92.4 by The Clocktower

UNION COLLEGE

ISSUE 92.4 | 9/27/2017

Ye may 'ave missed out on bountiful prizes 'n excitin' games at th' library fair this time, but it'll be back again | PC: Autumn Mott

UNION LIBRARY TAKES TO THE SEAS O

n Thursday, September 14, Union’s Library took to the seas with their pirate-themed annual library fair.

With the front desk transformed into a ship’s hull, students signed up to compete in a library-wide scavenger hunt. Each one hoped to achieve the fastest time and win some “treasure” that included a Keurig, a Fire Tablet, Fire Sticks and gift cards to various Lincoln locations. The scavenger hunt consisted of several locations within the library that encouraged students to use the library’s resources as well as learn some pirate facts along the way. Denzel Morazan, a junior nursing major, and Nathan Mena, a junior theology major, both participated in the

scavenger hunt and commented that this was their first time going to the library fair. “That [the scavenger hunt] was really exciting,” said Mena. “I realized that I know how to find my way around the library pretty well and use the databases and the computers and all that stuff.” Although Denzel and Nathan didn’t achieve the fastest time for the scavenger hunt, they did win the best photo booth picture. Sara Beaudoin took first place with the fastest time in the scavenger hunt, with Veronica Carrasco in second and Emily Hehn in third.

[ continued on page 2 ]

[ W H AT ' S I N S I DE] P R E V I E W DAYS | page 03 |

IPHONE X | page 05 |

VENEZUELA | page 10 |

HUMANS

LIBRARY FAIR

NEWS

News Editor Danica Eylenstein Campus News Kayla Miller Local News Caroline Guchu World News Jesse Shoghi

HUMANS

Humans Editor Ria Carriger Memento Artem Cameron Cizek Collegiate Culture Amanda McCarter Freelance Bry Galloway

OPINION

Opinion Editor Maxwell Bromme Sports Opinion Tyler Dean Religious Opinion Kasondra Reel Global Opinion Wesley Rodriguez-Diep

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook /ClocktowerASB Snapchat @asbunioncollege Read Online clocktower.ucollege.edu Read the Print issuu.com/clocktowerASB

A costume contest was also held with Guila Shielo Medrano in first place and Elyssa Petrick in second for their creative pirate costumes. In addition to the contests, the library also set up several games and a photo booth with pirate props. The classroom was transformed into a theater showing the Pirates of the Caribbean, featuring everyone’s favorite pirate, Jack Sparrow. The “Galley Grub” in the library’s lower level offered many nautical-themed treats including sea sponge cupcakes, fruit swords, (gold)fish and chips and a much more appetizing version of “hardtack and bilge” using hummus and crackers.

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One of the highlights of the fair was the Mighty Magic Pant's performance.

“

Editor-in-Chief Gabriel Flechas Assistant Editor James Clague Copy Editor Jonathan Deemer Social Media Editor Chloe Blackburn Layout Editors Maegan Luckiesh Katie Buxton Photographers Ester Pervis (lead) Kayla Potts Sally Becker

One of the highlights of the fair was the Mighty Magic Pants’s performance. The lively group performed the VeggieTales favorite “We are the Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” and many of their fun original songs, including “Buccaneer on Broadway” and “My Mom is Batman.” Their performance brought smiles to many of the patrons, even prompting some to dance and sing along. Melissa Hortemiller, the public services librarian, says that planning for the library fair started almost immediately when she started working at the library in May. A lot of the planning involved bouncing around different ideas, as they tried to come up with things that would

“ The theme had

come from her conversations with Mike Mennard.

“

EDITORIAL STAFF

[ continued from page 1 ]

be appealing to students. This included figuring out what library resources they wanted to help students become familiar with, setting up a photo booth and deciding how to connect the theme. The theme had come from her conversations with Mike Mennard who put on the Captain Scrooge and the Curse of the Red-Nosed Reindeer musical in 2016. The pirate theme was great for combining both fun and historical aspects in the library fair. “The main goal [of the library fair],” Hortemiller emphasizes, “is to get students to feel comfortable in the library.” The fair helps break the ice for students who don't normally use the library on an everyday basis and helps them to become more familiar with the services that it offers. That way, students can feel more welcome in the library and use it as a valuable resource during their time at Union.

Melissa Hortemiller posing at the library fair PC: Autumn Mott

Amanda McCarter is a junior studying biomedical science.

