August 2010

Aug 9, 2010

Social Security payouts

Many people think of Social Security as almost a bank account: You put your money in while working, earn some interest and then withdraw the funds when you are retired. But is that the way Social Security operates? NCSU's Dr. Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 6, 2010

You Decide: What should be done now?

Worries persist about the economy. Progress is being made in very small steps, and some economists openly talk about a return to recessionary conditions (the “double dip”) within a year. People want something done, and they’re looking to government -- particularly the federal government -- to get the economy moving. Economist Mike Walden comments on options. 

Aug 6, 2010

Are we still competitive?

Most people know the economy has become globalized and the United States is in direct competition with other countries for jobs and production. Some say we are losing this race; others say no. Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, takes a look at what the numbers say. 

Aug 6, 2010

New pink hydrangea is Invincibelle®

A new variety of hydrangea, developed by N.C. State University horticulturist Dr. Tom Ranney, will have gardeners thinking pink this year. Hydrangea arborescens ‘NCHA1’ Invincibelle® Spirit is a hybrid of… 

Aug 5, 2010

Cautionary statistics

It is often said you can prove anything with statistics. This is why some people avoid looking at information and data and concentrate on what they feel or believe instead. Should we always raise an eyebrow when presented with statistical information? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds. 

Aug 4, 2010

Getting home sales back up

After some good months home sales seem to have slipped again. Nationally sales are still off by double-digit rates compared to before the recession. What's it going to take to get home sales back up? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds. 

Aug 3, 2010

Did it happen before?

People are tired of the recession. And even though economists say things have improved, they don't appear to be improving very fast. Is there any precedent for this in previous recessions? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds. 

Aug 2, 2010

Is the Federal Reserve being too easy?

The Federal Reserve wields a lot of power behind the scenes. To combat the recession, the Fed has kept key interest rates low and made it easy for banks to borrow money. Yet some say this generous policy might now be hurting the economy. How so? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds. 

Aug 1, 2010

CALS program named outstanding by Association of Leadership Educators

A program in N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences received top honors at the June conference of the Association of Leadership Educators (ALE) in Milwaukee, Wis. The College’s Leadership in Agriculture and Life Sciences program earned the title of Outstanding Leadership Program in ALE. 

Aug 1, 2010

CALS faculty members honored by NACTA

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences faculty members were prominent among honorees at the 2010 conference of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA), held in June at Penn State University.