last issue

UIS meltdown holds off registration TERENCE CULLEN Assistant News Editor

TORCH PHOTO/GEORGINA DIAZ

WHAT’S INSIDE News......................1-4

Comics.....................16

Opinion..................5-7

Entertainment....17-19

Features................8-9

Sports.................21-24

A software glitch postponed registration for over 12 hours last week, but was corrected to ensure students would get their classes.

Around 7:40 p.m. on Mar. 30, Information Technology noticed “excessive activity” on UIS, according to Maura Woods, associate vice president of IT. Students who were registering at that time saw a message letting them know that the system was busy.

Woods said IT held off all other activity until after midnight, when no students were scheduled to start registering. The department began working with the University’s service vendor, Sungard. Though this was an uncommon problem, Woods said it was to be expected with any software provider.

Students who were scheduled to register Thursday were moved back to the exact same time the next day.

Woods explained that the Registrar’s office did not have any students scheduled to register on Friday, so there was no further congestion. This was done to give extra time to those who may have missed their appointment due to the congestion.

Woods said that IT treated the matter as if the system was completely down in order to catch any problems. By 10:30 a.m. Thursday Woods said the system was running again but with some limitations.

She said the system was running at full capacity as of April 1.

Woods said her goal was “getting the solution fixed as fast as possible and impact students as least as possible.”

According to Woods, Sungard contacted the University later on to inform them that other schools had experienced the same problem. Sungard told Woods that the issue was rooted in the feature that allows students to look up courses while they are registering.

Woods also said that the Registrar office, exercised all means of communications to let students know that the University was working to make sure the issue was taken care of. She said the department worked to get emails out and used social media sites including the University’s Twitter page, STJnow.

The registration mainly affected juniors who were registering for their senior year, according to woods.

Caitlin Conklin was registering for the fall when she encountered the error.

“I was supposed to register Wednesday at 8 p.m. and didn’t get on until 10:45 a.m. Thursday,” Conklin said.

Conklin said that she did not miss out on any classes, though many students believed that they would.

“Luckily cause I was one of the first people to register,” she said, “but I lost time refreshing the page every ten minutes until I went to bed and again when I woke up for my 7:30 a.m. class cause I didn’t want to get locked out of a class.”

MOVIES Carter’s Colisseum Inferno takes a seat at Lil Wayne’s “I am Music II” concert in Long Island.

ENTER RTAINMENT Pg. 18

TORCHONLINE.COM Are you happy with the SGI election results?

66% Yes 34% No Check out our new poll every Wednesday “Think Outside. . .”

2

Directory

Managing Board LXXXVIII

JUSTIN THRIFT, Editor-in-Chief NELL O’CONNOR, Managing Editor MARK MCDONALD, General Manager BILL SAN ANTONIO

CAROLYN WARGULA

Sports Editor

Features Editor

KRISTEN FARMER

ADELLE PLATON Entertainment Editor MICHAEL MONTIJO

Photo Editor SARAH LANE

Chief Copy Editor

Art Director

ELLEN CAREY

Advisor

Business (718) 9906756 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

Entertainment A Dose of Adult Humor The Chappell Players targeted a more mature audience in their latest production Beyond Therapy

Inferno Pg. 19

Features Handcrafting Justice works to promote fair trade TORCH PHOTO/GEORGINA DIAZ

Features Pg. 8

Lacrosse Big Win in Big City Classic The Lacrosse team defeated Rutgers as part of the third-annual Konica Big City Classic.

NEWS

Sports Pg. 22

OPINION PG. 6

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The TORCH

6 April 2011

COURSE EVALUATIONS

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.

The D’Angelo Center was lit up with purple lights in honor of Relay for Life, which will be happening in Carnesecca Arena this Friday.

3

Class spreads message about homelessness GABRIELLE FONROUGE Contributing Writer

At St. John’s, one professor is taking a unique approach to teaching by taking her students outside of the classroom.

Jane Paley, professor of public relations, uses her Public Relations Seminar Campaign class to integrate hands on learning and Vincentian values.

She and her students have organized the “Hearts for the Homeless” campaign to benefit the homeless population of New York City, with a series of fundraising events.

Since the start of the semester, the class has raised more than $1000 and collected clothing to benefit a midnight run that will take place on Apr. 14. They hosted several events including one that took place on Valentine’s Day, where students and teachers could buy and design cupcakes.

The class raised over $700 at an event during the Men’s Basketball game against DePaul on Feb. 23. Students raffled tickets for an autographed team ball signed by the players and coaches.

At other events, participants were allowed to trade in gently worn clothes for MVP points. All of the clothes will be donated during the midnight run.

Not only is this class raising money for the homeless, it is also teaching students what about public relations campaigns.

Paley noted that the class allows students to be more creative with their work.

“Students know how to use social media for personal use but now they are using it for a cause,” she said.

She also believes that the class will benefit them when they enter the job market.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PR CAMPAIGN CLASS

Students raised money and collected gently used clothing items for the PR Campaign class.

“My motive is largely practical,” Paley said. “If they go into a job interview and they have demonstrable proof that they not only understand public relations theory but they have accomplished a public relations mission [which is] a big public relations objective.”

In previous years, the class has been held during the fall. Classes have hosted a Toy Drive for the holiday season, which has become a St. John’s tradition.

Students react positively to the class, saying it allows them to express themselves and help others.

“The work that is put into this campaign is something that we can all take with us, and use it to reflect enthusiasm and eagerness in our personal resumes as well as when we enter into the job market,” Kayla Motoyama said.

Some are touched by witnessing the problem of homelessness in New York City firsthand.

“It really means a lot to me… so much negativity in society in terms of jobs being lost, people living in shelters and on the streets; so many aspects of homelessness people need to take into account,” senior Louis Romero said.

As an Academic Service Learning class, Paley says it fits well with the University’s mission.

“We are a Vincentian university, the opportunity to combine hardcore public relation techniques and service is a very important aspect of learning at St. Johns,” she said.

In regards to her students, Paley said this is one of her favorite classes to teach.

“I get very worked up because they are so creative and so dedicated and they know they’re doing it for such a good cause,” she said. “Semester after semester I am heartened by their motivation to do good. “

ERICA CURTISS Staff Writer

TORCH PHOTO/GEORGINA DIAZ

University parking lots run out of space quickly during commencement.

faculty with finding parking.

Smith said that the University does all it can with the space that is available, but because of magnitude of the day and the event there is going to be more issues than any other day.

“There are a few problems, with people parking in handicapped spots and ignoring the parking policies,” said Smith, “but we are designated to help and we do so as quickly as we can.”

torchonline.com

on graduation day, they also said that they are doing all they can to rectify the situation.

“We could always use extra parking,” said Joseph Smith, a member of St. John’s Public Safety. “But we make sure that every spot is filled before anyone has to look for parking anywhere else.”

Members of Public Safety start working earlier on graduation day than usual, to assist guests, students, and

6 April 2011 The TORCH

Parking shortages and traffic on graduation day at St. John’s proves to be a headache, not only for students and faculty, but also for residents of the area around campus.

The University is equipped with numerous parking lots and garages in prominent areas across the campus, but in the past few years there has not been enough spaces for graduates and their guests.

Kelly Polamba, a junior, lives on Grand Central Parkway, directly across from campus, and says the parking problem becomes secondary to the traffic problem on the day of graduation.

“Every year the problem gets worse,” said Polamba. “My house becomes a breeding ground for panicked graduates and impatient parents.”

Other St. John’s students were more sensitive to the situation.

“Obviously, parking is crazy on graduation. It’s the one day every senior comes to campus and they bring their parents with them,” said Alison Testoni, a senior and Queens resident.

Some felt that it is inevitable because

of family members and friends coming from all over.

“I’m graduating this year and my family will be in separate cars because their coming from separate places, so I guess that means I’m only fueling the problem,” said senior Natasha Tockett.

While student residents have their opinions on the parking situation during the graduation ceremony, non-students were not as understanding.

“It’s an obnoxious inconvenience,” said Michael Yurgel, who lives on 167 Street. “I’ve been living here for seven years and I can’t even leave my house on graduation day.”

Yurgel, 27, said that once the parking lots fill up on campus, family members of the graduates take it upon themselves to park in front of numerous houses, including his own. Some cars even block the driveways and park so close to each other that Yurgel describes the scene as impossible to escape.

Every year the graduating class grows in numbers, which means the amount of guests for the graduation ceremony increase as well. Every graduate receives four tickets for their family and friends to watch the ceremony.

