The Clocktower, Volume 88, Issue 7

The

Issue 88.7

Clocktower

OCTOBER 23, 2013

Union College

Photo credit: Aaron Kent’s Facebook

IRR INSTRUCTOR STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

What better way to learn emergency response than dealing with an actual emergency?

This past summer, IRR instructor Aaron Kent BRIANNA had ironically been SCHENKELBERG teaching a lesson on CPR and lightning strikes during a Wilderness First Responder class when he was struck by lightning in the Sierra Mountains.

Interested by a rainbow, Kent snapped a photo with his phone that proved inadequate, so he went to his car to retrieve a nicer camera. After digging around for a bit, Kent stepped away from the car when,

“all of a sudden life went weird. It was that feeling like a head rush where everything is just really discombobulated and missing.”

After the initial what is going on?, Kent remembers, “All of a sudden I knew. I thought, Oh no, I’m getting hit by lightning.

Then, my legs locked up entirely. I just fell over because I couldn’t hold my balance.”

While lying on the ground, he initially assumed it had just been a ground current.

Upon pushing himself up to see if anyone else had been hit, he realized all attention was on him and he was being asked if he was alright. “My legs were all tingly.

I couldn’t actually get them to move or work. Then [my students] came and hauled

me under the shelter of the tent.”

That wasn’t the end of their worries though. As their instructor was lying halfparalyzed in the tent, students saw the ground where the lightning had just struck catch fire.

Kent recalls, “I was saying, ‘You two stay with me, you eight go over here, you two please remember your CPR lessons.’

“I thought I was going to go into cardiac arrest at any minute. About that time, I noticed there was tingling in my shoulder and foot. I had them take my shirt and shoe off. There was an entry wound on my right shoulder blade and an exit would on my left foot.” (continued on page 5)

INSIDE THIS ISSUE ► DR. WAGNER’S STUNT ON CAMPUS, page 3

GET YOUR FALL FOLK FIX

gET yOUR COSTUME ON

AFFORDABLE COMPUTERS

CULTURE, PAGE 4

CULTURE, page 4

TECHNOLOGY, page 6

OPINION

PAGE 2

HOW DOES OBAMACARE CHANGE YOUR LIFE? The Affordable Care Act (ACA), or Obamacare, is 20,202 pages long. It was clear after a brief review that there are not enough pages SPENCER in all The Clocktower WAY issues left this year to adequately summarize this legislation.

Nevertheless, I will attempt do so in the next 400 words. I believe these points will have the most potential impact on the collegeage demographic, so if you are between the ages of 18 and 27, this article could be useful to you. If not, read on anyway to feel young. For a more complete rendition, visit federalregister.gov and read the entire legislation. I also recommend, just this once, looking at the Wikipedia post for a well-sourced and concise explanation of Obamacare.

• Stay young if your parents have insurance. You can now stay on your parents’ insurance until your 26th birthday.

The exception is for those who are offered insurance through their employer before their 26th year begins.

• Don’t smoke cigarettes. The good news is that you cannot be denied coverage due to a preexisting condition and providers must offer the same premium price to those in the same geographic region and age range. Gender cannot be factored into the price of insurance anymore, but smoking will still increase your premium.

• Research your options. The federal government allows states to decide for themselves many factors related to how insurance is sold and provided. An important thing to know is that, whether provided by your state or the federal government, online insurance exchanges already exist. They assist you in finding the right insurance plan and include all the necessary info about tax breaks, penalties, and subsidies available to you.

• Whatever your state does, you have four options. One: Accept your employer’s insurance. Two: Shop on the exchange where you can compare all the details of available plans to find out what your cost will be. Beware, the exchange closes March 31, 2014, and will not reopen until October 15 of the following

year. Three: Pay the fee. It starts as a small percentage of income and increases every year that you do not get insurance. This is not a great option. Four: Emigrate.

• If you are single and make less than $45,960 per year, you are eligible for subsidies. To be eligible you must purchase your insurance on the exchange.

The credit can be applied before you file so it is possible to avoid a lot of out-ofpocket costs.

