News

Nov 9, 2011

Consumer debt

Economists say a large part of the slow recovery from the recession is resulting from consumers paying down on their debts and consequently not spending like they used to. Has there really been that much improvement in consumer debt management? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 8, 2011

Borlaug Lecture focuses on Costa Rican sustainability

The sixth Borlaug lecturer – Dr. Julio Cesar Calvo Alvardo – had an important connection to N.C. State University: He earned his doctorate in forestry here in 1991 and went on to become president of one of Costa Rica’s most prestigious universities, said Dr. Dan Robison, associate dean of the College of Natural Resources. 

Nov 8, 2011

Some good state budget news

The news hasn’t been good in recent years for North Carolina's state budget. With the recession, revenues have lagged, and that resulted in our elected state officials having to make some tough budget choices. But things are looking up a bit, says N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Nov 7, 2011

Troxler and Rouzer honored at CALS foundations event

North Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler and state Sen. David Rouzer are the 2011 recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards, presented by the North Carolina Agricultural Foundation. 

Nov 7, 2011

Economics and voting

Voter turnout is always a big issue in elections. Is there any evidence that the condition of the economy effects just how many people decide to vote? N.C. State University Mike Walden takes a look at the issue. 

Nov 4, 2011

The Nobel winners

Two U.S. economists -- Thomas Sargent and Christopher Simms -- recently shared the annual Nobel Prize in economics. Why did they receive this coveted award? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Nov 3, 2011

Economic thinkers

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden is reading a new book by Sylvia Nasser, author of “A Beautiful Mind.” Her latest effort looks at the great 19th and 20th century economic thinkers -- those people largely responsible for how we view the economy today. Walden explains the book's relevance to today’s economic problems. 

Nov 2, 2011

Cook Smart, Eat Smart 101

Students learn to prepare simple meals In the catering kitchen of Talley Student Center, seven N.C. State University students chop green beans, green onions and fish fillets to prepare a meal that they will cook in two pots with steamer baskets. Tonight’s Cook Smart, Eat Smart class objective is steam cooking. 

Nov 2, 2011

Retirement spending

N.C. State University economist Mike Walden and his wife, Mary, are both considered senior citizens. The economist explains how their expenses will change once they retire. 

Nov 1, 2011

Rebirth of the furniture industry

During much of the 20th century furniture was one of the leading industries in North Carolina. However, in the last couple of decades, furniture manufacturing has gone through a tremendous downsizing in both workers and production. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers the industry's future.