The Beacon, February 21, 2020

Northwestern College, Iowa NWCommons

The Beacon, 2019-2020 The Beacon student newspaper

2-21-2020

Beacon Staff

Follow this and additional works at: https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/beacon2019 BEACONNORTHWESTERN COLLEGE

February 21, 2020 Volume 93 - Issue 12 Mead retires from NW after 20 years A LOOK BACK NW’s online database subscriptions. AT LIBRARY LIFE While Mead is not from around here, she has fit into the midwest BAILEY BANWART of NW. She was born on the East SOCIAL WORK Coast and for a time, she worked at a small university college library in Anne Mead has been a staple in New Jersey to support her and her the Northwestern Dewitt Learning husband, Jim. She followed him Commons for some time now. She to Orange City, and they’ve lived has been at Northwestern for 20 here ever since. Not only has Mead years, and at the end of this academ- worked in the library, but she has ic year, she will be retiring. also given talks about marriage in If you’ve spent a good chunk of the women’s dorms, and she’s en- time in the LC, you have probably joyed being able to experience all seen Anne. She has been involved in the college has to offer, such as con- a lot on campus, and within the LC. certs and sporting events. “There’s a lot you can do in 20 One thing Mead will always re- years,” she said. member is the big move from the Mead has helped numerous de- Ramaker library to the Dewitt partments set up their subject Learning Commons. guides throughout the years, help- “We had a lot of fun [moving ing students and faculty generate to the LC], but it was hard work,” new knowledge and access new she said. ways of acquiring information. She People lined up along the green to has also helped professors decide on pass books from Ramaker to the LC PHOTO BY ABIGAIL MOODY what books to offer in class, having and it was, as she says, “very sym- Anne Mead poses in front of her office. She will be retiring after 20 years at Northwestern College. been a library liaison. In the past, bolic.” Mead admits that she’ll miss she was the government documents the intellectual stimulation that ademic environment, but more than working with the NW students. dents is a privilege, and we have such librarian, and she has also managed comes from working in such an ac- that, she will miss her colleagues and “Just being around college stu- wonderful students here,” Mead said. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Simm’s culture-debating, talking-stick podcast

TAKE IT release new episodes on Tues- TO HEART days and Fridays. “The Take it to Heart podcast BREANNA CARR is a micro-pod with episodes no ENGLISH TEACHING longer than 15 minutes,” Simm said. But while it may be shorter Podcasts are gaining popu- than other podcasts, Simm still larity these days. With their entertains his viewers. Take it many different topics – from to Heart is a space for people to murder mysteries to financial be passionate about day-to-day advice to economic or Chris- things. The tagline for the pod- tian topics – podcasts give in- cast is “A podcast for hot takes, sight into how our world works moralizing preferences, and and allow ordinary people to feeling deeply on the mundane.” make an extraordinary impact. Simm said that he started Considering podcasts are from TITH after listening to a pod- all over the country, wouldn’t cast from The Ringer, a website it be awesome if there was a and podcast network he enjoys. podcast in our neighborhood? The Ringer covers a lot of sports, Well, right here at Northwest- culture and tech-type infor- ern, there is a podcast hosted mation. The podcast that gave by Michael Simmelink, the Simm the idea to start TITH was Hospers resident director. “The Hottest Take” where mem- Simm’s podcast series “Take bers of The Ringer staff spout off PHOTO SUBMITTED it to Heart” launched in No- their hot takes. Michael Simmelink talks to Kyle Zimmerman on his podcast, Take it to Heart. vember 2019 on Black Friday. “I liked the idea, and have bla- There are currently around 29 tantly ripped it off,” Simm said. it to Heart does better, but that’s Simm really enjoys podcasts consuming them. episodes of TITH. Simm tries to “I think there’s some things Take our model.” and spends too much time CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

MOVIE REVIEW MOVIE THROWS posite side of the table. At the penetrate far deeper. the viewers are left to draw YOU FOR A LOOP site of the impending disaster, This movie caught me their own conclusions: does he grabs his phone and quickly off guard. Starring actors the couple stay together? Do MORIAH WITTENBERG runs for cover, leaving his wife such as Will Ferrell and Julia they not? What steps do they NURSING and children behind to face Louis-Dreyfus, I anticipat- take moving forward? the snow slide on their own. ed a movie filled with many In most movies, viewers are Advertised as a drama/ This incident raises feel- one-liners and frequent situ- typically drawn to a certain comedy film, “Downhill” is a ings of doubt for both Bil- ational comedy. But the hu- character and quickly become movie that prepares viewers lie and Pete as to what their mor was kept to an extreme set against another. However, for a delightful blend of in- relationship means and how minimum with the focus be- throughout this film, I found my- tense and engaging relation- they feel about each other. ing primarily on the couple’s self both understanding where ships and relieving comedy. The rest of the movie is spent marital struggles. each spouse was coming from However, that is not what watching the couple navigate In this case, the adver- but also hating both of them for this movie delivers. The movie these uncertainties. tising was misleading. But their blindness and their stub- demasks what we imagine as From the opening scene, the while the comedy was sparse, born mindsets and attitudes. a stereotypical nuclear family Staunton family is portrayed as the movie did portray the The prod ucers, again, de- and shows the struggles that an average American family: struggles of marriage and pict a very realistic story: in are faced behind the facade. vacationing in the Alps, hav- family incredibly w ell. many relationships, there will And in this way, this movie is ing fun, with the occasional It is tempting to paint a be wrong committed on both incredibly impactful. bickering here and there. Billie sugar-coated image of marital sides, and relationships are The film is set in the Alps is protective of her children; struggles. Yes, many stories not as black and white as one as the Staunton family takes a Pete wants to make everyone and characters have conflict, often hopes for. much-needed vacation. While happy; the boys simply desire but these struggles are often While I think “Downhill” pausing for lunch, an artificial to do what sounds most excit- minimized, and the story al- was mislabeled as a comedy, avalanche begins to rumble ing to them. The light-hearted most always has a happily-ev- it broke many common ste- down the mountain toward and bouncy music even super-after ending. reotypes in t he film indus- the family, sending them and ports this image. However, “Downhill” de- try. The Staunton family, and everyone in the vicinity into a However, after t he inci- picts the difficulties of rela- specifically, Billie and Pete’s state of panic. dent with the avalanche, the tionships and the downward marriage, was shown in all its Billie (the wife) and her two viewers begin to see that trajectory of Billie and Pete’s beauty and rawness. The film PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDb boys are encased on one side what initially seemed as sur- marriage. Further, it is tempt- forces the viewers to honest- of the bench, unable to escape. face-level, inconsequential ing to leave the viewers with ly reflect on their own lives, On the other hand, Pete (the cracks in the family’s façade resolution and with a sense of making this a moving and husband) is sitting on the op- are actually divisions that comfort. However, in this film, impactful film. “The Slow Rush” is a meditation on time and change

MUSIC REVIEW

NEW ALBUM, SAME no more delayin’.” “On Track,” is another pleas- A revised version of the sin- ant layering of synths, elec- CLASSIC SOUND gle “Borderline” appears next tric piano and guitar. Despite on the album. Smooth drums Parker’s fear of the future and EMMA VAN DRIE and groovy bass loops juxtapose change that manifests in the POLITICAL SCIENCE with lyrics describing a rocky other tracks, with the release of relationship on the verge of col- The Slow Rush, he says “Strictly Tame Impala, aka Kevin Park- lapse, “caught between the tides speaking I’m still on track, and er, released the greatly anticipat- of pain and rapture.” all my dreams are still intact.” He ed album “The Slow Rush” five A mournful guitar riff opens is where he needs to be. years after “Currents,” which “Posthumous Forgiveness,” an “Lost in Yesterday” examines brought him into the spotlight. emotional track where Park- our obsession with nostalgia “The Slow Rush” is a genre er vulnerably examines the and feelings of regret: “If they blending masterpiece of smooth strained relationship he had hold you erase them.” A groovy psychedelia, disco-funk, pop with his father, who passed. A drum beat and bassline give and house music. Thoughtfully battle of heavy-handed synths bouncing life to this track. well-produced, the richness of spit the track in two. The sec- Parker confesses his love for synths, electronic keys and the ond half is a peaceful embrace his girlfriend over synths and repetition of lines put the listen- of change, as Parker wishes he conga rolls in “It is True.” The er into a trance of sonic ecstasy could “play you all my songs and lyrics are a conversation between as Parker reflects on the passing hear your voice sing along.” them, where she questions if he of time and the turbulence of in- “Breathe Deeper,” one of my is telling the truth. Terrified of ner change. favorite tracks on the album, is the future’s uncertainty and the “One More Year” is the first carried by a rising, hammering possibility that his feelings will track on the album, opening piano and spacy synths. It de- change he replies, “We’ll see how with reverberating robot vo- scribes the art of mindfulness it goes, until we know what the coder vocal effects, reminiscent and deep-breathing to find in- future holds…we’ll see.” of Daft Punk. He presents a pri- ner peace amid life’s stresses. The cheery electric keys and PHOTO COURTESY OF OFFICIAL.TAMEIMPALA.COM mary lyrical theme of worrying As the chorus of synths rises, I phased drums in “It Might Be about the limits of time, relay- feel like I am transcending into a Time” closely resemble Super- ing his desire to live life to the dream-like state. tramp’s “The Logical Song,” and dream alive. flection on his past, present and place of peace where he “can roll fullest for one more year and The theme of time presents it- I am here for it. The bright, up- “Glimmer” is a pure house future of making music. He re- into another year.” then one more. self again in “Tomorrow’s Dust.” beat sound is dichotomous with track, looping with a four on peats “I did it for love…I did it The Slow Rush is beautifully “Instant Destiny,” one of An arpeggio guitar lick parallels depressive lyrical laments that the floor beat. It is the shortest for fun…I did it for fame…but thematic and well-produced, the poppier tracks on the al- the notion that what we do to- “nothing lasts forever,” as Parker track on the album, serving al- never for money.” The verse ends with impressive instrumenta- bum, draws upon this theme day will be the memories of to- watches his friends grow distant, most as an interlude, “a glimmer with an ambiguous “until now.” tion and creative melding of of living fully and fearlessly, morrow. Rather than be “blind- as they move into new phases of hope” leading into the album’s He is about to start a new chapter genres. While this album is a as Parker contemplates his ed by a memory,” Parker argues of life. “It might be time to face final track. of his life, and time is crunching; change from Currents, it seems proposal to his now wife. “I’m we should forget about yester- it.” He might have to grow up, The Slow Rush ends with there is no turning back now. At to be a promising new year for about to do something crazy, day and focus on what is now. but he wishes he could keep the “One More Hour”—Parker’s re- this point, he finds himself in a Tame Impala. ARTS & CULTURE 3 Japanese college students on campus A TALE OF TWO man is living in Hospers Hall. two men,” said Kristyn Howe, COLLEGES NW’s campus will be a bit of daughter of VanderWerrf and a difference for these students English teacher for the WEP. VANESSA STOKES who come from a college cam- Four years ago, 10 people PUBLIC RELATIONS pus of 700 students. consisting of NW staff, local ACLP differs from the businesses and Trinity Re- Earlier this month, the WEP in a few ways. The first formed Church went to Japan. Winter English Program stu- is the amount of time they will They were hosted for several dents left Northwestern to spend here. The WEP is only days and came back with the head home and start their three weeks compared to the confidence that this program last semester of high school. five that the ACLP students could be accomplished Usually, this would be the last have in the U.S. Another is Now finally in progress, time NW students are able the fact that the WEP stu- the program started Feb. 16 to interact with exchange dents are high school seniors, and will go through March students from Japan. But while the ACLP students are 20. The dates are intentional- this year, there is even more college age. Furthermore, the ly over spring break because opportunity to interact with number of students is less the students will each pair off people whose culture is quite than half of the amount as in teams of two to be a part of a bit different than here, a the WEP hosts 15 compared different spring service part- small-town community. to the ACLP’s six. nerships. The pairs will travel For the first year, NW is Yet, this new program has to the Coldwater Foundation starting its American Culture been in the making for al- in Grand Marias, Minnesota; and Language Program. The most as long as the WEP Youthfront Camp in Kan- program is directed by associ- was. The idea of all of this sas City, Kansas; and Hope PHOTO SUBMITTED ate dean for intercultural de- stemmed from Keiwa Col- for Opelousas Ministries in ACLP students are on campus Feb. 16 through March 20. velopment, Kevin McMahan. lege’s first president, Dr. Opelousas, Louisiana. Each ACLP will last for five weeks Kitagaki, and former NW student was allowed to state and hosts students from NW’s theology professor, Dr. Lyle their opinions on the places vations. This is quite a bit take the time to visit two dif- body to take part in teaching sister college, Keiwa College. VanderWerrf. VanderWerrf they would like to travel, but more than the two that the ferent farms around the area. about their culture and learn- Keiwa College is in Shiba- was also the original creator McMahan ultimately made WEP students participated Thus, in this way, it does ing about a culture they may ta City, Japan, and the trip is of the summer institute that the decision. in. They will also take trips not differ much from the not be familiar with. over 20 hours of flight time. eventually turned into the But SSPs are not the only prior to their SSP to places content of the WEP nor its “We are looking forward There were six students that WEP. Kitagaki and VanderW- part of these students’ jour- like Sioux City or to take part purpose: to share a bit of to getting to know these stu- took the long journey over errf first spoke of a program neys while in the U.S. Every in fun activities like ice skat- American culture with students,” said Carrie Anderson, endless ocean to endless corn- like ACLP over 25 years ago. morning the students will ing. Since Iowa is a bit differ- dents from Japan. This is an ACLP program coordinator, fields. The five women are “This program will fulfill attend classes. In total, they ent than their usual city land- incredible opportunity for “We encourage the campus to living in Fern while the one a longtime dream of these will do about 10 class obser- scape, the students will also them and for NW’s student welcome them as well.” NW chior to tour the Midwest over break