While University officials acknowledge that there is a parking issue

NEWS

Graduation parking frustrates students and local residents

4

Autism event sheds light on campus SGI elections result in split tickets after

NEWS

LIAM LA GUERRE Staff Writer

St. John’s University participated in a worldwide initiative to raise awareness and funds for autism by lighting the Queens Campus blue and hosting events featuring children with the disorder last week.

Autism Speaks, the largest autism science and advocacy organization in North America, asked iconic buildings, and various organizations around the world, to turn their lights blue, in its second annual “Light it Up Blue” campaign for World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.

According to the organization’s Web site, the campaign enlisted more “than 500 structures in more than 120 U.S. cities and 25 countries” to participate.

From the Empire State Building to the Great Buddha Statue in Japan, and the Palace of Arts in Hungary, lights were lit in the same calming light blue.

At St. John’s, the D’Angelo Center and St. Thomas More church were lit.

Student-athletes also hung large blue bows with blue puzzle pieces containing information about autism from the D’Angelo Center to Carnesecca Arena on Wednesday.

The events started with a breakfast in the D’Angelo Center on Thursday, which featured a showing of the film, Temple Grandin, a recent HBO movie about a woman who revolutionized the cattle industry while living with autism.

During the breakfast, autism pins, bracelets, and t-shirts were sold to raise money.

Later in the afternoon, children with autism from P.S. 177 came to the Queens campus for “Funtime Sessions.”

Education majors assisted the children with arts and crafts, story time, coloring, snack time, and a “Light it Up Blue” egg hunt.

The kids also played soccer with the women’s soccer team in the Auxiliary Gym in Carnesecca Arena. These events were designed to help the children experience everyday normal activities.

Senior Erica Zissel, who helped to plan some of the events, stressed that “children with autism are just like me and you.”

TERENCE CULLEN Assistant News Editor

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANNE ZISSEL

Students passed out information about autism to raise awareness.

“You don’t want to label a child,” she said. “You don’t want to say that this is an autistic child. You want the child to have a normal childhood that any other kid would have.”

Mothers of children who have autism echoed a similar message when they spoke to students on Thursday night, and on Friday, siblings told the community what it means to be a sibling of someone with a disability.

Lisa Quinones-Fontanez, whose son has autism, created the website autismwonderland.com to inform everyone about the positive sides of autism.

“I’m not interested in a cure; I don’t think autism is a disease. Cancer needs a cure, autism just needs acceptance,” said Quinones-Fontanez.

Kenia Nunez, whose son has Asperger’s syndrome, said her goal is “to educate the world.”

Nunez said that her son has no

friends, but once saved another boy’s life by performing the Heimlich maneuver when others just stood by.

Nunez, who is part of friendstogrow. com, said people with autism have “a lot of unique talents, and a lot unique gifts” that others don’t have.

“My son reads 700 page books in a matter of a week; if you give it to him he’ll finish it,” she added.

Autism describes a group of disorders which “affects the way a child perceives the world and makes communication and social interaction difficult” the Autism Speaks organization said.

The group’s website also said that Asperger’s syndrome, along with Rett syndrome and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, make up what many refer to as Autism Spectrum Disorders.

According to autismspeakscom, “more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with AIDS, diabetes and cancer combined.”

torchonline.com

The TORCH

6 April 2011

Marijauna debate brings students together ANTHONY O’REILLY Staff Writer

St. John’s students discussed the pros and cons of legalizing medicinal marijuana in a debate held in St. Albert’s Hall CVS Student Lounge on March 31.

The debate was between two groups consisting of members of the Debate Team and the APHA-ASP, the student chapter of the American Pharmaceutics Association. Those for the legalization of medicinal marijuana were called “The Government” and those against it were labeled “The Opposition”. The teams were assigned to the participants and did not reflect their opinion on the matter of medicinal marijuana.

During the debate each member was given five minutes to present their argument about medicinal marijuana.

Their opponents were allowed to ask questions after the first minute, resulting in some tension throughout the debate.

At the end of the presentation,

members of the audience were allowed to question the participants.

Shreya Bansal questioned the government side on how medicinal marijuana would be controlled so that it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

“I think if it was very controlled it might work but the fact is that we can’t control it,” She said. Bansal brought up a main point of the opposition, which states that teenage use of marijuana outstrips every other drug use combined.

Amy Campo, one of the Debate team members assigned to the Opposition admitted she is actually pro-legalization after the debate ended.

She said that as a member of the debate team it’s her job to research the topic thoroughly and present a point of view based on the facts.

“Ultimately it’s not about winning,” said Campo. “You give principles that bring to light issues and let people weigh both sides of it.”

On the other side Tim Barr, a debate team member of the government side, admitted that he was also for legalizing

marijuana. He believes that his personal feelings did not create any bias in his presentation of the facts.

“I’ve had a lot of training in debate and in rhetorical strategy that helps me present any side of an argument,” he said.

Much like his opponent, Barr said he believes that he is not trying to convince anybody that he is right and the other side is wrong, but to help inform the public so that they may bring knowledge of the topic back into their daily lives.

Sybil Cherian, fourth year pharmacy student, teamed up with the debate society to help put together this presentation.

“We had gone to Rhode Island and saw another school debate on this topic and we wanted to bring it back here to St. John’s,” she said.

Pharmacy student Rane Jabonillo, who favored legalization, stated that he has a personal interest in the legalization of marijuana.

“If it does become legal it’ll be pharmacists who will handle it and not street corner thugs,” he said.

This year’s SGI election produced the most split results in University history, with four winners from POWER and three from FORCE. Sabino Curcio, of POWER, defeated Andre McDonald, of FORCE, to become the president of Student Government Inc. for the 2012 year. Taryn Glynn, chair of SGI elections committee, told the TORCH last week that Curcio won by only 25 votes.

The other winners included: Kevin Grover, of POWER, for vice president,; Marcial Zebaze, of POWER, for treasurer; Meredith Kenyon, of FORCE, for secretary; Ellen McBurney, of POWER, for senior senator; John Marchi, of FORCE, for junior senator; and Elizabeth Sheehan, of FORCE, for sophomore senator.

President-elect Curcio spoke with a reporter after the elections and discussed the victory. “It’s great,” Curcio said.

“Obviously we have a split ticket again, and as we said from the start, we’re all leaders working together, joining tickets to continue to be the voice of the students and further our work with St. John’s University.”

The split ticket of both parties did not seem to bother current President Patrick Brewer. After the announcement last week, Brewer said he did not believe the two parties working together would be a problem.

“They have their work cut out for them,” Brewer said. “A split ticket is always hard to do. But I think they’ll come together quickly. There’s a lot of firsts this year—it was the first time someone was elected from abroad, first split as wide as this one. But I think they’ll ultimately be fine.”

Vice-President elect Grover, is the first candidate to be elected while overseas. Grover is currently in Europe on a Discover the World Program this semester. During debates he was able to answer questions through Skype.

Darren Morton, associate vice president for Student Affairs, announced that the voter turnout was less than last year. The number of voters dropped by 17%, he said, with 1,345 student votes.

Last year 1,619 students voted in the election.

This year’s election also included suspensions for both tickets for various campaign violations. Last week, the TORCH reported that FORCE was suspended from campaigning on Mar. 29 – just hours before voting ended.

McDonald, who received 660 votes, told the TORCH after elections that he believed the lost hours hurt his ticket.

“I believe that if we had had that last 24 hours to campaign, we could have been there,” said McDonald. “It may have had a greater impact. But we gave it our best.”

Next year’s executive board faces a series of issues including a high budget from years past and distributing funds to student organizations.

Can’t get enough TORCH news?

Visit our Web site for online exclusives. torchonline.com

Editorial Board LXXXVIII

Illustrator’s Corner

JUSTIN THRIFT Editor-in-Chief NELL O’CONNOR Managing Editor TERENCE CULLEN Assistant News Editor MARK MCDONALD General Manager

FLAMES OF THE TORCH

A message to the St. John’s community To the students of St. John’s,

Nell O’Connor Managing Editor

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.

Mail letters to: The TORCH, St. John’s University 8000 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439 Submit letters online at: torchonline.com/opinion

Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters have a limit of 500 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.

To the Editor: I saw a few fatal flaws in the TORCH Article “Paying the Cost to Be the Boss.”

One of the key things that was implied is the mistaken belief that there are only 2 options for success (1) Go to College or (2) Start your own business. This was done with the point that “our degree will safe guard [sic] us against having to flip burgers or stock shelves for a living.”

This is a huge generalization and simply wrong! There are simply too many jobs that don’t require a college degree!

