93.10

ISSUE 93.10

UNION COLLEGE 12.05.2018

WHAT’S INSIDE PAGE 09 STUFFING PAGE 11 SANTA CLAUS PAGE 15 STILLE NACHT PAGE 19 SNOWFLAKES PC: Danica Eylenstein

HAVE YOURSELF A “MEH” LITTLE CHRISTMAS

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ecently, I’ve been seeing a lot of posts online about how to get into the Christmas spirit. The suggestions range from listening to Christmas music or baking Christmas cookies, to decorating your house and watching Christmas movies.

Helpful, right? Wrong. I’m realizing those cliched articles don’t actually live up to their titles. They aren’t telling me how to get into the Christmas spirit, just do Christmas-y things. Forcing myself to do the typical Christmastime activities won’t get me feeling festive and I’m honestly not sure why anyone would think otherwise. Fight me.

If I don’t want comedy or drink fireplace, I’m not either. Hear me jolly this holiday

to watch a cheesy Christmas hot chocolate in front of a going to. And you shouldn’t out: If you’re not feeling season, but you try to force

yourself for the sake of celebrating, you’re probably doing more harm than good. You may end up equating your “meh” feelings towards Christmas as a whole, as opposed to what they actually are–momentary.

Instead, I propose an alternative. Don’t fight your feelings; embrace them. I’m certainly not saying go full-on Grinch for the month of Dec. but there’s no need to, dream of a white Christmas, deck the halls, or go dashing through the snow if you’re just not feeling it this year.

Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing special a pine-scented candle, candy canes or Starbucks holiday cups can really do to rid you of the holiday blues, and that’s okay. In the meantime: drink your iced coffee, dream of warmer days and avoid all things peppermint and pine. If and when you feel like celebrating, you will. Until then, I won’t hold it against you.

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EDITORIAL

“MEH” CONTINUED ...

Continued from page 1.

STAFF

Editor-in-Chief

Maegan Luckiesh

Assistant Editor

Danica Eylenstein

Layout Editor Jovan Cross

Web Content Manager Cameron Cizek

Social Media Manager Danica Eylenstein

Section Editors Juliet Bromme Katie Turk Max Bromme

Photographers Esther Pervis (Lead) Britni Conrad Kayla Potts Levi Ventura

Writers

Arts: Cameron Cizek Entertainment: Nicholas Morrison How-to: Alaysha Harris HOUC: Danica Eylenstein Lifestyle: Amanda McCarter News: Jordan Judge & Yeimy Rodriguez Political Opinion: Ashley Bower Religion: Kasondra Reel Sports: Tyler Dean

Social Media

Instagram - @clocktowerasb Twitter - @ClocktowerASB Facebook - The Clocktower

Website

clocktower.ucollege.edu

WHY IT’S TOTALLY FINE TO NOT HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS • If the weather outside is frightful, I’m surely not going to say let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Hah. No, thank you. Keep your snow.

• Let’s be honest–as an adult, snow sucks. No one likes scraping ice off their car and being chilled to the bone.

• Jesus wasn’t really born in December anyway, so don’t feel bad.

• Tinsel and pine needles make a huge mess.

If you enjoy that clean up, you’re crazy.

• Wrapping presents takes what feels like forever, but only mere moments to unwrap.

• Those extra holiday pounds will take much longer to shed then gain.

• Face it, the only nice thing about winter is when it’s over.

Danica Eylenstein is a senior studying communication.

FOODY CHRISTMAS SONG LYRICS • I really can’t stay, but baby there’s food outside.

• All I want for Christmas is food. (Buzzfeed) • It’s beginning to smell a lot like breakfast.

• Do you smell what I smell?

• He’s makin’ a list of chicken and rice. (Buzzfeed) • Have yourself a merry little breakfast.

• Oo-oh the po-ta-to, mashed for you to eat!

Somebody waits for food; save a slice for me! (have a holly jolly christmas) • Come they told me pa rum pum pump-kin. A new baked pie to eat pa rum pum pump-kin!

Esther Pervis is a junior studying nursing.

PC: unsplash.com | rawpixel

EDITORIAL

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MERRY CHRISTMAS PRESIDENT TRUMP AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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ohammad Galub is the Afghan villager who saved the life of Navy SEAL, Marcus Luttrell, after a notorious fight with the Taliban. Since then, Luttrell has received a Purple Heart and the Navy Cross. However, Mark Walhberg, who played Luttrell in “Lone Survivor,” claims that Galub is the true hero.

Without Galub’s actions and protection, Luttrell never would’ve left Afghan soil.

However in the years that followed, while Luttrell’s new life was characterized by fame, Galub’s was plagued with fear. He was immediately placed on the Taliban’s kill list for protecting their enemy, which eventually forced him to flee his native country.

After he rescued Luttrell, Galub relatively peaceful life was never the same. He’d completely sacrificed familiarity for a soldier who could barely pronounce his name.

Yet when Galub’s actions were questioned, his response remained steadfast: he affirmed that he saved Luttrell not based on religion or the country he fought for, but simply because he was a human being.

And isn’t that enough?