• If you own a business that employs 50 or more people and do not provide insurance, you will pay a tax penalty. Consider this before your IPO or other expansion.

Obamacare has enormous potential for a portion of the U.S. population. I hope that this article provides enough keywords and thrills to lead you to the Internet, where you can begin preparing for an inexpensive, healthy future. Happy hunting!

SPENCER WAY is a senior studying business administration.

UPCOMING EVENTS Sun 20

Mon 21

Tue 22

Wed 23

Thu

24 25 Career and “9 O’Clock,” praise Graduate time, Engel Hall School Fair, Recital Room 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

Creation Health series, 7-8 p.m., Heartland Hall

Fri

Sat 26

Faculty/Staff Soup Supper Creation Health series, 7-8 p.m. in Heartland Hall

CVC Services with Pastor Ron, 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

V2, 6 p.m.

Midnight Roll, 11 p.m.

27 28 29 30 31 November 1 2 Junior Days (through Chapel with Bill ASB Convocation, Hour of Prayer with Last day to Vespers with Dick CVC services with Oct. 29) Milligan, 10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Pastor Ron, Heritage withdraw a class Duerkson, 7:30 p.m.

Dick Duerkson, 9 Room (below CVC a.m. and 12 p.m.

“Real Talk” with sanctuary), 7 p.m. Power Pac with Dick Tobias Watson, Rees Duerkson, 7:30 p.m.

V2, 6 p.m. rec room, 8 p.m.

ITAG, Atrium lobby, Almost Anything 10:30-10:45 Goes

ON CAMPUS

PAGE 3

DR. WAGNER FUNDRAISES TO NEW HEIGHTS “Have other presidents done this before?” I overheard one woman ask another, possibly wondering if this stunt could be explained by tradition.

“Not in the twenty-something years I’ve been here!” the other woman chuckled.

I craned my neck back and spotted two small figures EMILY atop the clock tower. Aaron Kent was safely rigging the SYVERTSON scene for Dr. Wagner’s rappelling stunt.

On Monday, October 21 for his 74th birthday, Dr. Wagner decided he wanted to celebrate in an adrenaline-pumping way. He hooked into the rope, swung around to the outside of the clock tower, and began hopping his way down.

About halfway through his descent, the crowd gathered below broke into a chorus of “happy birthday.” Dr. Wagner stopped, turned, and saluted us all with the class that we have come to expect from our charismatic president.

Pausing a suspenseful 10 feet above the ground, Dr. Wagner turned to us and asked, “You know why I’m doing this, right? To raise money for the President’s Scholarship Fund”—a fund that will benefit the students of Union College. So far, Union has received $9,348 through letters to alumni and friends of Dr. Wagner as well as from donations placed in his “birthday boxes” on the first floor of the Dick Building.

Once his feet touched the ground, Dr. Wagner decided he wasn’t done yet. Pulling up his feet and cinching the rope once more, he swung back and forth under the clock tower—a swing with unlimited underdog capacity.

Sometimes, our president’s work is his play. Even on his birthday, he thought of a way to support the students of Union College.

EMILY SYVERTSON is senior English major with a minor in communication.

Dr. Wagner hanging out on his birthday.

A CONCERTED EFFORT On October the 18th for Vespers, Andrew Peterson, Bebo Norman, and Sara Groves stopped

by Union College for the only free concert on their CHELSEA “In the Round” tour. So ZUMWALT why did multiple Dove award recipients decide to stop in Lincoln on Bebo Norman’s last tour before retiring from the music industry? Tyler Morrison, Union for Christ (UFC) director, described it as nothing less than a “God thing.” The

performers’ agent, who has worked with Union’s Campus Ministries for previous concerts, contacted Pastor Rich about the tour coming to the area.

As miraculous as it seems, Kelli Vigil stated that this action is not uncommon.

As the Family Worship coordinator for Campus Ministries, Kelli can be credited for making Friday nights special, along with coordinating with agencies for singers to visit the college. Agents consistently enjoy working with Union because they ensure that guests feel comfortable and

welcome during their visit, which makes up for the loss of merchandise sales on Sabbath.

