Random Clocks

If one is to walk on the path below the Hub or outside the Forum one may notice that at each location there is a free standing clock. These clocks are not connected to buildings, they are just there. What first caught my attention is how random these clocks are. Who exactly needs to know the time at these specific locations that these clocks had to be erected? What struck me as even more interesting is how these clocks are able to work. Without being connected to any building, what made these clocks tick? Then it hit me; How does any clock work? There are only two options: by battery or by electrical outlet. The first option, would imply that there is a battery constantly make the clock's hands work 24/7. I could not see this actually working because batteries are unreliable and die. So the electrical outlet had to be the solution to my pondering. I needed to know for sure so I found the number for the man who runs these clocks on campus. He told me the extensive process that goes into making these clocks function.

First there is an extensive tunnel making process for the clock wires to run through. These tunnels provide a way for the wires to safely extend to the nearest building. The electrical plug at the end of the wire is then connected to the nearest outlet. The outlet is kept in a closet specifically designated for this purpose. The door is unmarked as to not draw attention so no one will unplug it. For extra precautions there is a sign above the outlet that reads, "Please do NOT unplug. For outside clock. Thank you"- clock management. Who would ever thought that such efforts went into these somewhat pointless clocks. Next time one sees these free standing clocks on campus, one should not take for granted the work that goes into them.