February 2016
I ssue 8
The Vit ruvian
Lourdes University's Premier Arts & Sciences Journal
February 2016
The Vit ruvian
I ssue 8
Mission St at ement
As a Lourdes University student organization, we will
strive towards the same excellence in written and visual
communication that is the goal of university learning
outcomes. The content of the Vitruvian shall reflect the
integrity, intellectual curiosity, and service to global
society that is inspired by the evangelical pursuit of truth
inherent within Franciscan ideology. The Vitruvian is born
of the necessity for awareness and will spark an interest on
campus and ignite a global conversation.
Purpose
The Vitruvian will strive to empower the individual
with knowledge of both the local and global communities
and create a stronger individual and community at large.
The Vitruvian will create the necessity of awareness
and in turn will spark a movement of readers who begin
on Lourdes Campus and travel their thoughts around the
world.
The Vitruvian is born of the necessity for awareness
and will spark an interest on campus and ignite a global
conversation.
February 2016
I ssue 8
The Vit ruvian
NX 't Generati on
by
Syd K l em
4
Th e Cords Th at Bi nd
6
by
Patri ck Pi ck eri ng
Si sters and ?Si sters?:
A Prof i l e of Sr. Geral di ne and Sr. A l oi se Pal uszak
by
I sabel l a V al enti n
8
Creati ng a Cause
by
Lach el l e Bl ack
10
Ph otos Courtesy
of Ch ri stoph er Rei d
3
February 2016
The Vit ruvian
I ssue 8
NX 't Generati on
by
Syd K l em
On November 18th, 2012, Nintendo
unit. The handheld and console units
launched their sixth home video game
would share a symbiotic relationship; the
console, the Wii U. To say the system
handheld could either be used as a
struggled in its early years would be an
controller for the console or as a
understatement. As of December 2015,
standalone unit. The handheld?s design is
the Wii U?s hardware sales have reached
not known for sure. However, a patent
12.6 million units--a respectable amount,
filed by Nintendo in December 2015
though it pales in comparison to the
seems rather conveniently timed. An
Playstation 4?s 36.1 million. Nintendo?s
oblong controller-like device is revealed,
dedicated fanbase has enjoyed the Wii
U?s strong lineup of first party titles, but it
is clear that the system has failed to
grasp a wider audience. Sluggish sales
have blamed laid on strangely quiet
marketing, a lack of third party support,
and
even
the
console?s
admittedly
confusing title, which led
some to
apparently believe it was an add-on to
the original Wii. Evidently Nintendo has
heeded
concerns
over
its
current
platform?s poor sales and has announced
plans for a successor, currently known by
the codename ?NX.?
At the present, the NX is mostly an
enigma. Many forget that ?NX? is not
actually the console?s name, if it even is a
console in the traditional
sense. If
preliminary reports are to be believed,
the NX will be something of a hybrid
between a home console and a handheld
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surface
company has strived for innovation in each
dominated by a touch screen. It would be
of its platforms, with results that range
capable of running both gaming software
from outstanding to underwhelming. But
and more general applications, such as a
with such an unpredictable track record, it
web browser. A gyroscope would allow
would
the handheld to be used vertically or
possibilities of codename NX.
with
the
majority
of
its
be
imprudent
to
ignore
the
horizontally, similar to an iPad. As for the
console unit, even less is known. Reports
indicate that the console may lack a disc
drive, suggesting that NX software could
be transmitted digitally. However, it has
not been discovered as to which of the
Up and Comi ng
Gami ng Soci ety Reborn
two units would lack a physical media
input, so the console could still have one.
Do you enjoy video gaming, tabletop
Despite lacking an official reveal,
gaming, and a fun, challenge? Luckily for
rumors and reports regarding the NX
you, the Gaming Society Reborn will be at
have
the Den, hosting its third Gamathalon Event
been
gaming-related
very
hot
circles.
topics
in
Nintendo?s
official word on the machine has been
intriguing yet vague. The late Satoru
Iwata, Nintendo?s president until his
passing on July 11, 2015, stated that the
NX would not be a ?simple ?replacement?
for the 3DS or Wii U,? but rather a unique
entertainment
platform
unto
itself.
Tatsumi Kimishima, Nintendo?s current
president, has maintained this, adding
that ?we?re not building the next version
of Wii or Wii U. It?s something unique and
different.?
Nintendo revitalized the western
console gaming market in 1985 with the
on March 18th, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm!
The
event
will
see
contestants
competing in six different games, including
table tennis and checkers, along with
Dance Central and Super Smash Bros. for
Wii U. Each contestant will have one chance
to claim victory earn points from each
game. At the Gamathalon?s conclusion, the
top three players will be awarded with $30,
$20, and $10 respectively. There is no
entry fee, and food and drinks will be
provided free of charge.
Please join the Gaming Society for a
night of pizza, prizes, and fun!
launch of the Nintendo Entertainment
System in North America. Since then the
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February 2016
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The Vit ruvian
Th e Cords Th at Bi nd
by
Patri ck Pi ck eri ng
When I was a little guy and my family
first got cable, I remember my mind being
blown with the abundance of viewing
possibilities. All of a sudden I could catch the
Disney Channel Original Movies like Brink!
and Johnny Tsunami while checking out
cartoons from across the world on Toonami
like Dragon Ball Z and Gundam Wing. The
only problem was I had to be home at
specific times to watch my shows. If I was
not home, I missed out on what we would
talk about at lunch the next day. It would put
people are asking themselves whether it is
a serious strain on my social life. Little did I
necessary to be tethered down by the cords
realize, but the viewing possibilities would
of cable companies?
open up tenfold with the introduction of
streaming.
The population of ?cord cutters? is
continuing to increase, and it is largely due
In the current digital age, we can now
to the growing number of streaming sites.
record programs at a whim, and more
Many of these streaming sites are now
importantly skip commercials at the press of
producing their own TV shows as well. For
a button. The rise in the quality of basic
instance, Netflix?s hit show Daredevil scored
cable TV shows has brought viewers in by
a 98% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The
the millions. Shows like AMC?s The Walking
combination of original content and the
Dead and Mad Men have their own cult
releasing of top shows after they have aired
followings in which people religiously watch
are prompting many to cut their cable cords.
?their? show on a week-to-week basis.
Sites like Hulu will concurrently stream
However, with the introduction of DVR?s and
shows, so the wait for your favorite TV show
various streaming websites the influence of
to come to streaming is decreased. Sling TV
cable
will allow you to catch your favorite sports
companies
is
diminishing.
Many
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from ESPN and ESPN 2 as well as your
justification
favorite shows from channels like AMC and
pirating is illegal, so it may not be the safest
The History Channel for only $20 a month.
route to go to watch your favorite show or
This coupled with Netflix, Hulu, or any other
movie. While there is a certain nostalgia and
streaming site adds up to a fraction of what a
habitual respect for cable, it is becoming less
cable bill costs.
and less worth shelling out the monthly fees
For the more savvy techies, VPN?s, or
virtual private networks, can allow you to
access a wider
specifically
range
selecting
of
content
different
by
regions
around the world. For example, by using a
VPN you can access Netflix content from any
other country where Netflix is provided. The
benefit of this is that Netflix offers various
content in each region it is provided, so your
for
cable
cutters.
However,
to remain tied down to cable companies. The
hidden fees and random raises in monthly bills
only
further
the frustrations with cable
companies and continue to push viewers to
streaming sites. While it looks dim for cable
companies,
the
freedom
that
streaming
companies can offer is not only creating a
bright future for viewers, but also a fatter
wallet.
digital catalog is greatly expanded. An app
called Smartflix now skips the process of
using a third party VPN. Once downloaded,
Smartflix opens a window similar to what
Netflix looks like, and you can then view any
TV show or movie from any region as long as
you have a Netflix account.
Additionally, there is always the risky
business of torrenting. HBO?s Game of
Thrones is the most downloaded show
through the use of torrenting. This may have
been part of the reason why HBO came out
with their standalone option of HBO Go. Fans
of HBO?s content no longer need a cable
subscription to be able to subscribe to HBO
programming.
This
is
yet
another
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February 2016
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The Vit ruvian
Si sters and ?Si sters?:
A Prof i l e of Sr. Geral di ne and Sr. A l oi se Pal uszak
by
I sabel l a V al enti n
Many of the students know some of
The first few months were difficult
the Sisters working here at Lourdes,
because she felt lonesome. She left her
either in the library or in a classroom. But
family! However, when her parents came
did they know that right here on campus
to visit at one of the Franciscan festivals,
ground
building
something clicked and she continued her
dedicated to serving retired religious men
vocation. After the first few years, Aloise
and women? Our Lady of Grace Hall is an
commented ?After that, I loved everything
assisted
about it: the prayer life, the education we
there
living
is
a
unique
facility
connected
to
Rosary Care Center. In this building, there
received, everything!?
are two special sisters, for they are more
than just connected by faith, they are
connected by blood. Sr. Geraldine and Sr.
Aloise Paluszak?s decision to enter the
community began at an early age when
they went to a small school called
Nativity, which was taught by Franciscans
Sisters. These Sisters were friendly and
left positive imprints on the girls. In the
evenings, they would spend time with the
sisters, enjoying their company or playing
games.
The
sisters? mother
would
Geraldine, in 6 th grade, at the time
of her sister?s decision, could not believe
it. These sisters fought and argued, like
normal siblings; yet, when Geraldine
visited
her
sister
again,
she
knew
something changed. ?She was wonderful
to me. O my gosh, she was such a lady! So
poised!? She remembered asking her
mother, ?What did they do to her? If that?s
what they do, then I want to go.? And just
like
that,
Geraldine
entered
the
encourage them to join the plays the
Franciscans would have. Geraldine and
Aloise both loved being with them.
Aloise entered the community at
the early age of 14 right from grade
school. At that time, she didn?t want to go
to a public school and had a wonderful
relationship with the sisters already. In
her heart, she knew she desired vocation.
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February 2016
community,
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following
her
sister?s
footsteps.
desired the veil and stay in the covenant.
And although there were times in their
lives they thought about a different path,
Once both entered the community,
the whole family would visit and their
mother was so happy and proud of her
youngest daughters. ?The sisters allowed
us to visit our parents and family several
times, despite the rules. I cannot tell you
enough about how wonderful they were!?
Sr. Geraldine commented. Tragically, their
parents never saw them veiled. With the
support of family and the Franciscan
community, the sisters stayed in their
vocation and managed to keep their
family strong and happy. Each sister had
several years to decide if they really
both believed that the calling to Christ
was the right decision. Having a deeper
spirituality and connection with God is
what they desired most. Both became
teachers, Sr. Aloise a math teacher and Sr.
Geraldine a science teacher. They taught
first grade through high school and both
expressed
great
joy
from
teaching.
However, Geraldine admitted she really
wanted to become a nurse. She received
the opportunity of working with hospitals
later in her career. Both sisters travelled
around to Minnesota to Texas. While
travelling, they met new groups of sisters
and fell in love with their communities. In
fact, Geraldine just retired last April.
Throughout their lives, they grew deeper
into their spirituality and their love of St.
Francis and other communities. While
there may have been a few doubting
times, they both knew their paths. They
continue to show God?s love and care for
creation by helping parishes nearby and
volunteering when they can. They love
visitors so perhaps one day you can visit
them at Our Lady of Grace Hall, which is
right behind Lourdes University.
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The Vit ruvian
Creati ng a Cause
by
children and families, programs for at-risk
Lach el l e Bl ack
youth, military support, homelessness,
The entertainment industry is filled
with many artists that have a platform to
use for more than self branding and
endorsement deals. I appreciate those
who creatively express themselves but I
have a great deal of admiration for those
who use their platform to express real
issues occurring in the world. I think it is
important because there is a vast variety
of individuals that listen music daily and
in
the
midst
of
cultural
diversity,
everyone can be reached. Spreading
awareness is essential to creating the
change necessary to alleviate many world
and social justice issues. Artists have the
power to create the change by openly
expressing important causes such as,
issues faced by today?s youth, poverty,
race, etc. Philanthropy can alleviate many
of the global issues experienced today.
There
are
many
artists
and
and foster kids. A number of athletes also
have
non-profit
organizations
that
support local youth programs across the
country. The top 5 non-profit charities of
2014 founded by NBA players were;
Dwayne Wade, Tim Duncan, Matt Bonner,
Udonis
Haslem,
and
Ray
Allen.
Entertainment icon, Snoop Dogg
founded a youth football league in 2005
to give the youth in his community a
positive way to stay out of trouble on the
streets. The Snoop Yout h Foot bal l League
is a non-profit organization founded to
provide the opportunity for inner-city
children to participate in youth football
and cheer. The SYFL serves children
between the ages of five and thirteen,
teaching them the values of teamwork,
good
sportsmanship,
discipline,
and
self-respect, while also stressing the
importance of academics.
entertainers that support or spearhead
their own non-profit organizations across
the globe in a great effort to alleviate
issues
like
poverty
and
helping
underprivileged or troubled youth. For
example, the Dr. Phil Foundation partners
with different non-profit organizations
that support causes like: services for
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The Vit ruvian
Grammy award winning, singer,
actor, producer, pianist and song writer,
Alicia Keys uses her platform to create
music with and for a cause. I definitely
think she is one of the most philanthropic
artists of all time. She is the co-founder
and Global Ambassador of Keep a Child
Alive, the non-profit that puts medicine in
the hands of families with HIV and AIDS in
Africa. After visiting with children from
many African countries who are affected,
Keys released a documentary. Alicia in
Africa: Journey to the Motherland came
out in April of 2008. Keys have also
collaborated with famous artists for a
2007.
