Dear Clarion,

I was disappointed to see that in your report that “Two Deaths Shock DU” that you failed to mention someone else who passed away.

In late January, Gabe Miller, friend and colleague, died from undisclosed causes.

I am not sure if this was mentioned in your paper at all as I recently became a subsciber, but I wanted to mention this. Gabe Miller was to graduate in August from the Graduate School of Social Work.

He was interested in homeless causes and prison reform. He will be greatly missed.

Again, I think it is wonderful for you to highlight the lives of these two wonderful ladies. It is obvious they will be missed. I wanted to mention this as Gabe will be missed too.

Thank you.

Lisa Ciazza

Dear Clarion,

I recently read an article in the Clarion discussing the apathy of students at school sports functions, specifically the Pioneer hockey games. Although I agree to a certain degree that overall school spirit at DU falls short of other colleges in America, there are students who take pride and get involved in supporting our teams.

For those of you who do go to games, I’m that guy that has the cowbell in the student section. For weeks I’ve brought it to games along with a group of friends who all enjoy supporting our hockey team.

Although I do agree partly with an article read in the earlier edition of the Clarion stating that student support of school sports, there are students who want and DO wholeheartedly support the Pioneers.

This past weekend, with the help of an inebriated student as well as a helpful and colorfully polite usher, I was informed that outside noisemakers of any kind are not welcomed at Magness Arena.

It is presumed what Magness management does not want are noisemakers like air horns that would bring discomfort to anyone sitting around them. Arena rules as well as NCAA regulations were also cited as reasons a cowbell cannot be used. Watch hockMichigan to Boston University to even Colorado College hockey games, I can assure you that the crowd noise at Magness is mild in comparison.

And those NCAA sanctions cited? Well, apparently other schools worry more about promoting school sprit than following fine print. I’ve never heard of a home team getting penalized because of too much cowbell playing in the stands.

Hockey games for many of us have been different since the cowbell was added to the cheers at Magness.

Students sitting in the student section as well as season ticket holders (AKA full price paying customers) sitting all around Magness, and even a player, have all mentioned throughout the last six or seven weekends that the cowbell has added and possibly increased the intensity of home ice advantage at Pioneer games.

I’ve yet to decide if the cowbell is making that trip up Asbury towards Magness this weekend, or at all.

Students need to know that school spirit does lack, and is not promoted by the University. It’s been made perfectly clear to me that I’m not welcomed back should I have a cowbell with me. If there’s a game to get thrown out of for playing a cowbell, maybe I’ll wait for the CC game coming up.

But just know there are students who do enjoy making Magness just a bit louder. Hopefully soon, cheering along with a cowbell.

Sincerely,

Giovanni Gomez

Dear Clarion,

Frat, by DU student Scott M. Savoie, a controversial new book that explores the modern fraternity system, has been hit with a POD advisory warning.

The POD distinction makes it impossible for most bookstores to stock the book because of Parental Order and Delivery rules.

While most stores technically carry the book, it can only be purchased through special order, and cannot be carried on the shelves.

“This amounts to an X rating” says the publisher’s spokeswoman Katalin SzabCB3. “This makes it impossible for us to get distribution through the normal channels.”

While the publisher acknowledges the subject matter is not for children, though it insists the material is suitable for young adults.

One retailer said the decision was strictly a business one and not based on politics.

Sincerely,

Scott Savoie

Dear Clarion,

I wanted to congratulate you on showcasing The Selenio Show more frequently. I think it is one of the funniest columns I have ever read. In part, I think I started reading the Clarion to read the weekly article. Please continue the article and do not let it go on hiatus.

Thanks,

Selenio Show Fan