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A Royal cousin has come out and slammed the late Princess Diana, reports Vanity Fair.
Lady Pamela Hicks, who is prince Philip's first cousin and was a bridesmaid of Queen Elizabeth in 1947, was promoting her new memoir "Daughter of Empire: Life as a Mountbatten." According to Us Weekly, Hicks told the magazine that Prince William and Harry's late, beloved mother was "really spiteful" to husband Prince Charles and to much of the royal family.
"She had enormous charisma, she was beautiful, she was very good at empathy with the general crowd," Hicks said of Diana, who died at age 36 in a 1997 car crash in Paris. "(But) she had no feeling at all for her husband or his family. Quite the reverse!"
Wow -- that's kind of mean. Must come with the last name.
Hicks said "She was really spiteful, really unkind to (Charles) and, my God, he's a man who needs support and encouragement."
Right. I mean, he barely worked up the courage to cheat on Diana.
Diana and Charles, now 64, divorced in 1996 after 15 years. "(The marriage) absolutely destroyed him. He looked gray and ghost-like," Hicks said. "Now, of course, he's blossomed again."
What is he ... a 16-year-old girl?
Lady Pamela, whose daughter India Hicks was a bridesmaid at Charles and Diana's wedding, also said "She made everybody believe she'd been thrown to the wolves. Such nonsense! She was given the Queen's favorite lady-in-waiting, Sue Hussey, to help her, to teach her. But she didn't want to be told anything ... Instead, she wanted to listen to her music and go disco-ing or to some jive concert."
Right. You know those kids, with that jazzy jive jump-around music they listen to on the wireless, with the out-of-sight beats played by cool cats on the skins and Big Daddies blowing licorice sticks with all the cool licks.
"She didn't try," Hicks said. "She had no need to try because she saw the people admired her, then they admired her more. She reckoned she was the star."
Well, at least she went public when Diana was still around to defend herself. Oh ... wait.
Contact Tony Hicks at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/insertfoot.


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- Seasonal (18)
It's time for treats, and we have a really neat way to display your swim-sational sweets... with this Molly Treat Holder! Make it using a recycled tissue box and our printables. Select from three Halloween greetings, fill the box up with goodies, and then set it on a table or carry to the door for trick-or-treaters to enjoy!
Weekdays on NICK
Print the templates onto cardstock paper or attach them to a cereal box for sturdiness, then cut out all of the pieces.
Paint the tissue box black or cover it with construction paper (don't cover the box opening). If using a baby wipes container, detach the lid before covering the box. If painted, allow time for the box to dry before moving on to the next step.
Determine which side of the box will be the front, and then glue or tape the cauldron to that end after connecting the tabs as directed on the template.

 Follow the instruction to piece Molly together, then attach her to the back of the box using glue or tape (see photo for reference).
Select a message to display on the front of the box and glue it where indicated.
Fill the box up with candy or small treats! Your Molly Treat Holder is now complete. Set on a table and watch how kids are spellbound by Molly's spook-tacular sweets!
These portable popcorn holders make snack time swim-tastic!
Kids will crack up when they see who's popping out of an Easter egg to deliver lots of laughs!
Kids will be blown away by this beautiful outdoor decoration!
Invite your child's favorite Nick Jr. friends to the kids table with this printable craft
Turn your paper plate into the perfect table topper!
Greet visitors with a colorful display featuring your child's Nick Jr. friends
Kids can help get ready for the feast by adding color to this printable centerpiece!
Make a new memory game in minutes with our easy printable templates
Transform a paper bag into your child's favorite guppy!
Transform a paper bag into your child's favorite guppy!
Transform a paper bag into your child's favorite guppy!
This goody bag is dressed up for Dad's special day!
Transform a paper bag into your child's favorite guppy!
Dress up cones with cute Nick Jr. characters!
Make your own exclusive tee that features all the Guppies!
Transform a paper bag into your child's favorite guppy!
Transform a paper bag into your child's favorite guppy!
Transform a paper bag into your child's favorite guppy!
Make a door sign that will bloom in any room!
Shower your little flower with quality crafting time!
Print, fold, & fill with sweet surprises!
The perfect gift for kids to give away on Valentine's Day!
Make a do-together craft kids can proudly display on their door
Everyone wins when you make your own spinning tops!
Guests will FALL in love with this fin-tastic d�cor!
Turn a cereal box into a swimsational storage place for your Guppy's fish tales!
Surf's up! The Guppies can ride the waves in this cool movable craft!
No Bubble Guppies merchandise on the market? Print the templates here & DIY!
No Bubble Guppies dolls on the market? Print the templates here & DIY!
Make your own Bubble Puppy with these printable templates and some felt!
Here's the "PAW"fect accessory for your at-home PAW Patrol adventures!
Here's the perfect accessory for your at-home PAW Patrol adventures!
Create your very own trick-or-treat bag with Dora!
Take these pups on a Halloween treat-or-tricking adventure!
Let PAW Patrol lead your kids on a fun night with these stencils!
Make a spook-tacular bag for collecting Halloween goodies
Pop-up Halloween cards for little Guppies who pop in for trick-or-treating
Who's that knockin'... Ghosts? Goblins? Nope. It's the GUPPIES!
Dora's in the house!
Measuring from Milli's outfit, this will be an extremely fun Halloween!
Nothing's out of reach when your child heads out for Halloween in Bot's costume!
Homemade Team Umizoomi Halloween costumes for the Mighty Math Powers crowd
Your little ones can create magical moments with this fairy princess wand
Take Tasha trick-or-treating!
Your little Uniqua fan will feel pretty in pink in this costume.
Awesome antlers announce that Tyrone is making the rounds this Halloween!
Light up Halloween night with your kid's favorite characters!
Turn your preschooler into Kai-lan's koala pal, Tolee!
These wearable wings will let your child's imagination take flight!
Your kids will roar with delight once you transform them into this friendly tiger!
All hands and tentacles on board to make this under-the-ocean outfit
Dress up your preschooler as her favorite gifted guinea pig!
Dress your preschooler in this wonderful Ming-Ming costume!
Turn your little tike into Tuck. All it takes is a little teamwork!
For the cutest costume at a party, come as Tolee!
This clever costume comes to the rescue at any kind of party
Hot dog! It's Blue at the door for Halloween
Step out in style this Halloween!
Dress your preschooler as his favorite penguin pal!

subset: commoncrawl


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Matte Eye Shadow in Abyssinia
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Perfect for shading, creating depth and lining eyes, this highly pigmented, velvety-matte eye shadow can be applied sheer or layered for a more dramatic effect. The crease-resistant colour glides on smoothly, evenly and blends effortlessly.
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Product ID: 123
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Please note: International charges only include delivery; therefore non-EU customers will be responsible for import duties and local taxes.
We now deliver our unique collection of fragrances to the following countries in the EU:
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It has been a typical winter, with average snowfall reported in all provinces.Below-normal spring precipitation is predicted for Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and southern New Brunswick, while Newfoundland and Labrador will likely get normal to above-normal amounts. Temperatures have started to climb lately, with some above-freezing daytime amounts. Environment Canada is predicting above-average spring temperatures for all of Atlantic Canada, which could mean an early spring.
