Home Sweet Dorm

UNION COLLEGE

ISSUE 91.14 | 03/01/2017

Union's revamped security squad tries not to smile as they are sworn in. | PC: Zach Morrison

CAMPUS SAFETY SWEARS IN 12 NEW OFFICERS

O matter what.

n Feb. 20, 12 students were sworn-in as Campus Safety student officers. They swore to never betray the badge, Union College or Campus Safety. They swore to maintain integrity, character and the public’s trust, and they swore to defend those who can't defend themselves and uphold the constitution no

Tyler Anderson, the newly-appointed head of Campus Safety, gave me a glimpse of what he has planned for campus safety and its officers of peace. Aside from training officers and providing safety to the campus, Anderson also wants to teach them useful skills they will use the rest of their lives.

Anderson also wants to strengthen relations with the Lincoln community to more effectively protect students and citizens. The students first underwent a selection process. Only those that truly wanted this service oriented job were chosen. Second, each officer was given a baton and handcuffs. Finally, each officer was be given pepper-spray— but only after they had been sprayed themselves.

If pondering why someone would subject themselves to Nebraskan weather on the daily, you’re not alone. I wondered the exact same thing. When asked about why he joined Campus Safety, sophomore health and human performance major Erick Sanchez said it was simply because he likes what he does and enjoys the outdoors. Respect.

When asked why he responded to the call to serve, deputy director (and junior business administration major) Anthony Gann said, “The reason I chose security is because Union College has been a home away from home for me.

I feel everyone on this campus is part of my family and I wanted to do something I felt would give back to the school.”

In the interview with Gann he informed me there is always an officer on duty and an officer on-call.

Never is there a time when no one is keeping a vigilant eye on Union. There’s a saying that goes around campus safety and law enforcement: “90 percent of your job is just patrolling and sitting around waiting for something to happen, and 10% is actually going out there and fighting against crime.” [ continued on page 2 ]

[ W H AT ' S I N S I DE] YOUR QUESTIONS | page 04 |

SQUIRRELHUB | page 06 |

RAN ANNIM | page 08 |

02

NEWS/LIFESTYLE

CAMPUS SAFETY ED IT O R I AL S TAF F

Edi t o r-in - Ch ie f E mi l y, 'Em y,' Woo d A ssist a n t Edit o r Jam es C l ag ue Soc ia l M e d ia Edi tor M ay l i na G r aham La yo u t Edit o r s H annah G reg g D an i c a Ey l enst ei n Ph o t o gr a p h e r s Z ach Mor r i son S haron C ur r an Jo rrd an Bi ssel l

Gann told of experiences where he’s had to utilize his training to takedown a campus threat. It's for that 10 percent that Campus Safety exists.

Being an upholder of the law is never easy. However, Union College has officers who take time out of their day to make sure you have a safer college experience.

My suggestion? Thank an officer when you see them strolling around, not just for their time and protection, but also for their commitment to what is just.

Sean Hendrix is a senior studying biomedical science.

NEW S

New s Edit o r S te fa ni L eep er Cam p u s N e w s S ean Hend r i x Comm u n it y/ Wo r l d Ne w s Carol i ne G uc hu H OUC/ S e n a t e Au tu mn Mot t F reela n c e Wr it e r s D an i c a Ey l enst ei n M ay l i na G r a ha m LIFES T Y L E

Life s t yle Edit o r R i a C ar r i g er Spe c ia l In t e re s t Ama nd a Mc C ar t e r Cul t u re / R e la t io ns h i p s Kat i e Mor r i son OPI NI O N

Opi n io n E dit o r Gabr i el Fl ec ha s H u m o r O pin io n Kevi n N i ed er m a n Poli t ic a l O pin ion Jo na t ha n D eem er Spo r t s O p in io n Tyl e r D ean SOCI AL ME DI A

F a ce b o o k /Cl o c k t ow er ASB Snapc h a t @ asb uni onc ol l eg e Read O n lin e cl o c k t ow er.uc ol l e g e . e d u Read t h e pr in t i ssu u.c om / c l oc k t o we rA S B

[ continued from page 1 ]

HOME SWEET DORM M

aking a dorm room feel cozy can be challenging. Plain walls, a shared space, and not a whole lot of room—as is, this type of environment isn’t the most hospitable for creating a relaxing living atmosphere.