It’s Christmas and because it’s my favorite time of year, I like to expedite the season. For me, this holiday begins pretty much on Nov. 1, meaning ski season is right around the corner and Christmas songs can begin to play. But this year, ski season isn’t the only thing I’ve been thinking about.

As 2018 draws to a close, it’s easy to remember all the oh-so-wonderful events that unfolded. In fact, there’ve been nearly as many mass shootings as days in 2018 and probably even more presidential tweets. In Oct., Cesar Sayoc mailed 14 bombs to influential leaders and activists, further stirring the boiling political pot.

Most recently, the Democrats gained control of the House, which provided another platform for Donald Trump to spew rude remarks, a myriad of which were actually targeted at the GOP. But what’s so saddening to me—with every new headline, Americans seem to have forgotten what can unite us.

To love regardless, seems so simple, yet is obviously one of the most difficult things one can do.

2018 has definitely seen its share of hate.

On top of not having the most stellar role model, the events that have taken place this year give Americans every right to wallow. But it’s Christmas. And at least at Christmas, let’s focus on love and the One who is love.

So I say, Merry Christmas President Trump and a Happy New Year!

Because at the end of the day, we shouldn’t love someone based on who they are or what they’ve said, but simply because they’re a human being.

Isn’t that enough?

PC: Danica Eylenstein

Juliet Bromme is a freshman studying graphic design.

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UNION WORLD WIDE

SERVICE WITH A HUMBLE HEART

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hroughout high school, I dreamt of the opportunity to go on a mission trip.

However, my father was never fond of sending me to another country. During high school, I asked him if I could attend a mission trip to Honduras. He refused, saying I could never raise enough money to go. I sent out donation letters anyway, and God was able to provide all the funds I needed. Yet, even though I raised enough, my father still didn’t approve.

My broken heart returned all the donations to my supporters. Then, my father reassured me I could go the next year. I attempted to go on two other mission trips. God provided the funds, but my father kept me from going.

My freshman year of college, I heard students could take a year off to be a student missionary and I seized the opportunity. Currently, I’m a medical assistant at the Pagudpud Adventist Wellness Center in Pagudpud, Philippines. I’m here with 10 other student missionaries, and they’ve become my family.

Upon arrival, my serving heart believed I was going to convert every person I met and heal every sickness I encountered. It didn’t take me long to realize I wasn’t really needed

Photo provided by Madison Kamarad

at the clinic. You see, the clinic is fully staffed and could function easily without me. The first month, I really struggled with what my purpose was here. I prayed for God to show me why He sent me, but I couldn’t find an answer.

I reached out to Andrew Saunders, a great mentor of mine, and asked him why I was even here if they didn’t seem to need my help. He said to me, “Sometimes we need to be humbled and realize the world can go on without us and we need to step back and learn.” My entire life, I imagined my mission year was my year to be a superhero. Now I understand how my service is what I make it.

I can serve at home just as easily as I can serve in the Philippines. Saunders said, “What do you think Jesus would do in your position? I personally believe He would have you be humble, learn as much as you can from the local population, build relationships and show people you care. Sometimes that’s exactly what people need, not being handed a prescription and told to drink more water.”

Please know that your service is needed no matter your location or crowd. Whether you show Jesus’ love to your roommate or sing with kids in the Philippines, you’re a superhero to someone.

Photo provided by Madison Kamarad

Madison Kamarad is a junior studying international rescue and relief.

UNION WORLD WIDE

HOUC HUMANS OF UNION COLLEGE

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of it. My Christmas trees have been up since two weeks before Halloween. The reason I do that is my academy dean once made the comment, “don’t do Halloween because it could very well be Jesus’ real birthday.” Just in case it is and the devil is playing some trick on us, I just put Christmas up early!

Our Elf on the Shelf landed on Tuesday Nov. 13. His name is Gregory, that’s very important.

He enjoys Cheerios and Christmas comedies, but not Hallmark movies– because those are terrible.

We have a felt Christmas tree in our hallway for my son to play with. New to our house this year is a felt Menorah that we’ll hang in the hallway, so that my Jewish sister-in-law can send the kids Hanukkah gifts, so we don’t receive gifts without understanding why.

I

HOUC is compiled by Danica Eylenstein.

PC: Kayla Potts

love Christmas because one of my top love languages is giving and receiving gifts. I put a lot of thought into gift-giving. I kind of obsess about it. Also, I hate, hate, hate being cold. If I just focus on Christmas, the cold weather isn’t quite as infuriating.

Christmas became even more fun once I had a child. He’s a lot like me, he gets very excited and he just gets it. We’re still in the Santa Claus believing phase of his life. He’s starting to ask some questions, but my official stance is that it’s fun to pretend, and we take our pretending very seriously. There may be some Raisinettes in our driveway, left there by the reindeer.

There may be a carrot with a bite taken out

The best Christmas album of all time is by The Temptations–The Temptations “Christmas Card.” It’s not Christmas without it. It’s on Spotify. Everyone needs to check it out. Or, if you’d like, you can just follow me on Spotify and find my Christmas morning playlist. It’s wonderful and I’ve been listening to it for weeks.

