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The Clocktower

Union students enjoy fall festival and costume party

Fall fun, mystery and more

On any given Saturday evening at campus, it would be shocking for anyone to see the stately figure of Lord Bridgerton in front of the main entrance to the Thunderdome. Even more surprising would be the sight of Rosie the Riveter and a rock star conversing with the mild-mannered and awkward Clark Kent over modern reporting techniques. What to many would be wild dreams came true on Oct. 29 as the Student Association (SA) welcomed students and staff to a fall festival and costume party.

Once allowed inside the Thunderdome after careful preparation by SA leaders, attendees registered for three costume competitions — a do-it-yourself (DIY) contest, a staff/faculty specific contest and a couples/group contest. Contestants were featured on stage accompanied by music as judges selected the winners.

In between the competitions, attendees ate from several tables filled with refreshments, while others rode a hayride to Engel Hall, where a “haunted house”

maze was set up. They also snapped pictures together to enter an Instagram competition for a gift card.

Some contests had easier choices, while others were a little more challenging for the judges to pick a winner. The DIY prize went to Reef Peckham, a sophomore history major, who portrayed a pilot who had been through a severe accident with crutches, a sling and head bandage. The staff/faculty award was won by Howie Huntsman, professor of business, for his depiction of a classic rock star. The couples/ group contest was incredibly challenging, with some of the best portrayals landing in this

Costume party

©Christopher Jacobo

category. Several International Rescue and Relief (IRR) majors presented an entire entourage of medical personnel assisting victims of serious accidents. In contrast, a group consisting of Kianna Frishman, a junior social work major, and friends gave a hilarious depiction of classic characters from the “Despicable Me” movie franchise. Many other groups, including Dungeons & Dragons, President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe and others also vied for the prize.

Attendees especially enjoyed an amazing rendition of a Michael Jackson performance by Fortune Ogulere, a freshman English major who also enjoys producing his own music. The audience went wild with applause as he danced along the stage in tune with the driving beat of “ Billie Jean.”

Even those who didn’t win loved the event, hanging out with their friends and making memories with selfies and more. SA hopes to continue to provide fun ways to interact with other students on campus.

Charles Metz is a sophomore theology major from Lincon, Neb.

Registration is open for Spring

2023

Students can register for next semester

have not already signed up, or don’t know what classes you should be taking next year, schedule an advisor meeting ASAP!

Schwartz is a senior business administration major from Lincoln, Neb.

One of the greatest days of the year is here, registration day. Planning ahead for next semester is important, but you may be wondering why you should sign up right when registration opens. Sometimes registering right when classes open is not the most important, but many times it is.

The reality for a lot of classes is that they are popular. These classes can look very different depending on the course material and the professor. A popular course that all of your friends recommend, or is required by your major, can fill up fast. As Dr. Graves says, “You should register immediately to ensure that you are able to take all the classes that are required for your degree … to permit graduation.”

There are a lot of spring semester classes that filled up quickly last year, such as Dr. Seth Pierce’s class Monsters, Faith, and Pop Culture, which was full within the first few days of registration being open for the Spring 2022 semester.

Registration opens early for current Juniors, Seniors and students solely pursuing a twoyear degree. On Tuesday, Nov. 8 registration became available for all students. If you

Highlights from the Agape Feast

Coming together to celebrate the annual Agape Feast

On Friday Oct. 28, a sizable event was held for students and faculty. The Agape Feast took place in the Atrium of the Don Love building right after Family Worship in order to open the Sabbath. The Agape Feast is an event that happens every year during the fall and has a different theme every time.

Both students and faculty alike had the opportunity to interact with each other while sitting on the carpeted floor in groups. Within these groups was a single candle which served as a light source and a centerpiece. Food and drinks were provided for all to enjoy at the very end. The theme behind this event was Jesus having the Last Supper with his disciples. This explains the use of candles and also the types of beverages being served.

The event garnered different thoughts and opinions from students and campus faculty. According to Marcus McConaghy, “The feast was very interesting and also relaxing as I was able to reconnect with friends after a very hard week of school. I had two big tests which drained me of motivation and energy, however I was able to overcome this and learn a few valuable lessons which were how spending time with friends is very

Paperwork ©Pexels

Andrew

important and valuable no matter how small it may seem.”

Emily Patterson, the associate dean of women and residential life coordinator, said “The resident life team did a great job creating a cozy atmosphere which was their main goal all along and also creating a place for people, especially students, to get together and socialize. I felt that it was peaceful and calming, especially with singing the beautiful songs at the beginning.”

generated. It was 100 percent animatronic. The artists actually had to build and operate an animatronic shark!