Thankfully, with some effort and creativity, dismal dorm rooms can go from drab to fab.

The five senses play a large part in creating a welcoming environment. Little touches in each area will go a long way.

Sight Warm lighting sets a relaxing tone for a room. Forget about using harsh overhead lights and consider implementing some simple alternatives. Open up the blinds and let natural light in during the day. For additional warm lighting, set up a strand or two of fairy lights or a desk lamp.

Make the space your own. Add personal touches such as photos, wall art or whatever interests you.

Laryssa Schnell, junior elementary education major, says, “I think when it comes to making my room my own, I

want to incorporate things I really like. I have plants along my windowsill—I love plants! I think making the space alive, like it’s lived in, goes a long way.”

Isaac Lindsay-Borja, sophomore nursing major, adds, “I think the reason we keep our room festive is because, what’s the point of walking into your room each night and not enjoy even being there?”

Whether it’s a color, a pattern, or an object, having a theme for your room helps. Katie Buxton, freshman business administration major, shares, “Something that’s really important to me is color matching. When I go dorm shopping, I always try to incorporate the same colors, even if it’s just in the details.”

Schnell chose a travel theme, particularly globes and maps. Now when she’s out, she keeps an eye out for things she knows will fit nicely with her room’s aura.

Another important tip is to keep your room clean! A clean room looks and feels more refreshing. Sophomore biomedical science major, Daisy Muga, agrees one way to make your dorm feel like home is

LIFESTYLE

03

by keeping it clean. Baskets and storage bins are a great way to stay organized in this area.

Scent Even though burning candles is a big dorm-living no-no, entirely saying goodbye to scents isn’t necessary. In fact, Schnell suggests using essentials oils and a diffuser, which will add to the at-home-vibe you might be seeking.

If a diffuser is a bit out of your budget, wax melts and warmers or electric candle warmers are a few inexpensive alternatives.

Sound Some people prefer a quiet room, while others need some noise. If you can relate to the latter, open up a window and get some sound from the outdoors or turn on some music. Just keep in mind that you may have neighbors who aren’t interested in hearing your music through closed doors, so be considerate of noise levels.

Throw pillows are magic. Pictured: Laryssa Shnell's room | PC: Danica Elyenstein

Taste A few basic kitchen essentials go a long way when living in a dorm. Get a hot water kettle or a coffee pot and make hot drinks in your room instead of making a Starbucks run. If you’re a fan of filtered water, a water filter pitcher helps alleviate the need of running to the lobby to get water from the fountain.

Touch Comfort is necessary to create a space suitable to call a home-awayfrom-home. Small additions such as pillows, stuffed animals and extra blankets provide the coziness needed to unwind after a long day.

Some dorm rooms have flooring while others have carpet. Either way, adding an area rug helps break things up and become cozier. It will also help during the winter months when the laminate is cold.

If space allows, consider adding some alternative seating options such as a futon, storage ottoman, or a chair.

This gives visitors a place to sit other

Filling up blank wall space helps living things up. Pictured: Katie Buxton's room | PC: Danica Elyenstein

than your bed, providing a distinction from the typical dorm room.

Buxton summarizes, “My friends like to sit in my chair and it makes it feel like a community room, which is nice since I live by myself.”

Whatever your dorm style is, find something that works for you. If you need some help, Pinterest has tips for all your dorm needs.

Danica Eylenstein is a junior studying communication.

04

NEWS

ASB CONVOCATION TOWN HALL MEETING NOVEMBER 2016 E

DITOR’S NOTE: Back in September, many of you attended a town hall chapel where administration were available to answer questions.

Unfortunately many of those questions went unanswered due to lack of time.

Here we have a space designated for those questions, answered by administration. These have only been edited for minor style guide changes and are from the administration designated as signed.

Q

Why was there no counseling when Obama was elected?

A

I cannot speak as to why counseling was not offered when President Obama was elected. However, this year when President Trump was elected, our office was notified that there were several students who needed additional encouragement. This not only happened on our campus but many campuses across the country due to the divisive conversations during the election cycle, especially in regard to minority groups and foreign-born populations. Anytime for any reason we want to support our students. Our counselor, Lorie Escobar has brought awareness of how to best deal with stressful issues and we are thankful that she is here to assist in meeting these needs for our students.