I love Christmas movies. My favorite is “Arthur Christmas.” I also love “Elf” and the “Santa Clause” trilogy. We’ve already started watching them this year.

Hallmark romance Christmas movies are the absolute worst of the worst. I hate them. Do not make me watch them. I will turn the channel to the Food Network and watch how they make eggnog cream puffs or whatever.

We do Christmas well at our house.

PC: unsplash.com | Anton Darius

Marcia Nordmeyer is the Union College Guest Services Director.

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HOW TO

HOW TO GET CREATIVE WITH GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

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he season of giving has arrived. Christmas is a holiday that’s hard not to love.

The sound of seasonal music can be heard from miles away, the smell of hot chocolate fills the air and Christmas lights are on nearly every street. While this holiday brings so many wonderful things, the pressure of buying gifts for family and friends can often be overwhelming. I want to share with you four creative gift ideas you can give this Christmas.

gift for your college friends. Being away from home isn’t easy but the scent of a cozy candle can be your way of providing a friend with a little something that reminds them of home.

Homesickcandles.com has options to search by city, state and country and if you sign up for their email list you can get 10 percent off.

I’ve listed only a few gift options. However, I hope they spark your imagination and help you get creative so you can find the perfect present for everyone on your list.

Photo Blanket Everybody loves a cozy blanket, but this gift goes much further. Keep memories alive in a creative way by picking all your favorite photos and putting them together in a blanket collage. This is a great gift for a close family member or friend. If you go to collage.com you can buy a blanket half off and free shipping.

Gifts in a Jar Instead of buying gift baskets people have been investing in gift jars. This is a fun way to think outside the box and they come in various sizes from mason jars to a 2-gallon glass storage jar. Sticking with a theme such as movie night, spa day, game day or even a jar filled with a few of your special someones favorite things will show you put effort into creating a present specifically for them.

Personalized Gifts A personalized phone case, water bottle, bracelet, necklace or even a wallet can become a meaningful and unipue gift. There are plenty of items you can make a bit more personal to show your friends and family you care.

Homesick Candles Yes, I know candles aren’t allowed in the dorm, but candle warmers are! This is a great

PC: Kayla Potts

Alaysha Harris is a senior studying communication.

LIFESTYLE

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SHOPPING TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

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ith the holidays approaching, we’re quickly reminded of all the shopping we still need to do. Here are some tips to help manage it all: Shop Online: Online shopping can be your best friend during the holiday season. You can avoid the crowds and cold weather, all without getting out of bed. Amazon makes it simple to shop for both family and friends on one site. You can also have packages sent directly to your house, which saves you the trouble of trying to fit gifts in your luggage.

Take advantage of Amazon Prime’s student discount. If you haven’t used your six-month free trial, Dec. is the perfect time to start it so you can use their free two-day shipping.

Buy an Extra: One of my high school roommates taught me to always keep an extra gift on hand during the holiday season. This can save you if you realize too late that you’ve forgotten someone on your shopping list, or if you need a quick fix for an unexpected gift exchange. Something thoughtful and small, such as chocolates or lotion, work well.

Set a Budget: It’s easy to get carried away with spending during the holidays. Before you start shopping, look over your funds, set a reasonable limit on your spending and stick with it. You’ll save yourself from unnecessary financial grief at the start of the new year and you’ll be able to shop without the worry of spending too much.

Make a List (and Check it Twice): During the holidays, it can feel like our brains are constantly racing as we try to keep track of finals, travels and gifts. It can be easy to forget about someone during your

PC: Levi Ventura

shopping. Keeping a list on your phone of everyone you want to purchase gifts for can take some of the stress off your mind.

Write down gift ideas next to individual names as ideas come to you so your mind doesn’t go blank when it’s time to shop.

Remember that Price isn’t Everything: Sometimes I worry about not spending enough money on each person on my list, or I feel like I need to spend an equal amount on everyone. It’s important to remember that no one is looking for a price tag when receiving a gift, or at least they shouldn’t be.

It’s cliche to say it, but it really is the thought that counts. When you’re shopping, keep in mind that the amount you spend doesn’t relate to how much you care about someone.

Amanda McCarter is a senior studying biomedical science.

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SATIRE

ONE DAY VACAY IM SATIRED

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y name is Elphie, and as an elf working at the North Pole, I don’t get much time off. Each year as Christmas gets closer, the workshop becomes busier, and all of us elves begin to discuss what we plan to do during our one day off of the year: Dec. 25. If we had a week off, this question would be easier to answer. But alas, we have only one day off a year. Some elves choose to wing it when the day arrives and do whatever their hearts tell them, but not me.

No, I have a plan. I want every moment of my day off to count.

Thankfully, Christmas day is magically extended so Santa can reach all the houses in the world (yes, that’s how he does it,) so I can fit most of what I’d like to do in a single day. My vacation will begin by simply sleeping in. Us elves wake up at 4 a.m. every morning to make gifts for all the nice kids around the world, so sleeping in is a luxury. When I happen to awaken from my glorious slumber, I’ll attend to my laundry. I don’t have much

PC: Kayla Potts

time off, so I wear the same outfit 364 days a year. While my clothes are washing, I’ll read my favorite book: “Robin Hood.” We elves own only books that have red or green covers, and of those “Robin Hood” is my favorite.

