Dee Shore

Feb 24, 2012

The euro problem

The economic problems in Europe with the euro and potential default of some countries continue. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden gives a thumbnail sketch of the essential issue. 

Feb 23, 2012

Are interest rates artificially low?

By many measures interest rates are at a generation low. But all folks aren’t happy with this situation, and some say the government is purposefully holding interest rates down. N.C. State University Mike Walden takes a look at the issue. 

Feb 22, 2012

Is government a business?

We’re in an important political election year, and so many political issues are being discussed. Some people argue that government should be run like a business. But what does this mean? And can it work? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Feb 21, 2012

The 15% tax rate

Controversy has arisen about the tax rate some higher income folks pay. It is sometimes much less than what middle- and maybe lower-income households pay. How can this arise? And is it fair? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Feb 20, 2012

Swain County Farmers Market takes off, thanks in part to Extension Master Gardener’s leadership

For years, organizers of the Swain County Farmers Market struggled to get vendors and customers, but an enthusiastic Master Gardener volunteer helped the market blossom in 2011 with a new location, new vendors and new customers. 

Feb 20, 2012

Cabarrus Master Gardeners welcome spring with a festival of earthly delights

In Cabarrus County, nothing heralds spring like the Plant and Herb Festival that Master Gardeners hold each year at the Piedmont Farmers Market in Concord. More than 70 vendors and 4,000 visitors are expected at this year’s event, which takes place Saturday April 14. 

Feb 20, 2012

Guilford County Master Gardeners grow a community gardening network

When interest in community gardening began to spike a few years ago, Master Gardeners in Guilford County created a network that gives leaders of such gardens a way to connect with and learn from others while taking advantage of the wealth of gardening information available through Cooperative Extension. 

Feb 20, 2012

More easing by the Fed?

There’s speculation the Federal Reserve may embark on another round of monetary or quantitative easing. These are the terms used in press accounts. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains, in plain language, what this means. 

Feb 17, 2012

Do oil embargoes work?

There’s an international effort to reduce the purchasing of oil from Iran. Is it possible to stop purchasing a valuable commodity like oil from certain regions? And what might be the possible impacts on oil prices? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Feb 16, 2012

The liquidity trap

There have been many diagnosis of what ails the economy. One of the newest ones is that the economy has been in something called a liquidity trap. It doesn't sound good, but what is it? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains.