January 25

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOANNA ADUCCI

Students travel to Washington for March for Life campaign ANTHONY O’REILLY Staff Writer On Monday Jan. 24, close to 25 St. John’s students headed down to Washington D.C. to take part in the 38 annual March for Life.

The March for Life is held every year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade. On that day in 1973 the Supreme Court made it legal for any woman in the United States to end her pregnancy. People of all religions against this decision have made it their duty to head down to the capital to express displeasure with the Supreme Court’s decision in hopes that one day it’ll be reversed.

Junior Elizabeth Vujanovich, the president of Students for Life, took a bus load of St. John’s and Holy Cross High School students to show their support

for the cause.

“This is our big political aspect of the organization so we’ve been planning it for quite a while. We started in August trying to get around red tape and get everything we needed ready,” Vujanovich said.

The journey to the capital started bright and early for the students.

Usually, the group leaves from St. John’s around 6 a.m. This year, however, the bus left from campus at two in the morning, and the students made it to Catholic University by 7 a.m for morning mass.

“It was a great start to the event. The priests and speakers were so great at getting everybody hyped up,” Vujanovich said.

Junior Patty Salgado said that attending the mass, something the Students for Life hasn’t done before, gave her a better appreciation for how many people believed in the cause.

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“There were speakers from around the world and it was sobering to see how far they came from to be here,” she said.

“The homilist was able to connect how before Our Lady of Guadalupe came to Juan Diego there was a part of Mexico that made human and infant sacrifices. After the apparition, people learned of the sanctity of life. It was really nice to see how he could connect that to what we’re going through now,” said Salgado.

The students then headed over to the National Mall where the rally was held.

“With there being four times the amount of Pro-Life representatives, there were so many people who had a lot to say.”

“It got the crowd riled up, but unfortunately a lot of it got repetitive at the end,” Vujanovich said.

Salgado feels that it needs to stop being more of a political debate and more of a spiritual one.

“Even if Roe v. Wade gets over turned MUSIC Romance Never Looked So Good This season’s newest romantic comedy will have audiences all tied up.

ENTER RTAINMENT Pg. 14

society has still put these pressures on women who might not know what to do when they find themselves pregnant,” Salgado said. “We need to look at how we can help them.”

Thousands then proceeded to march from the Capitol with signs and chants in order to send a message to the White House.

“We had a lot of people complaining about the cold and their feet hurting but we were still very enthusiastic about it. It was all worth it in the end,” Vujanovich said.

After all the walking, the students headed back onto the bus. Although they went there for the political aspect of the event, many students agreed that the service held at Catholic University was the most awe-inspiring part of the trip.

“So many people were talking about how beautiful the service was and how they were touched the most by it,” Vujanovich said.

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2

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Directory

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JUSTIN THRIFT, Editor-in-Chief NELL O’CONNOR, Managing Editor MARK MCDONALD, General Manager SARA CAHILL MARRON

CAROLYN WARGULA

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BILL SAN ANTONIO

ADELLE PLATON Entertainment Editor MICHAEL MONTIJO

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Entertainment Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret Inferno reveals the newest hot spot that students should check out this weekend.

Inferno Pg. 14 Features Finals Week Schedule Students and Professors share their thoughts concerning the new finals week of instruction.

Features Pg. 9 Men’s Fencing You are Invited

NEWS

St. John’s hosted its annual fencing tournament on Jan. 23.

Sports Pg. 19 OPINION PG. 6

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The TORCH

26 Jan. 2010

JOHNNIES’ RECENT SUCCESS

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

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Several flocks of ducks have been sighted wandering around campus in the midst of even the most extreme winter weather.

3

Founder’s Week focuses on St. Vincent’s mission Vincent de Paul” and his contributions to society, especially the poor, said MaryAnn Dantuono, associate director of the Vincentian Center for Church and Society.

The events were not just limited St. John’s 17th annual Founder’s to students, but included various Week falls on the anniversary of the luncheons and service opportunities for Founding of the Mission by St. Vincent administrators and faculty.

Monday included leadership and the Feast of the Conversion of St. workshops, the unveiling of a student art Vincent this year.

This year’s theme is “Be Vincentian,” exhibit and a chance for students to make chosen by the University Mission a trip to Washington D.C. in order to Council in an attempt to foster “a deeper participate in the March for Life rally.

Tuesday, there was a lecture on social understanding and appreciation of St. justice, a networking opportunity with St. John’s alumni, and the Amazing Vincentian race.

The race required students to walk through various sites on campus to learn more about St. John’s Vincentian heritage.

According to Dantuono, St. Vincent saw the injustice in France as too grave to be ignored and challenged this by creating the Mission, Daughters of Charity and the Ladies of Charity, who are receiving new officers and members this Monday.

Faculty members and administrators were provided with several luncheons over the week that focused on Vincentian research, service training, and a book discussion.

Some graduate students attended the Post Graduate Service Awareness Dinner on Monday and also had a TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER chance to interact with Students help to serve in Founder’s Week mass. various other graduates

MELISSA MCGRATH Staff Writer

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

Founder’s Week kicked off with a student mass in St. Thomas Moore. in order to truly be challenged to imitate his example and contribute to the Vincentian spirit at St. John’s.”

Dantuono expressed that this week should help people understand how to better carry out St. Vincent’s call to action.

“It is one of the goals of Founder’s Week to increase the University community’s awareness of St Vincent’s mission and life in order that they may better know how to carry out his call to action,” she said.

“I am hoping that this week will allow people to learn how to transform society into what we want in the model of the core values and change the world.”

NEWS

and faculty at the graduate roundtable: “A Vincentian Approach to 21st Century Issues.” Issues such as educational reform and health care were discussed, according to Dantuono. “[The graduate students] have interdisciplinary backgrounds, which allows them the opportunity to mingle with others that they probably wouldn’t get in on a normal day,” she said.

Sister Margaret Kelly, a member of Daughters of Charity, said “All know the amazing work that he accomplished to alleviate poverty in 17th century France and to reform the Church, but we need to get beyond and below those achievements to appreciate his personality and character

Bone Marrow drive draws over a hundred donors Law, said he received an email from the school informing him about the drive.

Scotti called the process of gathering stem cell information relatively easy and was intrigued by how many illnesses a bone marrow transfer could help.

“I didn’t know that it helped so many diseases but I suppose it doesn’t surprise me,” he said.

Elizabeth Vanderlinde, a first year law student, agreed that the process was a quick and easy one, noting that she was able to participate right before class.

Vanderlinde had seen a sign advertising the drive on her walk into the law school and decided to help out.

“Whenever I see [a drive], I’ll do it if I’m eligible,” she said.

Jair Thompson, a program specialist for the Brooklyn/Staten Island division of the New York Blood Service, was present

at the event and helped volunteers with their registration. Thompson stressed that college involvement was crucial to finding more potential donors. He said there was a poor minority representation on the registry.

The process of a bone marrow transfusion has become progressively quicker and less painful.

Originally, marrow was extracted from the back of the hips and the donor would feel mild soreness for a few days, according to Thompson.

He also said that this method is now only used 30 percent of the time and that the more common method currently used is Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Collection.

Thompson said that doctors from around the world may access the “Be the Match” registry to find a match for any patient in need of a transfer.

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Students and alumni rallied to swab their spit for a greater cause at the Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Drive, held in the Law School Solarium last Thursday, Jan. 20. The event was organized by Philip Lucrezia in accord with “Be The Match,” a national registry for bone marrow donors.

Bone marrow donations can help fight blood diseases such as Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome, also known as MDS. Lucrezia’s older brother, Angelo, is currently suffering from MDS, a form of blood cancer. He has organized several of these drives since July, in multiple

places such as churches, village halls and social clubs.