Afterwards, I’ll do a little yoga and then attend my once-a-year karate class followed by a massage.

Then a couple of my friends and I will watch all eight of the “Fast and Furious” movies (I read about watching them in a newspaper a few weeks ago and thought it was a fantastic idea.) While we’re watching, we’ll order Chinese takeout and some burritos and those potato things from Taco John’s.

When the movies are done, all the elves in the ribbons division (that’s my division) will get together for a game night, with balloons and ribbons colored orange, yellow, blue, purple and pink. We’ll play a bunch of old card games and drink Coca-Cola with the polar bears until the northern lights flicker across the sky.

After everything is cleaned up, I’ll end the day with a nice tropical bubble bath before going to bed to prepare for another busy year.

Katie Turk is a senior studying English language arts education.

TRADITIONS

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PASS THE STUFFING

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icture yourself on Christmas day, sitting down to that glorious, home-cooked feast you’ve anticipated all year. Why do the first bites of that fabulous meal bring such delight and fill you with a warm, fuzzy feeling?

It may be the fact that you let down your usual dietary restrictions and goals to enjoy this honored tradition, the joy and peace the season brings or the company with whom you share it.

Most likely, it’s a combination of all these and more. In fact, we probably put more thought into what it’s like to eat a holiday meal than we do about any other meal throughout the year.

Have you ever considered the implications of this? How often do you polish off your Chipotle dinner before you can say “guacamole?” Do you put thought and time into your everyday food intake?

Mindful eating is a practice with roots in Middle Eastern tradition and has been steadily gaining worldwide popularity. It centers around the importance of savoring and thinking about your food before, during and after your meal. It may seem obvious to

THREE CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS FROM AROUND THE WORLD KYRGYZSTAN - In Kyrgyzstan, Ayaz Ata (Grandfather Frost) comes at midnight on New Year’s Eve and leaves presents under the New Year tree. When the clock strikes midnight, families throughout the country light fireworks to celebrate this beautiful occasion. The cities become as bright as day.

PC: Kayla Potts

think about what you’re eating in order to have a healthy diet, but it’s a skill that we’re losing in a busy society where social eating, adequate time for chewing and digesting your burrito and meal planning are rather scarce.

This practice is important for proper digestion and healthy associations with food. I urge you to enjoy your holiday meal this Christmas, but to put down the fork after that first wonderful bite. Just chew and savor it, smile at a loved one, whisper a quick prayer of thanks and get started with a lifelong decision to remain mindful about the impact food has on your body and the blessing it is to enjoy it.

Resources can be found on our website.

Erynn Johnson is a senior studying chemistry.

PHILIPPINES - The Philippines is known for having the world’s longest Christmas season. Four months are considered Christmas months: Sept., Oct., Nov. and Dec. Christmas carols can oftentimes be heard as early as the beginning of Sept.

GREECE - In Greece, friendly but troublesome creatures called ‘kallikántzari’ live most of the year in the center of the earth. But at Christmas, they love to hide in people’s houses, frightening people, playing tricks or devouring Christmas foods.

Greeks perform rituals to keep these hobgoblins away.

10 | ENTERTAINMENT

10 COZY CLASSICS THIS CHRISTMAS NICFLIX

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his is your “captain” speaking. Sit back, relax and take notes because these movies are so saturated with nostalgia, family and holiday cheer it’ll be like getting hit in the face with a snowball of Christmas spirit.

CLASSICS: “Home Alone 1 and 2” The first two are classics and the third one is good, but avoid the fourth one AT ALL COSTS. You’ve been warned.

“Santa Clause 1-3” Want some insight into the enigma that is Santa? These movies dive into the minutia of Ol’ Saint Nick’s daily life. If you haven’t seen them … it’s time.

“Elf” How can you even have a holiday article without mentioning “Elf?!” You HAVE to watch it. No questions asked.

“The Holiday” Having a little something for everyone— warm LA weather, beautiful snowy landscapes, great music, talented actors and smoooooth British accents—“The Holiday” is just what you need this Christmas.

“White Christmas” Bing Crosby serenading you with his velvet pipes—what could be better than that?

“Miracle on 34th Street” I grew up watching this one—the 1994 version, not 1947—and it’s so good it almost convinces me to believe in Santa every time I watch it!

“The Polar Express” I’m just now noticing how many of these movies are furthering the Santa Claus

agenda, but that’s chill. There are worse things out there to believe in. Plus, I like the message—too much logic and reason can lead to a lack of or difficulty with faith/belief.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Here’s one that’s ANTI-Santa! You can choose to watch the new animated “Grinch” that came out a couple weeks ago, OR you can go with the Jim Carrey classic—personally scared me a bit when I was little, but we’re all good now.

“Love, Actually” The fact that it showed up on every Christmas movie list I looked up was a pretty good indicator that it deserved to be on mine as well. Aside from the casual nudity—as in they casually were COMPLETELY naked on occasion—crude language and annoyingly negative, but occasionally accurate, representation of Americans, “Love, Actually” was flippin’ adorable. They filmed it from the idea of connections and reconnections made in airport terminals with footage of actual people shown in the beginning and end of the movie.

