no more be abolished than can the internet.

Whilst turkeys roast and yams bake, Alistair Cooke reflects on the traditions, history and recipes of the traditional American Thanksgiving.

Whilst President Clinton's visit to Oslo fizzed with pomp and glory, Alistair Cooke discusses how it managed to overshadow the real reason for going; a memorial service in honour of Yitzhak Rabin. Plus, he evaluates Tony Blair's banishment of hereditary peers in the House of Lords.

To commemorate 10 years since the fall of the Berlin wall, Alistair Cooke explains why America paid so much attention to the city and the promise it held for democracy.

Upon visiting San Francisco, Alistair Cooke reflects on the ego-centric lives of city dwellers and the great assumptions that they make on a daily basis.

Under imminent attack from the All Hallows’ Eve celebrations, Alistair Cooke discusses the origins of Halloween, vampire legends, and the vulnerability of children "trick or treating".

Alistair Cooke compares the Boston Massacre with the rejection of a nuclear treaty, and explains how a good treaty can still be defeated by a few short-sighted people.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the European pleas to the US Senate to ratify the Test Ban Treaty, and compares it with the Senate's condemnation of 1919 Treaty of Versailles.

Alistair Cooke considers why the vices of greed, liquor, jingoism and bad taste should suddenly intrude on the spectator stands at sports events.

Alistair Cooke considers the etiquette of sport and reflects on the sad, infamous day that his beloved golf became a victim of audience hooliganism.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the affects of Hurricane Floyd - the massive untold story of the rain it dumped on inland towns and how it lifted the rivers.

Alistair Cooke examines the over-sensationalism within the British Press towards a parasitic virus affecting New York and examines the damage of hurricane Floyd.

Alistair Cooke reflects on his visit to a New York hospital, being exempt from jury service and Mayor Rudy Guiliani's recent stint as a juror.

Alistair Cooke critiques a thesis which believes America’s new National Policy is following in the footsteps of the British policies that foreshadowed World War Two.

Alistair Cooke reviews speculation on why the Russians and Chinese have chosen to hold "a friendly summit" and reflects on the non-confession of Governor Bush over cocaine use.

Alistair Cooke discusses the medical and social aspects of cigar smoking which is becoming fashionable again in the USA.

Whilst Congress tries to pass a huge tax cut before the summer recess, Alistair Cooke wonders how they could possibly predict the state of the economy in 2010.

Alistair Cooke reflects on preaching to the youth of today and is staggered by two little words – "British Citizen".

Alistair Cooke discusses his admiration for Ernest Hemingway and provides his own comical parody of his writing style.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the hysterical press coverage of John F. Kennedy Junior's plane crash, and is heartened by a NATO led environmental survey in Yugoslavia.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the long held belief of sports journalist Henry Longhurst that many forms of sporting contests do more harm to international relations than good.

Alistair Cooke concedes to his hot weather house arrest by reflecting on the creation of air conditioning.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the golden parachute of retirement and Gloria Minoprio's first stand for women's liberty in the golf world.

Alistair Cooke reflects on why it takes so long for the judges in the Supreme Court to reach a verdict.

Alistair Cooke ponders on spontaneous protests and reveals what led up to Rosa Parks changing American history.

With the US in uproar about genetically modified crops, Alistair Cooke remembers other scientific discoveries which caused controversy in their creation.

Alistair Cooke explores how one man’s use of an electric golf buggy altered the meaning of a US disability law and remembers the UK’s struggle with daylight saving.

Alistair Cooke tries to forget the worrying events like the Balkan wars in the news by remembering some witticism and anecdotes.

Alistair Cooke reflects on Germaine Greer and the feminist movement, and the new US course to teach taxi drivers and other civil servants good manners.

After the bombing of a Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan, Alistair Cooke reflects on the subsequent souring of the American-Chinese relations.

The shootings by schoolboys in Columbine High School, Colorado and the long running fight between gun controllers and the National Rifle Association.

Alistair Cooke recalls his memories of 1949 when NATO was first created and considers the roles of the founding fathers.

On the 50th anniversary of NATO, Alistair Cooke considers the power it wealds, President Clinton's tactics and the use of exit strategies.

Alistair Cooke considers why the only senator running for office who will acknowledge the NATO war is Senator John McCain.

Alistair Cooke considers the power television has in reflecting the real images of war and peace since the abolition of front-line censorship.

In the light of NATO Airstrike against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Alistair Cooke reflects on the tactics of war from World War Two, to Vietnam, to the Gulf War.

Alistair Cooke considers the squawked warnings from two sides of the economic market plunge and the power held by Mr Alan Greenspan, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board.

Alistair Cooke considers how US Presidents keep flouting the War Powers Resolution, San Francisco's immigrant population and the use of bulk carriers in shipping.

In a tribute to the placid, talented, baseball player Joe DiMaggio, Alistair Cooke reflects on the character of a gentleman.

In the light of revelations about the CIA in Iraq, Alistair Cooke ponders the age old question; who watches the watchmen?

Alistair Cooke reflects on the influence of President Woodrow Wilson on redrawing the map of Europe after the First World War.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the political fallout of President Clinton’s impeachment trial and a pilots' strike.

Alistair Cooke celebrates Americans who've coined famous lines and concludes that "it aint over, till it's over" for President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial.

To commemorate the last wireless telegraph, Alistair Cooke reflects on the creation of Morse code and its most famous uses.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the ethical dilemmas that arise when the Pope visits the United States of America.

Alistair Cooke reflects on Clinton's State of the Union address and asks why the only national holiday named after a human being is Rev. Martin Luther King Day.

Alistair Cooke reports on the US Senate trial of President Bill Clinton, and reflects on some of the most interesting trials that he covered as a reporter.

In the light of the impeachment trial of President Clinton, Alistair Cooke remembers the only other presidential impeachment that occurred 130 years ago.

Alistair Cooke reflects on some of the more memorable moments of 1998.

American personal saving rates drop below zero and Alistair Cooke considers the economists who see this as good news, those who see it as bad and a culture that encourages credit.

The Operation Desert Fox bombing campaign begins in Iraq after the UN is refused access to weapons sites and Congress ponders whether Clinton should face an impeachment trial.

The House Judiciary Committee meets to decide on adoption of impeachment proceedings against Clinton Alistair Cooke considers this tortuous process and its likely outcome.

From New York to Sarajevo, Alistair Cooke considers the history and traditions of Thanksgiving celebrations, recent opposition and Churchill's first meeting with a turkey dinner.

How can America deal with Saddam Hussein's suspected nuclear and biological weapons in Iraq and does a resurgence in US financial markets conceal an unstable future?

Aaron Burgett's Alcatraz escape, a stolen premature baby and the decline of the summer bachelor; Alistair Cooke recalls his most popular and memorable talks of the last 52 years.

The aid effort begins after hurricane Mitch wreaks devastation in Honduras and Nicaragua and Alistair Cooke considers how relatively trivial news can distract from great disasters.

Clinton's Democrats gain seats in the 1998 midterm election, a first for a US ruling party since Roosevelt and 1934, California goes Democrat and Clinton regains his confidence.

The Republican use of the Lewinsky scandal against Clinton during Congressional elections seems to backfire. Considering the parallel of Grover Cleveland's illegitimate child.

As John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth prepares to return to space at the age of 77, Cooke remembers the extraordinary TV broadcast and Glenn's instant fame.

Remembering New York writer Jerome Weidman, Pulitzer prize winner and America's first 'street-smart novelist', Alistair Cooke considers the peculiarities of American English.

Misconceptions over the frequency of Presidential infidelities, recalling a time when the press never discussed a statesman's private life, and the impeachment process explained.

The Asian economic crisis expands into Brazil and Alistair Cooke considers that though there's little a President can do about economic problems, they will always get the blame.

Composer George Gershwin's life and music is remembered for the centenary of his birth and a consideration of the history and post-Soviet boom in Russian immigration to New York.