They include (1) Firefighters (who can make more than 77k in base salary after 5 years), (2) stock broker (3) a Police Officer (2 years of military service waives all college credit requirements), (4) an EMT, (5) a paramedic, (6) a paralegal (a 6 month certificate course), (7) a computer net-

worker (pass a certification test) and many more. There are simply too many average to well paying jobs that don’t require any sort of college degree!

The fact remains that many people go to college and take out ZERO in student loans. Some students even make a profit simply by attending college. There are many schools that cost only $4k per year locally! Everyone has a choice as to whether or not they will be in debt.

You can attend any of the private schools in NYC or you can attend a public college in NYC. Walking out of college with 22k in loans is a personal decision. So really, is there a cost to be a boss? Sometimes there is, but it is your decision as to how much you are going to pay!

Sylburn Peterkin St. John’s College

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TO CONTRIBUTE

Letter to the Editor

The TORCH

EDITORIAL POLICY

TORCH ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES KERRIGAN

6 April 2011

Justin Thrift Editor-in-Chief

TORCH ILLUSTRATION BY DIAMOND WATTS-WALKER

OPINION

In our last issue as editors of the TORCH, as our tenure as student leaders comes to close, we’d like to comment on the experience of being St. John’s students and leaders on campus for the past few years.

What has been a truly rewarding experience serving the students and members of the St. John’s community, our tenures as TORCH editors have taught us valuable lessons in the merits of student action and engagement. Though we’ve encountered many inspiring examples of students getting involved and making a mark during their time at this University, it has been our overall obseravation that student engagement is lacking at St. John’s.

On a positive note, we’ve also observed a slight improvement over the past year, which may be the result of a general improvement in student life or even the building of the D’Angelo Center. However, there is still room for improvement, and if we have one message for all freshman, sophomore and soon-to-be St. John’s students, it would be to urge you to get involved on campus. Make time to employ your passions somehow at St. John’s and begin working towards life goals now.

For us, and for many other student leaders and active students that we have had the pleasure to interact with over the years, St. John’s has become a building block for our careers and aspirations.

We say this not to attest simply to the classroom education we’ve received, or even to praise the more inspirational teachers we’ve developed relationships with. Rather, this place has provided us with an outlet to learn and develop as individuals.

For us, this outlet has been the TORCH. For others, it has been student government, or Haraya, or WSJU or Earth Club. What we know is that we would not be the same people without

our active participation in student life over the past couple of years.

What we want to stress is that the experiences we’ve had, the people we’ve met and the opportunities that have become available to us have not been provided. They needed a certain element of action, of a strong desire to make a mark on campus and do something worthwhile with our four years.

To the young students who are reading this, we urge you to take advantage of your time at St. John’s, or wherever you may spend the rest of your undergraduate years. Take action because it will result in a more rewarding experience than not acting. Get involved because you have nothing to lose except tuition money that you aren’t truly benefiting from.

Expect greatness of yourself in all that you do, based on the hardwork you put in, and make it start as St. John’s students.

To the next editorial board of TORCH editors that will take on the responsibility of the only independent press in this community, we implore you to continue the tradition of the TORCH in a way that upholds the principles of journalism.

Be a voice for those who find it hard to be heard, and hold the administration of this institution to the highest expectations possible. Know that your work is crucial to this school community and that your hard work, while it will often go unrecognized, should be done with a humble disposition.

We thank all those that we have forged friendships with during our time in this office, and wish you the best of luck in years to come. In the words of the great artist Drake, when in doubt, just do you.

6

TORCH Opinion

online at torchonline.com/opinion

Where’s the incentive to evaluate? that what they’re taking the time to write is going to be seriously considered and acted upon.

Many students might not even really know what is done with these evaluations or if their professors actually see their feedback (even though professors are in fact presented with their students’ feed-

TORCH ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE MONTIJO

back, according to Hall).

Let’s compare the differences between STJ course evaluations and Ratemyprofessors.com evaluations, considering both are tools designed to evaluate professor performance.

What’s fascinating is that institutionalized evaluations would seem to have a more practical affect. In theory, professors would be rewarded or punished for

an instant, practical result that students engage in: they post their say, invaluably warning other students of bad professors or encouraging that they take good ones.

They can see their evaluations, watch it make a difference and contribute while feeling that their time and input is actually helpful. The administration needs to consider this if they are to improve the evaluation rate to over 50 percent.

This is to say, why aren’t these results of student evaluations made public?

Shouldn’t professors be held accountable for their performances with an overall grade? One thing is for sure: the University can do a significantly better job of scanning evaluations for the ones that are eloquently written and genuinely meaningful than Ratemyprofessors.com can, but doesn’t filter poorly submitted evaluations. After all, if there’s one downfall to the Ratemyprofessors.com site, it’s the unfortunate effect a few dumb or bitter students can have on a professor’s general reputation.

To make it worse, students are more likely to log onto Ratemyprofessors. com to post an evaluation after having a bad experience, so Ratemyprofessors. com doesn’t always reflect the truth for all professors. In many cases, a poor review of a professor on this site can simply reflect a challenging course, which in no way means the teacher is always to blame.

The University has the ability to produce a product similar to Ratemyprofessors.com, only a more polished, accurate one. Most importantly, the University then has the ability to use that information to improve the faculty.

It may sound harsh, but at the end of the day it’s imperative that the administration weed out professors who are proving ineffective, or professors who have used the same syllabus for 30 years and refuse to redevelop their courses. This is a key part of their role in improving the St. John’s experience.

If professors have nothing to hide, they’ll never object to this level of transparency. If they do object, the following questions need to be considered: what is that professor’s usual feedback? What harm would their evaluations have on their job security?

If you ask me, students already understand the concept of course evaluation. If we don’t feel we’re benefiting, there’s little reason to care.

Justin Thrift is a senior English major who plays outfield for the Well Read Storm softball team.

He can be reached at: torcheic@gmail.com

OPINION

At the end of every semester, student inboxes are relentlessly pounded with course evaluation e-mails. It’s a guarantee for all St. John’s students as the semester comes to a close, and gripes about these evaluations are commonly heard around campus.

To find out just how unpopular course evaluations really are with students I contacted Clover Hall, the vice-president of Institutional Research and Academic Planning. She told me that the student evaluation rate hovered at 43 percent last year. That’s a lowly percentage, and Hall’s office has been working hard to increase this number, she said.

I’m thrilled that the folks at the office of Institutional Research and Academic Planning have decided to condense these evaluations into one single e-mail this year, but I’m not sure it will be as effective in encouraging students to fill them out as they may hope. I don’t think five e-mails at the end of every semester are responsible for 57 percent of students turning a cold shoulder.

Students simply don’t have enough incentive to spend time on these evaluations.

Clearly, students enjoy the act of evaluating their professors’ performances, as evidenced by the popularity and usage of Ratemyprofessors.com. Every full-time professor at this University has a profile and student feedback, and students use the site religiously every semester. Yet, students continue to scoff at the institutionalized evaluations, even though in theory they should have more weighty repercussions.

Other than their professors asking politely in class, students really have no incentive to complete the course evaluations that are sent their way each semester. They can’t see the effects of their comments, and they can’t be sure

their performances. But as it is now, St. John’s students don’t see the results of their evaluation efforts, if any real results are actually taking place. We like stats, including a professor’s average difficulty rating and how many chili peppers they’ve received.

With Ratemyprofessors.com, there’s

STUDENTSPARKS: Spring Concert

torchonline.com

The TORCH

6 April 2011

Are you excited about Wale headlining the St. John’s spring campus?

I’m excited for Wale, although I’d rather see J Cole.

Initially I was amazed. I’m looking forward for the concert.

I’d like someone more mainstream. But if they brought in someone like Lil Wayne, it would be bad for the image of the school.

I’m mildly excited. He’s a big name in the music industry. I’m glad St. John’s could get someone like that.

Corey Lynch Freshman

Bradley Jacques Junior

Stephanie Coirin Junior

Philip Jocelyn Senior COMPILED BY THOMAS CARNEVALE

TORCH Opinion

online at torchonline.com/opinion

7

Republican America: It’s super american

Somewhere in the distant future, I wake up to the sound of the alarm clock. Twelve snooze button slaps later, I finally get my lazy self out of bed.

I don’t shower, because I make less than $495,000 a year. I don’t deserve to shower. I haven’t yet pulled myself up by my bootstraps. I didn’t go to MIT or Harvard and learn the type of math, science and logical skills that could cure cancer or create alternative energy that would get us off foreign oil, then take that intelligence over to Goldman Sachs to create 19-D models of stocks, bonds, loans and mortgages where I can financially screw over the middle class and make people who physically produce no product billions of dollars.

