The new millennium got off to a disappointing start. The River of Fire didn't ignite, the launch of the Dome stranded its distinguished guests for hours on Stratford station, the Millennium Bridge wasn't ready and the Millennium Wheel didn't go round. The century had started as it meant to go on. The attack on the Twin Towers provoked the neo conservative US government to launch a worldwide war. Britain became unwillingly involved. At home the bright hopes that came with New Labour began to fizzle out in controversy about the war, the NHS and law and order. David Austin's take on events at home and abroad has kept us looking at the brighter side of a gloomy era.