TORCH IMAGE/BRIAN LOPEZ
Queens voters cast their ballots on Tuesday for the midterm elections at St. Nicholas of Tolentine school on Parsons Boulevard.
Cuomo elected governor, Avella trumps Padavan NELL O’CONNOR Managing Editor Andrew Cuomo won the race for governor of New York last night, defeating Republican candidate Carl Paladino early on in the evening, according to the New York Times and other news outlets. One of few Democrats who managed to hold their positions as Republicans achieved big gains across the board, Cuomo claimed victory before 11:30 p.m., giving a speech in front of supporters in midtown Manhattan. During the race, he and his opponent had waged an intense battle that was closely monitored by the media. Paladino had been highly criticized for his actions throughout the race, many of which were viewed as inappropriate and
unprofessional. The rest of the candidates for governor, all of who ran on third-tickets, each received around one percent or less of the vote. Joined on stage during his acceptance speech by his father, former governor Mario Cuomo, Cuomo promised to appease the people of New York’s anger and bring change to the state capital. “The people have spoken tonight and they have been loud and clear,” he said. “They are angry. They are paying for an economic recession they didn’t cause, they are frustrated when they look at the dysfunction and degradation in Albany. They want that government in Albany to change, and that’s what they are going to get.” Locally, the state senator representing St. John’s district, republican Frank Padavan, who had held his seat since 1973,
WHAT’S INSIDE News......................1-5 Comics.......................8 Opinion..................6-7 Entertainment....11-14 Features.............15-16 Sports.................17-20
lost to democrat and former City Councilman Tony Avella. Assemblyman David Weprin, a democrat, held onto his position which he had won in a special election earlier this year. In New York City, voters decided to revert term limits back to two consecutive from three. The measure had been altered several years ago to allow Mayor Bloomberg to pursue his current term. Voters also approved a measure that restructured several aspects of the current administration, including the election process. Across the state, projections had Democrats maintaining their hold, with both U.S. Senate incumbent candidates, Kristen Gillibrand and Charles Schumer claiming victory early on. Out of the 29 U.S. House seats up for grabs, an early CNN poll estimated that more than half would remain
MUSIC Runaway Love Inferno reviews Kayne West’s beautiful, dark, twisted film. ENTER RTAINMENT Pg. 13
in the party. Nationally, Democrats were dealt a huge blow when early projections showed the Republicans taking back control of the House. Although the party managed to barely maintain control of the Senate, they now have a much smaller margin to rely upon. Republicans also were reported to have picked up about nine governor positions from Democratic incumbents, according to CNN. This shift gave them a majority of governors, including several GOP women. Many likened the shift in House seats to the 1994 midterm elections, where Republicans took control of Congress during former president Bill Clinton’s first term. CNN reported that the GOP would pick up about 60 seats in the House, the largest swing since 1948.
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51% Yes 49% No Check out our new poll every Wednesday “Think Outside. . .”
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Directory
Managing Board LXXXVIII
JUSTIN THRIFT, Editor-in-Chief NELL O’CONNOR, Managing Editor MARK MCDONALD, General Manager SARA CAHILL MARRON BILL SAN ANTONIO
MICHAEL MONTIJO
News Editor
Sports Editor
Art Director
CAROLYN WARGULA
KRISTEN FARMER
SARAH LANE
Features Editor
Photo Editor
Chief Copy Editor
ADELLE PLATON
BRIAN LOPEZ
ELIZABETH MILLER
Entertainment Editor Asst. Photo Editor
Layout Editor
JOSÉ SILVA
ELLEN CAREY
Online Editor
Advisor
Business (718) 9906756 Advertising 990-6756 Editorial Board 990-6444
Features 990-6445 Letters 990-6445 News 990-6444 Sports 990-6444
Special thanks to Richard Rex Thomas for assisting in the design of The TORCH
Entertainment Breaking the Mold Brooklyn’s King and Queen return to New York City with a homecoming concert.
Inferno Pg. 14
Features Museum Touring Take advantage of the metropolitan area and visit some of the greatest museums in the country.
Features Pg. 15
TORCH PHOTO/BRIAN LOPEZ
A Queens man juggles flaming torches outside of a barber shop on Union Turnpike.
Men’s Soccer Protect this house
NEWS
Men’s Soccer team earns home game in first round of Big East tourney.
Sports Pg. 18
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The TORCH
3 Nov. 2010
OPINION PAGES 6-7
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.
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St. John’s improves grade on sustainibility report card
2011 COLLEGE SUSTAINIBILITY REPORT CARD ADMINISTRATION
SARA CAHILL MARRON News Editor
GRADE: A CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY
Greenhouse gas inventory update reported to PlaNYC 7% CO2 reduction for FY09.
GRADE: B FOOD AND RECYCLING
$125,000 of 2009-2010 food budget spent on purchasing food that was grown or raised locally.
GRADE: B GREEN BUILDING
D’Angelo Center opens December 2009. The 120,000 square foot Student and Academic Center is built to LEED silver standards.
GRADE: B STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
May 2010 “Lights Out Green In” event; Feb. 2010 Lucid design’s Dashboard “Residence Challenge” competition for energy reduction in residence halls; July 2010 Farm Tour, amongst numerous other events.
GRADE: A TRANSPORTATION
Five additional bicycle racks were installed July 2010.
GRADE: C ENDOWMENT TRANSPARENCY
The University makes a list of all holdings, as well as a list of votes cast on proxy resolutions on a company-specific level, including the number of shares available to trustees, senior administrators and other select members of the school community.
NEWS
GRADE: C INVESTMENT PRIORITIES
The University aims to optimize investment returns and does not invest the endowment in on-campus sustainability projects, renewable energy funds or community development loan funds.
SHAREHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS
GRADE: C
The University provides its investment managers with general guidelines that determine its proxy votes. In select cases, student representatives deliberate and make recommendations on proxy votes.
The results of St. John’s and other school’s 2011 College Sustainibility Report Card can be found online at www.greenreportcard.org.
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GRADE: C
3 Nov. 2010 The TORCH
St. John’s improved its Green Report Card grade this year. Receiving an overall rating of B-, the University was rated in categories such as food and recycling, green building, and the involvement of students, administrators and shareholders in promoting green initiatives. The College Sustainability 2010 Report Card is released annually by the Sustainable Endowments Institute (SEI). St. John’s received a C+ on the 2009 report card and a C- on the 2008 report card. SEI is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005. The institute conducts research and surveys of 322 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada for the report. Each school’s performance is assessed based on more than 120 questions and 52 indicators in nine categories: administration, climate change and energy, endowment transparency, food and recycling, green building, investment priorities, shareholder engagement, student involvement and transportation. This year was the first time the highest grade of A was received. Fiftytwo schools have earned A grades for this year along with an additional 45 schools that have recieved A- grades. St. John’s grades in individual categories ranged from C’s to A’s, the highest marks coming from administrative and student involvement. Student involvement is defined as the number of student groups that advocate for environmental issues on campus. Administration is rated according to its oversight of environmental initiatives on campus such as purchasing policies, efficient appliances, and eco-friendly cleaning products. In the category of climate change and energy, the University received a B grade. Green House Gas (GHG) emissions have been reduced based on the 2005 baseline year, but still do not generate any renewable energy. According to the Report Card, St. John’s has reduced GHG emissions by seven percent in two years. The University has committed a total of $23.5 million for energy plans to reduce green house gases to meet Bloomberg’s Mayoral Challenge of 30 percent reduction by 2017. The lowest C grades came from transportation, endowment transparency, investment priorities, and shareholder engagement. Shareholder engagement is rated based on committees formed to examine other sustainability-related resolutions rather than letting investment managers handle all the issues. According to Green Report Card’s website, approximately one in eight schools have an advisory committee on shareholder responsibility and the average grade for a school is a D. The University owns 45 cars, trucks and carts that are used around campus. Of these, 10 are 100 percent electric and 10 are gasoline-electric hybrids. A portion of the transportation survey asks if the school offers subsidies for the use of public transportation. The University answered no, but also said that many students utilize NYC public transportation. In an effort to make strides towards the Clean Air Campus initiative, a partner program for New York schools, the University is hoping to promote carpooling, the director of Environmental and Energy Conservation, Tom Goldsmith said. An electronic survey will be sent out for the first time this November to faculty and administrators to move toward a car-share program. Goldsmith has also been working with the Commuter Connection Committee about starting a survey among students to promote carpooling. Helen Kim is a junior and commutes to campus, sometimes offering her friends rides. “The days I drive, I will usually drop my friend off in Henley,” she said. “Carpooling is easy to do if it’s with friends, and I already do.” Goldsmith praised the Film Club for their involvement in the recycling competition held last year. The Film Club has created four short movies so far promoting recycling on campus and is working on two more. “Students have been putting in a lot of effort to promote environmental awareness,” Goldsmith said. Sophomore Misbah Hyder said the variety of trash receptacles on campus are an indicator that the University is attempting to go green. “I think they can do better, but their efforts are seen. An example would be the competition in the residence halls last semester, or even the three different types of trash receptacles all over campus,” Hyder said. Kim said that seeing these recepticals on campus makes her believe the University is doing its part to go green. “I think what the school is doing is okay,” Kim said, “we have all those separate containers for recycling. It seems to work.” Goldsmith is pleased with this year’s improvement on the grading scale. “I think it’s a good grade for our current condition,” he said. “It reflects hard work over the last three years. To get from a C- to a B- takes alot.”
December 2009 adopted STARS as the guideline for sustainable development and registered as STARS participant.
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Debate Society leads student workshop in Morocco JOSE SILVA Online Editor
NEWS
Two members of the St. John’s Debate Team traveled to Morocco last week to start what they hope will eventually become an international debate exchange program. Steve Llano, the director of the debate society, and Sanae Elmoudden, assistant professor of Rhetoric Communication and Theatre held a workshop with juniors Alisha Siqueira and Tim Barr to teach students from a local university the fundamentals of debate and argumentation. The workshop took place at the Institute for Leadership and Communication Studies, a university located in Rabat, the capital of Morocco. The group left for the five day trip on Wednesday Oct. 27. “The first day we went to the school and learned about the university. We got a tour of the campus, and the different clubs that the university has to offer,” Llano said. The experience included more than just debate. “I lived with a Moroccan family,” said Siqueira. “Staying with them rather than in a hotel really provided a glimpse into Moroccan life.” Llano spoke about the value of fostering this kind of international dialogue. “The education goes both ways,” he said. “We’re teaching them about
competitive debating and how to make a good argument and how to present yourself, and they are teaching us about their culture and the things that they value.” Barr said the cultural experience was one he will never forget. “I felt that the culture was beautiful because it was very open,” he said. “People were very friendly and the hospitality was enormous. People were very generous with their time.” Llano believes his students made a breakthrough in the debate culture at the I.L.C.S. “They didn’t have anything like this in Morocco but now that we’ve done it, the students think it’s really amazing and the faculty think it’s great, so they want to continue, they want to push it even further,” Llano said. Llano opened the idea of travelling PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE LLANO to Morocco to the whole debate team The Debate Society shares styles of rhetoric and argumentation with last spring, and selected two members to participate in the exchange this fall. students at a University in Rubat, Morocco. The decision on who to send was based on which debaters he felt were serious enough about the trip and had enough experience. “I thought they would be the best teachers,” Llano said, about Barr and Siqueira. “I thought they would have the most credibility where they could stand up in front of a group of students and confidently say ‘this is how to do it, let’s practice it together,” said Llano. Llano anticipates that more workshops like this one can be expected in the future.
torchonline.com
The TORCH
3 Nov. 2010
Italian Cultural dinner draws over a hundred students MELISSA MCGRATH Contributing Writer The Italian Heritage Dinner drew a large crowd last Thursday as the month celebrating Italian culture drew to a close. Carmela Scala, professor of languages and literatures, said the dinner was a huge success. “I was expecting around 60 people, but it turns out that over 160 people showed up,” she said. Scala helped organize the event and said she was very proud of the turn out. The dinner was not just aimed at the community members with Italian heritage, but the entire St. John’s community, which helped to showcase the unity and support for all cultures here at St. John’s. Maria Gambino, vice president of the Italian Cultural Society said the month is a way for students to “dip their feet” into
the Italian culture and help recruit and get students interested in the organization. Suzanne Hall said that during her five years here, this was her first time going to an event. “I saw it on the website and figured that I have to take advantage of the opportunities here. What I like about the event is that they recognize all cultures,” she said. Taifha Baker, a diversity peer educator, said that “this is my passion” and that she is proud to support events like this that help broaden student’s understanding of the world at large. Speaker Joseph Sciortino opened the event with a speech about the Italian spirit and responsibility to help the human race through education. With various awards, under his belt, he spoke of the importance of giving back to the community that supports its people. “Tonight, we’re family here. I am the other and the other is me. We are here
for one truth, one purpose: to better the common good and dignity of the human people,” Sciortino said. He talked about creating a “culture of peace” by supporting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and by infusing these values into the youth through education. Scala announced the recipients of four awards given by the Italian Cultural Society. The first award was given to the “Outstanding Staff Member” and was received by Elisa Martellacio, a graduate assistant with a Bachelor of Arts in Italian. The second award was given to Gamma Kappa Alpha Honor Society for recognition as an “Outstanding Greek Letter Organization.” The “Maria Montessori Award’s for Education” was given to three professors at the University who were recognized as examples of education and commitment to the scholastic community. Dr. Fiorrintina
Russo-Cipolla, Dr. Phyllis Povell, and Professor Annalissa Sacca were all recipients. An award for “Outstanding Student Leaders” was given out to students that participated in and organized the Italian Heritage month. Anthony Buscarino, Giuseppe Brunno-Chomin, president of Gamma Kappa Alpha, Maria Gambino, vice president of the Italian Cultural Society, and Rita Mannino, president of the Italian Cultural Society received this award. The night concluded with an Italian style dinner provided by Gino’s.
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Resistance movements characterized by art
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Tucumán Arde’s latest project featured in the ongoing Adult Literacy Program for immigrants RAMIRO FUNEZ Staff Writer The Committee for Latin American and Caribbean Studies (C.L.A.C.S.) held a workshop on art and resistance on Saturday, discussing the expression of revolutionary ideologies in Argentina through different mediums of art. The discussion primarily focused on a project named Tucumán Arde. The project is a collection of liberal artwork from the 1960’s that spoke out against oppression and poverty in cities like Rosario and Buenos Aires. The event is a part of the Adult Literacy Program, a series of free educational workshops designed by C.L.A.C.S. to benefit immigrants and their families. “This is the third time I do one of these workshops for the adult literacy program at St. John’s and I appreciate being here because I like sharing my knowledge with people who are immigrants, like myself, and sharing my knowledge with people who come to the university by doing this kind of work,” said Roberta Villalón, assistant professor of sociology at St. John’s and an affiliate of C.L.A.C.S. Villalón, a Ph.D and scholar of Latin American studies, hosted the event. Throughout her presentation, she discussed the main concepts within the Tucumán Arde revolution of art that greatly shaped the structure of Argentinean resistance movements.
Most of the pieces of art within the collection were designed by artists with feelings of solidarity towards those being oppressed by the government at the time. Villalón felt that St. John’s has given her the opportunity to host programs intended to enlighten people about artwork and history. “I think the university is very good in the sense of hosting events like these. They try to reach out to students who attend the school and teach them something new,” added Villalón. “It’s great that the university is devoted to these kinds of social justice programs that work with the whole community,” she said. In the past, C.L.A.C.S. has been involved with events involving family violence, immigration, and inequality within minority groups in the Americas. The organization has also been involved with immigration debates and discussions held by filmmakers that deal with gentrification in Harlem. “I thought it was a wonderful event because it was very informative,” said Gerry Lifrieri, a student who attended the event. “In our everyday lives, we tend to overlook art and not really look deeply into it even though it can affect change but I think it is something we should start looking more into and I think that it is important that students and adults continue to learn about struggles and about how we can force change,” added
COURTESY OF WWW.WDW.NL
Tucumán Arde archive circa 1968 entitled“Tucumán is Burning.” Lifrieri. The university will sponsor more events in the future that will discuss related topics within the Latino and Caribbean community. C.L.A.C.S. is also looking to usher in an era of broader student outreach that
will touch more members of St. John’s. “Education certainly goes far beyond the classroom and I think forums, discussions, and seminars like these are really important towards expanding knowledge to a greater community,” Lifrieri said.
NEWS
3 Nov. 2010 The TORCH torchonline.com
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Editorial Board LXXXVIII JUSTIN THRIFT Editor-in-Chief
Illustrator’s Corner:
NELL O’CONNOR Managing Editor SARA CAHILL MARRON News Editor MARK MCDONALD General Manager
FLAMES OF THE TORCH
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The TORCH
3 Nov. 2010
OPINION
Giving meaning to the vote On Tues., Nov. 2, 2010, people across the country walked into polling places to cast their votes in the crucial midterm elections. Many of them had spent weeks, if not months, researching, campaigning for and observing their candidates of interest. However, some voters went to the polls and voted using somewhat less discretion. In this country, we have Democrats, Republicans, and third-parties that are more than welcome in the polling place. What should not be welcomed, however, is being an uninformed voter. Going into a voting booth and casting a ballot for a candidate you know nothing or little about should not be an option. In an age where information is at everyone’s finger-tips, being uninformed is simply inexcusable. While we understand that voting is considered a democratic right inherent to all Americans, it is not something that should be taken lightly. Those who vote only because it is their right sometimes vote for the most widely known – be it positively or negatively – candidate, or for someone running on a seemingly outrageous or provocative platform. We at the TORCH have experienced this phenomenon. Several of our acquaintances, including past editors and associates, found themselves voting for the sake of voting. They picked candidates just to cast a ballot and to click the new “I Voted” button on Facebook. Voting is quickly becoming a “me too” activity more than a meaningful political action. Groups like Rock the Vote have persuaded people to go to the polls, but have been somewhat unsuccessful in convincing them to learn about the issues and candidates on their own prior to voting. It is strange seeing celebrities get people into voting
booths only to make decisions they are completely uninformed about. As previously mentioned, on Tuesday Facebook ran a tally of users who claimed to have voted. Throughout the day people updated their statuses and won stickers marking that they had visited a polling site. We at the TORCH feel that voting should be about more than bragging rights or keeping up with the Joneses. It should be about representing yourself and ensuring that your voice is heard. Voting in one direction or another can drastically change the direction that your neighborhood, state or your country moves in. This may seem like an overstatement. Many people feel that their one singular vote cannot possibly make a difference. They fall victim to the logic that the single voter is no longer relevant in American politics. However, if these voters are informed and truly know what their vote means, they will find that they make all the difference. Individuals should not fear being forgotten in the masses. It is better to try and be a part of the solution than to mindlessly be a part of the problem. This is why uninformed voting is hazardous to the health of American politics. It encourages citizens to sit back and hope for the best, without taking action. If the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, than isn’t a vote worth at least ten minutes of your time? We believe that this Tuesday’s Election Day should be a wake-up call to voters across America. Simply going to the polls is no longer the issue. Knowing why you vote is as important as knowing what to do with your vote. The system will only work if Americans give their votes the respect they deserve.
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorials are the opinions of the Editorial Board of The TORCH. Columns are the opinions of the author(s) and are not necessarily those of The TORCH. Opin-
ions expressed in editorials, columns, letters or cartoons are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty or administrations of St. John’s University.
TO CONTRIBUTE Mail letters to: The TORCH Letters, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy, Jamaica, NY 11439 E-mail letters to: torcheditorials@gmail.com
Please include your full name, year, and college (or department). Letters have a limit of 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.
TORCH ILLUSTRATION/MICHAEL MONTIJO
Letters to the editor To the Editor: I wanted to discuss the moral outrage I am feeling with St. John’s University, as a paying student. This school is currently ranked number 7 on the list of most diversified schools in the entire country - yet I feel that it is a sham. St. John’s rank can only be validated, logically, if one can show that it is truly diverse. A School needs to show that ALL diversities are accepted, welcomed, and supported on campus - and the sorry reality is that they are not, at least here at St. John’s. If the title of the list was the country’s top “selected diversities” then St. John’s could claim its rightful place. I am disgusted and outraged at the University’s conscious neglect of an entire sect of students - the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered group. I am completely aware of the University’s Catholic roots and determination to follow the letter of the doctrine published by the Vatican. The question that arises then, is it acceptable, as a consumer, to allow a place of higher education put more stock on a Church, and less on the students it is meant to serve? The primary purpose of a university, above all things, is to support the needs of the students, where ever and whenever they arise. This University has consciously and very clearly dismissed an entire group of students’ outcry for acceptance and respect. Is it really against the teachings of the Church, which in its own publications call for the acceptance of homosexuals everywhere, to allow students to form a LGBT group or organization on campus? The University has begun to develop and is soon to launch the program called “Safe Zone” which is meant to provide the LGBT community with appropriate and well-trained resources to go to. This group was a joint-task program started by administers and students, to help the University’s LGBT have one resource on campus directed towards them. In addition, the University has claimed to inte-
grate homosexual issues into the already running programs on tolerance, acceptance, violence, and bullying. But when it boils down to it, is that good enough? For me, the answer is a resounding NO! The question that must arise on a reasonable person’s mind is why are LGBT students denied to create an organization like a Gay/Straight Alliance, when every single student minority, interest, majority, or hobby has an outlet in the form of a club or activity on campus? Does the message of creating a small and extremely limited group of administrators and hand selected students, resound acceptance, or does it tell onlookers that we’re looking for smokescreen without meaning what we print on the procedures? We are meant to be Catholic - the universal - which accepts all people from everywhere no matter what. We are meant to be Vincentian - the guardian of the vulnerable - which protects those who need shielding from the harsh realities of the world. We are meant to be Metropolitan - the mixture of cultures - which brings together the different backgrounds of the world to co-exist harmonious. St. John’s in meeting these three aspects FAILS miserably. I hope this letter finds its way to every administrator, advisor, professor, doctor, provost, dean, and president at this university to serve as a wake-up call. Wake up and see that your failure to act is directly harming the students you are meant to protect and serve. Wake up to the reality that if you care about your students, then you would listen to what they tell you they need and want. Wake up to the fact that the world is changing, and you may have your traditional mind-set and deep seeded values, but those cannot impede on your students who look to you for knowledge, acceptance, and guidance. Wake up St. John’s and open your eyes to the twenty first century. -John Wilson Class of 2011
TORCH Opinion
online at torchonline.com/opinion
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A ranking system that works Why professors should consider the benefits of Ratemyprofessors.com
“
paring for a career, but it is also a business. The classes and professors are the service of an educational institution, and as customers who are paying a premium price to learn from these professors, students highly benefit from sites like Ratemyprofessors.com that can improve their experience in the classroom. I would argue that this site should not represent an annoyance or hindrance to professors: rather, it should be used as a tool for improving teaching skills. There is no better source available to modern professors to find out what their students really think of them. If a professor is serious about being the best they can be, acknowledging this site is a must. Ratemyprofessors.com is not about laziness or short-
In short, Ratemyproffesors.com allows students to design the best possible class schedule by avoiding professors that may negatively affect their transcripts.
”
cuts — it’s about having the best educational experience possible. Just as there will always be tenured professors who have lost the flame for teaching and young adjuncts who have barely mastered their subjects, there will also always be lazy students who don’t seriously care about their education. It works both ways, but for those professors and students who are serious about education, Ratemyprofessors.com provides a chance for teachers to grow and students to be fully prepared. It is a small instrument in the sometimes overwhelming world of academia, and I couldn’t be happier that it exists.
Justin Thrift is a senior English major who is relies on Ratemyprofessors.com when registering classes. He can be reached at: torcheic@gmail.com
OPINION
Three years ago at this time I figured out one of the keys to succeeding in college: Learn how to navigate around and utilize Ratemyprofessors.com. All students should heed this advice come registration season. Bookmark it on your browser and thank the universe every morning for its existence. It is the holy grail of academic tools. For those that need a synopsis of what this lifesaving site offers, it’s really quite simple. The site lists the nation’s colleges and universities and stores profiles of every professor — adjunct and tenured — that each institution employs. Students can log in and rate professors they’ve had in categories like clarity and helpfulness. Students can also leave comments about the class they took with that professor and offer advice based on their personal experiences. In short, Ratemyprofessors.com allows students to design the best possible class schedule by avoiding professors that may negatively affect their transcripts. There is of course another opinion of the site contrary to mine. Those who don’t support the website are typically — you guessed it — professors. This is understandable, as there are a number of initial reasons why professors might hate Ratemyprofessors.com. If you’re a student, envision a website geared towards your professors and orientated around assessing you and your peers’ intellects and performance in the classroom. The website’s philosophy claims to help professors “prepare” as they look over the students who are registered in their classes for the semester. This would essentially be Ratemyprofessors.com in reverse, and it would probably make most students cringe. Many professors probably disagree with the idea of students opting to take only the “easy” teachers. This opinion uses the logic that if a class isn’t challenging, it isn’t productive. Ratemyprofessors.com is a lazy cop out, they say, and it doesn’t reward professors who work hard to challenge and stimulate their students. With many of the professors I’ve talked to, there is
also some concern over the validity of the ratings. Professors might feel that this website inaccurately depicts the classroom environment they maintain. It makes sense that a professor may feel that is is a superficial review of them as professors and that it unfairly hinders their academic reputations. Fair enough. These points are valid, and I fully agree that it is impossible for the site to perfectly evaluate each and every professor (especially considering the unique opinions and experiences of each individual student). Furthermore, it must be a hard service to adjust to for professors who did not have this kind of service available when they were students. It is a brand new paradigm for how students assess their class options every semester. But for every reason that professors might have for disagreeing with the idea of a site like Ratemyprofessors.com, there is a corresponding reason that students have for worshiping it, and for why professors should reconsider quickly dismissing it. The biggest benefit of the site is that students can go and see which professors have been validated by their peers. Good ratings alone provide reassurance that the professor in question is good at his or her job, and in my experience the site’s ranking almost always matches up with my own assessment of the professors I’ve taken. In an ideal world, every professor who steps foot in a classroom would teach with enthusiasm and be compelling, passionate, interactive and incredibly knowledgeable on their discipline. But this is not the case. To argue otherwise would be without merit. In every profession there are many individuals that do their jobs well, some that do their jobs brilliantly, and some that generally underperform. In the medical field we get second opinions before operations; When we dine out we check restaurant reviews and ratings; When we need a plumber we get references from friends and search for feedback online. Ratemyprofessors.com is no different. Education is about developing the intellect and pre-
COMPILED BY THOMAS CARNEVALE
STUDENTSPARKS: Soccer 3 Nov. 2010
Are you going to the men’s soccer playoff game on Wednesday, and are you optimistic about their chances?
The TORCH
Steve Kuo Sophomore
No, I work. But I’m optimistic.
Andrew Gontce Freshman
No, I don’t have time and it’s cold outside.
Alex Kim Senior
I never planned on going, I know our soccer team is good but I don’t follow soccer. Henry Chow Sophomore
torchonline.com
No, I’m going home. We’re pretty good, we’ll win.
TORCHCOMICS 3 November 2010
Kitaro Jennifer Perez
The Adventures of rufus
James Kerigan
Elevator Man Jordan Baum
1-800 ARMSTRACO Johnathan Roman
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anberlin is the way The band returns with their fifth studio album and a live show Pg. 14
ENTERTAINMENT 3 Nov. 2010 The TORCH
torchonline.com
TORCH PHOTO/ KRISTIN FARMER
Runaway Love KANYE WEST EVOKES PRAISE FROM FANS AND CRITICS ALIKE MARIA YAP Staff Writer
A New Generation
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INFERNO PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON UPCOMING ARTISTS TO WATCH OUT FOR ABIGAIL HERNANDEZ Contributing Writer
B
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of the girls, as a powerful song that showcased their singing talents yet still had that hypnotizing choreography SNSD is known for. Since then they have fluctuated between cute song concepts like “Oh!” or darker themes such as “Run Devil Run.” Fortunately, the girls of SNSD sucessfully pull off any style. If their earlier songs are too tooth-achingly sweet for you, leader Taeyeon Kim has assured fans that they hope their music continues to grow with them as they get older. Their new mini-album, Hoot, solidifies her statement with the five songs that show a more mature side of the group and showcases their voices better than a cutesy pop sound could. The title track, “Hoot,” fits perfectly as their comeback single to Korea after being in Japan for several months. The retro-inspired song has a fun, energetic beat with a catchy chorus that makes you forget about 007 and instead has listeners favoring their “009” concept, which is paired with a dance, essential for any hit SNSD song. One of the softer songs of the album, “Mistake,” is written by SNSD member Yuri Kwon. This is the first song any member has ever written, which exemplifies how serious the girls are in taking control of their own music. However, the most interesting and enjoyable part of this song is the fact that it allows more underused members to shine and show off their voices through a ballad. “Snowy Wish” does its job by instantly setting the feeling of the approaching winter while listening to it. In “Wake Up,” SNSD brings a more sultry sound. All one has to do is give SNSD a chance by listening to them, and Hoot is the perfect album to start. Even if the language is undecipherable (aside from a few select English words occasionally thrown in the songs), it’s difficult not to fall for all nine girls’ charismatic appeal, their fun catchy songs and hypnotizing dances.
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Selita Ebanks is the Victoria’s Secret model that Kanye West recruited to play his phoenix girlfriend in Runaway.
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irls’ Generation, more commonly referred to as SNSD (an acronym for their Korean name So Nyuh Shi Dae), is one of the top female pop groups in South Korea. However, their international fan base is so diverse that the popular girl group is even known around the St. John’s campus by fans of all ethnicities. SNSD has quickly climbed the ranks to becoming the top girl group all around Asia. The Korean pop group has recently expanded its musical influence to other countries like Japan. The girls diligently learned Japanese and debuted in the Japanese music industry, performing their hit songs in the foreign language. SNSD has also toured internationally, even coming to America for the first time since they debuted in the music scene three years ago. They, along with other Korean pop groups, traveled to Los Angeles on Sept. 4 of this year to perform at the Staples Center for thousands of American fans who traveled from all over the country to support them. The success of their first U.S. concert means it is likely that SNSD will return to America in the near future with hopes of breaking into the American music industry. Two of their members previously lived in America and both speak English fluently. Like other Asian pop groups, SNSD consists of many members. All nine girls who make up the group contribute to the band’s popularity. While many girl groups split up as members vie for the solo spotlight, SNSD continues to share an extremely tight knit bond, always supporting each other. Each girl brings a different charm that adds to the overall dynamic of the group. Along with the diversity of their members, SNSD performs different styles of music. When SNSD first debuted in Korea they were just like many other girl groups of that time with the characteristic fresh-faced innocence, singing bubblegum pop songs with lollipop props in their choreography. In 2008, the girls were catapulted into instant stardom with their hit “Gee,” which brought the group international attention. In 2009, their song “Tell Me Your Wish,” showed a more mature side
3 Nov. 2010
PHOTO COURTESY OF KANYEWEST.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF GIRLSGENERATION.SMTOWN.COM
SNSD is a nine-member girl group from South Korea, making their presence known internationally with the release of their new mini-album Hoot.
ENTERTAINMENT
ehind the controversy and the facades that he puts up for the media, Kanye West is a true artist at heart. His newest project, Runaway, is a short film directed by West that features the lead single “Runaway” off his upcoming album My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy. The video premiered Oct. 23 on all major music television networks as well as the internet, creating a promotional, visual backdrop for his anticipated album. As his fans wait patiently for its release, this film foreshadows the types of themes and concepts that West will be presenting in his new album. The short film stars Kanye West and Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks. Ebanks plays the runaway phoenix whom West rescues after nearly running her over with a car. Initially, West embraces the winged phoenix creature and takes her along with him, introducing her to his world. The short film gives a variety of artistic visuals that depict West’s perceptions on how people can be critical and reluctant to accept and welcome new things into their lives, and how they can be close-minded. This theme is apparent in the dinner table scene of the film. “You know what I hate about your world?” Ebanks says as those around her are quick to disapprove of her presence. “Anything different, you try to change, you try to tear it down.” This scene also represents how we overcome struggles and differences in life. “Do you know she’s a bird?” someone at the table asks. “No, I never noticed that,” West replies, looking beyond her external differences. Another great scene is when West performs the single “Runaway.” His musical delivery is reminiscent of performances from artists like Prince and Gnarls Barkley. West’s passion for his craft radiates through his body movements and music. In the performance, West is accompanied by dancing ballerinas who personify the music itself, dancing in sync with the song’s melody and lyrics. Overall, the film is abstract in nature and provokes a different, subjective interpretation from each viewer. It can be assumed that West left much room for interpretation; there is no right or wrong answer. The work is meant to make one reflect on his or her own life based on the general themes embedded in the video. The last scenes of West running down the long road possibly symbolize the paths we all take in life and how we sometimes need to pick up the pace to get what we want or where we want to go. Although interpretations of the film may be different, everyone can agree that West has done it again— surpassing artistic boundaries and creating something completely different. He proves that he is more than just a rapper; he’s an artist.
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The Anberlin Experience FANS ROCK OUT AS THE GROUP DELIVERS AT THEIR IRVING PLAZA SHOW CAROLYN WARGULA Features Editor
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rving Plaza was filled with hordes of people for the soldout show by Anberlin on Oct. 30. to promote their new album, Dark Is The Way, Light Is A Place. The band has risen in popularity since their first album dropped in 2003. With their Switchfoot-esque sound and heavy use of electric guitars and drums, this five-person band kept the energy pumping all night long in the cozy venue. Crowds of people, mainly preppy high school and college students, some with hooded sweatshirts and others wearing Halloween costumes, excitedly welcomed the main act on stage after Civil Twilight and Crash Kings finished their performances. However, in contrast to most rock concerts, the crowd was also filled with middle school kids dragged by older siblings and even 40 year-old women bobbing their heads to Anberlin’s catchy beat, showcasing the wide audience the band has attracted in the city. “This is not Civil Twilight’s show. This is not Crash Kings show. This is not even Anberlin’s show. This is your show,” said vocalist Stephen Christian as the crowd erupted in cheers. The voices joining together in unison charged the band, empowered by their energy. From jumping and screaming to fist pumping and yelling out Anberlin’s lyrics, the band kept the crowd
enthusiastic throughout the 15-song set performed that night. With Nathan Young pounding on the drums, the band entered the stage in complete darkness as the crowd began to swarm and yell in excitement. Lead guitarist Joseph Milligan gave the peace sign to the audience and the pounding of drums triggered the crowd into a frenzy as Anberlin began the soldout show with the first track on their new album, “We Owe This to Ourselves.” Milligan splashed water onto the audience with his water bottle, Young threw the drum stick to the crowd as the audience thrived off of Christian’s energy as he moved on the stage from corner to corner. The band barely took a break between each song, keeping the audience’s adrenaline high. The energy of the crowd evolved to a new level as the band performed “Paperthin Hymn” from their sophomore album, Never Take Friendship Personal. With each note the band played, the colored lights streamed through the venue and the crowd cheered as Christian sings the harsh break up song, “I thought you said forever over and over/ A sleepless night becomes bitter oblivion/ These thoughts run through my head over and over/ Complaints of violins become my only friends.” Anberlin smoothly transitioned into some of their darker and mysterious songs towards the middle of the show. With “Art of War,” the band kept the crowd attuned
and captivated. With their song “The Haunting,” Milligan pulled out the acoustic guitar as the crowd passionately began to cheer for the soothing love song. Slowly but surely, the tempo of the songs accelerated and excitement builds once again in the crowd. Anberlin also performed their new single “Impossible.” The band ended their concert with “Feel Good Drag,” evoking an automatic
eruption from their eager crowd. Each person at the concert seemed to relive a memory sparked by the lyrics and rhythm of the band. Couples held each other as “their song” played and groups of girls clapped to the beat while singing at the top of their lungs. Others closed their eyes and sang the lyrics dear to their hearts. As the show came to end, the crowd kept screaming for an encore.
TORCH PHOTO/ KRISTIN FARMER
Irving Plaza erupts as Anberlin gives a high-energy performance.
Breaking The Mold ENTERTAINMENT
MATT AND KIM CELEBRATE THEIR HOMECOMING TO NEW YORK WITH A TWO-NIGHT CONCERT PETER LONG Contributing Writer
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3 Nov. 2010
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MATTANDKIMMUSIC.COM
Matt and Kim turned their highschool romance into a successful indie-rock group.
f you ever showed a photo of Matt and Kim to your parents, they would probably think that they are “cute.” And who wouldn’t? When you see pictures of the pair, they are always beaming with joy. Their songs are sweet, concise and easy on the ears. Their melodies are the type you can hum in the shower every morning. You would think the same type of bright and bubbly persona would come through in their performances. But in reality, it’s the complete opposite. A typical Matt and Kim performance is often filled with obscenities, and when they play fast, they expect their audience to join them. They prefer to stand on their stools, yell at the top of their lungs, scale the stage and run around the set relentlessly, all to the awe and amazement of their fans. On Oct. 26 and 27 the couple had their homecoming shows in New York City. It was their first club show in two years, but there was more to be nervous about. “We feel a lot of pressure,” said Matt Johnson, the “Matt” of Matt and Kim’s namesake, when asked about returning home in an interview with the Inferno. “All of your family and friends are there and you really don’t want to mess up, but we try to make it fun.”
Brooklyn’s king and queen of punk blitzed onto the stage of Manhattan’s Webster Hall with power and conviction to play the second sellout of their two-night stand in the historic venue. “New York was obviously the first place where we had really crazy shows so to come back and play Webster is an honor for us,” said Johnson. From the opening drum beat of “I Wanna,” the band refused to stop. They played with ferocious intensity that made skaters, hipsters and teenagers alike go into a complete rage. Yet the two performing still managed to keep a grin on their faces. Tearing through their brief set list in under two hours, Matt and Kim only took breaks to dive into the crowd. Kim even honored Iggy Pop by being lifted up by her two feet while dancing victoriously. They played the hits “Yeah Yeah” and “Lessons Learned,” the fan favorites “Good Ol’ Fashioned Nightmare” and “5K,” along with some covers, “Shimmy, Shimmy Ya” by ODB and “Just a Friend” by Biz Markie. By the last song, the soldout crowd and the couple were completely spent. But when Johnson played the opening lick of “Daylight,” the building erupted into mass hysteria, completely obliterating the negative connotation that New York crowds are stuffy and too cool to dance. Matt first met Kim Schifino at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn during 2002 where the two dated for a couple of years before the inception of the group.
The band was one of the first products of the Brooklyn music scene along with MGMT, Vampire Weekend and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. They learned their stage chops in the art galleries of Williamsburg, the sweaty basements of friends and sometimes going as far as playing gigs lit only by candle light. They would do anything to play in front of people. Matt and Kim are on the road supporting their latest record Sidewalks, an album that is very hip-hop influenced, as opposed to their previous two efforts which were labeled as dance-punk. Their second album, Grand, which cracked the Billboard charts, was a “do it yourself” album due to its recording sessions in the basement of Johnson’s parents. The two even admitted they wanted to sound as homemade and unprofessional as possible. Fans around the Brooklyn area grew accustomed to their unique sound. There is no doubt that the two are progressing, and Sidewalks is perfect evidence of that. As Johnson simply puts it, “Rock music has gotten too generic over the past 50 years. We listened to a lot of top 40 hip-hop when we were recording and it definitely comes through on this album.” Sidewalks may not settle well with the typical indie-rock purist, but Matt and Kim are branching out and could reach new levels that the genre has never seen before.