NEWS

THE FIRST OF MANY UNION VISITORS n Thursday, Sept. 14, Union College’s campus was flooded with 89 high school students from 10 different academies across the Midwest. Preview Days lasted until Sunday, September 17, and during the students’ time here, they were able to experience a taste of life at Union College. One of the most influential elements for many students was being able to interact with teachers and sit in on a real college class. Seth Martin, a senior from Maplewood Academy, highlighted, “Staff members gave really good, in-depth advice and they were all really friendly. They made it seem like a reality to be able to pass classes.” Kaitlyn Boaz, a senior from Sunnydale Academy, also found classroom time to be extremely beneficial to her Preview Days experience. “I think it’s a lot of fun and I’m excited about Union. My favorite part has been being able to sit in on all the classes and experience what it’s really like.”

“ Preview Days also provides the opportunity for students from far off places to visit the campus.

“

Not only do the Preview Days students sit in on classes, but they also experience dorm life by staying with volunteer host students who have a passion for Union and a desire to help potential students see themselves here. Adriana Sanchez, a student from Maplewood Academy, emphasized, “I always love the hosts. They give really good advice, they’re funny, and they give a really good picture of what Union is.”

As all college students come to understand, college life cannot simply be about studying, getting good grades and graduating with a degree. During one’s time in college, a student has exceptional opportunities to build lasting relationships both on campus and by spending time in the community. On Friday afternoon before supper, Preview Days students were taken to downtown Lincoln to see what life's like outside of campus. Charity Travis, a senior at Maplewood Academy, said, “I really liked going downtown. It was pretty amazing because we got to hang out with some of our friends, got to meet new people...and got to see what Lincoln was like outside of Union.” As a college so far from either coast, Preview Days also provides the opportunity for students from far off places to visit the campus. Former Preview Days student and now sophomore international rescue and relief major, Racquel Amich, reminisces on her experience, “It was nice to get a feel for Union, especially since I’m from Florida and had never been to the campus before. The atmosphere of the campus and the students really stood out to me when I visited.” Union College students, faculty and staff, keep up the good work! You’re what brings new students here and you’re what makes Union what it is! Never forget to help others “Experience the Spirit.” For information on how you can become a Preview Days host or student ambassador, contact Campus Visit Coordinator Rachael Boyd at rachael. boyd@ucollege.edu. Additionally, keep in mind that Union’s campus will have more visitors for Parents’ Weekend from Sept. 29 through Oct.1.

#PopsicleSalute | PC: Integrated Marketing Communications

Kayla Miller is a junior studying nursing.

NEWS

The Unionaires embrace Lincoln’s music culture | PC: Kayla Potts

MUSIC, FOOD AND ART, OH MY! I

t’s time for the 14th annual Lincoln Calling Music Festival. The festival is presented by internet, TV and phone service provider Allo and produced by coffee and skateboard shop, The Bay, as well as the nonprofit creative industry, Hear Nebraska. They’re returning again this year with a mission to create Lincoln’s most diverse, inclusive, sustainable cultural event that brings art, music and innovation together. On Sept. 28-30, visitors can experience artist workshops, food vendors, skateboarding contests and, of course, music. The concerts aren’t free, but they are affordable, with tickets starting at $15 for day passes. “There is a fusion of artists who are just starting out, performing in

the same festival with popular and more well-known artists,” explains junior communication major Yanni Outerbridge. “It’s like a smaller version of South by Southwest or even Coachella. The art and music is always expanding every year, introducing new types of bands and artists to Lincoln.”

is showcase different artists, venues or art related organizations in Nebraska through multimedia journalism.” Hear Nebraska is dedicated to supporting and promoting the Nebraskan artists and have produced more than 50 concerts with more than 140 different artists across the state.

Since its start in 2003, the nonprofit organization Hear Nebraska has been bringing together more than 100 national and local artists. On the music side of things, Charli XCX is headlining the festival and many other up-andcoming groups from Omaha, New York, Chicago and other cities will be present. Each night of Lincoln Calling will include performances, exhibitions and displays.

When the concerts are done, stop by the Railyard for a skateboarding contest held by The Bay, or the Night Market, located between 14th and O St., Lincoln’s biggest bazaar which is completely free and open to the public.

“Hear Nebraska started working with and producing Lincoln Calling last year,” explains managing editor Andrew Stellman. “The main thing that we do

Of course, art and food are present as well. This weekend will be a great time to spend hanging out with friends while exploring the art and music scene in the heart of Lincoln.

