September 2012

Sep 20, 2012

Collision course

There’s a big debate ongoing about the federal budget and federal spending. But some say there’s more to the debate than just total spending. Instead, it’s also a debate about where spending is occurring. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Sep 19, 2012

Bruneau golf tournament funds scholarships

Golfers can play a round on North Carolina State University’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course and raise money for scholarships Tuesday, Sept. 25 during the annual Dr. Art Bruneau Golf Tournament and Scholarship Fundraiser. 

Sep 19, 2012

Student Perspectives: Becky Dobosy

When it comes to addressing issues related to hunger in developing nations, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences nutrition major Becky Dobosy is not sitting still. While she’s been at N.C. State, the junior has traveled near and far to grow her knowledge of nutrition and sustainable agriculture and to put it to work. 

Sep 19, 2012

Impacts of smoking bans

Smoking bans in commercial areas and public places have increased in frequency across the country and even here in North Carolina. In fact, one North Carolina community is even contemplating banning smoking on the beach. N.C. State University economist takes a look at how such bans affect smoking. 

Sep 18, 2012

N.C. State gets new plant scientist, expands at N.C. Research Campus

N.C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute continues its expansion efforts by adding another established scientist to its team at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis. Dr. Tzung-Fu Hsieh (pronounced: “Zung Foo Shay”) joined the institute in August 2012 and is developing a research program centered on the biological systems of flowering plants, including fruits and vegetables. With the addition of Hsieh, N.C. State now employs nearly 50 faculty and staff in Kannapolis. 

Sep 18, 2012

QE benefits

The Federal Reserve has enacted a couple of QE, or quantitative easing, programs in recent years. And they may be ready to embark on another. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what quantitative easing is and outlines the benefits. 

Sep 17, 2012

Areas of agreement

There seems to be nothing but disagreement over what should be done about the economy. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there are some areas that economists and policymakers agree on. 

Sep 16, 2012

Program teaches participants to 'Shop Smart'

With just $10 to spend on food, a mother and her teenage daughter came away from a Durham Food Lion recently with quite a bit of food: two yogurts, bananas, lettuce, strawberries, cucumbers, salad dressing and bread. The two were among a group participating in Durham County Cooperative Extension’s “Shop Smart, Eat Smart and Move More” program. 

Sep 14, 2012

YOU DECIDE: Are we better off today?

The question, "Are you better off today?" has become a major debate of the political campaigns. Mike Walden brings economics to bear to address this often controversial question. 

Sep 14, 2012

It paid to be small

It’s commonly thought that big companies can survive adversity better than small firms. Big companies have more resources and perhaps better access to credit for loans in tough times. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether this conventional wisdom was true in the past recession.