Letter From America By Alistair Cooke: The Clinton Years (1997-2000)

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.

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.