Think Outside...
Features
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Three valuable museums in Manhattan JOANNA ADDUCI Staff Writer
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA
The Met has many wings, from Greek sculptures to modern photography.
experiencing the culture and customs of various people and viewing artifacts from around the world. Heading across town to the Upper East Side, students will find a different kind of museum filled with some of the world’s most renowned artwork. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is perhaps the most beautiful and serene place in all of New York City. Admission is also donation based, so students can enter with under a dollar and spend the entire day (close is around 5:00 p.m. so get there early) studying the most impressive collection of artwork in New York. This place is a safe-haven of artistic genius with the museum broken into various sections presenting different varieties of art, from American decorative art to
Asian art. Pick up a map and work your way around, focusing on exhibits that interest you and some that you wouldn’t think to see. If you have time, take the elevator to the rooftop exhibition, which changes every few weeks, highlighting the work of upcoming and renowned artists. Perhaps the most popular works in the museum are the Mastaba Tomb of Perneb and the Temple of Dendur in the Egyptian wing, which leave guests in awe of the amount of intricacy and detail. Another crowd favorite is the European Sculpture wing, filled with some of the most delicate and alluring pieces of artwork in the world. With bright red walls, magnificent marble window fixtures and elegant lighting, this wing is usually filled with
FEATURES
Hop on the subway, head in any direction in Manhattan, and you are guaranteed to find a museum. Many of the museums in Manhattan offer discounted prices, interesting exhibitions, and a multitude of activities for college students. Three museums that stand beyond the realm of “average” are the American Museum of Natural History, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. With an overwhelming size of exhibition space, microscopic entrance costs, and a team of experts to answer any questions, these museums are sure to be a hit with students. With four floors of exhibitions, suggested admission prices, and a prime location on the Upper West Side at 79th Street and Central Park West, The American Museum of Natural History is a great place for students to spend an afternoon. Take the B or C train to 81st street and you will arrive at the main entrance for The Rose Center for Earth and Space. The museum only asks for a suggested admission donation, so students can enter with pocket change. After entering the museum, pick up a map and highlight the exhibits you want to see. The floors are organized into halls, including Fossils, Mammals, Birds, Biodiversity, Culture and many others. From dinosaurs to the well known “hanging blue whale,” the museum is filled with an overwhelming amount of history. Each hall is labeled with information in front of each exhibit, explaining the significance and importance behind the work. The American Museum of Natural History houses the world’s largest collection of vertebrate fossils, totaling approximately one million specimens. A deep understanding of various animal species is made possible through the placement of the halls, and most importantly the dioramas, which present a 360-degree depiction of the animals’ environment. Museum visitors are invited to “travel around the world” from Mexico to Egypt,
a large crowd sitting and soaking in the atmosphere. Permanent exhibits include American Paintings and Sculpture, Arms and Armor, Asian Art, the Costume Institute, European Paintings, Islamic Art, Modern Art, and Photography. Current special exhibitions include Jan Gossart’s Renaissance and John Baldessari’s Pure Beauty, which end in early January. Make sure to take time walking through the museum, grab some lunch in the cafe, bring a notebook or sketchbook and observe everything this charming place has to offer. The most historic and perhaps personal museum in the city is the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, located in Upper New York Harbor. With free guided tours, films, and the access to discover your family roots, this is an experience unlike any other. Ellis Island is accessible by ferry, making it a tad more expensive ($12 for students) but completely worth the price. Tickets can be purchased at Castle Clinton National Monument in Battery Park. Remember, all of the activities at the museum are free, so it works out to be around the same price as the others. Since its opening in 1990, The Ellis Island Immigration Museum has allowed American citizens to trace ancestors through a compilation of resources. With three floors filled with nostalgia and sheer beauty, the museum is meant to be explored slowly, with brochures available in seven languages. The renowned film “Island of Hope, Island of Tears” is played throughout the day and lasts around 45 minutes, providing a visual experience of Ellis Island. The most exciting point in the Ellis Island Immigration Museum is the database, housed in the American Family Immigration Center, which can be used to search a family’s roots. There is also an outdoor marble wall which extends hundreds of feet, listing all of the people who entered America through Ellis Island. The history and personal connection between guests and the museum is extensive, displaying the importance of such a landmark.
MUSEUMS IN NEW YORK 3 Nov. 2010
PHOTO COURTESY OF INETOURS
Dive into the history of New York at the Tenement Museum located on the Lower East Side. With over seven different types of tours to choose from, visit the real homes of immigrant families from the early 20th century. Students can also take a neighborhood walking tour and see the schools, churches, and synagogues the immigrants attended one hundred years ago. Take the F to Delancey Street, walk west towards Orchard Street then turn south onto the Museum Shop at 108 Orchard Street.
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For an entertaining experience with friends and family, visit Madame Tussauds’ Wax Museum. Bring a camera along and take pictures alongside the celebrity figurines. From actor Johnny Depp to Superman to President Obama, everyone is sure to have a good time. Take the F train to 42nd steet and Sixth Avenue. The museum is located just a block away between Seventh and Eigth avenues.
PHOTO COURTESY OF 4274DESIGN
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PHOTO COURTESY OF ABSTRACT-ART
Take the E train to Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street to visit the Museum of Modern Art. From Vincent Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night to Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans, the museum offers some of the most famous works of contemporary art. Not only can students get a laugh out of the quirky pieces, but the museum is also free on Fridays. Current exhibitions include Abstract Expressionist New York which showcases some of the most influential masterpieces from the city.
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Getting the most out of class: does clothing matter? CATHERINE HURLEY Contributing Writer
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3 Nov. 2010
FEATURES
Monday morning, 7:30 a.m. class – what do you wear? What about for your Wednesday Noon class? For many students at St. John’s, the answer is simple. Jeans and a T-shirt, sweatpants or pajamas for particularly lazy days. Just sit out in front of the library and watch the people walking to class; at least one out of every 10 people will be in sweats, around six or seven in jeans, and two or three people will be wearing something fancier like a dress or skirt, with the occasional business major in a suit. This is not unusual. St. John’s prides itself on diversity, and wardrobe is no exception. Of five students randomly interviewed, three said they almost always wear jeans to class, with the occasional sweatpants or pajamas thrown in. Only one said he never wore sweatpants or pajamas to class, and only one said she always wears sweatpants to her 7:30 a.m. class. Time makes a big difference in attire. Nine out of the 20 students in one of a 9 a.m. classes wore sweats or pajama’s to class almost every day, while only two out of 27 students wore sweats or pajamas to a 1:30 p.m. class. Interestingly, the only people who notice or care what you’re wearing may only be the hottie across the hall or a fash-
ionista friend. In a random survey, most professors claimed they were unaffected by their students’ attire. When asked whether a student’s attire affects their opinion of them, Professor Robert Stanton of the mathematics department said, “Absolutely not. I can tell you how a student impressed me with remarks in class, but I couldn’t tell you how he or she was dressed. It just doesn’t register for me.” Professor Steve Llano of the speech and rhetoric department felt that students at St. John’s were better dressed than many of the students in his graduate classes a few years ago. Professor John Fitzgerald of the theology department had similar views. He said he “doesn’t notice” what students wear to class, though he feels there is a lot of diversity in attire. Rev. Flanagan says, “little distracts me from teaching a good lesson.” No professor remembered any inappropriate or distracting clothing at St. John’s. Professor Octavia Davis of the English department went so far as to say that she is sometimes bothered by students who do not have time to do their homework, but have time for elaborate outfits. Shocking as this ambivalence to attire is, it is even more surprising how few professors cared about posture. Only one professor, Professor Myrna Fuentes, felt that students should sit up straight and dress somewhat appropriately because she wanted to “prepare them for the real world.” Even Professor Fuentes, however, felt
TORCH PHOTO/BRIAN LOPEZ
Many professors agree that attitude is more important than students’ clothes.
that far more than attire or posture, texting or sleeping in class is what shows disrespect or lack of interest an opinion every professor shared. “Don’t dress up in an attempt to impress me,” said Professor Stanton. “Impress me by being up to date on the mate-
rial of the course.” So go ahead and wear those sweats, slouch in your chair, sit in whatever position makes you comfortable – most teachers don’t care. None of it is going to affect your teacher if you continue to work hard and pay attention.