Lucrezia said his brother had recently found a match just under a month ago.

While his efforts to find a bone marrow match for his brother fueled his initiative, Lucrezia said that these drives were also beneficial for the larger cause.

The drive saw about 100 people register between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Lucrezia said that he was very pleased with the number.

“I felt it went very well overall,” he said.

Anyone added to the registry was instructed to fill out a form to confirm they met the necessary health guidelines.

Then, they were given four cotton swabs which they rubbed against the inside of their cheek for several seconds each.

Gavin Scotti, a graduate of St. John’s

26 Jan. 2010 The TORCH

TERENCE CULLEN Staff Writer

4

Art exhibit features Vincentian mission Students and faculty express concerns over appreciation

For almost a decade, Founder’s Week has given the Department of Fine Arts the chance to develop a student art exhibition to showcase and celebrate the talents of members of the University community.

According to Professor Joseph L. Adolphe, associate professor of Fine Arts, the exhibit correlates with the changing themes of Founder’s Week. This year the theme is “Be Vincentian.”

Space limitations made some students and faculty feel as though the department is not being given enough attention.

“There is a shortage on exhibit space, and students need to have a space to place their exhibitions,” said Adolphe.

Students who saw the exhibit had good reviews but similar criticisms of the display. Sophomore Terri-Ann Nelson said the St. John’s Hall basement exhibit was not in a good location.

“They put a lot of talent and work into it but no one’s ever down here,” she said.

Senior Benjamin Leung also said that the fourth floor St. Augustine exhibit needed a new place for its display.

“They should put it somewhere else, probably the cafeteria,” he said.

Tracy Hua, a senior graphic design major, also voiced concerns over the art department’s status in the school community.

“The art department at St. John’s isn’t really recognized.

Not many people know that we even have an art department,” she said.

It’s a problem that inhibits the art department from having student exhibitions all year and Professor Adolphe hopes that when people see this exhibit it will open their eyes.

“I would hope they could see the wealth of talent that we have right under our noses

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Professor contributes to NPR talk show

“Magic” (top left) by Walter Martinez

and help expand the presence of the visual arts on the St. John’s campus,” he said.

Last semester Professor Adolphe instructed his fine arts students to do two assignments for the exhibit.

“The students are very lucky to be at a school that places as great an emphasis on how you live your life as on what you do in your life. It produces a complete student and artist,” said Adolphe.

One assignment called “The Metaphor Project” centered on personal images, while another one required students to interpret different words based on what feelings were evoked when they read them.

“The Metaphor Project” asked that students draw a self-portrait, and include an object which best “describes, epitomizes and encapsulates them,” according to Adolphe.

The words for the second project included “conflict, spiritual, magic, sacred, and silence.”

Adolphe said he wanted his students to think with a “critical eye” and express

their true feelings in their work. “The Metaphor project” exhibit is lined on the hallway in the basement level of St. John’s Hall, while the depicted word project is arranged on the 4th floor of St. Augustine Hall.

Dana Jefferson, a graphic design major, created a self portrait depicting herself dressed as a boxer.

Adolphe said that she chose boxing to showcase her “fighting spirit” after surviving leukemia.

Walter Martinez, a fine arts major, depicted the word “magic” by drawing legendary basketball player Magic Johnson pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

Surrounding the depicted word project is Hua’s work.

She also contributed to the exhibit, from a different class, in which she depicted global poverty.

Hua collected information from various foundations and organizations, researching poverty statistics around the globe.

She took it a step further and traveled to Bogota,

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

Columbia where she was able to “witness poverty first hand.”

“It is a different experience reading and hearing about poverty than [experiencing] it in that environment,” said Hua. Hua put photos from her trip in a book in the exhibit entitled “A Visual Diary in Ciudad, Bolivia.”

She created another book entitled “A Visual Diary from Woodside,” showing her own home, which became a comparison for the first book.

Then Hua made a book called “People Making a Change,” which “features all of the people and organizations that are making changes and a difference in people’s lives.”

Lastly, she used information from Habitat for Humanity’s website and placed the problems and solutions of people’s situations in the world through icons.

“I hope that it brings awareness to the fact that there are so many social issues out there and that many people all over the world need our help,” Hua said.

St. John’s Howard Abadinksy, professor of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies in the College of Professional Studies, was a guest on National Public Radio’s (NPR) talk show, On Point, on Monday night. Dr. Abadinsky is known for his expertise in organized crime. Virginia Commonwealth University Professor Jay Albanese and former prosecutor Mark Feldman participated in the broadcast entitled, “How Powerful is Organized Crime in America?”

According to St. John’s website, Dr. Abadinsky has been featured for other media platforms such as the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and the Washington Post. The program can be heard on www.onpointradio. org.

Legislative Breakfast draws large crowd The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast attracted more than 150 people last Saturday. Talks at the breakfast were focused on Education, Health Care, and Transportation. Prominent attendees included Staten Island Borough President James P. Molinaro and State Senator Diane J. Savino, who is a St. John’s graduate.

Epsilon Kappa co-sponsors poetic reading Ecuadorian poet Gabriel Cisneros will present his new collection of poetry “20 giros en la pólvora” this Friday. The event, which will be in Spanish, is co-sponsored by Epsilon Kappa, which is the St. John’s Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, and with the Consulate General of Ecuador in New York and La Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana. The reading is open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. at the Consulate General of Ecuador in New York, in Salón Abya Yala, 800 Second Avenue, Suite 600, New York, NY 10017.

The TORCH

26 Jan. 2010

NEWS

LIAM LA GUERRE Staff Writer

TORCH

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

St. Augustine Hall’s Art Exhibit features work from Professor Adolphe’s art students.

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5

Editorial Board LXXXVIII

Illustrator’s Corner

JUSTIN THRIFT Editor-in-Chief NELL O’CONNOR Managing Editor SARA CAHILL MARRON News Editor MARK MCDONALD General Manager

FLAMES OF THE TORCH

A name we can be proud of

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: “Congratulations!” the letter read last summer; I had just been accepted into the Physician’s Assistant program here for the class of 2012. With little time to spare I went about the same business we all have in preparing for school. It was now time to navigate the paper and electronic maze through the Registrar, Bursar, and Financial Aid offices, and so on.

One day, while holding on a phone call to one of the University’s departments, I heard a pre-recording stating “All students get a laptop!” That sounded good to me since St. John’s tuition is significant and the nature of my program makes working a difficult venture.

Then I went online and saw…

“Of course, Physician Assistant students also benefit from the outstanding resources all St. John’s students enjoy.

For example, all new students receive their own wireless laptop computer with full access to St. John’s award-winning network.”

“When you enroll as a full-time freshman or transfer student at St. John’s University, you get a wireless laptop computer for your entire St. John’s career.”

“The objective of the Laptop Program is to give students equal access to technology and to provide faculty with a mobile computer option. The program began in Fall 2003, when all incoming full-time freshmen received notebook computers.

As of Fall 2004, St. John’s expanded the program to include all transfers and readmitted students.”

Sounds good doesn’t it…

That was until I heard “You’re not eligible for a laptop.” First by my Advisor, then the PA Program director, then

by Assistant Dean of Allied Health Jennifer Miranda-Velazquez, then the Manager of IT Karen Brosi, then the Associate Director Charles Pizzo, and so on up the chain. It was less about “no” than “know.” Meaning, you can have a policy, but at least have a good explanation.

Why promote something as available to everyone when it really is not?

To their credit, the above individuals do not set policy and were following protocol. However, as students I feel that if any of us have an issue with a particular policy we should at least have the right to clarification and consideration. If anything, I feel that we should be directed to the person in charge rather than run our wagons in a circle trying to figure out the next step. With no clear answer and my follow-ups ignored, I feel that this “service oriented” university failed to deliver.

Apparently being a Full-time certificate student has its limits; no laptop, no St. John’s University scholarships, and so on. Tuition without Comparable Equity.

I basically get to pay Full-time tuition like everyone else except am limited in resources.

While other certificate programs are short in duration, mine is a full two years.

In fact, I will spend more time in class this academic year (an estimated 35-40 hours of instruction per week) than the average student. Add another 15-20 hours of studying on top of that and you can get a clearer picture. As someone who already holds a degree, I can tell you that the demands of this program are intense and limit personal time considerably.

St. John’s University’s Laptop program is a great idea and a progressive means towards bridging the gap in education and technology. However, the literature (online and other media) does not accurately reflect this effort. There are those who fall outside the lines that deserve consideration and a fair course of action. I am certain I am not alone.

Policy, like all governances are made for reform and debate. Due process if you will. All students are supposed to be on the same footing with the same advantages and resources the school has to offer. Everyone has a right to be heard and considered.

Otherwise, I’ll just be a Second Class citizen paying First Class rates.

Seth Greenberg Class of 2012

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TORCH ILLUSTRATION BY JAMES KERRIGAN

26 Jan. 2011

speaker for St. John’s. The column urged the school to reverse its recent string of less-famous speakers and bring in someone with Bloomberg’s appeal and name.

Bloomberg, who’s now in his third term as mayor of the city, is beloved by millions of New Yorkers for his philanthropy, progressive green initiatives and improvements to the city of New York during his time in office.

In addition to his mayoral accomplishments, he has built his company, Bloomberg L.P., into a multi-billion dollar force in the media industry. He is one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the world, and he is sure to deliver an inspiring speech to the graduating students at GW this May. Here at the TORCH, we’re frustrated by the fact that Bloomberg will be making the trip down to the nation’s capital this spring instead of to our Queens campus. Not only is he mayor of our city, but he has an already healthy relationship with the school. Mayor Bloomberg represents an extremely plausible candidate for St. John’s, one that we’ve advocated over the past year and a half.

What seems to be the biggest problem with the commencement committee’s selection process is how little students are involved in it. If the University were to adopt a more transparent process that involved student opinions and feedback, perhaps this year’s graduating class would be treated to a speaker like Bloomberg.

While we wait for news of this year’s commencement speaker, we seriously plead for the commencement committee to come through with a big name.

Students deserve something special on their graduation day, someone with known charisma and an inspirational message relevant to their lives.

OPINION

For the past few years the TORCH has been critical of this University’s yearly selections for commencement speakers.

It always seems that the University perennially drops the ball in this department, frequently bringing in speakers who—although they may be qualified and inspiring in their own unique way— don’t quite muster up to the stardom of other local schools’ speakers.

In 2008, for example, St. John’s opted to have the University’s own president, Fr. Harrington, deliver the graduation’s commencement speech.

It was later revealed that legendary author and poet Maya Angelou was in attendance at the commencement ceremony to watch her grandson graduate from St. John’s. According to the New York Daily News, Angelou supposedly said she would have loved to deliver a speech to her grandson’s graduating class, had she been approached by the University to do so.

Last year St. John’s welcomed Bob and Suzanne Wright to campus, cofounders of the autism research and awareness group Autism Speaks. The pair have done tremendous work and delivered moving monologues to the assembly of St. John’s graduates, but many questioned whether they were the best fit for a graduation ceremony.

Across the river at NYU, their students enjoyed legendary actor Alec Baldwin, while the president of Ireland, Mary McAleese, addressed Fordham students.

In November of last year, George Washington University announced that New York City’s own Mayor Michael Bloomberg would be the commencement speaker at their 2011 graduation ceremony in May. Unfortunately, this represents another opportunity missed for St. John’s.

In a 2009 column, the TORCH first suggested Bloomberg as a perfect

6

TORCH Opinion

online at torchonline.com/opinion

Reclaiming our true identity

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The TORCH

26 Jan. 2011

OPINION

What the Johnnies’ recent success with Steve Lavin really means to STJ

Something very exciting happened at St. John’s over the winter break, and you didn’t even need to be on campus to follow it. The Red Storm’s men’s basketball team began making some serious noise on the national level, the kind that comes with ESPN coverage and SportsCenter appearances.

It’s the kind of attention that makes St. John’s relevant again across the nation, not just as a basketball team but as a major university that people recognize.

Even though this isn’t a sports column, I think the team’s recent success raises a discussion that transcends talk of team RPI and shooting percentages. St. John’s as a school is finding its identity again with the help of Coach Lavin, and with that, the University is finding answers to issues it has faced in the past decade.

Ever since the days of Lou Carnesecca in the ’80s, St. John’s students have had very little reason to get excited or stay informed about their team.

This is why Norm was fired last year before his contract expired, why St. John’s hardly ever got a mention on SportsCenter, and it’s exactly why there has been no better place to witness this school’s student engagement issue than at a Johnnies’ home basketball game.

It’s also the reason why St. John’s has slightly fallen off the map. While every native New Yorker grew up with an awareness of this University, that’s not always the case for people around the rest of the country.

As Shaquille O’Neal likes to say, sometimes you just have to put things into business terms.

Institutions of higher learning depend on strong marketing in order to attract students and grow, and in the world of collegiate business, there are two things that dominate marketing strategies and identity: scholarly research and athletic programs.

Some schools have mastered both.

Take Stanford and Duke for example, two universities who are known for their athletic dominance as well as their contributions to the world of academia. Regardless of what the niche is, every top, well-known institution markets itself as at least one of these things. The Ivy League, for example, maintain their names from leading research and the top scholars in the world who work there.

At St. John’s, our business has always been basketball. It’s the University’s central marketing point, our claim to fame. The school pumps more money into athletics, and especially basketball, than any other part of the University, and they do so for the national attention it can bring.

Across the country, we’re seen as a basketball school, and to deny that is to have a misconception about this University’s identity.

Regardless of the marketing tool that an institution identifies with, the common thread that quality research and athletics have in common is that they demand lots of money. Just as Brown University pumps enormous sums into its medical research and preserves top-notch resources, Michigan State spends liberally on selling their brand as an athletic powerhouse.

It seems as if the current administration of St. John’s has only just started to realize this, and thank goodness for that. If they hadn’t, the Johnnies would have entered another season with a dead-end coach and a broken contract with the Garden, their legendary Big East home. They would have been stuck once again with no prospects, an uninterested student body, and no national attention.

For the past two years the University has tried to tackle the student engagement issue by filling seats at games and increasing student turnout at events. The TORCH has repeatedly criticized the University’s attempts at improving student engagement, but not because we disagree with getting students excited about their school. It has always been about the tactic, because offering free Metrocards and incentive points is a small start, but going to a sports-oriented school—that actually has a winning team—trumps all. It’s what St. John’s is supposed to be.

Paying the big bucks for Lavin was an investment that is already paying off, and will only continue to do so as the program continues to develop into a relevant name again.

As a freshman, I attended a Big East game on campus and saw a mediocre opponent embarrass my school.

The score was awfully depressing, but made worse by the anemic atmosphere surrounding me: a scarcity of students and half-empty student section, as well as more red seats than bodies.

Watching St. John’s beat then No. 9 Notre Dame two weeks ago at the Garden was a stark contrast from that dire atmosphere. There was excitement for an early start game against a top team, and there were student fans out in force filling up the Garden.

From watching the TV broadcast, you might have thought that St. John’s had one of the larger fan bases in NCAA basketball. It certainly looks like we’re heading back in that direction, and the country is surely taking notice.

The resurgence of the Red Storm has proven why the basketball team is so important to this University. Students showing up at games and talking about it around campus means there’s some unity that didn’t exist last year.

It’s our personality as a big university, and you don’t need to be a sports fan to appreciate what it all means.

If you ask me, things are looking up at St. John’s. We’re slowly making a comeback as a school known across the nation, and we’ve got Steve Lavin to thank for it.

Justin Thrift is a senior English major who is jumpin’ on the St. John’s bandwagon.

He can be reached at: torcheic@gmail.com

TORCH ILLUSTRATION BY MICHAEL MONTIJO

TORCH Opinion

online at torchonline.com/opinion

7

Putting the Super Bowl in perspective

There’s no more enjoyable way for me to spend a Sunday afternoon than on the couch, watching football, or soccer, or hockey, and even though the banality and faux machismo of baseball makes me loathe it, people love sitting on their couches and watching that too, and that’s fine.

To those that do not enjoy sports and see them as a waste of time, I would argue that at the core of sports is human history itself; our minds constantly try to understand the limits of the human body, and to see other humans use their bodies in ways that we cannot is inherently interesting.

So many films, photographs, works of art, songs and literature are inspired by the physical limits of the human body and our constant struggle to make ourselves do new things through sport.

Sports also bring communities together, and are generally fun to play.

The pinnacle of athletics in America is the Super Bowl, and anybody who argues against that is wasting their breath.

The Super Bowl attracts 80 million more

viewers than anything else on American television, and the AFC Championship game this year featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets attracted roughly 41 million viewers, which does not even account for the tens of millions more who watched in bars or at parties.

The fans at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field roared as the Jets hung their heads and left the field, and Ben Roethlisberger, two-time Super Bowl Champion and Steelers quarterback, buried his face in a shirt, kneeling near the end zone in a solemn display of emotion. Ben climbed up to the podium and was greeted by CBS Sportscaster Jim Nantz.

“God is good” were the first words out of Ben’s mouth. As I was still reeling from this response, Nantz had the gall to start his next question with the words, “With all you’ve been through this year…,” and at that point, I think I threw up a little bit.

“With all you’ve been through.” Really!? Yes, Jim Nantz and Ben Roethlisberger were kind enough to remind us that the real victims in cases of sexual misconduct are the assailants. Did you victims ever once stop to think about how you might be affecting your attacker’s life? Some people are just so selfish.

Absolutely ridiculous. Ben didn’t go through anything—he put others through stuff. Why has this become a story of redemption? Ben has been a symbol of reckless behavior before; a few years

ago, he crashed his motorcycle helmetless, completely ignoring the multi-million dollar investment the Steelers organization put into him to be the face of their franchise.

Then years of allegations finally caught up to him and he was suspend-

“

But you needn’t worry America – Ben is fine. He’s overcome his adversity. He even said that ‘God is good,’ so that means he’s a Christian and a good person.

Geek is becoming “chic”

How do you feel about the changes made at the D’Angelo Center food court over break?

I like that there are fountain sodas now, as opposed to cans. And I like Nathan’s.

Iredia Olaye Sophomore

I think it’s good to have the soda fountain, it’s more economical for students.

Daniel Bresee Sophomore

The TORCH

I didn’t notice the changes much.

Sade Vaughn Senior

I think its a plus if it doesn’t raise our tuition.

Steven Hernandez Freshman COMPILED BY THOMAS CARNEVALE

torchonline.com

Mark McDonald is a junior business major.

He can be reached at: torchads@gmail.com

STUDENTSPARKS: D’Angelo

26 Jan. 2011

the Wild West, and the future of computing is looking more like a Mickey Mouse cartoon.

With devices like the iPad, developers and programmers are hindered by the device’s lack of functions. The path for the masses will be tablets, secure ecosystems, and simple interfaces. The path for developers and power-users is getting harder and harder to identify.

The standard desktop has been the computer of choice for developers for many years. Now, however, those tastes may see a slight change. Regardless of operating system, all of the desktops out there do basically the same things. The idea has always been that more power is the key to progress.

Newer computers need faster, more powerful hardware. Now, more effective hardware may be the key.

Whether it’s specialized graphics cards, dedicated physics processing, or entire processors free to be hacked and programmed, the desktops of the future will be wide open.

In the same way that a muscle car could be taken apart like building blocks, these computers’ secrets will be easily uncovered and exploited.

While many have been against one side or the other, I believe that there are places for both forms of computing. As the hybrid version we’ve enjoyed for so long fades away, an even bigger adventure waits on the horizon.

Medical breakthroughs, scientific discoveries, and the next hit video game all lie in the future of these open and hackable machines.

While computing may be getting dumbed down in one sense, it’s also pushing forward into new frontiers. The future of technology is brighter than ever, and our lives continue to intertwine with technological advancements.

Just because development may be split along two paths doesn’t mean the future can’t be twice as great.

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

OPINION

As strange as it seems, nerdiness seems to be “in” right now. Whether it’s inspiration from The Big Bang Theory or the onslaught of comic book movies that have been invading theaters, the world is currently infatuated with the world of nerds.

In many ways, “geek chic” is a victory for people who have spent their lives playing with 20-sided die and plumbers who eat mushrooms. Technologically, however, that may not be the case. The rise of geek chic may be splitting the advancement of computers into two different paths.

The Apple iPad has been, without a doubt, a breakaway success. Its simple interface in addition to pick-up and go design have garnered praise across all age groups.

As people everywhere cried out about viruses and computer crashes, Apple made the tablet for the masses.

In making the iPad, Apple also eliminated many things that computer “power-users” love. To create a nearly foolproof computer, Apple had to create a closed ecosystem for the users. Apps need to be downloaded straight from Apple, and the freedom of a normal computer is all but lost.

Years ago, computers were an extremely niche market. To have a computer in your house, you not only needed the money to buy one, but the knowledge to use one. Even computers like the Commodore 64, once considered to be user-friendly, are a nightmare for anyone who isn’t familiar with terminals and basic coding.

The early days of computing were like

”

ed for his sexual misconduct (though never formally charged, the officer who took the report later resigned because he made disparaging comments about the victim while at the scene, even joking with Ben).

Now we are treated to stories about Ben overcoming his adversity. His ad-

versity? I wasn’t aware that you create your own adversity and then overcome it. Adversity is an unfortunate situation or simple misfortune. If even half of the rumors of Roethlisberger’s conduct are true (and there are many), it seems to me he got exactly what he wanted out of the situation for a long time: to use his celebrity status to do inappropriate things, and then to avoid getting caught for it.

So now that he has been caught he’s facing adversity?

Victims of sexual assault can develop fears of intimacy, feelings of shame, and have the memory of it in their heads for their whole life. And could you imagine if you were violated by somebody, then had to see their face on the most watched program in America?

But you needn’t worry America – Ben is fine. He’s overcome his adversity.

He even said that “God is good,” so that means he’s a Christian and a good person. Never mind the fact that there could be women out there traumatized by his actions.

So come Super Bowl Sunday, I will be on my couch, rooting for the Packers, a team that over the last 20 years has only had 33 percent of its starting quarterbacks send unsolicited photos of their penises to a woman. And I guess, for pro athletes, that’s progress.

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Features

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Cutting the winter blues at St. John’s JOANNA ADDUCI Staff Writer

FEATURES

As the New Year marches on, students try to get in shape quickly and at a low cost. Whether you are trying to keep your New Year’s Resolution by hitting the gym or getting involved with an intramural sport, St. John’s has a multitude of options to help you.

Head over to Carnesseca and swipe your Storm Card for the ultimate fitness experience. The gym facility offers various cardio machines such as treadmills and ellipticals, while still offering numerous strength-training options. Everything is separated in an organized and efficient way, making it easy for students to have a great workout.

There are two floors in the gym. The first floor consists of mostly strength training equipment – free weights and weight machines. As you head up the stairs, you can go to the left for more weight equipment or to the right for cardio machines. If you choose strength training, the facility offers various machines to build biceps or tone thighs. On the other side, treadmills, ellipticals, Stairmasters and numerous cardio machines offer students the option to cut weight and shape up.

If working out alone doesn’t appeal to you, take advantage of the group fitness classes through campus recreation. This is a great alternative to long, stagnant workouts. With a variety of new and fun classes, students are guaranteed to have a great workout experience.

For a more intense experience try Karate, Spin, Judo or Boxing.

“I love the spin classes, they offer such a good workout,” says student Al-

26 Jan. 2011

wraps, and the D’Angelo Center is a great place to grab a coffee or yogurt.

“I usually go to the Law School café for breakfast, they have really good egg sandwiches. Just ask for wheat bread and no cheese, and you’re good to go,” says junior Jehan Ibrahem.

If you’re looking for something more personalized, visit the office of Wellness Education or consult the “Nutrition Newsletter” for helpful handouts

for eating-on-the-go.

Small steps guarantee success for a healthy lifestyle and St. John’s has all of the resources to succeed. Making small changes such as walking to campus or taking the stairs are a guaranteed way to ensure results. From group classes to a resourceful athletic facility filled with cardio and strength-training equipment – there’s no excuse to be out of shape this winter.

The director of the Toxicology Program shares her passion of the field Staff Writer

The TORCH

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

St. John’s offers many fitness classes for students to stay in shape.

Dr. Sue Ford encourages toxicology students MELISSA MCGRATH

torchonline.com

exandra Finnie, who takes advantage of the classes weekly.

If you’re looking for something a bit less aggressive, try Yoga, Pilates, Abs or Cross-Fit. Finally, for a more dance-oriented workout, try out Hip-Hop, Zumba, African Dance, or Belly Dance. The class schedule is available online, running from noon until 8:00 p.m. on most days.

Most gym memberships cost around $50 a month, while the gym facilities in Carnesseca, complete with fitness classes are free for St. John’s students.

Self-Defense classes are a great offering from Campus Recreation, as most defense schools charge $50-$100 a month for instruction. All women should look into taking a self-defense class before graduating, as it can be an important asset later in life. Living in an urban area, and working as independent people, this is a great background to acquire.

Perhaps you’re looking for a more sports-oriented workout. From basketball to softball, intramural sports teams offer a group atmosphere which is both competitive and challenging.

Campus Recreation describes intramural sports as “a fun but competitive program that gives students the chance to play and have the chance to compete both regionally and nationally against other inter-collegiate teams.”

Numerous students have become involved with intramural sports in an effort to become actively involved and meet new people.

A healthy diet, made possible through numerous dining options on and off campus, is also a great way to quick start your routine. Montgoris offers an extensive salad bar, the café’ in Marillac offers soups and multigrain sandwiches and

Dr. Sue Ford has a strong dedication to her field and a passion for encouraging her students to think outside of the box. Having been committed to the University for 24 years, which offered the first toxicology program in the nation, she has earned many honors and has given back doubly to the scientific community at large.

While Dr. Ford is currently the director of the toxicology program and an associate professor of pharmaceutical science at St. John’s, toxicology wasn’t always the focal point in her studies. During her undergraduate years at Cornell and continuing to her graduate studies at Michigan State, she focused on the study of nutrition.

It wasn’t until her post doctorate fellowships that she discovered experimental toxicology by working with cell cultures in examining how certain drugs affected the kidney. She worked with en-

vironmental chemicals, such as various metals, pharmaceutical drugs and with chemicals in foods to “understand the effect on the body and to expose the risks posed by these drugs.”

Through working with cell cultures to attempt to determine the effects of certain drugs, Dr. Ford discovered that she wanted to improve cell culture methods so that she could “find out if the use of cell cultures is good in predicting toxicity in drugs.” While this is a method that is improving, Dr. Ford clarifies that it is important to “do animal testing in order to see the side effects.”

Besides teaching, Dr. Ford is involved in the Society of Toxicology with her colleagues and students. She is also the President of the Invitro and Specialty Methods section of the Society.

Ford discussed how the Regional Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Society of Toxicology “is very encouraging with the students because they want to support the students and have them pursue a profession in the field.”

Besides being involved with the Society, Dr. Ford is a Vincentian Fellow and helps the Center for Teaching

and Learning as a Tech Fellow and with the T3 Program, which helps encourage using technology in classrooms by providing grants.

As a result of all of her hard work, she has received the Award for Undergraduate Teaching and the Award for Future Leaders, among several others.

And, because of her expertise, Dr. Ford was interviewed by CBS for a special on chemical terrorism.

But, above all this, Dr. Ford says that her most proud accomplishments were the “courses [she] helped develop in toxicology that was not limited to just lectures and chemicals—it’s applied to issues of public health.”

She pushed the curriculum at St. John’s by asking students questions that require them to think outside of the box like “What is safety?” which challenges students “[to think] as scientist instead of just like the public.” She helps to bring risk assessment into the curriculum as well, which is “unusual for undergraduates to address.”

Another way Dr. Ford encourages students to think outside the box is by hosting an annual Toxicology Expo in

the spring with a keynote speaker, poster sessions for the students to show their research, and the presentation of the seniors’ capstone projects—which incorporate risk analysis by using “hypothetical disasters, set in the U.S., such as accidental crop dusting of pesticides over a city and evaluating how dangerous this would be if it happened.”

She helped to develop this expo in order to give the students an opportunity to show professionals what they have learned.

“I want the seniors to have a feel of a press conference by planting certain professionals in the crowd to ask [situational] questions,” said Dr. Ford.

Also, in the spring, Dr. Ford is helping to host a movie series on water security and pollution as another opportunity for students to learn more about other scientific issues that are facing society at large.

“A toxicology major is an excellent science major and is constantly expanding,” said Dr. Ford. “[This is] because humans are finding more and more ways to poison themselves which makes the toxicology major relevant.”

Yay or nay – Finals Week of Instruction CAROLYN WARGULA Features Editor

With the new schedule changes last fall semester, St. John’s offered a Finals Week of Instruction rather than the regular format of a Finals Week. Last semester, students took their finals as well as attending classes in the same week, bringing chaos not only for students, but also for the professors required to grade finals and teach simultaneously.

The University posted a poll on St. John’s Central asking the students’ opinions concerning changing the format of Finals Week. If the University does make these changes, five minutes will be added to most class meetings to meet the New York State Education Department requirements.

“I wouldn’t say I approved of the new schedule, as much as I just had to force myself to adjust,” said sophomore, Yenessi Silie concerning the schedule changes.

“I still believe that last year’s schedule structure was more conducive to my learning experience.”

Since the schedule changes were put into effect last semester, St. John’s has implemented twice a week 80 minute classes and three hour classes on Wednesdays.

Many students seem to be adjusting to the new schedule and are surprised that they like the new routine.

However, specifically for language classes, professors found difficulty in teaching twice a week instead of three times a week as language classes were offered in the past.

“I’ve lived forty years with this old schedule so adjusting to the new way is difficult,” said Dr. Robert Forman. “I can live with it, but I wouldn’t mind them going back to the old schedule.”

