May 2011

May 24, 2011

Easing inflation

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke recently said he thought the big jumps in inflation we’ve had in the last few months are just temporary. But, as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden points out, this doesn’t necessarily mean that Bernanke expects gas and food prices to drop. 

May 23, 2011

Family & Consumer Sciences celebrates 100 years of service to N.C. families

A special event May 25 at N.C. State University will mark the 100th anniversary of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service’s Family & Consumer Sciences program. Beginning with home demonstration canning clubs, the family and consumer sciences program of N.C. Cooperative Extension has always addressed needs of North Carolina families since 1911. 

May 23, 2011

Losing first place

An international organization recently predicted that China would surpass the United States as the world’s largest economy in just five years. Is this cause for worry? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

May 20, 2011

Record government support

A recent report indicated that government payments to individuals reached an all-time high. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why this is and what it means. 

May 19, 2011

Extension helps cotton farmers stay ahead of emerging pests

Working on Bertie County land that their family has farmed for generations, cousins B.B. and John Griffin know a thing or two about growing cotton. But, they say, when it comes to staying a step ahead of pests, diseases and other production challenges, they’ve come to rely on their Cooperative Extension agents and specialists for timely solutions. 

May 19, 2011

Setting the stage for recovery

Many economists consider the rebound in the housing market to be the key to a stronger recovery in the overall economy, and N.C. State University's Mike Walden says there's evidence we’re moving in the direction of a housing turnaround. 

May 18, 2011

Bamboo ‘roller-coaster’ bistro is shaped for relaxation on campus

Students from Will Hooker’s Landscape Design studio have built a new bamboo sculpture in front of Kilgore Hall. 

May 18, 2011

The diverse service sector

When people hear the term service sector, they often think of low-paying jobs. But, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, that's not an accurate assessment. 

May 17, 2011

'Bee Informed' to inform beekeepers

North Carolina State University will play a central role in a 5-year, $5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture effort to compile a nationwide honey bee database designed to make beekeepers more productive. 

May 17, 2011

Job progress

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes stock of what’s happened in the job market over the past year, providing key numbers for both North Carolina and the country.