Today - 31/12/2008

Presented by Evan Davis and Edward Stourton. With guest editor Jarvis Cocker. Is drinking an art form? At the Frieze Art Fair in London, guest editor Jarvis Cocker came across a reconstructed bar from Reykjavik. Members of the Icelandic art collective Kling og Bang explain. Jarvis Cocker wanted to commission an alternative thought for the day. The man he wanted to deliver it however - the philosopher and interpreter of Zen Buddhism Alan Watts - is dead. Not to be deterred, he found a recording of one of Alan Watts' speeches. Money (That's What I Want) by the Flying Lizards could be used as an anthem for 2008's economic turmoil. Jarvis Cocker asks the band's singer Deborah Evans-Strickland to read the weather forecast for Greenland. She obliges with the help of her husky. Mechia Fendel, who lives in the Israeli town of Sderot, and Professor Shai Feldman, discuss how people live in areas at risk of bombing. Collette Hume peruses the 966 names on the New Year Honours list. Norman Smith reports on the economist John Maynard Keynes, the economic genius with a decidedly colourful private life. Roland Furber, chief executive of the British Paramedic Association, explains the guidance for crews on whether to resuscitate or not. Karen Hill says it is unlikely that David and Fiona Fulton sent emails criticising the Gambian government. Brian Eno, "the father of ambient music", explains what he is hoping for the year ahead. Thought for the day with Brian Draper, associate lecturer at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. Jarvis Cocker makes the trip to the Arctic to discover why a "meltdown" could occur both environmentally and economically. Christian Fraser, Iyad Nasr, spokesman for the Red Cross in Gaza, and Secretary of State for International Development Douglas Alexander, discuss calls for an immediate ceasefire on the Gaza Strip. Rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and Jarvis Cocker discuss how quantum physics combines with sport. Bill Drummond, co-founder of the band The KLF and the K Foundation for Arts, calls on listeners to join his imaginary choir. Victor Bulmer-Thomas and Ken Livingstone discuss the differences between Hugo Chavez and Che Guevara. Author Terry Pratchett discusses the award of a knighthood for his services to literature in the New Year Honours list. Music group Dan le Sac vs Scroobius Pip say they would like to see a more honest media in 2009. Lord Stern discusses whether the way governments are trying to deal with our current financial crisis offers lessons for dealing with climate change. Evan Davis - in a bid to "retain originality" - interviews a mystery guest. Guardian columnist Marina Hyde gives her wishes for 2009. Guest editor Jarvis Cocker explains some of the thinking behind today's programme.