Omaha, Neb., man tries for piercing record

The Gateway (U. Nebraska-Omaha)

(U-WIRE) - On Friday, 21-year-old Matt Brown of Omaha, Neb., received a few sharp sticks -- 171, to be exact. Brown decided to achieve a new world record for the most piercings in a single sitting. He had 10 sticks placed along his collarbone and the rest in both of his arms. His collarbone and arms were red, very puffy and swollen with what looked like welt marks. Brown's competition is Greg Thompson, who on Sept. 27 reportedly received 227 piercings in one sitting earlier this year. Before either record attempt, the bar was previously set at 100. Currently, the Guinness World Record for body piercings is held by a Scottish woman with a total of 462, including 192 on her head.

New York U students desert downtown dorms

Washington Square News (New York U.)

U-WIRE - Some apprehensive New York University students have moved out of dorms located near the site of the former World Trade Center, and 55 students canceled their housing contracts with the University following the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. A larger number of students relocated to dorms further uptown. Students who requested to be relocated were concerned with the air quality surrounding the region close to the WTC disaster site. They were also disturbed by the smell still emanating from the site, which has now become the longest-burning building fire in United States history. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been conducting tests of the air quality following the attacks and maintains that despite the smell, the air is of good quality.

U. Michigan students included in FBI inquiry

Michigan Daily (U. Michigan)

U-WIRE - Many of the men with temporary visas in Ann Arbor, Mich., that are being asked to interview with the FBI as part of the investigation into the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks may be U of M students. The University received a letter Tuesday from the U.S. Attorney's office alerting them that some of the people with whom interviews are being requested live on campus. Letters from the FBI were mailed Tuesday to more than 70 men between the ages of 18 and 33 in the Ann Arbor area who have entered the country in the last two years on temporary visas from countries with suspected links to terrorism. The letters request an interview with an FBI agent to discuss terrorism.

Study shows women university presidents paid less than male peers

Brown Daily Herald (Brown U.)

(U-WIRE) - Female college presidents earn less money and face more challenges than their male counterparts, according to a recent report by the American Council on Education. Nearly 20 percent of the nation's college presidents are women, more than double the number a decade ago. But women presidents are not as readily accepted as males, the report said. The salary disparity was most noticeable at community colleges, where the majority of female presidents are concentrated. In addition, women hold few of the higher-paying presidencies at large, doctoral-granting institutions.