Post your thoughts. We used to just allow comments without monitoring them, but then some idiot started spamming a bunch of crap and pissed us off so now we monitor it. By the way, we're not responsible for the opinions that you express here. You're responsible for your own opinions. We have our own opinions but we don't feel it necessary to blab it to the whole damn world. So don't blame us if some moron posts something that you don't like.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
POST WHATEVER THE HELL YOU WANT!
We believe in free speech. We don't monitor this thing and we don't even have time to read it. So say whatever the hell you want!
The fact is that Hannibal police shot and killed a man. It din't have to happen that way, had police handled the matter better. Tthe city of Hannibal was sued, and then paid a settlement to the family of the victim. Those are the facts, like it or not.
Farrell never questions anything city officials tell him, no matter how outlandish. Case in point: Scott Belt's ridiculous advice that aldermen cannot speak at committee meetings. You don't have to be a lawyer to see the absurdity, but Farrell prints it anyway, no questions asked.
5:28 is right. Go to a city council meeting and then read the write up in the MDH the next day. Go when there is some controversial item such as a Senreq or city hall to be discussed (we know where Farrell stands on these issues). The write up will bear no resemblance to what actually transpired. It will be twisted and spun to favor Farrell's opinions. You really do have to go to the meeting to see this phenomonen in action, but be assured that it is real.
ok, ok. So maybe Farrell isn't the best writer and that union story is terrible, but someone reading these blogs would think the local media coverage in this area is terrible.
I am sorry, I have to disagree. I mentioned that I moved to Morris in 2005 and I have lived in other towns similar to this size, and the only local news you get is a weekly rag and hearing about a bake sale on the radio.
I think the MDH has won some awards, and I really like the newscasts on the radio.
Investigative, no, and it sounds like Farrell needs to check his facts, but informational, yes.
Yes, New to Town, Farrell is quite skilled at regurgitating what is spoon fed to him. That is the point. He just repeats what he is told, whether it makes sense or not, whether it begs for more questions or not. There is no follow up, no investigating, no questions.
I saw the "Farrell Spin" in action at the city council meeting about Senreq. When Myron Brick spoke, Farrell took copious notes.
The real story though, was how Martha Shugart ran circles around Brick. She had all of her facts in a row, and in a skillfully presented series of questions exposed the truth - that Senreq hadn't delivered on their promises to the city, it had multiple corporations that had lapsed, that it wasn't paying its bills, that Brick had no technical expertise in the so called "technology."
Shugart did an outstanding job - she looked like a trial lawyer -
Farrell didn't take any notes when Shugart was speaking.
New To Town...the MDH is a joke. A few months ago I was reading the police briefs and fell off my chair laughing when I read that a police pursuit took place and according to the MDH "after 200 YEARS the perpretrator fell to the ground and surrendeder"...who were the police chasing, Moses? Because 200 years is a long time to be running from the police....LMAO
Only a few days later did the MDH screw up again..the family of Mr. Potts, recently deceased member of our community, placed a thank you along with a picture of Mr. & Mrs. Potts...however, the picture the MDH put with the thank you was NOT Mr. & Mrs. Potts' picture...it was another couple celebrating their anniversary! Then a few days later the MDH published the same thank you with the correct picture, but no retraction....can you imagine how upset these 2 families were??? Also, I work very closely with staff from MDH and they have told me that the new owner of MDH doesn't want anymore local sports in the papers, he only wants professional sports being highlighted.
New to town here again. LOL, 200 years, that is freakin hilarious. Sloppy, but hilarious.
I would suggest to some of those that haven’t left the city limits of Morris to get out and experience the local media of other towns similar in size to Morris. (Obviously not Chicago, because that is completely different).
I have traveled the U.S. quite a bit and have always enjoyed the local news, and I am telling you- the daily local news on the radio is much better than most, and the area is lucky to have a daily paper like the Joliet Herald. You raise some good points about the MDH, and now I will be on the look out for the “Farrell Spin”. I still feel the MDH is an adequate paper for a town of this size.
"Also, I work very closely with staff from MDH and they have told me that the new owner of MDH doesn't want anymore local sports in the papers, he only wants professional sports being highlighted."
The MDH has been owned by the same company for 30+ years. Sorry NTT, apparently you don't work that closely with them. With the change of Publishers several years ago, there has been an increased emphasis on local news/sports, and a mandate to fill pages with local stuff, not AP stories. Again, you loose.
Sorry contestant, here's a copy of our home game...
Okay guys, i'll tell you all this again cuz i still dont think anyone is gonna do anything about it. I drive a blue Ford F-150 with a topper on it and im usually cruising around town with a big fucking rebel flag flying off of it! How the hell can you miss me! I didn't take anything off of my myspace and i havent for a couple of months now. I will take it off private just so you can go ahead and view it anytime you want. I havent bullied anyone, I don't know what that retard is talking about.And holy shit are you kidding me! Your saying my dad is a drunk! My dad has worked all his life and has never been a drunk, he goes to work in the morning and comes home and ends up working around the house all night, he doesn't drink anything at all! You people obviously don't have any idea at all what your talking about. Whoever wrote that about my father why don't you come out of hiding and let me know who you are. I know you wont because just like the rest of these pussies on here your afraid to say anything to anyone in the group's faces because your afraid of what might happen. People, we are here to stay. We are all the tightest group of friends you have ever seen. I guarantee there are alot more people that like me than there are that don't. Why should I care what you people think about me. Your opinion doesn't matter to me. I don't live my life to try to impress you. You can think what you want and say what you want, but for the people that know us, (the people that matter)they know the real story.
and hey dumbass, once again, know the facts before you speak, no one went to jail that night! they just told us all to leave, they wont be catching me with any alcohol anymore cuz i wont have it on me anymore. so theres really nothing alse we do that is going to get us in trouble
"Farrell never questions anything city officials tell him, no matter how outlandish. Case in point: Scott Belt's ridiculous advice that aldermen cannot speak at committee meetings. You don't have to be a lawyer to see the absurdity, but Farrell prints it anyway, no questions asked."
The aldermen have since figured out that Belt was yanking their chains with his "advice" about the Open Meetings Act. He lost a lot of credibility with this one.
Have you heard about the pseudo "city official" who showed up drunk and belligerent at the home of an alderman and made threats? I won't identify the individual by name, but there is a very disturbing story circulating around town.
6:49 and the one after that sound like those old codgers who meet at the liberty cafe, Weitz, and Al's. Sisters was like that too. Nothing but a gossip fest. I won't go in those places. They smell and look like nursing homes at breakfast time.
8:48 if ya don't care about the gossip, why are you reading this blog? FYI, most sane, stable, respectable people don't show up anywhere drunk & rude!!! And what is the difference if the gossip comes from the old farts at Weitz or the old drunks at the bar? Must be nice to be as cool as you.
I asked a couple of people who seem to know all kinds of interesting things going on in town but they didn't know *about the pseudo "city official" who showed up drunk and belligerent at the home of an alderman and made threats?* posted by 6:49
Anybody hear anything or is this a figment of someone's imagination? Nice of the alderman to not call the cops, or will we read about it in police briefs?
k guys see ya all later, ill leave your gay little website to yourselves, no more from me, just when you see me come and say hi, ill miss all of you! ive had such a good time!
hey buddy!! you better quit calling my sister white trash!!! you don't even know anything about here. All we want is some damn hot chocolate at McDonald's!!! But you know what? They're getting a sweet tea machine instead.
I just heard Bob from Bob Wants Your Bottomz Up got booted out of his own bar for good. Dont know why but one can only speculate it was either the underage drinking going on in there or his booger sugar usage.
"The army ruled the Central American country for decades until the mid 1980s and committed hundreds of massacres in 36 years of civil war before the government and leftist rebels made peace in 1996.
Since then, Guatemala has been rocked by violent drug traffickers and tattooed street gang members. Almost 6,000 Guatemalans were murdered last year, nearly twice the level at the end of the war and one of the highest murder rates in the world. ...
Home to 13 million people, Guatemala is a major transit point for cocaine shipped to the United States and drug cartels have grown in influence in recent years."
No kidding 12:21. Who the hell cares where Jerry Weller is. I say..see ya..good riddance. Who really cares what went on in Hannibal. It happens all the time. Let's get something interesting going on here.
I agree with 2:09. Let's talk about something interesting. Like..who do ya think Dickie Cupcake is going to announce as police chief tonight? Why not appoint the guy who's acting as chief now? If he's 2nd in command shouldn't he just move up anyway?
Why is there no Park District in Morris? Maybe if our kids grow up with constructive things to do after school and during the summer, Morris would not produce such angry residents like "Clucker".
Wow!!! I totally agree with 8:46. The 2nd in command was good enough to step in but not good enough for the position?? What a slap in the face!!!! He would have done a hell of a job.
I understand what you're saying 4:19pm. But I know the 2nd in command wanted the chief job. It should have been his. He was 2nd in command so he should have automatically moved up. That's how it usually works anyplace else. I bet Dickie doesn't get elected another term.
Nobody said Dite isn't a good cop, but the fact remains that the 2nd in command did a great job and deserved the job!! But I'm sure Dickie knew he wouldn't turn a blind eye to the corruption going down.
The second in command was nothing but a puppet for the one who got caught with his pants down. The only reason he was second in command was because the previously mentioned fallen chief put him there, not the Mayor. I'm sure if you were the one in charge you would want someone YOU picked not someone that another person picked. Thats what makes the most sense. By the way from the sounds of it #2 wasn't doing that great of a job anyway.
8:43 where do you get your information because from what I've heard, the 2nd in command was doing an exceptional job!! Hmmm...I wonder what skeletons Dite has in his closet? He too is another cop that has been caught with his pants down a few times!!
ya know, this is getting ridiculous. Leave the cops alone already. They're just regular people who don't have an easy job busting all your drunken wasted asses. Dite and VC are both good guys. Even Monte Fife's lightened up a little. Leave em alone. There, I said my piece. And NO, I'm not a cop. You couldn't pay me enough to do that job in Morris.
Going back to the drug problem in Grundy County…..
Heroin is the new rage. There are people as old as 70 and young as 14 shooting up all over Grundy County. My complaint is with the Sheriff’s Department and the Morris Police Department. They have had one of the main runners in this area in their custody on more than one occasion, with the ability to charge him with possession and intent to deliver and yet they have done nothing. I will assume it is because this dealer is giving them information about other junkies in our area.
I am a mother of two children and do not want to see them ever end up involved with this criminal behavior. Just to make it clear – I keep them involved in after school sports and community projects to avoid this from happening. However, scumbags like this are living in our neighborhoods.
Since this blog promotes free speech (and I believe that some political officials and police officers read this) I think that it is important that all of you know who/where to keep your children away from. The following is the name, address and telephone number. Should you ever see these names or numbers on your caller ID – take action right away.