- Kim Canine

Q

Why are females allowed to wear earings and males are not?

A

Currently that is our policy. It is also a policy that is currently being re-examined.

- Kim Canine

Q

Give more money to the writing studio. I guess they cut hours for the writing studio and now they are no longer open on Sundays and close at 10 p.m. due to budgeting but 9-10 is when a lot of people want to go and on Sundays because some of us like to get our papers out of the way before the week starts.

A

The Studio has not been open on Sundays for several years. After tracking students' use of the service, we discovered that Sundays were not popular except during rare times of the semester. It was not cost-effective to remain open on weekends when attendance was so low (on some Sundays, no one came at all). Also, Sundays posed a problem for consultants. Many of them needed time on the weekend to focus on their own homework and prepare for the week ahead. This school year, we changed our Monday-Thursday, 6-10 p.m. schedule to Monday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m. This change did not reduce the number of consultant hours; rather, it increased the number of consultants available on some nights during open hours.

For example, on the previous schedule, only two consultants were typically scheduled each hour. Now two-four are available each hour, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday evenings— our busiest times of the week. The more compact schedule also allows peer consultants to end work at a more reasonable hour during school nights in order to finish their own homework and prioritize healthy sleep habits.

The Studio's budget has not been cut.

The changes simply reflect what the director and consultants themselves find to benefit the most students.

- Dr. Cochran, Studio Director

Q

Our class in the Dick Building had to be relocated in the middle of the semester because of a science class and we had to make significant adjustments. How is it possible for that to happen and are there ways to fix these last minute changes?

A

In that specific situation, there were technology needs that had not been identified at the beginning of the semester for that science class. Once we realized the needs, we did our best to re-shuffle classrooms in a minimally disruptive way. We have now created a process to identify needs like this before the semester begins. Our apologies.

- Dr. Frankie Rose

Q

We should get better drinking fountains on the Reese hall floors. Some of them are old and gross and don't even work. The one's where they also fill up your water bottle would be nice!

A

The new style fountains have been implemented where higher usage has made it more appropriate. If a fountain is not working please work with plant services to correct that issue.

- Kim Canine and Steve Trana

Q

Will there be renovations in Prescott Hall?

A

We are looking at summer renovations and will prioritize issues on the whole campus shortly.

- Kim Canine and Steve Trana

NEWS

05

YOUR QUESTIONS/COMMENTS ANSWERED BY ADMINISTRATION Q

We should get Internet outside! I heard at La Sierra they have Internet outside and even plug ins for laptops and phone chargers in the ground that people could use so they could hang out and study outdoors instead of indoors all the time. And the plug ins had covers so if it rained or snowed you just put the cover over them. I know other people would enjoy it I've talked to plenty of people saying I wish there was internet outside so I can study out there and everyone I mention it to seems to agree and think it would be a good idea.

A

This has been discussed with the IS department for feasibility and this will likely become an item that they will include into their list of possible system improvements.

Consideration will need to be made with regard to the feasibility when considering the amount of good outside time we have here compared to La Sierra.

- Steven Trana

Q

What can we as students do to help raise money for all these amazing projects and renovations?

A

CALL FOR THE PHONATHON!!!! The largest struggle we have in fundraising is staffing the phone program. Students can talk with great alumni, network in their area of study, share the good news of Union College today and enlist support. To apply as a phonathon caller, contact Chris Johnson from the development office. ext 2036.

- LuAnn Davis

Q

When was Union founded?

A

January 20, 1890 the locating committee arrived in Lincoln to look at the city as a possible site for an Adventist college. The locating committee voted to establish the college in Lincoln on January 28, 1890 and the following day they chose the exact site from among several options offered by the city. The location was announced February 7, 1890 and in March the first nail was struck beginning construction.

(A tool shed). The college building was the first building constructed followed by residence halls. The first day of class was September 30, 1891 with 73 students enrolled.

- LuAnn Davis

Q

What would it take to decrease tuition?

A

If we had a government subsidy like UNL, where they receive about $8,000 per student to operate, we could reduce the price.

