February 20, 2013

STAR SHOW

THE TORCH PICKS THE BIG WINNERS AHEAD OF SUNDAY’S ACADEMY AWARDS PG. 9 Photo courtesy of north delawhere happening

SGI UPDATE

PGS. 3, 5 “Think Outside. . .”

Photo of the Week

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Directory

Managing Board XC

Michael Cunniff, Editor-in-Chief Nicole Valente, Managing Editor Jessica Lise, General Manager

Advertising (718)-9906756 Business 990-6756 Editorial Board 990-6444

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anthony o’reilly Entertainment Editor News Editor marion gendron kristen farmer mitchell petit-frere Co-Chief Copy Editor Photo Editor Sports Editor jim baumbach diamond watts-walker Special thanks to Richard sarah yu Art Director Co-Chief Copy Editor Advisor Rex Thomas for assisting in the design of the Torch kieran lynch

Features Editor

peter long

Features Piazza biography Mets legend tells all in new autobiography.

Lifestyle Pg. 12

TV Carrie Diaries The Torch reviews the Sex and the City prequel.

Lifestyle Pg. 14

Sports Crunch Time Lavin returns as Johnnies focus turns to USF and NCAA hopes.

Sports Pg. 17

Illustrator’s Corner

opinion pg. 6

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.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAM GIRON

Viktor Deak works on recreating fossil heads. His work is on display at the Sun Yet Sen art gallery until March 2. Look for the Torch’s Q&A with him on pg. 15.

Think Outside...

News

Mixed signals

SGI prez says LGBTQ org ‘possible,’ then recants Michael E. Cunniff Editor-in-Chief The president of Student Government, Inc. Tuesday opened the door, albeit temporarily, to a studentrun gay-straight alliance on campus, telling the Torch that “anything’s possible” when it comes to an LGBTQ organization being approved by SGI. “As long as they have a clear mission and plan – and they have to have some ideas, and not just for this year but for the next five or so years – then it’s possible,” SGI president Christian Williams said.

But just three hours later, Williams backtracked.

After speaking with his adviser, Williams said that because of the sensitive nature of the issue as it relates to the University’s mission statement, any potential LGBTQ organization would have to be cleared first by the university before SGI could even consider it.

Last week, in response to complaints by students about the current restraints for gay students on campus, the university restated its long-held stance on LGBTQ issues, saying “we would not recognize a gay alliance.”

Dominic Scianna, director of

external relations, said that any group or club trying to gain SGI approval must be deemed by University administrators to be consistent with its Catholic mission before going through the SGI approval process.

Administrators in charge of clearing student groups include Dr. Kathryn Hutchinson, vice president for student affairs, and Fr. James Maher, executive vice president for mission and student services, Scianna said.

Meanwhile, on the heels of the Torch’s front-page coverage of the dissatisfaction of gay students with St. John’s LGBTQ policies, two student groups have planned action.

College Democrats on Thursday are set to hold a meeting to rally support for a gay-straight alliance on campus, calling the establishment of one “long overdue” in an internal email obtained by the Torch.

“It seems that Dr. Hutchinson is talking about, ‘well we don’t really see anything going on and we think students want to speak out, they should,’” Quiñones said. “So we figured, well, let’s [speak out].”

Quiñones told the Torch last week that College Democrats wanted to promote gay-rights issues on campus, but were afraid to for fear of retribution from University administrators.

However, Quiñones said those fears were allayed after Hutchinson was quoted in the Torch saying her door “is always open.”

“If anyone tries to come to us and tell us that we are going to get in trouble, say, look here’s what Dr. Hutchinson said,” Quiñones said. “Here’s what we’re doing, we don’t think we’re doing anything out of the ordinary.”

In addition, members of the executive board of the anti-abortion group Students for Life wrote a letter to the editor to the Torch offered a space in its organization to LGBTQ students.

[The full text of the letter can be found on page 7.]

“After reading of your concern, we, the Executive Board of Students for Life, would like to offer our pastoral support to students questioning their sexual identity,” the letter read, in part. “The intrinsic dignity of each person, as a brother or sister of Christ, is fundamental to our existence as the children of God. In the next few months, we will commit ourselves to working with the university community to foster dialogue conducive to addressing the needs of our LGBT community.”

Additional reporting by Nicole Valente, Managing Editor

Benavides pulls bid for SGI prez go through an approval process that includes passing a test demonstrating knowledge of SGI proceedings and receiving academic and judicial NICOLE VALENTE clearance.

Managing Editor “My skills leading committees in developing committees in structuring committees and getting involved Mark Benavides on Tuesday told with committee members within the Torch that he is no longer running student government would be most for Student Government, Inc. president used as vice president,” Benavides and instead will run for vice president. said in outlining why he changed the position for which Benavides, he was running. the current Calls placed to Organizations SGI adviser Daniel Committee chair, Trujillo were not said that he was returned. switching places In a Q&A with with his previous the Torch that ran on vice presidential Jan. 30, Benavides candidate, whom spoke about how he declined to his experience as name until the the chair of the tickets become Organizations public on Committee would Thursday.

-Mark Benavides help his potential A person with presidency. knowledge of “I’ve been org the SGI elections chair for the past process identified the new presidential candidate as two, well two and a half years. It’s really given me the opportunity to learn current treasurer Elaine Vasquez.

All candidates and tickets are skills needed to run an organization in considered preliminary until they the right path,” Benavides said at the

Michael E. Cunniff Editor-in-Chief

“

My skills leading committees in developing committees ... would be most used as vice president

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time.

Now, he says this experience will better suit him for the job of vice president rather than president.

“President is a great position, and it’s a huge leadership person and especially in student government, you need that person who has that leadership skills and the person who will be taking over as president has those skills,” Benavides said.

“The skills that I’ve learned within the committee, as being committee chair, like I’ve said, organization, structure, involvement … would definitely translate to the vice president position.”

Benavides denied that there had been any pressure on him from University administrators or other SGI members for him to switch out of the presidential line of his party’s ticket.

SGI president Christian Williams said he had heard “rumblings” of Benavides’ stepping down but hadn’t talked to him about it yet.

Elections are scheduled for March 18 and 19.

Find out the SGI tickets when they’re announced at torchonline.com and @STJTorch

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Torch

Briefs Compiled by Christopher Brito Assistant News Editor

New University public service commercial airs The University is featuring a new public service announcement during its men’s and women’s basketball games that highlights some of the academic successes this past year. It’s being televised on CBS, ESPN networks, MSG and other networks. It highlights achievements such as the University ranking among The Princeton Review’s “Best 377 Colleges”; seven students winning the Fulbright awards; and The Wall Street Journal’s placing the University among 100 academic institutions “most likely to help students land a job in key careers and professions.” The public service announcement was initially aired on February 1st on SNY’s “Red Storm Report.”

STJ Professor featured in history journal Elaine Carey, PhD, co-authored a critique of a recent National Association of Scholars (NAS) report in The Chronicle of Higher Education.

Carey, an associate professor and chair of the Department of History at the University, shared a byline in “An Undisciplined Report on the Teaching of History” on January 28th. This published article critiqued a NAS report that focused on different ways of applying research models and understanding American history. She was also recently elected to be the Vice President of the Teaching Division in the American Historical Association, the largest and oldest society of historians and professors of history in the United States.

Read all of our articles online at torchonline.com. Also make sure to follow us on Twitter @STJTorch and like us on Facebook for breaking news.

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Students rally for financial aid Abigail Titus Staff Writer

To help raise awareness for student financial aid funding, University students visited Albany, the capital of New York State, on Feb. 12 to participate in the annual rally known as “Student Advocacy Day.” More than 1,000 students from across the state participated in the event, which was organized by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities.

According to the event’s official website the day “is an opportunity for New York State students, faculty, financial aid and opportunity program administrators and other staff, as well as legislators, higher education policymakers and staff to come together to show support for student aid funding and higher education.”

“We made sure to emphasize that we were thankful, but also need them to keep working hard for us,” Donya Nasser, secretary of the College Democrats said.

This was the 10th year students from the University attended the rally, according to Brian Browne, assistant vice president of government relations.

Upon arrival students attended the rally followed by a tour of the Capitol.

Students also had the opportunity, to talk directly to representatives about the importance of student aid.

“Members of the New York State Legislature get to hear student’s personal stories of the impact and importance of supporting student financial aid programs,” Browne said.

Representatives included State Assemblymen Nily Rozic, David Weprin, Mike Dendekker, Matthew Titone and New York State Senators Michael Gianaris and Jack Martins as well as staff members from the offices of New York State Senators Toby Stavisky and Diane

Cat Silverman Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Brian Browne

Students gathered in Albany to rally for student financial aid support.

Savino.

“All but two of the students were New York residents, so they really understood the importance of those state grants and scholarships,” Nasser said.

Nasser, who hopes to be a politician one day, took the trip to get a better understanding of state politics to ensure that she was choosing the right career path.

“The New York legislature is constantly criticized,” she said,” I wanted to understand why they perceive it that way.”