SPRING TOUR OF to decide on the works in this to strengthen their bonds HEARTLAND year’s program he reviewed and grow closer is through a hundreds of choral works be- tradition called “interviews” RACHEL SMART fore selecting the final set. As during which everyone in the THEATER those who have been to choir choir shares their answers to concerts at NW can attest, Dr. a few questions both funny It’s that time of year again. Holm takes the quality of his and serious. Spring break is just around programs very seriously. He’s “These icebreakers are a real- the corner, and while some always careful to select high ly cool way to get to know peo- of our peers will be traveling quality pieces with a variety of ple better and to start building all over the country and the texts, languages and ideas. This new relationships,” said junior world for SSP’s, Northwest- year’s program contains a sa- Schuyler Sterk. ern’s choir students will be cred package, highly virtuosic Of course, in close prox- participating in their annu- pieces that are emotional and imity these goofy and cre- al A cappella Choir Tour—a heartfelt, the traditional “Beau- ative people often wind up tradition that has been a part tiful Savior,” and a spiritual ti- with beautiful and hilarious of the music department for tled “Ezekiel Saw De Wheel.” memories from their times decades. These musicians As one would imagine, together. From the tour her will be headed to Wisconsin, choir tour contains a lot of freshman year, Ven Huizen Illinois and Michigan, first time on bus rides, and stu- recalls watching Shrek on a traveling up the west side of dents utilize this time to get bus stopped in the midst of a Lake Michigan, then around to know each other better and Montana blizzard, and Sterk Chicago, up the east side of connect with classmates they remembers watching old Lake Michigan, and again haven’t had the chance to get VHS Disney films with fond- to Chicago, before heading to know. ness the following year at a home to Orange City. “My favorite part of choir host family home. Throughout their trip the tour is the fact that we all Another favorite part of choir choir will perform 14 con- grow closer to one another as tour is the spiritual element. certs in schools and churches, friends and as musicians. We “Music is a performing art,” along with holding master- spend so much time togeth- said Dr. Holm. “And it is a rich PHOTO BY KILEY MEEDER NW choir will be on tour from Feb. 29 through March 10. classes and workshops with er on tour, and we all come gift from God. We put these 11 choirs. back from it much closer than together on tour to enrich the As always, Dr. Holm has when we started,” said junior lives of others, and in so do- place—choir is an act of wor- ences at NW, and they aren’t the process.” worked meticulously to piece Libby Ven Huizen. ing become of part of God’s ship and service,” she said. the only ones who greatly val- Of course, music must be together a thoughtful and As Dr. Holm said, “Once redeeming work in this world.” Given the fond memories, ue the honored tradition. shared to be truly appreciated, moving program for the choir we board the bus, we are now Senior Abby Ver Mulm bonding time and opportuni- “Making music in a concert so make sure to come out and that he began putting together a family that travels together, agrees and states that it teach- ties to serve and fulfill God’s with these wonderful young support the A capella choir way back in the summer. eats together, prayers together es her to be a servant. work as a servant that choir people [is] my greatest joy,” and watch them perform their While that might seem ear- and performs for many audi- “As a Christian musician it tour gives, it’s no surprise that said Dr. Holm. “I feel so bless- tour program on March 13th ly to begin work that will be ences together.” serves as an excellent remind- students routinely rank it as performed in March, in order One way the choir works er of why we sing in the first the top of their music experi- ed to be right in the middle of at 7:30 p.m. FEATURES 4 Results from the 2020 Iowa caucuses ROCKY START WAS RESOLVED