Francesca Nantz & Jack McMillan, Jr. 35 Arlington Diamond, Illinois 60416-9735 (815)634-0544
This information was retrieved from a public website by doing a reverse search of the phone number.
I believe that Jack also has a brother David, who is a shady character and his mother Dawana (spelling) who is in her 60’s and still shooting dope.
I would also like to receive some feedback as to whether or not anyone else has ever had a run in with these lowlifes?
I applaud you November 7, 2007 10:16 AM for taking a stand for all of our kids. I to am a mother of two and am very concerned about all that is out there. I go through town at night and see all that goes on and nothing gets done about it even if you complain. I have lived in this town most of my life and have never once called the police on anyone,but recently i felt it was my duty as a mom and as a citizen to make a report and was basicly dismissed as an over protected mother. Sadly to say one of wich was a newly promoted. I just don't remember me, my friends or any other kids doing the things they do now and even at a much younger age. I hope these officers start thinking about there own kids. Most of them are younger then me but there kids will have to face these punks and drunks soon. I know as a parent it is our responsability to teach them right from wrong but you can not be there by there side 24/7.
10:16 that is a very strong accusation to make about someone...do you know for sure that they are dealing drugs? If so, why haven't the local authorities taken action?
You are correct, it is a strong accusation but nothing else has gotten anyones attention. This is a fact, not a rumor or fiction. I do not want to see anymore lives destroyed because of this.
I believe they are. If you read the blog above you will note that they have had him in custody several times with opportunities to arrest and detain him but have done nothing.
10:16, keeping your kids in sports or community activities doesnt protect them. In fact the biggest underage drunks in this town are the jocks and thats a fact. When they turn 21 they end up in the bars. Most of those mid to late 20 somethings hanging out at ebbys, lagoons and fools were jocks at one time. This is par for the course around here. These kids complain there's nothing to do, so they get high and drunk every weekend at some kids house, usually out in the boonies. There was a big teen drinking party out on south pine bluff road last friday and the parents were nowhere to be found. Those people in dwight are probably one of myriads of drug runners around here. There's one black guy who hangs around the bars and goes out of town to get it and bring it back to the runners here, who then sell it to others on the street. Ive heard this first hand from people who go in the bars. One of these guys is in his late 30's, bald and hangs out at Claytons and Griffins. I'm not saying who it is but his wife is a teacher. She's no angel either. I think the police are aware of these people, but they have to be caught in the act. Thats why you have the MANNS units. They made a huge drug bust a few years back. That guy is now sitting in jail for about 10 years. The cops don't waste their time on the small time dealers. They go after the big guns, but it has to be an undercover deal in which they're caught in the act.
I agree with the kids on one thing, there is nothing for the kids to do around here. What do the kids do for fun? Back when I was in school (many years ago) the kids "buzzed the gut" and hung out downtown, but that isn't an option anymore.
Just to back up my story about this being fact not fiction, I have done some research. If you go to the IDOC website and do an inmate search enter last name mcmillan. His prisoner number is R60478. I wonder how I would go about finding out who the parole officer would be for this. If I am not mistaken, I believe that anyone on parole must submit to a drug test at some point or if asked to by the parole officer.
4:17 he is paroled in district #1, you should be able to contact the Dept of Corrections and they can give you the name of the parole agent assigned to him...good luck!!
4:17, I know some of those "kids" who "buzzed the gut". They are now in their 30's, 40's and 50's. They were drinking and getting blasted back then too WHILE driving around. Iv'e heard stories how they would hang out at a corner on Liberty st. and smoke pot right when the cops were driving by. Some of them told me they did it right in front of the cop shop. I didn't grow up here, but it's apparent nothing's changed. These same people have raised kids that are doing the same thing, only now, on private property since they can't drive around drunk anymore.
4:25 not EVERY kid hung out on the corner smoking pot! hell, they smoked pot across the street from the high school (in the park)...the point i was making is that this town doesn't anything for kids to do for fun!! As for underage drinking, it has been going on for years and will continue...there's no way to stop it
All the fun places have closed down. There used to be the entertainment place on Illinois but that got shut down probably because the owners didnt keep a handle on it. Zedds went by the wayside because there wasnt enough business. Now I heard XO is moving to Aurora. My 18 year old has gone to band shows there, art shows, movie nights, open mike nights.It was a positive atmosphere for him. They did a lot for the under 21's here and that was the only safe place my kid could go and not have to deal with people his age doing drugs and drinking. This town complains there's nothing for the kids to do but when a place comes along that gives them something creative to do, they get harrassment from the locals and the kids won't go. They'd rather get trashed at their weekend parties at someones house and I heard that first hand from my kid.
You have a very valid point, anytime a new business aimed at entertaining the teens comes to town, it is automatically assumed to be a "bad influence" on the kids. These old coots around here just don't like change.
I dont know whose house it was, but I talked directly with someone who was there with a friend of hers. It was this guy's younger sister and her friends.
4:48 Cleopatra is the Queen of Denial. Does your kid have a myspace account? or a facebook? Do you monitor it? If not, you should. Click on his friends list to see what the friends are doing. That will tell you what your kid is doing with the skater friends. Be especially sure to click on the "good kids" whose parents are teachers. (Morris, Minooka, Coal City teachers) Maneuver around your own kid's and the other kids' myspace and facebook at messages, comments, blogs, pictures. Be prepared to be horrified. When you don't know what the heck they are talking about go to urbandictionary.com and search the words you don't know.
Every skater I have seen on myspace either blatanly talks about being a doper or alludes to getting high or drunk in a not so subtle way. You will see your cursor become a marijuana leaf or bottle of Corona, for example. There are pictures of guns, rolls of money, booze, Pacino as Scarface, naked women, cigars hollowed out stuffed with marijuana, gangster rappers. This is middle school and high school boys. Their little girlfriends who look like they are either 12 year olds, or 35 year old hookers, talk about lewd sex acts, curse like truck drivers. Where are their parents? Why aren't they monitoring the computer? Don't tell me because the kids have a right to privacy. Kids are nuts because nobody is watching the store.
The older skaters just trashed the skate park again. If it is vandalized once more it will be turned into a basketball court, according to the mayor on the radio today. The skaters wreck their own park.
Stereotype? They stereotype themselves.
It is not just skaters who are dopers. The jocks, including some golfers, and the loner, and the nerd, and the scholar can all get into terrible crap. We need to be sure we know what our kids are doing at the skate park, on the computer, in the medicine cabinet, with their friends, at the bowling alley, or anywhere.
7:50 you need to calm down!! As a matter of fact, yes, my child does have a myspace acct and yes I do have the password and monitor it every day...I don't live in the dark ages nor am I stupid, I know what kids are doing, but not EVERY kid is doing it!! I monitor my child's cellphone records and text messages too! It's sad that you stereotype all kids that like skateboarding as a doper. Do you stereotype all blondes as dumb, all blacks as ghetto? How do you expect kids to act when people like you are stereotyping them every day??????? So get off your soapbox. Yes, I will agree there probably are alot of kids that smoke pot, but not every kid! As for comments about monitoring our kids myspace, facebook, etc...you would be surprised how many parents do this everyday!!!! Not all parents are stupid and not all parents are hanging out in the local bars while our kids run wild!
Parents don't have to be hanging out at bars to NOT monitor what their kids are doing. A lot of kind hearted, trusting parents think their kids deserve privacy and don't monitor what their kids are doing on the computer.
I am calm. I am not stereotyping. All kids don't do dope or drink. A lot of kids do. You are fortunate your kid is one who isn't a doper. He won't have to stop if he doesn't start, right?
Exactly! I am very fortunate to have a child that doesn't find drugs and alcohol attractive or alluring. I work with troubled teens everyday and I see the damage that can be done by making poor choices when it comes to drugs. All it takes is one time to change your life forever. And yes, I do trust my child to make wise choices however I'm not naive, I know the temptations are out there, therefore I keep a close eye on everything my child does. It's called responsible parenting!!
9:44 Get yourself a myspace account and start searching. Actually, myspace is a great place to find out what the kids are doing. After a short time you will hear yourself saying...What the...?
I am in constant contact with a lot of teens because of the business I'm in. These kids come in and talk to me probably because I'm behind a counter and can't really go anywhere. They see me as a sounding board because I don't judge them. Usually it goes in one ear and out the other with me, but you wouldn't believe the stuff I hear.
I think there are 3 reasons why these kids get into trouble 1. Many parents just don't care. They let their kid run wild because the parents are too busy absorbed in their own dysfunctional lives. I've heard kids tell me that their parent hangs out at the bar or are high all the time. Some of these girls are walking around dressed up like sluts and when you see the mother, the mother looks the same way and has had 2 or 3 marriages with an abusive jerk. Theres nothing more pathetic than a 35 year old walking around with a tramp stamp sticking out of her tight jeans and cropped shirt. I think some of these kids WANT boundaries and so they rebel to get any kind of attention they can get.
2. The parent is SO controlling that the kid feels untrusted, unheard, misunderstood and stifled. The kid will "rubberband" so to speak. He's been held back so tightly because of the parents' fear of life, fear of the evil society, so he ends up rebelling. The parent tries to form the kid into his or her ideal without taking into consideration the kids' own identity, talents and desires.
3. The parent is naive as to what occurs in Morris and hides their head in the sand. It's the "not MY kid" syndrome. They think if their kid is involved in sports or outside "activities" that they're immune.
There's one common theme that I notice with all of them though. They all just want to be "heard" without judgement, lectures, and condemnation. But they also want healthy boundaries given in a rational manner. They're going to make mistakes. We all do. That's how we learn. But it's how we handle the mistakes they make that will make a difference in the long run. Just my opinion...take it or leave it.
I am confused November 8, 2007 7:30 AM. First you say 1. Many parents just don't care. They let their kid run wild because the parents are too busy absorbed in their own dysfunctional lives.
Then you say 2. The parent is SO controlling that the kid feels untrusted, unheard, misunderstood and stifled.
But you don't give any of us parents credit for keeping a very watchful eye on our kids everyday life including their MYSPACE. I think MYSPACE has been a very helpful tool in parenting because they get to exspress themselves in the way they are thinking and acting. I agree with you 100% that some parents don't care and do not moniter them because i have seen it first hand on my oldest friendlist. But that is how I know who is the bad influences and they get deleted and not allowed to hang out with her any more.
And November 7, 2007 9:44 PM as far as being a bunch of gossiping idiots ,your wrong. It is called concerned parents reaching out for positive support. I am glad these blogs are out there because even if one parent learns something from them it was a good thing.
"I am confused First you say 1. Many parents just don't care. They let their kid run wild because the parents are too busy absorbed in their own dysfunctional lives.
Then you say 2. The parent is SO controlling that the kid feels untrusted, unheard, misunderstood and stifled."
