Chron column savagely off

First of all, I should make it clear I have no problem with The Daily bashing the Northwestern Chronicle. After all, if the Chronicle didn’t bash The Daily, I’m not sure how we’d fill 12 pages each week.

But what I do have a problem with is the fact that Bill Savage — a faculty member — apparently has no ethical standards whatsoever. First, he offers guidelines on how to drink underage “responsibly.” And now he uses his column to bash a student group. He’s simply unprofessional.

Have a student columnist bash us. We always enjoy a lively discussion.

Next, his concerns about the Chronicle’s funding are unfounded. I’ve been a member of the editorial board for over a year, and I have never — not once — corresponded with the Collegiate Network. They have no editorial control whatsoever, and most of our staffers probably wouldn’t even recognize the name.

Also, his point that our funding comes from outside the university instead of advertising is ridiculous. Advertising, while a great source of revenue, has its own obvious conflicts of interest.

I suppose we could go the route of many other campus publications: make the entire student body contribute through Associated Student Government. But we prefer voluntary funding.

Finally, you’d think an English professor would be able to put his ideas together without meeting a fictitious character in a bar.

— Robert Ver Bruggen,

Medill junior

Northwestern Chronicle entertainment editor

Beer could unite NU fans

After four years of attending Northwestern football games, it is clear to us that unlike our fellow state schools, NU needs an added incentive to attract fans through thick and thin, warm and cold, optimism and realism.

And thus we propose Willie’s Bottomless Beer Mug, a season-long investment. The idea is simple: a one-time purchase of a generous 32-ounce mug that allows students endless refills for all home football games.

A product with such universal appeal will provide added motivation to attend games and is sure to boost morale. This mere $50 investment commits students to the journey to Ryan Field on home game days.

The Bottomless Beer Mug extravaganza keeps students warm, cheering, and happy; hopefully transferring to increased success on the field. We would be wise to listen to the words of Frank the Tank: “Fill it up again. God, that’s good … Once it hits your lips, it’s so good.”