News

Mar 4, 2013

Comparing government spending

Often it’s useful to look at where we’ve been to get some insight into where we might be going. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives a brief historical view on government spending. 

Mar 2, 2013

Interns learn valuable life lessons while studying tropical plant pathology in Costa Rica

Mary Lewis spent six weeks traveling around Costa Rica working on research designed to shed light on one of the most important diseases affecting bananas. While her focus was the fungal disease black sigatoka, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences student says the experience taught her just as much – or more – about what it takes to work in a foreign country and to interact with people from other cultures. 

Mar 1, 2013

YOU DECIDE: Why do some nations succeed and others fail?

Why are some nations able to raise their standard of living over time while others are less successful at economic improvement? Mike Walden discusses. 

Mar 1, 2013

Futuristics

Many of us like to think about the future and what kinds of gadgets and technology might exist. When we look at what some of the experts are saying, how do they see our future world being different? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 28, 2013

Global re-balancing

In the discussion about where the world economy is headed, the term global re-balancing is often used. What does this mean? Does it suggest something is out of balance in world finances and, therefore, must be brought back in balance? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Feb 27, 2013

Purdue recognizes Brandenburg as Distinguished Agriculture Alumnus

Dr. Rick Brandenburg, William Neal Reynolds Professor in the Department of Entomology, will be recognized March 1 as one of eight Distinguished Agriculture Alumni Award winners at Purdue University. Brandenburg earned a bachelor's degree in entomology from Purdue in 1977. 

Feb 27, 2013

Metro rankings

There are many rankings released every year for states and metropolitan areas on their economic performance, and one recently released ranking puts a couple of North Carolina metropolitan areas in a good light. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Feb 26, 2013

Garden delights and highlights

A new garden calendar from N.C. State University's urban horticulture program highlights events, tours, workshops and conferences for beginners and pros taking place at Cooperative Extension centers, gardens, arboretums and other sites throughout the state. 

Feb 26, 2013

New wealth effect estimates

We naturally focus on jobs and income as drivers of consumer spending, but for a long time economists have argued that a person’s wealth is also a determinant of spending. Do we know how this wealth effect has played out during the recent ups and downs of our economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Feb 25, 2013

Western turf conference is March 12

The annual Western North Carolina Turfgrass Conference is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12 at the Virginia C. Boone Mountain Heritage Building at the Western North Carolina Agricultural Center in Fletcher just outside Asheville.