Torch Issue 09-09-09

TORCH GRAPHIC/KERI DODGE

WHAT’S INSIDE News......................2-5 Entertainment....11-17 Editorials...............6-8 Comics....................18 Features..............9-10 Sports.................20-24

EXTRACT Inferno reviews Mike Judd’s newest comedy, Extract, which takes a look into the comedic aspects of owning a small business.

EN NTERTA AINMENT page 16

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Last week’s poll results

78% Yes 22% No

Are you excited about the upcoming opening Check out our new of the new UC? poll every Wednesday

“Think Outside. . .”

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Directory Managing Board LXXXVII

CHRIISTINA HEISER, Editor-in-Chief EVERTON BAILEY

JESSIKAH HACKETT

Managing Editor

Entertainment Editor General Manager

KIRAN JOSEN

BILL SAN ANTONIO

MALLORY TOKUNAGA

News Editor

Sports Editor

Copy Editor

JUSTIN THRIFT

LAURA AMATO

SARA RHODES

Editorial Page Editor Photo Editor

MARK MCDONALD

Layout Editor

PATRICE BENDIG

KERI DODGE

ELLEN CAREY

Features Editor

Art Director

Advisor

Business (718) 9906576 Advertising 990-6756 Editorial Board 990-6444

Features 990-6445 Letters 990-6445 News 990-6444 Sports 990-6444

Special thanks to Richard Rex Thomas for assisting in the design of The TORCH

Music Alex Ritchie St. John’s freshman, Alex Ritchie, talks with Inferno about her upcoming album, The Beginning, which hits stores this month.

Inferno Pg. 16

Feature Lecture Series Read about the variety of organizations you can join on the Queens Campus. There are countless different groups that meet every week.

Features Pg. 10 TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

Men’s Soccer Successful Start

NEWS

The men’s soccer team was not defeated at the Adidas/ IU Credit Union Classic over Labor Day weekend.

Sports Pg. 20

OPINION PG. 8

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The TORCH

9 Sept. 2009

TEXTBOOK TAX CREDIT

FOR MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 718-990-6756 The TORCH is the official student newspaper of St. John’s University. The Torch is written, edited, designed and produced by students of the University. All contents are the sole responsibility of the editors and the editorial board and do not necessarily represent the views of the administration, faculty or students of St. John’s University unless specifically stated.

To contact The TORCH by mail: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439

The TORCH is typically published on Wednesdays, approximately 20 issues throughout the academic year. Circulation per issue is 3,500 copies distributed free on campus.

This copy of The Torch is worth $ .75.

Student Wellness promotes responsible fun by displaying flags and banners around campus that encourage sobriety. Student Wellness, or SWELL, offers alcohol counseling for students. Their office is located in Marillac Hall, Room 130.

Swine Flu tracking iPhone application debuts MELODY YU Harvard Crimson via U-Wire A new iPhone application called “Outbreaks Near Me” that allows users to track and report local outbreaks of infectious disease was released Tuesday.

Developed by researchers at Children’s Hospital Boston and the MIT Media Lab, the application combines the GPS system of the iPhone with outbreak tracking information from HealthMap.org, a web prowling system that mines official and unofficial Internet data sources for information on outbreaks of emerging, infectious diseases.

“Outbreaks Near Me” provides “location based alerting” of infectious disease outbreaks, according to HealthMap co-founder John S. Brownstein, an assistant professor at the Children’s Hospital Informatics Program (CHIP). Users can also choose to set alerts to notify users of new local outbreaks or when they are entering new areas.

“If people know what’s happening around them, they might be more likely to take basic precautions,” such as washing their hands and getting vaccinated, Brownstein said.

On top of alerting users to outbreaks, the application allows users to submit reports, even photos if they want, of potential outbreaks from their own phones, which would be reviewed

by HealthMap, according to HealthMap cofounder Clark Freifeld.

Harvard’s University Health Services Director David S. Rosenthal ’59 said that although the application will probably not be helpful in diagnosing individual H1N1 cases, it is a “very interesting technique” that could provide health officials with additional information on general incidence trends.

“Using more contemporary ways of reporting what’s going on in the community can help public health officials find out [about disease outbreaks] at the earliest possible moment,” Donald A. Goldmann, a professor in Immunology and Infectious Disease at Harvard Medical School, said when asked about the application.

“This is a nifty, portable way to get people’s attention, especially young people.”

Some students, however, are skeptical of whether the application will be useful in practice.

Russell C.S. Mason ’10 said he would probably not use the application. “I think it would be really stressful and incite a lot of panic.”

And Sean R. Singh ’12 said, “I hardly use many of the apps on my phone; if it was important it would show up on my News app.

I’m not going to spend my time worrying about H1N1.”

“Outbreaks Near Me” is available for download for no cost in the iTunes App Store.

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Student feedback leads to dining changes JOANNA SMYKOWSKI Contributing Writer

TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

Chartwells replaced the University’s previous dining services provider, Sodexo, in the beginning the spring 2008 semester. Since their arrival, Chartwells has been collecting surveys to assess students’ dining concerns and preferences. semester, it will only be held at the Red Food Emporium. It will feature many Montgoris.”

Storm Diner. different dining stations, including the Sophomore Luk Kawa also approves,: Capetanakis said the diner will be PiaDori Sandwich station, where Halal “It’s nice to have more options with the open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday meat will be available. Other dining addition of the late night diner and the through Thursday and from 9 p.m. to 3 stations include a Yan Can Cook Asian new University Center,” she said. a.m. seven nights a week. The Red Storm cuisine station, an Italian bistro, a Chop’d Capetanakis said that Chartwells is Diner offers burgers, sandwiches, soups, salad station and an Outtakes with pre- committed to listening to student feedback salads and a variety of other entrees and made sandwiches, fruit cups, desserts and about the dining services on campus. appetizers. other snacks.

“All of the changes are made with Waldhof said Chartwells is looking “We are trying to keep the meal the students in mind and their needs are to implement an option where students options diverse,” said Capetanakis. “We constantly evolving,” she said. “Every or faculty could place a food order in don’t need another Burger King, so our year, students graduate and another advance and then pick it up. goal was to offer something in each of the crop of students come in who may have The new University Center—the facilities.” different needs to be met. So we take D’Angelo Center—will also offer a Students expressed their approval for student feedback very seriously and we’re variety of dining options to students when many of the new changes. always looking at ways to improve dining it opens later this month. A Starbucks will “I think [the Red Storm Diner] is services on campus.” be located on the second floor and will much better…[and] more appealing. I also be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday like the patio area outside of St. Vincent’s through Thursday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. diner,” said junior Janine Pichardo.

Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Freshman Xavier Shelton said, “I The D’Angelo Center will also feature like the variety being offered between Additional reporting by Everton Bailey a food court called the D’Angelo Center St. Vincent’s, Marillac, the library and and Thomas Carnevale

9 Sept. 2009

What changes can students expect to see this semester?

NEWS

St. John’s is continuing to expand its on-campus dining options this semester, with later hours, new food choices and renovations.

Gina Capetanakis, marketing director of Chartwells, said these changes have been made to serve students’ needs.

“Over the course of each semester we get feedback from the students on what they want improved,” she said.

“We definitely hear loud and clear about what they want, so the changes made this summer have been for them.”

Many of these changes have been made to Montgoris Dining Hall. Capetanakis said the dining hall will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Previously, it closed at 8:30 p.m. on these days. Friday through Sunday, Montgoris will be open until 8:30 p.m.

The second level of Montgoris has also been remodeled. Some of the tables have been replaced with booths and new chairs have been added.

Last year, Chartwells began an environmental initiative to help reduce waste and energy use by going trayless Tuesdays and Thursdays. Now, Montgoris no longer offers trays.

Ken Waldhof, executive director of auxiliary services, said the remodeling is popular with students.

“I think the attitude of students before was to get seats on the ground floor and then maybe go upstairs,” he said. “But it seems now that everyone wants to check out the new seating area.”

Capetanakis said more renovations may take place in Montgoris and in Marillac Food Court “1 to 2 years down the line.”

“The facility [Marillac] is starting to show some age,” she said. “We really want to bring in some new equipment and find ways to cut down long lines.”

This school year, late night dining will be available at a new location: St. Vincent’s Hall. The dining facility is called Red Storm Diner. Late night dining started during the spring 2009 semester and had been available in Montgoris; this

The TORCH TORCH PHOTOS/LAURA AMATO

St. Vincent’s Cafe

Hungry Johnnie C-Store

Food Emporium

Dining hours at Montgoris have been expanded until 10 p.m. MondayThursday and until 8:30 p.m. FridaySunday. The second floor of Montgoris has also been remodeled; comfortable booths have replaced tables and there are also brand new chairs.

The new dining facility located in St. Vincent’s Hall features late night dining. It will be open from 11 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday and then from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. during the week.

Burgers, sandwiches, soups, entrees and appetizers are available.

The Hungry Johnnie Convenience Store, located in Montgoris, is open from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. daily. Along with their existing inventory, new foods and other convenience items have been added to their stock, including Hershey’s ice cream.

This new cafeteria will feature a variety of food service stations once it opens: Asian cuisine, sandwiches, an Italian bistro, an American grill and a salad bar. A Starbucks Coffeehouse will also be opening on the second floor of the new UC.

torchonline.com

Montgoris Dining Hall

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Laptop upgrade opportunity for undergrads MALLORY TOKUNAGA Copy Editor For $675 sophomores, juniors and seniors can replace their current laptop for a newer model, the Lenovo ThinkPad X200 netbook.

The models currently used by students are the T61, T60 and R60, which are used by sophomores, juniors and seniors, respectively. Freshmen already use the X200.

Freshmen and transfer students receive their laptop during new student orientation.

The University has been giving students laptops since the fall 2003 semester as part of the Academic Computing Initiative, a program launched to give students equal access to technology.

The University started the upgrade program to give students a chance to trade their laptop for a newer model, said Maura Woods, vice president of information technology.

Lenovo’s Web site’s most recent listing price for a ThinkPad X200, with similar specifications, is $990. The X200 weighs about 3.5 pounds, has 160 GB of memory, a 2.4 GHZ processor and six hours of battery life. Like the older models, the new netbook will be preconfigured with MS Office 2007, Windows XP and anti-virus software.

Justine Woods, a junior English major, said she decided to trade-in her Lenovo T60 laptop because she was unhappy with its performance.

“It had a lot of problems,” she said.

Woods cited poor battery life, slow processing, and frequent crashes and freezes as factors that motivated her to get a new laptop.

She added that she would have spent

more on the repairs than the cost of the upgrade, so she opted for the X200. She said she chose the University notebook over other options because on-campus technical support and repairs would make “it easier and more convenient.”

Another student, senior Kelly Zukowski, said she does not plan on trading in her laptop.

“It’s deplorable,” she said. “They just want more money. I already pay so much tuition that I’m not going to pay to upgrade to a crappy computer.”

Currently, graduate students are not allowed to participate in the program. To receive the X200, eligible students must arrange an appointment through their St. John’s UIS account and have fulfilled their financial obligations for the fall 2009 semester.

The University will charge the amount to the student’s term bill. Payment can be made in full or in three installments. If the student has a credit on their University account, that credit can be used to pay for the X200.

Additionally, students must turn in their old laptops in order to purchase the ThinkPad X200. The old laptops will be “repurposed” and “deployed” by the University, said Woods. They will be distributed to University faculty and staff, and loaned to students who need extensive repairs made to their laptops.

About 100 students have already purchased the X200 and Woods expects this number to increase. The University will continue to offer this deal through the TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO spring semester.

Woods said she is unsure if they will In exchange for their old laptop and $675, eligible students can continue the program next school year.

“We’re evaluating the program,” she upgrade to a new Lenovo netbook. The trade in program began over said. “We want to see what the students think the summer and was advertised on St. John’s Central.

University gives students chance to win prizes

Reward program prizes: 25 points: Seein Red T-Shirt 50 points: Long sleeve T-shirt 100 points: Redzone Nike backpack 150 points: Two $10 Gift cards and a $4.50 MetroCard, or Two $7 AMC movie tickets and a $10 gift card 200 points: Three $10 gift cards 300 points: Five $10 gift cards 450 points: A monthly MetroCard or $100 Amex gas cards (for the first 100 students to reach this amount)

One Top Point Winner: $500 Amex gift card

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600 points: iPod Touch, X-Box, Wii, or a $250 Amex gift card (for the first 25 students reach this amount)

The TORCH

”

Students receive points when they swipe their Storm cards at various events held by different departments on campus, including: Academic Lecture Series, Athletic Engagement, Campus Activities, Campus Recreation, Career Center, Multicultural Affairs, Student Wellness

9 Sept. 2009

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The MVP Reward Program NEWS

tickets, MetroCards and gift cards. At the end of the year, the student with the most points overall will receive a $500 American Express Gift Card.

The amount of points varies by event.

St. John’s University is implementing For example, a student can receive four a new reward program this semester to points for attending an academic lecture encourage students to get involved in series, three points for a women’s soccer campus activities. game and 10 points for homecoming “An institutional goal is to increase programs. student engagement opportunities on “[The Reward Program’s] goal is to campus,” said Mary Pelkowski, associate increase school spirit and tradition while dean for student also creating excitement engagment. “This and attendance at all program specifically This program athletic events and offers and aims to Student spec specifically offers and division-wide encourage students Affairs programs,” aims to encourage Pelkowski said. to get involved in many different students to get involved Students expressed opportunities mixed opinions when it in many different came to this new venture. throughout the Division of Student “It seems like a very opportunities.

Affairs.” shallow way to get students Through the to come to events. I don’t MVP Student -Mary Pelkowski lkowski kowski think it’s necessary; if Reward Program, students are interested students gain then they’ll attend,” said points when they student Chris Jones. swipe their Storm cards at campus events, Junior Lisa Bilella expressed similar including athletic games, academic lectures, doubts. fitness classes, career center workshops “I’m not really sure how many people and commuter programs. Points can be will go to events just to get rewards,” she tracked through students’ UIS accounts. said. “I don’t know if it would be that Once students earn 25 points, they effective.” receive a short-sleeved Red Storm T-shirt; Freshman Kyle Weiss, however, offered at 50 they receive a long-sleeved shirt a different opinion. along with a complimentary drink from “I think it’s a good way to get students the Starbucks in the D’Angelo Center. involved in campus events,” he said. “I After these prizes are earned, students get don’t know if it will encourage more kids to spend their points on prizes like movie to show up, but we’ll see.”

KIRAN JOSEN News Editor

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Editorial Board LXXXVII CHRISTINA HEISER Editor-in-Chief EVERTON BAILEY Managing Editor

Illustrator’s Corner:

KIRAN JOSEN News Editor JUSTIN THRIFT Editorial Page Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH

9 Sept. 2009

EDITORIAL

Into the night Campus dining services at St. John’s have made a number of notable improvements for the new school year.

While most freshmen won’t be aware of the various changes, returning students can testify to the convenience of newly added locations, food options and extended hours.

The Red Storm Diner is the newest location for dining options on campus and is a telling sign that the University is seeking to offer more convenience and better facilities. The diner is located in the rear of St. Vincent Hall and offers students a selection of standard grill items such as burgers, soups, salads and various appetizer items.

In addition to the grill at St. Vincent’s Hall, the campus will also be graced with several more dining locations when the new D’Angelo Center opens mid-semester. The new building will host a brand new Starbucks Coffehouse and an additional campus cafeteria including amenities like an Asian cuisine station, PiaDori sub and sandwich option, American grill and Italian Bistro, and a pre-made “on-the-go” station for quick fixes.

New changes have also made their way into Montgoris Dining Hall, the current mainstay for most resident students. Along with new extended hours, Montgoris has experienced renovations in the upstairs seating location where large booths and stylish furniture now welcome diners. Dining with friends is now a more comfortable reality at Montgoris and the new furniture provides much needed dining relief.

But from all the new dining locations and options that have been implemented the best news for students are the new late-night options that have been introduced throughout campus.

Starting last year, St. John’s created the first late-night dining option at Montgoris to offer residents a place to get food throughout the night. This alleviated a lack of late-night options for students and became the first after-hours option that the resident village has seen.

Now, in place of the late-night dining program at Montgoris, The Red Storm Diner will be open until 3 a.m. in the morning with the Hungry Johnny C-Store. Additionally, Montgoris has extended its dining hours until 10 p.m. four days a week alongside the new D’Angelo cafeteria and Starbucks Coffehouse.

The center’s cafeteria will remain open until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday – hours that have been uncommon for campus dining halls in past years. The addition of all these locations and extended hours will also help alleviate long lines and crowds across campus eateries.

With the bolstering of their latenight dining services, St. John’s is offering students quality, convenient options that improve upon the late-night program started last year.

Students with late classes or meetings can now count on dinner being available to them at later hours. Resident students are no longer forced to walk off-campus or starve when that late-night hunger strikes.

Overall, the changes that have occurred in on-campus dining project a positive result for students. The additional hours and new locations drastically improve the dining scene from what it has been in years past.

It is clear that St. John’s and Chartwells are moving forward in a direction that offers students progressive services and renovated facilities.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/CATHARINE CORRIGAN

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The TORCH

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of The TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of The TORCH. Opin-

ions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.

TO CONTRIBUTE Mail letters to: The TORCH Letters, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy, Jamaica, NY 11439 E-mail letters to: torcheditorials@gmail.com

Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters have a limit of 350 words and may be edited for content, grammar, or space. Unverifiable or anonymous letters will not be published.

All letters are subject to the approval of the Editorial Board of The TORCH.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/PRESTON PALMER

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Making it a family affair Facebook’s changing dynamics force students to rethink their online image I’ll be the first to admit it: I’ve wasted more hours than I can count on Facebook.

But when I first joined the social networking site back in the summer of 2006, I never thought it would become such a huge craze.

At first, I had a lot of fun creating my profile; I uploaded pictures of my friends on the last day of high school and at prom, I searched for friends I hadn’t seen since I graduated elementary school, and when my friends left for their first year of college, I was able to easily stay in touch with them by posting on their Facebook walls.

When Facebook launched in 2004 (it was called “the Facebook”), it was only open to college students; you had to have a legitimate college e-mail address to join. But in September 2006, only two months after I joined, the site began allowing anyone with an e-mail address to create a profile.

I had liked the fact that Facebook seemed like a place where I could talk to other students my age; and since you needed a school e-mail address to join, I felt like the site was a lot safer than Myspace, where anyone could make a profile.

Unlike Myspace, where I would delete friend requests from random people, I often used to accept Facebook friend requests from St. John’s students I didn’t

know (or had only met once) in person as a way of meeting new people in school.

And because a lot of the friends I’ve made at St. John’s have completely different schedules than I do, Facebook has allowed me to keep in touch with them during hectic semesters.

And it’s not just anyone who’s sending friend requests. Recently, it seems I hear from everyone that some of their family members (parents, aunts, uncles, etc.) made their own profiles; even some of my own family members have done this. While I don’t mind being friends with my younger sister and my cousins who are around my age, I am a bit uncomfortable with other family members joining Facebook; it seems like an invasion of privacy to me. Facebook started out as a place where I could joke around with friends without having to worry that what I said would be monitored by my family members. I know that I’d rather

not have to think twice about what I post on my profile because a family member might see it and comment on it. Facebook was created to give college students a forum where they could connect with other students their age and express themselves, but with family members joining the site, it loses part of what originally made it so fun.

But if family members do send me “friend requests,” I’ve felt obligated to add them as friends because they are related to me, and I don’t want to hurt their feelings. However, if this happens to you, you might want to think about going into your privacy settings and allowing your family members to only see your “limited profile.” This way, you can remain friends with them, but you can control what parts of your profile they’re able to see.

Not only are family members joining the social networking site, it turns out that a lot of employers (and even college administrators) join Facebook too as a way of checking up on potential (or current) employees or students. Because of this, it is imperative that you are careful when uploading photos of yourself or joining groups. You also have to watch what others have uploaded about you too, because it will also show up on your profile for others to see.

The growing number of employers

joining Facebook can work to your benefit, though. I’m friends with many of my former employers from the part-time jobs and internships I’ve had over the last few years. Facebook is a good way to network and become aware of any new jobs that might become available.

Last semester, The TORCH staff made our own Facebook profile and Twitter page. I think that this will prove a successful way of reaching out to more St. John’s students than we ever have before.

(Make sure you add us! On Facebook, our name is Torch Editorial Board, and on Twitter we’re SJUTORCH.) Furthermore, the ability to use Facebook (and Twitter) can come in handy as a useful skill because a lot of companies have their own profiles that need to be constantly updated. For example, right now, I’m interning at a Web site that has both a Facebook profile and a Twitter page; it’s one of the intern’s main responsibilities to update both.

So, maybe all of the hours I’ve wasted on Facebook haven’t been completely wasted after all; at least that’s what I’ll tell myself from now on!

Christina Heiser is a senior English major.

She can be reached at: torcheic@gmail.com

Montgoris goes fully trayless to further St. John’s green initiative RAMIRO FUNEZ Contributing Writer

“

STUDENTSPARKS: Montgoris

9 Sept. 2009

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OP-ED

The sight of students juggling numerous plates of food in Montgoris Dining Hall is a common one.

This experience has become familiar to most resident students ever since St. John’s implemented its new tray-free agenda prior to the fall 2009 semester.

According to Chartwells staff, the policy was initiated by University officials who decided that abolishing the use of trays would perpetually economize food wastage and water consumption.

Chartwells, the primary catering company of St. John’s University, addresses their environmental concern regarding food reduction through their mission statement entitled “Chartwells’ Sustainability Commitment” on their WebSite. The company claims they have taken a very pragmatic approach to food reduction, making a point that “our programs will include the necessary information to encourage informed choices on both the foods we consume, and the ways we interact with the natural environment.”

After last year’s attempt towards creating a greener Montgoris by limiting tray usage to a few days a week, school officials decided that completely removing trays

would be most appropriate for the upcoming semester. economic decision in eliminating tray usage at MontConsidering the economic and environmental dam- goris, a re-evaluation of meal plan prices to reflect the ages that tray usage ultimately leads to, this trayless ini- change in service would be prudent. tiative is an extremely positive move for Chartwells and If University officials decide to sustain this dining St. John’s. Although trays do provide some convenience, policy, the cost of meal-plans should be lessened considthey do so at the expense of wasted resources – some- ering the fact that the University is saving a substantial thing we should scrupulously amount of money on water usage cling to in our current state of and wasted food. economic distress. Instead of In order to fully serve stustock-piling trays with plates dents, the University should be Many students around of food that we know we won’t focused on helping their students eat, shouldn’t we move towards save as much money as possible campus seem to share consuming in utmost frugality and reflect the positive outcome Chartwells’ concern for by eating plate-by-plate so that of the tray-less initiative in stuenvironmental issues rewe can avoid the cleaning of undents’ food-plan bills. necessary dishes?

Heading into the start of angarding the use of trays.

Many students around camother school year, it’s good to see pus seem to share Chartwell’s St. John’s green initiative perpetconcern for environmental isually evolving on campus. Elimisues regarding the use of trays. nating the usage of trays at MontOne general feeling is that dealing with the minor incon- goris serves as a positive role in reducing the school’s venience of not having trays is worth it in order to help environmental footprint and reminding every student conserve water, food, and ultimately protect the environ- that making little changes can have a constructive affect ment. With no trays at their disposal, students are less on the world around us. likely to pile on the food a mile high which often leads By adjusting our lifestyles to the changing world, we to overeating and wasted food. do our part in the green movement and help preserve the Although the University has initiated an admirable environment around us.

COMPILED BY THOMAS CARNEVALE

I would prefer trays, but it doesn’t bother me that much.

I think they are being cheap, as usual.

Ryan Baist

Ellis Pae

Gabriele Dow

torchonline.com

I think it’s good because it’s saving energy.

The TORCH

How do you feel about Montgoris going completely trayless?

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TORCH ILLUSTRATION/KERI DODGE

New textbook tax credit may disappoint JAVASIA WIGGINS Staff Writer Year after year, students wait in long lines only to empty their pockets in exchange for textbooks that are usually good for one semester. They must do this with little hope of having that money returned. Those who are lucky enough to have extra money left over from their student loans or grants still have to pay out-of-pocket and pray their balance is deposited before the next round of bills begins to cycle through.

However, in February 2009, President Obama signed a bill that allows students to receive a small refund and a tax credit for their highly overpriced textbooks. This decision, aptly named American Opportunity Tax Credit, was made in effort to help middle and lower class students continue their college education. With this textbook tax credit students can buy their books with the incentive that some of the money shelled out for books may be reimbursed at the end of the school year.

While this new tax credit created under the Ameri-

can Recovery and Reinvestment Act is only temporary, (a permanent solution for student aid is pending), it will be worth up to $2,500 and can be used for all four undergraduate years. According to www.textbookaid.org, a site established to explain exactly how the tax credit works, this credit replaces the $1,800 credit that was previously offered to students for up to the first two years and only covered tuition and expenses, not textbooks.

This of course seems like exciting news, but students shouldn’t go on a textbook shopping spree just yet.

Students should be wary of thinking this bill simply gives them $2,500. Although this new textbook tax credit is beneficial, a careful scanning of the plan is crucial to fully understand this potential $2,500 tax credit.

Firstly, the $2,500 is only partially refundable for cash. It might initially seem that the first $2,000 in outof-pocket textbook purchases, tuition, and fees is refunded 100 percent, but in reality only 40 percent of the credit is refundable, with a maximum cash refund of $1,000.

Other expenses exceeding $2,000 will only be credited 25 percent, maxing out at $2,500. The reality is that only a small portion of the money students spend on textbooks

will actually be refunded to them; the rest will come in the form of a tax credit.

The average full-time college student takes five classes each semester to maintain their full-time status.

Textbook prices can range from $50 to more than $200 and many classes require multiple texts. If a student purchases a book for five classes at $100 dollars a book, their total out of pocket expenses for the school year will be $1,000.

If a student who pays $2,500 for textbooks in a school year only receives $500 in their refund, a student spending only $1,000 will receive even less. While a cash refund is always a great thing, students should be aware of the guidelines involved before assuming a total refund is in store.

After breaking down the bill for those who are not experts in taxes and accounting, the American Opportunity Tax Credit doesn’t seem like the big deal many people are making it out to be. It’s good to know that the government realizes that students still need more help to succeed in college, but don’t expect a large sum of money to come from it when tax season arrives.

Think Outside...

Features

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Section

Twenty-first century library SJU library shifts onto the internet to benefit students better Chanel Drummond Staff Writer

As St. John’s students and faculty embrace the online evolution of the 21st century, our very own Queens Campus library has continuously integrated most of its vast collections online.

As one of the leading universities in wireless internet access, the library’s extensive Web presence has allowed students to search its resources and gain access to information in electronic form.

“Times change and the way people study has changed, so the University’s collections online opens a world of possibilities to students and faculty and gives access to so many more things,” said Theresa Maylone, university librarian.

The libraries across all five campuses contain more than 1.5 million books, periodicals, and other materials.

In addition to traditional physical materials, the computer terminals located throughout each floor of the library provide access to a wide variety of electronic resources.

These include the catalogues of the St. John’s Libraries, the catalogues of more than two dozen consortium libraries, bibliographic and electronic full-text databases and much more.

These resources are available both on and off campus via the World

Wide Web. Maylone said she also feels that the University is heading in the right directon.

“As the laptop program moves into its sixth or seventh year, every student is able to acquire a laptop and at the library we have to do our part in evolving with the times so we have transitioned our databases to make them accessible by the internet,” she said.

“Since all University programs work together, without the laptop program, none of this would work.”

The library houses such collections as U.S. government documents which can be accessed freely online.

Students and faculty are encouraged to use the Queens main library government documents collections MondayFriday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The dispersed quantity of the government document collections in the main library, appointments must be made in advance to obtain access.

The St. John’s University libraries subscribe to dozens of databases covering a wide range of subject areas.

The University is now using such online programs as WALDO (Westchester Academic Library Directors Organization) in aiding the development of their systems in order to improve online service.

Designed as an integrated library sys-

tem, it gives students and faculty flexibility.

Thousands of electronic books, journals, full-text articles and news sources are accessible to students and faculty granting access to any place in the world.

The key to accessing these publications is by using your St. John’s user name and password (the one you use for your St. John’s Central account).

Accessing the electronic databases is as simple as visiting the Library’s home page, then clicking either “Databases A-Z” or “Databases by Subject” to find a database that covers the topic in which you are interested.

These databases are designed so that students can enter search terms and find articles by themselves.

However, anyone is invited to use the Libraries’ 24-hour “Ask us!” reference service if additional assistance is necessary.

The Queens campus library also subscribes to a large number of currently published books in electronic form (ebooks).

Whether on or off campus students can browse the vast ebooks provided by logging into the St John’s Central page.

Using your St John’s Central username/password, you can search, view, and read any of the ebooks in the netLibrary collection, the source of SJU

ebooks. Ebooks may be found by searching the libraries’ catalogues (in St Johns Central) via keyword, title, author, etc.

When an ebook is successfully found, a link to the book appears in the record.

You can also search the libraries’ collection of ebooks at netLibrary.

While netLibrary is a free service offered through St. John’s Central there are some features that netLibrary offers, that students must register to use, including the ability to “check out” ebooks for 24 hours, to add ebooks to your own lists, and to take notes online while you read ebooks.

Registration is free and only takes a moment. In addition to ebook subscription via NetLibrary, there are numerous free Web sites with full-text ebooks which are available to you free of charge.

Maylone urges students to allow the online resources to help them in their studies.

“Don’t make the system a barrier, but facilitator,” she said.

To comment and rate the libraries’ online services, simply log onto St. John’s Central and fill out the Database Evaluation Form.

SJU faculty members are encouraged to contribute to the new software by suggesting other Web sites or journals they are aware of during their course teachings through campus guides (via St. John’s Central).

Library fast facts

Monday to Thursday: 7 a.m to 11 p.m.

Friday: 7 a.m to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 12 p.m to 8 p.m.

StJ_Libraries

St. John’s University Libraries

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First floor cafe area and quiet study are opened 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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The whole college experience Going to class is only part of college, getting involved is the other half College is about gaining knowledge, not only academically but socially. Although most of the time spent on campus involves a classroom, there is much more to take advantage of. With more than fifty student organizations on campus, students have the ability to join groups that interest them, or that they want to learn about.

You may want to choose to join clubs about your heritage, such as the Greek Honor Society, Italian Cultural Society or the Muslim Students Association. These organizations provide students a place to learn about their culture, celebrate it and to teach other students.

Bridget Barry, a member of the Greek Honor Society sought it out because she wanted to meet others with the same heritage.

“I joined the Greek Honor Society because it is a way to celebrate my own culture with people that share the same heritage as me,” she said.

“It was a way for me to meet more people, which has also helped me grow and experience many new and exciting things.”

You may want to become part of Greek Life (sororities and fraternities), which is a very large presence at St. John’s.

Each sect of Greek Life represents different values, beliefs and focuses. Along with the social aspect of them, most Greek Life organizations help the community by holding different fundraisers for a wide range of charities.

Kerri Loblanco, a junior, decided to join Greek Life her sophomore year.

“I was interested in community service and the sense of sisterhood,” she said.

“It was something I always wanted to be a part of.”

There are also clubs where students can get an edge on their craft, and gain valuable experience.

Media and creative outlets through the University foster a teaching environment among peers to produce music, stage theatrical performances, or a print publication.

WSJU is St. John’s radio station, which can be heard in Marillac Cafeteria, the internet and in residence halls on Channel 36.

The station is located on the fourth floor of Marillac Hall, and is completely run by students of the University.

It is a great way for students studying the field of communications to get hands-on training using equipment and to work among peers.

For those who have an urge to be in the lime light, or help produce a Shakespearean show, the Chappell Players is the right place for you.

The Chappell Players consists of students who run each show they perform, from the acting, direction, set design to promotion, lighting and costume design.

The Players put on a musical and cabaret the first semester, then during the second semester a straight show, children’s show and dance show is staged.

For anyone interested into going to the world of pub-

TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

Red Zone, one of this University’s many orgranizations, shows school spirit at every St. John’s sporting event. lishing, St. John’s offers two outlets for students to write, design, photograph and print.

The TORCH, which is what you are reading currently, is published weekly by its student-run staff. Students who are interested in writing can sign up for stories offered every week, and those who are interested in the photography aspect of journalism can volunteer to take pictures. Illustrators are also welcomed to become part of the graphics department.

Ann Marie Mascioli, a junior English major, decided to write for the TORCH her sophomore year to gain insight on her major.

“Being a writer for The TORCH has provided me an opportunity to gain experience in my field of interest,” she said.

“I have learned a lot about editing, which is fundamental to my major.”

The Vincentian, the University’s yearbook, offers students experience in the world of publications.

The Yearbook staff makes sure to capture major events and activities that go on during the year. The staff includes writers, photographers, illustrators and advertising representatives.

You may also have the urge to make changes and to support the school. One of the groups that gives students the ability to is the Residence Hall Association.

The RHA gives resident students a voice in enhancing life as a resident student at St. John’s. Students who are involved help plan activities to various places around

the city, and events within the resident village.

Jessica Sides, a senior, decided this year that she wanted to become more involved in residence life.

“I want to provide residents, like myself more incentives to become involved,” she said.

The Student Programming Board (SPB) is similar to the RHA, but involves the University as a whole. Anyone who is part of the SPB helps creates social and recreational programs for the University, including a film series, Commuter Appreciation Week and Spring Fling event.

If you have ever been to a St. John’s sporting event, then you have most likely seen the Red Zone members in action.

The St. John’s Red Zone is extremely hard to miss at any sporting event. They are the students with the painted faces, the loudest cheering voices decked out in red.

This group attends every sporting event, from women’s volleyball, to basketball games at Madison Square Garden, and helps the University engage the community to support fellow peers during games.

Anyone can be a part of this organization, as long as you bring a loud voice and an abundance of school spirit.

Even if none of these organizations sparked your interest, do not feel discouraged. There are countless of other activities you can join. No matter who you are, or where you’re from, St. John’s has organizations to help students become what they want to become.

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The TORCH

9 Sept. 2009

FEATURES

PATRICE BENDIG Features Editor

TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

The Chappell Players work together to put on theaterical performances multiple times a year at the Little Theater. One of last year’s shows was “Grimm,” a musical written by St. John’s students.

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ENTERTAINMENT

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Inferno lists the top five fashion designers to look for this Fashion Week

The TORCH

BEST IN SHOW

9 Sept. 2009 09

Pg. 13

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The Factory Made Funny MIKE JUDGE IS BACK WITH EXTRACT, A PERFECT COMEDIC FOLLOW-UP TO OFFICE SPACE LIZ WALSH Staff Writer EXTRACT- OUT OF 4 STARS

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xtract, the newest comedy from writer and director Mike Judge, is satisfyingly funny and entertaining but not as overly uproarious as previously expected. It is, however, the perfect cinematic choice for lovers of Office Space, the 1999 cult classic that was written and directed by Judge as well. Like Office Space, the dry humor is just as effective in this comedy about a dissatisfied white-collar worker who is entering a miniature midlife crisis when it comes to his work and home life. Although the similarities between the two films are prominent, the plot lines are different and the problems are just as resonant. The sequence of events within Extract and the progression of the film are extremely entertaining because they are both senseless and absurd, but also believable.

Jason Bateman, from the cult-phenomenon Arrested Development, is pitch-perfect as protagonist Joel Reynolds in this melancholy suburban-based comedy. Bateman plays a small business owner (his business is food extracts, hence the title) balancing the small-time trials and tribulations of his employees with the more significant problems of a failing marriage and a company lawsuit. As well as a strong leading actor, Extract is not lacking in cameos. Gene Simmons, the front man of the make-up wearing, arena rock band KISS, plays the money hungry lawyer opposing Bateman’s company.

In a supporting role, Ben Affleck was surprisingly funny as Dean, Bateman’s scruffy, bartending comrade who has big ideas about drugs and adultery. Affleck’s role is refreshingly different here compared with his normal “pretty boy” roles and those calling for an attractive love interest. He is actually able to separate himself from his normal image in appearance and character.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

Ben Affleck (left) and Jason Bateman (right) make up part of the powerhouse ensemble cast of Extract, a new movie from director Mike Judge which gives a comedic twist to the trials and tribulations of small-time bussiness ownership.

Unfortunately Kristen Wiig, easily the most entertaining entity on Saturday Night Live, fell flat in this film. Although she is able to evoke small laughs, Wiig, playing Bateman’s wife Suzie, does not live up to her potential or even audience expectations. This however, was

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The TORCH

9 Sept. 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

Stalking Steve ALL ABOUT STEVE BOASTS A GREAT ENSEMBLE OF ACTORS BUT FALLS SHORT DUE TO THE CONFUSING PLOT JOHN TOWBRIDGE Contributing Writer ALL ABOUT STEVE-

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OUT OF 4 STARS

ith the popularity from her box office hit The Proposal, Sandra Bullock powers through another comedy in All About Steve, directed by Phil Traill.

The movie is sweet and bubbly but also is too light for its own good.

With weak writing and poor direction, All About Steve is all about predictability and nothing to write home about.

The film follows a middle aged crossword puzzle writer named Mary Horowitz (Bullock) in her cross country expedition to win the attention of Steve, played by Bradley Cooper. She is set up on a date with Steve, a cameraman for the local news station, which only goes as far as his car. They share an awkward physical experience and Steve politely ends the date by saying, “Hope to see you soon.” Unfortunately Mary takes it as “I love you! Follow me!” Cooper’s news anchor boss, played by Thomas Haden Church, puts it upon himself to bring Mary along with him and Steve as they capture newswor-

thy events throughout the country.

Mary follows Steve until she comes to the realization that the key to happiness are true friends and the ability to be true to oneself.

The characters in this film come across as heartwarming and entertaining, thanks to the talented cast.

Bullock creates a hilarious character and Cooper plays Steve primarily as the straight man. Although Bullock is the shining star of the film, the rest of the ensemble carries the film well, especially Church who plays Hartman Hughes. His stern, deadpan one-liners make for hearty belly laughs. His humor, teamed up with Cooper and Ken Jeong makes this “chick-flick” bearable for guys, too.

But while the acting is up to par, the storyline hardly makes sense.

Much of the plot twists and characters are a little too crazy for comfort. Sandra Bullock’s character is neurotic and pathetic, but also gorgeous; this makes it hard to believe that she never dates. She is also extremely intelligent so it’s odd that she is so easily fooled by Church’s character, the most unintelligent person in the film. This storyline is confusing because while he asks her to tag along in hopes that her stalking Cooper will get him a good story for his news anchor reel, he knows that he will be reporting at amazing events like hurricanes and

police standoffs, stories that outweigh an uninteresting story of a girl stalking a cameraman. On top of that, random characters like Elizabeth and Howard, played by Katy Mixon and DJ Qualls respectively, enter the movie just in time for it to reach another level of ridiculous.

Elizabeth is a stereotypical unintelligent southern woman who loves everything and Howard is an apple sculptor. If you are confused, you are completely sane.

All About Steve is good for what it is. Unfortunately, what it is adds up to nothing worth watching in theaters.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WALLPAPEREZ.COM

Sandra Bullock plays a crazy, loveable heroine in All About Steve.

not due to her own merit but instead the weakness of the role presented. Had Wiig been dealt a different hand in terms of the film, she could have easily been hilarious as a disgruntled factory worker or other character.

David Koechner, playing Bateman’s hilariously creepy neighbor, is given the opportunity to showcase the broadness of his comedic abilities through this excessively pathetic character, which he plays perfectly.

Lastly, Mila Kunis, of That 70s Show, plays Cindy, a con artist who works as a catalyst within the film, affecting the decisions of many of the characters with not much more than a smile and a little influence.

The ensemble cast’s ability to mesh together so perfectly definitely adds an element of cohesion to the film, tying together storylines and characters seamlessly.

Certainly, Mike Judge’s reputation for being able to accurately portray the workingman’s burden has not been blemished by his most recent film. Rather, Extract carries on the legacy of making the lives of people who hate their jobs seem funnier than reality.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

Written and directed by Mike Judge, Extract humorously addresses employee dissatisfaction. In this movie, Jason Bateman plays a frustrated owner of a company which makes extract, hence the movie title.

Top Five At Fashion Week

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THE DESIGNERS WHOSE VISIONS DETERMINE WHAT LOOKS WILL BE IN STORES DURING 2010 EMILIA WARREN

Narciso Rodriguez Featured designer Narciso Rodriguez was chosen by Mercedez-Benz (the organizer and sponsor of Fashion Week) with good reason. After becoming famous nearly overnight for designing the wedding dress worn by JFK Jr.’s wife and receiving even more publicity when one of his dresses was worn by Michelle Obama after the election, Rodrigez is a logical choice as the featured designer for Fashion Week. His pieces, which consist of structured dresses combining soft fabrics with contrasting touches like exposed zippers, cut-outs and bondage straps, are loved by celebrities and fashionistas alike, and fans will surely not be disappointed by his graphic shape inspired Spring 2010 collection.

Staff Writer

N

ew York Fall Fashion Week… A time when the young, hip and glamourous flock to New York City in even larger droves than usual. The white tents in Bryant Park have long symbolized the most important week in the NYC fashion scene, and the masses of beautiful people surrounding them mean much more than an increased difficulty in getting a taxi. The fashions shown by designers during Fall 2009 fashion week determine what hits stores in the early spring of 2010, and what will trickle down to Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters, and consequently, what you will be wearing a few months after that.

Anna Sui Famous for her distinctive swirling floral prints that have graced everything from cell phone cases to Firefox layouts and her classic feminine shapes, Anna Sui’s Spring 2010 collection is sure to exceed expectations and provide something innovative, while still maintaining her classic aesthetic. As always, Anna Sui will provide fans with an entertaining show, with her trademark rock music and patterned decor along with the innovative, creative clothing. And with a much-hyped collection for Target debuting in September that features some of her most iconic prints, soon her unique looks will be available for people of all budgets.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FREEVECTOR.INFO

Michael Kors 2009 ad campaign showed off formfitting gowns with simple lines, made modern with the use of unusual colors and fabrics.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THISISTHELIST.COM

Bold, graphic touches, like exposed zippers and contrasting colors, are a signature for Narciso Rodriguez.

3.1 Philip p Lim

PHOTO COURTESY OF MERCURYNEWS.COM

For 2009, Anna Sui’s showed bright color palettes.

For the uninterested, the uninvited, and the lucky initiates, Fashion Week is something that will affect anyone who visits Manhattan throughout the week of Sept. 10-17. Although it’s next to impossible to get an invite unless you’re a member of the press or the fashion crowd, there are always those hopefuls who try to sneak in, however daunting security may be.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABOUT.COM

Femininity was key in Charlotte Ronson’s 2009 looks.

For a full schedule of designers and times, visit the Mercedes-Benz fashion week Web site. www.mbfashionweek.com/newyork

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Michael Kors Designer, philanthropist and reality TV personality, Michael Kors does it all. Taking time off from the filming of Project Runway, on which he has a regular judging spot, Michael Kors is sure to impress with his trademark flattering shapes and interesting fabric choices. His ability to turn staple pieces that, in the hands of any other designer could turn boring, into classics that never blow away with the winds of fashion, is one of the reason why working women, celebrities and models alike love to see and wear his designs.

9 Sept. 2009

Guests in attendance at the 3.1 Philip Lim show are in for a real surprise. In addition to his typical clean lines and flattering shapes paired with unique patterns, the show features exclusive access for American Express card members. Cardholders will get the coveted front row seats as well as an insight into his current collection, in addition to the runway show. Fans of Philip Lim can depend on his loose dresses and defined skirts to keep them fashionable for another season, and the fashion elite can rejoice in the fact that the already exclusive event has been made ever-so-slightly more exclusive.

ENTERTAINMENT

Charlotte Ronson The Ronson name is one that is familiar in some capacity to almost everyone.

There’s Mark Ronson, the hip music producer and disk jockey, and the arguably more famous Samantha Ronson, (ex-) girlfriend of the train wreck that is Lindsay Lohan.

However, slightly less known is a third Ronson, Charlotte, whose soft shapes and fabrics have made her a shining new star in the fashion world. For her Spring 2010 collection, fans can expect to see more of the soft pieces that made her famous, along with feminine touches like ruffles and crochet. Fans of Ms. Ronson who don’t have access to the Bryant Park runways can always check out her “Play” by C. Ronson line featured at Urban Outfitters.

The

Much Better BLAZE Left Unplayed

INFERNO LISTS A FEW OF THE FINDS AND UPCOMING EVENTS THAT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER

GAMER’S HYPOCRITICAL MESSAGE CONFUSES AUDIENCES

Compiled by Jessikah Hackett

JACOB SULEYMANOV Contributing Writer

PREPARE FOR FASHION WEEK With Fashion Week fast approaching, the clothing-conscious can’t help but have designers on the brain. Luckily, at Housing Works Thrift Shops, lovers of Gucci and Prada can purchase the items they’ve been lusting after at prices that are almost as attractive as the clothes themselves. Each store location has its own preview sale, so check the store Web site for sale times and locations. Be sure to show up early, as the best loot goes quickly.

Housing Works www.housingworks.org

WATCH SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE This Sunday, celebrate the last moments of the weekend with a comdedy-filled night out. The Upright Citizens Brigade offers dozens of hilarious shows ever week, but one that can’t be missed is the ASSSCAT 3000. Every Sunday night at 7:30 and 9:30, the group performs improv with special guests from shows like Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show.

The 9:30 show is free, but in order to get tickets you’ll have to show up early and be willing to wait in line.

Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre 307 W. 26th Street www.ubctheatre.com Subway: F, V to 23rd St. Station

If you’re tired of eating dinner at Montgoris every night, spend this Friday with the students of the Natural Gourmet Cookery School. Once a week these chefs-in-training turn the school into a restaurant and prepare a four-course vegetarian dinner for the guests. Eating here allows you to make the best of another student’s work, as well as get a gourmet meal for the low price of $34.

OUT OF 4 STARS

T

he tiny semblance of what Gamer tries to pass off as a plot is taken from so many films it will give you déjà vu, and not the good kind. Written and directed by Mark Neveldine and Bryan Taylor, the duo responsible for both the Crank films, Gamer is not pure unadulterated entertainment. The film also comes with a dose of selfrighteousness, which drags down the movie.

Gamer is set in the near future where simulation gaming has been taken to a new level, letting people control other people. In this alternate reality, death row inmates are placed under the full control of paying customers thanks to new cutting-edge technology.

The game is called Slayers and is designed by a Bill Gates wannabe, Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall), who has cataclysmic aspirations. The convicts are members of the reality game, forced to participate in severely violent battles. Those lucky enough to survive 30 battles are set free. One specific convict, our hero, Kable (played

by Gerard Butler) has won 27 battles and is close to being the first to be set free.

Gamer is a powerhouse of brutality and sex from beginning to end and is definitely not for the faint of heart. That being said, it is also a lot of fun most of the time and can

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

Michael C. Hall plays the mastermind behind the game Slayers.

be considered more of an exploitation film rather than torture porn (such as the movie Hostel). Moviegoers looking forward to seeing gritty action scenes and body parts being shot off will not be disappointed. However, with all the blood and guts and scantily clad women that movie throws at the audience, Gamer also has the audacity to lecture about how sick it is to receive enjoyment from this. The seemingly hypocritical message raises questions about what the intention of the film was, given its content.

Butler gets the most screen time, but spends most of it sporting a grim demeanor.

This may have worked with action stars in the 80s but it does not do much in the way of character development, and it certainly doesn’t help the audience sympathize with him.

Hall succeeds at playing the creepy evil mastermind behind the game and Amber

Valletta shows up as Angie, the love interest, but is mainly there for eye-candy. Alison Lohman and Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges also have supporting roles but are wasted in a subplot about a resistance group called Humanz. There is also a mishmash of cameos by semirecognizable television actors that add nothing to the story or the entertainment factor.

To be fair, this isn’t a horrible film, and is actually fun and entertaining for a good part of its runtime, which thankfully is only 95 minutes. It’s just those parts when it slows down to dwell on its tight-rope thin storyline that will get your eyes rolling.

It also needs to be said that it is a well directed film as well with some awe-aspiring set-pieces.

Unfortunately, the dull plot and uneven acting prevent Gamer from being a cult classic, or even a great late-summer popcorn flick.

9 Sept. 2009

Natural Gourmet Institute for Food and Health 48 W. 21 Street Subway: F, V to 23rd St. Station Call (212) 645-5170 for reservations

ENTERTAINMENT

DINE OUT IN THE CLASSROOM

GAMER-

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PUT YOUR THINKING CAP BACK ON The TORCH

Book lovers are uniting this week at the Brooklyn Book Festival in Brooklyn Borough Hall. The event will include a tribute to authors John Updike and David Foster Wallace, as well as readings and discussions with guests like Paula Fox and Naomi Klein. The event is free, so there aren’t any excuses not to dust off your reading glasses and hop on the next train to Brooklyn.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FILMOFILIA.COM

Gerard Butler (right) and Amber Valetta (left) are the heroes of this violent thriller. Butler’s character is a prison inmate who has nearly completed all of the tasks needed for his release.

torchonline.com

Brooklyn Borough Hall 209 Joralemon St. Subway: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Borough Hall Call (718) 802-3700 for information

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Student Artist Campus FRESHMAN ALEX RITCHIE IS ABOUT TO RELEASE HER FIRST CD JESSIKAH HACKETT

Comedy

Entertainment Editor

9 Sept. 2009 The TORCH

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ENTERTAINMENT

A

t first glance, Alex Ritchie looks like a regular college student, starting her first year at St. John’s University. After a quick conversation with her, it is clear that the 18-year-old wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Music isn’t all of me, but it’s a big part of me,” Ritchie said, describing how her budding music career has affected her perception of herself. “I don’t want to take myself too seriously.”

Although she might not be, the music industry is taking Alex Ritchie very seriously. Her debut performance was at Los Angeles’ world-famous music mecca, Whisky A Go Go, where she played on the stage that artists like The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Neil Diamond had performed on in the past. Since then, Ritchie’s unique sound has become a favorite in the indie-rock scene of Los Angeles.

Her fanbase might still be in California, but now that Richie is in New York City she feels positive that she can start affecting the music scene on the East Coast, as well as the programs offered by St. John’s University.

“Music isn’t taken as seriously here,” she said. Currently, St. John’s does not offer any musicbased majors. Students who wish to study music can minor in the subject, but like most performance art programs at St. John’s, the department is small. On-campus performances are limited, and while there are musicians at St. PHOTO COURTESY OF MYSPACE.COM John’s University they do not The Beginning, the first album released by 18-year-old Alex Ritchie, was always receive as much attention self-produced and written entirely by Ritchie herself. or opportunity to perform.

According to Ritchie, St. John’s The album is self-produced and music allows Ritchie to become has already offered her a future composed of only Alex Ritchie’s the primary focus of the song. opportunity to perform on campus, voice, a guitar, and a back-up guitar Although she admits that she taking advantage of her talent and with a sound effects pedal. All the has dreams of becoming rich and possibly opening up opportunities songs were written by Ritchie, famous, she also places a lot of for other students. Ritchie may demonstrating how personal the pressure on herself to be a role be performing at the library cafe music is to her. model to others. Uninterested in and at the new D’Angelo Center Ritchie describes the sound the idea of being a glamourous, Starbucks in the future. as soft indie-rock with rock and unapproachable diva, Ritchie Campus performances aren’t techno influences. She says that she hopes to stay down-to-earth and all that Ritchie has in her future. can be best described as a mix of be a personable, approachable When she was auditioning to artists like Jack Johnson and Ingrid musician who inspires others to become a part M i c h e a l s o n . pursue their dreams. of California’s Her influences One of her major goals is to annual music i n c l u d e help establish facilities that will f e s t i v a l from allow young musicians from All too often people think everything Coachella, Guns & Roses all backgrounds get the music they have to keep the to Bob Marley education that she never recieved. where she would have Regina “I’m completely self taught,” card life dealt them, but if and p l a y e d Spektor. she said. “I only ever had one a l o n g s i d e you just keep working then “I’m just lesson and that was free. I want to artists like Paul for make it possible for other people you can get a better hand. looking McCartney exposure now,” to get the music education that I and The said. “I still didn’t have.”

-Alex Ritchie she K i l l e r s , have a lot of With her seemingly unfaltering she met the maturing to do.” positive attitude and her infectious woman who She explained personality, it is easy to see why would help boost her career to a that she wasn’t as concerned with nearly a dozen students stopped whole new level. Hannah Anders sales as she was with getting her to say hello to Ritchie during the is currently the producer for a music out into the public, which is course of the interview. Her beliefs television show called The Big why she plans to upload many of about human potential are so Stage. Anders was a judge for the her songs onto her Myspace page. inspiring that it is hard to not want Coachella festival, and Ritchie’s Currently, Ritchie’s myspace to begin to believe in her ideals. performance impressed her. With page includes the single “College “I believe you illustrate your Anders’ help, Ritchie began work Bound,” which pairs her hauntingly own realities,” she said. “All too on her first album. beautiful voice with poetic lyrics often people think they have to The album is called The that seem to present a maturity that keep the card life delt them, but Beginning, as it marks the start is hard to find in typical college if you just keep working then you of Ritchie’s recording career. freshman. The simple background can get a better hand.”

ALPHA PSI OMEGA BEGINS THEIR FALL SEASON EMILIA WARREN Staff Writer

S

ept. 4 saw the first performance by the St. John’s honor theatre society, Alpha Psi Omega. Their opening week comedy show delivered laughs, groans, and all the awkward moments encountered in college along with some humorous commentary on political issues and current pop culture presented in the form of short skits written, directed and performed by members of the group.

The show opened with a skit written by Mike Wirsch and directed by Matthew Gray, depicting an angel-like character acting as an exaggeration of perky orientation leaders. This guide shows a seemingly bored, apathetic student around the St. John’s University campus, pointing out buildings like the “Little” Theatre, and things like an invisible football team. Titled “The Tour,” the exemplary writing and acting were able to portray some of the unique aspects of the University in a silly, endearing light.

Following was a sketch entitled “Baseball,” written

by Taryn Glynn and Gino Gentilini-Pagonis and directed by Gentilini-Pagonis. Featuring two people trying to bond over baseball, this skit provided a comedic look at not only a fanatic obsession with a sports team but the lengths that some will go to have something in common with another person. This skit featured one especially funny bit, as one character goes on an edited swearing rampage, while Ben Kistinger, playing a university representative, replaced her profanity with more “appropriate” words.

The third piece, “The Montgoris Monster” written

by Sarah Goncalves and directed by Ben Kistinger, presented an idea that many university students could embrace-the theory of a monster living under Montgoris Dining Hall, making electricity to power the generators, causing fire alarms in various dorm buildings and eating students who show a less-than-acceptable amount of school spirit. “The Montgoris Monster” was able to provide a hilarious potential explanation for several little quirks around campus.

Next was “H.O.F.F.F.,” a fairy-tale farce written by Sam Deliso and directed by Justin Philips. Featuring a look into a meeting of the “Hall Of Famous Fantasy Figures,” a panel of many well-known fairy-tale characters, including Gandalf the white, Dorothy, Alice, the Cat in the Hat and Dracula where they interview and debate on whether or not to induct a brooding, black-wearing Edward Cullen into the organization. Featuring slick pop-culture references adding to the characterization of each fantasy character, the outstanding writing and acting provided a potential inside look at what fairy-tale characters do when they take a day off from the stories.

Following “H.O.F.F.F.” was “Fictional Roommates,” also written by Taryn Glynn and directed by Caitlyn Mason. This comedic piece gave another look at what happens when an obsession with a pop-culture phenomenon becomes unhealthy. Featuring the interaction between a girl with an addiction to the popular Twilight series so serious that she made her life mimic the life of the main character in the book series and her roommates, it provided a hilarious look at what happens when “fan” becomes “fanatic.”

Next was “Becoming Terrance,” a politics-infused sketch written by Mike Wirsch and directed by Dylan Frisina. Featuring a snowman narrator telling the story of a straight boy born in a society the opposite of our own where same-sex couples are the norm. In a twist on current society, he “comes out” as straight to his unaccepting parents. Although the skit did have a political message, the hysterical writing and well-executed acting are enjoyable no matter what your political views.

The final skit was “Undone.” Featuring the altercation between two roommates and the girlfriend of one of them following an...awkward encounter, the creative writing and direction by Keith Plokhoy made the sketch both hilarious and cringe-worthy at times.

Alpha Psi Omega started a strong season with this extremely enjoyable night. With topics ranging from poking fun at the University to humorously lampooning pop culture figures, the theatre troupe presented a truly hilarious night and hopefully will continue to impress.

The Last Album’s Leftovers

17

THE BLUEPRINT 3 BOASTS SOME HITS BUT ULTIMATELY DOESN’T OFFER FANS ANYTHING NEW DANIEL SANCHEZ Contributing Writer

I

t has been eight years since Jay-Z’s The Blueprint set the standard for innovative, accessible and soulful hip hop. With his third installment of the Blueprint series set to release on September 11, 2009, Jay-Z once again attempts to further his iconic status as one of the most prolific and hardworking rappers in the industry.

After 13 years in the music business, Jay-Z understands the art of reinvention. On The Blueprint 3, he enlists Kanye West and Timbaland to produce a majority of the tracks. Additionally, these tracks feature artists like Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Drake.

The first two singles “D.O.A.” and “Run This Town” have been playing non-stop for about two months now, much to the delight of Jay-Z’s fans. Both tracks presented a preview to the album, and prepared audiences for a worthy addition to the Blueprint series. In many ways, Jay-Z delivered exactly what listeners expected, though not without a few disappointments.

On the opening track, “What We Talkin’ About,” listeners are immediately lured in by forceful synthesizers and aggressive rapping. Jay-Z declares: “I don’t run rap no more/ I run the map,” which followers of his ca-

Preview The Blueprint 3 www.mtv.com/music

reer cannot help but agree with. The next track, “Thank You,” tastefully shifts gears into a more upbeat and loose feel. This track is also unique in the sense that audiences get a glimpse of Jay-Z’s half-hearted humility, which is all listeners can expect to get from the extremely sucessful artist.

A favorite song on the album, “Empire State of Mind” depicts New York City as the place where dreams are made and ultimately realized or unfulfilled. Jay-Z gives an insightful history lesson while Alicia Keys belts out a bittersweet chorus that is as inspirational as the Manhattan skyline.

At this point the album slowly loses momentum as Timbaland’s influence begins to dominate the album.

By the time the tenth track “Venus Vs. Mars” begins, listening becomes tedious and the feeling only intensifies.

The album fails to repeat the highs of the first half, and waiting for a return to the original sound of the album only leads to disappointment. There are some catchy hooks on tracks like “On to the Next One” and “Already Home” but they quickly get repetitive and ultimately feel hollow.

The closing ballad “Forever Young” plays on nostalgia with a dreamy ambience as Jay-Z steps outside his usual “living large” routine to remind us that life is only temporary. He depicts a future, long after his death, where he is survived by word of mouth in barbershops and by loyal fans. Jay-Z knows that he has secured his spot as a musical legend and finds fulfillment in the empire he’s created.

While Jay-Z announces the death of auto tune, he falls short of offering a substitute. He’s grown too comfortable with relying on the signature production styles of Kanye and Timbaland that has dominated the radio for years now. The album does a better job of capturing the spirit of today’s hip hop then living up to its promise of a new era of mainstream music. It’s simply Jay-Z updated for 2009, nothing more and nothing less.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOSTON.COM

The Blueprint 3, due out Sept. 11, is the third installment in Jay-Z’s wildly popular series of albums. The full album can already be listened to online.

Italian Eating On A Budget SABATINO’S ITALIAN FOOD IS A GOOD OPTION FOR STUDENTS LOOKING FOR AN OFF-CAMPUS MEAL NIKKI STANLEY Contributing Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF QGAZETTE.COM

Sabatino’s menu includes Italian favorites, from pizza to tiramisu.

The items are moderately priced and there is a student discount.

your meal and you still have a little room in your stomach, you should try their dessert. For only $6 to $7, you can get an order of tiramisu, cheese cake, chocolate lava cake and more!

It is definitely worth your money and it is just enough to hit the spot (and maybe have some leftovers for later).

torchonline.com

Sabatino’s Pizzeria Restaurant 176-61 Union Turnpike (718) 591-7901

The TORCH

lege kids, it isn’t the most economical choice.

Sabatino’s also offers soup, salad, wraps and other non-Italian food if your friends are in the mood for Italian but you are not.

These choices are some of the least expensive foods here and they are still just as good.

When you are finished with

9 Sept. 2009

PHOTO COURTESY OF QGAZETTE.COM

The back seating at Sabatino’s restaurant allows diners to enjoy a sophisticated setting, making it perfect for romantic dinners.

that is casual and relaxed, where diners can maybe watch the TV, and hang out with friends.

For more formal celebrations or a night out, there are still options to amp up the level of sophistication. There is an area in the back of the restaurant that looks a little more upscale and gives the feel of being in a nice restaurant while still offering a menu that is affordable.

The food is the same; but the back seating offers standard service rather than the counter service at the front. Or if you don’t want to eat there, you’re welcome to make the order to-go and you can eat it on campus.

The food is not the best but it is not bad either. The pizza is flavorful and not very greasy, like some places. They have a great selection of toppings and combinations to choose from, with different pizza styles so you can get whatever you are craving on your pizza.

The pasta is not very extravagant but it is a nice change from eating at school all the time. However, be warned: the majority of the pasta ranges from $10 to $17 so if you don’t want to spend too much money, it would be best to either choose the baked pasta (which is $8 to $10) or get something else.

Unless you want to splurge, you would be better off avoiding the Secondi portion of the menu because it holds the most expensive meals (apart from the large pizzas). The food under Secondi goes from $16 to $20 and while the portions are decent, as col-

ENTERTAINMENT

M

ost anyone who knows anything about New York City has heard about the Big Apple’s famous pizza. On almost every street corner in every borough of the city, there’s a place to get a quick slice. Of course, there are always some that are better than others, but sometimes location is the deciding factor when it comes to picking out a place to grab a piece of the pie.

If you’re looking for something to eat and you are tired of campus food, try a pizzeria just

down the street from campus.

Sabatino’s Pizzeria Restaurant is straight down Union Turnpike, just past the gates of St. John’s University. Sabatino’s is a mildly inexpensive Italian place right that is very easily accessed and offers a variety of food, including, of course, pizza.

Sabatino’s is about a quick ten to fifteen minute walk from St. John’s so it is not necessary to waste money on gas or take a bus to eat there. Most of the food is reasonably priced, with most things under twenty dollars. As an added bonus, all St. John’s students get a 10 percent discount on their meals.

Sabatino’s has two options for seating, allowing the guests to choose what kind of atmosphere is better for the meal. The seating in the front offers a setting

TORCHCOMICS I can’t draw Alex Reyes

Controlled Chaos Catharine Corrigan

Quarter-Life Crisis Preston Palmer

1-800-ARMSTACO Jonathan Roman

9 September 2009

20

Red Storm offense clawed by the Tigers Women’s soccer team suffers first loss of the season after taking just two shots CHRIS HARRIS Staff Writer Just two shots on goal proved to be not enough for the St. John’s women’s soccer team as they were defeated Sunday afternoon, 2-1 by the Princeton Tigers .

PRINCETON

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ST. JOHN’S

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The Red Storm (3-1) suffered its first loss of the season after three consecutive victories.

“It was a pretty even game that could have gone either way,” head coach Ian Stone said. “We have the type of team where I’ll be disappointed in any loss,” Each goalkeeper was contested only once during the half, as each team’s defense withstood the other to keep the game scoreless.

Sophomore forward Jen Leaverton recorded the only shot on goal of the period for the Johnnies, but was saved by Princeton goalkeeper Alyssa Pont.

Just 10 minutes in, Tigers senior Vicki Anagnostopoulos was the first to put her team on the scoreboard. The Johnnies’ senior

defender Courtney Curby would score the team’s lone goal in the 64th minute of play.

“It was really important for us to get momentum back,” Curby said.

The tying shot was assisted off of a corner kick from junior Raelynne Lee, her second of the season.

Several failed shots in the second half by the Red Storm included an attempt from senior midfielder C.J. Ludemann in the 76th minute left the Storm short of a victory.

Princeton’s persistent play in the late minutes of the game led to a near goal by Caitlin Blosser in the 78th minute, and the game winner seconds later by Alissa Boddie.

Goalie Kristin Russell has recorded 12 saves on the season, including three against Princeton. Before the loss, she had only allowed one goal in her three starts in the net.

The loss comes a week after the Johnnies had received their first ever ranking in the NSCAA poll.

The Johnnies were also without their leading scorer, senior Vaila Barsley for the second consecutive game this season. Barsley suffered a sprained ankle against Cal State Fullerton Aug 28 and did not play in the Red Storm’s home opener against New Hampshire.

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO Coach Stone thinks Barsley will return next week.

The Red Storm took just two shots on goal against Princeton.

Men’s soccer tie, win in Indy

torchonline.com

The TORCH

9 Sept. 2009

SPORTS

KATIE BECKMANN Staff Writer The St. John’s men’s soccer team opened their 2009-10 season in Bloomington, Ind., looking to build on their run to the College Cup Final Four last season and a No.1 preseason ranking by College Soccer News.

The No. 5 Red Storm will have to settle with a tie and a win after playing the weekend rounds of the adidas/IU (Indiana University) Credit Union Classic tournament in Bloomington, Ind. The Red Storm tied then-No. 7 Indiana, 0-0, in the opening round Friday and beat Big East-rival Notre Dame, 2-0, Sunday.