Students who had multiple finals on

the same day felt pressure attending class and studying at the same time. Lauren Smyth is a sophomore who had four finals on the same day and was unable to switch any of her tests to another day.

“I had no time to study at all,” said Smyth. “Everything was rushed and thrown at me and I know a lot of people felt that way.”

Even Silie complained that because of the Finals Week of Instruction, she lost some valuable study time.

“I wasn’t a fan of the way finals week of instruction was set up. Having to go to classes while finals were going on cut into and in fact wasted much of my study time,” said Silie.

Even professors found flaws with the Finals Week of Instruction because they were instructing as well as grading papers and finals simultaneously.

“I think most students as well as professors find this burdensome,” said Dr. Forman.

Most students agree that a change in the structure of finals week is necessary because it specifically affects their grades.

“I know people whose grades were affected. A lot of people had to focus on other classes and juggling a lot of other things at once,” said Smyth.

Even Rubin agreed that she liked the old format of finals week because it allowed for a full week dedicated to studying.

“The finals week was very beneficial because there was a longer amount of study time. People would have done a lot better especially in chemistry and biology because there’s so much material to study and not enough time,” said Rubin.

However professors say that they must consider the stress during finals week as a natural part of the equation

and an approach towards the end of the semester. Professor Jeremiah Hickey believes that students and professors can easily adjust to the structure of a Finals Week of Instruction.

“While almost all professors lost a lot of sleep at the end of the semester, we professors know that this will be the case and must adjust our teaching, family, research, and grading time accordingly,” said Professor Hickey.

Specifically with the new poll on St. John’s Central, students are eager to see

the administration make changes concerning the Finals Week of Instruction.

However Silie stays cynical to the university changing their plans.

“I’d like to think that they’ll take our opinions into account and do what they know they should and change this, but unfortunately, it’s hard to say,” said Silie.

Smyth, on the other hand stays optimistic to change.

“Just because we have this new schedule doesn’t mean we can’t make a couple changes.”

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

Many students felt that a Finals Week was more conducive for studying.

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the band’s sixth album The King is Dead

26 Jan. 2011

The Month of the Decemberists Inferno reviews

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Romance Never Looked So Good NO STRINGS ATTACHED: MUST-SEE FILM FOR COMMITMENT-PHOBES AND RELATIONSHIP FANS ALIKE VANESSA VILSAINT Contributing Writer NO STRINGS ATTACHED OUT OF 4 STARS

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fter seeing No Strings Attached the question on everyone’s mind is “Can best friends just have sex?” Directed by Ivan Reithman, No Strings Attached is the romantic comedy of the season.

With laughter and romance, Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher have good chemistry together.

Throughout the film Kutcher and Portman deliver a convincing portrayal of two friends who get caught up in a game made and played by their own rules. Adam (Kutcher) first met Emma (Portman) when they were children at summer camp. After reuniting years later, they soon become best friends. One night they end up sleeping together, turning one frisky encounter into a “friends with benefits” relationship with one important rule: no falling in love.

Both characters bring an emotional balance that is entertaining to watch. Adam is a romantic but has his heart broken after ex-girlfriend Vanessa (Ophelia Lovibond) starts dating his famous dad (Kevin Kline).

Emma is a skeptic and finds the notion of emotional love to be irrational. However, she still enjoys sex and since she doesn’t have the time or desire to be involved with someone, she bares it all for Kutcher. As likable as Kutcher’s character is in the film, it’s Portman who unsurprisingly steals the show. With the timely release of Oscar nominations, fans and critics alike are curious to see if Portman will win the Oscar for “Best Actress” this year, for her role in Black Swan.

No Strings Attached doesn’t stray far from your

PHOTO COURTEST OF NOSTRINGSATTACHEDMOVIE.COM

a Natalie Portman returns to the big screen with a lighter performance than her Black Swan role to play Ashton Kutcher’s love interest in a fun film about keeping a physical relationship platonic. classic romantic comedy. However, the rapport between Portman and Kutcher is what makes it unique. The supporting cast gives audiences more to laugh about with appearances from Kline, Lake Bell, Mindy Kaling, Greta Gerwig, Jake Johnson and Chris Bridges, otherwise known as rapper Ludacris. Some caveats include dull stretches of scenes that are a bit cliché. Although the main characters try to avoid

romantic entanglement, it is obvious that there are feelings behind their actions, like Adam making a mix CD for Emma when she’s on her period.

This film offers a refreshing perspective on the kind of relationship many can relate to. With an A-list cast and Valentine’s Day less than a month away, No Strings Attached is the ideal movie for a date night.

Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret INFERNO OFFERS THE HOTTEST VENUES IN TOWN AND THE CITY FOR A PERFECT NIGHT OUT JOSHUA BAILEY Staff Writer

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PUBLICASSEMBLYNYC.COM

Public Assembly offers diverse shows such as “Monday Night Burlesque” and “The Bunker.”

ith a name like Public Assembly, one would expect to come across a gathering of people you see on the train or bus everyday on the way to school. However, once you step inside, the scene is quite the opposite. For those eager to find a place to relax, kick back and enjoy a good show, this venue is the place for you.

Located at 70 North Sixth Street in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, Public Assembly gives a feeling of an off-the-beaten-path dive due to the lack of major streets and avenues surrounding the area. The L train takes you within three blocks of the building, but do not blink or you may stroll right by it.

According to its website, publicassemblynyc.com, the 4,000 square foot venue was built out of an old industrial factory. Its exterior is adorned with a dimly lit sign with the building’s name, but nothing else would reveal the club atmosphere inside.

Stepping into the venue, you notice three things: the vast space the bar takes up (about ¼ the length of the area), a stage and a dark seating area in the back with candle-lit tables.

Known for the various live music and off the wall feature shows, Public Assembly attempts to provide a good time for everyone. Numerous indie bands play on any given night along with performances by the BluRoc Records lineup of Stalley, Ski Beatz and the Senseis, Dynasty Electric and several other rappers.

However, what keeps people coming back are the shows such as “Monday Night Burlesque,” and “The Bunker” on Friday nights. The burlesque show

is an effective crowd-pleaser (imagine the movie Chicago in a club setting). The draw of Public Assembly is its ability to combine an entertainment show with a club/bar.

Although found in a “hipster” area, Public Assembly successfully brings different types of people into the venue. To dress appropriately, you need to simply be casual. The cover charge for entry into the venue is ten dollars all night, every night. It is open nightly from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., and 4 a.m. on the weekends. The venue’s ambiance serves as a great place for diverse groups and individuals to come and enjoy the shows. For those looking to unwind, a full bar is available. Like most bars you come across in New York City, the drinks are a bit overpriced, but for those who don’t enjoy carrying cash, credit cards are accepted.

If you’re looking for the ideal hangout spot and the best shows, head to Public Assembly on Mondays, Fridays or Saturdays.

The crowds can get a bit overwhelming and seat availability is not always guaranteed. But once the artists come onstage, one hardly notices. A cheap hangout spot with a great atmosphere, Public Assembly is an awesome place to expand your musical intelligence and culture.

Want more Entertainment?

Visit our website at www.torchonline.com

The Decemberists Return To Form THE BAND’S SIXTH ALBUM THE KING IS DEAD PROVES WHY THEY STILL ROCK PETER LONG Staff Writer THE KING IS DEAD OUT OF 4 STARS

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he Decemberists’ last album Hazards of Love certainly wasn’t a departure from their title as one of indie-rock’s most diverse and densesounding bands, but the album’s concept (a confusing tale of fairies and villains) did lean away from the band’s usual habit of superb storytelling and their ability to convey their complex poetry across to the listener.

