Stories this week at Wake Forest

SECRET CODE AND SECURITY SOFTWARE FOCUS OF EVENTS

Two events on Jan. 25 will focus on cracking secret codes and other computer security issues. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m in Benson University Center’s Pugh Auditorium will be a lecture by S. Brent Morris, senior mathematician at the National Security Agency, who will discuss “Classic Cryptanalysis: The Folger Manuscript.” The lecture will examine cryptanalysis techniques used to crack a secret code written by Robert B. Folger in 1927. Immediately following Morris’ talk, there will be a security software expo until 5:30 p.m. The expo will feature demonstrations of encryption systems, face recognition software, the PC “smart card,” fingerprint recognition software, handwriting recognition software, and computer-enhanced learning systems. The events are part of a series addressing the topic, “Living in a Networked World: Community, Security and Privacy.”

ASTROPHYSICIST WILL LECTURE ON THE ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE

Michael Turner, a noted astrophysicist from the University of Chicago, will lecture about the universe’s form and evolution in “Big Bang Cosmology: From Quark Soup to the Expanding Universe” at 8 p.m. on Jan. 26 in Brendle Recital Hall. Turner’s research focuses on the application of modern ideas in elementary particle theory to cosmology and astrophysics. He co-authored the book, “The Early Universe,” and has written numerous articles on the big-bang theory, dark matter and dark energy.

INDOOR EXERCISING TIPS

From stair-climbing machines to treadmills and indoor pools, it’s easy to move your workout indoors for the winter. “When all is said and done, what really matters is for you to find an activity to fit your schedule and lifestyle,” said Don Bergey, a health and exercise science instructor at Wake Forest. Some indoor activities suggested by Bergey include using a stair-climbing machine, running in water and walking. Stair climbers require little skill to use and effectively exercise the lower body. Running in water is a fitness alternative that avoids the lower-body pounding of running on land. “And remember,” Bergey said, “walking is a year-round prescription for healthy living. When it’s too cold or too wet to walk outdoors, head to the malls.” To interview Bergey about other indoor exercising tips, contact the News Service.

WAKE FOREST’S DEBATE HISTORY DATES TO THE 1800s

Wake Forest, site for an upcoming presidential debate, is no stranger to debate competition. Wake Forest is home to the 1997 National Championship debate team and ranks as one of the finest collegiate debate programs in the country. The university also helps shape the future of collegiate debate by sponsoring workshops and prestigious tournaments, which draw thousands of high school debaters to Winston-Salem each year. Wake Forest debate is almost as old as the institution itself, having started in 1835, a year after the school opened its doors. The first intercollegiate debate was in 1897 against Trinity College, now known as Duke University. Hundreds turned out to witness Wake Forest win the competition. The next day, the News & Observer’s headline declared the crowd’s enthusiasm was “as great as it ever was at a football game.” The program’s director, associate professor of communication Allan Louden, is working on a book about the program’s history. To interview Louden, call the News Service at 758-5237.

PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE WEB SITE

For everything you need to know about the upcoming presidential debate at Wake Forest, visit www.wfu.edu/debate. The site features information on the Commission on Presidential Debates, a look at the 1988 debate at Wake Forest, links to related sites and more.

Categories: Campus Life, Community, Events, Research, Speakers, University Announcement