What I'm saying here is that there are different types of parenting styles based on what I've heard these kids tell me. It falls into extremes. Yea, I do think there are well balanced parents out there and I don't think every kid is into drugs, sex, booze, etc... But I will tell you this, based on what I've heard and seen, there's a lot more of it out there AND in Morris than a lot of people are willing to recognize. I'm not saying it's always the parents' fault. Kids are gonna do what they're gonna do and a lot of that is dependent on their personalities. So the issue is how does a parent handle it when it comes up? BTW, I have a 22, and 19 and a 17 year old. I've been down this road.
THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME SORT OF YOUTH PROGRAM THAT CHANGES THEME WEEKLY TO TRY AND GET EVERYONE INVOLVED A.E. BASEBALL,FOOTBALL,VOLLEYBALL,LET THE CHILDREN OF THIS TOWN HAVE A SAY IN WHAT THEY WANT TO DO
Ugh...sports again. sports sports sports. NOT ALL kids are into sports. This town is SO sports oriented that those who ARE into it feel so much pressure to compete by the adults who live vicariously through them and those who aren't are ostracized. SPORTS ARENT FOR EVERYONE.
Enuf about this subject; it all takes money and this city is in piss poor shape to get any money out of good ole' Dickie!...look at the way our school systems are in right now...
It's not the city's job to provide entertainment for someone's teenaged kid. It will take individual entrepeneurs starting things up. The sad thing is, as one commenter stated, every time a business opens up that caters to a teen crowd the crabasses and hypervigilant idiots think it's a bad influence. That's why these kids end up sitting on the comp all day/night or going out and doing drugs. There are very few jobs around here and these kids can't find them. And to the commenter who thought "buzzing the gut" and hanging out on street corners in downtown morris was a constructive pastime? You gotta be kidding. People are idiots.
Actually 2:24....I used to "buzz the gut" and hang out on the street corners when I was in high school. And you know what? It WAS fun. We would meet up with our friends and meet friends from other nearby towns. It was the highlight of our weekend. I don't understand why people like you come on this websit and put down those of us that live in Morris. Apparently, you moved here for some reason. My suggestion to you is if you don't like Morris to get the hell out.
2:24.....you say there are no jobs for kids out there??? What..do you live under a fucking rock? Go up and down Rte. 47. Almost every fast food establishment has a help wanted sign. Jewel has help wanted signs. Wal-Mart's always hiring. IHOP just opened and they hired a bunch of kids out there. So, where are you looking?
To 2:24. What did you do when you were in high school?? Just curious. You must be a rocket scientist the way you talk. I don't know why you're living in any of these hick towns. Sounds like you're too good for the likes of us hillbillies. YEEHAW!!
6:51 says, "Actually 2:24....I used to "buzz the gut" and hang out on the street corners when I was in high school. And you know what? It WAS fun."
That's because you grew up in some crap hick town that has no culture.
I grew up in the city. What did we do when we were in high school? We played in bands,went to museums, went to restaurants, went to neighborhood festivals, went to dances, went to all age clubs. Theres NOTHING like that here. You were probably one of those stoners hanging out on Liberty and Jackson and you're probably bar trash now.
//Obviously you were one of the popular kids huh?\\ lol. And before you come back with some comment on how it made you more "cultured", stop yourself because it just made you a dork.
Kids will be kids, everyone needs to calm down. Teenagers acting out happens worldwide people...not just in Morris.
9:24, You're SO right. Hanging out on street corners and driving up and down a 3 block stretch of road is SO much more constructive and "fun" than exploring a large city. *hick*
Watch out for that zumbahlen cop. I heard he was at one of the bars all drunk and belligerent yelling and swearing at some girl. When someone tried to stop him he said he could do whatever the hell he wanted. Can you say power hungry control freak?
WOW!!! 9:03, 1:04 and 1:15 and so cultured!!! For people that are so cultured you people sure are quick to judge. Just because you explored the city makes you so high and mighty!! Give me a break!! We went to museums and did all the city stuff you did. Just because we "buzzed the gut" in our day makes us a bunch of hicks? Let's see...I didn't do drugs, drink or hang in bars. I'd much rather be a "hick" than some snobby ass with my nose in the air. My suggestion to you??? Hang you head, admit you lost the bet and hightail it out of Morris. oh FYI I'm a female not a dude and I DO know how to read a book. Get over yourself.
I agree with 3:39....since you THINK you are so much better than the "hicks" in this town, why not pack your bags and head back to the city. Oh, I get it now, you were probably one of the "white trash city kids", so you moved to this little town hoping nobody would figure out that you were considered a nothing loser in your big city...LMAO!! As for the comment about losing a bet...GET REAL!!! That is probably the biggest line of bs I've heard in a long long time!! Face it loser, you moved here because you wanted to and now you want to act like you really matter to anyone....
Isn't that how it always is? The rural old school minions cannot get over the fact that new people from the burbs and city are moving here. They are threatened by the fact that this area is changing and so they cling to the past and try to defend it because they know deep in their hearts that Morris is viewed by the rest of the world as being a smallish backwards town. They cannot seem to grasp the idea that people have a right to live where they want and so they adopt an "us vs them" position. Sad but true.
We need a park district here with a variety of activities for kids and teens. A park district would also provide a place for kids to work or volunteer.
Short of that, we need the entrepreneural spirit of responsible adults who want to create a safe-haven for kids and teens.
Many years ago, in the mid to late 1950's, a priest at the Episcopal church started youth groups for 7th & 8th graders, and another venue for high school kids. You didn't have to be an Episcopalian to participate. It was not church or religion oriented.
The one for high school kids had local garage bands play for dances on the weekend, or kids brought their 45's to play--at the Episcopal church meeting room.
The venue for teens evolved into the Morris Youth Center. It moved from the Episcopal church to the former bowling alley, located where NAPA is today, next to the funeral home.
The Youth Center was staffed by volunteer adults and volunteer teens. It was the cool place to go on Friday and Saturday nights. The fan bus even dropped off the kids after out of town games. A couple of adult volunteers you might know are Ken and Joan Sereno who didn't even have a high school kid at the time. They are still volunteering in Morris and still inspiring others to get involved in the community all these years later.
A lot of the other parents volunteered, too. Local business people donated money, the kids had fund raisers--paper drives, door to door donut sales on Saturday morning. Kids and adults were committed to keeping the place going.
It took committment, hard work, creativity, enthusiasm to get it off the ground and keep it going.
Sure kids buzzed the gut--a lot more than 3 blocks, by the way-- from the courthouse out to where Lindsay Soft Water is located. Back then it was a local eatery, The Prince Drive. There were other places between The Prince and downtown where kids would grab a coke, burger and fries--kind of like Happy Days, if you ever saw that show on tv.
If you talk to people from other parts of the country, everyone buzzed the gut or buzzed the square. Why do you think the movie American Graffiti was so popular? The movie about Modesto was a movie about every town from little Morris to large cities, back in the day.
Morris is not a hick town. There are some hicks who live here, sure, but hicks live everywhere. Just like there are drunks, dopers and white trash everywhere.
Since this is a small town, why don't some entrepreneural people come together to try to create a Morris Youth Center today? Aren't there some parents out there who know how to write grants? There are grants for everything.
If we, as a community, are going to fight for the kids, give them a reason to NOT self medicate with drugs and booze, then get going, you parents of teens!
"we need the entrepreneurial spirit of responsible adults who want to create a safe-haven for kids and teens."
Isn't that what XO was trying to do?
Older citizens, unaware of the next generation's culture, blasted it with rumor an innuendo. The uninformed hatred that flowed out of Positive Morris alone should show how this community is wired.
The safe haven will only be backed by the current adults only if it conforms to what they feel a responsible youth facility should be (sports, sports, sports), not what the current generation wants.
Morris is in a time warp. Sereno and all those old pricks on the city council stop progress. Morris has no culture because of the many idiots that forget their European heritage and they actually believe that there're native to this land.
I was informed of this blog by Officer Henderson whom I spoke with last week. I maintain positive and fluent communication with the MPD and the Mayor in order to let them know what we're doing here.
We tried to create a multi functional concept by which people (of all ages) could enjoy and contribute to the creative process. In case you weren't aware, we hold movie nights, open stage nights, independent film nights, art shows and live music events utilizing, supporting and encouraging the amazing young local talent that exists here and in the Chicagoland area. The original concept entailed retail only, but we evolved by incorporating the creative ideas that people would present to us.
I knew when I started this venture that the rumors would perpetuate and that there would be some who were apathetic or who were opposed to what we were doing, mostly out of ignorance. But I also knew that there was a need for something like XO. I have a very thick skin and was willing to confront any opposition.
We've kept a VERY strict policy on the smoking at XO or ANYTHING that would be deemed illegal. Those with no ID or who are under 18 cannot smoke in here at all and the smoking areas are kept separate from the main body of XO. We've never had a problem here with any event. The young people we get in here are very respectful and intelligent. The jerks stayed away because they knew they couldn’t get away with anything or I would personally “kick their butts” in a manner of speaking.
That’s part of the reason I wear black. It’s intimidating and in a business like this, dealing with young adults, you have to maintain an air of authority. On a sidenote, thanks to those of you who labeled me a witch and a pagan, even though I’m a Christian who studied apologetics and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical and Willowcreek.
I would estimate that 80% of what walks through our door comes from outside of Morris. We draw people from within a 40 mile radius; Tinley to the east, Naperville to the north, Princeton to the west and Dwight to the south. Our general demographic base from these areas tends to be 18 through early 20's. Unfortunately, they cannot get here as often because of distance. I have heard many times over from these people how an XO is needed in their areas and how much more it would take off.
I might as well let you know now that we are planning to move XO to downtown Aurora. Any business has to base the majority of it's revenue on local traffic. What I've found over the past year is this:
1. Although there were many young people from Morris who supported XO and were thankful we were here, there were also many who refused to come in here because of negative feedback and gossip they heard from parents or others. We started offering pizzas, free wireless internet...a safe environment where they could come, interact and socialize with their peers. They didn't show up.
2. Many of these kids chose not to attend a band show (we only charged high schoolers $5 to see bands that are huge on the Chicago music scene), but instead chose to attend a house party where alcohol was readily available. I hear this all the time. I see it on their myspace sites. One kid labeled us an “evil death cult”. Wonder where he got THAT idea from?
3. The feedback we got from the locals over 21 early on was that they didn’t want to come in because alcohol wasn’t being served. I got 15 people a week coming in asking for “pipes” because they “heard” we were a head shop. I refused to sell those even though the revenue from that stuff would’ve paid my expenses 10 times over.
4. The decision to move to Aurora is based on numbers, population and cultural differences. Aurora feeds into 5 different area colleges and it’s much more progressive culturally. Some people told me it wouldn’t work in Morris, but I’ve always been an eternal optimist for positive change. “No guts no glory” as they say. But ingrained generational cultural habits are hard to change. The view of Morris from those outside of Morris is not very positive, sadly. And that’s not my opinion, but the opinions of others, of all ages.
So, to those of you who supported XO, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Starting XO here allowed me to create a prototype and to tweak the concept in order to bring it to an area that WILL accept it with open arms. The negative gossip and rumors lent to strengthening my emotional, mental and physical reserves as well as forcing me to grow a set of balls (to the more “sensitive” viewers, excuse the colloquial)
To those who didn’t support us, feel free to continue to complain that there’s “nothing here for the kids to do”. I’ve gotten word that a young man wants to start an arcade in Morris. I’ll be sure to warn him well in advance of what he’s going to be up against.
By the way, everything’s for sale because I don’t want to move it and most of the furniture display pieces ( a lot of which were at my old store…bakers racks, furniture pieces) I won’t require in the new space. (Never let it be said that I let a free marketing opportunity go by).
Go ahead and look at the website. www.xounderground.com if you haven’t done that since last March when “Ethel” had her say.
If you do choose to stop in and see what it was we were doing here... I promise I’ll turn down the volume on the sound system…just for you.
I dont think that teenage activities "have"to be sports related but they do have to be teenage interesting.If it was possible to get some children together,let them have a say in what they want to do.If they decide togather,then they will probably enjoy it,and possibly stick with it.REMEMBER idol hands are the devil's workshop.Now I don't have children of my own,but I helped raise two and they turned out pretty good.In my eyes,sometimes they don't need a parent,they just need a friend.If anyone wants to donate time to give the children of morris something to do "I'm in!
10:38, I completely understand how you feel, but in all honesty and fairness, the city officials as well as the city council and the MPD were always fair and professional with us. They had no issue with XO as far as I am aware. If they did, they kept it to themselves. I apologize in advance to the city officials if my statement opens up a whole can of worms regarding how the city and Dick could let an "evil business like XO" exist, but I feel it had to be said. Consider this a public thank you for your help and professionalism
November 9, 2007 11:26 AM ,I agree with you completely about "it does not have to be all about sports." Personaly I think this blog has opened a lot of doors even with the negativity from the city slicker. But lets not let it end here. Lets actualy do something about this.
I have to agree with XO, some people are closed minded because i have been in her shop a few times and i have never seen anything wrong with it. Infact I even took my two girls there for a photo shoot for an upcoming magazine they were starting. My girls are a little to young in my eyes to hang out there but it did have a good idea for the teens to get off the street and still have fun but be safe. Does anyone out there know of some good volunteering for kids and adults together in Morris. I emailed the city but all they came up with was the Hopsital. A good place to start but wish i knew of more. Something the kids would enjoy doing. I am open for ideas.
Morris is a great place to raise a family. I lived here through my High School years and then moved away for a few years but this is where I came back to raise mine. Oh and my husband who was also a city slicker from New York loves it here.
Im 18 and Me and a lot of my friends are really sad XO is leaving but we will go to aurora when it gets there.it was the only cool place that morris ever had and it sucks there leaving. a lot of kids around here didnt go becuse all they want to do is get stoned and party. they dont care about music or art or anything craetive. either that or there parents are so strict and judgmental that they wouldt let them go there. I also know some of them get into bars and are underage. people here are trained to go to bars from a young age. all the peope at xo were cool and i met a lot of people form other places who thought morris sucked but they came to xo. now its going to be gone and morris sucks again. and to all those poeple who want to start sometjhing for the kids ice cream socials and britney spears are not what we want. maybe the 12 year olds would like that but xo was not for 12 yer olds. you have no clue about what teens and college age look for. gale did and thats why xo will do great up north were peopel are different and into different things besides getting stoned and sports.
I guess a next step would be where when and how.After that is achived,make it locally known to all the young people in the area.Set a date to meet and from there let the kids fairly and democratically decide on there own what they want to do.To accomidate everyone is impossible so change the "theme" of the activity weekly.sometimes they'll be there and sometimes not so interested.But the point I am trying to make is that sometimes they'll be out of trouble and thats a start.
I would never go to the cafe. They have crap bands there and its a bunch of 14 year olds. all you adults want to start something for the kids but as soon as a kid wants to do or play something that doesn't fit in with what you think is appropiate then it gets censored. I am 19 and don't need some churchie 'adult' telling me what's appropriate or not. That's why I liked XO. There is freedom for expression. If a kid is under 18 then fine put some limits on it but most of the people who went to xo are 18 and over.
No disrespect to you 1:44 PM at all but I would be talking about the younger crowd because you and 1:30 PM are considered adults. I wish there was more things for your age also but at least you can get in your car and drive to Aroura but the young teens can't. I hope that was worded right because i meant no disrespect at all. And kudos to you for not falling into the drinking scene!
We Care is an organization that helps low income families. You can "adopt" a family for the holidays. You would buy gifts for the children and provide groceries for a holiday meal. Their phone number is 815-942-6389.
Good post, Gayle XO. After reading all today's posts, it seems like yXO could be considered today's version of what the 1950-60's youth center must have been. Back in those days the religious right wingers thought people went to hell for dancing, wearing make-up and playing cards! The Episcopalians are traditionally a little more liberal thinking than some churches. Maybe that's what helped that priest see what he could do to help the kids back in the day. Does anybody know if he caught flak for his efforts back then? It would be interesting to know.
Today people are freaked about XO because they fear the unknown. Instead of investigating with an open mind, they condemn--the sign of small minds.
I have been to XO a number of times out of curiosity and because I was a customer of Peaceful Gazebo and happen to like Gayle as a person. I am sorry to hear XO is relocating but totally understand why. College towns are more in tune with the times. I wish you much success, Gayle.
5:21, 5:24 and 5:26, We're deleting your comments because you're the same person spamming lame comments and pretending you're different people. Cut it out. It's annoying.
someone posted the following: Sure kids buzzed the gut--a lot more than 3 blocks, by the way-- from the courthouse out to where Lindsay Soft Water is located. Back then it was a local eatery, The Prince Drive. There were other places between The Prince and downtown where kids would grab a coke, burger and fries--kind of like Happy Days, if you ever saw that show on tv. If you talk to people from other parts of the country, everyone buzzed the gut or buzzed the square. Why do you think the movie American Graffiti was so popular?
My God some of these people ARE living in the 1950's. I know the Morris PD reads this. Could you guys please tell them what really goes on around here and why 'buzzing the gut' doesn't happen anymore? Times have changed old guy. Kids arent even allowed to ride bikes or skateboard down liberty street. And if they were allowed to buzz guts, they'd be doing it drunk and high.
The same people who have fond memories of buzzing their gut would be the first to rag to the city if it started happening again. "Damn yunguns ridin round in thur carrs causin trouble
Your independent spirit and entrepreneurial expertise will be sadly missed. And believe it or not, I am an over 40, Nerdy, Blue-Haired, Ethel. Not all of us old-fogies believe what you have created is evil.
Geez 6:20..no one is living in the 1950's. There's nothing wrong with reminiscing. We all know why buzzing the gut is no longer allowed. It is because of the gangs. Gangs target large groups of people to try and recruit. I learned that at citizen's police academy when Jeff Fritchnitch was principal of the high school. Which by the way, is a very interesting class to take. Quit making fun of people for remembering their fond memories.
6:20 the buzzing the gut post was a history lesson to illustrate how times have changed from then to now.
By the way, for those who posted about kids going to a friends house to party and get drunk rather than go to the cafe or wherever...where are the parents?
Who is supplying the booze and drugs for the parties at the freind's house? It is a crime to supply booze and drugs to minors. Don't the parents of the party attendees contact the host parents to see if the party has a chaperone? Or, are the kids lying to their parents about where they are going?
It isn't just Morris where this is happening. It is all over the state and the country. It isn't cool to supply drugs and alcohol to kids.
10:28 and 10:43. It's our blog and we can do what we want. Don't make us delete these comments like we did the other ones you made. You're starting to piss us off with your spam and your multiple comments all saying the same damn thing so that people think it's coming from different posters. We don't like bullshitters.
XO: Sorry to see you go, Gayle. All the best in your new adventures in Aurora. You will be missed.
FSM:Thanks for the appropriate moderation. Free speech is a right, not privilege, and must be used responsibly. That's why there are laws against slander, libel, etc. to protect the rest of us from those who would abuse the right.
4:11, 8:25 and 1:48, Thank you. It was people like you and some of the young people that came in here on a regular basis that helped keep my sanity and a vision for XO going.
9:01 and others. OK, I'm gonna tell it like it is here because I'll be gone and I've really got nothing to lose here and as a parent myself I feel I owe it to you parents who ARE concerned and responsible.
About the house parties, "where are the parents"? Ive asked myself that question loads of times. The party last weekend on pine bluff road for instance; I asked someone who was there that very question. She said there were no signs of adults there and she had asked herself that very question.
The fact is regarding drugs, anyone can get anything around here. Some of the house party booze is actually supplied by parents or adults living in the home. Apparently, they feel it's better that the kids do it at home than on the streets. Ive heard this first hand from some parents and some of these kids. But the attitude around here is, 'so what. It's just kids having a good time, right?' Apparently these morons don’t realize that they’re legally liable and could go to jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
That one young commenter said it all when he said people here are trained to go to bars (aka drink) at a young age. It's accepted and condoned here on the downlow. I hear this on a daily basis from the people who come in here.
I created an alternative to the drunk parties and bars where these people (ALL ages, including over 21's) could come but you know what I found? They would rather plop their asses on a barstool and/or get wasted in some basement or cornfield. That's why I'm moving to Aurora, not that it doesn't go on there too, but at least you have a larger populace from which to draw from; 175,000 alone in Aurora not counting the surrounding Kane, Dupage and Kendall county’s suburban population.
I've decided to create the Chicago area's first All Age music venue in Aurora, bringing in local, regional and national talent. These things are cropping up all over the west coast and have been in places like Seattle and Florida for ages. People in urban areas are more about the original talent and urban music and art scenes. That's why 80% of what we drew here was from outside of Morris. Morris isn't ready for it and I doubt it ever will be.
It's useless out here. People are flatlined and conditioned to get wasted. They won't go anywhere unless booze or drugs are available. And lest you think I'm overreacting, I've HEARD it, SEEN it, EXPERIENCED it on a daily basis. It's woven in the cultural fabric here.
To anyone else who had an issue with XO: I said in a previous post that I got LITERALLY 15 people a week walking in here looking for glass pot pipes. I REFUSED TO CARRY THEM…it was a matter of principle over cash. I could’ve made a killing but decided to go with my principles and not contribute to the stoneheaded waste case environment that already exists here. The majority of people coming in here looking for pipes were 35 or older, some in their 50’s and 60’s.
And as far as the hookahs go?? Get over it already. It’s a hookah. Joliet has a hookah lounge now. The tobacco is flavored. It’s not pot and NOONE EVER brought pot in here to smoke it. I don’t know how many times I had to confront that bs mostly by ignorant older people walking in here. (that tells you what THEY used to use hookahs for). You can make a pot pipe out of tinfoil or a bong out of golf clubs for godsake. If theyre gonna smoke it, theyre gonna smoke it, but it sure as hell never happened in here because the douchebags KNEW they couldn’t get a way with it.
Most of them were afraid of me (a healthy respect I should say) and that’s the way I wanted it. Was I and am I tough about this? Oh yea and that’s the precedent I set at XO from the very beginning. Two incidents occurred within the first two weeks we were open:
1. One 16 year old kid stole something in here. Her friends actually finked on her and showed me her myspace. So I right clicked her pic, saved it and made a poster out of it which read “Attention…Douchebag Alert! This girl was caught stealing” and I posted it all over the store for everyone to see. 2 weeks later she came in crying and apologizing vowing never to do it again. I reamed her for a half hour on stealing and being stupid. She’s lucky I didn’t have her arrested. Actually I called the cops but there was nothing they could do. So I took it into my own hands.
2. Some 19 year old idiot (from Morris) thought he could sneak a beer in here during a show. He popped open the can as I was right behind him, (unbeknownst to him). I whipped it out of his hand, grabbed him by the shirt collar, dragged him thru the crowd, kicked his ass down the side door ramp, and yelled, “go ahead *expletive*, call the cops” Then I reamed HIM for a half hour about underage drinking in front of 30 other people. He apologized profusely while sitting in a fetal position on the ground. I never had an incident after that. If any of my own kids had done that I would’ve done the same thing.
Did I do something wrong by grabbing this kid? Maybe, maybe not. But I’ll protect my ground to the death. And if it knocked some sense into the idiot as well as getting the point across to any others, then it was well worth it.
I've had younger and older people FROM MORRIS tell me from the get-go that it won't fly in Morris because Morris will never change for two reasons: if they can't get wasted they won't go (their words not mine). And because of the old farts around here who didn't like what we were doing. Ive had high school aged as well as late teens and even 20 year olds come in here and tell me their parent or grandparent doesnt want them in here.
To those narrow minded ignoramouses I say: (alert...sarcasm up ahead...reduce speed) GOD FORBID A BUSINESS OPENS UP OFFERING A CREATIVE ALTERNATIVE TO THE DIVE BARS AND GETTING WASTED DRUNK BLASTED OFF YOUR ASS AT SOME KID'S UNCHAPERONED HOUSE PARTY. YOU WERE SO RIGHT...WE WERE SUCH AN EVIL INFLUENCE. YOUR KID WAS SOOO MUCH BETTER OFF NOT COMING IN HERE.
I'm making an adjustment to my will. When I die, lay me in a coffin, dressed in my obligatory black with a sign saying "Morris" under my middle finger.
Go ahead, slam me with your best shot, but at LEAST have the balls to say it to my face. (yea yea…its morris…THAT won’t happen. It takes SO MUCH more balls to say it behind someone’s back or behind a comp screen, right Nov. 9 2:22?)
You know damn well I’m right. And if you don’t know it? Then you need to get your head out of your ass because it’s reality here.
Bravo Gayle...it sucks that you're leaving but I don't blame you.
And to those parents who think that they're going to create some type of rec center for teens: good luck. I am a high school teacher and there is NO WAY teens today would go there..and if they did, they would be considered totally uncool dorks. Why do you think they sit behind their computer screens all of the time?
I grew up here...I've lived in THE CITY....I knew people in high school who didn't drink and I know people now who don't drink...you either do or you don't, at any age. But I know that me and all my friends drank...those kids in school who were the goody-goody ones too...god, my friend used to tell her mother that pizza hut ran out of dough and that's why we were late getting home: we had to wait for them to make new dough and then it had to rise....and this mother believed that!
People hang out in bars because it's the only social outlet in this town (sorry to the city slickers...we obviously don't have any other options...no museums, art, theaters around here...that's why Morris isn't in big bold letters on a map...it's a small town, retard, not a booming metropolis or cultural mecca).
AND...I've personally known MANY people who did not grow up here and found themselves getting quite comfortable on a bar stool while they are here...and enjoying the local yokels...even considering them friends.
Yeah, Morris sucks...but it's our hometown...and it's growing...the entire world is...there's nothing we can do about it but accept it and adapt. This is the 21st century for God's sake...
OH...and if you think that kids are "smoking pot"...HA...you better hope that's all your kid is doing. The meth around here is rampant...and the pill popping (ie, ecstasy) is insane. The entire high school pops that before class.....and then roll all day long.
Such a beautiful world we live in...and it's only going to get worse because all of these teens are having kids and just keepin' the ball rolling.
Why haven't people realized that we should be suppling birth control in our schools? Hell, I think that all females, upon entering high school, should be given that birth control shot.
3:38....WHAT "sort of business"???? music..art...poetry...???
What kind of business would you like to see? I would love to know...another freaking gift shop? How about a nice candle store? Trinkets! This town LOVES trinkets...
We have a bowling alley...uh...movie theater...hell, we could all go to Wal-Mart and wander around aimlessly....Can anyone name another BUSINESS that isn't a store (or bar) in this town?? The old people have their coffee shop to sit and talk in...but young people can't have a BUSINESS where they can go to sit and talk?
I seriously hope you enjoy your pathetic life...sitting on your computer letting us all know how glad you are that another profitable industry (ie, entertainment) is leaving our town.
High school teacher posted: "And to those parents who think that they're going to create some type of rec center for teens: good luck. I am a high school teacher and there is NO WAY teens today would go there..and if they did, they would be considered totally uncool dorks."
Maybe you didn't see this post, teach:
Anonymous said... "I guess a next step would be where when and how.After that is achived,make it locally known to all the young people in the area.Set a date to meet and from there let the kids fairly and democratically decide on there own what they want to do.To accomidate everyone is impossible so change the "theme" of the activity weekly.sometimes they'll be there and sometimes not so interested.But the point I am trying to make is that sometimes they'll be out of trouble and thats a start." November 9, 2007 1:30 PM
Why would the kids be considered dorks if they were in on helping create their own place?
Aren't there any student leaders over at the high school? Aren't there any cool teachers most of the kids like? There should be "leaders" from the various cliques or has that type hierarchy changed over time?
Teach, you are with the kids every day. Is all lost to drugs, booze and sex (you mentioned birth control shots for all freshman girls)? Is there no hope?
If you think the world is messed up today, what are we facing tomorrow with the kids using pot, crack, meth, heroin, ecstacy, etc?
It's people like 3:38 that have kept Morris in the dark ages. They're actually creating the problem of drug and alcohol abuse by resisting positive creative entertainment outlets for people of any age because of their ignorance and prejudice against popular culture, so people have nothing else to do but sit in a bar or waste their lives away on a computer. You suck 3:38.
Maybe you didn't get my point about drinking if they want to drink. I mean there are different types of people: those who enjoy using alcohol (at any age), and those who do not. Just because you provide an alternative doesn't mean those kids who want to drink are going to say "gee..I think I'll go hang out at the rec center tonight instead of going to that huge party."
Yes, there is a percentage of high schoolers not participating in drinking, drugs, and sex...and those are mostly the kids who are deeply involved in their churches...which is great. But that (unfortunately) is not the majority. Being proactive (by implementing birth control policies, etc.) is probably the smart thing to do.
Man with all this talk here. One would think that XO Underground was some martyr for the Arts, instead of a niche business relocating to better location to serve its customers.
6:07, the people that came in there DID have jobs (how else could they pay for a hookah?) and most of them DID go to college, which explains why the level of intelligence in there is much greater than anything you've ever experienced dumbass. Maybe YOU should get a job instead of living off the social security payments you get because we WORK and maybe YOU should go to college so you're not so ridiculously stupid.
MR. FREE SPEECH is sooooo clever that he can identify that the same commenter has been leaving several comments in a row (you see, he can see your IP address - don't let out that little secret!)
mr. free speach, sir, have i exceeded your posting limit?? oh, please forgive my little oversight. i would not want to offend anyone, least of all you, oh lord master of the blogger universe
7:40...insulting the problem? Umm...just because I'm practical and allow myself to admit reality doesn't mean I'm insulting or condoning anything.
We went to parties 20 years ago in high school...A LOT...and that is what the segment of the high school population that wants to party is going to do..that's all I'm saying.
And I see the entire high school population every day....do you? Apparently you aren't aware of how rampant drug use and sex is at that level.
683 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 600 of 683 Newer› Newest»The fact is that Hannibal police shot and killed a man. It din't have to happen that way, had police handled the matter better. Tthe city of Hannibal was sued, and then paid a settlement to the family of the victim. Those are the facts, like it or not.
Back to the shopping issue - and this is probably showing my age....
but, Why do Americans demand walk-in closets?
Dick does not want anyone to know about his secret TIF meeting today at 1:30
Farrell never questions anything city officials tell him, no matter how outlandish. Case in point: Scott Belt's ridiculous advice that aldermen cannot speak at committee meetings. You don't have to be a lawyer to see the absurdity, but Farrell prints it anyway, no questions asked.
The only pertinent issue that we are concerned with regarding the TIF meeing is...are they serving free coffee and donuts?
5:28 is right. Go to a city council meeting and then read the write up in the MDH the next day. Go when there is some controversial item such as a Senreq or city hall to be discussed (we know where Farrell stands on these issues). The write up will bear no resemblance to what actually transpired. It will be twisted and spun to favor Farrell's opinions. You really do have to go to the meeting to see this phenomonen in action, but be assured that it is real.
7:45 - the only thing being served up at the TIF meeting is baloney.
"New to town" here again.
ok, ok. So maybe Farrell isn't the best writer and that union story is terrible, but someone reading these blogs would think the local media coverage in this area is terrible.
I am sorry, I have to disagree. I mentioned that I moved to Morris in 2005 and I have lived in other towns similar to this size, and the only local news you get is a weekly rag and hearing about a bake sale on the radio.
I think the MDH has won some awards, and I really like the newscasts on the radio.
Investigative, no, and it sounds like Farrell needs to check his facts, but informational, yes.
Yes, New to Town, Farrell is quite skilled at regurgitating what is spoon fed to him. That is the point. He just repeats what he is told, whether it makes sense or not, whether it begs for more questions or not. There is no follow up, no investigating, no questions.
I saw the "Farrell Spin" in action at the city council meeting about Senreq. When Myron Brick spoke, Farrell took copious notes.