“It was nice to beat Notre Dame,” head coach Dave Masur said. “We knew Indiana was going to be tough and we weren’t good offensively. We played a good first half and needed to play a better second half to win.”

Against the Hoosiers, redshirt junior midfielder Tadeu Terra and redshirt junior midfielder Adam Himeno led the way on offense, finishing with three and two shots, respectively.

The defense of Ben Clack, David Reed, Connor Lade, Joel Gustafsson, and goalkeeper Derby Carrillo limited the Hoosiers to only three shots on goal.

“The defense played very well.

Connor and Ben, especially played fantastic,” said Masur. “Derby played fantastic especially against Notre Dame. He knows what is expected of him and he has learned a lot from last year. He’s ready for this season.”

Carrillo, who was recently named Big East Goalkeeper of the Week, finished the game with three saves to earn the shutout.

In the second game of the tournament, the defense had another great performance. Carrillo finished the game with four saves to earn the shutout.

Reed said, “Derby’s playing very well and the transition has been smooth. We knew that Derby was ready this year.”

On the offensive end, there were a number of players that contributed for the Red Storm.

Junior midfielder Sverre Wegge Gundhus scored the game-winner in the second half, while Becerra finished the game with a goal and an assist.

“We had a great first half. Pablo [Punyed] played well in the midfield while Tadeu had a great game. During the second half, we weren’t that playing that stable,” said Masur.

Besides, Wegge Gundhus and Becerra; Himeno, Terra, and redshirt freshman midfielder Josh Faga each finished with a shot on goal.

At the end of the tournament, six Red Storm players earned All-Tournament honors. Gundhus was named Offensive MVP, while senior Joel Gustafsson was the Defensive MVP. Others who were named to the All-Tournament team were Carrillo, Clack, Lade, and Reed.

Even with all of the accolades for the tournament, Reed still expects more from this season.

“Were going in confident,” said Reed. “Coach says he expects us to win every game and that is the same moral we have. “

Red Storm win home opener DYLAN KITTS Contributing Writer No Vaila Barsley. No Courtney Lane. No problem for the St. John’s women’s soccer team Friday, as the No. 18/25 Red Storm shut out New Hampshire in the home opener, 2-0.

Without both senior starters, the Red Storm still dominated defensively. While double and sometimes triple-teaming their opponents, defense controlled the tempo of the game. New Hampshire struggled to penetrate and kicked only three shots on goal.

“We really tried as hard as we could since we all knew we had big shoes to fill,” senior Courtney Curby added.

Barsley sprained her ankle during the upset against USC Aug. 30 while overpowering defenders en route to scoring the game’s first goal in the 38th minute. With the severity of the injury unknown at the time, the defender still played the next 55 minutes.

“That probably didn’t help,” Stone said. “The ankle is pretty ugly. It’s really swollen and bruised. It was unrealistic to think she could play this weekend.”

Lane received a mandated one game suspension after receiving a red card during the USC game for a handball in the box in the 55th minute.

On the California trip last week, Barsley emerged as one of the team’s leaders, defensively anchoring a shutout effort and scoring her first career gamewinning goal in the 1-0 overtime victory against Cal State Fullerton Aug. 28. She left the trip leading the team with four points while standing only halfway to-

ward tying her season-high four goals set in 2006.

When she arrived back to New York, the England native was named the BigAppleSoccer.com’s Player of the Week and to the Big East Honor Roll.

“She really played well for us throughout the trip,” Stone said. “It’s a big loss.”

Megan Klement was assigned the task of replacing Barsley Friday, making her first career start. While playing 45 minutes, she left a good impression.

“She played really well,” Stone said.

“I was impressed with her. She was intelligent, was tight defensively, and used her strength well.”

The sophomore had a hunch she would start last night once she received a text message from Stone telling her to get ready to play. She didn’t hear officially until Friday morning.

“I was really excited to be playing,” Klement said. “It builds confidence for me and the rest of the team knowing we can put anyone on defense and still do a great job.”

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21

Working overtime Men’s hoops wraps Labor Day weekend trip to Canada with four wins in 32 hours BILL SAN ANTONIO Sports Editor College athletic teams are allowed one international trip every four years.

So when the St. John’s men’s basketball team traveled to Canada over Labor Day weekend, the club figured they would make the most of it.

The team played four games in the span of two days against some of the more successful collegiate Canadian clubs, en route to four wins in 32 hours.

“I thought the trip was great,” head coach Norm Roberts said of the Red Storm’s wins over in a video inteview that appeared on the Red Storm’s Facebook page. “I thought our guys played really hard to fight through some adversity, with some tough situations and tough crowds. We really made plays when we needed to.”

The Red Storm played with a relatively thin bench, as fifth-year senior Anthony Mason, Jr. was nursing a hamstring injury and did not appear in any of the weekend’s games. In addition, junior forward Dele Coker had problems with his travel visa and did not make the trip.

St. John’s depth was also hurt by injury. After the team’s first day of play, junior forward Justin Burrell had suffered a hand injury that kept him out of Sunday’s play and Quincy Roberts left the Red Storm’s second game against UQAM with a mild concussion in the second quarter.

That left the field open to the rest of the club, who played within an open offensive system free of the set plays the team runs during the regular season.

“[The open offense] opened up the court so we could show off our individual ball-handling, shooting, all that,” junior guard Paris Horne said in his video diary Around the Horne, that also appeared on the Red Storm’s Facebook page. “It was basically to show our talent.”

And with the floor open to any offensive opportunity at any time, the Red Storm had its first opportunity to see what the team’s four rookies could bring to the 2009-10 team.

“They’re all incredible,” Horne said of the newcomers in his video blog. “I think they’re all going to help this team tremendously. We were depleted a little bit and they all stepped up and came through.”

In the team’s first game against McGill University, the Red Storm erased an eight-point deficit with a 40-6 run in the second half. Eleven players scored and two players – rookie guards Malik Stith and Dwight Hardy – played more than 25 minutes.

Juniors Malik Boothe and D.J. Kennedy each scored 10 points, leading the team, and returnees Quincy Roberts, Horne, Stith, and rookie Justin Brownlee had nine each. The Red Storm rolled 90-55.

Over the next two games, the Red Storm was introduced to the scoring prowess of Hardy, who broke out with 20 points on 8-14 shooting against UQAM and 18 points on 7-10 shooting, including 4-5 from three-point range against Carleton the next day.

Not to be outdone, Junior forward Sean Evans scored 17 points and pulled nine rebounds against UQAM as the Red Storm made Saturday night’s game a team affair. Five players scored in double figures in the 104-62 rout.

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

Junior guard Paris Horne and his Red Storm teammates used an openstyle offense this weekend that showcased their individual talent.

“Our conditioning is not what you want it to be yet, but I thought our guys got after it and really competed,” Roberts said after Saturday’s games. “We got off to a slow start this afternoon, but then our defense picked up. I liked the play of a lot of our guys. All of our guys gave us good minutes at different times.”

The second day of basketball would not prove as easy, as the Red Storm faced the Carleton University, winners of six of the last seven Canadian CIS Championships, and No. 5 Ottawa.

The Red Storm applied heavy defensive pressure and went on a 27-6 second half run to overcome a

34-30 halftime deficit against Carleton, relying on Hardy and Kennedy, who scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

Later that night, the Red Storm used just eight men against Ottawa, compared to the ten players that contributed minutes against Carleton.

Despite a 22-point outburst from Ottawa’s Warren Ward, the Red Storm countered with 14 points from both Evans and Horne, and Brownlee had 11 points on 5-10 shooting.

The Red Storm held off the Gee-Gees in the game’s final defensive possession for a 74-73 win.

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Meetings are held every Tuesday during common hour in the UC, room 29.

9 Sept. 2009

If you’re interested in becoming member of the TORCH, e-mail torcheic@gmail.com.

SPORTS

We want you!

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22

Taking it all in stride Volleyball team responds from 1-3 start with strong showing at tourney

SPORTS

MIKE GURNIS Staff Writer

After a 1-3 start to the season, the St. John’s women’s volleyball team needed a strong weekend showing to have a season on-par with the teams of old. Going 2-1 in the St. John’s Classic was certainly not a bad way to move forward.

St. John’s lost to the eventual champion, Boston College, in the upcoming round of the inagural Classic, but bounced back to beat Fordham and Quinnipiac on Saturday.

“From last weekend, we’ve made some great strides,” head coach Joanne Persico-Smith said. “It was the most improvement of any team that I’ve ever had.”

On Saturday afternoon, St. John’s beat Fordham (25-20, 27-25, 24-26, 33-31).

St. John’s led throughout the entire first set, opening up a 19-14 lead. Fordham would rally back to close the gap to 22-19, but the Red Storm would score three of the next four points to take the first set.

In the second set, St. John’s led by as many as five at 20-15. Fordham would not go away quietly, scoring five points to bring the score to 21-20, but outside hitter Darlene Ramdin’s two consecutive kills put the Storm up 23-20.

Fordham would then score four in a row to take a 24-23 lead, before a kill

by Ramdin tied it up. With the score tied at 25-25, junior middle blocker Diana Banya would come up with a key block to put St. John’s at match point, before junior middle blocker Kun Song came up with the set-winning kill.

In the third set, with the score tied at 17, Banya came up with a kill to put the Red Storm in the lead, but Fordham would come back to knot up the score at 21. St. John’s would go up 24-21, but Fordham scored five consecutive points to keep the match alive.

In the fourth set, freshman setter Gabriela Petkova set up Ramdin for the

go-ahead kill with the score tied at 31 and St. John’s finished off the set and the match.

“I didn’t want to play a fifth set, especially because we should have beaten them in three,” Ramdin said.

St. John’s defeated Quinnipiac in straight sets, (25-22, 25-16, 25-20).

Early in the first set, Quinnipiac was in control, taking a 17-13 lead before St. John’s would come back to tie it at 17.

The two squads would exchange points until an ace by Kun Song and a kill by Ramdin put St. John’s up 21-19, a lead which the Red Storm would not give up.

Quinnipiac would keep the Red Storm close early in the second set, but a 14-13 St. John’s lead was the closest Quinnipiac would get as St. John’s scored six consecutive points to take control of the set.

St. John’s scored the first six points of the third set, but Quinnipiac would make a push to come within three points at 13-10, but St. John’s would go on a 7-3 run to go up 20-14. St. John’s would then have match point for five points until a service error by the Bobcats finally gave the Red Storm the three-set victory.

Ramdin and Song led the way for the Red Storm with 11 kills apiece, while Petkova had a match-high of 35 assists, and also tallied 8 digs. Ashley Asing and Kayla Motoyama each tied for a team high with 9 digs.

Although the Red Storm had a successful weekend at the classic, they did have a setback in their first game on Friday night. St. John’s fell to Boston College in four sets in the home opener for the Red Storm, (20-25, 25-17, 25-23, 28-26). In the first set, St. John’s got out to a very.

After St. John’s took the first set 25-20, Boston College responded by leading the entire second set and holding off a late St. John’s rally to take the second set 25-17.

In the third set, St. John’s trailed 24-21, when they scored twice, ending with a kill from Ramdin.