In 1981’s “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” one of the most gruesome scenes in cinema occurred when one of the antagonist’s faces melted off. A quick internet search would tell you that so much work and experimentation went into making the melting face work. The secret behind it was taking a mold of the actor’s face and making a cast out of a gelatin formula. In filming, the gelatin face was blasted with a heat gun from behind the camera, and thus the melting face came to be. It took so much time and creativity on the visual effects artists’ ends to create the right formula to make the melting face as realistic as possible.

Robert Tengker is sophomore nursing major from Redlands, Calif.

Despite the practical effects being limited, films like “Jaws” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” are considered classics and are renowned for their stories and cultural impacts. However, with cinema

ON THE RADAR

THURS. 11/10/22

Sleeping through the beautiful visuals

The problem with studios prioritizing visuals over writing

Let’s have a throwback to 1970s-80s practical effects. Special effects artists were limited by the technology of their time and didn’t have much to work with. Back then, they didn’t really have the computer-generated images we’re accustomed to today. For example, in 1975’s “Jaws,” the shark wasn’t computer

Last Day to Withdraw and Recieve a W Women’s and Men’s Basketball vs. Faith Baptist | Thunderdome, 4 p.m. FRI. 11/11/22

Family Worship | CVC, 7.30 p.m. SAT. 11/12/22

Acrofest Grand Finale Show | Speedway Sports Complex, 7 p.m. SUN. 11/13/22

Pancake and Breakfast Fundraiser for Nursing Trip | Heartland Hall, CVC, 8-11 a.m. MON. 11/14/22

General Student Recital | Engel Hall, 7 p.m. TUES. 11/15/22

Christ on Demand | Student Success, 7:30 p.m.

Charcuterie

©Pexels

nowadays, that just doesn’t seem like the case. Practical effects have been replaced with CGI, and it seems studios are willing to sacrifice much of the budget for visual effects. Overall, visual effects seem to be prioritized over the quality of the storytelling itself. I’ve noticed this in newer movies. They often have breathtaking visuals, but the writing is sorely lacking substance.

This is especially true in the “Star Wars’’ sequel trilogy. These films have some of the best visuals in the entire live-action film series, yet, they are notorious for their poor writing and plot holes. I wish I could like these movies more, but the visual effects are their only redeeming quality.

This brings me back to my point that older films have an edge over what is released today. The classic movies referenced so often and categorized as ‘must-see’ cinema had a much better focus. It seems that modern-day studios would rather show off what they can do with visuals. It seems like a cheap show to draw in a new audience rather than work on maintaining the audience they already have. Studios should focus less on visuals and more on what could truly be a timeless story that will be remembered for decades to come.

So many options

What’s your combo?

Evan Majors is a sophomore English major from Lincoln, Neb.

On a bright and sunny day in Lincoln, Nebraska, a family of 6 wanted to go out to eat. The father asked the kids, “What kind of food are you craving?”

The oldest child said, “I’m craving some Mexican food.”

The father looked back and received a unanimous nod. “Got any favorites?” he asked.

The youngest yelled, “Amigos, I want Amigos!”

But the two oldest said together, “We want El Toro.”

This family is experiencing a conundrum that often occurs in the city of Lincoln. With Amigos, Taco Inn, Taco John’s, Taco Bell, Chipotle, El Toro, and D’Leon’s, the options are endless. However, each one of these appeals to a different crowd.

El Toro provides a sit-down experience and has unique menu items, like their cactus burrito. On the other hand, there is Chipotle. They make your food right in front of you. This allows you to have full customization. They don’t have any special drinks or potatoes, but that doesn’t take away from their system. Some may be loyal and go to Taco Bell for an inconsistent Mexican Pizza or a classic, like their Crunchwrap Supreme. Nothing

Steven Spielberg ©The Last Movie Outpost

D’Leon’s

©Joseph Lee

against them; if they want the legendary consequences of Taco Bell, be my guest.

If one likes a variety of drinks to go along with their food, like me, they might like to go to a D’Leon’s to get a horchata (a rice milk drink). Still, others may enjoy classic drinks like slushies, pairing their burrito with Taco Bell’s freezes or Amigos with their slush, shakes, and Glacier Twists.

While drinks are one thing, potatoes are another. I am not talking about fries, and especially not Taco Bell’s Nacho Fries, because those are no bueno. What I am talking about are Amigos Mexi Fries, D’Leon’s Potatos Locos, Taco John’s Potato Olés, Taco Bell’s Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, and Taco Inn’s Potato “Things.” Now I have to admit I have wondered why Mexican places have potatoes. Potatoes did originate from Peru, but still, why potatoes?

Anyway, back to the question at hand.

There are a variety of Mexican restaurants in Lincoln. What will you choose next time you crave Mexican food? Will you choose the closest, the one with the best drinks, the one that is the cheapest, or the one that fits your taste buds? And what about potatoes?

