Today - 23/07/2009

Presented by Sarah Montague and James Naughtie. Reporter Andrew Hosken investigates how the UK has coped with previous flu pandemics. Danny Shaw reports on the allegations that Catherine Crawford, chief executive of the Metropolitan Police Authority, discriminated against black officers and did not carry out duties properly. Canadian musician Dave Carroll explains his shock at his song about an airline breaking his guitar getting 3.7 million views on YouTube. Correspondent Jonathan Beale reports on an interview with US Vice-President Joe Biden. James Naughtie examines the idea of 'happiness economics', the idea that in setting taxes, making social policy and crafting public services the aim should be to promote well-being. Frances Harris of the British Library discusses the release of an autobiographical account of the life of Russian spy Anthony Blunt. Thought for the Day with the Reverend Angela Tilby, Vicar of St Bene't's Church in Cambridge. Lib Dem MP Phil Willis and Sir David King discuss whether scientific research should be central to government policy. Medical correspondent Fergus Walsh and Dr Laurence Buckman discuss the introduction of the National Flu Service. President Barack Obama has defended his plans for health reform in a news conference broadcast live in the US. Sidney Blumenthal, a long time adviser to the Clintons, explains the pledge to push through a reform by the end of the year. Technology correspondent Rory Cellan-Jones reports on whether Spinvox is capable of converting voice messages into text messages. Author John Banville and MI6 historian Professor Christopher Andrew discuss the life of Cambridge don, Soviet spy and keeper of the Queen's pictures: Anthony Blunt. Dr Dick Shaw explains how a new bug could halt the progress of the invasive Japanese knotweed plant. Residents of Chicago have been gathering to remember the notorious 1930s bank robber John Dillinger. Kevin Connolly joins the commemorations and considers whether the criminals of the Great Depression were heroes or villains. Should today's politicians and generals revisit the early 19th Century thinker on war, Carl von Clausewitz, for inspiration in Afghanistan? Brigadier Allan Mallinson and Professor Jeremy Black discuss.