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Runnin’ for the weekend All five St. John’s runners finish in the Top 100 point slots KATIE BECKMANN Staff Writer
The St. John’s cross country team placed 14th at the annual 6K Big East Championships last weekend, hosted by Syracuse University in Jamesville, N.Y. As a team, the Red Storm finished with 423 total points and had an average time of 24:36. All five scoring runners for the Red Storm finished in the top 100 points slots. Red Storm junior Samantha Meyerhoff led all Red Storm runners with an overall time of 23:43 and an average mile time of 6:22. Meyerhoff placed 76th overall out of 133 runners. Junior Nicole Cocozza also had a great showing during the race as she was the second Red Storm runner to cross the finish line with a time of 24:03. Cocozza placed 83rd overall. Senior Sarah Sudbury finished third on the team and placed 101st overall with a time of 24:42.
Junior Ayron Trujillo and freshman Chelsea Trant were the only two other Red Storm runners to score for finishing the race. Trujillo finished the race with a time of 25:03 while Traunt finished with a time of 25:31, respectively. Freshman Angela Jarvela ran a time of 26:19 while senior Katrina finished the race at the 28:29 mark. Big East-rival Villanova took first place in the races for the third consecutive season. Five Wildcat runners placed in the top 15, including two runners taking first and second place. St. John’s will return to action on November 13 when they will compete in the NCAA Northeast Regionals in Madison, Conn.
Can’t get enough TORCH sports? Visit our website for online PHOTO COURTESY OF STJ ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS exclusives. torchonline.com/sports Junior Samantha Meyerhoff led STJ runners with an overall time of 23:43.
year, the win on Halloween’s Eve catapaulted them into position to earn a home playoff game in the Big East Tournament’s opening round. Tonight’s game against Marquette—an opponent the Red Storm didn’t face this season—will go a long way in determining just how much the similarities will stick, and just how much that momentum will guide the team. Last season, St. John’s started the conference tournament on the road, earning a 3-0 win over Rutgers and steamrolling through the rest of the tournament. This year, the road gets a little easier, with the team starting its postseason run with a home game. With Masur leading the way, another deep postseason run is certainly plausible. Bill San Antonio is a junior journalism major. He can be reached at torchsports@gmail.com
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one more [at home] in the Big East Tournament.” That’s because this is what Masur’s teams prepare for. Like the New York Yankees, the postseason is what matters. The goal, from the season’s start to its finish, is a Big East championship. The regular season works as an extended exhibition, a means of preparation for the playoffs that follow. “We’re worried about the next game in front of us,” Masur said. “That’s all we can worry about, so we’re very focused on each game. Each game takes on its own story and we prepare hard for each game.” In each of the last three seasons, the Red Storm have built to a crescendo that has exploded on Halloween weekend. Two seasons ago, the Red Storm won the Big East regular season. Last season, the Johnnies extended their home unbeaten streak to 20 games. This
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didn’t lose again, starting a six-game shutout streak during which the team went 4-0-2 and earned the third seed in the Red Division of the conference tournament. Did you happen to notice the makeup of this year’s team? A new goalie in freshman Rafael Diaz, a veteran roster led by Tadeu Terra and Sverre Wegge Gundhus, and Dave Masur at the helm— eerily similar to last year’s squad. Were you surprised things turned out the way they did this time around? I
wasn’t either. There are a few things in life that are guaranteed—death, taxes, and a disciplined St. John’s men’s soccer team with Masur leading the way. Teams may face ups and downs during a season—as Masur has told this publication—but in his team’s case, the ups generally come in a much more timely fashion during the season, just in time for the start of postseason play. “We did believe [that things would get better],” Tadeu Terra said after Saturday’s win over South Florida. “We were working hard. We were playing well, besides maybe the Notre Dame game. All the other games, even though we lost or tied, we really played well. We knew that if we kept working hard and doing everything we were supposed to do, the wins were going to come like they did. Now we’ve won four games in a row and are able to play
3 Nov. 2010
Last October, the men’s soccer team started conference play 1-1-3, quite the shocker considering the Red Storm had come within one game of a shot at the national championship the season before. Sure, they had a new goalkeeper in place, but its defenders and star scorers were mostly returning players, and 1-1-3 seemed too outrageous for a team coached by someone of Dave Masur’s quality. The misfortune didn’t last, as the team rattled off a 10-game unbeaten streak to end the regular season and won its eighth Big East championship without allowing a single goal in the conference tournament. So when the team started 0-3 in conference play this year— with a 2-1 non-conference overtime road win over Yale sprinkled in between—there wasn’t much to panic over. After their Oct. 9 home shutout loss to Cincinnati, the Red Storm
SPORTS
Life’s guarantees: death, taxes and STJ Men’s Soccer
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MEN’S SOCCER
Keep moving forward Men’s Soccer team extends unbeaten streak to six on Senior Night MIKE CUNNIFF Staff Writer
torchonline.com
The TORCH
3 Nov. 2010
SPORTS
The St. John’s men’s soccer team’s win streak now sits at four games after shutting out the University of South Florida, 2-0 on Senior Night at Belson Stadium on Saturday.
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The win extends St. John’s unbeaten streak to six, during which they have not given up a goal. The win, coupled with Villanova’s loss to Louisville, also clinched the third seed in the Big East’s Red division and ensured that Saturday would not be the last time the seniors played at Belson Stadium. “My father’s here, my girlfriend’s here, her family’s here,” said Tadeu Terra, the senior midfielder from Brazil who scored what proved to be the game-winner. “All the support I have here in America is all here and it’s just great to be here in this environment to have one more game with the help of the guys.” Senior midfielder Sverre Wegge Gundhus added, “It’s huge to get this game. It puts us in a great position to win the next. It’s a huge advantage to have homefield advantage.” Terra struck just 18 minutes into the contest. Freshman forward Dom Sarle won the ball from a USF defender on the left side of the box near the end line and found Terra all alone at point-blank range in front of USF keeper Jeff Attinella. Terra calmly put it by him for his fifth goal of the season. “[It was] just like what we talk
about every day. Keep running hard and putting their defenders under pressure,” said Terra. “Coach asked us to get in the box and make first post runs. Guys need to run hard across. I made the first post run and the ball came to me.” The goal help tilt the field in St. John’s favor after a slow start to the match. The Red Storm were in control for the rest of the half, outshooting USF 7-3 and allowing only one shot to reach freshman keeper Rafael Diaz. The second half was more of the same, with St. John’s controlling play except for two sequences early in the half. In the 53rd minute, a USF corner kick proved dangerous. Diaz came off his line to try to punch the ball out of the air, but didn’t get enough on it to clear and found himself out a position with an empty net behind him. Bulls midfielder Fernando Gonzalez then played the ball with his hand and was issued a yellow card, saving Diaz. Four minutes later, Diaz played the hero when he robbed USF forward Hasani Sinclair. A misplayed header by Sarle left Sinclair all alone at the edge of the six-yard box. Diaz was able to make a reflex save and deflect it for a corner. The Johnnies’ two best chances of the second half came on free kicks by Wegge Gundhus. Playing as a forward, Wegge Gundhus played a free kick in the 66th minute from about 30 yards out that senior forward Adam Himeno deflected towards the net, but it was saved by Attinella. In the 81st minute, Wegge Gundhus lined up to take another free kick from about 35 yards out. This one found senior defender Kyle Hoffer, who headed it past the diving Attinella to seal the victory. “On the first one I was kind of closer and had a better angle,” said Wegge Gundhus. “So I wanted to like whip it in and get it a lot lower and get it towards the far corner. The second time I just wanted to smack the ball in there, curve it in the midst of it and hope that someone would get onto it.”