Reports of waterfowl are increasing as spring approaches. Larger groups of American black ducks and mallards are being observed as estuaries begin to open and fields become exposed. Flocks of Canada geese have been reported in the Maritimes throughout the winter.
The winter snowfall should provide typical spring melt-water volumes, yet spring precipitation is predicted to be variable across Atlantic Canada. Even with these potential variations, DUC's impoundments will operate at spring water levels. Based on current conditions, habitat conditions are good throughout Atlantic Canada.
View this report as a PDF at http://www.ducks.ca/learn-about-wetlands/habitat-reports/
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President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act into law.
First duck stamp, designed by Pulitzer-prize winning editorial cartoonist, Jay N. "Ding" Darling, issued.
Prairie drought peaks.


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Science Features
While Hurricane Isaac has passed, scientific work to understand the storm's impact on Gulf Coast states continues.
Isaac's floodwaters and impacts were measured using a variety of tools before, during and after the storm, including terrestrial and airborne lidar, acoustic Doppler and aerial photography
Mapping in 3-D: Terrestrial lidar and acoustic Doppler
USGS scientists mapped the Tangipahoa Dam using terrestrial lidar (video at right), or T-lidar and acoustic Doppler technology to capture multiple scans of different areas near the dam, showing the above and underwater topography. The dam was damaged during heavy rainfall in Hurricane Isaac and caused thousands of people downstream to be evacuated late last week.
These scans captured a clear view of two landslides on the dam's downstream side. The larger of the two landslides occurred mostly underwater. While T-lidar provides a clear view of above ground features, scientists used acoustic Doppler techniques to conduct underwater measurements.
The first T-lidar scans took place Saturday, with more completed on Monday to assess whether additional movement of the landslides had occurred. Monday's scan showed little movement. This information and other data has been provided to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as they continue to address the dam's structural risk and public safety.
T-lidar allows scientists to quickly generate 3-D maps of buildings, dams, levees and other structures, and can show areas of storm damage as well. In a four-to-five minute scan, the instrument collects millions of topographic data points in a full 360-degree view to quickly produce highly accurate topographic information and can map areas up to two-thirds of a mile away.
Acoustic Doppler instruments are frequently used to measure stream or lake geometry and water velocity. An acoustic signal is bounced off the river or lake bottom and the amount of time required for the signal to return to the sensor provides a measurement of the distance to the bottom. In the Tangipahoa Lake application an acoustic Doppler instrument was used to map the underwater portion of the landslide area, and to determine the force of the water on the dam structure.
Isaac is the first storm in which USGS has used its terrestrial lidar capabilities to map urban flooding.
The view from above: aerial flight surveys and lidar showing coastal change
After the worst of the storm passed, USGS scientists began conducting aerial photography and elevation surveys of post-storm beach conditions along the Gulf Coast to document the impacts of hurricane surge, waves, and currents on beaches. Information obtained from these surveys allows scientists to measure changes to coastal environments.
Oblique aerial photography was collected this week from Isle Dernieres in Louisiana to Dauphin Island in Alabama. Scientists compared these images with pre- storm images of the same location to illustrate the coastal changes and damage from Hurricane Isaac. Photo pairs of several locations are available online.
Photos from Dauphin Island indicated beach erosion and island overwash, furthering the erosion the island has seen during repeated storm events — Ivan, Katrina, Gustav and Isaac — that have led to the island's increased vulnerability to future storms. This photo shows the effects that repeat hurricane waves and surge have had on Dauphin Island from 2004 -2008.
Some areas of the Chandeleur Islands in Louisiana experienced such extreme erosion from Isaac that only underwater shoals, or submerged shallow areas, remain. This erosion resulted in the disappearance of an oil-protection berm constructed following the BP oil spill. Due to cumulative damage from previous storms like Hurricane Katrina, it remains in question whether this beach system will ever be able to fully recover from storm impacts.
Scientists are also conducting an airborne lidar survey of beach elevations to gather additional information in the most heavily impacted areas and to measure the amount of erosion.
Lidar, light detection and ranging, is an aircraft-based, remote-sensing technique that uses laser pulses to collect highly detailed ground elevation data. The photography and lidar data, as well as the coastal change analyses of these data, should be useful in mitigation and restoration efforts along the Gulf Coast shoreline. Data acquired will also be used to improve predictive models of future coastal impacts from severe storms and to identify areas vulnerable to extreme coastal change.
Flyover Shows Storm Damage and Marsh Dieback:
Another set of USGS aerial flight surveys flown this week used similar techniques to document vegetation and habitat change, and other ecological impacts and along coast and barrier islands post Isaac.
These flights examined areas from Wax Lake Delta, Louisiana, to Ship Island, Mississippi., and preliminary assessments suggest that Hurricane Isaac damaged coastal wetlands in a manner that is substantial, but not unprecedented. Damage to coastal wetland areas was evident throughout much of southeast Louisiana. The intensity of hurricane effects was most abundant in areas of upper Breton Sound, an area just to the south of the community of Braithwaite, which experienced devastating flooding.
The most prevalent effects of Hurricane Isaac observed were expansive wrack fields. Wrack is accumulated organic debris and trash that are transported and deposited by a hurricane's surge. Wrack deposits from Hurricane Isaac were observed throughout southeast Louisiana, burying existing marsh areas and obstructing infrastructure, such as canals and railroads.
Large areas of marsh dieback, termed "brown marsh" or "sudden marsh dieback," were observed in the Terrebonne and Barataria basins in Louisiana. Previous reports of sudden marsh dieback in the spring and summer of 2012, before Hurricane Isaac, indicate that the dieback in this area has been increasing over time and may be the result of a combination of other stressors. Evidence of vegetation stress, such as widespread discoloration, was also observed in areas that were directly impacted further to the east by hurricane storm surge. The browning and destruction in the marshes east of the Mississippi River in coastal Louisiana appear to be recent, indicating a more direct link to salinity and flooding stress associated with the Hurricane Isaac's storm surge. The USGS will further investigate the recent history of sudden marsh dieback events in coastal Louisiana. Subsequent aerial surveys will be conducted to quantify the extent of brown marsh and to potentially separate the phenomenon of sudden dieback and the storm surge impacts.
Louisiana currently experiences more wetland loss then all other states in the U.S. combined. Coastal Louisiana has lost a wetland area the size of Delaware, equaling 1,883 square miles, over the past 78 years, according to a 2011 USGS National Wetlands Research Center study. For more information about NWRC's hurricane research, visit http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/hurricane/index.html. To view images collected during post-Hurricane Isaac reconnaissance flights, click on the Hurricane Isaac link. To learn more about marsh dieback or brown marsh, visit http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/about/capabilities/brwnmrsh.htm.
Seeing the Surge: Collecting Sensors and Gathering High Water Marks
USGS field crews responded to the storm deploying 170 storm surge sensors and rapid deployment gauges along the Gulf coast between Mobile Bay in Alabama and Venice, Louisiana. Now those sensors are being collected and the data are being analyzed.
