Author: Ken Ellzey

Apr 17, 2014

Bye-Bye to Bitcoin?

Those using the cyber currency called bitcoin suffered a big shock recently: Apparently hackers were able to steal between 2 million and 3 million dollars’ worth of bitcoins. As a result, the value of a bitcoin in terms of dollars was cut in half, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “Is this the end of the cyber currency experiment?” 

Apr 16, 2014

Shale Gas Developments and Home Prices

The extraction of natural gas using underground drilling techniques -- generally called fracking -- is very controversial. Supporters say it will help the country to become energy independent, while detractors worry about environmental and health issues, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “Do we have any way to evaluate these concerns?” 

Apr 15, 2014

Cable Competition

The proposed merger between Comcast and Time Warner has rekindled questions about competition in the cable provider industry, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “What are the key issues?” 

Apr 14, 2014

Technology on the Horizon

Many people love new gadgets. Of course many times we look at them for fun, but these gadgets -- or (to be more formal) technology -- can change our lives, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “What do experts say might be game changing technology or gadgets we may soon see?” 

Apr 11, 2014

The Importance of Innovation

I’ve been hearing a lot about innovation recently and how it is so crucial to our economy, says host Mary Walden. She asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden, “What exactly is innovation, and why should we focus on it?” 

Apr 10, 2014

Is Telecommuting Increasing?

I remember a couple of decades ago when the computer and internet first burst upon the scene, many futurists said people would eventually work out of their homes. This doesn’t appear to have happened, says host Mary Walden. “What has happened to telecommuting?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 9, 2014

Suggestions for Supporting Work

I think there are two goals that just about everyone can agree on -- encouraging work and reducing poverty, says host Mary Walden. Now I understand that leaders from across the political spectrum may be coming together on a plan to do both, she says. “What is it?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 8, 2014

Has Wealth Increased for Everyone?

The Federal Reserve recently released its latest wealth report, and it was upbeat, says host Mary Walden. “Does this mean we should all be happy?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 7, 2014

The Apartment Boom

Traditionally we have been a country of home owners with about two-thirds of households owning rather than renting, says host Mary Walden. But I understand this might be changing. “What’s happening?” she asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden. 

Apr 4, 2014

Challenges for Homebuyers

Last year seemed to be a good one for the housing market. By one measure prices were up at double digit rates, says host Mary Walden. Foreclosures were down, and there were more buyers, she says. “But are there any negatives you and others see in the housing recovery?” Walden asks her husband, N.C. State University economist Mike Walden.