Author: Dee Shore

Aug 12, 2010

Teachers work to make research real for students

Two Kannapolis teachers hoping to connect their students with real-world science at its best are spending their summer break at the N.C. Research Campus. Since the spring, they've been picking blackberries and raspberries at the Piedmont Research Station in Salisbury, assisting with a national study on watermelon health benefits, and learning in state-of-the-art labs with a horticultural science researcher. 

Aug 12, 2010

Why can’t economists agree?

Everyone is looking for answers to today’s economic situation. Policy makers often turn to economists for advice on what to do, but economists don’t always give the same answer. N.C. State University economist Mike Walden explains why. 

Aug 11, 2010

Centennial Campus Middle School students create a floating display at the Lonnie Poole Golf Course

Lily Stell couldn’t wait to get her hands dirty during one of her science classes last May. With other eighth-grade students from Centennial Campus Magnet Middle School, Stell helped to build a “floating island” on the Lonnie Poole Golf Course at N.C. State University. “It was an awesome experience,” she said. 

Aug 11, 2010

Color commentary

Faculty voices paint picture of the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering's 75-year impact. 

Aug 11, 2010

Are home prices still too high?

Some economists see the direction of home prices as a key factor for the fledgling economic recovery. The big question both sellers and buyers want to know is with prices down almost 30 percent over the past three years, have they reached the bottom yet? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, weighs in. 

Aug 10, 2010

Is debt a problem for everyone?

Economists have pointed out that American households took on substantial debt over the past 30 years. Many households are now scrambling to pay down on debt, and this is one reason why consumer spending has been slow. But do all households have to worry about debt? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds. 

Aug 9, 2010

Social Security payouts

Many people think of Social Security as almost a bank account: You put your money in while working, earn some interest and then withdraw the funds when you are retired. But is that the way Social Security operates? NCSU's Dr. Mike Walden responds. 

Aug 6, 2010

You Decide: What should be done now?

Worries persist about the economy. Progress is being made in very small steps, and some economists openly talk about a return to recessionary conditions (the “double dip”) within a year. People want something done, and they’re looking to government -- particularly the federal government -- to get the economy moving. Economist Mike Walden comments on options. 

Aug 6, 2010

Are we still competitive?

Most people know the economy has become globalized and the United States is in direct competition with other countries for jobs and production. Some say we are losing this race; others say no. Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, takes a look at what the numbers say. 

Aug 5, 2010

Cautionary statistics

It is often said you can prove anything with statistics. This is why some people avoid looking at information and data and concentrate on what they feel or believe instead. Should we always raise an eyebrow when presented with statistical information? Dr. Mike Walden, North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at N.C. State University, responds.