The real story though, was how Martha Shugart ran circles around Brick. She had all of her facts in a row, and in a skillfully presented series of questions exposed the truth - that Senreq hadn't delivered on their promises to the city, it had multiple corporations that had lapsed, that it wasn't paying its bills, that Brick had no technical expertise in the so called "technology."
Shugart did an outstanding job - she looked like a trial lawyer -
Farrell didn't take any notes when Shugart was speaking.
New To Town...the MDH is a joke. A few months ago I was reading the police briefs and fell off my chair laughing when I read that a police pursuit took place and according to the MDH "after 200 YEARS the perpretrator fell to the ground and surrendeder"...who were the police chasing, Moses? Because 200 years is a long time to be running from the police....LMAO
Only a few days later did the MDH screw up again..the family of Mr. Potts, recently deceased member of our community, placed a thank you along with a picture of Mr. & Mrs. Potts...however, the picture the MDH put with the thank you was NOT Mr. & Mrs. Potts' picture...it was another couple celebrating their anniversary! Then a few days later the MDH published the same thank you with the correct picture, but no retraction....can you imagine how upset these 2 families were??? Also, I work very closely with staff from MDH and they have told me that the new owner of MDH doesn't want anymore local sports in the papers, he only wants professional sports being highlighted.
You can usuually find out more about what is going on in Morris in the Joliet paper than in the MDH.
New to town here again. LOL, 200 years, that is freakin hilarious. Sloppy, but hilarious.
I would suggest to some of those that haven’t left the city limits of Morris to get out and experience the local media of other towns similar in size to Morris. (Obviously not Chicago, because that is completely different).
I have traveled the U.S. quite a bit and have always enjoyed the local news, and I am telling you- the daily local news on the radio is much better than most, and the area is lucky to have a daily paper like the Joliet Herald. You raise some good points about the MDH, and now I will be on the look out for the “Farrell Spin”. I still feel the MDH is an adequate paper for a town of this size.
New To Town says:
"Also, I work very closely with staff from MDH and they have told me that the new owner of MDH doesn't want anymore local sports in the papers, he only wants professional sports being highlighted."
The MDH has been owned by the same company for 30+ years. Sorry NTT, apparently you don't work that closely with them. With the change of Publishers several years ago, there has been an increased emphasis on local news/sports, and a mandate to fill pages with local stuff, not AP stories. Again, you loose.
Sorry contestant, here's a copy of our home game...
Mercadante for MAYOR!!!!!!!!
Okay guys, i'll tell you all this again cuz i still dont think anyone is gonna do anything about it. I drive a blue Ford F-150 with a topper on it and im usually cruising around town with a big fucking rebel flag flying off of it! How the hell can you miss me! I didn't take anything off of my myspace and i havent for a couple of months now. I will take it off private just so you can go ahead and view it anytime you want. I havent bullied anyone, I don't know what that retard is talking about.And holy shit are you kidding me! Your saying my dad is a drunk! My dad has worked all his life and has never been a drunk, he goes to work in the morning and comes home and ends up working around the house all night, he doesn't drink anything at all! You people obviously don't have any idea at all what your talking about. Whoever wrote that about my father why don't you come out of hiding and let me know who you are. I know you wont because just like the rest of these pussies on here your afraid to say anything to anyone in the group's faces because your afraid of what might happen. People, we are here to stay. We are all the tightest group of friends you have ever seen. I guarantee there are alot more people that like me than there are that don't. Why should I care what you people think about me. Your opinion doesn't matter to me. I don't live my life to try to impress you. You can think what you want and say what you want, but for the people that know us, (the people that matter)they know the real story.
and hey dumbass, once again, know the facts before you speak, no one went to jail that night! they just told us all to leave, they wont be catching me with any alcohol anymore cuz i wont have it on me anymore. so theres really nothing alse we do that is going to get us in trouble
God its fun to get you people going! this is quite entertaining. Keep it going! I need a good laugh everyday!
11:12am- Check your facts dumbass. “New to town” here again and I didn’t write that. I actually enjoy the sports coverage. Looks like you LOOSE. lol
Mercadante for MAYOR!!!!!!!!
November 1, 2007 11:34 AM
Loose = free or released from fastening or attachment:
Lose - to suffer the deprivation of
Oh, and 11:12am-
You can keep your copy of the home game. Just don't loose it.
Anonymous said...
Mercadante for MAYOR!!!!!!!!
November 1, 2007 11:34 AM
November 1, 2007 1:42 PM
I'm going to McDonald's and they better have hot chocolate!!!
Don't shoot!
November 1, 2007 7:44 AM said:
"Farrell never questions anything city officials tell him, no matter how outlandish. Case in point: Scott Belt's ridiculous advice that aldermen cannot speak at committee meetings. You don't have to be a lawyer to see the absurdity, but Farrell prints it anyway, no questions asked."
The aldermen have since figured out that Belt was yanking their chains with his "advice" about the Open Meetings Act. He lost a lot of credibility with this one.
Have you heard about the pseudo "city official" who showed up drunk and belligerent at the home of an alderman and made threats? I won't identify the individual by name, but there is a very disturbing story circulating around town.
It’s anonymous, why not say the name?
Hey 8:48-- now you've sobered up and are offended that people are talking about it!
6:49 and the one after that sound like those old codgers who meet at the liberty cafe, Weitz, and Al's. Sisters was like that too. Nothing but a gossip fest. I won't go in those places. They smell and look like nursing homes at breakfast time.
9:00, it wasn't me. I don't get involved in politics around here and I don't drink to the point of getting drunk and beligerent.
I think 8:58 is the belligerent drunk.
8:48 if ya don't care about the gossip, why are you reading this blog? FYI, most sane, stable, respectable people don't show up anywhere drunk & rude!!! And what is the difference if the gossip comes from the old farts at Weitz or the old drunks at the bar? Must be nice to be as cool as you.
yup, 12:44 is the belligerent drunk.
I asked a couple of people who seem to know all kinds of interesting things going on in town but they didn't know *about the pseudo "city official" who showed up drunk and belligerent at the home of an alderman and made threats?* posted by 6:49
Anybody hear anything or is this a figment of someone's imagination? Nice of the alderman to not call the cops, or will we read about it in police briefs?
k guys see ya all later, ill leave your gay little website to yourselves, no more from me, just when you see me come and say hi, ill miss all of you! ive had such a good time!
haha! You know Clucker will keep reading. It's damn addictive.
Any word on the on that Hot Chocolate???
RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT!!!!
Who is Ron Paul?
hey buddy!! you better quit calling my sister white trash!!! you don't even know anything about here. All we want is some damn hot chocolate at McDonald's!!! But you know what? They're getting a sweet tea machine instead.
burp...
I hear promotions have been announced at the PD? who's the chief?...
I just heard Bob from Bob Wants Your Bottomz Up got booted out of his own bar for good. Dont know why but one can only speculate it was either the underage drinking going on in there or his booger sugar usage.
I think Clucker is going to be the new police chief. He's going to hire some of his friends, too.
Do you know where your Congressman is tonight?
Snippet from linked article below:
"The army ruled the Central American country for decades until the mid 1980s and committed hundreds of massacres in 36 years of civil war before the government and leftist rebels made peace in 1996.
Since then, Guatemala has been rocked by violent drug traffickers and tattooed street gang members. Almost 6,000 Guatemalans were murdered last year, nearly twice the level at the end of the war and one of the highest murder rates in the world.
...
Home to 13 million people, Guatemala is a major transit point for cocaine shipped to the United States and drug cartels have grown in influence in recent years."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071104/ts_nm/guatemala_election_dc
I do know the congressman hasn't been home in Morris since he annouced he would not seek re-election.
This site got lame in a hurry. It was pretty interesting until the last week or so.
boo!
No kidding 12:21. Who the hell cares where Jerry Weller is. I say..see ya..good riddance. Who really cares what went on in Hannibal. It happens all the time. Let's get something interesting going on here.
I agree with 2:09. Let's talk about something interesting. Like..who do ya think Dickie Cupcake is going to announce as police chief tonight? Why not appoint the guy who's acting as chief now? If he's 2nd in command shouldn't he just move up anyway?
I agree with you 2:09...there is absolutely NO reason he shouldn't be appointed as Chief!
Sometimes people are asked if they would accept a promotion, and sometimes the asked-one declines. Not everybody wants the nightmare of being boss.
Has anyone heard who was name Chief of Police at the City Counsil meeting tonight?
Sheila Bojovic was named chief!
lol
mother of five most qualified!
New Chief is Brent Dite.
What a joke!!! So the 2nd in command was good enough to do both positions but not good enough to be Chief!!!
Why is there no Park District in Morris? Maybe if our kids grow up with constructive things to do after school and during the summer, Morris would not produce such angry residents like "Clucker".
Probably because if we had a park the gangs would come in. Then we would have the gangs vs the cluckers vs the mexicans.
Wow!!! I totally agree with 8:46. The 2nd in command was good enough to step in but not good enough for the position?? What a slap in the face!!!! He would have done a hell of a job.
I understand what you're saying 4:19pm. But I know the 2nd in command wanted the chief job. It should have been his. He was 2nd in command so he should have automatically moved up. That's how it usually works anyplace else. I bet Dickie doesn't get elected another term.
Brent Dite is a good cop. He will be a good chief. He deserves the support of the community.
Nobody said Dite isn't a good cop, but the fact remains that the 2nd in command did a great job and deserved the job!! But I'm sure Dickie knew he wouldn't turn a blind eye to the corruption going down.
End corruption in local government.
The second in command was nothing but a puppet for the one who got caught with his pants down. The only reason he was second in command was because the previously mentioned fallen chief put him there, not the Mayor. I'm sure if you were the one in charge you would want someone YOU picked not someone that another person picked. Thats what makes the most sense. By the way from the sounds of it #2 wasn't doing that great of a job anyway.
8:43 where do you get your information because from what I've heard, the 2nd in command was doing an exceptional job!! Hmmm...I wonder what skeletons Dite has in his closet? He too is another cop that has been caught with his pants down a few times!!
ya know, this is getting ridiculous. Leave the cops alone already. They're just regular people who don't have an easy job busting all your drunken wasted asses. Dite and VC are both good guys. Even Monte Fife's lightened up a little. Leave em alone. There, I said my piece. And NO, I'm not a cop. You couldn't pay me enough to do that job in Morris.
Bravo, FreeSpeech!
Applause, applause, applause!!!
Wonder who Dite will make his second in command???
VanCleave, Henderson, Sager, Werden, Skelton????????
Maybe he will have the cop that drives the unmarked white SUV as the deputy chief...I think his name is Weichen, the redheaded cop!
just to let you guys know, clucker knows who a couple of you are, just giving you a heads up
11:54...AND???? (like anyone gives a shit)
terry phaff for president
Corruption in city hall cannot be tolerated.