BEN HENKER ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

This year’s caucus results were chaotic and confusing but finally came to a consensus. What happened that made it so different than the others in the past? The Democrat- ic party used a smartphone app that took the blame for the indecipherable results. With little understanding of how the app worked and more frustrations that continued to stack with the app, workers moved on from the high-tech registration and went back to what they knew best, calling in the results. With a high demand of about 1,700 precincts calling in to report, the phone lines became overloaded with calls forcing many to wait more than an hour on caucus night and the next morning. All in all, for the Iowa Democratic Party, it was a headache. But as of Feb. 9, we can finally say, with clarity and positivity, the final results of both caucuses. With a landslide of more than 31,038 votes, President Donald Trump won with a total of 97.1% of Iowa votes allowing him to win 39 delegates. Bill Weld came in second with a total of 426 votes, which is 1.3% of votes and one delegate. Joe Walsh had a total of 348 COURTESY OF UNSPLASH After a rocky start, the Iowa caucuses put Republican President Trump and Democrat Pete Buttigieg in the lead for the election. votes, 1.1% of votes and no delegates. One hundred fifty-one votes represented votes for other candidates. the 2020 election, the final results were closer gates, and Amy Klobuchar with a total of 264 prior, he had an exceptional understanding of For Sioux County, Trump received 403 total than the Republican party. For the entire state SDEs, 12.3% and one delegate. Andrew Yang how it felt doing everything. votes, Walsh received 15 votes, Weld received of Iowa, Pete Buttigieg won with a total of only got 22 total SDEs leaving him with 1.0% “The Democratic caucuses in Orange City eight votes and two votes were cast for others. 564 State Delegate Equivalents (SDEs), 26.2% of the SDEs in Iowa. went insanely well, with a record turnout of “We had over 50 people at our caucus,” said of the SDEs and 13 delegates. Bernie Sand- In Sioux County, Klobuchar had 166 SDEs. about 300 voters across the two precincts. Kaelin Alons, a Northwestern student who ers came in second with a total of 562 SDEs, Warren had 158 SDEs. Sanders had 131 SDEs. Many of those voters were first-time Demo- participated in the Republican caucus. “It 26.1% of the SDEs and 12 delegates. Elizabeth Buttigieg had 123 SDEs and Biden, 79 SDEs. crats,” Arnett said. Overall, he said the caucus took just under an hour when all things were Warren was the final person to make it on the With no movement from the state total, Yang only took an hour and a half. said and done.” podium with a total of 388 SDEs, 18% of the had 44 SDEs. While they began with a rocky start, the As for the Democratic caucus, things were SDEs and eight delegates. The last to make Caleb Arnett was one of the many NW stu- Iowa caucuses were still a witness to other slightly different. it on the top five were Joe Biden with a total dents that went to the Democratic caucus. states, as they started the wave of voting for With a total of 2,500 campaign events for of 340 SDEs, 15.8% of the SDEs and six dele- As someone that had done the mock caucus this year’s presidential election. Mead retires from NW after 20 years FROM PAGE 1 ture with students and all the authentic connections she While Mead will undoubt- made with all of us.” ably miss working at NW, her Perhaps the one who will colleagues in the library will miss her most on campus is miss her that much more. her husband. Mead says it’s “I’ll miss Anne’s sense of been so nice to work in the humor and her wide range same place as her husband of knowledge about walrus- for such a long time and es, blue people and Netflix will miss seeing him around shows,” said Sara Huyser, ac- campus. cess services coordinator in “Anne is the love of my the LC. life and a wonderful part- Sherri Langton, library ner in our family’s journey,” systems specialist, describes he said. “Among the many Mead as “welcoming and qualities I’ve admired about kind” and says that Mead is her work as a librarian is her known for entertaining the commitment to the academ- library staff during their ic reputation of the college. coffee breaks with her old She’s worked tirelessly for PHOTO BY ABIGAIL MOODY Retiring after 20 years of working for NW, Mead is grateful for her time to impact students in their learning. cheer routines from back in the development of the li- the day. brary’s collection, resources During her retirement, some projects at home. She her guitar restrung. If you see Mead around Heather Sas, acquisitions for faculty scholarship and Mead is looking forward to hopes to spend more time “The biggest challenge this semester, be sure and serials coordinator in reference tools for our stu- spending more time with pursuing her interests, such now will be who am I now? I to thank her for all she’s the LC, said, “I’ve always dents. Those are key aspects her grandchildren in Mich- as reading and sewing. She’s don’t get to say that I’m a li- done and wish her a happy admired Anne’s helpful na- of her legacy here.” igan and catching up on even thinking about getting brarian anymore,” Mead said. retirement. FEATURES 5 Unsung Heroes: Alli Den Boer BEHIND-THE-SCENES one of her favorite months. compassion and patience,” WORK “I love seeing all the work said Caylan DeLucia, res- I did throughout the summer ident director of Stegenga VANESSA STOKES come to life,” Den Boer said. Hall, “She is incredible.” WRITING AND RHETORIC She also enjoys August be- This spirit of patience and cause she is able to interact compassion is perfect for From housing forms to stu- with all of the incoming stu- her position. Den Boer also dent activities to parking pass- dents and their families as she deals with parking tickets or es, Alli Den Boer does it all. takes their new ID photos. greeting students before dis- You’ve probably seen her name Christmas is additionally a ciplinary meetings. across many of the emails that favorite season of hers. Most Though others may find come into your inbox daily. of November and Decem- this to be a less than appeal- She is the woman behind the ber is spent wrapping up the ing part of a job, Den Boer curtain at Northwestern that work done at the beginning said, “I try to keep the expe- pulls the strings on more than of the fall semester and start- rience as positive as possi- you probably realize. ing new projects in prepara- ble and create a comfortable As the student life admin- tion for the spring. space for each of our visitors.” istrative assistant, Den Boer “It’s such a neat blend of She knows that though is in charge of helping stu- closing chapters for some students may be upset, that dents with anything pertain- students and starting over is most likely coming from a ing to student life as well as for others, and campus is place of anxiety or confusion. assisting her staff members just beautiful that time of the Regardless of the reason, in the student life depart- year,” she said. she is so happy she is able to ment. Some of her daily tasks Den Boer often works work with students on a dai- include answering student with residence life staff and ly basis. Den Boer’s desk has questions, recording meet- the campus ministry team to quite a bit of foot traffic de- ing minutes, assisting cam- coordinate and disperse in- spite it being tucked away on pus security and maintaining formation about the various the second floor of Ramaker. housing records. Den Boer is events on campus. Although “During the summer or also the friendly voice of NW she has been at NW for a little when students are on break, behind the number on our under two years, her impact it is nice to work without in- PHOTO BY JOHN KAUCHER website. When people call in, has not gone unnoticed – es- terruptions, but I really do Den Boer, student life administrative assistant, helps with plenty of behind-the-scenes work to she is in charge of directing pecially by her coworkers. miss the interaction with stu- make sure students are aware of events going on throughout campus. them to the place they would Barb Dewald, associate dents during that time,” Den like to go or the place they dean of Christian formation, Boer said. to listen to a message and to office any time with ques- and to no surprise, a lot of may not realize they actually said, “I like Alli and find her When she can, she also hear the many talents of NW tions, comments or just to the lessons learned are from need to be. to have a joyful spirit.” likes to see students at chap- students that are featured at say hello. student interactions,” Den But her role also changes “I love how Alli’s pres- el services. Den Boer enjoys various chapels. If you don’t “I really love how much I Boer said. with the seasons. August is ence radiates hospitality, the short break in the week see her there, stop by her learn every day on campus Simm’s podcast FROM PAGE 1 sees potential in his micro-pod “there’s a space to go back he has now. and forth with friends about “I’m not enough of an ex- “I want a decent-sized lis- whether ketchup is a com- pert in anything to make a tenership that is invested in pletely replaceable condiment” high-quality podcast like The the pod and having their own (Which he agrees that it is). Lowe Post or The Bill Simmons debates with friends about He doesn’t just hope for a Podcast, but I do have opin- the topics we bring up,” Simm decent listenership, though. ions, and I thought I could said. “We live in a really tense “I also hope that people make a run at that,” Simm said. time. Politics are a gong show. consider ideas and opin- In his podcast, Simm hosts People are on both sides of the ions they never would have local guests, which have aisle on cancel culture.” thought about even if it’s mainly been students and Simm thinks there’s a time something as simple as nor- a few friends, then each of and space to care about those malizing the courtesy flush,” them takes turns holding “the things, but he also thinks Simm said. talking stick.” The talking stick means that whoever is holding it shares a take on day-to-day things. The holder is not the only one talking, though. The other person pushes the conversation. Do they agree? Do they disagree? Do they double down or reject it? “The podcast is just the recording of that discussion,” Simm said. Even though Simm has dreams of one day hosting his own podcast, he doesn’t believe it’ll ever happen. Wheth- PHOTO SUBMITTED er he has a possible podcast ca- Simm enjoys the chance to debate current culture topics and more random, laid-back topics with students and friends reer in his future or not, he still on his podcast. OPINIONS 6 Ignored issues and unnecessary spending