PERSONAL FAVORITE: “While You Were Sleeping” Possibly one of my favorite movies of all time, this is one of Sandra Bullock’s earlier films and potentially one of her best. It’s a story with genuine, real characters teaching you about family, love and LIES. Jokes! While there’s a little fibbing, the message is clearly one of virtue. Seriously, if you watch ANY of these movies, THIS IS THE ONE TO WATCH. Thanks for your support this semester!

Merry Christmas and feel free to text me with your family’s favorite holiday movies I might’ve missed so I can watch them over break.

-Your Friendly Neighborhood Movie Guy PC: Kayla Potts

Nicholas Morrison is a senior studying graphic design and business administration.

ARTS

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THE EVOLUTION OF SANTA CLAUS MEMENTO ARTEM

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o Ho Ho! Here comes the rosy cheeked jolly man with the beard so white and the suit of red. He carries a bag over his shoulder with presents for all the good boys and girls.

Sounds like the Santa Claus most of us grew up knowing, right?

Well, the magical man we know today has gone through quite the transformation over the years. In fact, we can trace his origins all the way back to the fourth century.

The story of Santa Claus starts with a monk named St. Nicholas. Nicholas is thought to have been born in 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey. Legend says he gave away all his riches and traveled to the countryside to help the poor and sick which eventually led him to being named the Bishop of Myra.

One famous story of St. Nicholas is when he saved three poor girls from prostitution.

Mysteriously, three bags of gold were found inside the family’s home in stockings hung out to dry by the fire.

This and many other stories contributed to Nicholas eventually becoming the patron saint of children and over time his legend spread quickly throughout Europe.

Depictions of him were created for years to come and could be found as far as Russia, such as the icon of the saint dated 1294 found in a Lipnya Church.

Over time, the legend of St. Nicholas evolved into Santa Claus. Dutch immigrants introduced the figure of Sinterklaas to American culture. Thomas Nast, a cartoonist, helped establish the visual identity of this jolly figure.

In his illustration from an 1863 issue of “Harper’s Weekly,” Claus wears a coat of stars

Norman Rockwell | libertypuzzles.com

riding in a sleigh delivering toys to soldiers.

Later, Nast depicted the North Pole as Claus’ headquarters where toys were made and the famous “naughty and nice” list was kept.

In the 20th century we see the biggest refinement in the visual identity of Claus.

One key work of art is from 1902 in which the Australian, Frank A. Nankivell, illustrated the cover for “Puck” Magazine.

Claus is slipping through a window on what is presumably Christmas Eve night where two women meet him to give him kisses on each cheek. From there, artists have contributed in shaping and refining the rosy-cheeked man to be the figure we know and love today.

Cameron Cizek is a senior studying computing.

12 | POLITICAL OPINION

HOW THE GRINCH SHOT CHRISTMAS T

he issue of gun control has continued to divide our country (just like a multitude of other things), yet still has no resolution. On one hand, we have the people who support stricter gun laws and background checks (me) and on the other are the people who stick to their Second Amendment rights and think arming more people is the solution to gun violence (definitely not me.)

While I have my own opinions, both of these sides have valid points.

For those against stricter gun laws comes the idea that if we were to just arm more people, there would be fewer shootings.

However, looking at past mass shootings, almost none of the shootings were stopped by civilians with guns. They were stopped by former or current military or security officers, not civilians.

These people will also cite the Second Amendment as their right to own a gun, but first, that amendment was written when reloading bullets was slow and automatic handguns were not a thing. Second, there’s a process created to change our legislative system created by the same people who wrote the amendment.

Now, on the other side of the argument, comes a sensible restriction on gun ownership.

Did you know that there’s a loophole where you don’t have to take a background check to own a gun? Crazy, right? More comprehensive and in-depth background checks should be required to own a gun.

Also, what’s the deal with military style weapons like the AR-15 that keep being used in mass shootings (Parkland, Orlando nightclub, Texas church, Las Vegas concert?)

Full places clearly there’s a pattern of abuse

Norman Rockwell | libertypuzzles.com

of power with those guns so … maybe we should do something about that. I’m not as passionate about gun control as other areas in politics and I want to keep the conversation open. If you disagree with anything I’ve written, I’d love to talk about it so I can be more informed. The more we talk and are open to the other side of arguments, the more likely change will occur.

To be clear, I don’t think we should take guns away from everyone, I understand there are legitimate reasons to own guns.

However, due to the amount of violence they cause in our country, (and evidence from other countries that gun control is effective) something needs to change.

Ashley Bower is a junior studying English language arts education.

POLITICAL OPINION

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THINK OF THE CHILDREN G

un control has a muddy history, from the 1939 United States v. Miller to the superseding 2008 DC v.

Heller case which declared gun ownership an individual right.

America is a unique country, which faces a unique problem.

Purchasing new fully-automatic weapons has been illegal since 1986. These have never been used in a mass shooting. Assault weapons, described by model or cosmetics, were banned in 1994.

This ban was sunset in 2004, as it was ineffective in reducing violent crime.