That's pF, not pH--learn to spell the names of the local residents, dimwit.
okay guys just lettin you know, i know clucker very well and i know for a fact he wont let this whole thing go away like nothin, just keep a heads up
Going back to the drug problem in Grundy County…..
Heroin is the new rage. There are people as old as 70 and young as 14 shooting up all over Grundy County. My complaint is with the Sheriff’s Department and the Morris Police Department. They have had one of the main runners in this area in their custody on more than one occasion, with the ability to charge him with possession and intent to deliver and yet they have done nothing. I will assume it is because this dealer is giving them information about other junkies in our area.
I am a mother of two children and do not want to see them ever end up involved with this criminal behavior. Just to make it clear – I keep them involved in after school sports and community projects to avoid this from happening. However, scumbags like this are living in our neighborhoods.
Since this blog promotes free speech (and I believe that some political officials and police officers read this) I think that it is important that all of you know who/where to keep your children away from. The following is the name, address and telephone number. Should you ever see these names or numbers on your caller ID – take action right away.
Francesca Nantz & Jack McMillan, Jr.
35 Arlington
Diamond, Illinois 60416-9735
(815)634-0544
This information was retrieved from a public website by doing a reverse search of the phone number.
I believe that Jack also has a brother David, who is a shady character and his mother Dawana (spelling) who is in her 60’s and still shooting dope.
I would also like to receive some feedback as to whether or not anyone else has ever had a run in with these lowlifes?
Maybe Alicia will want to be second in command now?
I applaud you November 7, 2007 10:16 AM for taking a stand for all of our kids. I to am a mother of two and am very concerned about all that is out there. I go through town at night and see all that goes on and nothing gets done about it even if you complain. I have lived in this town most of my life and have never once called the police on anyone,but recently i felt it was my duty as a mom and as a citizen to make a report and was basicly dismissed as an over protected mother. Sadly to say one of wich was a newly promoted. I just don't remember me, my friends or any other kids doing the things they do now and even at a much younger age. I hope these officers start thinking about there own kids. Most of them are younger then me but there kids will have to face these punks and drunks soon. I know as a parent it is our responsability to teach them right from wrong but you can not be there by there side 24/7.
10:16 that is a very strong accusation to make about someone...do you know for sure that they are dealing drugs? If so, why haven't the local authorities taken action?
You are correct, it is a strong accusation but nothing else has gotten anyones attention. This is a fact, not a rumor or fiction. I do not want to see anymore lives destroyed because of this.
Are the police aware of these people and what they are doing?
I believe they are. If you read the blog above you will note that they have had him in custody several times with opportunities to arrest and detain him but have done nothing.
10:16, keeping your kids in sports or community activities doesnt protect them. In fact the biggest underage drunks in this town are the jocks and thats a fact. When they turn 21 they end up in the bars. Most of those mid to late 20 somethings hanging out at ebbys, lagoons and fools were jocks at one time. This is par for the course around here. These kids complain there's nothing to do, so they get high and drunk every weekend at some kids house, usually out in the boonies. There was a big teen drinking party out on south pine bluff road last friday and the parents were nowhere to be found. Those people in dwight are probably one of myriads of drug runners around here. There's one black guy who hangs around the bars and goes out of town to get it and bring it back to the runners here, who then sell it to others on the street. Ive heard this first hand from people who go in the bars. One of these guys is in his late 30's, bald and hangs out at Claytons and Griffins. I'm not saying who it is but his wife is a teacher. She's no angel either. I think the police are aware of these people, but they have to be caught in the act. Thats why you have the MANNS units. They made a huge drug bust a few years back. That guy is now sitting in jail for about 10 years.
The cops don't waste their time on the small time dealers. They go after the big guns, but it has to be an undercover deal in which they're caught in the act.
sorry, i meant diamond, not dwight.
I agree with the kids on one thing, there is nothing for the kids to do around here. What do the kids do for fun? Back when I was in school (many years ago) the kids "buzzed the gut" and hung out downtown, but that isn't an option anymore.
Just to back up my story about this being fact not fiction, I have done some research. If you go to the IDOC website and do an inmate search enter last name mcmillan. His prisoner number is R60478. I wonder how I would go about finding out who the parole officer would be for this. If I am not mistaken, I believe that anyone on parole must submit to a drug test at some point or if asked to by the parole officer.
Please correct me if I am wrong.
4:17 he is paroled in district #1, you should be able to contact the Dept of Corrections and they can give you the name of the parole agent assigned to him...good luck!!
4:17, I know some of those "kids" who "buzzed the gut". They are now in their 30's, 40's and 50's. They were drinking and getting blasted back then too WHILE driving around. Iv'e heard stories how they would hang out at a corner on Liberty st. and smoke pot right when the cops were driving by. Some of them told me they did it right in front of the cop shop. I didn't grow up here, but it's apparent nothing's changed. These same people have raised kids that are doing the same thing, only now, on private property since they can't drive around drunk anymore.
4:25 not EVERY kid hung out on the corner smoking pot! hell, they smoked pot across the street from the high school (in the park)...the point i was making is that this town doesn't anything for kids to do for fun!! As for underage drinking, it has been going on for years and will continue...there's no way to stop it
How old are your kids and what are they into? Maybe I could make a suggestion.
All the fun places have closed down. There used to be the entertainment place on Illinois but that got shut down probably because the owners didnt keep a handle on it. Zedds went by the wayside because there wasnt enough business. Now I heard XO is moving to Aurora. My 18 year old has gone to band shows there, art shows, movie nights, open mike nights.It was a positive atmosphere for him. They did a lot for the under 21's here and that was the only safe place my kid could go and not have to deal with people his age doing drugs and drinking. This town complains there's nothing for the kids to do but when a place comes along that gives them something creative to do, they get harrassment from the locals and the kids won't go. They'd rather get trashed at their weekend parties at someones house and I heard that first hand from my kid.
I have a suggestion. Keep your kids away from the skate park. The "big kids" there are mostly dopers and TROUBLE all the way around.
You have a very valid point, anytime a new business aimed at entertaining the teens comes to town, it is automatically assumed to be a "bad influence" on the kids. These old coots around here just don't like change.
4:46 my kid goes there, he is NOT a doper OR trouble..he just likes to skateboard! Talk about stereotyping...geez
4:32 here,
I was going to suggest XO. I didnt know they were moving. Sad but I guess it's business.
do ya blame them for moving? morris sucks. I LOVED that place
Okay, 4:10 PM - can you say whose house held the party Friday night on So Pine Bluff Road?
Was the Sheriff's Dept there? any arrests?
I dont know whose house it was, but I talked directly with someone who was there with a friend of hers. It was this guy's younger sister and her friends.
4:48 Cleopatra is the Queen of Denial. Does your kid have a myspace account? or a facebook? Do you monitor it? If not, you should. Click on his friends list to see what the friends are doing. That will tell you what your kid is doing with the skater friends. Be especially sure to click on the "good kids" whose parents are teachers. (Morris, Minooka, Coal City teachers) Maneuver around your own kid's and the other kids' myspace and facebook at messages, comments, blogs, pictures. Be prepared to be horrified. When you don't know what the heck they are talking about go to urbandictionary.com and search the words you don't know.
Every skater I have seen on myspace either blatanly talks about being a doper or alludes to getting high or drunk in a not so subtle way. You will see your cursor become a marijuana leaf or bottle of Corona, for example. There are pictures of guns, rolls of money, booze, Pacino as Scarface, naked women, cigars hollowed out stuffed with marijuana, gangster rappers. This is middle school and high school boys. Their little girlfriends who look like they are either 12 year olds, or 35 year old hookers, talk about lewd sex acts, curse like truck drivers. Where are their parents? Why aren't they monitoring the computer? Don't tell me because the kids have a right to privacy. Kids are nuts because nobody is watching the store.
The older skaters just trashed the skate park again. If it is vandalized once more it will be turned into a basketball court, according to the mayor on the radio today. The skaters wreck their own park.
Stereotype? They stereotype themselves.
It is not just skaters who are dopers. The jocks, including some golfers, and the loner, and the nerd, and the scholar can all get into terrible crap. We need to be sure we know what our kids are doing at the skate park, on the computer, in the medicine cabinet, with their friends, at the bowling alley, or anywhere.
7:50 you need to calm down!! As a matter of fact, yes, my child does have a myspace acct and yes I do have the password and monitor it every day...I don't live in the dark ages nor am I stupid, I know what kids are doing, but not EVERY kid is doing it!! I monitor my child's cellphone records and text messages too! It's sad that you stereotype all kids that like skateboarding as a doper. Do you stereotype all blondes as dumb, all blacks as ghetto? How do you expect kids to act when people like you are stereotyping them every day??????? So get off your soapbox. Yes, I will agree there probably are alot of kids that smoke pot, but not every kid! As for comments about monitoring our kids myspace, facebook, etc...you would be surprised how many parents do this everyday!!!! Not all parents are stupid and not all parents are hanging out in the local bars while our kids run wild!
Parents don't have to be hanging out at bars to NOT monitor what their kids are doing. A lot of kind hearted, trusting parents think their kids deserve privacy and don't monitor what their kids are doing on the computer.
I am calm. I am not stereotyping. All kids don't do dope or drink. A lot of kids do. You are fortunate your kid is one who isn't a doper. He won't have to stop if he doesn't start, right?
Exactly! I am very fortunate to have a child that doesn't find drugs and alcohol attractive or alluring. I work with troubled teens everyday and I see the damage that can be done by making poor choices when it comes to drugs. All it takes is one time to change your life forever. And yes, I do trust my child to make wise choices however I'm not naive, I know the temptations are out there, therefore I keep a close eye on everything my child does. It's called responsible parenting!!
9:44...if you think this website is ridiculous then why are YOU here?
9:44 Get yourself a myspace account and start searching. Actually, myspace is a great place to find out what the kids are doing. After a short time you will hear yourself saying...What the...?
8:41 Why so defensive?
I am in constant contact with a lot of teens because of the business I'm in. These kids come in and talk to me probably because I'm behind a counter and can't really go anywhere. They see me as a sounding board because I don't judge them. Usually it goes in one ear and out the other with me, but you wouldn't believe the stuff I hear.
I think there are 3 reasons why these kids get into trouble
1. Many parents just don't care. They let their kid run wild because the parents are too busy absorbed in their own dysfunctional lives. I've heard kids tell me that their parent hangs out at the bar or are high all the time. Some of these girls are walking around dressed up like sluts and when you see the mother, the mother looks the same way and has had 2 or 3 marriages with an abusive jerk. Theres nothing more pathetic than a 35 year old walking around with a tramp stamp sticking out of her tight jeans and cropped shirt. I think some of these kids WANT boundaries and so they rebel to get any kind of attention they can get.