Ask Josh the ice machine by the track has been machine remains ignored. This is so broken all semester, that’s exactly what frustrating to see. Why is our college with Joshua Richard Dahl I must do. doing all this unnecessary spending, It’s even worse for athletes that are and why are we putting up with it? dealing with a severe injury, walking It’s not like the ice machine is the to the athletic trainer’s room for ice is biggest issue here, it’s just one thing a difficult task when you are dealing that I believe needs done and one thing with a severe injury. that effects my day to day routine. There are so many reasons why Why is that giant ugly piece of Leviticus Cross having another ice machine, besides wood still in front of the LC, but we Youth Ministry the one in the athletic trainer’s office, are spending money on limos for RED is a necessary option for athletes, 101 students? Why do work studies or athletes, icing after a tough especially cross country and track and pay so little, but we spend money on Fworkout or after competition is field athletes. Having an ice machine every college students’ ticket to a essential to the recovery process and close to where the track team had our movie? Why are there multiple things injury prevention. As a distance runner practices and did our recovery made it that are broken and damaged in the on the track team who was managing easy for the athletes to get ice, allowed RSC (showers in locker rooms, tiles If you were to start a an injury during the beginning of this us to get out of practice sooner so on the floor, wood on different seats season, icing was a necessary part of we aren’t getting to the cafeteria late and benches, an awful pool table, conspiracy, what would it be my routine so that I could compete at and made icing a more enjoyable and etc.), but we can afford a giant shiny and why? the best of my abilities. convenient task. science building? Why is my tuition I did not ice as much as I should Having another ice machine for so expensive, but the track and field - Baffled in Bolks have in the past, but when injury athletes also made it possible for teams must rake yards and do other started to become a problem, I iced the distance crew to have ice after a fundraising just to afford basic needs after every practice. I found that since Saturday long run, since the athletic for the program? Zucchini and yellow squash are the I’ve added icing into my after-practice trainer’s office is closed on weekends, Do you understand my point? Why same size and shape. They use a routine every day, the pain I felt went unless there’s a football or basketball is the college charging me so much non-toxic bleach to change zucchi- away and I was able to fully participate game going on, who apparently are the money and then putting it into useless ni to yellow squash so that they can in my training again. only athletes who need ice. projects and impulsive purchases? charge a little extra After a tough workout on the While Red 101 students are riding Moral of the story and really indoor track, the last thing I want to around in limos, construction projects the reason I wanted to write this do is walk all the way to the athletic are being started but not finished, and article: Dear Northwestern, fix the ice How many 6th graders could trainers to get a bag of ice. But, since we all get free movie tickets, the broken machine. Stop renting limos. you take in a fight? - Riled up in the RSC Oh gosh, 6th graders are pretty Shrinkflation and the stain upon big candy viscious. It really depends on how I’m feeling. If it’s an off day, probably three or four? On a good day, proba- controversy: shrinkflation. costs are too much. Surely, Big Candy Yes, one of the most egregious black hasn’t become avaricious in its attempt to bly a dozen. Not to brag, but I’ve seen eyes of Big Candy. I’m here to uncover nickel and dime their consumer to their all the Kung Fu Panda movies so you their shenanigans and bring light to last wit? Sadly, this is the case. could say that I’m kind of a pro. the obvious fact that shrinkflation is The guardian reports that the price of robbing the modern-day consumer. sugar has been falling. If that’s the case, An article from the Guardian back then only one conclusion can be made How’s life science going? in 2017 backed up my worst fears. from all of this: greed reigns supreme. So Candies like Toblerone, Maltesers, how do we fight this? How do we combat - Jammin’ in the JAM and M&Ms, have shrunk in size. this offense upon humankind, which Colin Kaemingk Toblerone itself has decreased its rattles us at the very core? History I have learned so much about the chocolate by 10%. These companies We get the celebrities on our side, cell, more than I ever can possibly have the audacity to first describe that’s how. The whole reason this issue ello everyone, I am back. small candy packages as “fun,” and was brought up to me in the first place find a use for. However, I can say that Yes, it has been a while since now they are slowly making the size of because I was searching through old I am very happy with my cell my Hlast piece concerning fun-size my candy bars smaller. As frustrating videos of Conan O’Brien. On the show, provider. candy. I thought that I should hang as that is, it would be OK to me, the B.J. Novak, or Ryan from the office as up my boots after article and call it candy watchdog, if the prices went the we remember him, brought Cadbury good. But I promised that if there was same way. eggs on the show. One was current Would you rather only eat ever any injustice when it came to But no, in fact, it is quite the opposite. (2007), the other was from a couple through your feet or only see the candy market, I would be there. As the size plummets, the prices rise. years ago. And the difference in size was through your feet? And, after many requests for me to To call that a violation of consumer staggering and outright shameful. But come and take Big Candy on again, trust would be an understatement. his display of the two eggs alerted the - Backwards in Bultman I’m back and ready to cause a storm. This is a huge disservice to the modern consumer to the tragedy that is Big Candy’s worse enemy is here to modern citizen, one who deserves that befalling our dear sweets. expose its atrocities on the modern- extra 10% of chocolate at a reasonable So my advice for you, dear Fun fact for you, I hate feet. So day consumer. price. But no, our world’s going to reader, is to go out there and to ask any question