Pillen, Blood and Zimmerman run for Governor of Nebraska

One of these three politicians is our new governor

The race for the office of Nebraska’s Governor appeared on the November ballot. Pete Ricketts held the office for eight years and will be replaced after his second term ends in January 2023. There are three candidates running for the office: Republican Jim Pillen, Democrat Carol Blood, and Libertarian Scott Zimmerman.

Jim Pillen lives in Columbus, Nebraska and works as a livestock producer and is the founder and chairman of Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics. He grew up on a farm in Platte County and earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and a doctor of veterinary medicine from Kansas State University.

Gabriel Sanders is a sophomore English major from Apopka, Fla.

Pillen’s platform is based on education, reforming the tax code, lowering property taxes, supporting agriculture, and protecting Nebraskan values. On his website, Pillen identifies as Christian conservative which is reflected in his stances on certain issues. He expresses his support for law enforcement, wishes to ban critical race theory from K-12 schools and the University of Nebraska, protecting life through a ban on abortion, supports the protection of the Second Amendment, and advocates for fighting socialism.

Carol Blood was born in McCook, Nebraska. Raised on a farm, she raised her family on a farm in Clay Center. She served on the Bellevue City Council as the citywide representative for eight years and was elected as a representative on the Nebraska Legislature in 2016 and reelected in 2020.

Blood’s platform is based on four pillars: gaining prosperity for all Nebraskans, investing in Nebraska’s infrastructure, maintaining public safety and improving public health, and encouraging education. To provide prosperity for Nebraskans, she wants to address property taxes, education, and attracting and retaining talent for the Nebraskan economy. For public safety and health, Blood advocates for the availability of resources and training for law enforcement officers and planning for natural and man-made disasters. She wants to address the deterioration of infrastructure through projects to maintain Nebraska’s bridges and roads. Finally, Blood wants to support an education finance system that will foster quality, fairness, and equity.

Scott Zimmerman was born and raised in Nebraska. He has a master’s degree in elementary education and currently teaches fifth grade in Omaha Public schools. Zimmerman’s platform is focused on tax reform, creating an efficient education model, protecting the Second Amendment, increasing relevant career opportunities within the state, and creating a more equitable criminal justice system. Zimmerman is personally pro-life, but he is against medical mandates and wants to focus mass education efforts and making over the counter birth control more accessible as opposed to criminalizing abortion. He believes in the importance of personal choice, personal responsibility, and giving power back to the people.

The governor of Nebraska has a powerful role in the state’s government. They serve as Nebraska’s chief executive officer and present the legislature with a complete budget for all of the state’s regular business. The governor has the power to approve or veto bills passed by the Legislature. They also appoint individuals to certain positions and can fill vacancies in state offices and serve as the commander-in-chief of the Nebraska Army National Guard and the Nebraska State Guard.

Aubrey Benton is a junior international relations major from Smithsburg, Md.

Campaign signs

©Reef Peckham

Mindful eating

Rethinking our relationship with food

For many, the process of eating can be filled with negative thoughts and emotions. Somehow a dichotomy has been created between different types of foods. Macaroni and cheese are labeled as “bad” and something you should feel guilty for consuming, while a salad is “good” and always a better option. It’s undeniable that some foods are more nutritious than others and a certain balance of both needs to be maintained, but creating a moralizing narrative around eating habits can do more harm than good. The culture of restrictive fad diets inevitably created this sort of climate and potentially promoted unhealthy relationships with food.

In recent years, some experts have proposed a new approach to consuming food – mindful eating. Harvard School of Public Health describes this technique as a focus on the experience of eating, bodily sensations and food-related thoughts, all free of judgment. The overall goal is to promote a more enjoyable and present eating experience. Some examples of eating mindfully could include reducing distractions (like screens), noticing how internal/external cues impact how much is eaten, acknowledging how the body feels after eating and even expressing gratitude. While these might seem like small and insignificant changes, there have been studies that suggest the opposite. The Nutritional Research Review published a literature review on 68 studies on mindful eating, they found that these strategies helped improve eating behaviors like recognizing feelings of fullness accurately, slowing the speed of meals and having greater control over emotional eating. Harvard School of Public Health also cited a smaller study where mindful eating was correlated with improvements in

depression, controlling overeating behaviors and weight loss.

Mindful eating is most certainly not for everyone. Despite some of these techniques being incorporated into treatment plans for eating disorders, they should not be the sole treatment. Additionally, mindful eating is most likely not going to be an effective weight loss strategy for most. Because mindfulness focuses on the enjoyment of eating and overall well-being, it lacks the planning and rigidity that usually would accompany a typical weight loss program. So if fat loss is a medical and health goal, following a mindful approach to eating may simply not be enough.