On their newest album The King is Dead, guitarist, lead singer and songwriter Colin Meloy returned to form as one of best songwriters in contemporary rock.

In the song “June Hymn,” a ballad depicting the beginning of summer, imagery beams from lines such as “hear the hymn to welcome in the day/heralding a summer’s early sway” and “pegging clothing on the line/training jasmine how to vine.”

Howling harmonica (which is presented beautifully on most of the album) kicks open the first track “Don’t Carry It All” which sounds almost like a proclamation with an opening line of “Here we come to a turning of the season.” This

is also the first of three tunes that feature R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, who incorporates the mandolin which he made famous on the R.E.M. standard “Losing My Religion” and the clingy sound of a Rickenbacker guitar.

Buck’s third appearance on the album is also the album’s first single “Down

By The Water,” a harrowing rock song cemented with country twang thanks to guest background vocalist Gillian Welch. The unexpected cameo by the Grammy winner gave the album what it needed: a powerful mid-tempo rocker that contrasted against the folk-pop ballads.

The Wilco-esque “Rise to Me” and the folk-pop hoedown of “All Arise!” make this a diverse album with hints of indie-folk and country with lyrics that are optimistic and promising.

As the band’s sixth studio effort, The King is Dead outshines them all in their young careers. From guest spots and vivid lyrics to the band’s return to their roots embedded in rock, the album is as good as any they have released and possibly the best of the year.

PHOTO COURTEST OF DECEMBERISTS.COM

The Decemberists comprise of six members: (from left to right) Nate Query, Jenny Conlee, John Moen, Colin Meloy and Chris Funk.

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Storm find no shelter

Men’s Basketball team drops second straight since win over Irish BILL SAN ANTONIO Sports Editor The St. John’s men’s basketball team came home after a blowout loss to Louisville looking to get back on track.

But even though the Red Storm didn’t

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have an outing as poor as its 25-turnover performance against the Cardinals, they still fell to No. 25 Cincinnati (17-3, 4-3), 53-51 before a sellout crowd of 5,602 at Carnesecca Arena, in the first of a homeand-home series with the Bearcats.

“We always want to come out and perform at a high level at home in front of the fans so they come out and support every night out,” senior guard Dwight Hardy said. “We don’t look at it as a disappointment. We always come to the game feeling that we should win the game. Being that we didn’t, we know that we play them again and for us to win up there on the road, it will be an equal opportunity to get them back, just to get them back.”

The teams traded leads nine times over the course of the game and five times in the final seven minutes.

But with eight seconds remaining in the game, Bearcats forward Yancy Gates made a bank shot over Justin Burrell that gave the Bearcats the lead for good.

“They were denying and taking us out of our offense so I wanted to go to something where we could get the ball close to the basket by giving it to Yancy Gates as tight as we could close to the rim,” Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin said.

Cronin said he wanted to use a play that would only require one pass.

“Rashad Bishop did a great job in getting Yancy the ball and he did a good job taking his time to get the shot off,” Cronin said. “I think Justin Burrell stopped him three times on that play, but Yancy refused to settle for a jump shot or any type of fadeaway. It was a great individual play by Yancy in that situation.”

St. John’s (11-7, 4-3) shot close to 40 percent from the field but just 46 percent from the free throw line, a 12-for-26 clip.

The Red Storm had an opportunity to extend its 51-50 lead with eight seconds left when Dwight Hardy was sent to the line, but the senior missed the front end of the one-and-one.

“I’m a 90 percent free throw shooter,” Hardy said. “I should have made the shot.

Unfortunately I missed it short. Next time I know I’ve just got to get more legs into it and I’ll be fine.”

“I think we’re shooting at a good percentage in the league in free throws anyway. For us to come out and shoot 12-for26, I just think our concentration needs to be up more and we just need to be more flexed at the line and just settle down and knock them down.”

St. John’s forced 17 turnovers against Cincinnati and scored 20 points off turnovers. Hardy and senior guard D.J. Kennedy tied for the team-high 10 points.

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

Dwight Hardy missed a crucial one-and-one free throw that could have extended the Red Storm’s lead late in the game Saturday.

SPORTS

26 Jan. 2010 The TORCH

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Fightin’ Irish deliver knockout Women’s Basketball team allows 15-3 run in first half to open floodgates MIKE GURNIS Staff Writer

Last Tuesday, the No. 23 St. John’s women’s basketball team had arguably one of it’s best performances of the season in a 29-point blowout win over Cincinnati, and it seemed as if the Red Storm were just beginning to hit their stride.

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But on Jan. 23, things took a sudden downturn, as the Red Storm were blown out on the road 69-36, against No. 11/10 Notre Dame.

The loss drops the Red Storm to 14-6 overall, and 3-4 in the Big East, while Notre Dame improved to 17-4 overall and 6-1 in the Big East.

“It’s really tough, I think Notre Dame is a great team, and they’re probably going to finish in the top ten, top five teams in the country,” said Head Coach Kim Barnes Arico. “Playing at their place, it was the first time for a lot of the kids in the program, so it was a really tough experience. So we’ve just got to bounce back and continue to improve.”

The loss continued a stretch of consecutive road losses against top 25 teams dating back to Jan. 2007.

“We’re not really focusing on that,” Barnes Arico said of the streak. “We’re just focusing on getting better, trying to improve every day, and hopefully win

some games down the line. We’ve got a lot of road games this year, being away from home, and I think all of these experiences, whether they’re wins or losses will hopefully help us down the stretch.”

The Red Storm were led by Senior Centhya “Coco” Hart, who had a teamhigh of eight points, while Sophomore Shenneika Smith contributed seven points in the losing effort.

“It was really disappointing. I feel like we’re a much better team than what we showed, but we can’t just be sad over this loss, we just have to practice and get ready for our next game,” said Nadirah McKenith, who contributed six points and six assists.

Things just did not go well for St. John’s in many areas. The Red Storm hit just three out of eleven free throws, while Notre Dame went 10-for-14. Notre Dame also outrebounded St. John’s 42-31, and the Red Storm shot a mere 32.6 percent from the floor.

“We need to work on our offense, because we didn’t really score that much, and we didn’t handle pressure that well,” said Coach Barnes Arico. “So we’ve got to work on handling defensive pressure, as well as finishing on the offensive end.”

St. John’s trailed 13-11 after the first official time out, but that would be the closest the Red Storm would get the rest of the game.

St. John’s trailed 39-21 at halftime, and then were outscored 30-15 in the second half to close out the 33-point blowout loss.

“I think their defensive pressure kind of wore us down a little bit, and forced us into turnovers, and then they were scoring off of our turnovers,” said

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

Senior forward Coco Hart led the Red Storm with 8 points.

Barnes Arico. “They got a lot of easy baskets in transition off of our turnovers. So I think their defensive

pressure kind of got to us after a certain period of time, and we kind of ran out of gas.”

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The TORCH

26 Jan. 2010

SPORTS

Cincinnati loss the worst of the young Lavin era With about 30 seconds left in St. John’s stunning home loss to No. 25 Cincinnati on Jan. 22, I sent a text message to a friend sitting in the student section.

“Scary thought,” it read, “but they’ve been here before.”

I sent that when the Red Storm clung to a one-point lead and Dwight Hardy stepped to the free throw line to shoot a one-and-one.

St. John’s had been in this position already this season, against St. Bonaventure, and was under similar circumstances last year against Marquette.

In each of those games, the opposition stormed up the floor and drained the game-winning shot, and there was the eerie sense that it could just as easily happen again if Hardy missed the free throw.

He did, the Bearcats’ Yancy Gates grabbed the rebound, and Cincinnati called timeout.

