2014

Feb 3, 2014

Importance of first-time home buyers

The good news is that the housing market is recovering, but the bad news is that many are not yet convinced the recovery is sustainable. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses what's causing the doubt. 

Feb 1, 2014

Nominate faculty for Borlaug Award by March 7

Award nominations are being accepted through March 7 for the Norman E. Borlaug Excellence in Service to Society and the Environment Award. This award, sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Natural Resources, is open to all tenure-track faculty of N.C. State University and is presented annually. 

Jan 31, 2014

Ada Dalla Pozza, groundbreaking Cooperative Extension educator, dies at 91

A pioneering educator who devoted decades to improving the lives of North Carolinians, especially its women and children, passed away Jan. 31 at the age of 91. Ada Braswell Dalla Pozza of Cary served North Carolina Cooperative Extension at N.C. State University for more than 70 years as an agent, faculty member, mentor and volunteer. 

Jan 31, 2014

One size doesn’t fit all

A general cross-continent model to predict the effects of climate change on savanna vegetation isn’t as effective as examining individual savannas by continent, according to research published in Science this week. Savannas – grasslands dotted with trees – cover about 20 percent of the earth’s land and play a critical role in storing atmospheric carbon, says Dr. William Hoffmann, associate professor of plant and microbial biology at North Carolina State University and co-author of the study. “We wanted to find out what controls savanna vegetation – essentially the density of trees within the savanna – and whether we can use a single global model to predict what will happen to savannas if global temperatures rise,” Hoffmann said. 

Jan 31, 2014

You Decide: Do unemployment benefits increase unemployment?

Like most people, my grandparents struggled during the Great Depression of the 1930s. My maternal grandfather lost his life’s savings in a failed bank. Because he was a widower, his extended family wanted to take his children – including my mother – and raise them. He refused. My paternal grandfather constantly moved between part-time jobs, all the while trying to keep his small farm afloat. 

Jan 31, 2014

Baby boomers’ migration

Baby boomers are rapidly retiring and, unlike many of their parents, are on the move. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden takes a look at where they are headed for their golden years. 

Jan 30, 2014

Who has gained

Over the last 25 years, who has gotten ahead when it comes to pay? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Jan 29, 2014

Globalization and the recession

Economists are still trying to decide what caused the great recession. Much of the focus has been on excessive loans, which ultimately led to credit issues and the collapse of the housing market. But as N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses, there are other possible explanations. 

Jan 28, 2014

Competition or cooperation?

Economists often talk about the benefits of competition, with companies vying for business and, as a byproduct, helping to keep production costs low. But to many, competition implies a winner and losers. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden discusses another term that might be more appropriate. 

Jan 27, 2014

100 Days, 100 Tweets from Cooperative Extension

As Cooperative Extension approaches the centennial of the Smith-Lever Act signing on May 8, 1914, Extension professionals and their clients nationwide are using social media to share their insights into the organization's history and its impact.