regarding As I stated in my earlier piece, I went heck in a handbasket and Big Candy tweet at Leonardo Di Caprio or after the illusion of fun-sized candy is following it. Kate Winslet, (or anyone else who those sweaty, oddly shaped being “fun,” when in reality, it was not Now surely there has to be a reason wasn’t from “Titanic”), and turn things is quite disturbing for even close to being fun after all. Well, for this increase and price and drop of their attention towards this great after a few google searches here and size? Surely there has to be a problem wrong. Maybe then, we can change me. I guess I’m a little con- there, I’ve come upon another major with rising costs. Maybe production public opinion. fused, is my mouth on my foot? Would my eyes be on my feet? Editor’s Note The opinions published both in print and online Apparently, feet sweat an aver- are the opinions of the authors only. Beacon staff members do not necessarily support the age of a cup a day. I can’t decide opinions expressed in this section. Research and if I’d rather deal with sweat/ Get wealthy editing (other than formatting) of articles is the ...With the new responsibility of the authors rather than the editors. $ off your words... Beacon pay scale $ teary eyes or tasting sweat 24/7. Write 1-4 stories = $10 each | 5-8 stories = $15 each | 9+ stories = $20 each Respectfully, Pass. the Beacon staff SPORTS 7 Raider softball swinging into action NW PLAYED FOUR Giordano, Jordyn Kramer and added an RBI triple, GAMES OVER WEEKEND and Emily Strasser all led part of a decisive three- SEASON-STARTER the team with two hits on run fourth inning. the day. Sophomore Jennifer TREY HARMS On Saturday Feb. 15, Boeve had a team-high SPANISH the Raiders turned the two hits, and Strasser had page and finished out one hit and took an HBP Women’s softball hitthe tournament with two to go along with two RBIs. the road again on Friday, strong wins. Looking ahead for what Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. The pitcher-catcher duo figures to be an exciting 15, playing four games in of juniors Samantha Ubben and successful softball the two-day Kelly Laas and Emily Bosch led the season for the Red Raiders Memorial Tournament way in Saturday’s opener this year, Bri Giordano in St. Cloud, Minnesota. against the University of shared some areas of focus The Red Raiders dropped Minnesota-Crookston. the team will be carrying both games on Friday, Feb. Ubben picked up her second with them. 14 to NCAA Division II win of the season, this one “Attitude, effort, hustle, opponents but bounced coming in complete game tough[ness] and defense,” back with two solid fashion, tacking on eight Giordano said, referencing victories the following day strikeouts while allowing the five key words the to improve their record to just three runs. Bosch had team strives for. “Those 4-2 on the young season. a team-high seven putouts are the main focuses of The Raiders struggled and got the bats started for every practice, every game early, falling 8-0 to host NW as well, with a game- and everything we do as St. Cloud State managing high three hits and one RBI a team. If we can achieve just two baserunners. as NW won 7-3. those five things in a The second game of the The women continued game, then we have a good PHOTO COURTESY OF NW ATHLETICS. afternoon was a closer their success into the likelihood of winning.” NW traveled to Minnesota for a weekend of softball games to kick off their 2020 season. matchup as Northwestern final game of the day She also noted the held a 4-2 lead after four versus Viterbo, downing importance of that getting knocked down are when everyone is willing this Saturday, Feb. 22 in innings but eventually fell the V-hawks 6-2. Junior mindset off the field as important in life as well as to do stuff for their their final tune-up before to Bemidji State by a score Emma Schnell claimed well, as smiling through the sport. teammates” Giordano said. a week of games in Tuscon, of 9-4. Sophomores Bri the win from the mound errors and getting up after “It’s a fun environment The Raiders play Bellvue Arizona over spring break. Track and field returns to South Dakota State University TRACK AND FIELD of 7.17m (23-06.25), claiming his finished 10th in the mile, run- COMPETES IN FINAL fourth consecutive first place ning the event in 5:14. Caley finish this season. Sophomore Vink placed 10th in the shot put, REGULAR SEASON MEET Isaac Munoz placed eigth in the throwing a personal best distance 600m, with a time of 1:26.83. The of 12.95 meters. JOSHUA STARR 4x400m relay team, composed of Head coach Scott Bahrke said, ACCOUNTING Bennet Schuiteman, Justin Gre- “We always like competing in vengoed, Mitchell Oostra and Brookings. We had nearly 40 Northwestern’s track and field Cade Pederson, placed fifth, with personal best marks for the meet team competed in their final a time of 3:25.4. and a number of our athletes regular season meet on Friday, On the women’s side, the Raid- earned their spot in the GPAC Feb. 14 and Saturday, Feb. 15 at ers placed 15th out of 22 teams Indoor Track and Field Cham- the SDSU Indoor Classic. Fac- (third among NAIA teams), scor- pionship. Our preparation was ing a competitive environment, ing a total of nine points in five better this week, and it showed in the Raiders worked hard for new different events: the 60m hurdles, our performances. It was a great season bests in pursuit of confer- the 400m, the 800m, the mile day for the Red Raider Track & ence-qualifying marks. and the shot put. All scorers were Field Team.” PHOTO BY KILEY MEEDER. On the men’s side, NW fin- senior women. Kenzie Keune Distance coach Carrie Kro- Raiders train hard on the track to prepare for end of indoor season. ished 11th out of 26 teams, scor- placed seventh in the 400m with hn said, “Overall, I thought the ing 15 points total. There were a time of 59.09 and finished sixth distance crew competed with will focus on the fundamentals the process.” three events which contributed in the 60m hurdles, crossing the more confidence than the week of racing this weekend – going The GPAC Indoor Track and to the point total: the long jump, finish line with a personal best before at USD. A number of hard the whole time – instead of Field Championships will be the 4x400m relay and the 600m. time of 9.13 seconds. Bre Hart- people set themselves up well focusing on the outcome. If we held at Dakota Wesleyan Univer- Freshman James Gilbert placed hoorn placed fifth in the 800m, for the GPAC meet. focus on