KRAM1

The sky is NOT falling! The Mean Green will rebound from this loss and be the better for it down the stretch. UNT seems to have a very difficult time playing in that house! Refs didn't play very nice either! Ugh! Next time guys...go get 'em and GO MEAN GREEN!

Conservative Denton????? With UNT and TWU smack in the middle of it???? You are kidding, right? Denton has more "frog lovers" and "tree huggers" and anti-growth, anti-business, tax and spend folks than any city of its size needs to have. Good grief...do you actually live in Denton and have you for any time? Get out much? Denton has had and continues to have a interesting split between the more liberal "education community" and the more conservative "business community" that gives Denton the "flavor" and "uniqueness" that it has now and has had for many years. Just kiddin' with you a bit. Denton has been known as a pretty darn little liberal city for some time. Seems to be changing as most "politicians" are calling themselves Republican or "conservative" in order to get elected. Just the way it is in Texas these days, but Denton is not a bastion of conservative thinking.

You have a point.

This will be a test for the Mean Green this evening, but I have seen these guys rise to the occasion late in games and make the necessary adjustments to win. Now, that being said...this is a road game. Tougher to make those comebacks on the road, so here's hoping the Mean green start fast and stay strong throughout. Can do...will do! GO MEAN GREEN!

John T. Weber loves you. Please do tell how the stadium will adversely effect these residents 365 days per year? I see absolutely ZERO negative impact should a baseball stadium be built and UNT add baseball as a sport. Very few autos and the majority would not need to drive through the Denia neighborhood. The proposed baseball stadium will seat far far less then the football stadium and attendance will be far far less (probably 250-300 at best for the most anticipated games). I hope I am wrong and attendance would dwarf that estimate, but even still, the impact on Denia would be minimal in my opinion. Each side has its points. But, Mr. Weber's rhetoric and constant whining that the "big mean University" is treating him wrong smacks of self-promotion and a guy wanting his limited 15 min. of fame within his small sphere of influence. Sour grapes from a very small but vocal group. The press loves this sort of thing. YAWN!

Good luck and God speed, Riley...and Coach Dodge as well. I wish you both nothing but success at your "next stop".

Good luck and God speed, Riley Dodge. Thanks for all you did to try to help the Mean Green win. Great kid, great attitude and great big heart. Took a "pounding and kept on ticking", and played with the "want to" that i would love to see in every athlete in every sport at UNT. I would love nothing more than for Riley Dodge to have success wherever he ends up playing. My guess is that we will hear nothing but positives about UNT from Riley Dodge. Good luck, Riley...I, for one, will miss seeing you don the uniform of the Mean Green. Good luck and God speed.

But, some of us do know them and they are the same folks who complain about everything and have since they bought their home next to a university. In fact, many of the same people have made their living off UNT and the growth it has experienced since day 1 and still do...retired or otherwise. It's amazing how most folks "get used" to distractions in their neighborhoods in a very short time. I lived near a railroad changing yard once. When I first moved in (yes, imagine that it was there before I moved in) I heard every clang and bump as the cars were buckled and unbuckled day and night. After about 60 days, I never was aware of the noise until a visitor pointed it out. My Mom moved to a place near a railroad track and mentioned the loud trains almost daily at first. Now, after living there awhile, she doesn't even notice the loud whistle that used to wake her up at night. This is an 84 year old lady. If she can get used to such distractions, the Denia crowd can as well. I am in 100% agreement that these folks have every right to be concerned, want to protect their property values and want to maintain a decent life style within their neighborhood. But, to go "overboard" and claim the "sky is falling", emergency vehicles will be prevented from getting into the neighborhood, that their property values will plummet and that the "big old uncaring, football God worshiping university" is out to "do them wrong" is just plain silliness. While my examples may not be exactly apples to apples, I think they serve well enough to make a point. Time and routine has a way of changing one's perspective on things. Maybe the Denia group should stop the "public rock throwing" (that always helps, right) and the inflammatory penmanship in the local media and keep working with the City of Denton and the University to get the best deal they can on traffic flows in the area. Why? Because the reality is...the stadium is there, the games will go on and public streets will be utilized for traffic flow. Time to wake up and live with the reality that the stadium, the Athletic Village and some traffic will be nearby for a great number of years to come.

YES AND NO. I appreciate Brett's opinion, and think the piece is well thought out, if not just a bit misguided. Keep up the good job, Brett.

Really, you are kidding? There really are a few DT's out there that haven't committed or signed as yet? Gee, imagine that! OK< couldn't resist...this kid looks good and would be a nice addition for the Mean Green. Let's hope the staff keeps the contacts going and the kid sees UNT as a place he would like to play and not as a "stand-by prom date". UNT beats Okie State again...just like they did in basketball the last time they played! GO MEAN GREEN!