Unfortunately, we do not have that kind of support. However, our church provides a healthy "subsidy" to the college, and our generous friends and donors provide enough funding to keep the prices as low as they are. We are in the bottom third of the price points of all the Adventist colleges in North America. We have efforts now across the college to be very frugal and efficient in spending, always hoping that we can find ways to save costs.

The college has invested in a stronger scholarship package recently, so it is our hope that we remain as affordable as possible.

- Steve Trana and Nadine Nelson

Q

Would the political distress email/help offering have been available if Hillary had won? If not, why not?

A

If our students asked for help, then yes it would have been offered.

- Kim Canine

Q

Why do all jobs pay the same if other jobs require more work than others?

A

Labor laws have recently change which required the college to increase pay for jobs which previously had a lower level of demand from the employee. The issus is under review and financial impact to college will need to be studied in order to determine a time and scope when a tiered system could be put into effect.

- Steve Trana

Q

What can we do as students to directly help increase enrollment?

A

Activley recruit! Share why you love Union on social media.

Talk about why you love Union to family, friends, church members and also at your academy/high schools.

Continue to host and dote on our campus visitors like they do -- sharing the Union Spirit is the best way!

- Nadine Nelson

06

NEWS

ALL MASS EMAILS TO NOW GO THROUGH SQUIRRELHUB O

n Thursday night, Feb. 17, ASB Senate was able to talk with Richard Henriques, director of Information Systems, and Debbie Unterseher, associate professor of computing. They covered a wide range of topics, from wifi strength to outlets in classrooms. But, there was one issue that resonated strongly with all the senators: the volume of school emails received daily.

Ryan Teller, the executive director of Integrated Marketing Communications, warns that if there’s an important message sent out, and you don’t receive it, then it’s on you for turning off your email notifications.

“What I’m saying is, you can turn them off, but you probably don’t want to.”

For the past couple years, Union sent out emails through two methods: SquirrelHUB and email lists. (If an email in your inbox had [your class standing] in the subject line, then it was sent from the email list.)

To adjust your email settings, go to either Union’s website or Portal and click on “SquirrelHUB,” then in the top right corner, click on your profile image. A panel displaying the OrgSync management area should pop out from the right side of the screen. At the bottom of the list is “Settings,” where you'll find all the options to adjust the notifications and emails you receive.

But on March 1, the email lists were removed from the servers and all mass emails will now be directed through SquirrelHUB.

However, there are some portals you might not want to always hear from, such as Marketplace or Intramurals. In that case, turning off email notifications will help keep your inbox looking neat.

SquirrelHUB is what Union named its OrgSync network, which is an online community specifically designed for college campuses. On SquirrelHUB, different portals exist for clubs and campus departments, such as Campus Ministry or Student Health.

The vision is that all departments, organizations, and clubs will use SquirrelHUB for any official communication.

Also, Union’s events calendar is hosted through SquirrelHUB, so any events added in the portals will be added to the main calendar, allowing students to better plan their week.

In addition to posting updates and adding events, all mass emails will be sent from SquirrelHUB. Students will now have the option to turn off email notifications for any of the portals.

However, while turning off all emails might seem like a good idea at first, it isn't recommended.

AN UPDATE ON SENATE A

SB Senate held a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 21 allowing students to voice their opinions on campus life and academic procedures. Plenty of great ideas were bounced around, and important issues were mentioned.

Ideas ranged from long-term oncampus storage to offering fresh omelettes in the cafeteria deli. Issues that were brought up included problems with adjunct teachers, Gymnaires members having trouble getting all their worship credits, and how Engle Hall and Ress Hall are not fully handicap accessible.

Each time a new topic was brought up, the senators would facilitate a constructive conversation on how the ideas or issues could be addressed. For example, when J-Fiah Reeves suggested there be long-term on-campus storage, the senators and RAs that were present were all able to discuss the idea together.

Senate is the perfect place to bring your concerns and ideas. Instead of just complaining to your friends about how you wish the Prescott basement could be improved, bring the idea to your senator.

You'll still get emails, but opting out just got easier. | PC: Zach Morrison

If you’re a club officer who don’t know how to use SquirrelHUB, a student who is slightly confused or a faculty member who wants a refresher, Ryan Teller is offering a tutorial to anyone who needs one.

Also, students are always welcome at the bi-monthly Senate meetings, which are held at 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. Just let Executive Vice-President Anthony Gann know ahead of time that you want to sit in.