Surge elevations ranged from more than five feet in eastern Mississippi to nearly 11 feet west of Bay St. Louis. Along the North Shore of Lake Pontchartrain, surge elevation ranged from six feet to over seven and a half feet near Madisonville, Louisiana. The LaPlace area southwest of Lake Pontchartrain experienced over five feet of surge elevation, but the worst hit was the Plaquemines Parish area, where flooding continues to impede access to USGS sensors. All data (provisional and subject to change upon review) are available via interactive mapper.
In addition to in measuring storm-tide, more than 75 independent high-water marks have been recorded to provide additional points between the sensors to document the extent and magnitude of storm surge from Isaac. Rains from Hurricane Isaac cause record flows on Mississippi streams. Inland flooding was recorded in Mississippi on the Wolf River, Black Creek and Wiggins. Three stations in southeastern Louisiana had the second highest peak stage of record ever recorded at these sites. Â Bogue Chitto River near Bush, La. peaked at 19.82 feet on September 2nd; Bogue Chitto River at Franklinton, La. also peaked on September 2nd with a high-water mark of 22.13 feet; Tangipahoa River at Robert, La. peaked on September 1 with high water mark of 24.02 feet.
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April 30, 2007
There have been lots of food recalls in recent weeks, but experts say the real danger isn't the food you buy...it's where you put it.
It's a secret most of us don't even know we're keeping. It's in your kitchen at home and at work. It's dangerous, and it's time to expose the ugly truth.
You can't see it and you can't hear it...but it's there, waiting, ready to make you sick.
Your refrigerator might look clean, but experts say it's actually your dirty secret, filled with even more secrets.
We took our food experts, Inger Stallman from the Medical College of Georgia and Amy Vehrenkamp, an intern at University Hospital, to the home of the Asselin family.
"We're a little on the Type A side," Margaret Asselin told News 12.
Our food experts were looking for trouble in the Asselins' fridge, and they found it right away.
The temperature was somewhere between 48 and 50 degrees. This is a major problem.
"Everything's going to spoil a lot faster, and the bacteria grows a lot more rapidly if it's not kept below 40," Amy explained.
Then there's the placement--problem number 2.
"The ready-to-eat foods and already cooked food are on the first couple of shelves," Amy said.
You should put your eggs on the top shelf too, right there with your leftovers.
Don't put eggs in the door. That puts them at risk to spoil.
"Are there any other skeletons in your closet?" Inger asked.
And there were. Margaret has worms.
Her husband uses them for bait and stores them in the fridge. We swabbed them for bacteria and took them to Mullins Lab.
The results weren't pretty.
"Well, I wasn't surprised about the worms," Margaret said. "Thank you so much for setting that straight. Jeff, they're gone."
Worms and all, our experts found this fridge is cleaner than most...but even this Type A family had some problems, the temperature issue being the worst.
"We'll probably get a new fridge," Margaret said.
So you've checked your fridge at home. But guess what? There's probably one at work too. Experts say you should check that one as well.
This time, we turned the camera on ourselves and had the inspectors evaluate the fridge here at News 12.
Right away, our experts have one word for us: gross.
"So you wouldn't put your lunch in this fridge?" we asked.
"I would not," said Amy emphatically.
Our fridge has a temperature problem and spoiled food.
"This has a date of November 30th, '06," Amy said of a bottle of salad dressing.
We found a package of spoiled meat. The bag was open, meaning it could cross-contaminate.
There was also a spill on the door, and when we swabbed it, tests revealed a lot of bacteria. The other samples we took in the News 12 fridge weren't any better. Yuck.
Here at News 12 our dirty secret is very dirty. But it's not a secret anymore.
Now that you know what's lurking in here, you can fight back and close the door on it for good.
Here's something important to remember. The expiration date isn't really an expiration date. It's a sell by date. For example, when you buy milk, it's only good for a week after you open it, even if that's days and days before the date it says on your carton.
Here are the top three things you should take away from this.
Number one: keep your refrigerator temperature at 40 degrees or below. Secondly, when in doubt, throw it out. Spoiled food can cross contaminate. And three, keep all ready-to-eat food and eggs on your top shelf.
For more information from the Food and Drug Administration, click here.


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This 3 star Apartment Hotel is located in the heart of Manchester. All apartments combine both comfort and the "homely" feel with excellent facilities including modern kitchens, free basic wi-fi, comfy sofas, flat screen TV with free-view and DVD/CD players.
The Atrium is a NO SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT.
The nearest car park is the NCP behind the Atrium just off Whitworth St where you will receive a 5% discount. There is also Q Parks 10 mins away where you also receive a discount. Other car parks are within walking distance.


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Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. Normally, red blood cells are disc-shaped and flexible. In sickle cell disease, hemoglobin, which is the chemical within red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body, is abnormal. This causes red blood cells to collapse into a crescent or sickle shape. It also causes the red blood cells to be abnormally stiff and fragile. These cells clump together and clog up small blood vessels throughout the body. When blood vessels are blocked by sickle-shaped red blood cells, parts of the body are deprived of oxygen. This can cause severe pain and damage to organs and tissues. Abnormal red blood cells are also destroyed at a high rate, causing a shortage of red blood cells called anemia.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder. If you receive one defective gene from each of your parents, then you will have sickle cell disease. If you only have one defective gene, you are said to have sickle cell trait, but not sickle cell disease. Although you won't usually have any symptoms, you can pass this gene on to your children.
Sickle cell disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 6, 2013. Accessed July 1, 2013.
Sickle cell disease. Nemours' KidsHealth.org website. Available at:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/heart/sickle_cell_anemia.html. Updated September 2012. Accessed July 1, 2013.
Sickle cell disease (SCD). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/index.html. Updated September 27, 2012. Accessed July 1, 2013.
What is sickle cell anemia?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
website. Available at:
Updated September 28, 2012. Accessed July 1, 2013.
Last reviewed May 2015 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


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Warren Buffett Joins Twitter
Pigs aren't flying, lambs aren't lying down with lions, and hell isn't getting any cooler. But Warren Buffett is joining Twitter.
(It's official. Buffett published his first tweet at 12:20 p.m. Eastern Time.)
Warren is in the house.
— Warren Buffett (@WarrenBuffett) May 2, 2013
Buffett, the chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway who once admitted he didn't know how to check his voicemail, is being dragged into the social-media age by his friends at Fortune. He's sitting down for an interview with the magazine at noon for a panel called "Warren Buffett on Women and Work…and other Wisdom."
The magazine is billing it as his first-ever interview to incorporate social media. And in preparation for the big day, Buffett's assistant revealed the billionaire investor is setting up a Twitter account and will author his first tweet at some point today.
And she confirmed that existing Twitter accounts purporting to be Buffett, including one that's been telling over 127,000 followers to "stay tuned" for news since 2009, are all bogus.
With powerful friends like Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates able to retweet pronouncements from the Oracle of Omaha, expect Buffett's follower count to climb quickly in the days ahead.
