Here is a sampling of links and notes about Carolina people and programs cited recently in the media:
National Coverage
Salvia says high
Science News
…“This is a landmark paper because it’s the first paper in which authentic salvinorin A was administered to human volunteers under controlled conditions, and it was shown to be hallucinogenic,” says psychiatrist and pharmacologist Bryan Roth of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who was not involved in the research. “All we had before were anecdotal reports, where people had bought salvia extract from their local smoke shop.”
NFLPA discusses discipline with agents
The Associated Press
NFL players union head DeMaurice Smith held a conference call Tuesday with agents to discuss possibly changing the certification process and how agents are disciplined for violating rules. …The call came 11 days after agent Gary Wichard was suspended for nine months by the union for his role in a recruiting scandal involving the University of North Carolina. Wichard, an agent since 1980, was suspended for his involvement with Marvin Austin, a former Tar Heels player who was dismissed from the team in October.
State and Local Coverage
Carolina Hosts 12th Annual Holiday Blood Drive
WCHL 1360-AM (Chapel Hill)
In the spirit of giving, locals came out to Wollen Gym on the UNC campus to donate the gift of life during the 12th annual Holiday Edition blood drive. Orange County Blood Services Coordinator Wilma Palmer says the cold weather and time of year likely contributed to fewer donors than expected. This time last year, officials hosted their most successful drive to date by collecting 405 units of blood.
UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/4103/68/
UNC Law to offer degree to foreign lawyers
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
The School of Law at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill soon will offer foreign lawyers an opportunity to improve their knowledge of U.S. law and legal process through a one-year master of laws degree (LL.M.) program. Acquiescence of the American Bar Association to the program is expected in January 2011. …"Our J.D. (juris doctor) and LL.M. students will benefit by studying together and by engaging in discussions about comparative legal issues, policies and judicial processes," said John Charles "Jack" Boger, dean and Wade Edwards Distinguished Professor of Law.
UNC Release:
http://uncnews.unc.edu/content/view/4147/70/
RTI, Duke, UNC partner in global health effort
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
RTI International is among three organizations recently selected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help developing and emerging nations with their public health systems. …RTI's partners include the Duke University Global Health Institute, UNC Institute of Global Health and Infectious Disease and Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, among others.
Orange County among most educated in U.S. (Blog)
The Triangle Business Journal
…So, which county is the most educated in the Triangle? One answer would be Orange County, home to UNC-Chapel Hill and one of 20 U.S. counties where more than half of the adult residents (ages 25 and up) hold at least a bachelor’s degree. At 53.7 percent, Orange County has the highest concentration of college grads in North Carolina and 11th highest nationally.
On Location
"The State of Things" WUNC-FM
…To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the film, “The Color Purple,” host Frank Stasio talks to a panel of guests about the movie’s production, its connection to Walker’s written narrative, and how it challenges audiences with complex themes of race, family, gender and sexuality. Joining the conversation is …Charlene Regester, associate professor of African and Afro-American Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of “African American Actresses: The Struggle for Visibility, 1900-1960”; L. Lamar Wilson, an English PhD student and Composition Teaching Fellow at UNC-Chapel Hill…
Students await DREAM Act outcome
The Chapel Hill News
…The DREAM [Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors] Act would grant temporary legal status to young people brought to the United States before the age of 16 who meet certain conditions and offer states more flexibility in offering financial aid. …"It's not like we can pretend that they don't exist," said Ron Bilbao, president of the Coalition for College Access at UNC-CH. "In the long run, we're the ones who are going to benefit from a society of educated, intelligent, bright people."
Stipend or salary? No easy answer
The Outer Banks Sentinel
By the time the New Year's Eve clock ticks over into 2011, Dare County taxpayers will have funded an estimated $30,000 in-county travel and meals for the board of commissioners. …Frayda S. Bluestein, professor of Public Law and Government at the Institute of Government at UNC-Chapel Hill agreed in most part with Outten's view.
Ship’s history continues to surface
The Daily Reflector (Greenville)
…While the recovery is an initiative of the Underwater Archeology branch of Cultural Resources with funding from the N.C. General Assembly, it is carried out with help from the N.C. Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, East Carolina University, the University of North Carolina Institute of Marine Sciences at Morehead City, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maritime Research Institute and other partners.
No money for a hotel room? No worries
The Chapel Hill News
To most people, free lodging in Europe's most beautiful cities seems too good to be true. Not to UNC student Lori Baldwin. Even though she frequently traveled around Europe while studying in Spain last year, the communications and international studies major never once stayed in a hotel.
Party food can be healthful, too (Column)
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
As time dwindles and tasks mount in upcoming weeks, chances are good you'll find yourself in need of snack or party foods you can put on the table in minutes. It's smart to have a few festive, good-tasting foods to fall back on. It's also helpful to make sure those foods are on most people's eat-right list. (Suzanne Havala Hobbs is a registered dietitian and a clinical assistant professor in the department of health policy and administration in the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill.)
Outsider managed UNC football crisis
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
With the NCAA's investigation into its football program escalating, UNC-Chapel Hill turned for help in late August to a national public relations firm skilled at crisis management. UNC-CH hired New York-based Hill & Knowlton on Aug. 25.
UNC pair to miss bowl
The News & Observer (Raleigh)
Senior starters Bruce Carter and Alan Pelc won't play for North Carolina in the Music City Bowl after having surgery this week, the school announced Tuesday. …"Bruce and Alan have meant so much to this program," UNC coach Butch Davis said in a statement. "They have been great kids, great leaders and, most importantly, they will graduate Sunday with a degree from the University of North Carolina. Obviously, we are disappointed for them that they will not be able to play in the bowl game. However, our main concern is their health and preparing for the future."
Related Links:
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/12/15/862858/some-heels-still-worthy.html
http://www.wralsportsfan.com/unc/story/8775096/
Issues and Trends
Why you should care about the state budget shortfall (Opinion-Editorial Column)
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
…Here's my plea to you: As you try to digest the political rhetoric swirling about the state budget, don't let platitudes alienate you or the wonkiness bore you; rather, think about your life and the role of North Carolina's public structures. Have you and your family enjoyed a hike in a state park recently? Have you or someone in your family been to a hospital? Would you have your job if you didn't attend that publicly-funded community college or university? Would your child have the same opportunities as you if those colleges and universities weren't around anymore? (Rob Thompson is the director of the Covenant with North Carolina's Children.)
Kannapolis Scholars bring new level of study to N.C. Research Campus
The Independent Tribune (Kannapolis)
…Kelly Will, a graduate student from UNC-Chapel Hill, watches him, making sure he is performing the tasks correctly. Will is part of the first class of Kannapolis Scholars at the N.C. Research Campus, a program funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Graduate students from UNC-system schools represented at the research campus come to Kannapolis to study under a researcher.
Finally, Michael Jordan is inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame
The Associated Press
It took a while, but Michael Jordan is finally a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The Wilmington native and former University of North Carolina star who went on to become a six-time NBA champion and the Charlotte Bobcats' owner was inducted Tuesday at halftime of his team's game against the Toronto Raptors.
Related Link:
http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/12/15/862860/jordan-shares-nc-hall-walk-with.html