It’s my fault. Teachers and public sector workers – remember when they ruined our economy making $50,000 a year teaching our inattentive, bratty self-entitled children important skills and having the audacity to ask for any sort of health benefits? I remember my days at Ronald Reagan Elementary, and how we got Ms. Winters fired for making us do homework. Um, hello!

This is America! We don’t do homework.

Mr. Heberle at Ronald Reagan High didn’t get it either. He once made us try to write an essay. What an idiot. He didn’t get fired, because he caught Billy Walters pre-maritally kissing Julia Smits. Premarital kissing!

It’s like the guy never attended an Abstinence class.

Anyway, I chose not to major in Finance in college – big mistake. That’s why every morning I have to get up and look for a job. It’s okay; I live in America, presented by AT&T. There’s always an opportunity to make a better life for yourself in any of our great states, be it Burgerking, WindowsVistastan, New Walmart, Jesusville, Cornsyrup or even Utah.

It’s my job to pick a career – be it in Finance, Import-

ing, Pilot, Truck Driver, Stay-at-home-Palin or Trash Burner. I’m really hoping for Trash Burner because the benefits are incredible. After just one year of training at the Ronald Reagan Trash Burning School, I will have my degree in Trash Burning and be eligible for up to two – TWO! – vacation days a year!

Corporations are great. As I drive my Hummer around town, because public transportation is for homosexuals that get sent away to re-Jesus Camps, I remember that my parents told me there was a time when corporations didn’t run the country. Wow. Next thing you’re going to tell me there was a time when Muslims were allowed to fly on planes.

As for corporations not running the country, I find that crazy. I’m old enough to remember when we shut down the last Socialist Bookville. Could you imagine a place where we took a bunch of “books” – I’m sorry if I’m boring you to death by bringing it up – and let everybody borrow them! Socialism at its worst.

Ah, here we are – Ronald Reagan Trash Burning School. Usually, I’m late; I forget to make a right onto Ronald Reagan Lane after I get off the Ronald Reagan Turnpike. Silly me. The GPS in this Hummer is messed up, plus the gas mileage is 8mpg. I need to get one with at least 4mpg, I get teased enough as it is. Oh no- there’s Sally Taylor. I was at a party and in my inebriation gave her an unprotected hug. Not very Palin of me, I know.

I’m not proud of it.

As I pretend to press the “Door Open” button on the elevator and watch as Sally sprints her unattractively lean 325 pound body toward me, I look out the glass of the elevator to the smog-filled America below me. I’m disappointed that I live in a town where buildings have more than two stories, meaning I don’t live in the heartland. But I know that one day, if I sit on my butt long enough, good things will automatically happen to me.

After all, that’s what the American dream is.

The elevator door opens, and I take a quick drink from the KFC Gravy fountain – got to stay hydrated; it’s really taxing on the body to take an elevator, but I don’t have to tell you that! I’m actually early. It’s good because I ate a vegetable last night on a dare, and I have to go to the bathroom and take a huge Reagan.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION BY MIKE MONTIJO

Jeffrey Gilbert is a senior. He can be reached at: jeffreygilberttorch@gmail.com

MTA transfer blame JACOB POSTELNICU Contributing Writer

OPINION 6 April 2011 The TORCH

torchonline.com

I, like many of you, use mass transit on a daily basis. Three busses and three hours later I arrive at school, tired before my day has even begun.

There are weeks when I cannot afford an unlimited card, and so I save my little extra thirty cents on all the cards I have and put them together at one of the many convenient and friendly booths run by very competent clerks who, on occasion, might be excused for their choice of language due to, say, a bad day.

About a week ago, after purchasing a Metrocard at a machine and checking it at the booth to ensure the proper amount was readily available, I went about my daily routine of being the proverbial sardine amid a sea of humanity on one of New York City’s fine buses. Finally free and breathing again, I boarded yet another bus and expected to swipe my card and get the free transfer due me. Not so fast.

One look at the machine told me that, instead of giving me the one free transfer all straphangers are due with each 2.25 paid, the darn thing had taken yet another 2.25 from my card, and I assume, was chuckling at me.

Well, I would have none of that and asked the bus driver what was going on. He ignored my plea for fairness and flatly told me that I had used the card incorrectly (as if there is more than one way to use it).

Then, with a friendly gesture, he told me to step to the rear of the bus, as he had more customers waiting to board. I obeyed, and eventually decided that a mere 2.25 was not worth the aggravation.

Several days later, however, my close friend and fellow Johnnie, Tamara Pierre, came to me with a story that was a doppelganger for my own. Somewhat less tolerant than myself, she was livid, and rightly so I might add.

So, I decided to do a little survey and out of ten people whom I asked, three admitted to experiencing similar scenarios and were, like myself and Tamara, still befuddled.

My next step was to question an MTA employee and, knowing them to be helpful and courteous, was sure I would get to the bottom of this problem. Moreover, I was confident that I would garner not only the lost money, but an apology as well.

The first individual I brought the problem up with was a booth clerk at one of our city’s many underground stations. She simply glared at me and, I guess, didn’t feel my query was worthy of a response.

I chalked that up to the “bad day” theory and moved along.

Finally, I encountered a clerk who was willing to help me. His aid was in the form of advice. He also was of the opinion that myself, Tamara, and the three other individuals polled, had “used the card incorrectly.”

So, in the end, we, the purchasers of the cards, and not the creators of the cards were incorrect. Who woulda thought?

8

Think Outside...

Features

Section

3

HandCrafting Justice promotes fair trade across the globe CAROLYN WARGULA Features Editor A small group of volunteers came together in Queens to stock shelves and unpack boxes for one cause – to eliminate global poverty. HandCrafting Justice, working alongside the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, sell hundreds of handcrafted products to create further employment opportunities for artisans in developing countries. The organization located in the St. John’s Prep School inAstoria, supports thousands of women in more than 20 countries across the globe.

The boutique sells handmade toys from Thailand, woven handbags from Kenya, multi-colored tablecloths from Ecuador and indigenous beaded masks from Mexico. HandCrafting Justice offers several unique handmade products that reflect the cultural identity in which they were created. The monetary income these women receive from their products not only support them and their families but also help these artisans form a self-reliant attitude towards their environment.

HandCrafting Justice develops a trusting relationship with these international communities. The Good Shepherd Sisters located abroad send samples and catalogs of the handcrafted products. What is unique to this process is that the artisans in the local communities set the price of products and they are paid for their

artwork once the goods are received in Astoria.

Maureen McGowan, the director of HandCrafting Justice, is confident that fair trade practices can help eradicate poverty.

“Each and every day, 3,000 women and their families are supported through the work of HandCrafting Justice,” said McGowan.

The organization was formed in 1997 with a deep desire to support fair Trade across the globe. While most students assume fair trade products only cover certain commodities such as coffee and chocolate, HandCrafting Justice takes fair trade to another level by supporting various handcrafted items that would otherwise not gain a consumer’s attention.

“Fair trade brings the producers, the buyers and the market into a relationship in which the revenues and profits are shared in a much more equitable way,” said McGowan. “Businesses have a pretty hierarchic structure. The big corporations have much of the power and small farmers and producers have very little to say about what happens.”

Since 2000, fair trade initiatives and awareness have grown tremendously in the west. On May 14, 2011, the international communities will celebrate the fifth annual World Fair Trade Day. Countries across the globe come together through several events including fair trade

fashion shows, art shows, lectures concerning trade justice and climate change, to innocuous activities such as face painting with the World Fair Trade Day logo in order to raise awareness.

McGowan recommends that students should get involved with fair trade by making changes in their college campus and the local community. She suggests that students should become more knowledgeable concerning fair trade practices and ask the administration for further fair trade options. Whether it is coffee at the school café or t-shirts in the bookstore, students and administrators can offer fair trade options and educate students in order to eliminate global poverty.

“Students should talk about fair trade in their classes,” said McGowan. “They should challenge professors to include fair trade ideas and compensation and include these topics in their curriculum.”

Students at St. John’s University can also get involved at HandCrafting Justice by volunteering.

“We have received lots of support from St. John’s University,” said McGowan. “It could be on the weekends, service days, service learning and campus activities.

We have done lots of service together.”

Students can bring their various talents to use by supporting the organization through pricing and labeling products, technically assisting the website, planning events, conducting

research and marketing development.

HandCrafting Justice is very flexible with students’ hours and welcomes volunteers with no specific time requirements.

Samantha Zegel, a sophomore, volunteered at HandCrafting Justice last year by packaging and labeling products for shipment. Not only was she amazed with the quality of the products but felt empowered that she could offer a helping hand to those living in developing countries.

