December 2010

Dec 10, 2010

Sticky wages

Changes to workers' salaries, or wages, are important. Workers count on increases in their pay over time to make progress in their standard of living. Of course, those same workers don’t look forward to a possible decrease in pay during recessions. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains just how frequently workers' wages and salaries move up or down. 

Dec 9, 2010

Infrastructure needs

There is talk of another government stimulus package, which would focus on areas like road, bridges, reservoirs and water treatment plants. These types of projects are generally lumped together and called infrastructure. But didn’t the first stimulus plan address these items? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Dec 8, 2010

Good job gains

A recent national job report was upbeat: Over 150,000 jobs were added, with all of them being privately created positions. N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden describes which job sectors were especially hot. 

Dec 7, 2010

What’s holding down inflation?

People seem to be confused about inflation. The government tells us the overall rate is very low -- between 1 and 2 percent -- yet we are seeing significant increases in food and energy prices. How can higher food and energy prices be compatible with moderate inflation? N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden explains. 

Dec 6, 2010

Bed bugs target of research, extension efforts

“Don’t let the bed bugs bite” may seem like a trite outdated bedtime wish, but unfortunately it is becoming more real for home owners and institutions around the country. Bed bugs are back with a vengeance, and N.C. State University entomologists are looking for solutions to the problem and helping educate the public. 

Dec 6, 2010

Orr elected Emergency Planning Committee leader

Candy Orr, safety and health coordinator for North Carolina State University Field Laboratories, has been elected vice chair of the Wake County Local Emergency Planning Committee. 

Dec 6, 2010

What’s the real unemployment rate?

We had some good news on the national job market in October with a 151,000 jobs being added and the unemployment rate holding steady at 9.6 percent. But N.C. Cooperative Extension economist Mike Walden says that the rate doesn't tell us the whole unemployment picture. 

Dec 3, 2010

Extension Gardener now online

Plants with silvery leaves and pale blooms can make your garden glow on winter nights. Find out more about "Plants That Shine After Dark" in the winter issue of Extension Gardener e-newsletter. 

Dec 3, 2010

Debt ideas

President Obama set up a commission to look at ways to reduce the size of the national debt, and the two commission co-chairs released ideas for accomplishing this goal. N.C. State University extension economist Mike Walden reviews the highlights. 

Dec 2, 2010

Holiday cheer

Enjoy the beauty of the holiday season at the 2010 Poinsettia Open House Sunday, Dec. 5, 1-5 p.m. at the Ruby C. McSwain Center, JC Raulston Arboretum, 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh. The event is free and open to the public, as well as interested growers.