Not all attendees were studying to enter the political field. Biology and education majors were also among

students traveling to Albany.

All students did share the desire to urge their representatives for continued support of student financial aid. “The group as a whole wanted to take part in student advocacy day and let it be known to their local assembly members and state senators that they appreciate their hard work,” said Nasser.

“This year the New York State budget proposes level funding for programs like TAP (Tuition Assistance Program),” Browne said.

“By going to Albany for the day students get the chance to say “Thank You” for supporting opportunity programs and to remind our elected

Professor publishes new book Anthony O’Reilly News Editor Journalism professor Nick Hirshon’s second book, entitled “Images of America: Forest Hills,” was released on Monday, Feb. 18. The book explores the history of the New York neighborhood through research and rare photos found in archives.

His first book was published through the same company, exploring the history of the neighborhood of Bayside.

Hirshon said his interest in the topic came from growing up in the neighborhood and his passion for history.

“When I was a kid, I was always interested in history,” he said. “Looking around I was seeing all these landmarks that wasn’t getting the attention they deserved.”

Hirshon said that the most difficult part of putting together the book was not the research involved, but getting the photos that make up a majority of the pages.

“These books are really driven by photos,” he said. “Sometimes people would charge you a fortune for photos.”

Part of his research came from his time as a student at the University, saying that in his freshman year, he did a speech on the neighborhood. During that time, he

Law school program recieves endowment

had found photos in books that appeared to have been donated to the school and he came back to the University archives while putting this book together.

Despite having a passion and interest in history, Hirshon doesn’t think he’ll be teaching a course on it anytime soon.

“I don’t think I’m qualified to be teaching history,” he said.

Working as a professor and an author, Hirshon said he planned the work for the book so that he did not become overwhelmed with both responsibilities.

“I pitched the idea to the publisher last April,” he said. “I didn’t start until the semester ended and then I went full throttle. I handed in all the material right before classes started. Once school starts, then you’re grading papers and making assignment.”

Hirshon admitted that it would’ve been difficult to be a professor and work on the book at the same time.

“You need to be totally enveloped in it,” he said about the research project. “I made it my summer project.”

When asked if he has any plans for a future book, Hirshon said, “It’s certainly not the last book I’ll ever write,” and that in researching material for this book, he has ideas for future books based on other NYC neighborhoods and landmarks.

He also hopes to hold a book signing or discussion sometime soon at the Barnes and Noble on Union Turnpike.

Photo courtesy of Nick hirshon

This Valentine’s Day, Michael Simons, dean of the University Law School, announced that the Long Island-based law firm Duffy and Duffy presented a $125,000 endowment to the University co-sponsored Catholic Middle School Mock Trial Program.

The program was started eleven years ago by St. Brigid/Our Lady of Hope Regional School, a Catholic elementary school in Westbury, New York.

At the program’s inception, it consisted of only a few middle schools, but eventually became too large to be hosted in the small grade school classrooms.

Since 2006 it has been co-hosted by St. John’s School of Law. According to Simons, the money will go towards ensuring that the program can remain in operation by providing a replenishing budget alongside a stored endowment sum over the course of five years.

With an average of 300 participating students from 14 local schools, the program gives middle school students a hands-on opportunity to learn about the legal system by providing the participants with the ability to try modified New York High School Mock Trial cases in a realistic courtroom setting.

The participants are introduced to the cases in late January, and with the assistance of coaches and mentors, prepare the cases to be presented in front of a panel of ‘judges’ in late May. On the day of the program, thirteen cases are simultaneously heard throughout the law school, with teams presenting in classrooms, meeting rooms and mock courtroom.

The students do not compete against one another, instead, the teams are simply provided with a final verdict and feedback from the panel of judges, Simons explained.

Simons stressed the importance of ensuring that the program doesn’t die out by comparing the program to Law School itself.

He emphasized that “experiential learning is a cornerstone of [the] curriculum at [the university],” and states that “[the university] is pleased to be able to provide this opportunity to middle school students in our local Catholic schools.”

Michael Duffy, the firm’s Managing Partner who presented the endowment to the University, believes that being exposed to law at an early age is extremely valuable.

Duffy is an alumnus of the University, receiving his undergraduate degree in Business in 1991 and went on to receive his Jurist Doctorate from the Law School in 1994.

Simons thanked Duffy for his continued support of the University, and said he is incredibly grateful that an alumnus is providing this kind of generous support.

Of the endowment, Duffy says that he is “truly honored to help sustain the [program] at [his] alma mater and, in this way, nurture the next generation of lawyers who will serve the greater good.”

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Catching up with Christian Williams SGI president talks budget, spring concert and SGI spring agenda Michael E. Cunniff Editor-in-Chief Nicole Valente Managing Editor Torch: Since we’ve last seen the budget, is everything on track?

Christian Williams: Everything is on track. I was actually, I mean I was 100 percent confident we do well but it’s like shocking.

Like the minimal mistakes what’s keeping, we haven’t really made mistakes with the fiscal.

We’ve been watching the budget, we can go on the website and see organizational spending. So I’ve been really pleased. We’re going to end the year on a surplus.

T: So what would you do with this surplus, will it go to next year’s budget?

CW: We could make a couple decisions, we could replenish some things. But usually we just let it roll over to next budget if we have extra money.

T: What about the Spring Concert?

How’s that process going?

CW: The process is going well. It’s the first year [booking the show in a Concert Committee] so there were some new changes.

What we want to do is include all of the university. If we’re going to be student government, we’re going to represent all the students and all the

students represented.

We have people from programming boards, we have people from Greek Life, we had two student government non-executive members, we have two executive members.

I’m not on the committee technically.

But technically, I oversee it. Our sophomore senator, Jenny Rankin is on it, our secretary Lizzy Sheehan is on it.

They are updating the floor on Thursday at a meeting during common hour.

So I’m excited to see where we should be making some real progress. As soon as we know the artist, we will let you know.

T: I saw last semester on St. John’s Central you guys are taking student input on who like to see. How is that input being used?

CW:.We had some initial polls about who’s coming but our two official polls ended up becoming one.

We had to streamline artists, but we’re supposed to be picking one this Thursday.

This is the first year we’re doing the concert committee. It used to be Haraya.

They still technically chair it, so there are Haraya members and other members of the University because we didn’t want to exclude them.

It’s been something [Haraya’s] been doing every year. So we want to keep that relationship.

T: How big is that committee and how many members of Haraya are on it?

University professors teach coping mechanisms in ESL class

“Don’t let your anger get the best of you.”

This was the title and theme behind a weekly, Saturday morning workshop that hoists a hybrid of an English as a second language (ESL) and General Education Development (GED) class for foreign students and members of the community.

This University program was made possible by a grant from Dr. Alina Camacho-Gingerich, Chair of The Committee on Latin American and Caribbean Studies (CLACS) Dr. Rafael Javier, a psychology professor at the University, has worked in these workshops for about 30 years.

“I believe it’s important because it makes you live your life better” said Dr. Javier.

“It is a personal development to handle challenges.”

“It is okay to be angry sometimes

T: What’s on the agenda for the rest of the year?

CW: No. 1, we want to make sure we continue the year fiscally strong. And we’ve been doing really, really well.

I really want to congratulate our treasurer, Elaine Vasquez, our executive board, our team, our staff, Barbra and Kathy, everyone that’s been helping in student government, the organizations, and our individual organizations. We’re doing pretty well.

We’re still planning a student forum with residence life being able to talk about issues that concern them on campus and the ideas of what they want to improve upon.

I want to have it in March. I wanted to do it in February but due to the hassle of booking rooms it could be difficult and different things like that. Student forums are new.

We have the academic forum, which is with the provost, we have Fr. Harrington town hall forum.

We want to do something different without sounding redundant and that’s when we decided to do something with the whole counsel of residence life.

I’ve been going to Henley and speaking to students already. So, it’s been great. You don’t have to just be part of residence life to come but it’s catered to them.

CW: The committee is 10 non-Haraya

Workshop deals with anger Corynna Lafrese Staff Writer

and 10 Haraya members. So it should be about 20 people.

We don’t have 100 people because things tend to stall. Previously, it used to all be a committee of all Haraya members.

but when people run away from a fantastic idea and opportunity for their problems it becomes more and the community because they weave more difficult to treat them,” said Dr. the workshops into immigration, which Javier. relates to the ESL students.

T h e “I like being workshop allows able to sit in on a participants to sociology lecture” It is okay to be identify stressful said Lifrieri. angry sometimes situations, “CLACS has identify how done some really but when people they cope great workshops that run away from with them and give people great understand when exposure to these their problems it anger becomes a classes and a great becomes more and problem.

University.”

It is divided Participants were more difficult to into a psychology able to ask questions, treat them. and sociology and interact with course that lasts for each other and the a couple weeks. professor to talk - Dr. Rafael Javier about what was being Gerry Lifrieri, a returning discussed. student who During the graduated years ago workshop, ESL from St. John’s with a BA in Business students were able to discuss Management, believes students get a stressful issues that came up in trying lot out of the classes. to assimilate to a new language and He believes that these classes are culture.

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Think Outside...

National

Sequester deadline looming

Automatic budget cuts at stake if deal not reached Anthony O’Reilly News Editor The deadline for a compromise between President Obama and congressional Republicans on the federal budgets is looming, with automatic spending cuts at stake if an agreement between the two sides is not reached by March 1.

The automatic budget cuts were designed as part of an agreement between Obama and Republicans back in 2011.

Government officials warn that if a deal is not reached in the next few days, nothing will be safe from being cut. “This moves forward on a rolling basis,” White House budget office controller Danny Werfel said to reporters after testifying to Congress. “It’s very harmful as you go forward. On a seven-month time frame you’re going to see the effects relatively quickly.”

The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office warned that if the automatic cuts were allowed to take effect, more than 700,000 jobs would be at stake.

Under the deal reached in 2011, there are some federal programs safe from the automatic cuts including Medicare, soldiers’ salaries and Social Security.

The two sides are currently embroiled in a blame game over the sequester.

Obama said at an event yesterday, “So now Republicans in Congress face a

simple choice…Are they willing to was actually his idea in the first place… compromise to protect vital investments This country needs a Commander-inin education and health care and national Chief, not a Campaigner-in-Chief.” security and all the jobs that depend on According to the Washington Post, them? Or would they rather put hundreds some of the cuts set to take place if a of thousands of jobs and our entire deal is not reached include: economy at risk just to protect a few “Medical special-interest tax This moves forward research labs at loopholes that benefit that on a rolling basis...It’s universities only the wealthiest rely heavily on Americans and biggest funds will very harmful as you go federal corporations?” have to decide forward. On a seven- which projects to Speaker of the House John Boehner abandon, if they month time frame fired back at the haven’t already.” you’re going to see president saying, ““The president offered no “Government the effects relatively agencies credible plan that are quickly. can pass Congress likely to issue 30— only more calls day warnings for higher taxes,” he of impending -White House budget said.

“Washington furloughs of office controller Danny Democrats’ newfound government concern about the Werfel workers. They president’s sequester is could be told that appreciated, but words alone won’t avert starting on April 1 they will have to it.” stay home for a maximum of 22 days Other Republicans fired back at the between March 1 and September 30.” president, citing concerns over budget “Every federal agency will have cuts to the department of defense. John to finalize their plans on how to McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham execute the across-the-board spending (R-S.C.) and Kelly Ayote (R-N.H.) said cuts.” in a joint statement yesterday, “Today, New government contracts could just 10 days prior to the implementation slow in anticipation of no deal being of these draconian cuts, the President reached to replace the sequestration. held another campaign event to blame This would hit defense contractors and ­Republicans for sequestration, which road and bridge builders alike.

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Olympian denies murder charges Anthony O’Reilly News Editor Olympian and double amputee Oscar Pistorious denied charges that he intentionally killed his girlfriend on Feb. 14.

“I deny the accusation,” he said.

“Nothing can be further from the truth that I planned the murder of my girlfriend.”

Reeva Steenkamp, Pistorious’ girlfriend, was found shot dead in their home in South Africa.

Pistorious claims he thought his girlfriend was an intruder and accidentally shot her through the bathroom door.

“I was scared and didn’t switch on the light,” he said. “I got my gun and moved towards the bathroom. I screamed at the intruder because I did not have my legs on. I felt vulnerable.

I fired shots through the bathroom door and told Reeva to call police.

“I walked back to the bed and realized Reeva was not in bed. It’s then it dawned on me it could be her in there,” he said in a statement.

Pistorious gained international fame when he ran among able-bodied runners in the summer Olympics with two prosthetic legs.

Pistorious is being charged in South African courts and is currently awaiting hearing on if he can be released on bail.

The race for mayor of NYC Christopher Brito Assistant News Editor Democrat Christine Quinn and Republican Joseph Lhota, are both leading their respective parties for the New York City mayoral race, according to a recent NY1-Marist poll.

In the poll, Quinn, City Council speaker, demonstrated a firm grip on the lead at 37 percent, 25 points ahead of her closest challenger, Bill Thompson and 26 points more than public advocate Bill de Blasio.

Current Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons

Joe Lhota

Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons

A Carnival Cruise Lines ship was stuck at seas for days with no power.

Photo courtesy of wikimedia commons

Passengers stuck at sea for days

Christine Quinn

has publically endorsed her, saying she would be “very competent” and “would be a very good mayor,” according to the Wall Street Journal. If elected, Quinn would be the Empire State’s first female mayor as well as it’s first openly gay one.

Lhota, the former MTA chairman and member of the Giuliani administration, holds a considerable lead over his other Republican candidates at 20 percent of the poll despite some of his more liberal views on social issues.

However, the poll also notes that 55 percent of the Republicans polled are undecided.

Shannon luibrand Assistant Features Editor Passengers of the Carnival Triumph Cruise ship expected to spend four days at sea soaking up the sun and enjoying the Gulf of Mexico. Instead, they spent five days in what many described as “a living hell.”

The ship lost power on February 10, just two days into the four-day cruise, leaving passengers with limited lavatory facilities and food. CNN reported that there was sewage in passengers’ rooms, rotted food in freezers and desperate passengers camping out on pool decks.

Officials believe the cause of the power outage was a fire in the engine room, although it is still under investigation.

The official Carnival Twitter page tweeted Feb. 15, “Our company was founded on the idea of providing great vacations to fun loving Americans and clearly we failed on this cruise.”

The Carnival Triumph was towed into Mobile, Alabama on Feb. 14.

Carnival has reimbursed passengers for the cruise, is paying for any extra transportation and an additional $500 per passenger for personal use. Even so, passengers have already begun suing Carnival.

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Editorial Board XC

MICHAEL E. CUNNIFF Editor-in-Chief NICOLE VALENTE Managing Editor

Illustrator’s Corner

JESSICA LISE General Manager ANTHONY O’REILLY News Editor

FLAMES OF THE TORCH

A call to action

This has been an interesting week for us at the Torch. In the wake of publishing a front page article detailing gay students’ dissatisfction with on campus options, we didn’t know what response we would get from the St. John’s community.

The reaction turned out to be generally positive, from students, faculty and administrators. We received a letter from members of Students for Life offering themselves up as a place for LGBT students to meet. We saw people, enticed by our cover, picking up the paper. The article sparked interest on our website-more than twice as many people voted in our online poll than in any other poll so far this year.

These, however, are not the reasons we chose to run the article. We were not looking for attention, fame or shame. We weren’t poking the eye of the University administration that we believe has dragged its feet on this issue. We, as a staff, decided that this was an issue that needed to be explored and discussed on our campus, especially in light of Notre Dame’s recent approval of a gay straight alliance.

This is not the first time we at the Torch have chosen to write about this issue. Two years ago we wrote another staff editorial about the lack of an LGBT organization on campus. In response we received an offensive, unsigned letter from within St. John’s. The letter, which was sent through the official University inter-departmental mail system, accused the Torch of “promoting homosexuality,” which the writer said was “abnormal.”

That we didn’t receive a similar response as two years ago (and even received a few secretive pats on the back from faculty and administrators) gives us hope that we, as a community and the

University as a whole, are making strides to finally acknowledging this as a real issue on campus.

Within two years, the response has gotten more positive even as our language has gotten stronger. We believe it is only a matter of time until the University fully recognizes the need for a student run LGBTQ organization. The STJ community needs to work to increase the pressure and shorten the time that this group of students feels minimized on campus. St. John’s administrators, as conservative and true to their interpretation of the Catholic, Vincentian mission as they’ve been to this point, will listen if the cry for equality is loud enough.

But it has to be loud enough, or the unacceptable status quo will remain. The University won’t act unless the voice of equality is deafening. College Democrats are set to be the flag bearers, rallying support for gay rights at their Thursday meeting. All LGBTQ students – and their classmates that support their right to be treated equally by St. John’s administrators – should get behind this cause, whether through the College Democrats’ programs or through other channels.

It should be remembered that this issue has cropped up in the past. St. John’s has chosen to “wait it out,” knowing once they did they wouldn’t hear about it for another two to three years. We can’t let that happen again.

Lastly, it is important to us that we thank the students who agreed to talk to us, both on and off the record. They were in the same position we were this last week, not knowing what the response would be, but without the backing of the free press. They were brave to put their names, faces and stories forward in order to bring a major cause to the front. We can only hope that more will join in the fight.

TORCH ILLUSTRATION/ STEPHEN SALIBA

Letter to the Editor Dear Mr. Lynch and the Torch Editorial Board,

Thank you for your recent article detailing student concerns regarding the “Safe Zone” program and St. John’s outreach to the LGBT community. As a student organization dedicated to affirming the dignity of life at all stages, we appreciate your concern for students that may be subject to discriminatory behavior as a result of their sexual orientation. As a Catholic University, we are especially devoted to defending the inherent dignity of all God’s children, and it is deplorable that persons with homosexual tendencies have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action, on or off campus.