Semi-automatics include most handguns along with certain rifles. Reloading takes 1-5 seconds for most weapons, even in stressful situations. Women, the elderly and those with less physical stature benefit the most from defensive gun use. Lastly, background checks are always required for purchases from authorized dealers.

High-capacity magazine bans are solutions to non-existent problems. Less than 10 shots are fired in most homicides, and shooters with small magazines are just as brutal (e.g. one Columbine shooter brought 13 10-round magazines, bypassing the assault weapons ban). It’s clear that ‘who’ matters far more than ‘what’ when it comes to gun sales. Unlike ineffective gun restrictions, solutions like private sale background checks, gun licensing contingent upon mental health evaluation and mandatory safe-storage training address the cause of misuse.

“

High-capacity magazine bans are solutions to non-existent

Since the common thread throughout all mass shootings is mental instability, accessible mental health care at all economic levels would be ideal.

In the worst-case, Homeland Security is now advising “run, hide, fight” over sheltering-in-place, which stands to substantially increase survival rates.

Addressing a common proposal, bans based on cosmetics (e.g. pistol grips) unsurprisingly wouldn’t reduce gun abuse. A blanketing semi-automatic weapon ban is unrealistic and impractical, since semi-automatic handguns are the best guns for self-defense.

Regarding other gun-crime, childhood gang membership and repeated violent offences can be mitigated through school and prison programs.

Resources for impoverished and single parents to encourage both self-esteem and school performance would assist in all cases. Over-zealous gun control is an immoral overreach of government power and will rarely change tragic outcomes given the circumstances of gun abuse.

Gun buyback is unfeasibly expensive, with conservative estimates at $30-60 billion for refunds alone, while examples such as Australia’s gun policies primarily reduced gun-related suicide rather than homicide. Targeted control of either rifles or calibers is impotent, as the typical semi-automatic pistol effective range is 75 feet—plenty for a mass-shooting since most victims are shot within two feet.

James Clague is a senior studying computing and engineering.

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problems.

With the constant progression towards authoritarianism each election cycle, the forfeiture of freedom is increasingly risky.

Think of the children, defend your rights, defend liberty.

14 | SPORTS

PC: Britni Conrad

A YEAR IN REVIEW YOU HEARD IT HERE LAST

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he end of 2018 is upon us and what a year in sports it’s been.

The year started with the Philadelphia Eagles charging through the playoffs and ultimately winning the Super Bowl with their backup QB under center (or rather playing receiver, in the case of the game’s pivotal play.)

At the Winter Olympics, we were treated to countless storylines and exciting moments, but watched in collective disappointment as the United States underperformed throughout the games.

We then saw the first 16 seed upset a 1 seed in UMBC over Virginia during March Madness for the first time ever, busting nearly the entire nation’s brackets in the process.

Fast forward a few months and we saw the Vegas Golden Knights (in their inaugural season) battle their way to the Stanley Cup Finals and although they ultimately came up short, their season was one that defied all odds and is unparalleled among expansion teams in any sport.

In baseball, we watched as two divisions came down to a one-game play-in game, because somehow 162 games weren’t enough to decide either division.

Tiger Woods made his presence felt throughout the golf season and it culminated with him winning his first event since 2013.

His resurgence this year has made golf relevant again and regardless of what happens in the coming years, his presence will continue to make a positive impact on the game for as long as he plays.

We saw the most iconic players in soccer (Cristiano Ronaldo) and basketball (LeBron James) take their talents to new teams during their respective offseasons. And we’ve seen just how much of an impact they made by how poorly their former teams have played in their absence.

At the Union College level, the big story was the addition of a soccer team. I think it’s interesting to also note just how much turnover has taken place across the other sports on campus. The future seems to be pretty bright for Union athletics as a whole.

While I must admit, selfishly, this was not the best year for my sports teams, I thoroughly enjoyed the year anyway and I hope you did too.

Tyler Dean is a senior studying finance and math.

RELIGION

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STILLE NACHT, HOLY NIGHT HARDLY WORTHY

“S

ilent Night, Heilige Nacht. Alles Schlaft, All is bright” ... During World War I, in the year 1914, the German, British, Belgian and French soldiers silently made a unified decision to instill peace. Although it only lasted hours at some places and days at others, the Christmas truce became known as the Silent Night.

Stories of home were exchanged and food was shared. Scrimmage games of football were started and the words of “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” rang over the fighting grounds, which were scattered with fallen comrades. Solemnly soldiers found their dead burying them under this short truce of peaceful silence.

the spirit of the season into your heart. I think the song “Silent Night” describes the Christmas feeling: “heavenly peace.” It’s a time of giving. It’s a time for family. It’s the time when we celebrate the birth of our Saviour. But in the midst of this season, it’s a time of coming together.

No matter our differences, who we are voting for or what we believe in, it’s a season when we can share a breath of peace and thanksgiving.

Let’s be thankful for one another, apart from our differences. Merry Christmas and have a silent night.