“I think it’s hard for people who really have a talent to show off what they can do and get credit that they deserve,” said Zegel. “Fair trade brings a lot of unique and really talented people together here with products we don’t see anymore.”

The most important aspect of HandCrafting Justice and fair trade is opening the eyes of students to various cultures and identities. Through fair trade, not only can students support communities affected by poverty but also gain a wider appreciation for various lifestyles.

“Fair trade has made me realize the difference between the mass produced American products and the amazing quality of handmade objects,” said Zegel. “It makes you appreciate the talent that these people have in their craft.”

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Dining deals for under five dollars JOANNA ADDUCI

Assistant Features Editor

As students, the world is our playground. We are young, many in exceptional health, and curious – eager to explore the world. The one restraint? Cash. Let’s face it – college kids aren’t making the big bucks. However, by venturing into certain areas of Manhattan, searching for meals, decadent dinners and savory snacks, students can find several deals for under five dollars.

From pan-seared pork dumplings to Vietnamese BBQ sandwiches, I did some hefty research and set out to find the best of the best.

My journey began on the F train, only a few blocks from campus. My destination? Chinatown, a hidden culinary gem. After exploring various restaurants and bakeries, I had narrowed the list down to five establishments beginning with Banh Mi Saigon, a Vietnamese sandwich shop. Only a few blocks from the subway station, the neighborhood is a mixture of authenticity and urban hustle. Families work on the streets selling fresh produce, seafood, and warm, doughy pork buns.

Filled with curiosity and intrigue, I watched through the windows as a focused young woman made dumplings, carefully constructing each one with just the right amount of pork, chive and oil.

A few blocks down on Grand Street, I reached Banh Mi Saigon, a modern, chic atmosphere filled with aromas of sweet, cake-like breads and mouthwatering meats such as pork and sautéed beef. I was told by the locals to order a #1- BBQ Pork Sandwich. I received a large hero, filled with succulent pork covered in a sweet BBQ sauce surrounded with cucumber, carrot strands and cilantro. Setting me back only four bucks, I bit into the Vietnamese monstrosity. Packed with flavor, just the right blend of meat, vegetables, and syrupy sauce, I was in love. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted, with flavors that hinted at previous culinary ventures, such as the warm crunchy bread and the fresh cilantro. The crowd was charismatic, mainly students, many of them vegetarian as this establishment offers a surplus of tofu and meat-less alternatives.

Moving onto something more familiar, I walked into the heart of Little Italy. Rustic, authentic and sentimental Mulberry Street will always hold a special place in my big Italian heart. My next culinary conquest was of great importance, to try the “best Cannoli on planet earth,” at Caffe’ Palermo. EATS Magazine described this picturesque eatery as “Quite simply, Little Italy’s undisputed

King of Cannoli. This place is old school, in the best way possible.” As I walked in, I was overwhelmed with fragrances of warm pastries and decadent chocolates.

I ordered the chocolate covered Cannoli, the most expensive item of the day, five dollars. A colossal cocoa shell, overflowing with fresh Cannoli cream. As I bit into the famous dessert, I understood why Caffe’ Palermo’s owner John was crowned the “Cannoli King.” The shell was crunchy and sweet, and the filling was smooth with just the right amount of mini chocolate chips. This caffe offers more than pastries, and is known for their pizza, Paninis and extensive espresso bar.

The next joint was nothing special to look at. In fact, I was shocked it was on the list of must-try establishments. Small, crowded, and downright ugly, I walked

by Prosperity Dumpling on Eldridge Street a few times in utter shock. When I finally went inside I ordered the beef dumplings and sesame pancake, the items the locals raved about. Packed and ready to go within three minutes, I was forced to eat at the local park because of the small, busy nature of the restaurant.

I sat on a park bench and opened the styrofoam box filled with the pan seared dumplings. On first bite, I was overwhelmed with the sweet mixture of beef and salty spices. Fresh, savory and moist, these dumplings were truly one of a kind, and only four for a dollar. Next was the sesame pancake, which was astounding. An Asian twist on foccacia, fried with sesame seeds and chives for 50 cents. A meal for under two bucks, filled with flavor a must try for all STJ students.

Finally I reached the restaurant crowned TOP 100 in the nation, Vanessa’s Dumpling House, situated only a few steps from Prosperity Dumpling. A line stretched down the street as locals waited anxiously for the coconut bubble tea and greasy, flavorful pork buns. For less than five dollars, I received four pork and chive dumplings, a sesame pancake sandwich stuffed with beef,and three pork buns. The sesame pancake sandwich combined BBQ beef, cucumber, carrot and parsley all stuffed inside two slices of moist, tasty pastry dough.

The dumplings were savory, salty, and were a tastier version of Prosperity’s doughy Asian snack. Worth the hour journey from Queens, I will certainly be back for everything this culinary gem has to offer.

For an instant adventure packed with yummy treats, head to the Lower East Side of Manhattan and devour some dumplings or sip on some bubble tea. Walk the streets curiously, trying the delicacies of this historic community. Talking to the locals asking around for their favorite hang-out spots. Venture into the unknown, trying things you’ve always wanted to, explore the obscure, scrumptious cuisine this city has to offer.

9

PHOTO COURTESY OF YELP

The BBQ Sandwich served at Bahn Mi Saigon, a chic urban Vietnamese restaurant on Grand Street.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YELP

The famous cannolis of Caffe Palermo, a pituresque representation of authentic Little Italy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF YELP

The sweet and salty Asian delights of Vanessa’s Dumpling House, nestled at the end of Eldridge Street.

Savory Sesame Pancakes A quick and easy twist on this

The TORCH PHOTO COURTESY OF YELP

The combination of salty sesame sauce and sweet carrots mixed with Chinese spices creates the perfect Asian culinary delight.

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200g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting 100 ml water 50 ml sesame sauce Chinese five spice, to taste 2 tsp salt 50g sesame seeds 50g finely chopped ham 50g finely grated carrots 20g finely chopped spring onions 1 egg yolk, beaten

1. Put the self-rising flour into a bowl and gradually work in the water, mixing well until a soft dough forms. (You may not need all of the water).

Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel and put in a warm place to rise for one hour.

2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Put the sesame sauce into a bowl and add a dash of water to loosen to a soft butter consistency, then stir in the five spice and salt.

4. Heat the oil in a small pan, then pour over the plain flour and mix until well combined and smooth. Stir into the sesame mixture.

5. In a bowl, mix together the ham, carrot and spring onion. Season with a pinch of salt.

6. Take out the dough and roll out thinly on a floured work surface. Brush the dough with the sesame sauce, then roll the dough up into a roulade shape. Trim the edges, then cut into 15 small pieces and roll out into thin discs.

7. Pinch the ends together, then place a spoonful of the ham, carrot and spring onion mixture in the middle. Lift up two opposing edges and bring together to join in the middle. Turn the pancake over and press down to form a shape similar to an Eccles cake.

8. Brush the top of the pancake with egg yolk and press in the sesame seeds. Place onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the pancakes are golden-brown and crisp.

6 April 2011

What You’ll Need

How to Make ‘Em:

FEATURES

northern Beijing speciality An Asian twist on Foccacia bread, Sesame Pancakes are an instant crowd pleaser. Sweet, salty and doughy, these Chinese treats are easy to make and combine a few select ingredients.

The pancakes come out golden brown and crisp, yet moist and have the texture of a pastry. For an easy meal, combine the pancakes with dumplings or an Asian salad.

Easy to prepare, these tasty appetizers consist of ham and various vegetables and spices stuffed inside the warm, sweet dough crowned the pancake.

TORCHCOMICS

Blue Waffles For Breakfast James Kerigan

Swyde BFF LLC Diamond Watts-Walker

Pam’s World Michelle Alerte

Keri Dodge

06 April 2011

17

ENTERTAINMENT 6 April 2011

Pg. 20 PHOTO COURTESY OF ENTERTHESOURCECODE.COM

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New mystery flick takes viewers on a mind-blowing journey

The TORCH

A Code Worth Breaking

18

Wayne Shows ‘He Is Still Music’ On Tour LIL’ WAYNE, NICKI MINAJ AND RICK ROSS SHUT DOWN NASSAU COLISEUM JOSHUA BAILEY Staff Writer

I

n an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, rapper Lil’ Wayne declared he would not return to New York City where he served an eight month sentence at Riker’s Island for a gun possession charge. When asked about returning to perform in concert the “A Milli” rapper stated, “They’d have to give me U2 money” (which implies roughly two million dollars).