Buffett's foray into the Twittersphere is notable in part because of his professed aversion to technology. He once said he missed a message about a potential deal to bail out Lehman Bros. before it collapsed because he didn't know how to check the voicemail on his cell phone. For years, he repeatedly declined Gates' attempts to send someone over to set up a computer in his home. And he still doesn't have a computer on his desk at his office.
But signing up for a Twitter account is no guarantee that Buffett will become a regular and sustained user of the micro-blogging service. Carl Icahn launched a blog to chronicle his thoughts on corporate governance, and even hired a reporter from Reuters to contribute, but the project lasted for less than a year. The site, called The Icahn Report, hasn't been updated since 2009.
But Buffett's folksy aphorisms seem like they could be a good fit for Twitter. As Buffett once (almost) said: "B fearful when others r greedy. B greedy when others r fearful. #WordsToLiveBy"


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About the Master Plan
Imagine a 21st century student union building fueled by the energy of a post-email generation that grew up on Facebook, have always used Google as a verb, tweet more than they talk, and have an app for everything. Imagine a union that embraces and communicates UNT's rich sense of history and culture. This revitalized University Union will embody the culture, legacy, and aspirations of UNT, and simultaneously serve as a living symbol of UNT's promise of greatness.
As UNT grows into a major public research university, the rejuvenated Union will elevate to play a key role in providing UNT's students the best holistic education in Texas. Symbolizing all that is the "Green Light to Greatness," the Union will dramatically enhance its ability to service the university community, the City of Denton, and the State of Texas.
The transformation of the University Union will embrace and enhance the architectural character of Central Campus, be sustainable and efficient in operations, symbolize the UNT Brand, and feature bright, daylight filled spaces throughout its open and airy interior. The Union's carefully designed exterior features large windows, covered terraces, and beautiful views to and from the Library Mall, Highland Street, and Union Circle. Powerful new entries will welcome the campus community by providing recognizable beacons that anchor a clear, simple and understandable circulation system and allow people to effortlessly navigate to - and through - the rejuvenated building.
As the bustling hub of campus activity and the place to see and be seen at UNT, the revitalized University Union will serve as an anchor for the educational journey and destined greatness of UNT students for generations to come.
Union History
The idea of unions was born in Cambridge, England, in the early 1800s when debating societies needed a place to debate, then gather and have refreshments after their debates. This began the long-standing tradition of the union as the living room or hearthstone of the campus. The first union in the United States was at Harvard University. The first building to house union services and activities was at University of Pennsylvania in 1896; it was called Houston Hall. In 1996, Houston Hall celebrated its 100th birthday. The union has a long tradition on the University of North Texas campus as well. In March 1999, we celebrated 50 years of unions at the university.
As early as 1931, O'Neil Ford, a distinguished alum and architect, designed a union that would incorporate a memorial tower and bell, something that had been envisioned and desired for quite a long time. A campaign was launched to raise $100,000 needed for the project, but the times were not right for fund-raising. The country was in the midst of the devastating Depression, yet college administrators did not give up, and in 1933, President Robert L. Marquis submitted a proposal for a union and dining hall to be financed under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's National Recovery Act at a cost of $150,000. By raising the student activity fee from $11 to $15, construction seemed closer to a reality, yet nothing happened, and the students continued without a union for another 16 years.
By the beginning of the fall 1947 semester, enabling registration and revenue bonds were secured for the first union, which was a remodeled army surplus center. The students did not mind since, at long last, they had a place to gather for fun, food, and fellowship. However, other obstacles arose as the federal government twice denied the application for materials to be used in construction and plans that had been drawn up for the first wing of the union were delayed because of prices exceeding the construction budget.
Finally, in the summer of 1948, contracts totaling $513,429 were awarded to construction companies to build a new union, a gymnasium, and a journalism building. Construction plans for the union included the incorporation of a bookstore and post office. Another obstacle was thrown in the way of construction in October of 1948, when a group of Denton merchants argued that that the union stores would jeopardize their business. The delay was short-lived and construction continued to progress.
The Memorial Student Union was finished on March 31, 1949, dedicated to the alumni who gave their lives in World War I and World War II. A bronze plaque with names of 147 former students who died in military service was erected in the main foyer. The union was dedicated on the same day of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the legislative act, which established the university as a state institution. Dr. James Rogers, a former University of North Texas faculty member stated in his 1965 book, The Story of North Texas, "In spring of 1949, the long awaited dream house…a new ultra-modern center…the elegant structure…made this year [1949], a great year!"
The Howdy Room was the students' new "living room" on campus, and for many years, was the center of social activity. The Snack Bar, the Trophy Room, the Trading Post, and the Slab were early union facilities well remembered by students of that generation. Impromptu dancing in the Howdy Room, Wednesday night dances on the Slab, and weekly concerts by the Aces of Collegeland (the forerunner of today's Lab Bands) were all a part of that first union. "The Trading Post had a western look to it," Rogers said. "And the Howdy Room was a great big space with a balcony above—it was very rustic in appearance."
By the early 1960s, the University's growth forced another change. The student body was rapidly outgrowing the original Memorial Student Union, and plans were approved for a new facility to be constructed in two stages. The first wing began in early summer 1963, just south of the existing facility. When the first wing opened, the old building was demolished and the main wing was constructed on the original union site with the addition of conference rooms, a newer bookstore, and a cafeteria. "The basement still had the Trading Post," Rogers said. "The second floor had a snack bar and the third floor was the main lounge. It had a piano and a television in it."
Though not yet 10 years old, the second Union facility soon became inadequate, and, in May 1973, the Board of Regents approved a $7 million expansion program for the facility. The present expanded University Union encompasses the old building, more than doubling the space for student activities and organizations. There were two L-shaped additions put around the existing building. "When the Lyceum was built, students had to move to a temporary space called the "TUB," Rogers said. Crumley Hall took its [union] place, but the post office stayed open during the entire construction." Dedication ceremonies for this facility were held on March 7, 1976. The enrollment at the time of the opening was 17,016 students.
In 1987, Chancellor Alfred Hurley formed an expansion committee to perform a needs assessment for union expansion. The committee determined, after extensive research, that expansion was needed. They spent the next year determining what the goals and objectives of the expansion project would be.
To accommodate for overcrowding, a $14 million expansion/remodeling of the Union was recommended by the Union Expansion Committee, students, faculty, and staff members. The recommendation was supported by the Union Board of Directors but had to be approved also by the student body through majority vote.
Former union director, Dr. Mary Yates, stated, "The union is bursting at the seams and we need to accommodate an increasing enrollment. Basically the idea of expansion came about because the efforts to accomplish certain objectives were being challenged when enrollment increased. The number of students coming into the building each day is approximately 12,000 to 20,000 individuals. This results in a lot of overcrowding conditions, such as traffic jams and unsafe conditions with students sitting on stairwells and blocking stairwell usage."
