2012

Mar 13, 2012

Signaling your preferences

People typically buy things to serve a need. Also, most of us like to serve that need in the least expensive way possible. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says there are times when buying meets other objectives. 

Mar 12, 2012

Extension part of N.C. State service award

N.C. Cooperative Extension is recognized as one of the factors in North Carolina State University receiving the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement – a Presidential Award. As part of the 2012 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, N.C. State is one of only five Presidential Awardees nationwide, and one of two in the “general community service” category. 

Mar 12, 2012

Bob McGuire, CALS grad and former Extension agent and specialist, has died

Dr. Robert L. "Bob" McGuire, professor emeritus at Auburn University, died February 27. McGuire, a native of Brevard, received his 1957 bachelor’s degree in animal husbandry and his 1960 master’s in animal science from N.C. State. 

Mar 12, 2012

Has the Fed helped?

The Federal Reserve has traditionally been a rather obscure agency that few outside of finance and economics knew about. But the Fed has already been a prominent subject in this year’s political campaigns. Some say the Fed has outlived its usefulness, and may even be harming the economy’s long-run health. How can we decide if the Fed is helpful or harmful? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 10, 2012

Fresh off the Bench

Eager instructors, ‘cool courses’ and the very latest from the lab are the benefits of the Biotechnology Program’s unique teaching postdoctoral fellowship. 

Mar 9, 2012

Cyclical and structural issues

It’s easy to get confused over proposals to fix the economy. Some say the answer is more government spending, while others say government spending is the problem. Is there an easy resolution? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Mar 8, 2012

Container gardening guidance

A new publication from N.C. Cooperative Extension gives Piedmont gardeners guidance on growing fruits, herbs and vegetables in containers. 

Mar 8, 2012

Who avoided the recession

A new report looks at the impacts of the recession on both states and communities. One interesting finding was that some areas continued to prosper, even during the economic hard times. Where were these areas? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Mar 7, 2012

Lowes Foods pledges support to 10% Campaign

Lowe’s Foods Stores, Inc. of Winston-Salem has signed on as a major partner of the 10% Campaign, a North Carolina initiative designed to encourage consumers to spend 10 percent of their food budget on locally-produced foods. 

Mar 7, 2012

Forecasting energy jobs

There’s great interest in the energy sector as a way to create jobs. Proponents of these energy sources -- from oil and gas exploration to solar and wind power -- often tell what they will mean for new jobs. But is it easy to make a connection between energy production and jobs? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in.