Comments on: The Ascent of Money Episode 1: From Bullion to Bubbles

By: Lindan

Lindan — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:29:26 +0000

Has anyone noticed — the Production Editor, the Coordinating Editor, the Executives in Charge, among others — that this episode of The Ascent of Money, “From Bullion to Bubbles,” contains voice-over visual cues and edits all the way through? The voice is male and American, not Ferguson’s voice, and they tell us what Ferguson is doing or seeing every minute or two. “In an archives, Ferguson flips through pages of a yellowed ledger.” Sure enough, we see Ferguson flipping through the pages of a yellowed ledger. “Ferguson gazes at city buildings.” There we see Ferguson gazing.
“In an archives, Ferguson studies a book.” There’s Ferguson, there’s the book. “Ferguson strolls along a Parisian street.” Cue Ferguson and the Parisian street. This intrusive American voice telling me what I was seeing on the screen disrupted the flow of Ferguson’s narrative, and, for me at least, ruined the entire episode.

By: Le Gardien: CoCo Bonds « economer

Le Gardien: CoCo Bonds « economer — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:21:22 +0000

[...] That said, Lloyds Banking Group of London is issuing one of the newest products on the market as of this quarter. Financial Times of London reported a headline on November 5 reading, “Stability concerns over CoCo bonds,” and a second article scrolling, “UK experiment raises prospect of new asset class.” Rent losses have been mounting for banks since the U.S. sub-prime housing collapse in 2006, imploding exotic debt contracts arranged by interconnected counterparties dispersed around the world over. Many have written on the subject. For an overview, read about the evolution of the once-popularized bundled mortgage-backed securities market here. Also available is a more general history provided by Niall Ferguson, British financial economic historian, here. [...]

By: Robert

Robert — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:47:14 +0000

I just watched episode 1 and really enjoyed it. It´s almost too much info for such a short period for those of us that don´t know the history and not enough info to satisfy those who know more. So, I understand the criticisms and will, as always, do further research on my own. That said, I believe this program is great. He has to make it entertaining and educational for a wide audience within a strict time frame. I would have to take his classes at Harvard to get it all. I wish we didn´t have to make the comments political and just use the information and supplement it on our own. Thanks to PBS.

By: Karenaa

Karenaa — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 19:56:29 +0000

uhmmm this is confusing make smaller words and shorter sentences!!!

By: Blog of The Interface Financial Group » Blog Archive » The Ascent of Money

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:06:59 +0000

[...] Actually, this documentary is extremely interesting, and shows how financial businesses and markets were formed. When you get some time, I would highly recommend watching “The Ascent of Money” on the PBS website. [...]

By: Lisa

Lisa — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 22:36:20 +0000

Episode 1 would be really excellent as an historical introduction to money for middle school grades — unfortunately, I am wary of using it because Ferguson uses the word “damn” in his narration. A relatively small thing, but, unfortunately, one I have to avoid as an educator that needs to be conscious of my parents’ sensitivity levels — what a shame!

By: Roy G. Biv

Roy G. Biv — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:03:26 +0000

Episode 1 covered the birth of the bank, credit, bonds, and the stock market in the ascent of money. A brilliant historical analysis, with great verve, dynamism, and clear thinking. His insight that trust is the key to the development of money is central to the presentation. (The credit card and other even more modern forms like microcredits and beyond are further developments in trust.) I look forward to viewing the other three episodes.

By: Judith maxwell

Judith maxwell — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:05:36 +0000

This Series is well worth repeating. Please provide sufficient notice and lead time so that all our friends can be alerted

By: Most BRILLIANT Info Yet Assembled « Free People On The Land

Most BRILLIANT Info Yet Assembled « Free People On The Land — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:48:15 +0000

[...] The Ascent of Money: From Bullion to Bubbles (a 4-part series) Access them HERE [...]

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:10:10 +0000

“The selected item is not currently available” is what I’ve been getting too.

I guess any further pledges or donations will not be currently available either ……