Well, I'm out of ideas without being there - armed with test equipment. The fact that it works at Cary, and your friend's location(s), without the addition of extra impedance (wire length), clearly indicates some thing's up with your apartment wiring, or induced noise.
08-14-12: Sailcappy
"He also noted that none of my outlets in my apartment are wired to ground it seems the ground is left to the junction boxes alone."
By that, I assume your outlets and junction boxes are grounded via metal conduit per local code? I'd have a warmer fuzzy if I knew the LINE/NEUTRAL voltage or resistance, and would still contact Cary to enquire about any grounding sensitivity issues with their circuits. As far as the level of noise it would take to cause your situation, is most intriguing.
The fact that numerous people suggested adding a 50' extension cord is interesting as well.
Besides Jea48, maybe member "Almarg" could offer some suggestions.
If you do get it resolved, be sure to post your findings.
Good luck
08-14-12: Sailcappy
"He also noted that none of my outlets in my apartment are wired to ground it seems the ground is left to the junction boxes alone."
By that, I assume your outlets and junction boxes are grounded via metal conduit per local code? I'd have a warmer fuzzy if I knew the LINE/NEUTRAL voltage or resistance, and would still contact Cary to enquire about any grounding sensitivity issues with their circuits. As far as the level of noise it would take to cause your situation, is most intriguing.
The fact that numerous people suggested adding a 50' extension cord is interesting as well.
Besides Jea48, maybe member "Almarg" could offer some suggestions.
If you do get it resolved, be sure to post your findings.
Good luck