Autumn Mott is a sophomore studying communication.

LIFESTYLE

07

UNION LIFEHACKS W

ith all of the challenges college can present, many will agree that any tips and tricks help. In an effort to ease the burden, several Union students have shared their most helpful lifehacks for other Union students.

Worship: Unless you’re participating in HeartScan, a number of worship credits are required each semester.

Aaron Beaudoin, a freshman computer science major, advises students to take advantage of the smaller worships available on campus. While Vespers and Chapel provide an enjoyable large group atmosphere, smaller Bible study groups or V2 allow you to see fellow peers leading out in worships.

Often times, small groups are also a great opportunity to meet new people and really get to know one another.

Plus, these vary in times and are often shorter in length for the timecrunched student. “If you go to every hall worship,” says Beaudoin, “You just rake in the credits.”

Kayla Miller, a sophomore nursing major, advises against thinking of worship as just a time to earn credits.

Relationships are vital, including a quality relationship with God. “Don’t do anything on the Sabbath,” she adds.

“Use Sabbath as a time to get away from everything you would normally do.”

This includes not doing homework, she stresses. She suggests to take the time to rest and go outside.

Cafeteria: Miller also advises learning ways to create variety in meals at Union Market. The cafeteria options may not always be the most appealing and can seem repetitive, but with a little creative energy, students can make their own combinations. For example, try putting those “fish” patties in a sandwich.

When creating variety, however, remember to separate your foods till AFTER you checkout and then get creative. Eric Carlson, a sophomore computer science and music major, works as a cashier in the cafeteria. He reminds students that adding sides, even just a small amount can lower the cost of a meal. “If you take ‘chicken’ nuggets,” he says, “and you sprinkle rice on top, it can save up to a dollar on your meal. Just make sure the cashier counts it as a side.”

Staying Healthy: Kacie Medina, a sophomore elementary education major urges students to fit exercise into their schedules while at college. “Habits you form now are likely to be the habits you have later,” she says. Exercise not only prevents the “freshman fifteen” but also helps to relieve the stress we feel throughout the week.

Tardiness: Jovan Cross, a freshman biology major, urges students to organize everything they need the night before if getting up early. “Put everything you need inside your bag for that night.”

Setting out your clothes, books, and other necessary items can quickly speed up your morning routine and help ensure you get to your class on time (especially if you tend to oversleep).

Entertainment: DJ Henderson, a freshman international rescue and relief major, gave one simple but important piece of advice “Don’t hit next episode,” he warns. “No matter how tempting.”

Whether Netflix or Youtube, it can be too easy to get lost in a spiral of videos.

Set a limit and stick to it.

Not Settling: Guila Medrano, a sophomore biochemistry major, emphasizes the importance on not settling. “Don’t settle for a roommate,” she says. “Find that one person you can room with for four years. Don’t just tolerate.” She also advises on not settling on a church.

Lincoln contains many Seventh-day Adventist churches aside from College View, including Piedmont Park, Allon Chapel, Northside and New Creation. If you find one church is not what you’re looking for, take time to try another.

Don't leave it up to the caf to make a culinary masterpiece. Make it yourself !| PC: Jorrdan Bissell

Amanda McCarter is a sophomore studying biomedical science.

08

LIFESTYLE

RAN ANNIM FROM CHUUK

Don't underestimate the impact you can have through volunteering and mission work. | PC: Mira Ball

A

s a junior in high school four years ago I made a decision to step out of my comfort zone. I decided to put my entire life into God’s hands and dedicate a year to being a student missionary.

people about topics I’m passionate about it so incredible and humbling to someone who is only a junior in college.

To be honest, the experiences that have been the most inspiring to me haven’t been the big things.

It’s the little things all put together as a whole that have made a difference About six months ago that decision in my life. Being able to sit down with finally became a reality. a student struggling with a challenging Now as I’m finishing up my midterms concept and to see the “aha” moment for the third quarter, I’ve been able to sweep across their face makes my day. look back and see how God has worked When things get tough, it’s my through my life in ways I never could students who make me smile and have imagined. I’ve also experienced laugh again even if they were the ones things I never would have back at home making it difficult in the first place. or in school.