Caroline Guchu is a junior studying communication.

NEWS

APPLE’S EXPENSIVE COMEBACK T

his month, Apple released a slew of much hyped (and heavily leaked) products. As is customary in Apple’s product launches, new iPhones were released, watches were upgraded and software was updated. Since this was the 10th anniversary of the company's flagship phone, a new contender, at a new price point, was introduced: The iPhone X. While the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus bear a relatively unchanged appearance compared to previous versions, the iPhone X is a clear departure from what the company has brought to the table in past years. The handset is supposed to be “the biggest leap forward since the original iPhone” and has a price-tag to match. While none can deny the phone does look futuristic, is it enough to lure back customers who are already looking at cheaper offerings from competitors such as Samsung and Google? “I am thinking of upgrading my phone since my contract is up, but to the iPhone 8, not the X,” says Gabbi Mendoza, a junior studying mathematics and business administration. “While the X does look amazing, I can’t justify the price.”

“

This could potentially be bad news.

“

John Luckiesh, Admissions Coordinator, seemed to concur. “I really like the edge to edge display and the wireless charging on the X. However, since I already have the iPhone 7 plus, the price is too high for me to consider getting an upgrade

This year’s Apple devices: sweet deal or sour price? | PC: macworld.com

that will end up being outdated in the next generation.” This could potentially be bad news for both Apple and consumers. The iPhone X, at $999, is the most expensive starting price for a phone in Apple history. While prices have been steadily rising for so-called “premium” devices over the past several years, the X is a much bigger jump, a jump many consumers may not be willing to make. In an attempt to keep profit margins high with its most recent releases despite the new technology, Apple's has essentially crossed a psychological barrier with the $999 price. Since cell phone service companies have stopped subsidizing cell phones, customers have come to realize that their beloved phones are actually expensive. In raising the price, Apple is essentially betting on the fact that their customers will find the new features compelling enough to keep buying their product.

of iOS 7, however, it seems that device usability has become far less of a priority to the company...” says Sean O’Brien, a junior studying computer science. “The notch [on the top of the phone] is obtrusive and presents numerous issues for app developers and designers, and these issues will most definitely trickle down to us, the everyday users.” Apple has always and will continue to be known as the company that invented the first modern smartphone, with the original iPhone. Many of the features and technology we now take for granted were popularized thanks to Apple’s products. In the past, the cost of these innovations was something most people could afford to spend. However, with many of Apple’s competitors surpassing the company in regards with their own innovative products, some may wonder if Apple’s price is too high this time around.

Will the new features be enough to keep up the company’s bottom line?

https://www.apple.com/apple-events/ september-2017/

“Apple has been known for pioneering heavily-usable hardware and user interfaces. Since the launch

http://www.androidauthority.com/phonesgotten-expensive-762053/

Jesse Shoghi is a junior studying computing.

EDITORIAL

ARGUING ABOUT UNICORNS

waste of time.

mpartiality is a joke.

Okay, maybe not a joke, but at the very least, a unicorn. It can be pretty to imagine, even magical to some, but searching for it is a

Now, I’m not saying that one can’t be objective in their evaluation of a situation, but that even simply evaluating a set of facts introduces bias. Author and editor-in-chief of The Daily Wire, Ben Shapiro, offers 3 hypotheses about journalism: 1. All journalists are biased, even if they won’t admit it. 2. The facts of a story are either factual or they are not. 3. The bias of the journalist may impact how the facts are presented, but they don't automatically discredit the facts presented.

will have learned how to be objective and impartial, right? Since humans have free will, they must therefore form opinions to come to decisions. This happens naturally, and in some cases on an exclusively subconscious level. These unavoidable and immensely important judgements ultimately coalesce into a personal bias. Still, considering how inherent this process is to humanity, why do some journalists, or even the public at large, put such weight on seeming impartial? Often, students are taught how to present facts in a paper. One’s first essays will often be highly structured (remember the 5 paragraph essay guidelines?) and focus on bridging a connection between bullet points and something slightly more readable.

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These early papers often succeed in establishing a respect for reporting ‘just the facts’ but leave little room for the developing mind to understand how a viewpoint is acquired. This can lead to situations where there are a lot of good facts, but the lines connecting them in a discussion are tenuous at best.

