NoiseInsideMyHead

http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/3823303-leaders-unsure-how-fix-most-dangerous-rural-intersection-eastern-nd-near-grand-forks I would support a smart, taxpayer-funded solution along Hwy 2 at the airport before anything on I-29. Just so you know I'm not completely stingy with my tax dollars.

Understatement of the year. http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/3823309-occupancy-rates-dip-grand-forks-more-hotels-are-being-built You think maybe?

Why can't UND plan ahead like this? At least we should have a nickname by then.

Fixed it for you.

I don't necessarily disagree, but a sales tax is not the way to go for a vanity project that may not even materialize. I say, figure out the cost difference between (a) Merrifield with frontage road and (b) two interchanges, and let the developers foot the bill.

Just wanted to toss this out there...why does Grand Forks not have neighborhoods? Sure, there are labels that various people use to describe certain parts of town, and the land records seem to suggest that there are subdivisions and the whole bit, but I can't think of more than a couple of areas that are even minimally defined. It seems that cross-streets and other significant landmarks are about the only way to identify residential areas. You can literally drive along the same street for miles and notice nothing but the varying ages of the homes. Neighborhoods here (even some of the newest subdivisions) lack obvious names, conspicuous signage, distinctive entrances, even remotely visual boundaries, and other distinguishing features. Is there something to this? Am I missing something?

http://www.grandforksherald.com/news/3822002-mayor-proposes-no-increase-grand-forks-property-taxes Can someone please explain the hard-on that some people have about an interchange at 47th? Merrifield Road is already built out with a bridge and would encourage further expanded development along I-29 south of 32nd. Exits at every mile hardly seem justified.* Frontage roads and/or a soon-to-be-widened Columbia will almost certainly suffice for moving people about north-to-south along the east side of the freeway. Not to mention the fact that the dust-covered master plan calls for it. Yet, a new sales tax is somehow justified? * - Why do I have this feeling that there are some people who want to artificially congest I-29 so as to hasten a reduced speed limit through town?

Do you want to live forever?

Umm…so what you're saying is, nobody has done it. Isn't that the very definition of "unique"?

They're gonna have to bring it, but I'll give 'em a try. Anybody know when they open? (Assuming they haven't yet.)

Subway is like the last girl at a party. Sure, she'll do in a pinch, especially if you're hungry, but you're always looking for something better.

Nope. Closest is Fargo.

Quiznos on 32nd is gone. Paging Messrs. Firehouse, Potbelly, Jason's Deli, McAlisters. Grand Forks needs sandwich shops.

On tonight's season premiere of Hard Knocks on HBO, in the first few minutes, they were filming JJ Watt at his training facility and there was a "University of North Dakota" banner prominently featured on one wall (among dozens of other colleges, but it stuck out the most). #UNDproud

If you're the head of the class. If you're a quarterback. If your mom says you're a catch. If you're never last picked. If you've got a cheerleader chick. If you're the party star. If you've got your own car. If you'll never get caught. If you make football bets. If you're a teacher's pet. You're popular. If you'll just listen to my plan: the SiouxSports guide to popularity!

"Outrage" is a touch strong. I think it perfectly fair to call out a tacky, bush league move for exactly what it is. Denver didn't exactly get any love last year either for pulling the same nonsense. And they had the novelty of a new coach.

"On campus." You're no Rand McNally, are you? Besides, what's your point? That the economic model justifies questionable ticket sale practices? That UND has a raw deal with the Ralph? Let's just leave it at this: there is obviously something green under Omaha's skin and in its head.

UNO is just oozing insecurity and inferiority here. This really is shameful. Heck, they made the FF without such ridiculous gimmicks. I hope the restrooms overflow and the fans get food poisoning on opening night. Karma can be a b****. Better still is the irony that the state of Nebraska pretty much perfected (invented?) the practice of filling opposing teams' football stadiums with red. Funny how the People of the Corn can dish it out but not take it.

Not so fast. The NCAA has all but stepped in it here. They have threatened punishment on vague grounds with zero leverage. On what basis can they possibly hope to impose these mythical sanctions? Sure, they have rules for attendance at NCAA championships, and can boot spectators for proscribed activities, but to punish member schools with associational sanctions for isolated episodes, let alone mere reports, of spectator conduct? Especially when the standard is, as yet, wholly undefined? Any enforcement action would have to be preceded by the implementation of clear guidance and new rules. The biggest problem in this rapid-fire analysis of third-party hearsay is that we don't know the precise contours of the conversation. Maybe somebody just teed it up for the NCAA representative, who then blindly took advantage and swung for the fences with an ill-informed response on an incomplete hypothetical. There are far too many variables and missing material facts to render so definite a prediction. I would hesitate to conclude that tyranny shrouded in mystery is the official company line of the NCAA, although they do at times recklessly wield the power they do have.

1. In another part of the now-infamous, debated ad nauseam settlement agreement, the NCAA expressly ordered UND to protect the Sioux name and logos, which "shall not be...abandoned." 2. Now, if fans use (i.e., purchase and wear, or simply read) Sioux gear sold by UND for the purpose of remaining in full compliance with the agreement, the NCAA purportedly tells us it will "very likely result in sanctions." Why the two orders, Colonel?

Many of you are the NCAA's bitch, some seem content to be the NCAA's bitch, and some appear to even relish the role. There are ways out, but you have closed your minds to the concept of freedom. For you, there is no hope. I am sorry.

NCAA sanctions are not a legal consequence for breach of contract. Next.

But your carefully selected phrase "legally-binding" is only meaningful because there are legal consequences for not complying, right? Nothing is absolute, and these things cannot be viewed in a vacuum. How can you possibly conduct yourself in a society of laws without knowing which types of activities warrant the stiffest penalties and which are throwaways? Speed limits are "legally-binding." What does that mean? Can you get a lengthy prison sentence or death? Of course not. One reason people speed is that the consequences of being caught are relatively mild. Anyone who concludes that UND should not risk breaching the settlement agreement without having first critically examined the possible (and likely) consequences of doing so is either intellectually lazy or a holier-than-thou hypocrite. Be honest, who among you has never breached a contract; website terms of use, iTunes user agreements, and software licenses are contracts, by the way. Moral relativism has no place here; UND is not above breaching a contract when the risks are outweighed by the benefits, and neither are you. So I turn it back on all of the doomsayers: just what is it about the legal consequences of breaching the contract that chills you? An award of money damages? How much is too much to pay? A court order mandating that UND select a name? Is that any worse than the NCAA, or is it in some way actually better? Or are you worried about reputation and appearances? Do you fear for UND's credibility in the business world? Is UND not well served by adhering to principles and fighting rather than capitulating to a bully?