October 2011

Oct 31, 2011

Why patents?

Consumers and buyers don’t like monopolies because they don’t give us choice. Yet when the government provides someone with a patent, isn’t that exactly what they’re doing, creating a monopoly? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Oct 28, 2011

YOU DECIDE: Why has economic inequality increased?

What's behind the growing gap between those with more income and wealth and those with less? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses. 

Oct 28, 2011

Left digit bias

When applied to buying, what does left-digit bias mean, and why is it important? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains this psychological concept. 

Oct 27, 2011

Register now for Nov. 17 ESP meeting

Registration is now underway for the Nov. 17 annual meeting of Epsilon Sigma Phi, XI Chapter. The meeting will be held at the JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost of the meeting is $25, and a registration form is available on the XI Chapter website. 

Oct 27, 2011

The effect of job tax credits

One way the government can try to stimulate job creation is through the tax code by providing businesses hiring new workers with one-time tax credits. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden reviews what research studies have to say about how well this actually works. 

Oct 26, 2011

AgriBusiness Law students tour nation’s lawmaking centers

About 150 students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences took a fall break field trip to learn about the history and processes of lawmaking. 

Oct 26, 2011

Taking advantage

There are always glass-half-empty and glass-half-full people. When it comes to today's economy, it seems most people are glass-half-empty -- or even completely empty -- when it comes to the economy. But are there some positive ways to look at today’s financial situation, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Oct 25, 2011

The tax rate controversy

Investor Warren Buffet stirred up a debate when he said he a billionaire paid a lower federal income tax rate than his secretary. How could this happen, and is it common? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Oct 24, 2011

New ways of learning

Everyone knows the importance of education in today’s global economy. Yet delivering educational information with a teacher in front of students has largely been the same for hundreds of years. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether modern technology change this. 

Oct 21, 2011

Personal financial update

Every three months the Federal Reserve publishes a report summarizing the financial condition of households. Did the second quarter report bring good news or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers.