Torch Issue Septemeber 2, 2009

TORCH GRAPHIC/KERI DODGE

WHAT’S INSIDE News......................2-4 Comics....................10 Editorials...............5-7 Entertainment....15-19 Features................8-9 Sports.................21-24

SUMMER MOVIES Top Five Inferno lists the summer movies that audiences waited in lines for, whether or not it was worth it.

EN NTERTA AINMENT page 16

TORCHONLINE.COM

Last week’s poll results Were you frustrated with last semester’s Room Selection Week?

83% Yes 17% No Check out our new 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 A Fine Frenzy Singer Alison Sudol and her band release their latest album, Bomb in a Birdcage next week. Check out our exclusive review.

Inferno pg. 17

Feature Lecture Series Student Life has an array of speakers coming to campus.

Mitch Albom, best-selling author of Tuesdays with Morrie will speak in October.

Features pg. 9 TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

Women’s Soccer Movin’ On Up

NEWS

The women’s soccer team’s back-to-back wins over Cal St. Fullerton and then-#12 USC have earned the Red Storm a top-25 NSCAA ranking, the first in program history.

Sports pg. 22 OPINION PG. 7

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The TORCH

2 Sept. 2009

STEROID SCANDAL

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.

St. John’s men’s soccer players Ben Clack (left) and Adam Himeno helped kick off the school year Aug. 31 during Tailgate 2009 in Carnesecca Plaza. Students, along with members of St. John’s athletics and Greek Life, enjoyed free food, ice cream, music and t-shirts during the Aug. 31 event.

We want you!

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

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Journalism professor remembered at service reporter. Wetherington, Miller and their son, Brady, then moved to California, where he received his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and taught at California State University at Long Beach.

A memorial service for former St. John’s Director of Wetherington returned to New York and got a job Journalism Roger V. Wetherington was held at the New teaching at St. John’s.

York Society for Ethical Culture in Manhattan Aug 16.

“There’s no question that the love of Roger’s life was Members of his family and the St. John’s community teaching,” Miller said. “He poured himself into it and it were on hand to pay their last respects and share nourished him.” memories of him.

Many of Wetherington’s colleagues said he will Wetherington, 67, died July 24 after suffering be missed. a seizure.

“I knew him as a relentlessly dedicated teacher of He was a St. John’s professor for nearly 20 years journalism,” said Dr. Kathleen Voute MacDonald, Dean and was appointed as director of the journalism program of the College of Professional Studies. “He was relentless in 2001. Wetherington spent the 2004-05 school year in motivating students to write the best they could.” teaching in Kazakhstan after receiving a Fullbright Prof. Frank Brady, chairman of communications, scholarship award. He had journalism and media studies, taken a leave of absence said he was “the prototypical during the 2008-09 professor.”

There’s no question that the absent-minded school year.

“He was extremely gentle love of Roger’s life was teaching. with the students and they had a “Each of us has our own special affection for him,” Brady He poured himself into it and it great understanding of who he said. “He was always teaching nourished him. all the time.” was,” said Andra Miller, Wetherington’s widow Martin Mbugua, one of during the service. “We Wetherington’s students in the -Andra Miller,, early 90s, said the professor recognize the legacy of Professor Wetherington’s ’s widow “was totally passionate about his work, his passions and his relationships.” the news business.”

Ora Katherine “He often told fascinating Smith, a cousin of stories from his amazing the professor, noted his love of classical music, horse professional experiences,” Mbugua said. “I credit him racing and his sense of humor as things that she would for my career on the Daily News. His lessons helped me remember most. succeed.”

“His humor was so captivating,” she said. “It could Another one of Wetherington’s former students, Jim make me laugh for hours.”

Baumback, sports writer for Newsday and an adjunct Wetherington worked as a part-time editor at The professor at St. John’s, said Wetherington was a mentor New York Times. He started his journalism career in the to him. early 70s as a copy boy at the Daily News.

“He was always the same Roger, down to the tie After working as a copy boy, Wetherington became around the neck that was never tied,” he said. “He always a health and hospital beat reporter and then a regional spoke so optimistically about the journalism department editor at the Daily News. at St. John’s…It’s ironic—everything had changed He met his wife while he was working as a beat except for him.”

CHRISTINA HEISER Editor-in-Chief

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY

Professor Roger Wetherington, former director of the journalism department, died in July. At his memorial service, family members, friends and co-workers remembered his dry sense of humor as one of his fondest qualities.

Can’t get enough TORCH news? Visit our Web site for online exclusives. torchonline.com

Free speech on Facebook doesn’t always come easy

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Creeley said university administrators are not used to having this level of access to the emotional lives of their students.

“We think that university administrators should take a decidedly hands-off approach to the vast majority of student speech that goes on on Facebook,” Creeley said. “Students will be students, and they will talk to each other in ways that baffle and confound university administrators.”

Even though he was reinstated, Barnes said the experience was so traumatizing for him and he did not feel safe returning to the university because other administrators stood by and let the abuse from the president happen.

Barnes will graduate from Kennesaw State University in Georgia with a degree in anthropology at the end of the summer.

Creeley said the speech in the Barnes case is the kind of core political expression that the First Amendment was designed to protect.

He said social networking sites like Facebook should be treated like everything else in this country with regards to the First Amendment.

“The great thing about the First Amendment is that it’s a continually evolving legal standard that has managed to master every new medium; every new technological advance in communications throughout the past 220-odd years,” Creeley said.

The TORCH

University is actively policing student’s Facebook pages.

Wolter said in the case of the Spring Jam Riot, if someone were to come forward with a photo from Facebook that implicated someone, the University would take it into account.

Wolter said the University believes very strongly in free speech, and for any disciplinary actions to take place it would have to be in keeping with the school’s code of conduct.

Corn-Revere says that just because student’s online information is widely accessible to administrators, it does not diminish a student’s First Amendment rights.

“It’s increasingly common for any public expression, and this includes expression on the Internet, to be used as a reason to discipline students,” CornRevere said.

Creeley said there are things on social networking sites that a university could legitimately punish a student for, but they would be things of the criminal nature, such as pictures of students smoking marijuana in their dorm room.

Creeley said despite Facebook privacy settings, it is relatively easy for administrators to gain access to material.

He said there are software programs and third-party vendors that market to universities to aid them in keeping an eye on the activities of students.

2 Sept. 2009

Students set their Facebook privacy settings and clean up their profiles before job interviews, but at certain universities across the country, students face a new challenge — censorship.

In 2007, T. Hayden Barnes, a former student at Valdosta State University in Georgia, campaigned against the planned construction of two parking garages on the university’s campus.

Part of his opposition was a collage he posted on his Facebook page called the “Zaccari Memorial Parking Garage” — named after and featuring the university’s then-President Ronald Zaccari.

The school viewed it as a threat, and the student was expelled.

Bob Corn-Revere, Barnes’ legal counsel, said Valdosta State’s Board of Regents reversed the decision for expulsion, but only after they filed a civil rights claim in federal court. They are still in litigation for damages.

The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education tries to maintain individual rights at colleges and universities in the United States.

The foundation’s Director of Legal and Public Advocacy William Creeley said he has seen all kinds of cases involving student’s First Amendment

rights on Facebook being denied by their universities, but most are not as drastic as Barnes’ case.

“Hayden’s case, in many ways, represents the worst of the worst in terms of severity of punishment and also the type of speech that was being punished,” Creeley said.

Corn-Revere agreed with Creeley, saying it was more egregious, given the environmental concerns Barnes was trying to raise.

Another case of a student’s free speech rights being challenged happened in January when a University of Chicago student was ordered by the dean to change the title of a Facebook photo album he made titled “[Name of ex-girlfriend] cheated on me, and you’re next!”

The student’s ex-girlfriend reported the album to the university and asked officials to act, which they did.

In September 2006, a student at the University of Central Florida started a Facebook group about a student government candidate calling him “a jerk and a fool.”

The candidate filed a complaint with the university that resulted in the group’s creator being charged with harassment through “personal abuse.”

The foundation intervened in this case, and it was reversed in March 2006.

University of Minnesota spokesman Daniel Wolter said nobody at the

NEWS

JAMES ANDERSON Minnesota Daily via U-Wire

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TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

The new UC building’s construction began mid-April 2008. The 110,000 sq. ft. complex is encorporating technology that is both environmentally friendly and economically savvy in an attempt to help reduce carbon emissions.

New University Center set for fall opening

torchonline.com

The TORCH

2 Sept. 2009

NEWS

EVERTON BAILEY Managing Editor St. John’s can expect a fall opening for the new University Center/ Academic Center, according to school officials.

Brij Anand, vice president of facilities, said construction on the fivestory building located next to Sullivan Hall is “close to 90 percent” finished and work on the structure should be complete in late September.

