Author: Dee Shore

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. 

Oct 11, 2011

Who has suffered most?

The latest household income numbers from the Census were just released, and they don’t paint a pretty picture. In 2010, household income continued to fall. N.C. State University economist considers what the Census shows for richer, middle-income and poorer-income households. 

Oct 10, 2011

Is Social Security a Ponzi scheme

In a recent national political discussion Social Security was referred to as a Ponzi scheme. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains what this means and whether it's accurate. 

Oct 7, 2011

Living longer and working less

Many say the sizes and ages of population groups as well as factors like birth and death rates determine many of our economic outcomes. How do such demographic factors affect us today? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Oct 6, 2011

Mackay wins North Carolina award

Dr. Trudy Mackay is among a group of distinguished North Carolinians who will receive the North Carolina Award, the highest civilian honor the state bestows, at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, at the N. C. Museum of History. 

Oct 6, 2011

Unseen interest rates

Interest rates are as low as they have been in many decades. But is that good or bad? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden weighs in. 

Oct 5, 2011

The big economic battle

Politicians are divided over what should be done to help the struggling economy. One source of disagreement is over whether the federal government should spend more or should concentrate on spending less and reducing the deficit. But N.C. State University economist Mike Walden says the disagreement isn't just about politics -- it's also about economics. 

Oct 4, 2011

Does demography rule the economy?

It can be argued that people-power is really what’s behind the economy. Can we see changes in the numbers and ages of people affecting some of the economic issues we confront? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden responds. 

Oct 3, 2011

Home prices and spending

Many economists point to problems in the housing market as a big reason for our economic sluggishness. What’s the connection? N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains.