Author: Dee Shore

Oct 24, 2011

New ways of learning

Everyone knows the importance of education in today’s global economy. Yet delivering educational information with a teacher in front of students has largely been the same for hundreds of years. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden considers whether modern technology change this. 

Oct 21, 2011

Personal financial update

Every three months the Federal Reserve publishes a report summarizing the financial condition of households. Did the second quarter report bring good news or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Oct 20, 2011

The value of Internet search

Shopping habits have changed since the advent of the Internet. People often do Internet searches on products or sellers before buying. How much is this kind of search activity is worth to people and the economy? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds with information from a new study. 

Oct 19, 2011

Explaining gas prices

Lots of folks like to talk about and get mad about gas prices. One big question is, What causes gas prices to rise? Some say it’s speculation and manipulation by gas producers. Others say it’s basic supply and demand of economics. Hear what N.C. State University economist Mike Walden has to say. 

Oct 18, 2011

What is the corporate tax rate?

Some say that the United States has the world's highest tax rate on corporate income, but others say that the official corporate tax rate is misleading because it doesn’t account for the numerous exemptions and credits corporations can take. And N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says they're both right. 

Oct 17, 2011

Tax terms

Taxes are always a favorite topic of conversation, and frequently terms like tax rate and deductions are thrown around. N.C. State University's Mike Walden shares insight on what these words and phrases really mean. 

Oct 14, 2011

Food prices and discontent

People sometimes get grumpy when they are hungry. But is there a relationship between civil unrest and rising food prices? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden answers. 

Oct 13, 2011

Does aging reduce stock prices?

Theories about what determines the value of the stock market can fill a library. But one that makes sense, at least on the surface, is the impact of an aging society. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains. 

Oct 12, 2011

Debt and deflation

Some say there’s nothing new in the world -- everything is simply recycled. If you accept this idea, are there any predecessors to the kind of economic rocky road we’ve had in the recent years? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Oct 11, 2011

On rare butterflies, microbes — and more

Endangered butterflies that persist in the presence of bombs and beavers; microbes and other "monsters" at home; spiders and people's fear of the eight-legged creatures: These are among the topics biologist Rob Dunn explores in his latest popular essays.