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Since everyone naturally forms a bias for or against certain data or stimuli, why is there a stigma against it? When Hillary Clinton said “I think implicit bias is a problem for everyone,” why didn’t the nation rise up and say “well duh” if everyone is so obviously biased? Ultimately, this behavior stems from a misunderstanding of the purpose of arguments.

Since humans have free will, they must therefore form opinions to come to decisions.

For argument’s sake, I’d suggest all of these claims apply not just to journalists, but also to anyone presenting an argument. I’d consider number 2 to be pretty obvious… When claiming a statement as fact, one would hope the assertion was, indeed, a fact. But why do researchers, or perhaps more importantly the casual reader, need to care about bias? Surely most adults

Persuasive writing allows the author to present their own ideas as a (hopefully) logical argument juxtaposed with facts that support said argument. The public rightly casts a suspicious eye on articles that lack any obvious sources. Nonetheless, arguments can be taken as fact simply by the fact that there are some citations, ignoring whether these sources are biased themselves or have been cherry-picked

when the plethora of data suggest something contrary to the narrative being argued. Part of this misunderstanding is the fault of the early papers. Quantity is often mandated, while quality is excused due to the age or inexperience of new writers. While some eventually pick up on the need for quality sources and thoroughly researching all the viewpoints, it's hardly intuitive changing from report-minded writing to argument-minded writing.

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Don't chase a unicorn.

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Considered statement 3 from Shapiro, it’s principles can be used to craft a solution to this dilemma, not just for journalism, but for everyone. Not only would arguments and news articles open with an acknowledgement of how the author leans on the pertinent issues, but also a mention of how each source’s bias may tend to fall. The modern world allows everyone to participate in the media, whether that be through YouTube, Instagram, conventional media or a blog. Everyone has not only a duty to investigate what they believe, but also what they pass along. It need not take long, but a brief moment of consideration can help refocus the mind. There will always be news, there will always be bias, but we don’t have to always wonder where these two constants intersect. Stand by your beliefs, stand by partiality, stand by bias and whatever you do, don’t chase a unicorn.

James Clague is a junior studying computing.

HUMANS

UNIONITES REPLY HOUC

WE ASKED HUMANS OF UNION COLLEGE WHAT THEIR FAVORITE PLACES IN LINCOLN ARE AND WHY "I'd say the Haymarket Farmer's Market! It's a fun place to go with a group of friends and support local businesses in Lincoln!" - Camille Darrell

HOUC is compiled by Mike Ayala.

“S

ome of the best memories of my time at Union College were during my freshman year. I was taking College Writing I, taught by Chris Blake, and I remember that he would write a quote on the board every day. My favorite quote that has stuck with me to this day is, 'communication is the key to life'. I truly believe that because without communication, nothing would work; relationships, jobs, family, events and most importantly our relationship with God. Literally, it’s the key to life. However, if I could add to the quote I would say 'coffee and communication are the keys to life'. Teachers, like Chris Blake, have impacted me personally and academically. So when life would get hard, I met with him since he was also my advisor at that time. His best advice for me was to 'never let anybody steal your joy'. Overall, I feel like I’ve been through so many situations in life during my time here and becoming who I am, happened at Union."

Roxi Peterson is a senior studying communications.

"Aldi's because they have great groceries for a great price!!! #notsponsored" - Chase Wheeler

"Alex Deapen and I love The Bay. It's a great place to study, chill, and even skateboard. They have good quality coffee and a wide space to study." - Chrissy Gaben

"I like Super Taco, for the authentic and cheap tacos." - Andrew Reed

"My favorite place in Lincoln is the corner of 13th and O street. That corner is the epitome of "big city, small town feel." On one side is Wells Fargo's regional headquarters but in the other side there are small startup businesses including my second favorite in-town fast food, Sultan's Kite, and the BEST juice shop in town, High Vibe Café." - Jean Étienne

"I like downtown because there’s a lot of good food." - John Michael Sagarra

"I love the capitol! There’s something special about being able to see the city of Lincoln from way up high and view the beautiful artwork on the walls and tall ceilings. I feel at peace when I go, especially if I belt out a note or two when no one is looking to experience the acoustics." - Joslyn Lewis

"My favorite place is probably Holmes lake. I'm from the country so having a wide open space with trees reminds me of home." - Alex Tucker

"I'd say my favorite is probably trago park, I really like it because it’s really beautiful and has the downtown feel, but is also a park." - Kevin Svoboda

"I like Memorial Stadium. I love football and I think it's super cool that at full attendance, it becomes the third largest center of population in Nebraska." - Gabbi Mendoza

"My personal favorite place is the Haymarket. I have a lot of good memories of walking around with Courtney and friends there. It’s got a great atmosphere to it, and with the good food and ice cream you can’t go wrong." - Cole Yeager

HUMANS

JO BAER: KEEPING IT MINIMAL MEMENTO ARTEM T

hree canvases line a wall at the MoMA. At first they appear to be blank, white canvases lining a wall with a black outline around them. The thought, Why are these here? comes to mind. However, upon closer inspection, the canvases aren’t empty. Rather, each canvas has a band of color running around the canvas followed by a thick black band. Most people reaffirm their questioning of why such pieces are in a museum and move along. Others may take the time to look at these pieces and remain open to them.

What’s minimalism? “Minimalism was a reaction against the heavily expressive and metaphoric painting of the abstract expressionists”, says Union College Assistant Professor of Art and Graphic Design Alan Orrison.

These are the lucky minority. As you take the time to appreciate the work, something spectacular happens. The colors shift and interact with each other in amazing ways that seem to change the overall tone of the space. This is what Jo Baer wanted viewers to experience when she painted Primary Light Group: Red, Green, Blue.

“The goal of the minimalists was to drastically simplify their materials and compositions, thereby eliminating symbolism, emotion and metaphor. They were interested in the art object in its most literal sense, as a physical entity existing in a specific space.” Baer’s work does exactly that and more.

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However, Baer, as a painter, wasn’t favored among her contemporaries. Minimalist sculptors such as Donald Judd and Dan Flavin made the controversial claim that painting was a dead medium.

What's minimalism?

“ Jo Baer is among the most celebrated contemporary artists. Her work can be found across the globe, from the US National Gallery of Art to the National Gallery of Australia. Her roots can be traced back to the minimalism movement of the 1960s and early 1970s where her works were strongly influenced by her education in perceptual psychology.

Primary Light Group: Red, Green, Blue | PC: moma.org

“In saying that ‘painting is dead’, sculptors like Judd and Flavin would have argued that painting can never be completely free from metaphor”, says Orrison. “Judd and especially Flavin's work was all about the experience of the viewer. Judd was interested in how the visitor to the gallery navigated the space, scale and perspective of this pieces.” Orrison continues, “Flavin's fluorescent light installations are about transforming and sculpting the gallery space itself.” Baer tried to communicate with these artists through private letters

about their disputable claims. However, she received no answer from them. So, she decided to say her peace publicly in a letter to the publication Artforum in 1967. “I got sick of being told that I wasn’t radical when I knew very well that the ideas behind Minimalism had been worked out by [Frank] Stella and by [other painters]. And these object-makers were Johnnycome-latelies”, said Baer. Baer wasn’t a big fan of her contemporaries either. “Just because you can bump into sculpture doesn’t make it that much better; actually, I think it makes it that much worse. An object takes up space, and the idea is no longer clear.” Despite this dispute of mediums, all minimalist artists seemed to have an overlapping goal. Orrison says that these artists were “interested in the viewer's physical interaction with [their] work.” So to those who have the question Why are these here? The answer is: they’re here for you. Minimalism was a movement meant to empower the viewer with a space to interact with art. It's a movement allowing you, even for just a moment, to be fully present and experience art in its fullest.

Cameron Cizek is a junior studying computing.

OPINION

LIKE FIRE AND FLOOD HARDLY WORTHY 6 uncontrolled fires. Nine states. 12,500 square miles. The third worst group of fires in the past decade. Hurricanes of different degrees. 27 trillion gallons of rain dumped on Texas (51 inches in four days). 75 billion dollars in damage. 72,000 people rescued. 450,000 victims. I've never been a person who stays up-to-date with the news. I like to keep updated, but sadly, my frame of mind has been such that if the event doesn’t directly impact me, I’m not interested in anything more than the headline. But disasters in the world are intensifying and our planet seems to be becoming more like the world Jesus described would be present shortly before He returns. The current news headlines aren’t comforting. Honestly, I'd rather jump into my bed and hide until the world is perfect again. Unfortunately, that’s not my reality. We don't have

the luxury of living in an "ignorance is bliss" state of mind. I’m so thankful that I haven’t experienced first hand any disasters and tragedies such as the recent hurricanes or fires. I lived in Guam for five years and never experienced a typhoon, yet many threatened the island and affected other areas around me. I praise the Lord that I don't have to understand what it feels like to lose everything. But then again, why am I afraid of losing it all? When I was about 9 years old, I committed myself to Christ and was baptized into the Adventist church. I gave myself to Him and vowed to rededicate myself to him every single day. I wanted to have a relationship where I'd be so full of Him that there would be no room for me. Easier said than done, for I’ve struggled with the surrender every day! Over time, however, I became fearful of losing myself! I wanted complete control. I started relying on my own power to do things instead

“ I found God to be consistent.