Technically, Nassau Coliseum is not within the limits of New York City, and considered the home of the Islanders, not the New York Knicks. However, the money had to be right to bring Wayne, Rick Ross, and Nicki Minaj to, for lack of a better term, shut the “Greater New York Area” down for their “I Am Still Music” tour.

Rick Ross opened up the festivities for the night to the crowd’s delight. The Florida-born rapper moved through his collection of albums, but none stuck out like the performance of Teflon Don. Songs like “MC Hammer” and “B.M.F.,” are what drove Ross to his current popularity, and the crowd’s reaction assured it.

“Ma-Ma-Ma-Maybach Music!” The hypnotic label call of Ross’s Maybach Music Group prepared the crowd for every smash hit, and fans repeated it passionately.

New signees to Maybach Music’s Wale (“Chillin,” “No Hands”) and Meek Mill (“Rose Red”) also made appearances to perform with Ross and to add to an already strong section of the show.

Rick Ross would be hard to follow for most rap artists; luckily Lil’ Wayne is not the common artist.

His set begins with an intro consisting of a voicemail message stating, “…the defender, Dwayne Carter is no longer in custody.” Wayne then goes on to talk about being out of jail and finishes with, “when you see the warden, tell ‘em to kiss my a**.”

From that point on the performance can be summarized as a jubilant Lil’ Wayne rapping while scantily clad dancers pranced around and Travis Barker played the drums (and yes, he killed it). Lil’ Wayne’s

PHOTO COURTEST OF MTV.COM

Lil Wayne took the stage with female rapper Nicki Minaj, drummer beast Travis Barker and hip-hop boss Rick Ross this past weekend, performing their hits like “A Milli,” “Roman’s Revenge” and “MC Hammer.” performance had no twist; had no turn. Instead, it was just Wayne rapping his gargantuan collection of music to a sold-out crowd. That is until he left the stage to “go change my clothes” and a robed monk walked slowly to center stage.

Fans knew Minaj was coming when the hundreds of “Barbies” would erupt in hectic and deafening shrieks for their beloved Jamaica, Queens star.

Scenes from Gladiator began to play, as the robed monk threw magic dust into the air and Nicki Minaj came through the floor to the tune of “Roman’s Revenge.”

To understand the power of Nicki Minaj, you must understand her followers.

Women that ten minutes ago sat relaxed and reserved, immediately stood on chairs, got rowdy, and resembled a scene from a 90’s hip-hop video. Minaj’s 30-minute set included a bulk of songs from her album Pink Friday

including “Did It On ‘Em” and “Moment 4 Life,” doing her best to keep all eyes on her and the arena rocking. Sporting a pink and white one-piece body suit that showed off her notorious curves, she succeeded.

One of many memorable moments was her lap dance on Wayne.

Lil’ Wayne came back out after Minaj to bring the show to a finish. He performed with some of the other Young Money artists such as Lil’ Twist, Jae Millz, and Mack Maine. Other guest performers during the show included: Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Busta Rhymes.

Wayne saved the best for last and finished with “6 Foot, 7 Foot.” With no shirt, ruthless rapping and the aid of new signee Corey Gunz, the show was finished and the verdict was certain. He came, he saw, and he put on a great show.

torchonline.com

The TORCH

6 April 2011

ENTERTAINMENT

New Sci-Fi Thriller Brings Code To Abide By JAKE GYLLENHAAL AND MICHELLE MONTAGHAN’S CHEMISTRY GO BEYOND SHORT-TERM MEMORY VANESSA VILSAINT Contributing Writer SOURCE CODE – OUT OF 4 STARS

S

ource Code is a thrilling mystery yet remains a scientific drama. Filled with continuous twists and turns, the movie’s plot leads into one scenario but soon unlocks the mystery to another.

With several themes and storylines interacting at once, there is room for confusion. Regardless, director Duncan Jones does a wonderful and creative job in bringing an alternate reality to life.

Although its storyline connects to each theme, the behind the scenes work lacks a bit of logic. Source Code’s biggest fault is its failure to adequately explain the parameters of the supposed alternate reality experiment. Through unclear governmental computer genius, Captain Colter Stevens (Jake Gyllenhaal) is uploaded into the body of a civilian. He wakes to discover that he has become part of a government experiment and is asked to serve his country and help prevent a disaster.

With no clues behind a strange explosion outside of Chicago, a new and secret project is activated. At this point in the film, Stevens is confused as well as the audience.

The idea of a “source code” program intrigues the viewer. It allows the test subject to relive the last eight minutes of a particular person’s life. The theory is that each person contains a short-term memory that can be explored and expanded on. While in that eight-minute cycle, you are essentially in an alternate reality that

allows you to explore and interact with your surroundings. It is more than a memory, it is real, but it is also a frozen moment in time that cannot be used to affect the present or future. However, the problem with such a thrilling concept opens itself to many flaws and plot holes. Viewers are left wondering why characters cannot exit others’ memories at random and how they immediately recognize faces as someone else.

Another notable flaw on the technical side is the musical selection that seemed to mismatch the movie.

The music seemed to play at awkward moments while absent at others. Music in films especially thrillers are apparent immediately and should enhance the drama, but unfortunately Source Code lacked this.

In Source Code, much of the drama and impact come from the surprises, especially half way through the film. The characters also execute their roles well, especially Gyllenhaal as Stevens. The two most difficult and best performances in the film rest with Vera Farmiga and Michelle Monaghan. Farmiga plays Stevens’ contact, Carol Goodwin, and the role is a complex one.

It seems she is hiding something yet her duty takes priority over her emotions. Her role is vital to the climax of the film. The other leading lady, Monaghan, has the tricky task of replaying the same role. Her character as Christina is connected to the person that Stevens lives through, so each time he restarts the eight minutes, she is there repeating the same lines. She is the ultimate victim in this movie, trapped in continuously reliving a tragedy.

The beauty of the Source Code is its originality. Some may not be able to look past the film’s scientific paradoxes or logical gaps, but the ending will have audiences talking. If looking for an original movie with the characteristics of a thriller, a mystery, a drama and a science fiction combined, then Source Code is a must see.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ENTERTHESOURCECODE.COM

Vera Farmiga (alongside Jeffrey Wright) provided one of the best performances onscreen.

Dr. Dre Steps To New ‘Beat’ with New Manager

19

HIP-HOP BLOGGER KAREN CIVIL BECOMES NEW DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER FOR BEATS UGOCHUKWU-CHARLES ONYEWUCHI Staff Writer

K

aren Civil, one of hip-hop’s most influential bloggers, has been appointed the new digital marketing manager at headphone company Beats by Dr. Dre. Civil played a vital role in the careers of Drake, Nipsey Hussle, and J. Cole, who all came to the attention of record labels after being featured on the her website, karencivil.com.

She recently served as online media coordinator at Young Money Records and helped propel labelmates Drake and Nicki Minaj — both releasing number one albums — to new heights. Now, she will be taking her talents to Los Angeles to join the ever growing Beats Empire and help maintain its dominance in the world of headphones.

Established in 2008, the line of headphones has become a cultural trend with a roster of endorsements ranging from Hollywood A-listers and sports icons.

Following the success of Beats by Dr. Dre, other celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Lebron James and Diddy have all followed suit and established their own line of earphones under the Beats umbrella: Bieber with the signature purple JustBeats for all the die-hard Bieliebers; Gaga with Heartbeats for all the monsters around the globe; Diddy with DiddyBeats and Lebron with Powerbeats, for those who love to work out to their favorite tunes.

The company also came out with a special Red Sox edition of their over-ear studio headphones last spring.

Late last year, the company expanded to laptops when it closed a deal with H.P., “the world’s biggest laptop PHOTO COURTESY OF BEATSBYDRE.COM seller.” Through this deal, Beats Audio system was made standard in their line of laptops starting with Beats By Dre has headphones designed by stars in the Envy 14, Pavilion dv7 and TouchSmart 600 sports and music like Lady Gaga and Lebron James. models. Following the critical and commercial

success of the Beats Audio system, H.P. plans to expand the sound system to other line of products in the near future. Dr. Dre, one of the co-founders of Beats, earned a whooping $17 million in 2010 with much of his income coming from the sales of Beats products, according to Forbes.com. However, a threat to his surging Beats empire is looming, most notably in form of his once prodigy, 50 Cent.

Earlier this year, 50 announced that he will be coming out with his own line of headphones, Sleek by 50 Cent. Made by Sleek Audio, with both creative and financial input by the hip-hop mogul, Sleek by 50 Cent will bring something unique to the world of headphones: wireless hybrid. This means Sleek by 50 cent will utilize Kleer lossless wireless technology, and offer consumers the ability to listen to music without the annoyance of wires.