Kelli, Tyler, and Pastor Rich collaborate to bring talents that will appeal to students and faculty alike. As the spiritual vice president for Union College, Pastor Rich strives to lead through service and encourage students to take the reins in spiritual projects. During his tenure, Union has hosted FFH, J.J. Heller, and Phil Wickham to name a few. Tyler is particularly pleased (continued on page 6)

CULTURE

PAGE 4

FALL, FOLK & FLEET FOXES What does the fox say? When it’s not ringa-dinging, it’s probably saying something about strawberries in the summertime or how it’s time STEVEN to come down from the FOSTER mountain—you know, folk stuff. In honor of the changing season and the smells, tastes, feelings, and sounds

that emanate from such, I bid you hello to Fleet Foxes.

In the early 2000s, Fleet Foxes were originally known as The Pineapples before the Seattle, WA natives realized that their name clashed with another local band and decided to settle on Fleet Foxes. Friends Robin Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset grew up together, sharing a mutual appreciation for folk greats like Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

With the influence of folk sounds of the 1960s, Skjelset picked up his guitar and Pecknold his pen and they began to write music.

And thus Fleet Foxes was born.

In 2006, the band was noticed by a local producer, and in 2008, their first (coincidentally self-titled)studio album Fleet Foxes was released— launching the band’s career.

Fleet Foxes is a curious

mix of soulful vocal harmonies straight out of the 1960s, pop indie rock instrumentals, and whimsical lyrics that will have your soul yearn for the great outdoors. How could it not, with songs entitled “Blue Ridge Mountains” and “Ragged Woods”?

Fleet Foxes’ sound is a throwback to the era of classic pop rock, which paved the way to modern indie rock. Combine modern indie rock with classic pop rock and sprinkle folk lyricism into the brew and now you’re picturing Fleet Foxes.

Do yourself a favor. Wait until it gets a little bit colder, and a bit rainier.

Sit down next to the fireplace with a few close buds or your special someone, light a pumpkin scented candle, and put on the Fleet Foxes. Then, and only then, are you doing autumn right.

STEVEN FOSTER is a junior studying communication.

Recommended Songs: “Bedouin Dress,” “Montezuma,” “Mykonos”

The Katy Perry Conundrum When Costumes become too Costly

About once a year, it seems appropriate to don a pink wig, whip up some cupcake-themed apparel, and gallivant about in public. Visions CASSIE of the envious stares JOHNSON your costume will evoke fill your head as you cruise to the nearest Halloween superstore, erected for just this time of year. Upon entering, strobe lights and sinister canned laughter fuel the image of that perfect candy-themed outfit. Such visions are quickly shattered, however, as the $50 price tag for the four-piece, plastic attire smacks you across the face.

Ah yes, the age-old conundrum faced by many a prom-goer and bridesmaid—is any one-night-only outfit ever worth the money? As a fellow college student, I’m guessing your wallet is saying no. Here is

where I come in, homemade cape intact, fully prepared to rescue you from your costume woes.

When thinking costume, it’s best to choose a relevant outfit that will not only entertain but also spark conversations.

Think recent movies, hot-topic celebrities, or top music artists. My personal favorites include Princess Kate and Breaking Bad’s Walter White. Another heavy-hitter would be a Katniss or Peeta outfit, as the Hunger Games sequel is due out in November.

Each of these ideas requires little purchasing, but more assemblage of individual pieces you might already possess.

For example, you probably already have a military coat and boots for a killer Katniss costume.

So where do you begin the search for said items? As already mentioned, the (continued on page 6)

SPECIAL INTEREST

ASK AMBER Dear Amber,

AMBER ALAS

I have a friend who dresses very inappropriately. It’s very distracting and disturbing to be around this person at times. I want to tell her how I feel and let her know it’s not okay without hurting her feelings, but I just don’t know how. I feel like telling her would change our friendship. Do you have any suggestions on how to go about it?