“

of trusting that God would help lead me through it all. It was as if, like in the Garden of Eden, I was choosing what the Serpent offered instead of following what God encouraged me to do. It was like the verse in Romans, “for I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Even with these choices, though, I found God to be consistent. I began to understand why God wanted to lead in my life. He, my Father, has only the best of intentions for me and doesn’t aim to force me into things. I began to understand that, though I may fall and turn away, His love is always there. Soon enough, I realized that God’s love is abundant. To me, it’s like a flood or raging fire. It’s something I can never control, and, unlike those things, never want to suppress. We don’t have control of the things happening in this world. We don’t even necessarily have control of things in our own lives. But, one thing we do have control over is accepting abundant love from God. Soon this old world will pass away and, even if I lose all I have on this Earth but have Jesus, I’ve gained and will only continue to gain!

Luckily firefighters don’t need to respond when someone is on fire for the Lord | PC: Paul Buck, time.com

Kasondra Reel is a senior studying nursing.

OPINION

VOICELESS VENEZUELA THE GLOBAL CITIZEN T

he Venezuelan people are the victims of their government’s actions.

of cash. The people have been rioting in the streets to protest corruption in the government, and these riots have resulted in over 120 deaths.

To say that Venezuela is struggling is an understatement. The government is corrupt with a socialist party mismanaging the economy, the people are unhappy with their leaders and there’s no indication that it’s going to get easier.

A Venezuelan friend of mine told me stories about what his family has gone through during the crisis. His cousins came to visit him in Texas and they gorged themselves on food because they can’t afford to eat much back home. What’s most shocking was that they were in awe of toilet paper being so easily accessible.

The poverty rate is 82% and long lines at supermarkets and pharmacies have people waiting days for necessities. Because of low oil prices, the oil dependent economy is suffering from a lack of revenue. The United States has also placed financial sanctions on Venezuelan government officials in response to their mistreatment of protesters in 2014, making it harder for their government to generate money from it's oil trade and increasing tensions between the two countries. Hyperinflation has caused food to stack up on store shelves because no one can afford the prices that stores demand. Banks have almost run out

The comforts and conveniences that we are accustomed to in the United States are luxuries for most Venezuelans. If we need medicine, we can go to the local pharmacy and choose from a multitude of options. Venezuelans must choose between food or medicine because both are scarce and expensive. Our country needs to pay more attention to the Venezuelan people. We need to look at them as a people who need help, not as a government with which we disagree. The people shouldn’t be punished for the mistakes of their government and yet they’re the ones hit the hardest by the situation.

The financial sanctions put in place by the United States were in response to the socialist agenda by the current and the previous Venezuelan president. While the sanctions were put in place with the intention of helping everyday Venezuelans, they’ve had an adverse affect on the economy, which in turn has affected the people’s daily lives. Instead of imposing our will on Venezuela, we should be sending them humanitarian aid. Their people are hungry and have very little access to basic human necessities. If our intention really is to help them, shouldn’t we provide aid on a public level instead of sanctioning their government? The Venezuelan people are trying to live life just like us, but with great limitations. They’re parents that just want a decent life for their children. They’re students working hard just as we are to create a better future for themselves. They’re children who grew up thinking that poverty and civil unrest are normal. They deserve so much more than the bare minimum. When attempting to influence another country, whether for our benefit or theirs, the lives of the individual people that reside there should be taken into account. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/ tp-international/venezuela-a-crisis-beyondborders/article19701704.ece http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/ imposes-sweeping-financial-sanctionsvenezuela-170825211842001.html

Sometimes the politics overlook the people | PC: Raul Arboleda, AFP, Getty Images

Wesley Rodriguez-Diep is a sophomore studying international relations..

OPINION

NOLAN FOR MVP

YOU HEARD IT HERE LAST T

he close of baseball season is upon us.

average and runs scored should put him near the top of the list.

