Deb McCown

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Computer Virus Commits Party Foul

By Deb McCown | February 5

The "My Party" computer virus has spread quickly around campus in the past few weeks, infecting a large number of computers but not causing any serious damage. The virus sends copies of itself to every e-mail address in an infected computer's address book, said Jeanne Smythe, the director of computing policy at Academic Technology & Networks. Although opening the e-mail message does not infect the computer, opening the attachment can transmit the virus. Smythe explained how the virus works.

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Ticket Demand High Despite Pessimism

By Deb McCown | January 24

Students are lining up for a chance at tickets to the annual UNC-Duke game at the Smith Center, even though they are pessimistic about the likelihood of a UNC win.Numbered ticket distribution bracelets were given out on Tuesday and Wednesday at Gate 5 of Kenan Stadium. Students also can get bracelets from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

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Use of Online Resources Increases

By Deb McCown | January 16

The integration of online resources into course curricula at UNC has increased exponentially during the past two years, according to University officials. The use of Blackboard, supported by Academic Technology & Networks, and other course-related Web sites has increased, according to ATN's Center for Instructional Technology, which keeps track of which courses are active online and how many people access certain sites. "The Web is becoming ubiquitous," said Lori Mathis, the manager for instructional application at CIT.

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Heat Returns For Residents Of Alderman

By Deb McCown | January 8

Maintenance workers spent Sunday and Monday fixing Alderman Residence Hall's heating system, which staff learned was broken after students returning to campus complained of cold rooms. The problem was fixed by Monday afternoon, but by then some students had already faced two freezing nights. Several students in other residence halls also called the Department of Housing and Residential Education with complaints about individual rooms. The individual problems -- most of which were related to cold air in heating pipes -- were quickly resolved, said Christopher Payne, director of the

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Committee Meets With Architects

By Deb McCown | December 5

The Arts Common Planning Committee met with the architects that have been selected to design the arts portion of the University's campus growth plan for the first time Tuesday. Duncan Hazard and Peter Mullan from the architectural and planning firm Polshek Partnership were selected and approved in mid-November from 26 different applicants.

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Business School Initiative Works to Unite Triangle With Wireless Technology

By Deb McCown | November 30

With the help of students from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School, a group of local wireless industry representatives met Thursday night to begin the new RTP Wireless Initiative. The group's purpose is to provide a forum for small and large wireless businesses to communicate with one another and with students and faculty, said organizer Jeff Reid from UNC's Council for Entrepreneurial Development.

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Activist Discusses AIDS in Asia

By Deb McCown | November 28

The president of an AIDS foundation, speaking Tuesday night as part of a weeklong campus awareness campaign, described what is being done to combat the AIDS crisis in South Asia. Asha Sekhri, president and founder of the South Asia Against AIDS Foundation and the keynote speaker of the Campus Y's AIDS Benefit Week, spoke about her organization's efforts to fund nonprofit groups that fight the spread of AIDS in South Asia. The School of Public Health, the Carolina Union Activities Board and Great Decisions sponsored the speech.

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UNC Study Illuminates Effects of Alcohol

By Deb McCown | November 19

Research conducted by UNC faculty has shed new light on the specific effects of alcohol on the brain. The study shows that alcohol can block the induction of Fos protein, which is important in memory formation and higher brain function, said Darin Knapp, professor of psychology at the School of Medicine and the lead author of the study. "What we think is important is this interaction between these two chemicals occurred in some places and not others," Knapp said.

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Experts Discuss Bioterrorism And Biological Warfare

By Deb McCown | November 14

Bioterrorism experts gave students a less-than-cheery picture of the biological terrorist threat at a forum held Tuesday night in Graham Memorial. Honors fraternity Phi Beta Kappa invited three panelists who have dealt directly with biological agents in laboratories. The panelists suggested various forms that a biological attack on the United States could take. "The next threat is going to be the food supply," said Robert Ryder, director of the UNC Center for Biopreparedness, as he spoke to a circle of 23 UNC and high school students.

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Student Congress Focuses on External Appointments

By Deb McCown | November 1

Student Congress approved 31 executive branch appointments to external committees Tuesday night and allocated funding to two student groups. It also brought three resolutions before the full Congress for examination.