I assume you missed the letter of mine that was posted in the "Letters" section responding to an earlier Denia resident? I may not live in the Denia neighborhood, but I am tiring of all the "not in my backyard" mentality from a few, but vocal few, who are getting a lot of press these days. The DRC is only too happy to print this stuff...it's a shame they are not as quick to print editorials and articles about all the positives the stadium will bring to the community, to UNT and, yes, even to the Denia neighborhood. While some think the stadium will drive down property values in the neighborhood, I do believe there is a distinct possibility that it will help to revitalize the area and actually work to raise property values. Time will tell, as no one really knows at this point, but it's silly and a bit of a "head in the sand" mentality being displayed by this vocal few. Sad, perhaps they are those who want Denton to grow, have all the pluses, but they want YOU and ME to do the heavy lifting while they sit back. I don't know all these folks, but I do know several Deina residents, and the ones I know are not a part of this group. Too bad, that group is not as vocal. I have been told by one resident that they see nothing to be gained by trying to fight this neighborhood group as sure as they do, they will be branded "outcasts" and "puppets of the athletic department". Sad, isn't it how Denton tends to respond in the negative BEFORE they even see the results and the actual events of anything UNT tries to do. But, that attitude prevails with lots of people, not just the Denia group doing all the complaining. Now, let's all be honest here...could the Athletic dept., UNT and the City of Denton be a bit more accomodating and open about plans and how things will be handled? Sure! Could the Athletic Dept., UNT and the City of Denton work closer with these folks to help "calm" their concerns? OF COURSE. But, when one group or the other takes a rigid "it's my way or the highway" stance not much is going to happen. And, in this case, it seems to me that UNT has the upper hand. How they play it out remains to be seen.

I belive you are...along with a good many others.

I do in some cases. The impression it gives is that UNT is serious and does not see itself as a "back-up prom date", but rather a quality program their son should be excited about that will provide a great academic opportunity to go along with playing for a D1 program. What does it say about a kid and his parents if he commits to UNT and then withdraws that commitment or doesn't sign when the times comes so he can "wait" for a better offer? Believe it or not, UNT is a quality place to play and a quality place to get an education. Ninety-nine percent of these kids will never see the light of day in a pro camp. I agree, good for them if a "bigger school" wants them. I have no problem with that at all. If they want to wait, I am 100% OK with that as I have said from the beginning. But, I see it as 100% OK for UNT to tell the kid he has a certain deadline to sign if he wants the scholly guaranteed. If he wants to wait, we'll keep looking and his scholly offer will not be 100% after that deadline. This thing can work both ways. I don't see this as a slap on the kid or his parents any more than the kid and the parents have slapped UNT with their attitude of waiting to see who they will go to the "prom with" after asking UNT to wait around. Vito has his opinion, you have yours and I have mine. Whatever.....

1) Navy 2) Army 3) SMU 4) Rice

OK, let's all find something to worry and complain about with the brand new beautiful stadium before the first game is even played. That's the ticket! This thread is beginning to be a beat down. Can we not wait and see how this all goes before the rocks start flying? Good grief. This is just amazing. Why not have a re-vote and let's stay at Fouts? The way some of this is heading you would think people loved Fouts and were totally against building a new stadium. Who here does not think that the greatness of the new stadium far outweighs any inconvenience that the Mean Green fan base might encounter in the first few years before all the traffic flow and tailgate situations get ironed out? Come on folks, if there is one thing EVERYONE should be positive about, it's that bright shiny new stadium. let's give the "stadium" negativity a rest. Too many good things are happening due to that stadium to pick at a few things that will get worked out given time. WOW...just WOW! GO MEAN GREEN!

I am pretty sure you and Tommy have much more in common....

Have a great birthday. It's your day...you own it...make it a great one! GO MEAN GREEN!

True, how very true.

Look, a guy steps up and creates a new bowl in Dallas at the historic Cotton Bowl (where the Cotton Bowl probably should still be played with the "Jerry Bowl" getting a new name) with his own money, gets the NCAA certification, gets it on New Year's Day and pretty much hits break even on ticket sales his first year. Not attendance, mind you, which is why the Cotton Bowl was about 1/3 full for the game (those early morning temps didn't help walk up numbers), but pretty much break-even the first year anyway. I was really shocked that the vocal Texas Tech fan base did not support this bowl game with many many more fans, but it just shows that sometimes "talk" is cheap but "action" takes a bit more commitment. I applaud the guy for getting the Bowl up and going, and hope he can "sell out" next year and then "sell" the bowl to an organization that will run it for years to come. Why? Well, it's is good for the area from a financial standpoint. Hotel sales, food sales, etc., etc. Plus, some local folks get to make a bit of New Year's day cash working the game, and Fair Park gets another opportunity for use. I, for one, appreciate that they guy put his money on the line for this bowl game. I am just disappointed a bit that the "local" team had such a poor turnout and that the City of Dallas itself did not do more to support the game. Maybe next year...heck, I hope the Mean green are playing in the TicketCity Bowl in Dallas next year if not in New Orleans as SBC champs! Too many bowl games, probably. But, if UNT were to have played in that game, would any of the Mean Green faithful want to turn down the opportunity? GO MEAN GREEN....Congts to the organizers of the TicketCity Bowl. Tech folks...you should have done much better to support your team.