Sincerely, From Sassy to Classy

Dear From Sassy to Classy, You want to be honest with your friend, right? I think that if both of you consider each other good friends, telling her something to help her out shouldn’t be a problem. Most likely it will hurt her feelings and she might even get a little embarrassed.

Because you are her friend, informing her of her inappropriate wardrobe can have a few different outcomes. 1) She could get upset and your friendship could get rough. 2) She could realize that she shouldn’t present herself in a provocative way and tone down her sassy wardrobe—she might even thank you. She can either take the criticism or leave it behind. At least you did your part and can have a good night’s rest.

It’s all about how to you tell her. Here are a couple of ideas: When you decide to approach her, make sure the time is right.

Don’t call her out in front of other people. That will just make her feel uncomfortable and embarrassed by the confrontation. It’s best (continued from page 1) Luckily, his able students extinguished the fire and, half an hour after the strike, Kent was able to stand again. At this time, a helicopter arrived for assistance but was unable to land. A paramedic was dropped off around the same time park rangers arrived.

The ambulance, however, became lost en route, so it came a bit later… four hours after the strike. “In class, we talk about this idea of help being too far away, but very few

APP

OF THE WEEK CHARADES!

PAGE 5 to talk to her when it’s just the two of you, that way she can feel comfortable. She obviously knows she dresses inappropriately, she doesn’t just wake up and throw on a short mini skirt with a low cut shirt and think she isn’t revealing anything. She knows what her intentions are. Now it’s up to you as a friend to help her realize why it’s not the best decision.

Try giving her hints on what looks appropriate and what doesn’t. Let’s say she’s wearing a low-cut shirt and you can see all her goodies from a mile away. Instead of giving her dirty looks and judgmental comments, give her tips about what kind of outfits you think would look great on her.

You can also go the honest and up-front route and tell her what you really think about her attire. Let her know that you don’t think she should present herself in that way. Make sure she knows you are not trying to change her—you don’t want her to feel resentful.

At the end of the day, your friend is going to do whatever makes her happy. You can only do so much.

I’ll end with this: “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire.” —1 Timothy 2:9 ESV.

Sincerely, Amber

Have a question or situation that you think could benefit from someone else’s perspective? Ask Amber at www.tinyurl.com/uc-askamber. All inquiries are anonymous, so you get the insight without being in sight.

AMBER ALAS is a senior nursing student.

of us can visualize what that looks like. And here, we’re in a National Park campground, there’s a paved road right there, and it still takes four hours for anybody to get near us.

It was a re-emphasis of those concepts I try to teach.”

Fortunately for Kent, he walked away from the incident with only minor injuries along with a few aches. In fact, two days after the strike he went for a run! After experiencing chest pain, he stopped at the

doctor. “They told me I was a moron for running two days afterward and told me to take it easy.”

Though taking it easy will probably not be in Kent’s future, he was reminded, “Be humble in dangerous situations. The wilderness is a risky place to be and that’s why I love it.”

BRIANNA SCHENKELBERG is a senior studying communication.

This oldie-but-goodie game is now available on your phone. Simply choose a category and put the phone on your forehead so the word faces out. Your friends must describe or act the word out for you to guess. If you guess a word correctly or want to pass onto the next, you must nod your phone-bearing head down or up. After a few rounds, you may wonder who is actually acting the strangest…

TECHNOLOGY

PAGE 6

COMPUTERS CAN ACTUALLY BE AFFORDABLE It seems that, in order to get a decent computer for school, we need to spend $1,000 or more. I am here to state otherwise. Although we TYLER live in a generation where ELLIS computers seem to be getting more expensive, the opposite is also becoming true. The high-end computers are increasing in price because the demand for computers is decreasing as the demand for portables such as iPads and Android tablets skyrockets. Because the demand for computers is lower, companies are producing less, so the price must increase.

Companies like HP and Samsung aren’t just letting computers slide away, however.

They are producing extremely inexpensive entry level computers to try to undercut

sales of more portable devices.