The cost of the Union expansions/remodeling project was to be funded through 20-year revenue bonds issued at approximately 7%. A tuition increase was not part of the plan, but the Student Use fee was to be increased in 1991. The student use fee $6.00 per semester hour but would be increased by $2.25 to pay off the bonded indebtedness. If approved by the student body the increase would have gone into effect September 1, 1991 and the construction would not be complete until 1993. Once completed the union would have been better equipped to accommodate the growing student body and make the Union an even more comfortable place hang out.
The expansion was to combine the Rock Bottom Lounge and the Syndicate into one large entertainment center. It would provide expansion to the bookstore text book sales area, two new public elevators would be added, the number of food items offered for sale would be increased and seating for the food service areas would be doubled. Some office areas in the union would also be expanded. The Aerie Yearbook and University Program Council could be moved to higher traffic areas within the union. There would be seven new meeting rooms and the size of the Silver Eagle Suite would be doubled. It would also permit the redesigning of heating and cooling systems to operate more efficiently. Security would be increased, thus permitting departments in the union to stay open later and also expand the hours in which services were offered in the facility.
In the spring of 1991, a referendum was put forth to increase the union fee in order to gain appropriate funds for an expansion, but was narrowly defeated by student vote.
The year 1997 brought with it a new era for the union when one of its many services was privatized. The new Campus Chat Food Court has become a new focal point and hub of activities, and along with the many changes in programs, came the first full-service bank on campus.
It would be 17 years from the failed referendum before action would progress on a new union. Finally, in October of 2008, the University of North Texas System selected the team of Komatsu Architecture to conduct a programming and feasibility study of the existing facility. In August of 2009, the study began with intent of accomplishing four major tasks:
- Determine students' overall programmatic needs for a new and/or improved union building;
- Assess the current building condition and its potential for renovation and expansion;
- Understand student preferences and thoughts concerning support for an improved union; and
- Outline the potential economic parameters of the project (both capital and payback strategy).
Throughout the next couple of years, tours would be conducted of other campuses to gain a better understanding of trends and designs for union facilities. Students expressed a desire to have a centrally-located, welcoming, transparent, comfortable, and technologically-advance building with clear way-finding and a strong identification of university identity, spirit, and culture. Through the Komatsu report, the current union was deemed to have numerous safety and accessibility issues, significant civil and utilities issues, mechanical/engineering/plumbing problems, and a structural design not conducive to large open areas. It would cost students $34 million to correct all of these problems without any increase in space or programmatic function.
In spring of 2010, led by former union director, Mr. Tom Rufer, and vice president of student affairs, Dr. Elizabeth With, the Student Government Association and various other student leaders rallied once again to create a referendum for potential union expansion/renovation. It would take nearly two years, but in April of 2012, the student body voted and approved a referendum for an increase of no more than $115 to the current Union fee of $51. This increased fee would go into effect in the fall of 2014. Students would see dramatic improvements to the Union after the expansion/renovation, which would include the following items:
- 125% More Student Affairs & Student Organization Space
- 75% More Food Service & Entertainment
- 75% More Auditorium & Meeting Space
- 100% More Lounge & Gallery Space
- Sustainable Design – Target LEED Platinum
- New Corner Store
- Natural Light, Openness, Clear Entries
- All New Interior Spaces
- Exciting New Exteriors
- All New Bookstore Configuration
- Clear Way-Finding
- Technologically-Advanced Design & Services
After having initially had their request denied by the Texas Higher Education Board in the fall of 2012 because of high renovation costs and the perception of low student voter turnout, Chancellor Lee Jackson and President V. Lane Rawlins appealed that following spring of 2013 and were granted approval to continue with the project.
Throughout the entire design process, architects and designers from Perkins+Will had interacted with students through focus groups and student forums. The feedback and information gathered directly from the students has been a priority in planning the design to ensure the new union represents the vibrant culture at the University of North Texas. Students have had a say in everything from art pieces to signage, technological innovations to furniture, and everything in between. The new University Union is expected to open in the fall of 2015. During the construction process, many of the services and programs located within the union will be relocated to various parts of the campus to ensure that students continue to receive the support they have grown accustomed to at the University of North Texas.
The future holds many additional challenges to meet the ever-changing needs of the campus community. From the period between 1948 and 2012, the University Union progressed from a renovated army surplus center to one of the country's most progressive unions.
Today the University Union plays a significant role in co-curricular activities that foster a total learning environment. The University Union staff is committed to providing an atmosphere that is educational, cultural, social, and recreational and that enhances the experiences of the entire campus community.
The University Union provides many programs and services essential to making a student's life on campus more pleasant. Grab a bite to eat, check your mail, see a movie, or play a game of billiards; the union is never a dull place. It is possible, even in this vibrant atmosphere, to find a quiet place to study or relax, wander through the Union Gallery to feed the soul, or slip into a soft chair for a bit of last minute study time.
The University Union continues to diversify and broaden its base to provide services to the community and open its doors to other universities and businesses for the purposes of hosting conferences and banquets. Every year the union is host to thousands of events and programs put on by university departments as well as the community. In the 2011-2012 academic year, the University Union program records for annual attendance (2,700,000 visitors) and scheduled events (10,250 events). In addition to all that activity, the University Program Council, a student organization that is part of the University Union, puts on a variety of events each year.
As the hub of activities, students find it easy to fit into campus life at the union. The union houses student organizations, the Student Government Association, and Graduate Student Council (there are more than 400 student organizations on campus) as well as student services such as Dean of Students, Veterans Center, Student Activities, Transfer Center, Orientation & Transition Programs, Student Legal Services, Center for Leadership & Service, Student Affairs Administration, Multicultural Center, and Greek Life.
A diverse population, a variety of programs and services, and a staff of dedicated people create a climate of comfort and community at the union. We are here to help you. Come home to the University Union.
Your Union. Your Voice.
New Union Features
Your new University Union is undergoing a major renovation to make way for exciting new features and resources to make sure this campus is the best it can be. Some of the features the new Union will include are:
|A Sustainable Design
|More Food Options
|New Retail Vendors
|New Spaces
|More Space
Sustainable Design
UNT is all about going green, and the Union is no different. The new Union building is going for the highest LEED certification level, Platinum. LEED Certification is a measurement of how environmentally friendly a building is. Some of the sustainable design features of the new Union are:
- Drought tolerant and indigenous landscaping
- 92% of construction waste was diverted from landfills
- Censored faucets, dual flush toilets and low flow urinals
- Use of low-emitting and low-hazard materials indoors such as paints, adhesives and carpets.
- 28% energy reduction is enough to power 246 homes.
New Retail Vendors
Barnes and Noble at UNT
Design Works
Eagle Images
Wells Fargo
New Spaces
Rooftop Garden
The Union will have a rooftop garden on top of the Syndicate. Whether you are studying, relaxing or just hanging out with friends, it's going to be a getaway spot for students. It will have a sustainable design to collect rainwater and the vegetation will be native Texas trees and bushes.
Meditation Room
Need a quiet place to destress and relax? The meditation room will be the perfect space. With serene artwork this will be a calming place away from class and projects and tests.
Lactation Room
It's very important for women to have a place in which they feel comfortable to breast feed or pump. Keys will be available to check out to use the room.