The life of George Wallace, reformed racial segregationist and Governor of Alabama is remembered and Alistair Cooke considers his anger and the humble truth of his repentance.

The Lewinsky report is published, the House of Representatives begins to consider evidence and impeachment and President Clinton asks for forgiveness.

The financial crash of August 1998, its causes and effects are compared with Alistair Cooke's memories of the first Black Monday in 1987 and the Black Thursday of 1929.

A subdued Clinton family holiday turns to political action as America launches cruise missile attacks on Sudan and Afghanistan and Clinton makes a revitalised public appearance.

President Clinton makes a televised confession of his affair with Monica Lewinsky: Alistair Cooke considers its inadequacy and the betrayal of those who trusted and supported him.

Senator Robert Bennett prepares the US to face millennial computer failure and Alistair Cooke considers the origin and potentially disastrous consequences of the Y2K glitch.

Proposition 227, to teach immigrant's children purely in English, passes in California and Alistair Cooke considers the infamous English of Polish Hollywood producer Sam Goldwyn.

President Clinton is subpoenaed to appear before Mr Starr's grand jury, the English origins of the US grand jury system and the flaws that led to it being abandoned in Britain.

Examining allegations that President Clinton persuaded Monica Lewinsky to give false testimony, Clinton's high approval rating and has Alan Greenspan noticed the heat wave?

The emergency caused by the 1998 Texas heatwave and should Clinton's Secret Service men be asked to testify in the Starr investigation into an alleged affair with Monica Lewinsky?

On the death of Roy Rogers (1911 -1998), the singing cowboy, Cooke considers the great film cowboys, Bruce Wayne, William S. Hart, Gary Cooper and the stuntman Yakima Canutt.

The rise and fall of tennis brats from the riot of McEnroe v Nastase, NYC 1979 to McEnroe's forfiet at the 1990 Australian Open and golf as the last refuge of chivalry in sport.

President Clinton visits China and Alistair Cooke considers US - China relations, their economic balance, disagreement over Taiwan and the changes since Nixon's visit in 1972.

US intervention in Japan's economy, Louise Woodward returns to the UK after her life sentence is reduced and Republican Trent Lott calls homosexuality a sin on national TV.

Considering religious freedom, anti-Catholic feeling, same-sex marriage, El Niño and renaming schools named after slave owners as Congress tidies around the edges of major issues.

Remembering Barry Goldwater, Alistair Cooke considers a most memorable defeated presidential candidate - the cowboy from Phoenix, Arizona who changed the Republican Party forever.

What happens if immigrants to America don't want to become Americans? Alistair Cooke considers assimilation, patriotism, Memorial Day and proposition 227.

Bill Gates' Microsoft faces a barrage of legal actions claiming that the Explorer web browser is a monopoly and Alistair Cooke considers the history of US anti-monopoly law.

India's 1998 nuclear tests take the US government by surprise and Alistair Cooke considers the vast changes in the daily burdens of the presidency since the 1920s.

The desire for a 'quick-fix', the false dawns of the daily medical miracle, the instant imitation of new inventions and excitement over a 'so-called' impotence pill.

The homogenisation of US life and media, California's lead in social legislation and two new Californian propositions on English for immigrants and labour union spending.

A history of US anti-smoking legislation, teenage smoking, the attempts of pro-tobacco lobbyists to cut a favourable deal and a draft bill which could cost them $516 billion.

The uncertain future of the investment bubble, US financial regulation, the lack of open reporting of financial figures in Asian countries and the effects of El Niño on weather.

The consequences Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the influence of the civil courts on pro-golf and a 9 year old girl's debunking of Therapeutic Touch.

Judge Wright throws out Paula Jones' civil prosecution of President Clinton for an alleged sexual assault in 1991. How will it affect the investigation of the Whitewater land deal?

The complexities and historical shifts of the interpretation of constitutional rights, freedom of speech and how to fly the American flag.

The controversies behind New York's St Patrick's Day Parade, US misconceptions about the status of Northern Ireland and American Irish historical memory of the famine of 1845/6.