After reading of your concern, we, the [members of] Executive Board of Students for Life, would like to offer our pastoral support to students EDITORIAL POLICY questioning their sexual identity. The Editorials are the opinions of the Edito- expressed in editorials, columns, letters or intrinsic dignity of each person, as a rial Board of The TORCH. Columns are cartoons are not necessarily those of the brother or sister of Christ, is fundamental the opinions of the author(s) and are not student body, faculty or administrations of to our existence as the children of God. In the next few months, we will necessarily those of The TORCH. Opinions St. John’s University. commit ourselves to working with the university community to foster dialogue conducive to addressing the needs of our LGBT community, in a manner TO CONTRIBUTE that reflects our central identity as a Catholic institution.

Mail letters to: Please include your full name, year, and As a Catholic institution, our The TORCH, St. John’s University college (or department). Letters have a understanding of human sexuality 8000 Utopia Parkway limit of 500 words and may be edited for is beautifully clear; God created Jamaica, NY 11439 content, grammar, or space. Unverifiable humankind ‘male and female.’ Each or anonymous letters will not be published. of the two sexes is an image of the Submit letters via e-mail at: All letters are subject to the approval of the power and tenderness of God, and torcheic@gmail.com Editorial Board of The TORCH.

everyone, man and woman, is called to acknowledge their physical, moral, and spiritual differences and complementarity as oriented toward the goods of marriage and the flourishing of family life.

That is, sex is a given element of nature that man and woman have to accept and personally make sense of: it is not a social role that we choose for ourselves. The duality of “male and female’ is an essential aspect of what being human is all about, as ordained by God. By creating man and woman in His own image, God bequeathed the vocation, and thus the capacity and responsibility of love and communion, to each man and woman. In fact, the harmony of the couple and of society depends in part on the way in which these differences, needs, and mutual support between the sexes are lived out.

As student leaders, we embrace this challenge to cultivate within the St. John’s community greater understanding of the beauty and mystery of human sexuality. As creatures of God, and with the image of God at the core of our being, we hope our efforts will foster an environment that recognizes the love of God as animated in each and every person.

Yours in service, Christine Umeh, Nicholas Wentworth, James Finnegan, Michael Dibenedetto

8

Boy Scouts need to join the club BSA executive board dragging feet on decision to allow gays SHANTAVIA WILLIAMS Contributing Writer

While gay students at St. John’s are starting to fight for equality at the University, nationally the LGBTQ community’s eyes have been on Boys Scouts of America and the group’s impending decision on whether to allow gays and lesbians into their infamous “No Gays Allowed” clubhouse.

Last year, BSA reaffirmed their policy of banning gays & lesbians as both scouts and scout leaders. Two weeks ago, reports emerged that the group was considering revising that policy, but its decision has since been postponed until May. The delay was pushed by council members who met at the BSA headquarters in a hotel in Irving, Texas.

Out of that meeting, the Boy Scouts released a statement earlier this week that said, “After careful consideration & extensive dialogue within the scouting family, along with comments from those outside the organization, the volunteer officers of the Boy Scouts of America’s National Executive Board concluded that due to the complexity of this issue,

the organization needs time for a more deliberate review.”

The Boy Scouts of America is among the top youth organizations in the United States. Teaching over 2.7 million young boys the value of character building and participating in citizenship while building physical fitness, the BSA is respected and admired by many. Lobbying from both sides of the issue has caused tension for many of the members, volunteers and board members.

Those that are for the change are straightforward with their reasoning.

Zach Wahls, an Eagle Scout who has two lesbian mothers, told Queerty the delay was “an abdication of responsibility”.

Wahls, who also founded the Scouts for Equality continues, “By postponing this decision, the BSA has caved to those who argue that their anti-gay attitudes trump basic scouting values of kindness, courtesy, and bravery. Scouting was built on a foundation of respect and dignity.”

Those that are against the change fear with the revisions many of the conservatives who back and support the organization will cease their dedication to the BSA. Strong opinions come from both ends of the spectrum and will continue until May when the final decision is

made. Kelly Williamson, a 52-year old second-generation scout, holds firm to his position, believing the Boy Scouts should keep the ban and keep gays out.

“Do not back off against the principles you’ve had for 100 years,” Williamson told The New York Times.

“Really, this is nothing against the gay community. Have them form their own organization. It’s ironic, gay scouts come in and saying, ‘We want you to change how you’ve done this for 100 years.’”

Yes, the LGBT has many organizations that hold the same values & principles as the Boy Scouts of America, but does that mean exclude them from being a part of the great legacy the BSA upholds?

Ellen DeGeneres, comedian and TV talk show host, has voiced her opinion numerous of times for the dismantlement of the anti-gay policy.

DeGeneres, who is a well-known face in the LGBT community, speaks on her brother’s experience in the Boy Scouts & of her own experiences in the Girl Scouts (who are open to the LGBT community) on her daytime talk show “Ellen”. She jokes, “If the Boy Scouts start treating gays equally, they’re going to become the first group to do it -- after the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marines, the Coast Guard, all of the

United Kingdom & Cher.”

President Barack Obama has openly stated his position on support of the BSA ending the ban on gays. However, Texas Governor Rick Perry who is also an Eagle Scout, has lobbied for the ban to remain intact.

Now we all wait until May when the conversation continues to see what happens next: Will the Boy Scouts of America move with the times or stay frozen in the 1950s?

News: torchnews@gmail.com Features: torchfeatures@gmail.com Entertainment: torchent@gmail.com Sports: torchsports@gmail.com Opinion: torch.managing@gmail.com Photos: torchphoto@gmail.com Graphics: torchcomics@gmail.com Copy: torchcopydesk@gmail.com Design: torcheic@gmail.com Business: torchads@gmail.com or Stop by DAC Room 125!

Think Outside...

Lifestyle

11

Mock Trial Team reaches for the top

Her co-captain, senior Peter Ozelius agreed.

“There is nothing like the feeling of reminding an Ivy Leaguer that they’re not as good as they think they are,” he While most college students spend said. their Saturday mornings sleeping in, the Gong explains that mock trial St. John’s Mock Trial Team is is all about strategy. up bright and early. This group “How well can you argue the spends its Saturday mornings law,” Gong said. “And who aranalyzing witness statements, gued the facts better.” watching competition videos With skilled long-time memand decoding legal documents. bers such as Gong and Ozelius This past Saturday, members graduating this May, the team is spent part of the day watchgoing to need four new members ing video from their Regional that will rise to the occasion.

Tournament that was hosted by “They have to just jump in,” Roger Williams University earGong said. “We let them know lier this month. This year, the they still have to pay attention team placed three out of the 21 and take notes during the practeams. tices. Even though they probably The team is made up of 11 won’t speak.” students that include, four seJunior and second-year memniors, three juniors, one sophober, Genieva Hylton, insists that more and three freshmen. Most despite the pressure and time of the students have been on the commitment mock trial team is team for more than one year. enjoyable.

Ellen Gong, a senior “It is a lot of fun,” she said. government and english double One of the coaches, Professor major, has been on the team for Holt, often shares funny stories her entire college career. Gong of bus rides to competitions. is co-captain of the team and “Other schools are afraid hopes to go to law school somewhen St. John’s is in the competime after graduation. tition,” Holts said.

She said that being a part Gong describes mock trial as of the Mock Trial Team is deTORCH PHOTO/SHANTAVIA THOMAS being not just a team, but also a manding. She stressed that family. they practice and study hard The St. John’s Mock Trial Team is comprised of 11 students as well as coaches.

“We have to be as close as we for their competitions, spendare to critique each other as harshly as we ing many hours reading legal documents, St. John’s. She takes great pride in St. the challenge.

“There are constant challenges, “ do,” she said. “You never underestimate going over evidence and reviewing ex- John’s and the Mock Trial Team she is a part of. As a graduating senior, Gong Gong said. “But, we want to prove that Red Storm.” hibits.

“It is time consuming,” she said. hopes that the newcomers can carry on we are sharper than the other teams.”

SHANTAVIA THOMAS Contributing Writer

“But, it’s worth it.”

The team at St. John’s is often compared to Harvard and Princeton, but Gong said she wants to prove that being from an Ivy League school doesn’t make you any better than a school like

the school’s legacy.

This year, the team has been invited to the opening round of the Championship Series (ORCS) that will be held on May 22. They will be going up against Ivy League schools and are welcoming

Identity Thief can’t steal laughs

KORI WILLIAMS Staff Writer

in Florida, he denies even being in the state. He’s then shown a picture of the woman who was supposed to makes the appearance and comes to the realization that this woman has stolen his identity.

The rest of the movie chronicles

Sandy’s time in Florida after he uses the salon appointment phone call to track down the assailant who turns out to be a women named Diana (Melissa McCarthy.)

There are many plot holes in the film,

Finding out your identity has been stolen is probably one of the most horrific experiences one can face in this day and age. Everything we hold dear ultimately is wrapped up in the nine numbers given to us at birth that make up our Social Security number. However, it might be safe to say that the only thing worse than this happening is watching a movie about it.