Keys
was
honored
with
a
Humanitarian Award at the 2009 BET
Awards. I think she exemplifies the
purpose of a true artist because she
serves a purpose greater than herself
consistently throughout her music.
variety of causes. She recorded a cover
Music festivals are also a way that
version of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush?s
artists collaborate and bring together
?Don?t Give Up? with Bono from U2 to
massive crowds of
promote World AIDS Day in 2005. They
awareness to a good cause. Recently,
renamed it ?Don?t Give Up (Africa),? to
Bono of U2 hosted the 2015 Global
draw attention to what it represented.
citizen Festival which aims to eradicate
Alicia Keys is also involved in other
global
poverty
by
people to bring
2030
and
was
charity work and volunteers for several
supported by performances by Beyonce?,
disaster relief causes. She performed for
Ed Sheeran, Chris Martin and Common.
Live 8, the charity that raised money to
Michelle Obama was present along with
alleviate poverty in Africa. She has also
many other familiar faces to support the
performed to aid victims of Hurricane
movement. Rising music artist, Chance
Katrina, Hurricane Sandy, the earthquake
the Rapper, 22, recently curated a free
in Haiti, and as part of the Live Earth
Chicago festival for teens. Chance uses
performances. She wrote a theme song
his music to uplift the troubled youth
for President Obama, during his campaign
because he has transcended from the
for presidency and participated in the
negative aspects that many young teens
Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway in
face today.
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Akon
Kendrick Lamar has inspired the "Be
launched a Light African project in 2014
Alright" scholarship, which is named after
that has tremendously helped Africa?s
the ?To Pimp A Butterfly?single of the same
lighting energy crisis, supplying solar
name and is sponsored by OogeeWoogee.
energy to Africa. There are still 600
The media outlet is holding a contest for
Million Africans that don?t have access to
students at High Tech High School in North
electricity
are
Bergen, New Jersey to win $1,500 for
working to cease that problem. Partnering
college tuition or books. Conscientious
with solar providers helped light African
artist like Kendrick remain true to the art of
communities using solar power instead of
inspiring the people through their art. Like
using expensive and harmful kerosene.
his music, this scholarship encourages the
Music Legend and business mogul,
youth to use Hip Hop as an educational
Shawn Jay Z Carter has his hands full with
outlet of expression and different social
much more than creating music but most
media sites help vote for the winner. I love
are not aware of his foundation ran by his
how artists such as those featured below
mother. Since the Foundation?s inception,
support social justices issues with their
over $2.9M has supported initiatives to
music:
empower youth and communities in need
Michael Jackson
International
through
music
however;
the
his
star,
efforts
Foundation?s
signature
scholarship fund, annual college tours,
John Mayer
study abroad experiences, counseling
Kendrick Lamar
initiatives, and giveback programs. Many
Lauryn Hill J. Cole
other artists including Nas also have
Alicia Keys
beneficial foundations that help inspire
youth beyond their music. Nas has
Bob Marley
remained
Tracy Chapman
throughout
a
his
true
philanthropist
legendary
career,
supporting and uplifting the youth. Nas
visited Harvard to enact a Hip Hop
U2
Common
Fellowship and was recently awarded the
Stevie Wonder
W.E.B.
Nas
Dubois
medal
at
Harvard
University.
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Sly and The Family Stone
murals as tributes for specific causes. Music
Tupac Shakur
is one thing that certainly can unite people
successfully and it is also a positive form of
Nina Simone
creative expression than can be utilized to
Lupe Fiasco
educate and uplift the masses. Perhaps, you
John Lennon
know a plethora of other artists and
Immortal Technique
entertainers who use their platform to
support causes greater than themselves.
There are countless other artists that
This article only includes a few honorable
use their music as a platform for a good
mentions compared to the endless amount
cause, artist that are main stream along with
of artists throughout the world. However, I
unsigned or what some refer to as indie
encourage you all to support artists and
artist(artist with a record deal). I know many
entertainers that create with a cause. One
people in my hometown, including myself
artist or entertainer may not solely change
that use music to fundraise for non-profits
the entire world but they certainly possess
and bring awareness to social issues. There
the ability to spark the brain that can (line
are also many visual artists that create
inspired by a quote from Tupac).
The Vitruvian is a student run journal that is always seeking
further input and opinions from faculty and staff here at
Lourdes University.
We are always accepting articles in the form of interviews,
reviews, and editorials. Additionally, we would love to invite
art students to submit their work. At the Vitruvian we wish to
showcase all forms of expression including photography and
design.
If you would like to contribute in our upcoming issues, please
contact either Dr. Noah Roderick (nroderick@lourdes.edu), or
Patrick Pickering (patrick.pickering@mymail.lourdes.edu)
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