Kosovo, Iraq, Haiti and Nicaragua: US rhetoric and responsibility for life and liberty abroad is compared to past problems of power and responsibility for the British Empire.

Bill Gates comes before the Senate Judiciary Committee accused of creating an internet browser monopoly and Alistair Cooke considers previous appearances from Rockefeller to Nixon.

Jerome Murray inventor of myriad conveniences, from the high speed dentist's drill to covered aeroplane boarding ramps, and the UN weapons inspection agreement with Saddam Hussein.

The investigative process which has led to the Clinton - Lewinsky allegations, the role of special prosecutor Starr, the grand jury and examining President Clinton's response.

The UN refuses to take united action against Saddam Hussein and Alistair Cooke considers America's movement towards and the potential problems of military action in Iraq.

The contradiction of Clinton's high approval rating and belief that he's lying, shifting taboos on reporting private life and the culture of social arbitration through law courts.

Tapes emerge alledging that Monica Lewinsky was asked to lie on oath about an affair with the President and Clinton delivers a dazzling state of the Union address.

Considering Cuba's remarkable economic survival after the loss of Soviet support, the history of US-Cuban relations, and a visit to the island by Pope John Paul II.

Class mobility and social change in New York are illustrated by Alistair Cooke with the stories of the Astors, the Metropolitan Opera House, JP Morgan and Mrs Stuyvesant Fish.

Considering failures by expert meteorologists, economists and Kremlinologists to predict the future, why do mere newspaper columnists ever attempt it?

Increased awareness of homelessness and poverty and the failure of ideologies to address the variety of the homeless population are considered by Alistair Cooke.

The story of Zebby Adams, the real Santa Claus, and how his joyride got him into trouble – and his Christmas spirit got him out of it

How the whole world catches a cold from one financial sneeze in Asia – the danger of epidemics in a global economy

Tony Blair's vision of a nodern Britain, alistair Cooke's suggestions for a tour of the US, and Roosevelt's post-war plea for Americans to holiday in the Caribbean.

National holidays in America, dangerous cholesterol levels at Thanksgiving, and how Alistair Cooke convinced the state of Idaho to celebrate the birthday of George Washington.

The continuing search for Saddam's deadly toxic secrets and the loss of a friend, the brilliant, witty and wise Sir Isaiah Berlin

The verdict in the Louise Woodward trial, the ability of Judge Zobel to reduce the severity of the conviction, and the difference between state and federal law in the US.

Chinese President Jiang's 1997 visit to America to meet President Clinton, the dangers of a strong Chinese economy, and Saddam Hussein's threat to shoot down planes over Iraq.

Highs and lows of the stock market – and a reminder the events leading up to the 1929 Wall Street crash.

The taping discussions in the White House, what the Kennedy tapes reveal about the discovery of missile bases in Cuba, and how the president reacted to the crisis of 1962.

What exactly is El Niño, and why is this phenomenon named the 'Christ Child' causing trouble for more than just the Queen's visit to California?

How President Clinton's veto will stop local politicians stuffing themselves with pork barrel amendments; and how it's now OK to eat up all of your egg.

So you think you know how most people feel? Meet Dr George Gallup, the man who transformed our views on what really constitutes public opinion.

An examination of the stereotypes of American life as portrayed in Hollywood movies, and seen by a global audience.

In the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana, remembering Rudolph Valentino, the first superstar creation lost in the dazzle of the spotlight.

Megan's Law, the Miranda law and others named after people, and Elisha Dov Hack's protest about moral standards in Yale university dormitories.

The impact of the death of Princess Diana of Wales in the US, and the moral regulation required for freedom of speech and a free press.

The United Parcel Service (UPS) employees strike reminds Alistair Cooke of previous union demonstrations of power, including the disastrous 1981 Air Traffic Controllers strike.

The curious rise in the demand for bottled water, and the speculation all down to status symbol mania taking over plain common sense.

A discussion on the success of Asian immigrants, and a grand jury condemns the failure of integration in San Francisco schools.

