Special Collections:
The Economy
Robert Reich and Mark Zandi debated Glenn Hubbard and Arthur Laffer on the topic: "The Rich Are Taxed Enough." Moderated by John Donvan, the discussion addressed how to fix the U.S. economy.
With a nearing trillion-dollar budget deficit and high unemployment, the expiring Bush-era tax cuts presented a critical economic challenge. President Obama advocated raising taxes on incomes over $250,000 to reduce the deficit. Conversely, others argued the wealthiest 1% already pay over a quarter of federal taxes, and higher taxes on "job creators" would hinder economic growth. The central question remained: should tax breaks be extended for everyone, or are the wealthy not paying their "fair share"?
INEQUALITY FOR ALL features Robert Reich—professor, best-selling author, and former Clinton cabinet member—who passionately argues how the widening income gap devastates the American economy.
The film also offers an intimate portrait of Reich, detailing his personal journey and lifelong commitment to protecting the vulnerable. Discover more about Robert Reich at robertreich.org.
Addressing the environmental crisis, *Wild Law – In Practice* aims to transition Earth Jurisprudence from theory into practice. The book argues that current legal frameworks perpetuate ecological issues and must be radically reconfigured to ensure a viable human presence on Earth.
Authored by Peter Burdon, a Senior Lecturer at Adelaide Law School, the work draws on his extensive expertise in ecological law. His PhD in this field earned him the Bonython Prize and a University of Adelaide Research Medal. Since 2005, Burdon has also actively contributed to Friends of the Earth Adelaide's Clean Futures Collective.
Dean Karlan, a Professor of Economics at Yale University and President of Innovations for Poverty Action, explores how understanding people and language can influence human behavior. His research has led to innovative mechanisms for increasing savings in developing world communities.
This discussion was published by TEDxMiddlebury on August 18, 2013.
Tim Jackson, the UK's first Professor of Sustainable Development, directs the Research group on Lifestyles, Values and Environment (RESOLVE) at the University of Surrey's Centre for Environmental Strategy.
This information was published on March 13, 2012.
Ken Webster, Head of Learning at The Ellen MacArthur Foundation (UK), introduces the concept of a circular economy. This model is crucial given the depletion of cheap fossil fuels and key materials, alongside rising populations and growing anxieties concerning water resources, food production, and harmful wastes.
These challenges demand a fundamental rethinking of our production and consumption systems, rather than just patching them up. We must actively rethink, redesign, and build a positive future.
Comedian Steve Punt, portraying a "mad professor," challenges conventional thinking and invites viewers to "Get Loopy."
This video, uploaded on September 1, 2010, explores the circular economy. Discover more at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
You can also follow the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on Twitter.
On September 2, 2010, Ellen MacArthur launched her new Foundation at the Science Museum in London. This renowned venue, a showcase of modern innovation, provided a fitting setting for the announcement.
The Foundation's mission is to advocate for a sustainable future, calling on people to 're-think, re-design, and build' it.
Ellen MacArthur explores how insights from living systems can help redesign our future, addressing challenges posed by finite materials and energy. Visit Ellen MacArthur's website for more information.
Discover more about the circular economy at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and follow them on Twitter.
The Circular Economy 100 is a global platform that unites leading companies, emerging innovators, and regions. Its mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy over a three-year period.
To learn more or apply, contact the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Visit their website: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/business/ce100.
David Stevens, CEO of Affinity MacroFinance (AMF), introduces a new paradigm for development financing, advocating for more effective use of local currency. AMF is a mutual financial guarantee insurance company serving the developing world.
This information was published on December 13, 2012, on the Tallberg Foundation YouTube Channel.
On November 16, 2008, the Sanctuary for Independent Media welcomed Austin-based folk musician Eliza Gilkyson and activist Rob Jensen. Their evening featured an intertwining of songs and speeches, offering both beautiful music and radical discussion.
In this clip (Part 2 of 4), Gilkyson introduces Jensen, sharing how his perspective has influenced her beliefs and songwriting. Jensen then begins his presentation on justice, sustainability, and his concept of the "Three E's": empire, economics, and ecology.
Bill Moyers has tracked two Milwaukee families since 1991, documenting their struggles against a harsh economy and urban transformation. His reports highlight the devastating challenges and difficult choices they faced.
Moyers revisits these families' stories, exploring the human cost of inequality with journalists Barbara Miner and Barbara Garson. This report was published on July 4, 2013.
Money is an agreement, not inherently valuable. Charles Eisenstein explores this concept, arguing that money often fails to address fundamental human needs. His work, including the book Sacred Economics, offers specific recommendations for a different approach.
To learn more or purchase his book, visit Amazon or your local bookstore. This content, published on March 1, 2012, was directed by Ian MacKenzie and produced by Velcrow Ripper, Gregg Hill, and Ian MacKenzie.
This excerpt is from a panel presentation at the Business In The Community Ireland Summit on Corporate Responsibility, held in November 2010.
The panel featured experts including James Quincey (The Coca-Cola Company), Sir Stuart Rose (Marks & Spencer), and Gerard O'Neill of Amarach Research.
O'Neill highlighted how marketers' 'pricing trap' hinders sustainability initiatives. He argued that while price accounts for only 30% of a purchase decision, emotion and feelings drive 70%. Emphasizing trust and the social environment is crucial for consumers to move beyond price-driven choices.
Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, author of "Predictably Irrational," reveals how our decisions are often irrational. Using classic visual illusions and surprising research, he demonstrates that we are not as logical as we believe.
Ariely's work highlights a fundamental flaw in traditional economics: its disconnect from actual human behavior. His insights explain why our choices are often predictable, yet irrational.
James Glattfelder, a complexity theorist, studies how interconnected systems, like a bird swarm, are more than the sum of their parts. He applies this theory to the global economy, offering insights into its intricate workings.
Glattfelder's groundbreaking study reveals how control is concentrated among a surprisingly small number of entities. This significant power concentration leaves the entire global economy vulnerable. His findings were presented at TEDxZurich and published on February 13, 2013.
This animation explores a post-consumer society, envisioning a future with fewer work hours, increased re-skilling, homesteading, and small-scale enterprises. These shifts aim to reduce the consumer economy's overall size and impact. It is narrated by economist and best-selling author Juliet Schor and produced by The Center for the New American Dream.
Dr. Schor's book, *Plenitude*, delves deeper into these concepts. You can order it from Amazon or find it at your local bookstore.
Discussions on the Green Economy often overlook its social dimensions. The UN Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) addresses this through its project on the Social Dimensions of Green Economy and Sustainable Development. Explore their work at UNRISD.
For broader information on the Green Economy, consult the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at UNEP. Following both UNRISD and UNEP offers insight into how the UN integrates social, environmental, and economic aspects to advance sustainability.
Growth is an unsustainable, temporary state.
Dr. Susan Krumdieck, an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, researches this topic.
Her expertise spans fuel cells, alternative energy, energy conservation, energy systems engineering, and materials for energy systems.
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The Many Passions of Matteo Lane
Matteo Lane is a multifaceted artist—stand-up comedian, painter, singer, and Broadway performer. In this interview, he shares how these skills intertwine in his creative process, likening art to a tree that branches out in various directions.
We explore his role as Billy Flynn in Broadway’s Chicago, his journey from bar shows to international comedy tours, and the evolution of gay representation in comedy. Lane also discusses his artistic roots at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, his admiration for Maria Callas, and his philosophy of focusing on the journey of creation rather than the end product.
Official website: pbs.org/americanmasters






