“Right now, the minor details are being done,” he said. “Mainly interior work like putting down carpet and moving in furniture,” he said.

The new structure, estimated to cost more than $70 million, will host an additional 14 classrooms, a central lounge area for students, a Starbucks house café, an entertainment lounge, new offices for

student organizations and a dining hall.

In May, the St. John’s Board of Trustees voted to name the building the D’Angelo Center after St. John’s alumni Peter and Peg D’Angelo.

Darren Morton, assistant vice president for student affairs, said a “soft opening” for the building is being planned for Sept.15.

During this time, the center will be opened for tours and some sections of the building may not be operational, he said.

Morton also said student organizations will move into their new offices during the week of Sept. 24.

“I think right now is an exciting time,” Morton said.

“The center is going to open early enough for everyone to fully reap the benefits of the facility and this is also a great opportunity for students and faculty to enhance engagement with one another.”

Anand said that although the construction of the D’Angelo Center has been “very complex,” the building process has yet to run into major problems.

“We are very hopeful that we can move [the] organizations into the building in early October or even sooner,” he said.

In addition to the construction of the D’Angelo Center, the area between the building and Sun Yet Sen Hall has been fenced off for the creation of a new grove.

Anand said phase one of the project, which includes repaving and landscaping, should be completed by the end of September and additional work is scheduled for a later date.

In a March interview with the Torch, Anand said the goal of the additional construction project is to have that area “look as appealing and inviting and green as the Great Lawn.”

TORCH PHOTO/ LAURA AMATO

The UC, called the D’Angelo Center, is set to provide more space for university organizations and departmental offices in addition to providing students with an area to study and socialize.

Student Wellness gets SJU prepared for Swine Flu KIRAN JOSEN News Editor College campuses across the country are preparing themselves not only for the start of a new school year, but for a potential H1N1 outbreak this fall.

The outbreak of the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu, caused a panic across the country, and St. John’s is just one of the universities preparing themselves for its comeback.

Executive Director of Student Wellness, Kathryn Hutchinson, said the University has already taken measures to help inform students of the virus.

St. John’s has included a H1N1 News and Update section to the University Web site, a resource for students to keep up to date with the latest news and measures

being taken to respond to this virus.

Hutchinson said the University has been working on H1N1 preparations since April.

Hutchinson urges students to keep themselves informed.

“The web site created by St. John’s to keep students informed will include updates as well as podcasts featuring peer educators and student leaders,” she said.

In a preparation letter issued by Dr. Hutchinson, the most important thing students can do to prevent the spread of the virus is to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, and to carry sanitizer with them. She also said that it is imperative that students do not share toiletries, drinking glasses or any other personal items with others.

“If you are a resident student, bring basic self-care supplies including a

thermometer, lots of hand soap, cleaning supplies to wipe down desks, sinks, computer keyboards etc.,” reports Student Wellness.

“In addition, carry your health insurance card and know how to use it in the event you need medical attention.”

St. John’s will be distributing a Wellness Packet, something that they did successfully in the spring. The packet contains important health information, helpful tips and hand sanitizer. Also distributed alongside this packet is a “Kit to Self-Isolate.”

“The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that if at risk, you go home if you can, these self isolate kits are meant to help students to this.

Included is a mask, gloves, and disposable thermometers,” says Dr. Hutchinson.

The CDC has released their own

guidelines for universities this school year.

If the flu becomes more severe than the virus that spread during the spring and summer, the CDC urges school officials to consider asking students, faculty and staff to stay home, and to consider postponing classes.

Hutchinson echoes the statements released by the CDC. “The most important thing that students need to know is if sick, please stay home,” she said.“Don’t try to be a hero and go to class and potentially infect others. It’s important to communicate with the University. Communicate with your professors, they’re aware of the growing situation and prepared to help.”

Visit www.stjohns.edu/services/ studentwellness/healthservices/flu

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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

Not so fast

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/CATHARINE CORRIGAN

2 Sept. 2009

requires much more than simply reopening its doors. Ibi Yolas, executive director of design and construction, told the TORCH in the March 19 issue that no classes will be scheduled in the new building’s classrooms until the spring semester in case something goes wrong.

Why put student clubs and organizations at risk if there’s even the slightest chance that things could go wrong?

It’s no secret: the final steps of completing a building can often drag on long past the predicted date, especially with a building of the D’Angelo Center’s size.

The University has already pushed the expected date back several times, at one time predicting a grand opening for the start of the fall semester.

Various internal jobs and endless state inspection requirements pose an extremely tedious and often lengthy final task that could force the University to push back the date yet again. If this were to happen, students and faculty may grow increasingly peeved as they’re forced to rearrange their schedules.

Instead of rushing and fighting to open the new building during the middle of this semester, why not wait until the start of the spring semester, and move in over winter break? This would provide the University with time to adjust to the changes the building will bring, and guarantee a sufficient amount of time for everyone to move in and settle down.

By giving everyone involved sufficient time to plan their work and activities, what’s really gained by opening its doors mid-semester rather than next spring?

The potential chaos and upheaval will be postponed, or hopefully, eliminated completely by holding off the move.

The University should consider this reality in planning the grand opening of the new building in order to properly acclimate the intended occupants with the University’s newest addition.

EDITORIAL

For more than a year now we’ve seen the new building coming to life. For two semesters, a seemingly endless stream of trucks, equipment and construction workers have become a standard part of life on campus as the new University Center takes shape.

Arriving back on campus for the start of the 2009 fall semester, students have probably noticed significant progress in the building, now officially known as “The D’Angelo Center” named after SJU trustee and alumni Peter D’Angelo and his wife, Peg. Clean stone work and sleek windows now gives the building a stylish appearance that suggests the construction work may soon be coming to an end. Moreover, Brij Anand, vice president of facilities, recently told the TORCH that the building is “close to 90 percent” complete and that he expects the building to be finished by late September. Darren Morton, assistant vice president for student affairs, said student clubs, organizations and other groups will be moving in starting Sept. 24.

While the new building is expected to bring much needed space, classrooms, activity rooms and dining facilities to student life, it seems risky to set such a date for the building’s projected occupancy in the middle of the semester. Yes, students are ready to experience the D’Angelo Center and all it has to offer, but, in order to avoid mid-semester chaos, it may be prudent to postpone a university-wide move until winter break because many organizations involved rely on a set schedule.

Last fall, students experienced what it was like to not have full access to a school library. For the first few months of the semester, the library, and much of St. Augustine Hall, was constructionridden and closed to students. In October the library re-opened with better facilities and a more comfortable setting.

But unlike last fall’s library renovation, the new D’Angelo Center will impact students in a different way and

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-

The TORCH

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

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/KATRIN ASTARITA

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TO CONTRIBUTE

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All the way to the top How getting involved can benefit your St. John’s experience If you had asked me when I was a freshman if I’d one day become Editorin-Chief of the TORCH, my answer would have been a resounding “no.” Sure, I’d admired my favorite TV character, Rory Gilmore, for rising to the top of the Yale Daily News and upon graduating, receiving a job covering Barack Obama’s budding presidential campaign. But Rory was only a fictional character—I couldn’t possibly find myself in a situation similar to hers, could I? I had always thought of myself as too shy and quiet to fill any type of leadership position at school (I wonder if this has anything to do with the time I unsuccessfully ran for student council in the sixth grade). But the great thing about college is that it gives you the opportunity to reinvent yourself; this is something that I’ve definitely taken advantage of over the last three years.

If you’re anything like me, you might not have gotten very involved in any extracurricular activities in high school. As soon as last period ended, I, like a lot of my fellow students, rushed out of the building eagerly. And while I’ve always enjoyed writing, I was too timid to ever join my school’s newspaper or literary magazine.

But after taking a journalism class my senior year, I decided that this might be something I’d like to pursue as a career.

Our final assignment was to write an article for the school paper, and while I was nervous about interviewing people, it actually turned out to be fun.

So, when I went to my freshman orientation at St. John’s, I found the TORCH at the activities fair and put down my e-mail address. When I got an e-mail about the first meeting of the year, I debated whether I should go, and ultimately decided I should. Going to the meeting, I thought, definitely beat sitting alone in the library during common hour while I waited for my next class to begin.

And the more I got involved with the TORCH, the more I enjoyed it. Having to interview people who worked at St. John’s and go up to random students to ask for

quotes helped me break out of my shell.

Now, after doing this for three years, I am so much more confident in myself; it seems silly that I once was too scared to get involved in any extracurricular activity. Not only did joining the TORCH allow me to become more outgoing, I’ve also met many students with similar interests, whom I’ve developed lasting friendships with outside of the office.