The fighting grounds were filled with pain and hatred, yet this short peace created brothers out of enemies, in a period when it was so needed. Murdoch M. Wood of the British army stated, “If we had been left to ourselves there would never have been another shot fired.” Because of the duty to their superiors, the fighting resumed, but the memories of brotherhood lingered for the rest of those soldiers lives.

These men viewed each other negatively because they were fighting for countries at war. Yet despite it all, they still found time for peace. There’s such beauty in our humanity, and foundational love for others.

So many things draw people apart in this crazy world: politics, religion, decisions of our leaders, but we’re all really here for one purpose, to follow God’s will in our life.

It’s a time of war for our hearts and minds.

The devil is doing anything he can to bind us against each other, but this holiday season, while people strive to be better toward their fellow man it’s the perfect time to welcome

PC: Britni Conrad

Kasondra Reel is a senior studying nursing.

16 | FESTIVE

UNION FESTIVITIES

I this event.

t’s the holiday season and at Union College, Student Life chose to celebrate by throwing their annual Christmas party. This is the second year they’ve planned

There were multiple aspects to the celebration, which began on Nov. 28 at 5:30 p.m. when chili and cornbread were served in the trolley under the Clocktower. A golf cart parade followed beginning at 6 p.m.

Students watched the golf cart procession while keeping warm by fires that were set up near the Clocktower.

Santa Claus returned to Union College.

Last year, Santa arrived in the bucket of a tractor. This year, as a special surprise, he repelled from the top of the Clocktower.

There were plenty of snacks available.

Rees Hall provided hot chocolate and Prescott Hall offered popcorn and brownies during the festivities. The music department performed live music for the second year in a row.

The Plant Service department, in collaboration with Information Services, worked hard to set up the Christmas lights throughout Oct. Mike Mennard, adjunt English and Communication Professor, announced the count down to the lighting of the Christmas tree and lights decorating the trees on center campus. The lights were set to music and as songs by the Trans Siberian Orchestra streamed, people enjoyed the synchronized light show.

Jordan Judge is a freshman studying business administration.

LET YOU AND I REST Looking out the foggy window Feeling the warmth at our backs As the fire casts a light glow across our faces The white flakes continue to fall in the corner the twinkle of light boxes in red and green with blue and yellow ribbons lay underneath the tree how do you feel I may ask with a slight tilt of my head in your direction I encourage you to speak openly as we enjoy these Winter days not many will be when the Sun begins to warm our faces instead of the fire but you and I rest now looking out the window enjoying the warmth The fire brings to our backs the love we share in our hearts The gift we cherish most you and I hand and hand - Gianna (LA) Diaz

PC: Levi Ventura

EXTRA, EXTRA

CREED II NICFLIX

I

f you read my article from the last issue, you would’ve seen that I recommended the movie “Creed II” which came out the day before Thanksgiving. This recommendation was purely from seeing the trailers and being a fan of the story, but after seeing it for myself my recommendation is through the roof!

Before you go out and watch it, because you value my opinion so highly, you need to watch the first four “Rocky” movies, or at LEAST “Rocky IV” first if you haven’t already.

Otherwise “Creed II” will have zero context and go right over your finals-filled heads. You probably should watch the first “Creed” too for character introduction and development, but it’s not necessary and to be honest, the second one was so much better than the first that it really doesn’t matter!

New and old characters were developed so well that it was easy to empathize with even the minor characters and “villains.” There are scenes that will rip your heart out and squeeze it like a stress ball and then there are scenes that will get you PUMPED and make you feel like you could knock someone out.

The soundtrack and desert montage alone made me consider getting into running and for anyone who knows me at all you KNOW that’s big.

So if you need to either release some pent up emotions, be motivated and inspired to take on the world or both, take a break and go watch “Creed II.” -Your Friendly Neighborhood Movie Guy

Nicholas Morrison is a senior studying graphic design and business administration.

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GIVEAWAYS Congratulations Dani Arthur for winning the Christmas tradition gift card giveaway! Contact Maegan Luckiesh to pick up your $10 giftcard.

18 | EDITORIAL

CHRISTMAS IS FOR CHRISTMAS

F

inally, the Christmas season is here! It’s a time we can spend with our families, listen to Christmas music, meditate on God’s sacrifice in the form of Jesus made human and eat Christmas cookies.

Unfortunately, some misguided individuals have already desecrated the season by stretching it over many months.

Christmas celebrations should begin the day after Thanksgiving and continue until New Years’ Eve at the latest. Here’s why: Thanksgiving is a holiday too.

In Oct., Christmas decorations go up in stores. Many people begin listening to Christmas music soon after. Some families decorate their houses in Oct. or early Nov. Such an early emphasis on Christmas overshadows the wonderful holiday that is Thanksgiving, and that’s not okay.

Thanksgiving celebrates and honors a pivotal moment in American history, when the first Thanksgiving meal was enjoyed by the surviving passengers of the “Mayflower” and their Native American friends.

requires a rejection of instant gratification and builds patience, as more waiting is involved if Christmas is held off until after Thanksgiving.

Learning patience builds character.

Too much of a good thing isn’t good.

You know that song you liked until you listened to it too much and now you don’t like it anymore? You know that meal you liked until you ate it every day and now you don’t like it anymore? You know that activity … well, you get the point.

