KRAM1

I'll be glad when all the speculation is over and something actually happens...one way or the other. Too much talk and too little action for my blood! It's time to either crap or get off the pot.

I enjoy both. Hard to beat that "spicy chopped beef" at Rudy's and their jalapeno sausage links. On the other hand, the sliced beef and smoked turkey are great at Metzlers as are often the fries (sometimes yes...sometimes no depending upon if you get a fresh batch or not). I tend to believe the Metzler's in Gainesville is a bit better than the one in Denton, but that is just splitting hairs a bit. You can't go wrong, in my opinion, with either Rudy's or Metzlers...and both support the Mean Green and both have a local ownership situation. What's not to like? Nice thing about Metzlers for us is that we can walk to the little shop on Teasley lane...it's a couple of miles from our house, so it makes a nice walk before and after some good BBQ. GO MEAN GREEN!

Hard to believe the Mavs went out to the 7th seed...and so "wimply out" as well. What is it with these guys and the playoffs. Crawford was a ref last night, so that excuse is gone. Man, 8 points in the first quarter has got to get some folks wondering. Hard to imagine. But, it is the way it generally goes with the Mavs. Will Dirk go? I might consider it if I were Dirk. How many more shots will he get, and the guy deserves to play for a team really serious about winning a championship, not just having a great regular season record and then tanking in the playoffs. If Dirk, as much as I might hate leaving Dallas, I would have to consider a move to a real contender...which it continues to appear the Mavs are not when there is something really on the line. I cannot, for the life of me, figure this out, but I am sure we will hear all kinds of theories from the "experts". Let the excuses begin!

Brett...draft arrangements this year are being left up to the two coaches. They may just get on a phone and handle the draft as I know both are extremely busy right now. If Harry and forevereagle can get it all set, they would probably handle it through the chat room, but that is in some question due to timing and other commitments right now. If it is going on the chat room, I will definitely try to let everyone know. As of right now, even the commissioner does not know the time of the draft. Just too much "stuff" going on right now. Stay tuned. Good question...good thought.

One thing about these ratings that everyone needs to understand is that many of the local businesses realize the value of marketing these results, so they go out of their way to scoop up papers and vote as often as they can...even establishing campaigns to ask their clients, friends and relatives to vote for their establishment. No harm in that, but you just need to realize how the voting can actually be skewed a bit by the establishment that runs the best campaign. Not saying all do to be sure, but it does happen.

It will also take the Mean Green Nation rising up and supporting UNT with its donations and season ticket purchases. This, too, is improving, but still has a long way to go. Time it will take, but time and desire most members of the Mean Green Nation have in spades. With the new stadium and all the conference alignment talk, I am looking forward to the possibility of record numbers of attendees at this year's Mean Green games...both football and basketball where it seems to matter the most in this sort of thing.

One of the challenges still faced by locally owned restaurants (and other locally owned establishments) in Denton has been a situation where locals would drive to Dallas, Ft. Worth, Flower Mound, etc. and pay for a dinner at a price that they would not pay in Denton for the same or even better food. It's one of the interesting things our family noted about Denton when we first moved there in 1965 from Dallas. Casual fare and lower to moderately priced local restaurants seem to do fine. But, higher priced seem to often struggle. Given that Hannah's has been around for as many years as they have says something about the quality of their food and service. I do agree with CBL in that I liked Hannah's more as a "evening event" when they were in their smaller sized place. But, again, hard to make a go of it in Denton with a place that seats ten or so tables. It better be full 100% of the time. Agree also that its not a great comment on the restaurant scene when Red Lobster makes the top of the seafood list...have you tried Frilley's (two locations now...Cajun fare/seafood)? I enjoy eating there every so often. I need a cajun "fix" every now and again! If more people would frequent the "locals" there is a good chance that Denton's dining scene would develop more.

Saltwater, which was owned by the same folks who own and operate Sweetwater, is no longer a going concern. Several places have tried to make a go of that location, and currently I believe a Thai restaruant is situated in the old Saltwater location.

Hannah's is fine...nice service and good food. Pricing is in the $25-$30 person range as I recall...you can eat for much less if you wish, I'm just thinking of a full course situation...I've been there several times, and have always enjoyed the meal and the experience. As with everything, however, you may find folks with a different experience. It is one of the nicer places in Denton, and I would not hesitate to give it a try if you have not. Locally owned and operated, and that always scores points with me.

Player Draft is this Sunday.... If you are thinking about playing, please post your bio and T-Shirt size as soon as possible BEFORE Sunday so the coaches will have all the players available for the draft. Thanks.

I wanted to let everyone know that, to date, we have been provided with sponsorships of varying amounts from four (4) sources. One has asked to remain anonymous, two are in the process of deciding how they want this handled, but one (after some arm twisting by yours truly) has agreed that their name can be released. The generous support did not surprise me, as I have known a member of this family since before I knew they were associated with UNT, but some may be surprised a tad bit. We have received a generous donation from the Tune family...YES, THAT Tune family! The support is not being offered for a "pat on the back" but rather as a show of support to the MEAN GREEN NATION that players and their families really care about the program and really appreciate the support of the Mean Green Nation. How great is that? While the Tune family may not want to "pat on the back", if you see a member of the family, please give them a big "thank you". How did they find out about the game and a need for sponsorships? Well, right here on GMG.Com. How about that, sports fans? From the simple post asking for possible sponsors. At the time, they had no clue who KRAM1 was nor that we already knew each other. That made the donation even a bit more "special" to me personally. However, I did have to "out" myself to them as KRAM1. The generous nature of all our donors will certainly go a long way in helping to make this year's scholarship fund donation a large one. Sponsorship donations of any size...any size...are still welcome. If you have some interest in doing so, just PM me and I'll get you any and all information you might need. Our donors and our players are really stepping up to make the 7th annual GMG.Com Bowl a SUPER BOWL". Player draft is this Sunday, May 2nd. If you want to play, there is definitely still time to post your player bio and T-Shirt size.