Dance Room
Are you a professional ballet dancer? Or do you and your friends just like to groove to some catchy tunes? Either way, the new Union has a place for you. There will be a dance room available to reserve that will have wood floors and mirrors to fill your dancing needs.
More Space
The new Union will feature 100,000 additional square feet. The additional space will allow for more student organization space, more meeting space, more study space and all around more openness.
The long but rewarding process of building a new Union is well underway. Right now the transition phase between the current building and the new one is being finalized. Even though the campus will not have an official Union building, the Union will be very much alive providing events and services to students just like it always has.
With the transition, the offices and resources housed in the Union will be relocated to various spots around campus. But rest assured all programs and resources will have a place.
By the end of the summer of 2013 the Union will be emptied and construction will begin. At this time all Union departments will be in their new spot around campus.
Parking and Construction Fence Update- August 20, 2013
Construction fences are currently being set up around the entire University Union construction site, which may affect walking patterns on campus. Also, vehicle traffic patterns are changing on Union Circle to accommodate construction traffic and equipment.
The map shown below illustrates the construction fence perimeter and indicates alternative safe walking areas to move around the construction site.
The fences are expected to be fully installed by the end of August. Access gates, shown on the map below, indicate safe entrances to the University Union through October, when all Union services and offices will have relocated to other areas of campus.
For more information on relocations, visit https://union.unt.edu/masterplan/relocation.
Union Circle south of the Union Circle Parking Garage will change from a one-way street to a two-way street by Aug. 23 (Friday).
Street parking along Union Circle will no longer be available. Parking will continue to be available in the Union Circle Parking Garage.
The west side of Union Circle, the section closest to the University Union building, and a portion of the north side, will close until 2015 to accommodate construction vehicle traffic via a gated construction site entrance.
Drivers who enter Union Circle will be able to turn around before the gated construction site entrance and exit by turning right on Welch Street. No left turns from south Union Circle onto Welch will be permitted. Drivers entering Union Circle also can turn right into the Union Circle Parking Garage parking lot and exit through the gates along the north side of Union Circle.
Traffic on the north side of Union Circle will remain one way eastbound.
For more information on University Union construction, service relocations and more, visit https://union.unt.edu.
Summer Update- August 5, 2013
If you've been on campus recently you will have noticed a few new construction areas popping up. There are also some updates to go along with Union construction.
- Eagle Express, operated by Pitney Bowes, will close Aug. 17 (Saturday) and reopen in rooms 176A (customer mail boxes) and 176B (mail sorting) in Stovall Hall on Aug. 19 (Monday). All mailing addresses will stay the same.
- Wells Fargo, currently located on the third floor of the University Union, will close at 1 p.m. Aug. 16 (Friday) and reopen in Room 177 of Stovall Hall on Aug. 19 (Monday). Wells Fargo will keep the same hours, and customers will not see any changes to account information or services.
- Green Mountain Coffee and the Corner Store, both located on the second floor of the University Union, will close Aug. 9 (Friday).
- The modular food pavilion, located on the Campus Green between Sage and Sycamore halls, is expected to open before fall 2013 classes start on Aug. 28 (Wednesday).
- Bruce Hall Cafeteria and other Dining Services locations remain open for meals. More information on open locations and hours during the summer can be found on the Dining Services website.
- To accommodate customer traffic to the temporary Barnes & Noble College Bookstore located at Avenue C and Chestnut Street, most parking spaces in Parking Lot 5 will become metered parking. Chestnut Hall clinic parking spaces will not become metered parking spaces.
- Parking meters will be enforced beginning Aug. 12 (Monday) ahead of the Aug. 14 (Wednesday) opening of the bookstore.
Parking Updates
Three UNT parking lots will be fenced off in preparation for modular buildings that will house various departments and programs while the University Union construction is under way.
Parking lot 47, which surrounds the Church of Christ on Welch Street, will close April 24 in preparation for construction of the building that will house the Texas Fashion Collection, a portion of the Department of Counseling and Higher Education, and a portion of the College of Visual Arts and Design.
Parking lots 53 and 56, located at the corner of Bernard and Sycamore streets, will close April 29. The lots will close to make room for construction of a facility that will house the Department of Dance and Theatre.
Relocation Station #1
The first relocation outline concerns the College of Visual Arts and Design, Texas Fashion Collection and Counseling and Higher Education. These departments are being moved from Stovall Hall to new buildings at the old Church of Christ site.
The new CVAD space will include:
- 17,800 gsf
- Classrooms
- Studio lab teaching spaces
- Equipment-dense work rooms, faculty and staff offices
- Storage for the Fashion Design and Fibers Program
- This will be a temporary location until the new CVAD building in complete.
The new Texas Fashion Collection space will include:
- 7,600 gsf, two-story
- Climate controlled vault space for 20,000 pieces
- Storage and processing space
- Offices
- A conference room
- A classroom
- Laundry room
- The space will require museum preservation and conservation considerations
The new Counseling and Higher Education space will include:
- 14,000 gsf
- Academic space
- Administrative space
- Clinical space for CHDC
Relocation Station #2
This week's relocation outline concerns the Dance and Theatre Arts department.
This department currently has space in Stovall Hall. But in order to make room for Union offices and resources in Stovall, this department being relocated to a new building adjacent to the Speech and Hearing Clinic on Bernard and Sycamore Street.
The new Dance and Theatre Arts building will feature:
- 19,000 gsf
- A reception area
- A conference room
- A storage space for instruments
- Offices for faculty and staff
- Four large dance rooms
- Dance computer lab
- Specialty flooring and increased ceiling heights will be provided
Relocation Station #3
The University Bookstore is an important part everyday life for UNT students. From UNT gear to school supplies to books, the University Bookstore provides daily needs for students. Like all other resources in the current Union, the bookstore is being relocated on campus to make sure students have access to its benefits.
The temporary bookstore will be located at the Northwest corner of Avenue C and Chestnut near McConnell Hall and Bruce.
The temporary building will be a 20,000 square foot pressurized tent structure. It will house everything that is in the current bookstore in the Union until the new Union is finished.
Relocation Station #4
The Campus Chat is the most popular venue for students to grab some lunch or a quick snack during the day. Rest assured that when the Union is under construction the beloved food court will not disappear. In fact, the Chat will be relocated just a few feet from the Union construction site.
The temporary Chat will be located in the North Commons in between the International Students Building and Sage Hall. It will be a 6,000 square foot modular space with all of the food options students have in the current Union. Catering will be absorbed into existing food services functions elsewhere on campus.
Relocation Station #5
The current Union houses many offices and resources for student organizations and administration. The organization and administration offices will be relocated to Stovall Hall off of Highland Street. Stovall Temporary Union Building (STUB) is a 26,000 square foot space that will house:
- Student Activities
- Center for Leadership and Services
- Student Affairs
- Dean of Students
- Multicultural Center
- Information Technology
- Student Legal Services
- Union Administration
- University Program Council
- Orientation & Transition Programs
- Student Government Association
- Graduate Student Council
- Design Works
- Eagle Images
- Wells Fargo
- Mail Services
The Greek Life Office will be housed in Stovall until they permanently relocate to the new Greek Life Center in Spring 2014, located off of Welch Street.