Suddenly, the question of who would join Andrew Nicholson and Jimmy Butler—those responsible for the game-winners for St. Bonaventure and Marquette, respectively—popped into my head.

Turns out, it was Gates, who backed down Justin Burrell and

powered his way to a bank shot from the left side and went to the line after the St. John’s forward fouled him on the shot attempt.

“I think Justin Burrell stopped him three times on that play, but Yancy refused to settle for a jump shot or any type of fadeaway,” Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin said. “It was a great individual play by Yancy in that situation.”

The individual play was something Cronin wanted to run the entire game for the junior forward, but the Red Storm’s defense had been so tight at times that the coach didn’t think his team could execute it.

St. John’s forced 17 turnovers, including four in the first five minutes of the game, but Cronin kept the play in mind throughout the game and unleashed it at the right time.

Strangely, the team wasn’t too upset with the outcome.

“I don’t think [the loss is] a disappointment,” senior point guard Malik Boothe said. “Nobody came into the locker room saying that they didn’t leave everything out on the court. We came in here and played a tough game. It was a game where not a lot of scoring was happening. It was just a tough shot at the end of the game that they made.”

Unfortunately, Boothe’s finding of a silver lining from Saturday’s game is like getting a C in math but being proud of your A in gym.

Head coach Steve Lavin echoed his point guard’s words, saying his team accomplished each of its goals against Cincinnati except coming away with the win.

“This week we asked the players three areas we really wanted to concentrate on and one was taking care of the ball, they delivered on that with nine turnovers,” Lavin said. “Another was to play through the post.

We executed very well in terms of getting paint-touches and post-touches. The third was competing and playing aggressively for 40 minutes, so all three of the aspects of play that we asked for this week, the kids

delivered on.”

St. John’s did come close to pulling the upset, but as the adage goes, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.

Against a ranked opponent, before the first sellout crowd at Carnesecca Arena in more than two years, with a senior-laden team and a head coach who has been the darling of the college basketball world, St. John’s inability to take control of the game led to its most disappointing loss of the season, even if the Johnnies won’t admit to it.

Sure, St. John’s stifled Cincinnati’s offense early, but the Johnnies squandered an early 8-2 lead and let the Bearcats go on an 11-0 run to close out the first half, forcing just one turnover during that span.

By not having the right guys get to the free throw line, the Red Storm also kept precious points off the board, points that would have widened any of the team’s leads throughout the game.

Cincinnati, under the strategy of fouling St. John’s big men, held the Red Storm to 12-of-26 from the line.

“We were trying to be committed by not giving up layups, especially to their big guys,

who have historically struggled in the Big East from the foul line,” Cronin said.

So for all of Sean Evans’ roars and fist pumps after drawing fouls, he went just 4-of-7 from the line, missing one free throw on each of his two-shot trips to the line. Burrell went 1-of-4.

In addition, Hardy and senior guard D.J. Kennedy— shooters who are nearly automatic from the stripe—went a combined 4-for-9, with Hardy’s missed one-and-one attempt being his first—and only—attempt of the game.

Despite this, the Red Storm managed to erase a seven-point deficit midway through the second half. However, they would volley the lead five times during the final seven minutes and rarely hold the lead for any longer than one possession.

As the crowd of 5,602 at Carnesecca Arena erupted with cheers after each Red Storm basket, Cincinnati drove up the floor and scored.

Cincinnati didn’t have many fans in the crowd wearing their black and red claw logo, but their defiance spoke louder than the Carnesecca crowd’s screams.

19

TORCH SPORTS

FENCING

STORM

CAST

Leavin’ their Mark

Bradley earns Top 10 finish on PGA tour Former St. John’s University Red Storm golfer Keegan Bradley posted his first Top 10 finish on the PGA tour with his seventh-place finish at the Bob Hope Classic in La Quinta, Ca. at the West Palmer Golf Course.

Having made the cut at the Sony Open in Hawaii a week ago, Bradley shot a 70 on his final round in the Bob Hope Classic to finish 23 under par and four strokes behind event winner Jhonattan Vegas.

Bradley earned $150,625 to bring his tour winnings to a tidy $161,020 sum through two events. He next competes at the Farmer’s Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego, Ca. from Jan. 27-30.

RedStormSports.com has started a Keegan Bradley tracker to allow students, alums and fans to follow his progress on the tour. He is currently ranked 34th in the FedEx Cup standings.

Lax

TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER

Both the men’s and women’s fencing teams finished 3-2 in the St. John’s Invitational, just one day after the men’s team went 5-0 and the women’s team went 3-2 in the NYU Invitational.

exhibition opener gets pushed back

The St. John’s lacrosse team’s Jan. 29 exhibition opener against UMass has been pushed an hour, from the game’s original 12 p.m. start to 1 p.m.

The scrimmage marks the first of two preseason contests. The Red Storm host Lafayette on Feb. 12.

The program also announced that its March 15 game against Stony Brook has been moved to 3 p.m.

Fencing teams go 3-2 in home tourney RYAN GORMAN Contributing Writer

Their next meet is February 27th, the National Squad Championships at West Virginia University.

“I think we can definitely win the NCAA championships with our men and women saber teams,” said Limbach.

• • •

•

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Headin’ this Way Red Storm home games

Lacrosse Jan. 29 UMass

1:00 p.m.

Men’s Basketball: Jan. 30 Duke

1:00 p.m.

Women’s Basketball Feb. 2

Rutgers

9:00 p.m.

torchonline.com

•

Date: Jan. 23, 2011 Location: Jerome S. Coles Sports Center at New York University Participants: NYU-host, St. John’s, Wayne State, Stevens, Ohio State, Yale, Columbia Men’s Finishes: wins over Wayne State, Ohio Stae, Columbia, Notre Dame, NYU Women’s Finishes: Wins over Wayne State, NYU, Columbia; Losses to Notre Dame, Ohio State

Dwight Hardy on the men’s basketball team’s rematch with Cincinnati on Feb. 13

The TORCH

Tracking the Storm: The NYU Invitational

“

26 Jan. 2010

Both the men’s and women’s teams defeated two-time defending National Champion Penn State at the St. John’s Invitational at Carnesecca Arena on Jan. 23 just one day after competing at the NYU Invitational.

The teams bested Columbia, Ohio State and Penn State in the first round, then fell to Notre Dame and Harvard later in the day to post 3-2 records for the one-day tournament.

Junior Nick Vomero posted an 11-4 record on the day to follow up his North Atlantic Cup win in Dallas, Tx. last week.

“I recently switched to a new coach a few months ago,” Vomero said. “He’s helped me tremendously. Very stressful, but I pulled it out, had a good record both days.”

Freshman Anna Limbach, who comes to St. John’s from Germany, also posted an 11-4 record on the day.

“I think I did a good performance, but I could be better. Definitely.”

Other Red Storm saberists had

great days as well. All-American senior Dagmara Wozniak was 12-3, defending National Champion Darryl Homer was 11-4, sophomore Alejandro Rojas was 10-4 and Evgeniya Kirpicheva was 10-5.

The previous day at NYU the women went 3-2 and the men 5-0.

We always come to the game feeling that we should win the game.

Being that we didn’t, we know that we play them again and for us to win up there on the road, it will be an equal opportunity to get them back, just to get them back.”-

SPORTS

Blowin’ in the Wind

SPORTS 26 JANUARY 2010 | VOLUME 88, ISSUE 12 | TORCHONLINE.COM

TORCH PHOTO/ KRISTEN FARMER

TORCHSPORTS.WORDPRESS.COM

The men’s basketball team lost its second straight game after a thrilling win over Notre Dame last week.

The women’s basketball team lost to Notre Dame on the road over the weekend.

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