Despite these several drawbacks, many individuals could still benefit from incorporating a more thoughtful approach to eating. Because these concepts can be applied to most eating patterns, like vegetarianism or veganism, there is little reason to not attempt to implement these ideas into practice.

Nicole Hardt is a sophomore biomedical science major from Apopka, Fla.

©Reef Peckham

Balanced Diet

Holiday events in Nebraska

Happy Fall warriors! Happy Native American Heritage Month!

We have almost made it to Thanksgiving break, so hang in there. This season of the year can feel so busy, but I believe in you all. That being said, everyone needs a little break once in a while. If you are looking for a fun event in Nebraska this season, I’ve got you covered! Here are some events coming up in Nebraska that I am most excited about.

The iconic vocal group Pentatonix is coming to Lincoln, Nebraska at the Pinnacle Bank Arena on Nov. 26. Pentatonix is an American acapella group that sings various genres of music. With the holidays coming up, they have a beautiful variety of songs they sing. If you are interested, I encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible before they all sell out. This is a concert you definitely would not like to miss! There are also plenty of open mic sessions across this month and next month that you can speak at and enjoy when you have free time.

I would also like to remind people that during this season people still need help. Some people struggle with their mental health and experience seasonal depression. Others may find themselves struggling to make ends meet financially or even be without a home. This season, take some action and volunteer at a local food bank, People’s City Mission, church or campus. You will brighten someone’s day and be a valuable resource to people in need.

With the season changing, also remember that it’s completely fine to not have everything under control. You are capable of so much. Everyone moves at their own pace, and that is okay. Try focusing on the

little things that bring you joy this season. Look forward to the leaves changing colors and collecting some leaves or picking up a new hobby this month. Take care of yourself first before anything else. You are very special, and you are loved. Remember that you have made it very far and are going to accomplish so much in your life!

Campbell is a sophomore communication major from Denver, Colo.

EDITORIAL

The Kanye controversy

Consequences of spreading hate speech

If there’s anyone who’s been marred by controversy over the last few weeks, it’s been Kanye West. After sharing several hateful and racist messages, the American rapper has experienced his downfall.

It started at the Paris Fashion Week in early October when West sported a t-shirt bearing a hateful message towards the African-American community. West

Putting your best foot forward this season

©Reef Peckham

Ashira

Thanksgiving Turkey

attempted to shrug off this controversy. His actions were met with condemnation from several activists. Wendy Osefo, a professor at Johns Hopkins School of Education and political commentator, said West’s actions are“not only intellectually dishonest, it’s irresponsible and borderline dangerous”.

It didn’t stop there. A few days later, West shared posts on Instagram and Twitter promoting dangerous conspiracy theories against the Jewish community. Following these inflammatory posts, he was suspended from both platforms. A few days later, Vice shared unaired segments of an interview with West by Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson. This revealed West making even more racist and antisemitic comments that Fox edited out of the original interview.

West’s antisemitic comments were met with widespread condemnation. The Holocaust Museum invited West for a private tour, saying, “The Holocaust started with only words that sadly begat stereotypes, racial and religious tropes and blaming others and led to the murder of six million Jews. At Holocaust Museum LA it is our mission to commemorate those who are murdered, educate on the Holocaust and all genocides… and inspire a more dignified and human world.”

terminations, West lost his billionaire status, as these sponsorships were estimated to be worth about 1.5 billion dollars.

There is a very valuable lesson to be learned from this entire debacle. Hate speech is extremely dangerous and causes immense harm and suffering for the marginalized communities it targets. The backlash West’s comments received is a testament to the fact that hateful rhetoric is something that cannot be tolerated in our society today. Kanye West’s comments were irresponsible and harmful to a community that continues to experience racial violence to this day. We as a society cannot continue to allow famous people that influence many people to do these things and continue to have a platform.

Evan Majors is a sophomore English major from Lincoln, Neb.

In the wake of West’s harmful statements, West lost virtually all of his sponsorships. Gap, Adidas, Vogue and Balenciaga ended their collaborations with West. His talent agency, Creative Artists Agency, also ended its relationship with West. Following these

Yeezy x Adidas

©Unsplash

“Hate speech is extremely dangerous and causes immense harm and suffering for the marginalized communities it targets.”

Costume Party Recap

Elizabeth Green

Fortune Ogulere

Calista Covel

Paige Kreiter

Enoch Alcala

Rachel Gerrans

Caleb Schaber and Jolina Console

Gracie Leonor-Spears and Hannah Petrie

Carter Alger and Xylee Ramos

Victoria Avila

Photos courtesy of Shelby Jongema, Joseph Lee and Annika Cambigue