The new Chromebook 11 runs Google’s Chrome operating system and has a stunning 11-inch screen, as well as two gigabytes of DDR3 RAM, a 16-gigabyte solid state drive, and full connectivity to Google’s cloud services. Although the computer does not run Microsoft Office suite, it has

(continued from page 4) costume store is a valid option, especially if you want a pre-made outfit requiring no work on your part. However, if you’re up for a search, there is a plethora of innovative ways to bring an outfit to fruition. Goodwill is great for scoping out possibilities, and their costume section will only set you back $5-10. Googling or Pinteresting ideas is a good first step, in which case Walmart or Target will likely be the cheapest option for filler items.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to utilize old costumes. Most people probably didn’t see you last year, and will get just as excited about your Teletubbies suit as you did the first time. Furthermore, one of your friends may have an outfit you can recycle free of charge.

Try to avoid a defeating journey to the land of prepackaged polyester on October 30 by utilizing these tips. Think ahead to avoid being that person who grabs a cheap mask and calls it good.

(continued from page 5) about this concert for its legitimacy with world-renowned Christian artists. Kelli agrees, explaining that music is a great form of worship where we can develop a spiritual environment that connects students, faculty, and performers alike.

When asked how students can get involved in similar projects, Kelli and Tyler both recommended visiting with Pastor Rich and ministry staff. Students can get involved in both big and small ways, from providing security to contacting agents and developing worship activities. Kelli encourages everyone interested in getting involved to dream big and get backing from resources to make it happen. When things get difficult, Kelli reminds us that “we serve a God of surprises. Whenever things get discouraging or overwhelming, God is just waiting for that opportunity to bless you or surprise you so that we remember that it’s not about me, but all about Him.”

CASSIE JOHNSON is a senior pursuing a business pre-med degree.

CHELSEA ZUMWALT is a senior studying nursing and pre-allied health.

Google Docs, which can be transferred to Microsoft Office if you would like to send the document to a computer that is running Microsoft Office. The computer is beautifully designed with a gorgeous screen and a great feel. It is extremely light and comes in either white (with 5 different accent colors) or black. You can pick this computer up today at Best Buy for only $279, ready to be used right out of the box.

There are also some other Chromebook options in the sub-$300 range made by Samsung, Acer, and even one by HP that has a 14-inch screen. To me, Chromebooks are the best option for a college student on a tight budget—but keep in mind that a Chromebook will not have all the capabilities of a Mac or a PC. TYLER ELLIS is a senior business major.

EVERYTHING ELSE

PAGE 7

THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN FROM UNION COLLEGE STUDENTS Maureen McCarthy: to living life to the fullest and embracing change, much like the leaves in the fall.�

Kristi Fitzpatrick: to fall break only being one extra day.

Curtis Mishleau: Thanksgiving.

Joseph Wauran:

to the wait until to sweater weather.

Second-semester Nursing Juniors: to being half way through the fall semester.

Cid Coto:

to midterms being over!

The Clocktower Staff Editor-in-Chief Copy Editors

Emily Syvertson Taylor Roberts Joellyn Sheehy Layout Editor Aphelandra Messer Opinion Spencer Way On Campus Anna Pongo Chelsea Zumwalt Culture Steven Foster Cassandra Johnson Special Interest Brianna Schenkelberg Amber Alas Sports/Tech Tyler Ellis Photographer Cody Blake Online Content Manager Megan Prescott Sponsor Michael D. Steingas

Feedback The Clocktower encourages reader feedback and strives to maintain accuracy. If you have comments, please email us at cltower@ gmail.com.

The Clocktower is published weekly during the school year by the Associated Student Body of Union College, 3800 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506.

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.

ASB Update Experience the spirit

UNION UNITED

FALL BANQUET 2013

“A N IG HT AT T H E S TAT I O N �

Instagrammers: L to R, top: @3milys, @codamagilacudy, @carldupper4, @rudybootytooty @kimchi_92; bottom: @mailehoff93, @niicoleadeliia, @rydognelson, @zwhitethunder.

Instagram your favorite ASB moments with #unionunited and your photos could appear in the Clocktower!