With the completion of the new Union, Stovall Hall will be demolished to make room for a lawn. Texas State Historical Society and University Press can remain in Stovall until May of 2015. A permanent home will be identified for TSHS and University Press.
Your Union in the News
At long last, UNT debuts Union
November 6, 2015
Alcohol could come to University Union
October 15, 2015
University Union to begin some operations in November
October 8th, 2015
Temporary union buildings to be taken down once University Union opens
September 17, 2015
Annual festival celebrates incomplete student union
March 12, 2015
Union Syndicate may feature lounge with bar
August 27, 2015
Amenities Bring Hope for Union Completion
October 14, 2014
Making their mark
September 4, 2014
University Union hosts ceremony for construction milestone
September 3, 2014
UNT University Union topping off ceremony set for Sept. 4
September 1, 2014
$130M UNT University Union ready for 'topping out' ceremony
August 28, 2014
Beyond the construction: The University Union
August 28, 2014
Digging DFW: Top 10 construction projects
May 22, 2014
Opinion: Please, new Union, don't kill my vibe
April 17, 2014
Students to provide a look 'behind the fence' of union construction
April 7, 2014
Updates on UNT construction Projects
January 16, 2014
Union Offices and Business relocating across campus
September 4, 2013
UNT hosting barbecue event to celebrate new University Union
August 30, 2013
Construction fences go up, traffic changes as Union construction begins
August 20, 2013
New University Union groundbreaking set for Aug. 30
August 15, 2013
Company installs temporary buildings at UNT as part of the University Union project
August 4, 2013
Stovall Hall renovations to make way for Union changes
July 5, 2013
UNT Bookstore to close June 21 - 30
June 20, 2013
New University Union to open Fall 2015
June 4, 2013
UNT chooses Barnes & Noble College for bookstore operations
May 17, 2013
Construction begins for relocated bookstore, food pavilion
May 2, 2013
Union construction activity to close 3 parking lots
April 23, 2013
UNT Union expansion, renovations approved
January 25, 2013
The Higher Education Coordinating Board voted Jan. 24 to approve construction on a new union at UNT.
Key Messages:
- The university has outgrown the current union; remodeling is not feasible.
- Today's students need and deserve new and more space for activities.
- Today's students need and deserve the latest technology.
- A new union supports the university's goal of attracting quality students.
- A new union will provide faculty and staff with facilities and technology to host conferences, professional seminars and events enhancing the academic reputation of UNT.
- A new union will be a legacy, a source of Green Pride for UNT Alumni. Students voted April 2 – 6, 2012, to approve a student fee increase up to $115 that will go into effect Fall 2014 for the construction of a renovated and expanded University Union.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is included in the University Union Building Master Plan?
The Project of the University Union will provide:
- New, state-of-the-art sustainable building practices throughout each element of the building infrastructure. This will eliminate the many environmental concerns that are currently facing the standing Union building.
- New and upgraded technology throughout the building, including reliable substructures (heating and air, water and sewer, etc), better wi-fi access, audio-visual equipment, etc.
- Expanded dining options uniquely-tailored to the needs of the campus community and designed with student voiced choices. This will provide for enhanced service, options, and seating space for our expanding campus population.
- Larger, more secure lounge and study spaces that will allow students to better focus or relax between classes. This will decrease the noise distractions as well as provide more options for students while they concentrate on classroom materials or take a break.
- Increased space for student organizations and study group meeting rooms, as well as expanded storage areas and office space for student activities.
- A better, more visible representation of Eagle spirit and tradition and the pride of the UNT campus.
The HECB said no before. What's different now?
UNT collaborated with the HECB to answer questions and we are pleased at the result of the Jan. 24 vote. The new union will be good for students and the community. If you would like information on the board's voting decisions, you will need to contact them. The HECB's external relations office can be reached at 512-427-6111.
How many students voted to approve the new union fee?
In total 2,253 students voted on the Union fee referendum and 54 percent (1,220) voted in favor of the fee. In total, 3,376 students – or 10 percent of the student body –participated in voting for various items on the ballot, which included Student Government Association elections.
UNT raised tuition and room and board costs last year. Why doesn't that pay for a new union?
Tuition at UNT covers costs for hiring and retaining top tier faculty and staff, classroom support and technology, research projects and university operations. It does not cover costs for new buildings. The fee increase students approved will cover costs related to building construction, facility maintenance, student programs, student events and UNT Union support and technology.
What is wrong with the current union?
The current union was built in the 1960s and was designed for a campus population of 17,000 students. UNT has about 36,000 students today, and the current union is at capacity. Over the years cosmetic changes and updates have been made to certain areas of the union, but the building has not undergone major renovations. Other problems include:
- The current building's mechanical system needs replacement.
- The current building lacks adequate space for a campus moving toward 40,000 students.
- As construction costs and inflation continue to rise, the cost of major repairs to the current facility will exceed the cost of building a new facility.
- The current union's dining area is roughly 35,000 square feet short of what's needed by national standards. The Union dining area is too small to serve the campus community, and limits the ability to better serve students.
- Student organization space, student lounge space, and student meeting space also fail to meet national standards by thousands of square feet.
Will the new UNT Union be eco-friendly?
Yes. The new UNT Union will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. The new UNT Union facility will be built on a sustainable site, will have water efficiency measures in place, will make use of natural light and energy, and will use renewable materials and resources.
When will the building be completed?
We expect the building to be open in 2015.
Where will students, faculty and staff in the current Union, Stovall Hall and Scoular Hall go while construction is ongoing?
Relocation information can be found online. Faculty, staff, students and administrators have been involved in discussions about the UNT Union Master Plan, and have dedicated time to serving on the Union Master Plan Committee. The committee has worked to ensure minimal disruption to academic programs throughout construction to the UNT Union. Students needs and program advancements are a priority in the planning process for long-term relocation.
How long will construction take?
A conservative estimate is 24 months. During this time, all programs and services that were housed in the UNT Union, including food, entertainment, student affairs offices, and retailers, will continue to operate in nearby locations convenient to students. No student jobs will be lost during this time. The current plan schedules construction to begin in June 2013 with an opening date of June 2015.
How does the fee increase work?
Students approved a fee increase that will be up to $115 that will begin in Fall 2014. This will bring the fee total to $165 per semester. By beginning the fee in 2014, one year prior to the opening of the renovated and expanded facility, students will be saving millions of dollars in interest. The fee covers a number of items, including programming and entertainment, operations, student services, meeting spaces, and maintenance to the facility.
When did students vote? Was information publicized about voting opportunities?
Students voted between April 2 – 6 (Monday – Friday), 2012. The Union Master Plan Committee hosted numerous events on campus to speak one-on-one with students about plans for the new UNT Union and to provide information on when voting took place. More than 9,000 students attended the events. The University provided voting information via social media channels to an audience of more than 50,000. Advertising appeared in student media with voting information and details on the Union Master Plan, and information was placed in numerous areas around the UNT Union for a year prior to the student vote.