fundamentals, the out- sity on the days of Feb. 21-22 in first in the long jump, with a jump clocking a time of 2:21, and also “My hope is that the Raiders come will just be a natural part of Mitchell, South Dakota. Raiders’ regular season coming to a close MEN’S BASKETBALL PICKS The Raiders got off to a fast start as from Sterk gave the Raiders the lead, UP FIFTH WIN IN A ROW the lead stretched to nine with near- which was secured by strong defense ly 11 minutes in the first half and and a pair of made free throws by AGAINST MIDLAND maintained that distance for most of sophomore guard Grant DeMeulen- the first half. aere. Midland had one more chance BRADLEY LAACKMANN After going up 20-11 after a 13-4 to tie the game following a made free SPORT MANAGEMENT Raider run, Midland cut the deficit throw and a forced turnover, but the back to five on a pair of free throws three-point attempt from Bowen The Northwestern men’s basket- by Samuel Mailloux. Subsequent- Sandquist was off the mark. ball team picked up its fifth win in a ly, sophomore center Craig Sterk NW was led in scoring by Sterk row on Saturday, Feb. 15 by a score hit two shots from downtown to with 22 points and Grant Rohrer of 76-73. answer the Warriors’ efforts. With with 18. Jay Small pulled down a ca- NW earned win No. 20 on the five minutes remaining in the first reer-high 19 rebounds for the Red season to bring their record to 20-8 half, junior guard Trent Hilbrands Raiders, who outrebounded their overall, 12-6 in conference play. knocked down a three-pointer to opponent 46-37. NW shot 48% Meanwhile, Midland fell to 9-16 take a 36-22 lead. However, that was overall and made seven three-point- overall, 5-13 in the conference. the last field goal NW made in the ers while holding Midland to a 37% NW was tied for second place half, as Midland entered the break field goal percentage. The Warriors in the GPAC with Dakota Wesley- on a 9-2 run with the Raiders lead- were led in scoring by Samuel Mail- an ahead of the two schools’ match ing 38-31. loux with 20 points. on Wednesday. Midland is sitting After building up the lead, 54-44, The Raiders then traveled to in 10th in the conference. NW has with 13:48 in the second half, the Mitchell, South Dakota, to play Da- clinched an automatic bid as the host scoring came in bunches for both kota Wesleyan on Wednesday, Feb. school for the NAIA National Tour- sides. Within 11 minutes, the War- 19 and will return home for the nament with two games remaining riors outscored NW 28-18. With game against Morningside on Satur- PHOTO COURESTY OF NW ATHLETICS. on the schedule. the score tied at 72, an inside shot day, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. Craig Sterk was the top scorer against Midland with 22 points. COMMUNITY 8 Beacon Staff AllNDay and Winter Carnival Northwestern College held its third annu- matched by 5 p.m. on Feb. 20, two anonymous host a new event, the Raider Winter Carni- al Day of Giving on Thursday, Feb. 20. Ti- donors agreed to give an additional AllNDay val, on Saturday, Feb. 22. The event will take Bree Hodnefield tled AllNDay, the event is designed to en- contributions totaling $10,000. place in the Rowenhorst Student Center from Co-Editor/Copy Editor courage alumni and friends of the college AllNDay participants had the opportunity 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The free carnival is open to be “all in” with their support of NW. The to vote for a Northwestern department or pro- to the public and will include inflatables, an Jocelyn McCormick event included matching gift challenges and gram when they donated, and the top vote-get- obstacle course, miniature golf and a variety Co-Editor a lunch-hour challenge. ter received $500. Additionally, live updates of other activities. Donors’ AllNDay gifts, all directed to the and campus tours took place throughout the Hannah Ross Orange City’s American Legion chapter will Arts & Culture Editor Northwestern Fund, were doubled through day via the Northwestern College Alumni matching gift challenges offered by Northwest- Facebook page. serve a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and Kaitlyn Asmus ern supporters. The college’s National Alumni AllNDay gifts were made beginning Feb. 17 scrambled eggs from 7:30 to 11 a.m., also in Features Editor Board offered a $10,000 match, the National through the Day of Giving website, allnday.nw- the Rowenhorst Student Center. Breakfast Advisory Council pledged a $20,000 match ciowa.edu. tickets, which can be purchased at the event, Caleb Arnett and Northwestern’s Board of Trustees of- As a conclusion to the AllNDay activities, are $8 for adults, and children ages 5 and un- Opinions Editor fered a $40,000 match. Finally, if all gifts were Northwestern’s National Alumni Board will der eat free. Kelsey Lang Monday, Feb. 24 Sports Editor Events: 8 a.m. – RCA Cultivate Volunteer Program on campus in Compass Center for Career & Calling. Friday, Feb. 21 Joshua Dahl 7 p.m. – Dodgeball in RSC. Community Editor 10:05 a.m. – Chapel. Message by Jeff Barker, professor of theatre at NW. 7:30 p.m. – Bright Star. This NW Theatre play is set in North Carolina in the 1920s and Tuesday, Feb. 25 1940s. The musical tells the stories of aspiring journalist Billy Cane and worldly-wise Abigail Moody 8 a.m. - RCA Cultivate Volunteer Program on campus in Compass Center for Career newswoman Alice Murphy. Photo Editor & Calling. 11:05 a.m. – Pastor Rafer Owens, senior deputy for the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Depart- Saturday, Feb. 22 ment and senior pastor of Faith Inspirational Missionary Baptist Church in Comp- 9:30 a.m. – Raider Winter Carnival. Breakfast of pancakes, sausage and scrambled eggs ton, California. from 7:30 to 11 a.m., also in the Rowenhorst Student Center. Breakfast tickets, which can be purchased at the event, are $8 for adults, and children ages 5 and under eat free. Wednesday, Feb. 26 2 p.m. – Bright Star. 7 a.m. – Ash Wednesday Service. 7:30 p.m. – Bright Star. 10:05 a.m. – NED Talk. Pastor Rafer Owens will continue discussions in Vogel 8 p.m. – Dress-Up Bingo in RSC 4-court. The editorial staff Room in the Learning Commons. reserves the right to edit submissions for style, Sunday, Feb. 23 Thursday, Feb. 27 clarity and length. 8:30 p.m. – Praise and Worship in Christ Chapel. Final exams for first-half courses. For advertising rates and submissions, email Advertising Manager Sydney Rodman at sydney.rodman@ nwciowa.edu.

Photo contest first place winner: Studying, Amelia Holt