The school year is just beginning, so I encourage all of you to attend the activities fair being held on Tuesday, September 8 from 12-3 p.m. on the Great Lawn. There are more than 100 organizations on campus; everything from political to religious to cultural to Greek Life to honor societies. You’re bound to find one (and maybe even more) that you’d like to join.

Getting involved in an organization on campus is also a great way to boost your resume; in today’s age, it’s truly important to be able to have something that sets you apart from the rest of your peers when you finally graduate and start looking for a job (and trust me, your time at college will fly by!).

You’ll probably need to do at least one internship while you’re in college depending on what field you decide to

go into. And while most internships are unpaid, even they can prove difficult to get! That’s why it’s so important that you get involved in an extracurricular activity (and hopefully it’s one that you’re passionate about).

This is especially true for the field of journalism, which is very competitive.

This semester, I’ll be doing my fourth internship; none of them would have been possible had I not joined the TORCH. More than anything (more than even my writing), my bosses were all impressed that I held a leadership position on my school paper. And the skills that I learned while working on The TORCH helped me be a successful intern.

When I graduate in May and look back at my four years at St. John’s, I know that what I’ll remember most is my time spent on the TORCH. Sure, it’s certainly stressed me out (hello all-nighters!), but it’s definitely shaped my college experience into one that I enjoyed more than I ever thought I would.

Christina Heiser is a senior English major.

She can be reached at: torcheic@gmail.com

President Obama’s health care plan is a positive change There are an estimated 45 million uninsured people living in America. The number of layoffs are increasing and more businesses are hesitant to give their employees health benefits. If employees happen to receive benefits, they are subjected to high co-pays and deductibles. With everything in the health care world in turmoil, it’s hard to ignore President Obama’s campaign for universal health care which advocates believe will bring a sufficient end to the crisis.

There are people who seek to stop this reform and keep things the way they are now, even with the looming recession sinking the country. Debates have been ignited throughout the country arguing whether or not Obama’s universal health care plan is a good idea.

Moreover, citizens argue amongst themselves as to whether or not providing health care for all Americans will cost the country more money and whether or not the plan is even worth it. Opponents of universal health care claim it would increase lines and that having universal

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health care is not a natural right.

Obama seeks quality health care at an affordable cost for people who are currently denied coverage everyday.

Under the President’s plan, people would shop for their ideal health care plan, compare benefits and prices, and choose a plan that suits them best. They will not be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions, and those who already have health insurance can keep their current coverage. This will essentially rid the country of uninsured Americans.

Of course, such an overhaul will cost the country money. The estimations for the cost of this reform range from $50 billion to somewhere in the trillions, depending on which approach Congress and the President decide to take. One strategy Obama has adamantly supported is to discontinue Bush’s tax cuts for those who make more than $250,000 a year.

This means those who had a tax break under Bush’s rule will have to pay the same tax percentage as everyone else. Nonetheless, more money would be needed to fund such a dramatic cost. This is where Americans clash on opinions: many feel that health care reform is not worth the money.

However, whether rich or poor, everyone deserves

a chance at the healthiest life possible. These economic times have hurt Americans as a whole, and as a whole Americans needs to fight to get back on their feet. Health care has taken a serious blow in recent years and President Obama is working to stabilize a failing situation.

Many countries, like England, Germany, Canada, and Finland, provide their citizens with universal health care. Like everything else, it has it positives and its negatives. However, ignoring the problem cannot be the answer, even if the solution may create a bigger hole in our pockets.

President Obama has a plan aimed at ridding the country of uninsured citizens, outrageous co-pays and deductibles. If implemented, this plan can relieve American families who are plagued with daunting thoughts of never being able to afford medical care and living without medical aid.

Regardless, many people still feel life is not worth a few extra dollars and seem to believe if they can acquire health care, so can everyone else. However, history has taught us what works for one may not work for another. Fixing the problem will cost everyone money but refusing to pay will essentially be putting a price tag on a life.

STUDENTSPARKS: Fall Semester

COMPILED BY THOMAS CARNEVALE

What are you most excited for this semester?

The TORCH

2 Sept. 2009

OP-ED

JAVASIA WIGGINS Staff Writer

I am looking forward to meeting new people, new things and getting involved.

I am looking forward to graduating so I can get a job.

All my clubs and events because of the excitement.

Garry Wofford

Danny Moses

Andrea Rodgers

The ongoing PED scandal alienates the fans BILL SAN ANTONIO Sports Editor

TORCH CARTOON/KATHLEEN HANNA

In 1998, the Yankees were on top and Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa went swing for swing in the most thrilling home run chase in recent memory. McGwire and Sosa were not just larger than life. They were larger than most of their competition, with muscles bulging from the sleeves of their uniforms.

Most players credited their accomplishments to hours spent in batting cages and weight rooms. Their fans didn’t suspect that the monster home runs could possibly come as a result of hours spent in laboratories and behind closed clubhouse doors. Little did they know.

Baseball eventually caught on to the trend of superstars ballooning to cartoonlike sizes and summoning new levels of mega-power. In 2003, Major League Baseball began a trial run of “survey” urine tests to gauge the extent of the supposedly-rampant use of performanceenhancing drugs. It promised the players involved complete anonymity, as the results would be sealed under a court order and would only be used for statistical purposes and record keeping.

Baseball, though, had no real jurisdiction on the matter. Without a concrete system of punishment in place, as well as an outdated list of illegal supplements, power rested in the hands of the players and the union that represented them. Baseball couldn’t punish players even if it wanted to. But both sides agreed that the game needed help, and MLB worked with the Players Union to try and rid clubhouses of drugs. Harsher punishments were agreed upon as well as more frequent testing, and more substances were deemed illegal for use within baseball. The United States government also became involved, eventually calling McGwire, Sosa and others to congressional hearings to talk about baseball’s drug problem. In 2003,

former U.S. Senator George Mitchell (DMaine) oversaw an investigation into performance-enhancing drugs. His findings were eventually published in a December 2007 report called The Mitchell Report.

By compiling this 2003 list of users, Baseball itself was attempting to move on through a time that had become known as the steroid era. Everyone thought the game could now revert to an honest game filled with young superstars advertising a mature, clean pastime. Since the release of the Mitchell Report six years ago, it has become clear that in order to achieve this, MLB will have to do more to heal the wounds. The only way to fully forgive and forget this dark time in baseball is to release the 2003 list of steroid users and put the matter to bed.

Over the past few years, names have continued to leak from the sealed list, stirring controversy and annually re-hashing the steroid scandal. Last January it was leaked that Alex Rodriguez, superstar third baseman for the Yankees, had tested positive in 2003.

In July, the New York Times reported from an anonymous tip that Red Sox slugger David Ortiz, Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez, and Sosa had also been on the survey list. The baseball world was once again rattled by scandal, and major questions arose once again about the legality of the leaks as well as whether the remainder of the list should be made public.

Over the past decade, baseball fans have been repeatedly shocked, hurt and lured back to the game they love. It’s important that the MLB seeks to release this 2003 list, and enable the game to move on in a more positive direction with its improved drug policy and commitment to the honesty of the game. Fans need closure, not continual reminders, of a steroid era that will forever stain the records, stats, and achievements of all players involved. For the love of the game, release the list.

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Think Outside...

Features

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Section

TORCH GRAPHIC/KERI DODGE

Going one step further More than ever, students prepare to go to graduate school to gain an edge

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The TORCH

2 Sept. 2009

FEATURES

PATRICE BENDIG Features Editor

During high school, many students focus on finding the perfect college that offers everything they want, so that after four years of hard work they can find a place in the job market.

But now more than ever, people fresh out of college are facing a fiercely competitive job market, in which everyone has at least a bachelor’s degree.

Graduate school is now an extremely popular option for students who hope that getting another degree will help put them in better standings than other competitors.

Graduate student Chris Imparato graduated from St. John’s with his bachelor’s degree this past May, but is now returning to the University to obtain his master’s degree.

“I decided to go to graduate school because most of my friends who graduated were having trouble finding jobs,” said Imparato.

“I figured there was no real rush to get in to the real world, and that hopefully in two years when I have my master’s degree, the economy will have improved quite a bit, as well as the job market.”

Another reason some may hold off going directly into the job market is the hope that in the few years that they are in school, the economy will be in a more positive state.

Just as there were the SAT and ACT to get into college, there are specialized standardized tests depending on what you are looking to get your master’s degree in.

Four popular tests that many graduate schools require prospective students to take are the GMAT, LSAT, GRE and MCAT. The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is the most common test that most graduate schools require.

Students who are going to get their master’s in majors other than medicine, business and law are required to take this test in order to apply to the graduate school of their choice.

The GRE is a three-part test very similar to the SAT, analytical writing, quantitative and verbal sections. The analytical writing section includes two essays: one ask-

ing the students to write about their stand on an issue, and another asking them to choose an argument, and analyze it.