Seeing their joy and energy helps My degree is to be a high school science teacher and being here has confirmed my passion for making a difference in the learning experience of my students whether it’s academically, spiritually, mentally or socially.

I currently teach nine classes with the main ones being chemistry, biology, and algebra II in the high school and language arts, social studies and developmental reading to my eighth grade advisory class. Having the chance to impart knowledge to young

provide me the God-given strength and patience needed to go through each and every day.

loved by them and to be able to enjoy the fun and joys of being their teacher.

For anyone interested in becoming a student missionary, I’ll say it’s an amazing experience and I would support anyone wanting to do it. It’s challenging, and to be perfectly honest, there will be days where you might want to give up and go home to where things are familiar and comfortable.

It’s during these difficult times where I’ve grown the most as a person, and in my relationship with God. That makes the struggles worth it. Whether it’s to coming here to Micronesia or somewhere else in the world, becoming a student missionary is an opportunity that will change your life forever.

Ran Annim (good day) from Chuuk!

Can they be frustrating sometimes?

Yes, definitely.

But whether it’s helping them organize bake sales, playing games during class parties, seeing them put together Bible skits, having discussions about what God has done for us or anything else we do as a class, I have the opportunity to be accepted and

Mira Ball is an international volunteer serving in Chuuk.

OPINION

09

FAKE NEWS?

EMOTION IS THE DEATH OF REASON S

ometimes I feel like I could replace all of my articles with “the correct answer is somewhere in the middle.”

If you’ve spent any time reading my writing, you’d find that I usually encourage a measured response.

With respect to the ‘fake news’ debacle, nothing has changed.

I have to admit, Trump’s actions are distressing when viewed through the lens of history. It’s no secret that past tyrants made the dissolution of the press a top priority of their agenda.

After all, it’s much easier to remain in power if you control the flow of information to the electorate.

Just recently, Republican Senator John McCain criticized the President for his stance towards the media, saying “the first thing that dictators do is shut down the press.” Obviously, the President hasn’t called for the removal of the press corps, but it’s worth noting that delegitimization can be just as powerful as destruction.

Again, a measured response.

General Michael Flynn, the former National Security Advisor, was raked over the coals by the media for a telephone conversation he had with Sergei I. Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the United States.

Yes, you read correctly. A Lieutenant General, former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and now former National Security Advisor to the President was lambasted for a phone call with an ambassador to the United States–an individual whose job it is to communicate with America.

Well he must’ve disclosed sensitive information, right? Maybe a quick reading of the Oath of Allegiance of the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army? I mean, it must’ve been something significant, right?

Actually, no. The nature of the phone call concerned Russia’s economic relationship with the United States, namely the implementation and status of current and possible future sanctions.

Wait, so why didn’t the press report on the vast number of non-Russian diplomats General Flynn made contact with? You see, this is the type of thing the President is talking about when he shouts ‘fake news’. In reality, Flynn was fired for misleading the Vice President about the nature of his phone call with Kislyak, not for perpetuating the President’s love-fest with the Russian regime.

Is it fake? Absolutely not. Is it misleading? Without a doubt.

Or how about the reports that Trump’s campaign and his associates were in contact with the Russian government during the campaign in which they likely hacked the DNC? The New York Times reported that intercepted calls between Trump campaign officials and Russian intelligence officials made American intelligence communities wary of collusion between the two groups.

Well maybe this is something.

Oh, wait, hold on—not even three paragraphs into the article, the writers say American officials, “had seen no evidence of such cooperation”.

Nevermind the fact that it’s common practice for Presidential campaigns to remain in contact with important foreign governments, there must be a story here.

What about Trump’s business associates? Some of these individuals were caught speaking to Russian intelligence officers. One of them, Paul Manafort, was also the Trump campaign chairman for a short time in the previous year. Could it be that he played a role in the hacking of the DNC? Or general collusion with the Russians?

Presidential puppet and White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said this of the incident: “Several of Mr. Trump’s associates, like Mr. Manafort, have done business in Russia. And it is not unusual for American businessmen to come in contact with foreign intelligence officials, sometimes unwittingly, in countries like Russia and Ukraine, where the spy services are deeply embedded in society.”

Whoops—actually, that was the same New York Times article in the very next line.