TORCH FILE PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER
Senior midfielder Tadeu Terra scored the game-winning goal just 18 minutes into Saturday’s 2-0 win over South Florida.
Tracking the Storm: Marquette • • • • • •
Date: November 3, 2010 Time: 7:30 p.m. Marquette (6-7-4, 3-4-2) is the No. 6 seed in Big East Blue Division St. John’s Kyle Hoffer was named Big East Defensive Player of the Week, and Rafael Diaz was named Goalkeeper of the Week When the two teams last met in 2008, St. John’s won 1-0 in double overtime Marquette has not played at Belson Stadium since 2005, its first year as a member of the Big East
Wegge Gundhus a multi-position threat for Men’s Soccer team MIKE CUNNIFF Staff Writer
Sverre Wegge Gundhus is listed on the St. John’s men’s soccer team’s official roster as a midfielder/forward, one of only two players on the roster to have two positions next to his name. But it isn’t really a clear indication of his role with the Red Storm. “I’ve been playing everywhere this year,” he said. “Rightback, center-back, right-mid, left-mid, center-mid.” Add forward to that list and Wegge Gundhus has played
almost every position on the pitch. “It’s fantastic,” said head coach Dave Masur of Wegge Gundhus’ versatility. “He played a little midfield, played up front [Saturday]. He played up front last year. Sverre was a midfielder when he came in and we’ve had other great midfielders who have had to play in the back and had to play up front and do different roles. Sverre embraces that and does well.” The versatility comes with responsibility. Wegge Gundhus has to prepare for three position sets before every game. “When I get to the field and [Masur] tells me go at right back it’s not a big challenge because I kind of know already,” he said. “Before every game I get
three sheets. I get the defender’s sheet, the midfield sheet and the forward sheet. The goalkeeper’s sheet is the only one I don’t get.” Wegge Gundhus led the team last year with five goals, eight assists and 18 points playing mostly as a forward, but he had been playing mostly in the back four at the beginning of the season. That changed three weeks ago. With the team sitting at the bottom of the Big East standings with a 0-3 conference record, Masur made a few changes in his lineup, most notably putting Wegge Gundhus at forward and moving senior John Tardy from forward to defender. St. John’s hasn’t lost since. “Personally I think Sverre
can play up top,” said senior midfielder Tadeu Terra. “He can hold the ball for us and allow our defense and midfielders and all our other players to go forward.” Terra is no stranger to being moved around himself. In his career, he has played right back, multiple midfield positions and forward. “You just gotta prepare yourself for every game,” said Terra. “Coach Masur, [assistant coach] Jeff [Matteo], [assistant coach Ben] Mallue, they give us all the tools. If you prepare yourself, no matter where you play you should be ready to go.” Masur downplayed the difficulty of playing multiple positions.
“I don’t think there’s any challenge really,” he said. “I think it’s pretty simple. The roles are pretty interchangeable. We play a pretty free-flowing system and our guys understand that. We play a lot in training with different restrictions and different variables. Guys get chances to play in different spots. They understand it and they’re pretty mature about knowing what they need to do.” For his part, Wegge Gundhus insists that it doesn’t matter where he plays as long as he’s helping the team. “To be honest, I feel comfortable in every position I play,” he said. “It’s been going well for me as long as I can contribute and as long as Coach thinks I can contribute.”
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TORCH SPORTS
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Leavin’ their Mark Baseball team announces 2011 schedule The St. John’s baseball team announced its schedule for the 2011 season last week. In addition to its Big East opponents, the Red Storm will play against five teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last year. “This is a very tough schedule,” said head coach Ed Blankmeyer. “We are going to be tested right from the start as we line up against three of the top teams at the Big East-Big Ten Challenge and then go up against a Georgia Tech team that was ranked as high as No. 2 last year. The early season games will prepare us well though for an always difficult Big East schedule.”
Golf alum Bradley earns PGA Tour Card Former St. John’s golfer Keegan Bradley earned a PGA tour card at the completion of the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island Sunday. Bradley finished in the Top 25 on the Nationwide Tour’s season money list to earn his spot with the PGA. “It’s super rewarding because I’ve put in a lot of hard work,” Bradley said. “It’s really cool to sit back and think that I’ve had such a great year.”
Blowin’ in the Wind
“ Five for the Red Storm’s fight TORCH PHOTO/KRISTEN FARMER
Sophomore Gabriela Petkova finished Sunday’s five-set win over DePaul with a career-high 29 digs, a St. John’s season-high. She was one of five St. John’s players to record personal highs on the day.
-Senior men’s soccer player Tadeu Terra on earning a home game during the Big East Tournament
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Headin’ this Way Red Storm home games
The TORCH
Volleyball Nov. 5
Villanova
7:00 p.m.
Nov. 7
Georgetown
2:00 p.m.
Men’s Soccer: Nov. 3
Marquette
7:30 p.m.
Men’s Basketball: Nov. 6
Westmont
7:00 p.m.
torchonline.com
Tied with two sets apiece Sunday against DePaul and down 13-12 in the deciding fifth set, the St. John’s volleyball team went on a three point rally that decided the match. The Red Storm (16-11, 3-7) went on a 6-1 run to win the final set and win the match 25-16, 19-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-13. Following a tough 3-0 defeat at Notre Dame the day before, the team took the two-hour bus trip to Chicago, where they squeezed out the comeback win. Junior setter Alyssa Bennett posted three career-highs in the match, with 51 assists, 11 digs and eight kills while
assists. She also had three kills on as many attempts. DePaul rebounded over the next two sets by going on extended runs, closing out the third set on a 6-0 run. Though St. John’s fell behind in the fourth set, the Red Storm defense totaled 21 digs, as Asing and Petkova combined for 12 digs. Piegza had an .833 attacking percentage in the deciding fifth set, with five kills on six attempts and no errors. Ramdin had three kills on six attempts for a .500 hitting percentage. Following the loss, DePaul fell to 1-10 in Big East play and 4-23 overall. Three players recorded 10 or more kills, including a team-high 17 from sophomore Rachel Auman. Junior Molly Creek recorded 10 kills and nine blocks. DePaul finished with 14 total blocks and seven service aces.
3 Nov. 2010
STEVE SIDOTI Staff Writer
hitting .500 for the match. Sophomore Gabriela Petkova finished with a career-high 29 digs, also a St. John’s season-high. Junior Paulina Piegza recorded a career-high 16 kills. Ashley Asing had a season-high 15 digs. Junior Darlene Ramdin recorded a season-high 19 kills and had seven blocks for the match. She committed just three errors in 36 attempts for a .444 attack percentage. Her totals give her 211 kills and 102 blocks with a .248 attack percentage, all team-highs. The Red Storm hit .238 for the match and three players recorded double-digit kills. St. John’s also finished with a season-high 87 digs, and four players finished with double-digit digs. St. John’s committed zero errors in a dominant first set in which the team shot .645. Ramdin and Lukjanska led the way with six and five kills, respectively, while Bennett had 15
SPORTS
Five Volleyball players post game highs in comeback win
My father’s here, my girlfriend’s here, her family’s here. All the support I have here in America is here and it’s just great to be here in this environment to have one more game with the help of these guys.
SPORTS 3 November 2010 | VOLUME 88, ISSUE 9 | TORCHONLINE.COM
TORCH FILE PHOTO/ KRISTEN FARMER
TORCHSPORTS.WORDPRESS.COM
Five cross country lost its regular-season finale to Marquette on Sunday.
The volleyball team came back in the fifth set to defeat DePaul on Sunday.
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