Excellent...Tobe is a player! He should definitely get a shot in the NFL. If he does, I'll wager that he will turn more than a few heads!

Well said, sir...I'll give you a +1 for that response!

I'm thinking that "getting drafted" is a done deal! Glad to have you with us Andy...looking forward to it! OK, I do need a T-Shirt size for you!!!! I'd guess, but I think I'd be better off just letting you say!

One of those where it would have been nice to have been there!

GUESS WHAT WE NEED FOR THE GAME???? How about a football or two? OK, we can do this a couple of ways...we can get volunteers to bring a few footballs...should definitely have more than one on hand...(sorry I have soccer balls, not footballs around my house...I know that surprises everyone)...I can buy a football with proceeds (that would reduce the scholarship amount) and we would have it for following years like our donated flag belts or we can ask for folks to bring a ball or two to the game. Any volunteers? We should have more than one... What say you?

Can they?

OUCH...that does "suck", but certainly understand the family stuff. OK, so who can take Army of Dad's place? We could use some additional players...come on now, you know you want to play. If I promise not to roll that soccer ball out on the pitch to start the game, will you sign up to play???? BTW...if you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund...even if you cannot be there...all you GMG.com'ers...you can simply PM me for my address and send a check, or you can give a check to someone who is playing. I'd sure like to raise at least...at least $1000 after expenses for the scholarship fund. PM me if you are interested. Still looking for that "Tailgate Captain"...anyone interested in trying to help set up the tailgate fun and frolic? I'm in for bringing along some adult refreshments...but will need others to contribute beverages (both adult and "not so adult"), snack items, grill and yummies...anyone interested. If we don't get a response for a "tailgate captain", I'll just "herd the cats" a bit more and say...BRING YOUR OWN GOODIES/DRINKS and let's just all share what ever shows up after the game. Good enough? Sort of like a "pot luck" dinner at the church...but with adult beverages...well, at my church such dinners often do involve "adult beverages", but that's another story for another time. We will miss you guys...Army of Dad and Mom. Hope to see you next year!

I agree 100% TLF. I am sure the young man already regrets those comments.

OK, thanks #11...we have a solution. If Andy signs up, we will toss the coin for the right to draft 1st, then whoever wins can have their pick...let me guess that it might just be UNTQB11 (but, as folks here know, my prediction skills are somewhat suspect at best) and the second can go to Andy (if the coach so desires). Problem solved, but we do need Andy to sign up to make this happen...ANDY...calling Andy....PLEASE....

So, I tried to even it out a bit by inviting Jordan Case to QB the other squad. How great would a Jordan Case VS Scott Hall duel be in the 7th annual GMG.com Bowl???? I called Park Place Lexus and left a message for Jordan. I got a prompt and very nice return call...however, the answer was not so good. Unfortunately Jordan is having double knee replacement surgery just a couple of days prior to the event. I said, great, so he'll be ready to go in 2 or 3 days, right? Anyway, it just didn't work out this time due to the surgery, but I did invite him to the game should he be up to it that soon. So, we are back to the dilemma of how we handle the player draft/Scott Hall pick. The voting is still open and I have had only a slight few votes. You know how it goes, if you don't vote you shouldn't complain about the results. Really, I'm just looking for a tad bit of help in how best to make that call....Anyone have any other ex-player types who you might can get to play to help offset the "Hall effect"?

Fantastic start for the Mean Green. This is the start of the re-birth of a once-great UNT Golf program. It will be great again, and that is the way it should be for the Mean green. With as many fine HS golfers that are in the DFW area alone, UNT is sitting on a goldmine for recruiting. With the teams (both men and women) doing so much better this season and with a new emphasis on the program, I think we can all see some real positives. Great work...keep it up. There is absolutely no reason why UNT should not re-claim its spot among the nation's elite of college golf. Look out OSU, look out Texas...here come the Mean Green!

Or, who simply decided to go to a school they wanted to attend. Just because a kid is playing in a "lower division" in no way means he couldn't qualify for the FBS. Many of these "lower division" schools have higher academic standards then many of the FBS schools.

They may be aware of it, but so far they aren't playing like they know how to win a series. Still time...don't give up the ship yet, mavs fans. You never really " until you know"...I think the famous philosopher, Yogi Berra, said that first! Go Mavs!

Wow...what is it with the Mavs and the playoffs? This is a tank job of the highest proportion if it ends the way it so looks like it will end. Hard to imagine, but given the Mavs recent playoff history..... GO Mavs...let's at least take a run at it. The Spurs have won three in a row, and while the odds are against it, the Mavs can do the same...go MAVS! I hope...........