Offering similar sound quality to Beats by Dr. Dre and wireless technology, industry analysts suggest Sleek by 50 Cent will bring stiff competition to Beats by Dr. Dre. Hence, marketing will most likely be the key in Beats remaining dominant in the world of headphones and Civil is the most qualified woman for the job. In the age of digital media, the queen of hip-hop bloggers may hold the key in Beats staying ahead in the game.

PHOTO COURTESY OF 24HOURHIPHOP.COM

Karen Civil runs a popular blog and served as Young Money Records’ online media coordinator.

Therapeutic Humor In Session ABIGAIL HERNANDEZ Staff Writer

6 April 2011

T

TORCH PHOTO/ AUDREY MORGAN

Beyond Therapy offered a simplistic set and stellar performances in a show for mature audiences.

The set of the play could not go unmentioned because of its stunning simplicity. The characters still acknowledged other settings despite the few minor changes that were supposed to indicate a new one. It was nice to see that them recognize their limited settings out loud which added to the humor of the performance.

Despite the fact that the play had a relatively low attendance Friday night, it was still a pleasure for those who attended. Beyond Therapy is a play that college students can appreciate for its satirical and adult humor.

torchonline.com

whether it had to do with the content or the manner in which the actor was portraying the content.

Poon’s character, Bruce, was a crowd favorite, eliciting laughs every moment he was on stage because of his positive sensibility and naivety. Another character who won over audiences despite appearing in the second half of the play was the elusive Bob. When a face was finally put to the name and stories behind Bob, Wagner really brought the character to life, making him all the more funny.

The TORCH

he Chappell Players return with another production Beyond Therapy, catering to a more mature audience this time around. Its content of “adult humor” consisted of immature jokes that were awkward, inappropriate, and at times, disturbing – but hilarious the entire show.

At their therapists’ requests, Prudence (Jessica Hackett) and Bruce (Aaron Poon) both meet up for a blind date that goes terribly wrong, with water being thrown into each other’s faces. However, they find out that perhaps they were destined for each other. Their peculiar relationship is further complicated when other characters are thrown in the mix like Bruce’s gay lover, Bob, or the chauvinistic therapist Prudence sleeps with, Stuart (played by Michael Wagner and Dylan Frisina, respectively).

With a small cast of only six characters, Beyond Therapy managed to keep the audience entertained without missing a beat. The scene and costume changes were minor glitches, but the pace of the play helped the transitions flow smoothly. The chemistry among the major characters translated well on stage despite their mismatched personalities.

Admittedly, the cast did have a problem with over-acting at times, but were so entertaining for the most part, it was easy to overlook. Other times, its inappropriateness caused audience members to audibly cringe, though it is hard to distinguish

ENTERTAINMENT

CHAPPELL PLAYERS PROVIDE STJ WITH COMEDIC THERAPY IN PLAY ON LOVE AND CRAZINESS

21

Keep off the court at the Lou

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

Belson Stadium is locked up whenever the St. John’s soccer teams aren’t playing. Why isn’t Carnesecca Arena? basketball. Apparently, that means less to some people than I thought.

St. John’s has gone to great lengths to take itself seriously as a basketball institution again, with the eventual goal being the same national prestige as Duke and North Carolina.

So I called Duke and North Carolina’s athletic departments. They nearly laughed me off the phone upon my asking whether students can play pickup basketball at Cameron Indoor Stadium or the Dean Smith Center.

“It’s closed except for, you know, official business,” the Carolina representative at the Smith Center told me.

Should students keep out of Carnesecca Arena?

Send a letter to the editor to torchsports@gmail.com

MIKE GURNIS

Staff Writer

Junior Milo Hauk led the way for the Red Storm, as he won his 15th singles match of the season to improve to 15-3 on the year. Hauk defeated Andrew Marcus 6-3, 6-3 in the No. 1 singles match, which improved Hauk’s record to 2-0 as the St. John’s ace.

In the No. 2 position, Mike Lampa rebounded after losing the first set 6-1 to Scott Warden. He came back and won

the second set 7-5, and 10-6 in the third set. Dustin Goldberg also had to come from behind in the No. 6 match, as he lost his first set 6-2 to Wei Lin. But Goldberg then won the second set 7-6 (4-0) and 10-3.

St. John’s also won its other three singles matches in straight sets. In the No. 3 match, Mischa Koran defeated Jai Yoon 7-5, 6-3, and Gustav Kallen defeated Ryan Carr

6-4, 6-2 in the No. 4 match.

Matty Najfeld also defeated Dave Adams 6-3, 6-4, in the No. 5 match.

The Red Storm improved to 13-6 overall and 2-1 in Big East play with the 6-1 victory. They’ll look to continue their strong season, as they had to Villanova on Saturday, April 9 for a 10 a.m. match.

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On Sunday, the St. John’s Men’s Tennis team won its fifth consecutive match with a 6-1 victory over Connecticut.

The Red Storm fell behind early in the doubles competition, as the doubles pairs of Milo Hauk/Gustav Kallen and Stefan

Bojic/Mike Lampa both lost the first two doubles matches.

But the doubles pair of Mischa Koran/Matty Najfeld ended doubles play on a high note, as they defeated UConn’s pair of Wei Lin/Ricardo Cardona by a score of 8-6, but the Red Storm still trailed 1-0 after the doubles competition.

But once the singles competition got underway, it was all St. John’s.

The TORCH

Men’s Tennis wins fifth straight to start 6-1 in conference play

6 April 2011

isn’t much policing done because the doors are seldom locked, and even if they were, students could easily get to the floor by walking down the stands on the second floor.

“They see an open court and just go for it,” he said.

But Carnesecca Court isn’t just any court. It’s where Chris Mullin used to shoot jumpers past midnight in the 80s.

It’s where, a few weeks ago, the Red Storm wrapped its first 20-win regular season since 2002. It’s where Kim Barnes Arico has built the women’s program from irrelevance to top 25 contender.

It is THE home floor of St. John’s

SPORTS

I’m starting to wonder just how seriously the St. John’s community is taking the resurrection of its basketball program.

I already know the administration is taking it seriously, having shelled out over $1 million annually for the services of men’s basketball coach Steve Lavin.

And I know the athletics department is taking it seriously, because not only did Lavin just complete a 21-12 season in his first year with the program, he’s got the No. 2 recruiting class in the nation, according to ESPN.com’s rankings, for the upcoming 2011-12 season.

Unfortunately, I’m not sure how seriously the rest of the St. John’s community is taking the program’s resurgence.

Sure, I can still see all the “We Are…St. John’s” posters hanging in the windows of nearly every major building on campus, and I’ve certainly seen more St. John’s hats and t-shirts throughout New York City than in past years, and during this past season I saw fewer empty seats around Carnesecca Arena and Madison Square Garden than in the past.

But something still irks me. The support doesn’t seem quite honest enough.

Last week, on a routine trip to the Fitness Center, I glanced through the windows in the doors leading to the court at Carnesecca and saw four kids—not basketball players, mind you, students like me and you—chasing a basketball around the same floor the men’s and women’s teams call home.

And I’ll tell you something else: It’s not the first time I’ve seen it happen.

In fact, I’ve seen it happen so frequently in my three years at St. John’s that I began to think playing on Carnesecca Court was as much a recreational court as the blacktop outside Montgoris and the hardwood courts at Taffner Field House—that students were generally allowed to play there.

Turns out, Carnesecca Arena is not a rec court, but is, however, used without much resistance. I spoke with the Public Safety official on duty in the Carnesecca lobby that night last week, who told me that even though students are not permitted on the arena floor, there

Official business. College Basketball.

Of course students aren’t allowed to play pickup ball on the same floor Michael Jordan—who, by the way, went on to become the greatest player to ever play the game—played on in college. That is downright ridiculous—like trying to play catch on the field at Yankee Stadium after Babe Ruth was finished taking batting practice.

Basketball at Duke and North Carolina is practically a religion, worshipped by every teacher, student and campus employee. Playing on the floors at either arena would cheapen the overall basketball culture at those Universities— like helping yourself to the tabernacle after the priest puts away the Eucharist.

And what becomes of Cameron Indoor Stadium and the Dean Smith Center when the Duke and Carolina teams aren’t playing ball? According to officials from both arenas, the home floors are locked up, jealously guarded, held sacred—until their next official use.