Once again, misleading.

not

fake,

but

The problem is when most Americans read a headline like “Trump Campaign Aides Had Repeated Contacts With Russian Intelligence”,, an opinion is already formed.

The media has shown an explicit bias against the President thus far. He would be wise to correctly diagnose the problem instead of attacking their legitimacy and gifting them a new story each week through his increasing stockpile of gaffes.

Jonathan Deemer is a sophomore studying biomedical science.

10

OPINION

BUY TO PLAY: SELL TO LIVE COLUMN LIKE I SEE ‘EM R

ecently, I've been introduced to the world of collectable card games.

Specifically, I have been purchasing, playing and, more importantly, selling cards and dice from the game Star Wars Destiny.

As with most collectable card games, or CCG’s, a player buys small packets of randomly bundled cards attempting to gather enough desirable cards to build a proper deck.

Steam is a digital market for purchasing video games, and many of the games available through steam offer digital trading cards themed around their game.

You earn your first few cards by playing a game, and you get the rest through trading or purchasing the remaining cards needed for a full set.

An entire set can be crafted into a badge for that particular game.

Each card pack costs like $3. As of writing this article, I've sold 11 cards for $128.47.

Buying and selling collectible objects is invigorating. I now completely understand why my mom always bought action figures and Barbies I was never allowed to touch.

Keeping the condition mint is key.

Unbeknownst to me, I've been taking part in this kind of stuff for years. Remember Pokémon? I don't remember ever playing Pokémon.

All I remember was gathering cards, trading, and eventually selling a collection. That's where the fun was.

If you play video games on a computer then you've probably heard of Steam.

I once had a hat in the game Team Fortress 2 that was worth $80, and I didn't know it. I traded it away for something worth 60¢. I later earned a hat worth $30 that I promptly sold.

Players of Counter-Strike Global Offensive can earn gun skins that are worth literally hundreds. Some are even worth thousands.

Of dollars.

Those skins eventually evolved into an illicit online gambling system.

This is a great deal of fun and, and as Bob Iger surely knows, it’s addicting.

It’s hard to keep up with this addiction with limited funding.

That's where selling cards comes in handy.

or “skins” which change the way certain objects or characters look.

I'm not really sure what the point of me telling you this is. I don't think I would recommend this to anybody.

It's more of an update.

If you're ever wondering late at night just before bed what your ol’ pal Kevin is up Just the local card kingpin, Kevin. | PC: Jorrdan Bissell to, know I'm out The badges aren't necessarily prowling the streets for collectable worth anything, and neither are the cards that aren't in print any more to sell them on eBay with overpriced cards. shipping fees to still afford more Most cards go for around 7¢; some random card packs for myself. have been known to sell for almost I know I'm making a profit, but at 20¢. That might not sound like much, what cost? but if you play games as frequently as I do, you might be sitting on About two percent sell price to eBay hundreds, possibly a thousand cards. and PayPal, and another $2.67 for That money adds up. I was able to shipping and handling. buy an entire new game (it was on sale for like, 40 bucks) just from pawning off those old digital cards.

Shipping and handling is expensive.

Some games offer in game digital items such as hats for your character

Kevin Niederman is a junior studying nursing.

OPINION

11

YOU EITHER DIE A HERO ...

YOU HEARD IT HERE LAST I

’ve rooted against the Golden State Warriors all season. It’s not hard to do when they’re favored to win by ten to fifteen points every night.

Watching the Cavaliers beat them on Christmas Day was easily the highlight of my Christmas Day. Seeing them turn on each other when a final play didn’t go their way made me happier than waking up on a Monday to find out class is cancelled.

Though it will all likely be for naught, and the commissioner will present them their trophy, I'll root for absolutely any team they play against in the playoffs.

I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Yet it didn’t used to be this way. They were the team to root for. They were the up and coming squad of young kids who just loved to play.

They were smashing records and draining shots at an unimaginable rate. They played a brand of team basketball that nearly rivaled the Spurs yet managed to have fun in the process.

It looked like they were going to go down as the greatest team of all time, and America (for the most part) was still cheering them on.

So what happened to cause such animosity? Why did they go from loveable kids to a sharp-shooting version of the Galactic Empire?

Many have tried to pinpoint the instant in time when we began to turn on them last year. Some speculate it was when their owner proclaimed “we’re light years ahead of probably every other team,” among other things during the regular season.