We have a major parking problem on our campus and some of the classrooms on campus appear to be in worse condition. Shouldn't we focus on addressing those issues first?
Money to repair or build academic buildings on campus comes from a completely different fund. University budget dollars are not able to be spent on a Union master plan; however, student fees are currently responsible for covering and maintaining the costs of operating the Union facility. The University Master Plan does address the parking problem on campus, and in conjunction with a new rail system through the City of Denton we are confident that these issues will be appropriately addressed. These crucial upgrades will be funded by parking and transportation fees.
I hardly ever use the University Union. Why should I be responsible for paying for it?
The Union is widely known as the center of the campus community. As the Union does support numerous divisions on campus, we have always played a vital role in each student's educational experience. Because we see more than 17,000 people per day, ¼ of which are visitors, the Union is directly related to enrollment recruitment and retention. A new Union would not only improve the quality of your academic career, add to UNT's reputation and prestige, but will also add immeasurable value to your degree.
Will the Master Plan be compliant with ADA (American Disabilities Act) standards?
How have students been involved in the development of the University Union Building Master Plan project?
From the very beginning, the Union development team has understood the importance of giving students an opportunity to have a voice in every part of the decision process. Students held prominent positions on committees, participated on focus groups and open forums, and interacted at information sessions throughout the year.
Why can't my tuition pay for the Union Master Plan?
Tuition dollars are only allotted to pay for certain budget items for the University which does not include facilities like the University Union. The Union is paid for with a separate fee that is locked at an increase of $1 per year, hardly enough to cover the rise in inflation. A phased-in fee increase would be set aside specifically for the Master Plan project.
What will the fee increase be used for?
The fee will be used for all of the expenses of the project and then to pay the debt services on the bonds that will need to be purchased prior to the construction process commencing. The master planning team has done extensive benchmarking to target a fee range that would most benefit the students and the project while being fiscally responsible to the needs of the campus community.
Should we expect more fee increases in the future to cover the cost of the Master Plan?
Why should I support this Master Plan project if I will be gone before it is complete?
Just like in 2003, students voted to begin funding the construction of the new Pohl Recreation Center when few would actually be on campus and able to use the facility. These students invested into the future of UNT, so students like yourself would be able to enjoy a nice new facility that is able to accommodate and serve the student population well. Their contribution to the campus is seen by nearly 40% of the campus population every day. The Union facility serves almost 50% of the student population on a daily basis. This is your opportunity to give back to the future students at UNT. Today UNT students can take pleasure in knowing that a new union would mean for them:
- ADMIRATION : Bringing recognition and admiration to your degree from UNT by attracting the very best and brightest in students and faculty.
SUPPORT : Opportunities to provide vital support systems that the Union has been unable to delivery because of lack of space.
- EXPANSION : More space to connect, eat, study, relax, reflect, and be a part of the campus at UNT.
- PRIDE : Centralized home for UNT spirit and tradition, a home for the vibrant history and diverse community at UNT.
LEGACY : Leaving your mark on history at UNT. Make a change for the future.


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No one would fault Marc Cohn if he were apprehensive or hesitant to visit Colorado. After all, Cohn had a traumatic experience here in Colorado in 2005. After a concert with Suzanne Vega in Denver, Cohn was shot in the head during an attempted carjacking. "In a way, it makes it all the more special because everyone's reaction all over the state was so lovely at the time," he said during a phone interview last week. "In some ways it gave me a closer bond to Colorado; obviously, I hold no grudge."The bullet hit Cohn in the temple, but didn't penetrate his skull; he was released the next day, though the remaining concerts on his tour were canceled. "I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time," he said. "The shooting is much less an issue for me than the oxygen, at this point."Cohn is referring to the thin mountain air. He's performed at the Vilar Center in Beaver Creek twice before, and two things stand out in his mind."I remember that it's a beautiful venue and there was no oxygen inside it," he said. "Singing the high notes is a little tough."Despite the thin air, Cohn's previous concerts "stand out as audience favorites," said Kris Sabel, the Vilar Center's executive director. Occasionally, when Sabel mentions the name Marc Cohn to someone, he'll receive a blank stare in return, he said. "Until I mention his legendary hit, 'Walking in Memphis,'" Sabel said. "And suddenly, eyes light up and his famed soulful croon floods back into memory."It was that ballad that helped Cohn win a Grammy for best new artist in 1991.When Cohn takes the stage at the Vilar Center on Jan. 16, he'll most certainly play that song, as well as songs from his most recent album, "Listening Booth: 1970," which was released in 2010. "It will be a legendary evening of a very successful era of rock, and it will feature one of the few voices that has the right and the talent to take it on," Sabel said.
"Listening Booth: 1970" is composed of songs by some of Cohn's favorite artists: Cat Stevens, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Smokey Robinson, Creedence Clearwater Revival and more. "It's a snapshot of one year in music," Cohn said. "In 2009, there were all kinds of articles from people writing about the 40th anniversary of 1969. There was a big changeover from 1969 to 1970 and I remembered 1970 being an incredibly important year in terms of it was the year the Beatles broke up, Simon and Garfunkel broke up; all the great singer-songwriters were starting to emerge - James Taylor, Van Morrison, Joni Mitchell. It was an incredible year and I started to research it."On the album, Cohn manages to make each song his own. "We talked about what can we do to make this song different. I wasn't interesting in trying to replicate an earlier record."It's the song "The Only Living Boy in New York," which Simon wrote and Simon & Garfunkel originally performed, that Cohn pegs as his favorite. "It's one of my favorite records of all time and that song really moved me," he said. "I really like our arrangement. It's striped down and I like my vocals on it. I'm proud of that version."I got a letter from Art Garfunkel telling me how much he loved it," Cohn said. "That's all you need to hear. It started out 'Dear Marc, Here's my notes. Listening Booth: Concept works, great singing.' When you get that letter, you're ready to go. He's one of the great pop artists of our time."As for the Jan. 16 concert, expect an unscripted performance. "I'm not traveling with a large band and I like to keep things loose," Cohn said. "To me, that's what a live show is all about. I look for those moments in the show where the audience leads it, too. That's where you get lift off. I'm ready to follow where anybody wants to go. I literally take requests."While years ago Cohn would get nervous if someone asked him to play a song he hadn't performed on stage in years, now he looks forward to it. "Sometimes making a mistake is the best part of the show, if you can turn it around and make everyone a part of it," Cohn said.


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Becky Fiesta: GQ Names Its Top 20 Bangers Of 2012…Peep The Flat Cakes
- By Bossip Staff Categories: Bangers, For the Fellas, For Your Viewing Pleasure
GQ's Hottest Women Of 2012
It's that time of the year where the good folks at GQ have put together the best of the ladies they've offered us in 2012. And we must say, though the list isn't as diverse as we'd like, there are still some fantabulous cakes going on there.
We can't imagine a better job than taking pics of these beautiful women. Sheesh.
1. Kate Upton