Too much of a good thing isn’t good! If we listen to Christmas music, eat Christmas cookies and immerse ourselves in decorations for too many months, those activities will lose their appeal. Christmas won’t seem as special every Dec. if we constantly celebrate it outside the Christmas season.

Of course, now we are in the Christmas season so none of this is relevant in the short term. But the best way to make sure you enjoy next year’s season is to remember this advice!

The meal foreshadowed the survival of the English passengers when they initially had such a rough go of it after landing in the New World. The story’s not only politically significant, as the “Mayflower” passengers were some of the ancestors of those who formed the United States, but it’s religiously significant as well.

Many of those who took part in the first Thanksgiving came to the New World seeking religious freedom. Beginning Christmas too early wrongfully takes focus off of Thanksgiving.

Limiting Christmas builds character.

I know this one sounds a bit sketchy, but hear me out. Limiting Christmas to a monthand-a-half window forces people to forgo their desires to celebrate in the short term. It

PC: Kayla Potts

Max Bromme is a junior studying business administration.

LIFESTYLE

SNOWFLAKES

A

s I write this, sitting in a hotel room in Kansas City, sipping coffee and watching the army of snowflakes charge to the ground, my friends sleep peacefully on the bed and the TV chatters softly in the background. The current blizzard has trapped us here all day and will continue to imprison us until tomorrow morning. This has given me a lot of time to think.

Snowflakes have always delighted me. Ever since I was a kid I couldn’t wait until the holiday season. Christmas trees, fireplaces, eggnog and sleds were just a few things that excited me. Growing up in North Carolina meant there was snow—of course snow in North Carolina is not like it is here in Nebraska. Sometimes it snowed a lot and sometimes it didn’t.

One year we would have a foot of snow and ice for nearly a month, and another year it might be 70 degrees on Christmas day and we’d be digging through our stockings in shorts. You never knew when it would snow but whenever it did, the whole world seemed to come alive.

Mornings after a good snow were always hectic. Us kids would jump out of bed and rush to the window to gaze at the heavenly

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PC: unsplash.com | Aaron Burden

white powder. Then someone would shriek and sounds of running footsteps and yelling of “Where’s my hat?” and “Where’s my boots?” were all that could be heard. Breakfast was forgotten as we’d race toward the door.

I could always count on my dad when it snowed. No matter how cold it was, he would put on his gloves and hat, slip his feet into his boots and grab his snow shovel to begin shoveling the driveway.

When that was finished he’d move on to the neighbor’s house. Sometimes us kids would help him. Our toes and fingers would become numb and soon there was more play and complaining than work. However, my Dad never complained.

I think a lot of times we tend to get caught up in the holidays—caught up in the shopping and the gifts and we forget the true meaning of Christmas. Often times, the greatest gifts are the ones money cannot buy and people can’t repay.

These are the gifts we often forget about even though they can be given each and every day. I hope this holiday season we can all give more gifts like these and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Lena Wilkie is a freshman studying international rescue and relief.

20 |

MISC. CORNER

“THAT’S CHRISTMAS TO ME” THE LAST WORD

N

ot all countries celebrate Christmas, but for those who do, the definition of what Christmas is differs across the globe. Icelanders believe in a cat that eats all those who are not prepared for the winter weather. Russia has a tradition of decorating a New Year’s tree and waiting for “Grandfather Frost” to bring the children presents. In France you might find a child waiting for “Père Noël” to fill their shoes with gifts. And long before Christ came down to die for our sins pagan people participated in Yule—a 12 day celebration of the rebirth of the sun which, in modern day culture, has turned into the burning of the Yule log.

Whatever the tradition or belief, it seems to me this is supposed to be the best part of the year, when people are nicer to each other and there’s magic in the air.

This year, I’m just not feelin’ it. I honestly haven’t been since Christmas came to Hobby Lobby in July. When did Christmas become more about following a list of items to give a person the perfect holiday and less about what it should be—a beautiful moment of sharing time with family and celebrating the birth of Christ?

To answer this question for myself, I thought of last Christmas and looked at the holiday through the innocent, wondering eyes of my niece and nephew, Sawyer and Kipton. Sawyer wasn’t worried about making a perfect gingerbread house; she just wanted to have a frosting fight and see how many candies we could sneak before her mom caught us.

Kipton didn’t care about getting a multitude of gifts. Instead, he just wanted to crawl into his mom’s lap to cuddle while she read him stories.

Everything we did that Christmas was about spending time together, away from the frequent distractions of everyday life.Over the next few weeks I want to recognize and spend time with the amazing people I have in my life and celebrate

the reason for this season. For me, this looks less like decorating and listening to Christmas music and more like painting with my friends, giving myself a break from completing everything on my ‘perfect holiday’ list and instead making sure Christmas to me becomes about the One who gave me life.

This year I wish you all childlike wonder, multitudes of happiness and beautiful moments with family and friends.

Maegan Luckiesh is a senior studying graphic design.

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DID YOU KNOW

ALL LETTERS ADRESSED TO SANTA IN THE UNITED STATES GO TO SANTA CLAUS, INDIANA

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 semi-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.