This section lasts 75 minutes, and tests a student’s skills in written English, supporting ideas with logical reasoning and ability to communicate complex ideas.

The quantitative GRE section has geometry, data analysis, algebra and arithmetic.

The math in this section is on a high school level, in which students have 45 minutes to complete.

The last section of the GRE is verbal. It consists of sentence completion questions, reading comprehension and analogies, which is very similar to the SAT. Students have 30 minutes to complete the 30 questions in this section. Students can receive a score ranging from 200-800, and lasts two-and-a-half hours.

The next popular test is the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) which is required for most business schools. Like the GRE, the GMAT is made up of three sections, and lasts four hours.

The first section, once again, is analytical writing. It asks students to write two essays: one that analyzes an issue, and another one that analyzes an argument.

This part of the test lasts 60 minutes, allowing the student 30 minutes for each essay question. Skills that are being tested include the ability to support a point, critique an argument and mastery of grammar and rules of written English.

The second section is quantitative testing. This section has two types of multiple choice questions: problem solving and data sufficiency. Altogether there are 37 questions, and the test taker has 75 minutes to complete it.

The problem solving questions deal with basic arithmetic, elementary algebra and basic geometry. Data sufficiency questions deal with the student’s ability to analyze math problems, and figuring out what information is relevant to the problem.

The last section on the GMAT is verbal, and consists of three types of multiple choice questions dealing with reading comprehension, critical reasoning and sentence correction. This section contans 41 questions and lasts 75 minutes.

This section is given to test students on their ability to understand relationships in a passage, and to identify grammatical errors.

Most business schools tend to focus more on the student’s composite score (quantities and verbal combined) when making their admissions decsions.

The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is one of the most well known graduate school tests and is necessary to apply to most law schools.

Unlike the GMAT and GRE, the LSAT is made up of six sections (five multiple choice, one writing sample) and last for three-and-a-half hours. Students can receive a score ranging from 120 to 180 points.

Logical reasoning has multiple choice questions that deal with evaluation and the ability to analyze arguments.

The analytical reasoning section contains logic games, and test students on conclusion drawing skills, applying logic to difficult situation and understanding effect and outcome.

The third part of the test is reading comprehension.

Students must read the passages and answer a series of questions.

Finally, similar to the other admissions tests, there is an essay section where students must explain their choice of action in a specfic scenario.

The last test to get into grad school applies to students who are looking to gain acceptance to medical school, an extremely hard task to do.

Out of all the tests, the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is the most difficult, testing verbal, reasoning and writing skills, along with physical and biological science knowledge.

Most med schools value MCAT school scores as much as a student’s GPA. The test takes students five-and-a-half hours to complete, and includes 144 multiple choice questions and two essays.

What makes the MCAT unique is the 70 minute section that tests science skills ranging from of nuclear physics to the periodic table.

These tests may seem like a looming cloud of dread for most students, since it is yet another intensive test that requires preparation, in addition to their regular class loads.

Since these tests are very important and have a lot of information in them, students can take classes to prepare themselves, with the help of trained instructors that go over the whole test.

Continued on next page

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Speakers head to SJU NELL O’CONNOR Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF GUARDIAN.CO.UK

Mitch Albom, best-selling author, will be one of the speakers coming to campus in October. “green-collar jobs.”

Carter has worked for the past few years to bring green-collar jobs to the impoverished areas of New York City. She has successfully created programs in the Bronx that train and place green-collar workers.

One of the pioneers of this particular field, Carter will explain why it is important to push environmental incentives in destitute neighborhoods because of the possibility for more jobs.

On Nov. 9, Nicholas Kristof, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist for The New York Times, will be speaking on the difficulties women are facing today.

Half the Sky, Kristof’s new book, will be the center of his lecture. In the book, Kristof encourages society to view women who have suffered injustices as an inspiration.

The last speaker for the fall semester will be E. Benjamin Skinner. He will lecture on the realities of human trafficking and how it is a global problem.

Skinner has traveled around the world going undercover to investigate the world of human trafficking and show society what is hiding beneath its surface.

Many students have already expressed interest in attending the lecture series.

Diana Morelli, a junior, plans to attend at least two of the events.

“I’m really looking forward to Mitch Albom, but the other speakers sound just as interesting,” said Morelli.

“The topics are all really important issues that we as students tend to forget about.”

The series will pick up again in the spring with Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea on Jan. 26.

Mortenson, a philanthropist, has built schools in the Middle East and been involved with trying to bring peace to that region.

All of the events in the academic lecture series are RSVP only. Students can RSVP by logging into St. John’s Central.

GRAD SCHOOL: Admissions Continued from Page 8

Admisions test registration 1. GRE: Students can register for the test at GRE.org The fee is $40 and the test is given weekdays and weekends.

2. GMAT: Students can register for the test at MBA. com. The fee is $250, and the test is offered on weekdays.

4. MCATS: Students can register for the test on AAMC. ORG. The fee is $225.00, and it is only offered 28 times a year.

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3. LSAT: Students can register for the test on LSAC.org.

The fee is $132, and it is only offered four times a year.

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too much for a book, it comes with a CDROM filled with hundreds of questions from the test and 448 pages of useful information in getting high scores.

St. John’s University offers many differnt Graduate programs.

Depending on the school that the student is applying to, the admissions test that the University requires students to take varies.

Students who are applying to the College of Pharmacy are required to take the GRE. Students who are applying for English, or in the school of Edcuation are also required to take the GRE as part of the admissions process.

Students interested in applying to the Master’s program for the Tobin College of Busniess are reqired to take the GMAT. No matter how you choose to prepare to take the test, make sure that you register in time for them.

Registration information can be found at www.princetonreview.com.

2 Sept. 2009

“I looked through a couple of GRE books to get an idea of the types, and difficulty of the questions as well as whatever tips that they had to offer,” said Imparto.

Kaplan, which is seen frequently in Marillac cafeteria, offers these classes to students, but there is one down side.

Most of the time, these classes are expensive to take and it can be difficult for students to find time in their schedule to fit it in.

Online help is also available, which can be helpful to students who balance other commitments.

Preparation books are also available at local bookstores, such as Barnes and Noble and Borders.

Another alternative to prepping for the tests are buying books that include practice material from the test itself.

On Amazon.com, students can purchase the Kaplan GRE Exam 2009 Premier Program for $120.00.

Although many may say that is a bit

tests

FEATURES

St. John’s Department of Student Life is bringing back their lecture series this year, with a number of high profile speakers coming to both the Queens and Staten Island campuses.

The theme of the lecture series is “Global Citizenship: Our Responsibility.” The lectures will cover issues the world is facing and encourage students to take action.

James Salnave, associate dean for Student Development in the Department of Student Life, says that this theme is a follow-up from last year’s more political series.

“Last year was inspired by the election, so this year, now that we have this person in office, we’re looking at what comes next,” he said.

Salnave and other members of Student Life worked with members of the Provost’s office, Multicultural Affairs and other departments to get the best speakers available for the series.

According to Salnave, it is the co-sponsorships between these departments and the two campuses that is going to make the series even more successful than last year.

The series on the Queens campus will begin on Sept.

24 with Richard Leakey, a renowned environmentalist and paleoanthropologist. He will be discussing the climate situation and its effect on the planet.

In October, Barry Lewis, Mitch Albom and Majora Carter will be speaking on various topics to appeal to all students of the University.

Lewis will discuss the diversity of New York, particularly its distinct neighborhoods, which he has studied for several years.

He has spent years exploring and writing about the neighborhoods of New York, developing a deeper understanding of the issues that impact those who live there.

Albom, best-selling author of such books as The Five People You Meet in Heaven and Tuesdays with Morrie, will be speaking on the Queens Campus in October.

His lecture, titled “Have a Little Faith: The True Story of a Last Request,” will tie into his latest book about the importance of having faith in humanity.

Albom addresses the things that unite people and how there is potential in everyone. The lecture will be held on Oct. 8 at Belson Stadium.

Carter will be speaking about the latest initiative to help end poverty, the creation of more

TORCHCOMICS I can’t draw Alex Reyes

Controlled Chaos Catharine Corrigan

Quarter-Life Crisis Preston Palmer

Rush Olivia Infante

2 September 2009

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ENTERTAINMENT

2 Sept. 2009

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Top Five Summer Flicks THE MOVIES WE ALL WAITED IN LINE AT MIDNIGHT TO SEE, WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE WORTH IT EMILIA WARREN Contributing Writer

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ummer blockbusters are some of the most anticipated movies of the year, and are therefore notoriously famous for the lines that strech out of the box office and down the block. All accross the country, movie-goers were willing to stand outside in the heat (or, in the case of this summer, the rain) to secure tickets to the openings of the flicks they had spent all year hearing about. These are those movies that we waited for, listed in order of how much they deserved all that time and patience in line.