With teams making their final pushes towards the playoffs, I thought now would be a good time to look back at one of the most heated debates of the regular season.

A logical argument can be made for Nolan Arenado as well.

Who should win the National League MVP award? Statistically speaking, it's difficult to pick an outright winner. Anthony Rendon has been playing immaculate defense at third base for the Washington Nationals, and his batting has been spectacular as well. Giancarlo Stanton has put on a show this year with his record-setting home run pace. On top of that, his fielding has been above average. Joey Votto’s on-base percentage has been spectacular. While his defense has done nothing to set him apart, his bat has more than made up the difference. Bryce Harper deserves to be in the conversation every year, and the fact that he ranks second in on base percentage, batting average and slugging percentage proves this year is certainly no different. Charlie Blackmon has quietly been having a spectacular year for the Rockies. His league-leading batting

He leads the league in extra base hits and RBIs, and his batting average is the best among third basemen. He also leads the league in error run rate (he makes the fewest mistakes per defensive opportunity). These numbers all make for a good argument, but not a definitive one. The reason he unequivocally deserves the award, in my opinion, comes down to just how much he means to the Rockies, especially in the clutch. They say the best players are the ones who deliver when the lights shine the brightest, and Nolan has exemplified this perfectly. He’s been by far the most clutch player in the league this year (his clutch rating is 1.78; the next closest player’s rating is 1.05). He’s hit walk-offs, made pivotal stops late in games and done whatever else the Rockies have needed him to do to win. Furthermore, he’s made countless highlight reel-worthy plays. He’s a clear leader on the field and in the locker room, and he keeps a level head during interviews, regardless of the outcome of the game. Am I biased about this pick? Absolutely. But, to be fair, this season Nolan gave me perhaps the most memorable baseball moment ever.

Baseball is as much about the experience as it is the stats | PC: Icon Sportswire, fanragsports.com

On Father’s Day, I had the privilege of going to a game with my dad, uncle and grandpa. The Rockies were down two heading into the bottom of the ninth and were nearing the bottom of the order.

Nolan Arenado celebrating hitting a walk off cycle PC: Chris Humphreys, usatoday.com

Nolan had already hit a single, a double and a triple that day and was just a home run away from hitting for the cycle (there are usually only a few cycles every year in the MLB). With just four batters in front of him, we knew that there was a chance he could bat in the inning and complete the cycle in dramatic fashion. The first batter grounded out, but the next three batters singled, leaving two on with just one out (one run managed to score in the process). Then Nolan stepped up to the plate, and with the whole stadium holding its breath, he smacked the first pitch into the left field stands for a three run walk-off home run. I’ve never heard baseball fans even half as loud. Chants of “M-V-P” rang out from every corner of the stadium. It was truly remarkable to be able to share that moment with my dad on Father’s Day, and it’s a moment for which I’ll be forever grateful. I’ve been lucky enough to hear the MVP chants ring out for Nolan on a few different occasions this year, and I sincerely hope the voters have too. No one is more deserving of the award, and there is no player or fan base to which it could mean more. Tyler Dean is a junior studying business administration.

MISC. CORNER

Interested in writing for The Clock tower? October 6th, 2017 | 1:30 pm

Do you have thoughts you’d like to share on a recent article?

Nebraska State Capitol Warner Chamber Email Invites – Kim Daniel

We accept letters to the editor! They can be physically delivered to the office or emailed to us.

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Interested in being a writer? We’re still hiring! In either case, please email us at cltower@gmail.com to get in touch. We’d love to start having a conversation with you.

SUDOKU

Upcoming Major Events! September 29-October 1 Parents Weekend October 9

Student Recital

October 13

Fall Break

October 17

Mid-Term

October 19-21

Volleyball and Soccer Tournament

October 29-31

Junior Days

November 2

Last Day to Withdraw

November 6

Student Recital

November 9-12

Preview Days

Fact or Fiction

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7 9 6

4 Tweet us your thoughts at @ClocktowerASB

2 1

6 5

2 2

Women can't be color blind.

http://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku_puzzles/sudoku_hard_275.html

The Clocktower encourages reader feedback and strives to maintain accuracy. If you have comments, please email us at cltower@gmail.com. The Clocktower, established in 1927 and sponsored by the Associated Student Body of Union College, is published weekly during the fall and spring semesters. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the writers and are not to be construed as the opinion of the editors, Associated Student Body, Union College, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.