Last night (Tuesday, March 12, 9:30-11:30, PST) on KQED Public TV in San Francisco a video presentation featuring Marilyn Waring was aired. Waring is the author of the book "Who's Counting," internationally published. In some countries the title is "If Women Counted." (The computer at Stacey's books in SF was not able to come up with this book, however. So, I don't yet know how to get it.) The video is currently available through KQED for $150 as part of the current KQED membership drive. (For the $150 you get a year membership in KQED + the video -- not relevant for anyone outside the Bay Area, I know.) The video includes a "study guide." You may not be able to purchase the video anywhere else at this time. (When I called the national video number through which service most PBS videos are available, I was told that this video is only available through KQED at present.) The reason I bring this to your attention is that so many on PEN-l are teachers. IMHO I can't think of anything that would enhance an Intro to Econ course better than this video. Economics has the reputation for dullness. This video is anything but dull. It's main theme is national income accounts and how the way these accounts are kept world-wide impact the standard of living, especially in the case of women, and the environment. The power of the video lies in its visual presentation of some astounding free market "externalities." The video is divided into segments. One segment features an interview with John Kenneth Galbraith. (With all his books lined up like good soldiers in the background behind his desk.) In so many words, Galbraith gives his assent to Waring's work, and states that he hopes his own life's work will be seen as contributing to this same vein of thinking! Has he become an URPE member? Through a fluke, Waring was elected to the New Zealand parliament at the age of 22 (1983, I believe). She was the youngest member of the parliament and the only woman. Within a few years she took over as the chair of the budget committee (whatever it's called exactly). And she is sharp as the proverbial tack. Another Hazel Henderson. The combination of Waring's "sharp as a tackness" plus the visual presentation of some of the best of Samuelson's beloved free market externalities ought to win this thing an oscar, or whatever they give out in this area. Curtis Moore San Francisco Facilitator of the conference <econ.democracy> on PeaceNet.