Inglourious Basterds Nearly six years in the making, Quentin Tarantino’s World War II epic is currently being hailed as one of the best and most profitable movies of the summer. Following two separate story-lines; on involving a young cinema owner hiding in France, whose Jewish family was murdered years ago by the unnervingly smooth-talking and swift acting Hans Landa, an SS commander; and the other following a Jewish-American group of soldiers known as the “Basterds” (led

by Lt. Aldo Raine, played by Brad Pitt) who travel through France killing and scalping Nazis. The two story-lines converge on the night of a Nazi movie premiere, where even Hitler himself is present.

(500) Days of Summer The latest in indie-for-themasses films following the success of those like Juno and Little Miss Sunshine, (500) Days of Summer chronicles, in a series of flashbacks and flashforwards, the over one year relationship of Tom and Summer. Tom, a hopeless romantic, believes Summer is “The One.” Summer, a cynic, does not want a relationship, and does not believe in love. As Tom continues to chase Summer, and she continues to insist that they “aren’t serious,” (500) Days of Summer is a twisted romance that will make viewers question their beliefs on love as they keep guessing how the chemistry between Summer and Tom will play out.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen The highly anticipated sequel to Michael Bay’s first wildly successful Transformers film features Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox teaming up with the Autobots, a group of car-cumrobots who fight the Decepticons, an evil group of robots bent on attacking the planet.

Seeking revenge for their defeat in the previous film, the Decepticons return to Earth and attempt to take LeBeouf

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MOVIEPHOTO-Z.COM

The indie-flick 500 Days of Summer. released July 17, was one of the most anticipated films of the summer, expecially for those who loved recent quirky films like Juno and Little Miss Sunshine.

prisoner in order to enact a plan that could destroy all human life. Despite being a highly anticipated box office smash, the film received overall poor reviews, which claimed that the special effects heavy feature would hold the interest of some fans, but lose many in the vague plot and overdone effects.

District 9 Peter Jackson’s first foray into science fiction (as a producer) took a non-traditional route, focusing on emotions and interactions rather than special effects and conflict.

District 9, the area inhabited by an alien population from a ship that landed twenty years ago over Johannesburg, South Africa, has become a slum, where the aliens are confined and exploited.

The government decides to evict them, and place them in a new area, District 10. The man in charge, after accidentally being exposed to alien chemicals, ends up, along with two alien comrades, becoming involved in a battle for his life and the lives of many of the aliens.

The critical reviews differ, as do the performances at the box-office, but these five flicks were the ones that got the most hype during the summer. While some of these movies might still be playing in theaters, if you missed them over the summer you will just have to wait until they come out on DVD.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COLLIDER.COM

Brad Pitt (center), Eli Roth (left) and Micheal Fassbender (right) star in Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds.

Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince The sixth and (almost) next to last installation in the Harry Potter film series finds Harry mourning the death of his godfather and continuing to fight the evil Lord Voldemort. In this portion, Harry and his comrades face plotting classmates, textbooks with hidden spells and inventions, a league of Death Eaters, and, the most terrifying of all, teenage hormones and emotions. With beautiful sweeping cinematography that at times seems as if it might be caused by magic, this portion of the much-loved, much-anticipated Harry Potter series leaves viewers with a tragic plot twist, eagerly and desperately waiting for more.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

Alan Rickman (left) and Helena Bonham Carter (center) play complicated villains Severus Snape and Bellatrix Lestrange in Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince, the newest installment of the popular fantasy movies.

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Songbird Tunes A FINE FRENZY’S SECOND ALBUM IS AS CATCHY AS THE FIRST CHRISTINA HEISER Editor-in-Chief

O Horrible Hippies WHILE WOODSTOCK MIGHT HAVE BEEN INSPIRING, TAKING WOODSTOCK FALLS FLAT LIZ WALSH Staff Writer TAKING WOODSTOCK-

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OUT OF 4 STARS

Summer,” which seems like it could have fit in well on One Cell in the Sea. Overall, Sudol and her band have produced an album full of catchy songs and have proved themselves capable of trying different styles of music.

Bomb in a Birdcage will be available in stores on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ACESHOWBIZ.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF PERFORMINGSONGWRITER.COM

Bomb in a Birdcage is the newest albumn from popular musical group A Fine Frenzy. The CD is due out in stores on September 8th, but until then some of the tracks are available for download on iTunes.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLMOVIEPHOTO.COM

Director Ang Lee (left) tried to bring the Woodstock festival to life but the half-hearted attempt at both comedy and drama left viewers wishing they had just listened to the stories.

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retrospective look at a defining moment of a generation is an opportunity taken full advantage of within Taking Woodstock, a film about the 1969 music festival. Taking Woodstock is the most recent directorial attempt by Ang Lee, known for his direction of the controversial film Brokeback Mountain.

Based on a memoir of the same name, the film chronicles the events surrounding Demetri Martin’s character, Elliot, during the summer of 1969. Elliot volunteers his upstate New York town to host the famous Woodstock festival in order to save his parents’ failing motel business. As he deals with the hippies, family and the community backlash, the audience follows him through his quest for direction within his own life.

Although the film is meant to be both dramatic and comedic, it unfortunately misses the mark in both areas. Because Demetri Martin is most known for his comedic style, when he is not being funny his mannerisms make him seem pathetic and boring. Martin seems like a lost puppy for most of the movie, slowly gaining momentum but never truly resolving his conflicts which leaves the audience feeling unfulfilled.

However, strong performances were delivered by both Live Schreiber and Emile Hirsh. Schreiber is both entertaining and liberating as Vilma, a cross dresser who helps protect Elliot’s family during the Woodstock festival. Emile Hirsh’s portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran suffering from post traumatic stress disorder is aggressive, enticing and incredibly refreshing. Regrettably, these stand-out performances, although commendable, are not enough to save the film from sinking into blandness and banality. Taking Woodstock has some good attributes, but overall the movie-watching experience is less than desired and too long to retain the audience’s interest.

The writing and directing centered the film on one character, played by Demetri Martin, rather than the Woodstock music festival coinciding with these events, which was quite admirable, but the plot is not appealing enough to hold its own against the massive concert. A film about the Woodstock festival is quite an ambitious idea, especially this one, which does not focus on the music at all, but the aspirations one might have for this film have been frustrated because of the lack of clarity and intensity presented. Overall, the movie is worth watching for the purposes of nostalgia and fascination, and to see Liev Schrieber and Emile Hirsh, but it was definitely not a film worth seeing in theaters.

ne glance at Alison Sudol’s shiny red hair will draw you in, but it is her music that will keep you enchanted. The front woman of A Fine Frenzy is back with the band’s second album, Bomb in a Birdcage. While their new album is a slight departure from One Cell in the Sea, which came out in July 2007 and consisted mostly of piano-driven melodies, it is not any less captivating.

One Cell in the Sea put A Fine Frenzy on the map; singer Alison Sudol recently reached more than one million fans on her Twitter page, which she updates frequently. And her latest single from her new album (“Electric Twist”) has been featured on the iTunes’ store’s “What We’re Listening To.” Listening to the entirety of A Fine Frenzy’s first album was like delving into a fairy-tale (the band’s name is even taken from a line in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream). “Rangers,” one of the catchiest singles on that album exemplifies this, with lyrics such as: “The paths have been crossed/ the crumbs are gone and the way, and the way is lost/ melancholy phantoms eye our skins/ poison apples falling with the wind.”

While many of the songs on One Cell in the Sea have a melancholy quality about them, that is not the case on Bomb in a Birdcage, which features more upbeat music than their previous effort. The album begins with the song “What I Wouldn’t Do,” which includes the use of whistles and clapping.

This song also includes the lyric that gave them the name for their latest album: “It was now and we were both in the same place/ didn’t know how to say the words/ with my heart ticking like a bomb in a birdcage/ I left before someone got hurt.”

The two catchiest songs on the album though are the first single, “Blow Away,” and the dance-y “Electric Twist.” These two songs are also the biggest departures from One Cell in the Sea because of their electronic beats and faster tempos. Sudol’s attitude and fun personality are on full display when she sings these songs; something she was more restrained in showing on her last album.

Although Bomb in a Birdcage has more upbeat, fun tunes, the album still has a few slower ballads, most notably “Bird of the

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Going Beyond Montgoris WHEN CAMPUS FOOD GETS BORING, A NEW DINNER MENU IS JUST A QUICK WALK AWAY JESSIKAH HACKETT Entertainment Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF PBASE.COM

MORE OFF-CAMPUS SPOTS Tuang Tong 178-19 Union Tpke (718) 591-0936

2 Sept. 2009

Regina Cafe & Pizzeria 176-49 Union Tpke (718) 591-5727 Bagels and Cream 8002 Surrey Place (718) 969-2640 Sabatino’s 17661 Union Tpke (718) 591-7901

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for sushi, but they are not cheap either, so if you are on a tight budget you might need to save Kyoto for a celebratory dinner or a visit from the family.