Excellent idea. But, where will the train stops be in relation to the stadium? Anyone know? I have not kept up with that part of the rail development as I probably should have. Anyone know?

That explains it! An Aggie no less...I just knew there was a reason...and, who knew...they give advanced degrees at A&M???? Hmmmmmmm, I guess that "get an advanced degree and then shut up about it" thing is out the window now too. But, being an Aggie...sorry it gigged your goat so much...just trying to have a bit of fun with you. Maybe Aggies have a tough time with humor, who knew? Enjoy the Cotton Bowl. It should be a good game...before Tannahill (is that the correct spelling?) was named QB your boys pretty much sucked...after that, one could argue they are the best team in the Big XII. Hope the Aggies can beat LSU so the Big XII can go 4-4 in bowls. I will be much kinder to you now and try to write with much more simple words. That Aggie thing must be tough...I wouldn't tell anyone either, but now that you are out of the closet all the world will know. It explains so very much!

Vocal minorities with rigid agendas always seem to get the "press" and "air" time. Today we have the editorial page guru in the Denton Record Chronicle out with another shot at the stadium in favor of the Deina group. I'll bet the guy hasn't even done any research of his own. He even all but indicates that he is just taking his lead from the article printed in the DRC recently. Nice...way to go guru! OK, look, UNTgeorge has a point that there will be some traffic in the neighborhood. Gee, go figure. I understand that some folks may feel a bit unconvinced during the two houris before and two hours after all SIX of the max home games that will be played, but let's not play the "not in my backyard" game and the "it's not fair...poor me" deal. I really don't think property values have fallen either around the SMU stadium...have you tried to get to that place for a game? All over Stillwater and Norman, OK on game days some neighborhoods have some excess traffic, but life goes on. I'll bet that not even half of the Denia neighborhood folks are THAT worried about it...some may even like the idea. It's just another example of a vocal minority (Denton seems to have a bunch of those) who want to complain about progress. That stadium will benefit all of Denton and all of UNT. It will even help the residents of Denia if they would think about it...my guess, decisions will be made that will calm the waters and once the stadium is open awhile all will get into a game day rhythm that will satisfy most...you can never satisfy everyone it seems. GO MEAN GREEN

EXCELLENT!

Who said anything about "slamming the door" on the kid. I believe I constantly said I would tell him that if a scholly was still available when and if he finally made a decision, it would be his, but we would not be waiting around to play the "standby prom date" for him. Sometimes it is time to "negotiate" from a position of strength. I'm happy to have the kid sign and will welcome him as a member of the Mean Green Nation, but I'm not playing the "poor step sister" or "ugly duckling" for anyone. Time has run out for "guaranteeing" this kid a scholly. Good luck with that Miami thing. Hope you make up your mind before it's too late to actually sign with a great "up and coming" program with a super brand new stadium, a great new coach and an "awakening" fan base. Too may good things are happening at UNT to be anyone's "standby prom date"! GO MEAN GREEN. It's my position and I staying with it even if I don't find one of Quoner's "fat kids" to take this guy's place. You know, Mangus Hunt was one of those non-football playing "fat kids" that June Jones found around the SMU campus...seems Mangus Hunt has done pretty well for SMU at defensive end. Just a random "fat kid" that someone found and turned into a pretty nice first team D1 DE for SMU. Anyone see him block that PAT? You happy playing the "standby prom date" role, fine...go for it. To me, UNT is too good for that! If this kid can't figure that out before Jan. 15th, I'll wish him well and he can hope the scholly is available on the 15th. As for me, I'm OK if it is or if it's not. The kid had the opportunity to sign with a great school.

Come on folks, Emmitt was trying to make a point of support for attending Mean Green MBB games. What in the world is wrong with that? To come on here and give him grief because he didn't mention WBB or any other UNT program is just ridiculous. Emmitt was trying to make a positive point about supporting the MBB team today (Jan. 1st) and through the season and on to the NCAA's. Too many people on this board want to find something negative to say about every post, and to try to make something out of nothing...or they just try to be "cute". I say "thanks", Emmitt for starting the New Year out with a positive resolution concerning UNT athletics. If WBB (or Soccer for that matter) is your "thing", great, attend those games and be happy...and do what you can to increase attendance at those events just as Emmitt is trying to do for men's basketball. But, try to understand what Emmitt is trying to say (and other posters as well) before you jump in and either hijack the post with some "cute" post or bang on the guy for trying to be positive. BTW, see you at the game today! Happy New Year and GO MEAN GREEN!