Identity Thief starts off with Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman), a businessman from Colorado who receives a call saying that his identity has been stolen. The woman on the other end, unbeknownst to him, is actually the women trying to steal his identity. She asks him for his name, phone number and Social Security number to which he agrees.

Later on, as Sandy goes on about his day, his card is continuously declined.

This is strange, considering he is the type of person to properly maintain his accounts. Later, he gets a phone call from a salon in Miami remind him of an PHOTO COURTESY OF DRAFTHOUSE.COM upcoming appointment. Then, when he’s arrested for missing a court appearance Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy turn in good performances in a poor film.

but one in particular is glaring. Who gives their Social Security number over the phone? Wouldn’t it make sense to ask a few questions before just assuming that the person on the other end is who they are? If anything, this guy is asking for it and is the start for the rest of the movie’s cheesiness.

On top of the cheesiness, there are some jokes that are weak, stale and slow the film down considerably. For example, whenever someone confronts Diana, whether it be Sandy or someone else, she always punches them in the throat and tries to run away. It was funny the first time, but it feels overdone every other time.

Though there is not much good to say about the film, it does have its funny moments. Both McCarthy and Bateman are talented enough to carry a lame script for and hour and a half. The characters are funny when they take it into their own hands.

Overall, Identity Thief isn’t the best comedy of the year by far. With this movie coming out so early in the year, McCarthy and Bateman may still have time to redeem themselves, but if they’re in anything as bad as this, which would be hard to do, they’re both going to be in trouble.

12

Book review: Mike Piazza’s ‘Longshot’ FORMER METS CATCHER DISCUSSES HIS CAREER, STEROID ALLEGATIONS AND ROGER CLEMENS JONATHAN PEREZ Staff Writer

Mike Piazza is one of, if not the most, popular New York Met to ever put on a uniform. When Piazza came to the Mets in 1998 he took the team from being pretenders to contenders. He instantly gave them credibility and eventually took the them to the World Series.

He retired in 2008 and became eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame this past January. No player on the ballot received enough votes to be inducted, partly due to the suspicion that surrounds those who played during the “steroid era” of the 1990’s. This was the first time since 1996 that no baseball player was voted in. That included names like Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Craig Biggio, and Mike Piazza.

Last Tuesday, Piazza released his long awaited memoir “Long Shot.” The title symbolized Piazza’s career. Drafted in the 1988 amateur draft as a “courtesy pick” in the 62nd round, Piazza rose to the top by hitting Long Shots.

In his book, Piazza addresses all of the black clouds that shadowed his career, from altercations with Roger Clemens, to steroid use and the rumors that he was gay.

He also addresses some subjects that fans wouldn’t notice like his relationships with the media and Latin American players.

The book starts out by introducing the relationship Piazza had with his father, Vince, who was a big advocate for sending his son to the Major Leagues and how much an influence that Vince had on his son. Vince also had a good relationship with Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, who assured the Piazzas that the Dodgers would eventually draft Piazza with their last pick in the 1988 draft.

Piazza, originally a first baseman, documents the struggles he endured while going through the Dodgers minor league system while dealing with the notion that he was only in the system because of Lasorda.

Eventually, he worked his way behind the

plate and found a home behind the backstop.

Piazza also talks about the friendships he made while with the Dodgers especially Eric Karros whom he roomed with. While there was a lot of good with Piazza, he had

troubles with Pedro and Ramon Martinez as well as other Latin American players.

“I’m sorry: but when they arrive on U.S. soil, the onus isn’t on American players to learn English,” he said in the book.

Piazza also denies steroid use and

claims he took Vioxx and Androstenedione, also known as “Andro,” before they were ultimately deemed illegal by Major League Baseball.

“I was into power, not prison,” he said.

Piazza talks extensively about his gymrat personality and how he had a spare key to a local gym in Vero Beach just to work out after hours.

In terms of Roger Clemens, he tackles the subject by saying that he eventually should’ve gone after him but wishes the circumstances were different. He claims the 2000 World Series was “His World Series.” But his World Series will always be remembered for the incident. He also admits that he took karate lessons after he was beaned by Clemens earlier in the summer before the World Series and was ready for a retaliation fight.

Piazza also addressed the rumors that he and weatherman Sam Champion were in a relationship. He tried to keep his relationships under wraps and claims he had a new girlfriend every spring.

Last but not least, Piazza dabbles about his signature moment, the home run that brought New York City closer back to normalcy, his game-winning home run against the Braves on September 21st, 2001.

Overall the book was a good read, Piazza answers every question that fans were wondering about the slugger, most of his career and also weighs in on his future stating that if he were to eventually get into Cooperstown, it would be as a Met. “Seaver could use some company,” he said.

He also claims that since the players don’t have a say as to what cap they’ll wear on their Hall of Fame plaque, he’s rather have no emblem on it than just the LA logo that the Dodgers symbolize.

For Mets fans who enjoyed watching Piazza hit the long balls, “Long Shot” is a must read.

‘Long Shot’, Mike Piazza’s autobiography, was released on Feb. 12.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BETTERWORLDBOOKS>COM

THIS WEEK IN SHOWBIZ Rihanna debuts clothing collection in London, gets attacked by a fan

Beyonce opens up about Jay-Z and firing her father in tell-all HBO doc

Mindy McCready, 1990’s country superstar, dies at the age of 37

Rihanna, the fashion designer? The pop singer debuted her collection for the British clothing brand River Island last week in London. This was her chance to show off her creative, bohemian style while enjoying her stay in London. Too bad her trip ended with a fan attacking her.

During her stay, Rihanna was attacked by a fan as she walked out of the Box Nightclub. She cut her knee when she dodged an energy drink bottle that was thrown at her. The fan was supposedly upset about her reunion with Chris Brown.

According to the Daily News, Rihanna was not hurt in the attack and her new line recieved mixed reviews.

Beyonce revealed secrets of her personal life in her new HBO documentary, Beyonce: Life Is But A Dream.

The Grammy winner also spoke in length about her feelings towards husband Jay-Z, their baby Blue Ivy, her family and even her past miscarriage.

For the most part, Beyonce has remained one of the most secretive celebs in the industry despite the tabloids constantly following her.

She also reveals in the 90 minute documentary the details behind the firing of her father as her business manager.

Life Is But A Dream pulled in over 1.5 million viewers the night her documentary was aired.

90’s country star and “Celebrity Rehab” alum Mindy McCready passed away on Sunday at the age of 37 of what is reported to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

McCready’s success peaked with her first two albums, 1996’s Ten Thousand Angels which went double platinum in the U.S. and 1997’s If I Don’t Stay the Night.

Angels featured the top ten singles “Guys Do It All the Time” and the title track, “Ten Thousand Angels.”

After being dropped from her first label, BNA, and second label, Capitol, McCready’s life went into tailspin filled with drugs, alcohol and lawsuits. In 2010, McCready joined the cast of VH1’s “Celebrity Rehab” where her struggles with addiction were displayed in full view.

And the Academy Award goes to... The Torch’s

13

Oscar picks

Best Actor

Best Picture

Les Miserables, Directed by Tom Hooper

Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook

Many say that Tom Hooper’s film adaptation of Les Miserables was better than its stage predecessor. You know what? They definitely aren’t wrong. In fact, it’s the Torch’s pick to take home the trophy for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars. Hooper’s direction was fantastic, Anne Hathaway was fabulous, Russell Crowe was… well, he was okay, and Hugh Jackman was masterful in the role of Jean Valjean. Argo and Zero Dark Thirty might get all the flack to win Best Picture, but the combination of brilliant performances and an emotional story makes Les Miserables a more than deserving candidate to win.

It’s not just Bradley Cooper’s baby blues that shine in this quirky, sometimes romantic, sometimes comedic film. The actor manages the intricacies of a bipolar Pat Solatano while still completely connecting with the audience. Silver Linings Playbook, based off a novel of the same name by Matthew Quick, follows Solatano after he is released from a mental health clinic after eight months of treatment. With his deep, nuanced performace, Cooper manages to stand out amongst stars like Robert DeNiro – who plays his father – stealing the show and the audience’s heart.

The Best Picture

Argo Amour Beasts of the Southern Wild Django Unchained Les Miserables Life of Pi Lincoln Silver Linings Playbook Zero Dark Thirty

Best Actor

Daniel Day-Lewis, Lincoln Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook Hugh Jackman, Les Miserables Joaquin Phoenix, The Master Denzel Washington, The Flight

Best Actress

Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild

Nominees Best Actress

Jessica Chastain, Zero Dark Thirty Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook Emmanuelle Riva, Amour Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild Naomi Watts, The Impossible

Best Director

Michael Haneke, Amour Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild Ang Lee, Life of Pi Steven Spielberg, Lincoln David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook

Best Director Steven Spielberg, Lincoln

When director Benh Zeitlin began auditions for his new film Beasts With Kathryn Bigelow inexplicably out of the mix for her directorial of the Southern Wild, he wanted a six-year old boy to play the performance in Zero Dark Thirty, all roads are paved with Oscar glory leading role of Hushpuppy. But the search stopped when nine-year for Steven Spielberg to win Best Director for Lincoln. Let’s be honold girl Quvenzhane Wallis auditioned. The star of the post-apocest, whenever Spielberg is associated with a movie, that movie is up alyptic film set in New Orleans is without a doubt Hushpuppy, a for Oscar contention. While it may not have been Spielberg’s best, spunky, fierce little girl living with her father in a community it was benefited by the superb performance of Daniel Day Lewis. called the Bathtub struggling to survive against the Along with Bigelow, thought-to-be Oscar favorites Quentin military’s call to abandon it after Hurricane Katrina Tarantino and Ben Affleck are also absent from the Wallis’ resilience and remarkably poignant category, making a Spielberg win even more likely.