If you are looking for dessert, there is always the Crepe N Tearia at 177-07 Union Turnpike. The only creperie within walking distance, this spot offers dozens of delicious fruit and chocolate-filled French treats. The atmosphere is a little cold so these dessert dishes are best taken on the go. The prices are not bad for the quality of the food, and if you are not in the mood for crepes, you could always stop in to try some bubble tea, a drink whose popularity is definitely deserved.

Gyro stands are easy to find around the gates of St. John’s. These quick meals are cheap and easy to transport, so they are a great option for a meal between classes or a lunch on the go.

ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you are new to St. John’s or returning for another year here, it is no surprise that at some point in time, Montgoris fare is going to get a little tired. And as tempting as a dinner in Manhattan might be, the $4.50 that it takes to get to and from that seven-mile stretch of cuisine heaven is almost enough for another dinner (or at least the tip). Luckily, there are plenty of eateries within walking distance of St. John’s University, each offering a little more variety than the standard cafeteria fare.

During a walk around the gates of St. John’s, you are sure to run into a few gyro stands, each one most likely serving a crowd of hungry students, at least around noon.

These mobile stands can be a gateway to typical New York street food—greasy, salty, meaty and delicious.

About as vegetarian-friendly as a Texas barbeque, the gyro is a sandwich composed of pita, lettuce, chopped spiced meat (usually lamb or chicken), and sauces. These stands also offer dishes like lamb and rice, so if you are craving something exotic, unhealthy and cheap, tracking down one of these little carts is the perfect way to spend your common hour.

If you are looking for a wider variety of Greek options and you’ve got a little more time on your hands, walk across to 176-19 Utopia Parkway and into Fame Diner. This St. John’s hot-spot is famous for the controversy over its food. While some die-hard fans argue that Fame dishes up some of the best eats this side of the East River, others are a little less complimentary. Whether you end up loving the food or hating it, Fame Diner is a place that every student here will probably end up eating a meal at at one point or another. Along with foreign fare, Fame serves some typical American classics, so picky eaters can always opt for a burger and fries.

If you continue down Union Turnpike you will soon find Acquista Trattoria (178-01 Union Turnpike), one of the best places to get Italian food in this area. Along with pizza, sandwiches and calzones, Acquista offers plenty of other full dishes, sides and desserts. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is charming, but Acquista also does take-out and delivery, so it is just as easy to eat on the run. The portions are large and the prices are broke-college-kid budget friendly.

Among the dozens of little Chinese restaurants scattered around campus, one stands out beyond the greasy, soy-sauce drenched masses. Green Lotus, located on 176-59 Union Turnpike, is a Chinese and Thai restau-

rant that serves up generous portions of Chinese take-out favorites, as well as some dishes that aren’t as typical.

One dish that comes highly recommended is Green Lotus’ drunken noodle, a spicy, slightly sweet noodle dish usually found in Thai restaurants.

For great sushi, turn around and head the opposite direction towards 153-11 Union Turnpike. Kyoto Sushi, a restaurant that offers dozens of popular Japanese and Thai dishes as well as sushi and sashimi, is one of the best Asian Fusion places in Queens. While Kyoto does deliver, the atmosphere inside the restaurant is worth leaving the dorm room for. The prices aren’t outrageous

Cafe Muscat 178-07 Union Tpke (718) 591-4050 Sushi Zone 8008 Surrey Place (718) 380-1818 PHOTO COURTESY OF FLICKR.COM

Kyoto, located on Union Turnpike, offers some of the best sushi around. Along with the raw fish options, Kyoto also has a large selection of Japenese and Thai options.

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BLAZE

INFERNO LISTS A FEW OF THE FINDS AND UPCOMING EVENTS THAT THE CITY HAS TO OFFER Compiled by Jessikah Hackett

The Basics of the Broadway Shows GET TO KNOW AMERICA’S MOST FAMOUS STREET SAM DELISO Staff Writer

SEE WHAT A REAL VARIETY SHOW IS New York City is one of the only places in the world that offers events that boast burlesque stars, aerialists and free haircuts. This Saturday at Galapagos Art Space, get caught up in Free Floating Kabarette, a show described as “part cabaret, part burlesque and part variety.” The show is Saturday, Sept.

5 and the doors open at 10 p.m.

Galapagos Art Space 16 Main Street, Brooklyn Subway: F train to York Street www.galapagosartspace.com

SHOP THE BEST DESIGNER DISCOUTS For shopping in Manhattan this week, there is one place that cannot be missed. Barney’s is still in the middle of its annual warehouse sale, which means that you will be able to find designer clothes, shoes and accessories at discounts of up to 75 percent. The sale ends on Sept. 7, so be sure to go before all the gems are gone.

Barney’s 255W. 17th St. near Seventh Ave. Subway: 1, 2, 3 to 18th St.

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There are few people who do not know of Broadway. It is the peak of any actor’s career, the goal that all performers strive for; even for those not particularly interested in the arts, Broadway is one of the most well-known aspects of New York life. Yet as internationally famous as Broadway is, there is more to know about it than initially meets the eye.

It is the shows, first and foremost, that make up Broadway itself. Although there are several shows that are fortunate enough to share the location of Broadway, they differ in their content and style. One of the latest trends on Broadway is theatrical adaptations of movies.

Most of these musical adaptations are aimed toward family audiences. Among the most popular, of course, are the long-running Disney productions of Mary Poppins and The Lion King. With runs of almost three years and twelve years respectively, the fame of both shows is evident; their ability to continue to entertain audiences, no matter how young, has clearly not wavered in time.

Straying from the Disney

trend is Shrek the Musical, which tells the familiar tale from the movie with a musical score to match. Though the idea of having the massive, green ogre alive on the Broadway stage may seem odd at first, the show has proven to be very well-received by film fans and theater fans alike.

However, the significant increase of children-friendly musicals, one of the most popular movie-to-musical adaptations currently on Broadway does not have its roots in a children’s cartoon. Billy Elliot was initially a film released in the year 2000; this past June, it emerged from the 2009 Tony Awards with 10 honors including Best Musical and Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. A musical about a young boy determined to dance, the hype for Billy Elliot is still strong as the end of the summer arrives; it continues to be one of the frontrunners in Broadway grosses.

There may be several familiar names found in marquees, but Broadway is not just the next level of evolution for films. Big name shows such as Wicked, Mamma Mia and The Phantom of the Opera are still marveling audiences with their productions. Though not commonly regarded as blockbuster musicals, Hair and Next to Normal are two other shows

that have attracted attention despite their lack of initial popularity as movies. Though there are clear trends in Broadway productions, the diversity among individual shows is obvious; these days, it seems like there is something for everyone on the Great White Way. The differences among shows are not the only signs of diversity on Broadway. While Broadway shows are commonly associated with crystal chandeliers and hundred dollar seats, there are many events in which performers step off their usual stages and display their work to the greater public. One such event is Broadway on Broadway: a free outdoor concert in the heart of Times Square. Casts from many of Broadway’s finest musicals take the stage to perform a number from their shows, culminating in an exciting collaboration of performances. This year, the concert is on Sunday, Sept.

13. Though it begins at 11:30 a.m., it is best to go earlier in order to get a spot with a good view of the stage.

Whether it is the plots of the shows currently showing or the different ways to see them, there is a lot to know about Broadway. The best way to learn is to get on the subway, head to Times Square and go see a show!

ENTERTAINMENT

CELEBRATE A RESTAURANT’S OPENING For a meal out on the town this weekend, try Oceana Restaurant, which recently opened its doors after relocating. The seafood-based a la carte menu at Oceana is now offering everything at 20 percent off to celebrate their opening. There’s never been a better time to try a lunch at a top New York restaurant.

Oceana Restaurant 1221 Avenue of the Americas and 49th St. Subway: F to 47-50 Streets-Rockefeller Center Call (212) 759-5941 for reservations

2 Sept. 2009

SAY WELCOME BACK TO AN OLD FAVORITE The TORCH

In 1987 in Seattle Washington, Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley formed Alice in Chains, a band whose music incorporates grunge, heavy metal, rock and alternative. Although Stanley’s death put a halt in the band’s success, new lead singer William DuVall has allowed the group to continue producing their distinctive sound. See them live this week as they celebrate their first upcoming album in 14 years.

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIMESSQUARENYC.ORG

In 2008 Broadway on Broadway attracted musical theater lovers from all over. The lineup included songs from popular Broadway shows like Mary Poppins and Spring Awakening.