How the public perception of Bill Clinton as a prosperous president is keeping him at the top of the popularity polls.

The closure of the remaining Woolworth department stores in the US signals the loss of a retail institution for the older generation.

A recollection of the life and work of American actor James Stewart (1908-1997).

Senator Fred Thompson, the mystery of the millions illegally contributed to Clinton's re-election campaign, and the loss of sporting good manners.

The US take on the handover of Hong Kong to the Chinese in July 1997, the ceremony accompanying the transfer of power, and the Chinese hopes for a peaceful return of Taiwan.

The reported sightings of a UFO in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947, a review of the military explanations after the incident, and the refusal of some to believe the official accounts.

A look back at the break-in at the Watergate office complex in 1972, the details of the FBI investigation in to the incident and the eventual resignation of Richard Nixon in 1974.

The healthy nature of the economy during the Clinton presidency, the need for a scare story in the news media, and the threat of salmonella, cholesterol and alcoholism.

A look at the life and work of William Clayton, the official who assessed the state of post-war Europe, and returned to the US to play a major role in drafting the Marshall Plan.

The cases of Kelly Flinn and Paula Jones, two women at the heart of sex scandals that could change US military law, or even the Constitution.

Alistair Cooke reflects on the differences between the American and British methods of presenting and debating a budget.

The 1997 UK general election, viewed from across the Atlantic, and the story of Sir Lionel Sackville-West, the man whose fatuity lost the Democrats the 1888 presidency.

The unveiling of a Franklin D Roosevelt monument in Washington DC reminds Alistair Cooke of the problems that arise when erecting statues of notable figures.

Tiger Woods, the golfing wonder whose ethnicity proves hard to pigeonhole – and, as fellow golf champion Fuzzy Zoeller discovers, can't be joked about.

How television has become a valuable historical archive, and how film can be replayed to haunt those taped, not least the tobacco industry bosses who lied about nicotine addiction.

A tribute to Jackie Robinson (1919 – 1972) the first black Major League baseball player who ended racial segregation when he debuted with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.

How the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia became the home of golf in America. Alistair Cooke explores the history of his beloved golf course.

Vice President Al Gore oversees the Boeing 777 jetliners deal with China. Plus, should presidential candidates get free television publicity?

A profile of Alan Greenspan, economist and former Chairman of the Federal Reserve. The most powerful man in the world who no one is ever likely to recognise in public.

How does the US restrict children accessing pornography on the internet – without tripping over the Constitution? Does the 1st amendment cover the internet?

President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore have been caught soliciting money from inside the White House for use in the presidential campaign. How will the scandal unfold?

The House of Representatives vote in favour of the Ten Commandments. The legal contest between the American Civil Liberties Union's and Judge Moore over the freedom of speech.

John Glenn, the first American astronaut to orbit Earth, retires after a lifetime in the public eye.

President Clinton forgets about upsetting organised labour and chooses instead to keep American business flying by forcing a stop to the airline pilots strike.

Is the $33.5m damages a fair sum for guilty OJ Simpson to pay, or simply the price of revenge masquerading as justice?

Why the jury found OJ Simpson guilty on his second trial. The black-and-white pattern which lies behind the second trial verdict, described as a 'reasonable response to the facts'.

The instillation of Pope John Paul II in 1978 caused a flutter amongst the Polish immigrants in Long Island who worship at Our Lady of Ostrobrama.

The history of Washington D.C as the capital city of the United States, and the effect of the reign of Mayor Rudolph Giuliani on the crime rate in New York City in 1997.

Presidential inaugurations - from George Washington's 1789 pomp and parade, to Andrew Jackson's drunken brawl, to finally Bill Clinton's home-grown vegetable dinner.

The various roles of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the future of Newt Gingrich following his guilty plea to the charge of misinforming the subcommittee in 1997.

How an engraving by Paul Revere exaggerated the 1770 riot at Boston's Customs House into the Boston Massacre. Plus, the unsolved mystery of why flight TWA 800 crashed in 1996.