Some point to Draymond Green’s kicking and technical foul incidents

Fans are missing the fun-loving Warriors they once knew. | PC: hoopshabit.com

that cost the team its likeable persona.

Others claim Steph Curry yelling “I’m back” with such unbridled contempt for Thunder fans that he hardly looked human.

Still, most of the sports world was able to set aside its disenchantment with the Warriors when they went up against Cleveland (specifically the villainous Lebron James) in the finals.

This only leaves one event to point to as the cause for all of the hatred: Kevin Durant leaving Oklahoma City to join the team who beat him in the conference finals.

It wasn’t anything illegal. There were no deflated basketballs involved in the decision. The Warriors had smartly managed their salaries, and Durant had every right to choose where he wanted to go.

While Durant can certainly be accused of ring chasing, his decision does not inherently give me (or anyone else) real reason to go from such adoration for Golden State to such antipathy overnight.

It could be they’ve become the villain due to the sum of these factors.

Perhaps, however, it is something else entirely. Perhaps the sports world just got tired of them.

The fun-loving spirit we saw when they celebrated a shot before it went in seemed to turn to cockiness and degradation of their opponents.

The excitement turned into expectation, and we became empathetic for the teams unlucky enough to face them.

In sports, as in life, it’s human nature to root for the underdog. Golden State has zero claim to that title anymore.

They didn't fall victim to salary caps, injuries or anything else that typically kills a dynasty during their heroic reign. Naturally, they’ve lived long enough to become the villain.

Hopefully we can find ourselves a new band of heroes to dismantle the dynasty come playoff time.

Tyler Dean is a junior studying business administration.

12

COACH'S CORNER

COACH'S CORNER

T

The weather in Nebraska is amazing; in one week we experience fall, spring, summer and winter.

HOUC

distance run begins, the long haul to May, the “can’t stop now” reality sets in.

If you feel the same way, and want to survive the next nine weeks, try to embrace this time as the structure and consistency you have been craving, Weather can have a and a time to really get in the academic big impact on emotions, game. especially with this recent “spring This is a chance to attack that week.” I actually get a bit upset when semester to-do list. spring weather hits in February. This is Start by creating a routine and try to a four season state and I want snow! adhere to the schedule. Look at what Weather plays with our emotions, needs to be completed between now and motivation and focus.

May. By doing this, you are able to make In addition to the weather roller a list of items to attack, and how to fit coaster, I feel like my schedule starts them into your schedule. to get some momentum and then stops After planning, you’ll feel better because of a break, or snow day, or knowing what’s expected. Give yourself another break, not to mention the four permission to take each week or day days taken away by the wonderful flu. at a time as this will allow you to feel I started to feel back in focus, and confident. now spring break is just around the Hang on to this confidence; because, corner. an April snow is still possible.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m looking forward to the break.

However, reality sets in and I keep hearing, “there are no more breaks Debbie Forshee-Sweeney is the after spring break.” Starting Mar. 13 the director of the TLC

SUDOKU 5

7 3

1

3

8 2

“F

HOUC is compiled by Autumn Mott.

or fun, I typed in “Writing jobs in Lincoln, Nebraska,” but I didn’t really find anything. But, that’s probably because I’m not searching as specifically as I should.

What I think I might do is sub a little, and see what I feel about teaching. If I like it, then I’ll go for my master’s, so I’ll be able to teach my own classroom. But if I don’t like it, then I’ll know that teaching is not for me. I’m very open to options.

Camerine Collingsworth is a senior studying English with an emphasis in writing and speaking and a minor in communication.

We're hiring for 2017-18!

The Clocktower is in search of writing, editing and photography friends.

8 2 4

Humans of Union College

6 3

We pay.

To apply, email cltower@gmail.com

5 8

5

1

The Clocktower encourages reader feedback and strives to maintain accuracy.

If you have comments, please email us at cltower@gmail.com.

8 3 6 4

7 2

http://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku_puzzles/sudoku_hard_259.html

The Clocktower, established in 1927 and sponsored by the Associated Student Body of Union College, is published weekly during the fall and spring semesters.

The opinions expressed are the opinions of the writers and are not to be construed as the opinion of the editors, Associated Student Body, Union College, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.