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Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza 17 Irving Pl. at 15th St. Subway: N,R,Q, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St.- Union Square For tickets and times, call (212) 777-6800

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Early offense makes bold statement Himeno, men’s soccer team take two games against Lafayette and Hofstra to round out preseason KATIE BECKMANN Staff Writer

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

The men’s soccer team’s offense scored six goals in its first two preseason games.

The Red Storm have the possibility to make one of the most talented midfields in all of Division 1 with Terra, Chiduku and juniors Ale Ivo

and Nelson Becerra, missed most of the due to injuries.

“Our medical working to make

who both preseason staff is everyone

ready and healthy for this season,” Masur said.

The Red Storm open up the season this Friday against Indiana.

ROSS STEWART University Daily Kansan Via UWire

keep its NCAA designation. Wihout the NCAA designation, the University faces losing the ablitity to compete in NCAA sanctioned events.

The NCAA will look at the violations case-by-case. The University has to keep track of online activity of students and fans when it comes to recruiting new players from high school.

Jim Marchiony, associate athletics director, said the University created a Facebook page that highlighted the NCAA rules and said it was trying to keep fans informed so as to keep both them and the University out of trouble.

“The people at the NCAA are not unreasonable people,” Marchiony said. “I think as this new technology becomes more advanced, the NCAA and its members will continue to take a look at it and see if these rules need to be adjusted.”

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that comes into recruits’ lives.”

Richard Levy, J.B. Smith distinguished professor of constitutional law, likened the University’s athletics program to a private corporation such as Wal-Mart.

If someone worked at Wal-Mart, Levy said, and Wal-Mart told them to take down a Web site or be fired, it would be perfectly legal because Wal-Mart isn’t the government. Relating it back to the University, Levy said, students are not entitled to athletic events.

“A court might even, at the threshold, say this isn’t even a punishment,” Levy said. “It’s not a burden on speech because the sanction is not letting you come to an event that the University doesn’t have to let you come to. It’s not taking away something you have an underlying right to do.”

The University’s Athletics Department has to abide by NCAA rules to

The TORCH

Students may face being barred from athletic events all because of the online fan pages of their favorite high school recruits.

If college students or sports fans create a Web site aimed at recruiting high school sports players, the National Collegiate Athletic Association may require the University to bar them from athletic events. But because they still have the right to make the Web site, no legal action can be taken against them.

In May the NCAA required that North Carolina State’s athletics department send one of its students a ceaseand-desist letter telling him to change or

take down a facebook fan page he created aimed at recruiting a high school athlete.

This stems from NCAA regulations that universities have to follow — if a fan tries to encourage a student athlete to come to a certain university, that university has to tell the fan to stop via a cease-and-desist court order. If that doesn’t work, the university has to disassociate itself from the fan through barring him or her from athletic events.

The NCAA did not see its policy as problematic according to Christopher Radford, assistant director of public and media with the NCAA. Its goal is to protect recruits’ privacy and ability to choose a school without pressure from outside “boosters” or fans.

“We don’t see it as a free speech issue,” Radford said.“What we do see it as is a recruiting issue and we want to be sure that we limit the level of intrusion

2 Sept. 2009

Fans’ online love for recruits could break NCAA rules

SPORTS

When Adam Himeno made his return to the field at Belson Stadium, he made a clear statement to the visiting Lafayette team: I’m back and to future opponents, beware.

The redshirt junior’s first half hat trick helped propel the St. John’s men’s soccer team to a 4-0 win exhibition win against Lafayette Aug. 22.

“I was excited to come back, especially after being injured for so long. I’ve worked hard during the summer to get ready for the season,” Himeno said.

Himeno dominated the offensive end of the field during the game, using his quickness and strength to connect on assists from rookie Nick Matthews and junior Sverre Wegge Gundhus.

Sophomore forward Walter Hines outran two defenders to score the other goal early in the second half.

“Against Lafayette, we got a lot of guys involved and it was great to see people step up. We are going to need people to step up more,” said head coach Dave Masur.

Gundhus and rookie Jimmy Mulligan tallied a goal a piece in the Red Storm’s Aug. 28 exhibition win over Hofstra.

Mulligan scored his goal on a long 25-yard shot late in the second half, redshirt freshman Matt Bienkowski found Wegge

Gundhus less than a minute later to secure the win for the Red Storm.

In the final matchup of exhibition play against Lehigh Aug. 28, the Red Storm’s offense was stifled by the Mountain Hawks defense, falling 1-0.

“It was a good, spirited effort for our team on both sides of the ball, but we have to work on some details before our opener next week,” Masur said.

Throughout the three games, the Red Storm defensive line of Joel Gustafsson, David Reed, Ben Clack, and Connor Lade remained a consistent force.

Gustafsson, who was recently named as a candidate for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award and was named the Big East’s Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, has been the backbone of the defense that has helped goalies Derby Carrillo and Nunzio Belifiore transition into this season.

The defensive line, Carrillo and Belifiore combined to only allow just one goal during the preseason.

“The defense has been strong so far and the three seniors in the back provide strong leadership,” Masur said.

Besides the strong performance of the defense, midfielders Tadeu Terra and Trevor Chiduku had quiet yet impressive preseasons.

Terra controlled the midfield and helped the Red Storm have offensive success, while Chiduku used his speed and skill to create many opportunities.

22

Crashing the party West coast road trip leads to women’s soccer program’s first-ever NSCAA ranking CHRISTOPHER HARRIS lead in the 78th minute of regu-

Staff Writer With a win Sunday over then No. 12 USC, the St. John’s women’s soccer team earned a ranking in the National Soccer Coaches’ Association of America (NSCAA) poll for the first time in the program’s hisST. JOHN’S

2

USC

1

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The TORCH

2 Sept. 2009

SPORTS

tory.

“It’s great for the program,” head coach Ian Stone said. “But I would much rather be ranked at the end of the season than the beginning.”

The Red Storm defeated the Trojans 2-1 in Los Angeles, CA. Senior, Vaila Barsley put the Johnnies on the scoreboard first in the 38th minute of the first period.

The Trojans lone goal came in the second period from midfielder Megan Ohai.

An unfortunate red card left the Storm with only ten players for much of the second half.

Junior Raelynne Lee would convert on her only shot at the goal to give the Johnnies the

lation. Lee was assisted by teammates Tatianna Duggan and C.J. Ludemann. The goal was Ludemann’s second assist of the season.

Both games were successfully anchored by a stingy Storm defense.

Senior captain Tara Mendoza said she feels the team is hitting its stride early in the season.

“The team as a whole is finally coming together,” said Mendoza. “It was an amazing feeling coming together to beat USC, I will remember it for the rest of my life.”

Goalkeeper Kristin Russell recorded six saves on 22 shots from the Trojans.

“USC has great athletes,” said coach Stone. “This game is a testament to our hard work and showed that we can defend well and score. We still have a lot of improvements to make to get to our goal, which is the NCAA tournament.”

Barsley also contributed to the game winning goal against Cal State Fullerton during the Storm’s 1-0 victory on Aug. 28.

Barsley’s goal came in the 93rd minute after both teams failed to score during regulation.

The shot was Barsley’s first-ever game winning goal.

“I’m honored to have scored

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

With a goal late in the second half, the women’s soccer team defeated then-No. 12 USC. it,” Barsley said Tuesday. “It felt good, but it didn’t matter who scored it. It was a great team effort.”

Assisting Barsley on the game winner was senior C.J. Ludemann, who lofted the ball in perfect position for Barsley to head it past the goalkeeper.

“Vaila is a player who gets better every year and she is becoming a fantastic leader,” said coach Stone.

The Johnnies win against Cal State Fullerton marked the fourth year in a row they have began the season with a victory.

The Johnnies will look to

continue their winning ways at Belson Stadium Friday when they take on the University of New Hampshire.

Can’t get enough TORCH sports?

Follow our Twitter feed at twitter.com/torchsports

Life lessons courtesy of ESPN the Magazine Over the summer, I taught the University’s incoming freshmen a lesson to take to heart as they entered the school.

This time around, I had to learn a bit of a lesson myself.

Midway through reading Chris Broussard’s story on our own Rob Thomas in ESPN the Magazine, I wondered why the TORCH hadn’t first uncovered the story.

I found it hard to believe that a player on one of the University’s most popular athletic teams could have a past as gut-wrenching as Thomas’, and that his own school paper hadn’t first reported it.

What’s more, I was shocked to find that Broussard, mainly an NBA reporter for ESPN, was the one to report the college basketball story.

It’s the classic tail-betweenthe-legs scenario, embarrassing in the ultra-competitive sports journalism world.