Here’s the kicker: Belson Stadium, Jack Kaiser Stadium and Red Storm Field—the three stadiums located on campus that the St. John’s soccer, baseball and softball teams call home—all stay locked when St. John’s games and practices aren’t happening. The same thing done at Duke and Carolina is done here at St. John’s, but not for basketball!

Why is Carnesecca Arena treated differently? Why don’t kids go sniffing around at Belson but waltz right onto the court at Carnesecca? Because the giant lock around the gate at Belson is enough to keep people away. Because somehow, people just seem to know you can’t play soccer at a Division I soccer field unless you are a Division I soccer player.

It is quite disturbing that more painstaking lengths aren’t taken to secure Carnesecca when basketball games are not in session, especially considering all it would take is the turn of a key and a short walk around the building every so often. What is even more disturbing is the sense of entitlement kids have to play on the court in the first place, rather than treat it with the reverence that it deserves.

Rather than jealously guard it at all costs, until the next order of official business takes place.

22

Storm penetrate Knights’ armor Lax wins Big City Classic match against tri-state rival Rutgers ANTHONY RAMOS

Staff Writer

The St. John’s lacrosse team won its biggest game to date on April 3, at the New Meadowlands Stadium.

ST. JOHN’S

9

RUTGERS

8

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The TORCH

6 April 2011

SPORTS

The Red Storm defeated Rutgers 9-8 in the first game of the Konica Big City Classic, which also featured Johns Hopkins, North Carolina, Duke and Syracuse.

With 6:05 left in the fourth quarter, Kieran McArdle found Keith Switzer for what proved to be the gamewinning goal.

“I thought that was a pretty good game start to finish,” said head coach Jason Miller. “I was a little bit concerned that the event would become bigger than the game

and I was really pleased with the way our guys responded, especially early.”

Junior Charlie Holenstein netted a first quarter hat trick to put St. John’s (3-6, 1-1) up 4-2. He finished the game with four goals and was named the Big City Classic’s Player of the Game, a performance that landed him on the Big East’s Weekly Honor Roll.

Rutgers’ Scott Klimchak took a 1-0 lead seven seconds into the game, but the Red Storm responded five seconds later as Matt Hurst tied it.

The Red Storm never trailed after that.

Rutgers nearly tied the game late, as Scott and Matthew Klimchak scored late goals to bring the game to 9-8.

Scott scored his on a man up opportunity with 46 seconds left in the game. The Scarlet Knights got the ball back with 35 seconds left and called a timeout.

Trying to set up the game tying goal an errant pass by Duncan Clancy gave St. John’s the ball back with 23 seconds left and they ran out the

TORCH FILE PHOTO/JUSTIN THRIFT

Goalkeeper Jeff Lowman fought off a late surge by Rutgers and finished with 10 saves. clock for the win.

Goalie Jeff Lowman had 10 saves. McArdle had a goal and four assists while Kevin Cernuto and Colin Keegan also registered goals for the

Red Storm.

“We absolutely wanted to make a statement, to get on this stage and to share the stage with teams like Syracuse and Duke and Hop-

kins and Carolina,” Miller said. “Its awesome, it’s awesome for our guys, it’s awesome for our program, it’s awesome for everyone associated with St. John’s.”

23

TORCH SPORTS

BASEBALL

STORM

CAST

Leavin’ their Mark

St. John’s Hoops great Mullin inducted to Hall When the class of 2011 for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame was announced during the Final Four in Houston this week it included a familiar name to Red Storm basketball fans, Chris Mullin.

Mullin was a star player for St. John’s from 1981-85. As a member of the Red Storm, he won Big East Player of the Year for three straight seasons, 1983-85. He led the team to the Final Four in 1985 while averaging 19.8 points as a senior.

He won John R. Wooden Award as the nation’s top collegiate basketball player in 1985 and was named Player of the Year by both United Press International and the U.S. basketball Writer’s Association. In addition, he was a two time All-American honoree.

The Brooklyn native went on to score 17, 911 points, averaging 18.2 points per game with Golden State and Indiana.

He joins fellow St. John’s coaches Joe Lapchick (1966), Frank McGuire (1977), Lou Carnesecca (1992) and player Dick McGuire (1993) in the Hall. The induction ceremony is set for Aug. 12 in Springfield, Mass.

TORCH FILE PHOTO/BILL SAN ANTONIO

Jeremy Baltz went 2-for-4 in the final game of the Red Storm’s second conference series of the year against Connecticut, but St. John’s lost the game 8-2 and was swept in the weekend series.

Baseball team swept by Connecticut BILL SAN ANTONIO

“

”

Headin’ this Way Red Storm home games Wagner

3 p.m.

3 p.m.

1 p.m.

12 p.m.

Apr. 19 Princeton

7 p.m.

Apr. 9 Providence Apr. 9 Providence Apr. 10 Providence

12 p.m.

2 p.m.

12 p.m.

Apr. 13 Villanova Apr. 13 Villanova

1 p.m.

3 p.m.

torchonline.com

Apr. 15 Louisville Apr. 16 Louisville Apr. 17 Louisville

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Baseball: Apr. 6

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6 April 2011

The St. John’s baseball team continued conference play last weekend, losing all three of their games against Connecticut.

After dropping both games of a doubleheader on April 2, St. John’s allowed a six-run second inning the next day that allowed Connecticut to open up a seven-run lead. The Red Storm dropped the final game 8-2.

St. John’s starter Brendan Lobban went 4 1/3 innings and allowed eight runs, picking up his first loss of the season, and was relieved by Sean Hagen, who did not allow a run in 3 2/3 innings of relief.

John Andreoli and Dough Elliot opened the second inning with backto-back singles. Andreoli advanced to second on an error and scored on Elliot’s single.

Nick Ahmed’s one-out fielder’s choice drove in Elliot, and after Billy Ferriter was hit by a pitch, George Springer doubled him in.

With two on and two out, Mike Nemeth opened the floodgates with a three-run home run.

The Red Storm put up a run in the top of the second inning, as sophomore Robert Case led off the inning with a double and moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Senior Joe Witowski then drove him in with a double in

final three innings in the first game of the doubleheader, as the Huskies scored five runs off Red Storm starter Kyle Hansen in the seventh and hit Stephen Rivera and Miguel Valcarel, who came in relief.

Connecticut starter Matt Barnes allowed one earned run through 8 2/3 innings, retiring the first 12 batters he faced.

The Huskies took a 3-1 lead in the sixth inning as George Springer hit an RBI single, Ryan Fuller hit an RBI double and later scored on a wild throw by Hansen.

Hansen retired the first two batters in the seventh before allowing the next four batters to reach base and the Huskies to take a 5-1 lead. Rivera entered the game and got the final out of the inning.

Rivera allowed three earned runs in the eighth as part of a four-run Connecticut inning. Ahmed’s two-out, two-run double off Valcarel capped the scoring.

Baltz went 1-for-4 and scored the lone St. John’s run in the opening game.

We absolutely wanted to make a statement to get on this stage and share this stage with teams like Syracuse and Duke and Hopkins and Carolina.

It’s awesome for our program. -Lacrosse coach Jason Miller on the Big City Classic

SPORTS

Sports Editor

the right-center field gap.

Connecticut starter Greg Nappo went six innings and allowed just one earned run.

St. John’s was held scoreless for five straight innings, but added another run in the eighth as pinch-hitter Rowan Wick led off with a double and Jeremy Baltz drove him in as he reached base on an error. Baltz went 2-for-4 with an RBI. Connecticut 6, St. John’s 5 UConn scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth off St. John’s closer Matt Carasiti to take the second game of the doubleheader on April 2, as pinch-hitter Tim Martin had an RBI single that scored Ryan Moore and later scored when LJ Mazzilli reached on a fielder’s choice.

The Red Storm led 5-2 in the sixth as shortstop Joe Panik scored on a suicide squeeze play and an errant pickoff play at first base scored first baseman Paul Karmas.

St. John’s scored four runs off Connecticut starter Elliot Glynn, who went five innings. Designated hitter Robert Case went 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored.

St. John’s starter Kevin Kilpatrick retired 11 straight batters for the Red Storm after allowing two runs in the second inning. The junior went seven innings and allowed four runs on five hits, striking out five.

Connecticut 9, St. John’s 1 St. John’s allowed nine runs in the

Blowin’ in the Wind

SPORTS 6 April 2011 | VOLUME 88, ISSUE 19 | TORCHONLINE.COM

TORCH FILE PHOTO/ JUSTIN THRIFT

The men’s tennis team won its fifth straight match over the weekend, starting conference play 6-1.

The baseball team was swept

by Connecticut last weekend in Stoors.

Pg. 25

Pg. 27