But Boston College ended the St.

John’s threat with a kill by Jordan Meredith, to take a very competitive third set, 25-23.

St. John’s had a 24-22 lead in the fourth set, but Boston College rallied to tie the score at 24, and the two teams exchanged points. Two consecutive kills by the Eagles’ Taylor Williams ended any hope of the Red Storm forcing a fifth set.

“It was a very disappointing loss, because they were a beatable opponent” Ramdin said.

Ramdin led the Red Storm with a career-high of 29 kills, while Petkova had 45 assists. Freshman Ashley Asing had a career-high of 17 digs, while Song had 14 digs. Banya had five blocks.

“We’re still learning who our go-to players are, and even our go-to players are still learning. It’s great to see improvement, but the competition gets tougher” said Persico-Smith.

The TORCH went to print before Tuesday’s match against Siena was decided.

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

The Red Storm finished 2-1 at the St. John’s classic last weekend.

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The TORCH

9 Sept. 2009

New media changes the way we watch and cover sports Though St. John’s basketball fans couldn’t be in attendance to see the men’s team go up to Canada and win four games in 32 hours, they were able to get as close to the action without gathering for team meals and pseudomandatory French lessons.

Thanks to the ever-growing media world, the St. John’s athletics department teamed with SSN Canada, web home to Canadian sporting events, to host a video feed of the Red Storm’s games up north this weekend.

What’s more, fans were treated to video interviews from head coach Norm Roberts, assistant coaches Chris Casey, Fred Quartlebaum, and Glenn Briaca, as well as sophomore Malik Boothe and freshmen Dwight Hardy and Malik Stith, each posted on the St. John’s Red Storm Facebook page. In addition, Storm fans were greeted by a chuckling Paris Horne for a video edition of his

blog, Around the Horne.

Videos were also posted of the team leaving the Newark Airport and arriving in Canada, and the athletic department put out its familiar press releases recapping play-by-play, available via RedStormSports.com.

If that wasn’t enough for St. John’s hoops fanatics, the athletics department Tweeted their experiences so fans could follow the action on-the-run.

Make no mistake: This is what Neil Armstrong meant when he said, “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

No, I’m not talking about the program making St. John’s basketball known throughout North America, though after this trip I wouldn’t be surprised if the team added a few fans north of the boarder.

No game the Red Storm played this weekend was shown on local television and no fan

had any realistic opportunity to attend the games, yet a plethora of diverse St. John’s basketball coverage was available to the public and kept all interested fans informed.

The way we watch sports is starting to change. And I’ll let you in on a little secret: The way we cover sports is starting to change, too.

I did not attend any of the four games this weekend.

I was not present at the airport or the hotel rooms, and I didn’t speak with Horne or Roberts or anyone else – yet

I was able to write my story capping all the action from this weekend’s Labor Day trip for all those who didn’t visit Facebook or Twitter.

This weekend, I covered the games from outside the arenas, taking advantage of all the new media available to me.

I tuned into SSN Canada to watch the games – which wasn’t the easiest thing to do for a fan arriving late, considering there was no familiar graphic with the clock or score visible like fans are used to seeing – and I don’t even remember how many times I hit the “refresh” button on my web browser for the latest Facebook updates that may have been posted.

My postgame quotations were taken from the pre and postgame videos and attributed to the Red Storm’s Facebook page. It’s not quite the same as talking to Roberts or Horne or Casey or Hardy, and maybe

my unorthodox approach to the story was a bit taboo in a naturally conservative field driven by peer pressure. I guess this is my scarlet letter.

But the sports journalism field is rapidly changing, and it’s finally hit St. John’s in a way that draws Red Storm fans closer to the court, in this case, than ever before. I think the way we go about reporting the action needs to change as well.

And while all the extra coverage enhances the overall game experience, it sure puts reporters in a bind.

What can we bring to the table, what can we showcase to fans, that other outlets can’t – or, for that matter, haven’t?

I’m not going to pretend to have the answer to that. I don’t, and this weekend, I didn’t.

I do know that I got closer to the game than I ever had before, and I didn’t even have to leave my dorm room for it.

23

TORCH SPORTS

STORM

CAST

Leavin’ their Mark

X.C. wins at Hofstra

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

Sophomore outside hitter Darlene Ramdin leads the Red Storm with 85 kills and a .302 attack percentage.

Ramdin, Red Storm finding groove ANGEL PEREZ Staff Writer

in the future.”

Persico-Smith praised Asing for rallying her teammates together whenever they faced adversity.

“She has that vocal leadership that you want from the back row, and has to just work on her defense and a little more digging,” Persico-Smith said. “She’s only been here a month, but is looking better every day and she’s very tough.”

The St. John’s Classic over the weekend provided numerous tense moments for the Red Storm. Whenever the Red Storm needed a big point in a crucial set, it seemed as though Darlene Ramdin was there to answer the call.

Persico was very pleased with the team’s effort and likes what she saw from her team in pressure situations.

“Mentally sometimes as an athlete it’s easy in sports to go back to what you didn’t do well before,” Persico said. “You’ve got to focus on that point and you can’t worry about what happened before and you have to work on that play and I think today they did a great job.”

Losing five players to graduation may have tempered the expectations of Red Storm fans but Ramdin expects big things from herself and her teammates.

“I’m hoping that we grow more together and that we win the big east again because I know that we can do it.”

BILL SAN ANTONIO Sports Editor

be called.

“There is no nickname change in the works,” Quinn said. “The difficulty with a nickname is finding something everyone is on board with. We wanted everyone, namely students and alumni, to have their say.”

While the Red Storm won’t be changing its nickname, Fratto said a possible student vote deciding on the mascot’s name was possible.

The new mascot concept images were created by Olympus, Inc. Renowned and visible mascots, such as Tony the Tiger and Ronald McDonald, were designed and manufactured by the Olympus design team.

“ ” -Volleyball coach Joanne PersicoSmith

Headin’ this Way Red Storm home games

Men’s Soccer Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 20

Stony Brook Georgetown Seton Hall

8 p.m.

8 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Women’s Soccer: Sept. 11 Sept. 13 Sept. 18

LIU Indiana Syracuse

5 p.m.

1 p.m.

5 p.m.

torchonline.com

Student Government, Inc., the department of Student Affairs, University Administration and the Student Athletes Advisory Council (SAAC) involved in making the mascot a reality want to make the announcement at a major event in the coming weeks.

“Some things still need to be finalized,” St. John’s athletics sports marketing manager Kevin Quinn said.

“We want to do it all at once.”

Decisions still need to be made, such as finding the student who will wear the costume as well as deciding what the new mascot will be called, according to Quinn.

One thing that will not change is what the athletic teams will

It was the most improvement of any team that I’ve ever had.

The TORCH

With more than 11,000 ballots cast last semester for the election of a new St. John’s Red Storm mascot, the University Department of Athletics still has yet to make a formal announcement as to what mascot will be cheering from the sidelines this season.

Red Storm Sports announced last May that by the early summer, the results of a University-wide vote on the newest Red Storm mascot concept would be announced.

The six potential mascot options are a dog, bear, superhero, thunderbird, thunderbolt

or thunderhorse.

The newest mascot would be the athletics program’s first since abandoning the tandem of horses, “Thunder” and “Lightning,” nearly ten years ago.

But University officials say they are just waiting for the right time to reveal the winning mascot.

“The intersection of student organizations involved wanted to make a grand entrance with an announcement,” said Mark Fratto, associate athletic director for communications.

According to Fratto, a new St. John’s Red Storm mascot has been decided upon and the Student Spirit Committee, the athletic department,

Blowin’ in the Wind

9 Sept. 2009

St. John’s yet to announce new mascot

SPORTS

Sophomore Darlene Ramdin has provided the St. John’s women’s volleyball team with the spark it was looking for coming into the 2009 season.

Since Ramdin has returned from representing Trinidad and Tobego at the World Championships in Mexico, the Red Storm have won three of four games, and look as though they’re settling into a groove.

Despite missing the first three games of the season, Ramdin leads the team with 85 kills and is second on the team with a .302 attack percentage.

“I trained the whole summer,” Ramdin said. “I worked with my team back home and made sure I kept fit and prepared to meet with my new team because I knew that we lost five players last year so I knew that we would have to fight together to be successful again.”

Red Storm head coach Joanne Persico-Smith liked what she saw from Ramdin, and is looking for her to grow into a weapon as the season progresses.

“She’s very important, she’s really helped us in crucial situations and she’s getting better,” Persico-Smith said. “We

need a big gun and were working on more people to get better at hitting and blocking.Darlene is an important component to the team.”

Ramdin’s early success can be attributed to growing chemistry between her and freshman setter Gabriela Petkova.

“We’ve definitely come a long way,” Ramdin said of their on-court relationship.

“I wasn’t here for half the preseason so it was difficult at first, but we’ve made a lot of progression and have a long way to go for the rest of our season as well.”

The surprising play of Petkova throughout the early stages of the season has impressed Persico thus far.

“She’s all over the place,” Persico-Smith said. “I was a little concerned because of her height but she makes up for it, and she’s setting some very nice sets that are beautiful balls to hit, and she’s digging, and she’s doing everything.”

Freshman libero Ashley Asing has displayed natural leadership and is a big reason why the Red Storm have played well as of late.

“We have teammates from all over the world and it’s funny how things just mesh naturally for us,” said Asing. “My position on the court, I feel should be a leader, but it’s always been in my personality so hopefully I keep it up

The St John’s cross country team started its season off with a victory at the Hofstra Invitational 5K September 5 for the second straight year, placing seven runners in the top ten Division I runners.

The Red Storm took the meet, held in Bethpage State Park, with 18 points, as host Hofstra finished second with 46 points. NJIT finished third with 78 points.

Sophomore Aryon Trujillo led the team with a time of 19:58.42, cutting nearly 25 seconds off her time from last year.

Junior Sarah Sudbury and freshman Michelle Duffy were right behind Trujillo, finishing second and third with times of 20:08.91 and 20:15.84, respectively. Nicole Cocozza and Sarah Fry crossed the line in 20:36.09 and 20:47.37, taking fifth and seventh. Freshman Stephanie Barne clocked in at 20:48.96 to finish in eighth place, while senior Pamela Petruski shaved nearly a minute off of her time from last year to take ninth place in 20:52.27.

Alex Bean was the eighth Red Storm runner to finish, making her eleventh overall in 21:01.71.

Thirteenth and fourteenth places were taken by juniors Lori Dougherty and Katrina Schaefer. Dougherty finished in 21:13.54 as Schaefer made a new personal best, bringing her previous best of 22:10.0 down to 21:29.94. Two more juniors, Kim Piard and René Cousins, took twenty-first and twenty-sixth.

The Red Storm’s next contest will be in the Meet of Champions at Van Cortlandt Park Sept. 19.

SPORTS 9 SEPT. 2009 | VOLUME 87, ISSUE 5 | TORCHONLINE.COM

TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

TORCHSPORTS.WORDPRESS.COM

The volleyball team made a strong showing at the St. John’s Classic after starting the season 1-3.

The men’s basketball team won all four of its games while in Canada over Labor Day weekend.

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