And so I read about how

Thomas slept on subway cars and hid on rooftops from child service caseworkers looking to put him in foster care and about how he used to wear the same pair of underwear and socks for months at a time due to his family’s extreme poverty.

I read about his immense basketball talent and how he bounced around different high schools due to academic struggles.

I read about how he eventually wound up at South Kent prep school in Connecticut. I read about how he faked knowing how to read.

I read about his dyslexia, his ankle and knee injuries at both South Kent and here at St. John’s, and the depression and weight gain that ensued.

Again I questioned how the TORCH could have been so blind to it all.

But as I read about how Thomas worked his way out of the adversity, how he’s

gradually become more confident in the classroom and how he hopes to one day own and renovate the building in Harlem he grew up in, I began to realize that it didn’t matter who reported the story. There’s something even bigger that I missed.

It’s not just that we didn’t know about the story – which I, as the section’s editor, take full responsibility for – it’s that we didn’t care.

News didn’t surround him the way it did others, and we as a news organization chose to focus our reporting efforts elsewhere.

Last season, Thomas was coming off a torn ACL, LCL, and lateral meniscus, injuries the

team’s trainer called the “Worst knee injury I’ve seen in 29 years at the school.” He didn’t have the sex appeal of Anthony Mason, Jr. or the disappointing track record of head coach Norm Roberts with the club.

And it’s a damn shame.

We knew Thomas was going to have some sort of impact on the team last year. We knew that Roberts and others close to the team were excited to see what he could do on the floor.

Rob Thomas the Basketball Player was all we seemed to care about. We didn’t know about Rob Thomas the Person because we didn’t think to ask.

The sports world cares too much about the on-field endeavors of athletes. We overlook the fact that athletes are real people living in the real world who face the same problems that we do. It’s only when those problems become too grandiose that we analyze them.

Somewhere along the line,

I began to overlook it too. I immersed my section in thoughts of goalkeeping competitions, pitching woes and wins and losses. I focused on who the teams were on the field and lost sight of who the players are as people off it.

Not anymore. Broussard’s story helped take away the “meat market” philosophy I took to athletics.

I referred to Thomas earlier as one of “our own,” and that’s because it’s exactly what he is.

He’s one of us.

He is a St. John’s student who has roommates and friends. He endures the food in Montgoris and has papers to write.

Through Broussard’s story, we have found that Thomas has obstacles in his life to overcome as well.

Through Broussard’s story, I now understand that the people I cover week-to-week are people nonetheless.

23

Licking their wounds

TORCH SPORTS

Volleyball recovers from rough start with a win over Stony Brook

CAST

STORM

Leavin’ their Mark

Taking Canada by Storm

TORCH PHOTO/LAURA AMATO

The Red Storm defeated Stony Brook Tuesday after a winless showing at the VCU Invitational last weekend.

MIKE GURNIS Contributing Writer

“

Blowin’ in the Wind I would much rather be ranked at the end of the season than the beginning.

”

-Women’s soccer coach Ian Stone

Headin’ this Way Red Storm home games

Men’s Soccer: @ Indiana Notre Dame

7:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

Women’s Soccer: Sept. 4 New Hampshire 7:30 p.m.

Sept. 6 @ Princeton 1 p.m.

Men’s Basketball: 1 p.m.

8 p.m.

1 p.m.

8 p.m.

Volleyball: Sept. 4 Sept. 5 Sept. 5

Boston Coll. 8 p.m.

Quinnipiac 11 a.m.

Fordham 3 p.m.

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McGill Montreal Carleton Ottawa

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Sept. 4 Sept. 6

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2 Sept. 2009

with 15 kills.

In the final match of the tournament, St. John’s was swept by Temple 3-0 (2518, 25-23, 26-24).

The first set was back and forth as neither team led by more than three, until Temple took a 22-18 advantage, and they took over from there.

In the second set, the Red Storm would trail 8-4 early, before they pulled within two at 14-12.

After the Owls expanded their lead to 17-12, St. John’s would rally and take the lead at 22-21, but Temple would take four of the next five points to win the set.

St. John’s jumped out to a 19-16 lead in the final set, but Temple would respond with three consecutive points to tie and then exchange points until the teams stood tied at 23.

A Banya kill would put St. John’s in position to take the set, but Temple would score three consecutive times to end the set and match.

“We battled, but we really need to be more stable,” Persico said. “We’re finding our new players, and we’re just trying to get better over time.”

Scheffel led the Red Storm with 10 digs and 15 kills, for a .250 hitting percentage.

Petkova continued her strong play, recording 36 assists and 12 digs. Junior Kun Song recorded 11 kills and 12 digs.

SPORTS

The St. John’s women’s volleyball team needed to stop the bleeding after a horrendous start to the 2009 campaign.

The answer was sophomore Darlene Ramdin.

Ramdin, who had missed the first three games of the season to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the World Championships in Mexico, came to save the day, as St. John’s pulled off a 3-1 (22-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-22) victory over Stony Brook Tuesday night.

Ramdin tallied a game-high of 20 kills to lead the Red Storm to their first victory of the season. Freshman Gabriela Petkova also tallied 43 assists and seven digs to continue her outstanding beginning to her collegiate career.

This was a major win for the Red Storm, as they had come off a very rough weekend at the VCU Invitational, where the Storm dropped all three games to East Carolina, VCU and Temple.

“It was very disappointing to lose,” said head coach Joanne Persico. “We had freshmen, who really came along and had some very huge shoes to fill, and were working to get better [over the weekend].”

Despite the help, Persico added that even more is on the way.

“We’re also still trying to get some players cleared by the NCAA, so we are still a bit shorthanded,” she said.

Against East Carolina, the Red Storm started by taking the first set 25-20, but lost the next three sets (21-25, 19-25, 13-25).

St. John’s made a nice bid for a come-

back in the second set, coming back from a 20-12 defecit to trail by three, 21-18.

The Red Storm also led the third set 10-9, but four consecutive points gave East Carolina a 20-14 lead. St. John’s battled back to a four-point defecit of 22-18, but Melissa Zentner came up with the game-winning kill for East Carolina.

East Carolina as they got out to a fast start with a 13-3 lead in the final set, a lead Pirates would not relinquish.

Freshman Gabriela Petkova tallied 27 assists in her first game while another freshman, Ashley Asing, led the team with 11 digs.

Junior Kun Song finished with 12 kills, while sophomore Jordan Haskins, senior Ruisa Scheffel, and junior Diana Banya had six kills apiece.

Against VCU, the Red Storm would once again take the first set, but did not get it done again, as they fell to 0-2 with a 3-1 loss at the hands of the Rams, (25-19, 14-25, 19-25, 12-25).

Senior Ruisa Scheffel led the charge with five kills in the first set, as St. John’s held off a late VCU rally.

In the second set, the Red Storm trailed 13-9, before VCU took 11 of the last 14 points.

In the third set, the Red Storm continued to keep VCU’s pace, trailing 18-17 before the Rams scored five consecutive points, and then exchanged points to finish the set.

St. John’s would once again get out to a fast start in the fourth, taking an early 7-3 lead before VCU rallied to tie the set at nine. VCU would only allow three points the rest of the set, dominating the Red Storm, 25-12.

Petkova once again led the team in assists with 28, while Asing finished with 17 digs and Banya led the charge

The St. John’s men’s basketball team will be playing four Canadian Universities this weekend in a preseason trip to Montreal and Ottawa in preparation for the 2009-10 season.

The Red Storm will play McGill University (1 p.m.) and the University of Quebec at Montreal (8 p.m.) on Saturday at the team’s home venues, and will then travel to Ottawa to face Carleton University (1 p.m.) and the University of Ottawa (8 p.m.) on Sunday.

“Canada and the time leading up to the trip gives us a chance to work out together early, and form a bond with each other as teammates,” said head coach Norm Roberts. “It is a time also for us to work on some things that will give us a jumpstart to the season. Our guys are excited about getting together early and getting this season started, after everyone worked so hard this summer at preparing their bodies and improving their games.”

The trip will be the first in the Roberts era, as college teams are allowed one international trip every four years. The team’s trip to Cancun prior to the 2008-09 season was cancelled due to severe weather as a result of Hurricane Gustav.

The last international trip the Red Storm made was in 1991 under head coach Lou Carnesecca.

The team went to Spain prior to the start of All American Malik Sealy’s senior season.

Coverage of this weekend’s games can be found at Redstormsports.com as well as the program’s Twitter page @STJ_Basketball.

SPORTS 2 September 2009 | VOLUME 87, ISSUE 04 | TORCHONLINE.COM

TORCHSPORTS.WORDPRESS.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

The men’s soccer team finished the preseason with wins over Lafayette and Hofstra.

The volleyball team ended a three-game losing skid with a road win over Stony Brook.

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