Compiled by Nicole Valente, portrayal moved audiences to tears. Her Managing Editor; Peter Long, performance was gripping, simple and Entertainment Editor; Annmarie Turton, Staff Writer will give her the Oscar.

14

Facebook users get money SARAH YU

Chief Copy Editor Facebook is involved in a class action lawsuit and you, the user, might get compensation for it.

The allegations included the illegal use of user’s names, profile pictures, photos, likenesses and identities for advertisement through sponsored stories, without the permission of the owner.

Last month, Facebook settled the case and offered $20 million.

Users who have been affected by this case have received notices stating that because their information or photos may have been used, they are eligible to join the suit. Affected users have until May 2, to submit a claim form, in order to get their compensation of $10.

St. John’s senior James Leung reacted to the way the case was handled.

“I think that it’s sad to think that Facebook could hand users handfuls of cash to make up for them illegally using users in sponsored posts,” he said.

“It has parallels to Wall Street where despite known allegations of illegal activity, they get fines instead of jail time.”

As for the action itself, Leung wasn’t shocked when he read of the illegal activity they were being charged for.

“I wouldn’t be surprised that Facebook would do such a thing, they’ve been known to violate privacy concerns of users,” he said.

Freshman Soo Kim received the email that those whose pictures were used, would’ve gotten.

“I was really confused on what was going on but now, since I have a better understanding that, I definitely feel violated, being used in a [sponsored story],” he said. “Even if they pay me, I would not want [Facebook] to use them on their ads.”

However, he is relieved that there is something being done about this matter.

There are other things that come with the settlement. Facebook will revise its terms of service in relation to sponsored stories and they are giving users more information and control on how their names and pictures will be used in the stories.

The court granted preliminary approval for the settlement but nothing has been finalized. The settlement brings benefits to class members that will only be put into action upon the final approval of the settlement by the Court.

Class members have four options they can choose to pursue. They can submit a claim form by May 2, to receive their payment or they can exclude themselves from it by May 2. However, if they object to the settlement they can write to the Court stating that and the reason why it shouldn’t be approved.

They can also go to the “Fairness Hearing” on June 28 at 10 a.m. or they can simply do nothing, in which nothing will be given to them.

Carrie Bradshaw is back

SEX AND THE CITY PREQUEL FINDS MAGIC AND ITS NICHE ON THE CW SAMANTHA ALBANESE Staff Writer

Fans of the now defunct HBO series “Sex and the City” were glued to their TV sets on Jan. 4 when the series’ prequel, “The Carrie Diaries,” aired on the CW. For those who were skeptic, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised as the dialogue and casting were on point from the very first episode. Now, with the show’s first season being five epi-

sodes in, it’s safe to say that “The Carrie Diaries” is both brilliant in content and as a way to lengthen one of the most beloved series of the 90’s.

The year is 1984 and Carrie Bradshaw is 16 and struggling to get through some of the toughest points in her young life. Her mother has just passed away from cancer and she’s trapped in the suburban life in Connecticut tries to escape to New York every chance she gets. Carrie struggles with her sense of self and who she wants to be, which was

PHOTO COURTESY OF FANPOP.COM

something that the “Sex and the City” version of Carrie often struggled with herself. Juggling daily life problems such as boy drama, her 14-year-old sister’s angst and her widowed father becomes the core of Carrie’s ever-streaming subconscious, which simultaneously gets scribbled onto a notepad.

Anne Sophia Robb is the perfect mini-Sarah Jessica Parker; from the facial expressions, mannerisms and passion in her voice. Her friends, Maggie and Jill, are her counterparts that are so vastly different in personality, but their characters fit the mold well.

The most important aspect when it comes to the acting on “The Carrie Diaries” is the chemistry between Carrie and her girlfriends on the show, and they definitely made it work.

Overall, the series has done a great job at keeping Carrie as a synonymous character through her passion for New York and the familiar narrative voice-overs while she writes.

Although the “The Carrie Diaries” attempt keep it authentic to it’s sequel, it becomes transparent when it’s known that through the original series, Carrie grew up without a father and there was never a mention of a younger sister. What the series has done flawlessly is making the Carrie Bradshaw character age appropriate and thus connecting with a new audience. The series can stand on it’s own without “Sex and the City” and one can easily watch the show without knowing a single thing about the “original” Bradshaw.

Ann Sophia Robb plays the teenager verison of ‘Sex and the City’s’ Carrie Bradshaw.

PR Society comes to STJ

chance to both build their resumes and work on press release writing.

Staff Writer This semester, the PRSSA will have both resume and press release writing workshops for its members, giving PRPublic Relations, advertising, marketsavvy studens an opportunity to network ing, communication and similar majors with many people going into the same have a new option when it field. comes to pursuing their interThe PRSSA accepts apests at St. John’s. It’s called plications each semester. All the Public Relations Student application materials as well Society of America (PRSSA) as the $60 membership fee and is growing every day. must be turned into Margaret PRSSA is an organizaHuber in Bent 391 by today, tion founded on the Queens February 20, 2013 in order campus in September 2011 to be considered for joining and this semester, it was apPRSSA for the Spring 2013 proved by SGI as a budgetary semester. The application organization. can be found online at any The goal of PRSSA is, “To of the below websites and provide a learning experience check and money orders that fully connects academics can be made payable to “St. and professional practice in John’s University PRSSA”. public relations.”

For more information reThis pre-professional orgarding the Pre-Professional ganization has chapters all PHOTO COURTESY OF SOCIETY’S FACEBOOK PAGE and the Professional Chapover the nation and falls The Press Relations Students Society of America logo. ters, visit prsa.org and prssa. under the umbrella of the org. Information specifically professional organization enabout the St. John’s Chapter of The Pubtitled, The Public Relations Society of campus organization offers.

“It’s different than just being involved lic Relations Student Society of America America (PRSA). The national organization’s main goal is to, “Seek to develop in an on-campus organization,” she said. can be found at brainfeed.portfolioviland guide ethical and skillful communi- “It benefits members after graduation as liage.com. You can also email the orgawell and not just current STJ students.” nization at stjprssa@gmail.com or visit cation professionals.”

Those in the society have the oppor- its Facebook page at Public Relations Daria Copia is the current president of the organization and has been a mem- tunity to be considered for internships Student Society of America – STJ. that others are not afforded and get a ber since it was founded.

ROLANDA HARMON

“The Public Relations Student Society of America is great for networking with many other Public Relations students not only on campus but also those nationally,” she said.

For her, that the PRSSA provides benefits that go beyond what a typical

15

From fossils to faces Q&A WITH PALEOARTIST VIKTOR DEAK

Melissa Modeste Contributing Writer Viktor Deak, 36, a world renowned paleoartist known for his elaborate illustrations and life-sized reconstructed heads of distant human ancestors currently has his artwork featured in “Anatomical Origins”, a solo exhibition at the Dr. M. T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery on campus.

His work has been featured at museums and on the covers of magazines. He is co-creator of the award-winning book “The Last Human” (2007) and has done concept work for the film, “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”. The Hungarian native currently resides in New York City where he continues to create works of art from his home studio.

The Torch: What made you want to be a paleoartist?

Viktor Deak: When I was young, like around 12 or so I just remember two experiences that were really formative to me. One was just getting a set of books from my grandfather and other was seeing this paleoartist do a reconstruction of an Australopithecus Africanus for National Geographic.

T: How long does it take you to reconstruct a model head?

VD: Forever—I mean honestly, some of these [models] are never ending.

If I am pressed for time—I have pulled off some of these [models] within about a three, four month time frame from skull to finish. But that’s like, you know, 12,

13-hour days. Sometimes sleepless nights because the model making process is very grueling, the casting can be pretty grueling. You don’t always get a good cast the first time out, you might not get a good cast three tries in and you have already eaten 20 hours. So there is that technical end of some things too.

T: What sort of materials do you use to create all of your reconstructed models?

VD: I use plasticine; this is oil based clay. I sculpt on top of generally a plastic resin skull and then I use silicone to make a mold and then I also caste in silicone.

So, the silicone is like a Hollywood grade material. It looks really fleshy. There are two kinds—there is the kind that is for casting and one for molding so it is much more heavy duty. It’s great stuff and it really captures detail and everything.

