July 2013

Jul 17, 2013

Crumbling infrastructure

A recent bridge collapse in the state of Washington seems to be just one example of the nation’s infrastructure problems. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether the infrastructure is really falling apart before our eyes. 

Jul 16, 2013

Bigger isn’t always better

There’s an accepted notion that big everything – TV screens, food portions and companies – is better. One such belief is that larger firms are more efficient and can, therefore, offer lower prices to garner more sales. But is this bigger is better belief always true? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Jul 15, 2013

Report: North Carolinians should eat more fruits and vegetables

A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that North Carolinians aren't eating enough fruits or vegetables, but a growing number of farmers markets and other projects, some led by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and North Carolina Cooperative Extension, give us a chance to reverse the pattern. 

Jul 15, 2013

The science degree gap

Experts see significant job growth opportunities in the future in the sciences, which includes engineering, computer programming and even machinery repair. But these same experts question whether the U.S. is training enough individuals to take these jobs. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden reflects on what the statistics suggest. 

Jul 12, 2013

PHHI Extension partnership lands $425,000 in grants

The North Carolina Cooperative Extension component of N.C. State University’s Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI), in partnership with the university’s Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, has secured more than $400,000 in funding through two major grant programs to assist the state’s growers and agricultural operations in 2013. 

Jul 12, 2013

Improved competitiveness

As the national economy makes a comeback, domestic businesses are looking over their shoulder at foreign companies who want to take a chunk of the big U.S. market. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden comments on whether U.S. companies in a position to compete effectively. 

Jul 11, 2013

Land speculation

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses the ups and downs of land and housing prices and how these gyrations have impacted the economy over time. 

Jul 10, 2013

4-H’ers try their hands at spoken word poetry

During 4-H Congress last month, 4-H'ers worked with the Sacrificial Poets of Chapel Hill to read and perform poems about their lives. Read and hear more about the 4-H poetry slam. 

Jul 10, 2013

Trade, technology and towns

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses how the lowering of trade barriers and information technology have impacted different parts of the country. 

Jul 9, 2013

Late blight is early again this year

Late blight, a serious disease of tomatoes and potatoes, has been confirmed in North Carolina, according to N.C. State University's Plant Disease and Insect Clinic and two Cooperative Extension plant pathology specialists.