T: Your murals are also featured at this exhibition, including the 78 ft mural called “Lucy’s world” which was commissioned

by The Houston Museum of Natural History. How long did it take you to do these murals?

VD: The first one for Houston was four months. The second mural it had a lot of complications unfortunately to it. That was about 8 months or so.

T: How did you construct such vivid landscapes in your art murals?

VD: Some of them are based from just travelling and taking photography.

I love taking landscape photography.

Some of the other ones—lately I have

been working with a program called Vue that I love because I realized that while there is a lot of things I can do with photo manipulation. I don’t always get the exact control with the lightning or with the atmosphere and time that it takes to just alter a photo I figure I can just use a software where I can build an entire terrain or I can control the lightening, the atmosphere, the angle and everything like that. Z-brush and Vue allow me to create both the space and the being. Photoshop allows me to pull it all together.

T: Do you have a favorite piece in the exhibition?

VD: I don’t know. I never thought about it—like my favorite, favorite piece? I am particularly fond of the Australopithecus sediba that is the image for the show—on the promo stuff and actually the guy on the back of it. Those two are my favorites.

They just feel really real to me, believable and their totally digital. So I really love that and I am excited and proud of the fact that I was able to create that illusion of something real out of just polygons and something not real. I like that kind of magic.

T: What do you want visitors to walk out of this exhibition saying or feeling?

VD: I like people to leave feeling like the story doesn’t end with the experience, that when I walk out of that gallery I can take this with me and I can learn more about this. For people to be able to go there have a moment and maybe make a connection.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WILLIAM GIRON

Viktor Deak works on a reconstructed head of a distant human ancestor. His work is on display at the Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery on campus.

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17

McKenith stars in blowout win Red Storm make it three in a row as tournament resume improves KYLE FITZGERALD

Staff Writer The women’s basketball team’s NCAA Tournament dreams are now inching closer to reality after a stellar performance by Nadirah McKenith propelled it to a 75-46 win over Cincinnati on Saturday at Carnesecca Arena.

ST. JOHN’S

75

CINCINNATI

46

The victory was the Red Storm’s (13-10, 7-4) third in a row, which helped bump them into the “First Four Out” of ESPN’s bracketology. Carnesecca Arena is one of the sites for the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament.

McKenith finished the game with 20 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks – all without committing a single turnover.

“I think it was one of my best games,” McKenith said. “I was aggressive and I didn’t turn the ball over, which is something I practice on a daily basis.”

The Johnnies started the game slowly, allowing Cincinnati (9-16, 1-11) to build

an 8-0 lead.

McKenith quickly erased the Bearcats’ early advantage, scoring 11 straight points to give her side an 11-10 lead.

The Red Storm continued to pull away as the half progressed behind McKenith and freshman Aliyyah Handford.

Handford finished the game with 16 points and 6 rebounds.

As the Johnnies’ lead continued to grow as the second half progressed, St. John’s head coach Joe Tartamella gave some of his underclassmen a chance for some game time.

“Everybody stepped up and I was really pleased with our bench and a number of our freshman,” Tartamella said.

“It was great to see them come out with no drop-off when they came on the floor.

The all-around display fell on the Red Storm’s designated Play4Kay day, which supports breast cancer funding in the name of former North Carolina State coach Kay Yow. To date, the St. John’s Athletic Department has raised $3,600, according to a press release.

St. John’s will look to bolster their postseason chances when they travel to Marquette on Feb. 20.

PHOTO COURTESTY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Nadirah McKenith taking a shot against Cincinnati at Carnesecca Arena.

Johnnies represent well at Big East Championships JOHNATHAN CORBETT

Staff Writer

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Molly Ellis was a member of the St. John’s 4x400 relay team last weekend.

The St. John’s track team is concluding its indoor season on a high note.

The team finished this weekend’s Big East Championships in a tie for eleventh place with Providence.

“The team was aiming for a top ten finish,” said St. John’s head coach Jim Hurt. “Overall the effort was great and we saw some of the best performances of the year. It’s always great to see the team perform best, especially during one of the last meets of the season.”

The Red Storm saw both Dannette Hitton and Molly Ellis record personal bests at the Geneva, Ohio meet.

“Molly finished fourth in the 400m, running a 54.60 which are probably top three or four in St. John’s school history,” Hurt said.

Hitton won the team’s lone medal when she took bronze in the weighted throw, throwing 19.08 m – which is the fourth best recorded throw in school history.

The 4x400m team ran a 3:41.67, which was good enough to place sixth in the conference. The team featured Claire

Mooney, Molly Ellis, Trudy McLean and Shayna Presely. The 5x500m team was led

by Veronica Thompson, Michelle Duffy, Stephanie Van Pelt and Kerri Butler, who combined to run a 9:07.19.

“I was really pleased with this teams efforts, it was a season’s best and all in all it was a very good meet,” Hurt said.

Notre Dame came out of the meet in first place, but Hurt reiterated that he was proud of his team’s overall winter performance, especially since they train without an indoor track during the cold weather season.

“Training in the halls of Carnesecca and competing with the winter is tough, but we have pretty quality athletes who are willing to compete,” Hurt said.

The Red Storm ‘s first outdoor meet will be on Mar. 16 when the team travels to Florida for the South Florida Invite and the UCF Invite.

Keep up-to-date with St. John’s Athletics by following @TorchSports on Twitter!

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Tourney chances up in the air

With Lavin back, Johnnies gear up for home stretch with USF next on schedule ANTHONY PARELLI Assistant Sports Editor After going 1-3 in their last four contests and having their tournament hopes slightly derailed, the St. John’s men’s basketball team hopes to get back on track against South Florida on Wednesday night.

Head coach Steve Lavin will make his return to the hardwood after missing two games after the passing of his father, Albert “Cap” Lavin.

“Although the circumstances weren’t, it was nice to be with all my siblings and my mother together, but it is good to get back here and back with my team,” Lavin said.

While on leave, Lavin was forced to leave his team to face Syracuse and Louisville on the road – probably the most grueling pair of back-to-back games that the Johnnies had to deal with this season.

Both the Johnnies and Bulls are coming off losses to Louisville; St. John’s fell at Louisville last Thursday while USF suffered a home loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.

The Red Storm need to finish their last five games strong if they hope to make it into the tournament while South Florida is hoping to play spoiler and record only their second Big East victory of the season.

Statistically, this is a good

PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUISVILLE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Chris Obekpa fights for the rebound with Louisville’s Gorgui Dieng.

matchup for the Red Storm but Sir’Dominic Pointer isn’t taking USF

Not in the Cards

KIERAN LYNCH Features Editor

The St. John’s men’s basketball team couldn’t sustain a series of runs as they fell to then-No. 12 Louisville 72-58 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, KY. LOUISVILLE ST. JOHN’S

72 58

Sophomore D’Angelo Harrison scored his 1,000 point during the contest, becoming the 48th player overall and the fastest in team history to reach the mark.

He will be honored in a brief ceremony before tip-off at tonight’s game against South Florida.

Sophomore Phil Greene led the team with 21 points, while Harrison added 18.

Chris Obekpa had 12 rebounds and three blocks.

Smith led the Cardinals with a gamehigh 24 points while making 12 of 14 free throws. Senior Peyton Siva added 12points, while junior Gorgui Dieng added 17 rebounds.

The Red Storm (15-10, 7-6) started the second half by going on a 10-0 run, but the Cardinals (21-5, 9-4) quickly rebounded with a 8-0 run thanks to two three-pointers from junior guard Russ Smith. The Johnnies never regained the lead.

“Russ Smith did a good job of taking over the game,” assistant coach Rico Hines who was coaching in place of head coach Steve Lavin, told reporters. “That was it.”

Lavin missed his second straight game while he spent time in San Francisco following the passing of his father on PHOTO COURTESY OF LOUISVILLE ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS Feb. 10.

Chris Obekpa challenges Louisville’s Peyton Siva.

lightly.

“Anybody can beat anybody,” he said.

“We lost to Georgetown twice and they beat Georgetown.”

In addition to their tournament dreams, St. John’s would undoubtedly like to avenge the loss suffered at USF last season when they were beat by 15.

However, this Bulls team is not the same as it was a year ago, posting only a 10-15 record. Barring a miraculous Big East Championship victory, USF will not be playing in the tournament, but they will be looking to play spoiler for St. John’s.

St. John’s currently sit at 15-10 (7-6) with five games remaining before the Big East Tournament. Statistically, Big East teams with (post-tournament) 17 wins make the tournament 80% of the time. As the wins rise so does the percentage of going to the dance – 18 wins is an 85% chance, 19 is 90% and 20 is 97%.

This means that out of their five remaining games, the Johnnies do not necessarily have to win-out, a good thing considering three of the teams they are set to face are ranked.

“We could lose and still have a shot,” said point guard Phil Greene. “But we’re just looking at every game one by one and hoping we win.”

The game will be played at Carnessecca arena at 7 pm and the first 4000 fans will receive a Lou Carnessecca bobble-head.

Bubble watch 2013 Remaining Regular Season Games: vs. South Florida vs. No. 20 Pittsburgh at Providence at No. 25 Notre Dame vs. No. 17 Marquette

Feb. 20 Feb. 24 March 2 March 5 March 9

Carnesecca Arena Madison Square Garden Dunkin Donuts Center Purcell Pavilion Madison Square Garden

Big East Tournament Seeding: No. 1 - Marquette No. 2 - Syracuse No. 3 - Georgetown No. 4 - Louisville No. 5 - Notre Dame No. 6 - Pittsburgh No. 7 - Villanova

No. 8 - Cincinnati No. 9 - St. John’s No. 10 - Providence No. 11 - Rutgers No. 12 - DePaul No. 13 - Seton Hall No. 14 - South Florida

* Connecticut is not eligible for postseason play due to violations.

If the tournament started today, No. 9 St. John’s would play No. 8 Cincinnati.

NCAA Bubble Talk:

Media Mock Selection Committee: St. John’s placed as a No. 10 seed playing in San Jose. They were ranked No. 34 overall in the field of 68.

Joe Lunardi, ESPN: In Lunardi’s most recent bracketology prediction, St. John’s was placed as the fifth team “out.”

Sunshine state brings gloomy start

Baseball winless after four losses at Snowbird Baseball Classic STEPHEN ZITOLO Staff Writer The St. John’s baseball team has high expectations this season after its success last year, where it finished with a 40-23 record, a Big East regular season and tournament title and the first NCAA Super Regional appearance in school history.

“Expectations here at St. John’s never change,” said St. John’s head coach Ed Blankmeyer. “We want to be competitive. We want to win the Big East and play in the NCAA tournament and be the best ball club we possible can. That will never change here at St. John’s.”

However, after the Red Storm began their attempt at matching last season’s feats, the Johnnies came out winless, losing to Mercer, Ohio State and Florida Gulf Coast twice this past weekend at the Snowbird Baseball Classic in Sarasota, Florida.

“Going 0-4 is never a good start,” Blankmeyer said. “But we were competitive, we played good defense and our pitching was solid. Offensively we struggled and that’s where we will have to improve.”

Despite the losses, there were shades of promise displayed by Blankmeyer’s team. Senior Sean Hagan retired eleven straight batters in the 6-0 loss to Flori-

PHOTO COURTESY OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

St. John’s head baseball coach Ed Blankmeyer looks on from the dugout.

da Gulf Coast, junior Frank Schwindel went 3-5 with an RBI in the 13-5 loss to Mercer and freshman pitcher Ryan McCormick threw six scoreless innings in his first collegiate start in the 3-1 loss to Ohio State.

The Johnnies lost key contributors from last year that will be difficult to replace like infielder Matt Wessinger, outfielder Jeremy Baltz, and pitchers Kyle Hansen and Matt Carasiti – all were drafted in the first 6 rounds of the MLB Draft.

“You cannot replace guys like Wessinger, Baltz, Carasiti and the other guys we lost,” Blankmeyer said. “All we can do is ask the team to play together and ask the guys with some experience to pick up for the guys we lost.”

While there will be some learning curves with a great deal of youth replacing the aforementioned graduates of the program, Blankmeyer is counting on his underclassmen to lead the Johnnies this season.

“This year we are relying on a squad with 14 freshmen,” Blankmeyer said.

“The performance of our young pitchers is going to be a key to our success.”

The Johnnies have assembled a tough schedule this season, as they will be playing top tier teams that will prove to be great tests for Blankmeyer’s young team.

“I’d rather play teams like North Carolina, East Carolina and Georgia Tech,” Blankmeyer said. “Playing teams like this will help to groom this ball club.”

The Red Storm will take to the diamond again when they travel to Atlanta on Friday for a weekend set against Georgia Tech.

The quest for three has commenced I’m willing to bet a Manchester United jersey that I’m the lone sports editor in the history of the Torch that finds more joy covering men’s soccer than men’s basketball. No offense, coach Lavin, but soccer is my passion. While you were up late studying film, I was YouTubing Zinedine Zidane highlight videos.

For most, this time of year signals the beginning of March Madness – for me, it’s a sign that I better gear up for some riveting Champions League football!

However, because I’m trying keep pace with @Kieran_Lynch and @Mike_ Cunniff’s prowess at dissecting the college game, I’m going to put my love affair with the beautiful game on pause for 15 minutes, channel my inner Jay Bilas and explain to you how the St. John’s basketball team will be dancing come March.

Lavin and co. have five regular season games left this season. They’re home to South Florida and Pittsburgh before taking a two-game road trip to face Providence and Notre Dame, before returning home to battle Marquette in their season finale.

Before I get to my predictions, take note that since the Big East was formed

in 1982, members of the conference with 17 wins (post-tournament) made the NCAA Tournament 80 percent of the time, teams with 18 wins made it 85 percent of the time, teams with 19 wins made it 91 percent of the time and teams with 20 wins made it 97 percent of the time.

The Johnnies currently have a 1510 record. That means they’re two wins away from an 80 percent chance of going dancing. However, for argument’s sake, we’re going to say that Lavin will need to guide his squad to three more regular season wins (a total of 18) in order to get that coveted bid we’re all so dearly wishing for.

If they enter the Big East tournament with 18 wins, we have good reason to believe the Johnnies will be heading into Selection Sunday with 19 wins, as they’re more than capable of beating Cincinnati, who, as of right now, would be the team they would face first.

Now, let’s get to my predictions. Tonight’s game against USF will, no doubt, end in a victory for the Johnnies. By the end of the night, Lavin will have notched win no. 16 while fans leave happy about the victory as well as their free Lou Carnesecca bobbleheads.

As we move toward the Feb. 24 Pitt game at the Garden, I’d like to hearken back to a magical moment of yesteryear.

Remember Dwight Hardy’s game winner against then-No. 4 Pitt. in 2011? Of course you do. Well, I’m betting on some of that magic reappearing when the Pan-

Torch Sports

19

Storm

Cast

Leavin’ their Mark Lacrosse opens season with a victory The St. John’s lacrosse team traveled to Worster, Mass. to take on Holy Cross for their season opener on Saturday, and got off on the right foot, coming away with a victory.

The Red Storm won 11-9, and were led by junior attackman Kieran McArdle, scoring three goals and dishing six assists in the rout.

McArdle has become just the second St. John’s lacrosse player to reach 100 points in his career since the program was reinstated in 2005, and has been named to the Big East’s first weekly honor roll of the 2013 season.

St. John’s goalkeeper Jeff Lowman had eight saves, three of which came in the fourth quarter, helping his team stay ahead once they secured an 8-7 lead—their first lead since McArdle broke the ice to make it 1-0.

Coach Miller’s team seemed like the hungrier and more aggressive squad, beating the Crusaders 36-20 on groundballs and outshooting them 39-27.

The Johnnies next game will be their home opener, when they face Yale on Saturday at 1 p.m.

Blowin’ in the Wind

“

thers return to the Mecca.

Expect the Johnnies to come down from the high of beating Pitt when they trek to Rhode Island to face Providence.

I think it was one The Friars are on a bit of a tear at the moment, winning four straight games, of my best games. two of them coming against ranked opponents. By the time they meet up with I was agressive and the Johnnies, it’s safe to assume that I didn’t turn the they’ll have won five of their last six ball over, which is games [their next two games are against Syracuse (a probable loss) and Rutgers (a something I pratice probable win)]. Considering all of this, I on a daily basis. think Providence will stall the Johnnies’ quest for 18 wins.

Next up for the Red Storm is Notre Dame. The Johnnies pulled off a 67-63 home win against the Irish last month, but Jack Cooley only managed 10 points, Headin’ this Way as he struggled with foul trouble. Expect Cooley to keep the Red Storm stuck on Red Storm home games 17 wins as his presence down low exposes the Johnnies’ lack of size in the paint.

So, heading into the season fina- Men’s Basketball: le against Marquette at the Garden, a February 20 USF 7 p.m. #winandwerein situation will be presentFebruary 24 Pittsburgh 12 p.m. ed to the Red Storm.

Each and every one of Lavin’s players will be fully aware of what will be on the line when they step onto the court on Women’s Basketball: March 9 – at that point in time, a pundit’s February 23 Rutgers 2 p.m. perspective will mean nothing. I say the 7p.m.

DePaul Johnnies come out victorious with the March 4 help of an indomitable will to win and a raucous home crowd.

Lacrosse: And just like that, you have 18 wins 1 p.m. and a ticket to the dance, ladies and gen- February 23 Yale tlemen.

”

SPORTS 20 February 2013 | VOLUME 90, ISSUE 17 | TORCHONLINE.COM

CRUNCH TIME

LAV RETURNS AS JOHNNIES’ FOCUS MOVES TO USF AND NCAA HOPES PG. 18

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

The women’s basektball team won its third consecutive game, defeating Cincinnati 75-46.

The track team competed at the Big East Championships this past weekend in Geneva, Ohio.

Pg. 17

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