2. The parent is SO controlling that the kid feels untrusted, unheard, misunderstood and stifled. The kid will "rubberband" so to speak. He's been held back so tightly because of the parents' fear of life, fear of the evil society, so he ends up rebelling. The parent tries to form the kid into his or her ideal without taking into consideration the kids' own identity, talents and desires.
3. The parent is naive as to what occurs in Morris and hides their head in the sand. It's the "not MY kid" syndrome. They think if their kid is involved in sports or outside "activities" that they're immune.
There's one common theme that I notice with all of them though. They all just want to be "heard" without judgement, lectures, and condemnation. But they also want healthy boundaries given in a rational manner. They're going to make mistakes. We all do. That's how we learn. But it's how we handle the mistakes they make that will make a difference in the long run. Just my opinion...take it or leave it.
I am confused November 8, 2007 7:30 AM. First you say 1. Many parents just don't care. They let their kid run wild because the parents are too busy absorbed in their own dysfunctional lives.
Then you say 2. The parent is SO controlling that the kid feels untrusted, unheard, misunderstood and stifled.
But you don't give any of us parents credit for keeping a very watchful eye on our kids everyday life including their MYSPACE. I think MYSPACE has been a very helpful tool in parenting because they get to exspress themselves in the way they are thinking and acting. I agree with you 100% that some parents don't care and do not moniter them because i have seen it first hand on my oldest friendlist. But that is how I know who is the bad influences and they get deleted and not allowed to hang out with her any more.
And November 7, 2007 9:44 PM as far as being a bunch of gossiping idiots ,your wrong. It is called concerned parents reaching out for positive support. I am glad these blogs are out there because even if one parent learns something from them it was a good thing.
"I am confused First you say 1. Many parents just don't care. They let their kid run wild because the parents are too busy absorbed in their own dysfunctional lives.
Then you say 2. The parent is SO controlling that the kid feels untrusted, unheard, misunderstood and stifled."
What I'm saying here is that there are different types of parenting styles based on what I've heard these kids tell me. It falls into extremes. Yea, I do think there are well balanced parents out there and I don't think every kid is into drugs, sex, booze, etc...
But I will tell you this, based on what I've heard and seen, there's a lot more of it out there AND in Morris than a lot of people are willing to recognize. I'm not saying it's always the parents' fault. Kids are gonna do what they're gonna do and a lot of that is dependent on their personalities. So the issue is how does a parent handle it when it comes up? BTW, I have a 22, and 19 and a 17 year old. I've been down this road.
THERE NEEDS TO BE SOME SORT OF YOUTH PROGRAM THAT CHANGES THEME WEEKLY TO TRY AND GET EVERYONE INVOLVED A.E. BASEBALL,FOOTBALL,VOLLEYBALL,LET THE CHILDREN OF THIS TOWN HAVE A SAY IN WHAT THEY WANT TO DO
Ugh...sports again. sports sports sports. NOT ALL kids are into sports. This town is SO sports oriented that those who ARE into it feel so much pressure to compete by the adults who live vicariously through them and those who aren't are ostracized. SPORTS ARENT FOR EVERYONE.
Enuf about this subject; it all takes money and this city is in piss poor shape to get any money out of good ole' Dickie!...look at the way our school systems are in right now...
It's not the city's job to provide entertainment for someone's teenaged kid. It will take individual entrepeneurs starting things up. The sad thing is, as one commenter stated, every time a business opens up that caters to a teen crowd the crabasses and hypervigilant idiots think it's a bad influence. That's why these kids end up sitting on the comp all day/night or going out and doing drugs. There are very few jobs around here and these kids can't find them. And to the commenter who thought "buzzing the gut" and hanging out on street corners in downtown morris was a constructive pastime? You gotta be kidding. People are idiots.
not really 3:26, but then...people like you from Morris generally don't react well to reality. Have another shot and a beer bub.
Actually 2:24....I used to "buzz the gut" and hang out on the street corners when I was in high school. And you know what? It WAS fun. We would meet up with our friends and meet friends from other nearby towns. It was the highlight of our weekend. I don't understand why people like you come on this websit and put down those of us that live in Morris. Apparently, you moved here for some reason. My suggestion to you is if you don't like Morris to get the hell out.
2:24.....you say there are no jobs for kids out there??? What..do you live under a fucking rock? Go up and down Rte. 47. Almost every fast food establishment has a help wanted sign. Jewel has help wanted signs. Wal-Mart's always hiring. IHOP just opened and they hired a bunch of kids out there. So, where are you looking?
To 2:24. What did you do when you were in high school?? Just curious. You must be a rocket scientist the way you talk. I don't know why you're living in any of these hick towns. Sounds like you're too good for the likes of us hillbillies. YEEHAW!!
End corruption in local government.
6:51 says, "Actually 2:24....I used to "buzz the gut" and hang out on the street corners when I was in high school. And you know what? It WAS fun."
That's because you grew up in some crap hick town that has no culture.
I grew up in the city. What did we do when we were in high school? We played in bands,went to museums, went to restaurants, went to neighborhood festivals, went to dances, went to all age clubs. Theres NOTHING like that here. You were probably one of those stoners hanging out on Liberty and Jackson and you're probably bar trash now.
I'm only here because I lost a bet.
You went to museums for fun in high school?
//Obviously you were one of the popular kids huh?\\ lol. And before you come back with some comment on how it made you more "cultured", stop yourself because it just made you a dork.
Kids will be kids, everyone needs to calm down. Teenagers acting out happens worldwide people...not just in Morris.
9:24, You're SO right. Hanging out on street corners and driving up and down a 3 block stretch of road is SO much more constructive and "fun" than exploring a large city. *hick*
Looks like 9:24 has never been to a museum. He's probably never read a book either.
Watch out for that zumbahlen cop. I heard he was at one of the bars all drunk and belligerent yelling and swearing at some girl. When someone tried to stop him he said he could do whatever the hell he wanted. Can you say power hungry control freak?
WOW!!! 9:03, 1:04 and 1:15 and so cultured!!! For people that are so cultured you people sure are quick to judge. Just because you explored the city makes you so high and mighty!! Give me a break!! We went to museums and did all the city stuff you did. Just because we "buzzed the gut" in our day makes us a bunch of hicks? Let's see...I didn't do drugs, drink or hang in bars. I'd much rather be a "hick" than some snobby ass with my nose in the air. My suggestion to you??? Hang you head, admit you lost the bet and hightail it out of Morris. oh FYI I'm a female not a dude and I DO know how to read a book. Get over yourself.
Geez 3:39 calm down. We're happy youre proud to be a hick. Now go take a valium and get that junk car off your lawn lol
I agree with 3:39....since you THINK you are so much better than the "hicks" in this town, why not pack your bags and head back to the city. Oh, I get it now, you were probably one of the "white trash city kids", so you moved to this little town hoping nobody would figure out that you were considered a nothing loser in your big city...LMAO!! As for the comment about losing a bet...GET REAL!!! That is probably the biggest line of bs I've heard in a long long time!! Face it loser, you moved here because you wanted to and now you want to act like you really matter to anyone....
Isn't that how it always is? The rural old school minions cannot get over the fact that new people from the burbs and city are moving here. They are threatened by the fact that this area is changing and so they cling to the past and try to defend it because they know deep in their hearts that Morris is viewed by the rest of the world as being a smallish backwards town. They cannot seem to grasp the idea that people have a right to live where they want and so they adopt an "us vs them" position. Sad but true.
We need a park district here with a variety of activities for kids and teens. A park district would also provide a place for kids to work or volunteer.
Short of that, we need the entrepreneural spirit of responsible adults who want to create a safe-haven for kids and teens.
Many years ago, in the mid to late 1950's, a priest at the Episcopal church started youth groups for 7th & 8th graders, and another venue for high school kids. You didn't have to be an Episcopalian to participate. It was not church or religion oriented.
The one for high school kids had local garage bands play for dances on the weekend, or kids brought their 45's to play--at the Episcopal church meeting room.
The venue for teens evolved into the Morris Youth Center. It moved from the Episcopal church to the former bowling alley, located where NAPA is today, next to the funeral home.
The Youth Center was staffed by volunteer adults and volunteer teens. It was the cool place to go on Friday and Saturday nights. The fan bus even dropped off the kids after out of town games. A couple of adult volunteers you might know are Ken and Joan Sereno who didn't even have a high school kid at the time. They are still volunteering in Morris and still inspiring others to get involved in the community all these years later.
A lot of the other parents volunteered, too. Local business people donated money, the kids had fund raisers--paper drives, door to door donut sales on Saturday morning. Kids and adults were committed to keeping the place going.
It took committment, hard work, creativity, enthusiasm to get it off the ground and keep it going.
Sure kids buzzed the gut--a lot more than 3 blocks, by the way-- from the courthouse out to where Lindsay Soft Water is located. Back then it was a local eatery, The Prince Drive. There were other places between The Prince and downtown where kids would grab a coke, burger and fries--kind of like Happy Days, if you ever saw that show on tv.
If you talk to people from other parts of the country, everyone buzzed the gut or buzzed the square. Why do you think the movie American Graffiti was so popular? The movie about Modesto was a movie about every town from little Morris to large cities, back in the day.
Morris is not a hick town. There are some hicks who live here, sure, but hicks live everywhere. Just like there are drunks, dopers and white trash everywhere.
Since this is a small town, why don't some entrepreneural people come together to try to create a Morris Youth Center today? Aren't there some parents out there who know how to write grants? There are grants for everything.
If we, as a community, are going to fight for the kids, give them a reason to NOT self medicate with drugs and booze, then get going, you parents of teens!
BT, DT, YT wrote:
"we need the entrepreneurial spirit of responsible adults who want to create a safe-haven for kids and teens."
Isn't that what XO was trying to do?
Older citizens, unaware of the next generation's culture, blasted it with rumor an innuendo. The uninformed hatred that flowed out of Positive Morris alone should show how this community is wired.
The safe haven will only be backed by the current adults only if it conforms to what they feel a responsible youth facility should be (sports, sports, sports), not what the current generation wants.
How about Church!
Morris is in a time warp. Sereno and all those old pricks on the city council stop progress. Morris has no culture because of the many idiots that forget their European heritage and they actually believe that there're native to this land.
I was informed of this blog by Officer Henderson whom I spoke with last week. I maintain positive and fluent communication with the MPD and the Mayor in order to let them know what we're doing here.
We tried to create a multi functional concept by which people (of all ages) could enjoy and contribute to the creative process. In case you weren't aware, we hold movie nights, open stage nights, independent film nights, art shows and live music events utilizing, supporting and encouraging the amazing young local talent that exists here and in the Chicagoland area. The original concept entailed retail only, but we evolved by incorporating the creative ideas that people would present to us.
I knew when I started this venture that the rumors would perpetuate and that there would be some who were apathetic or who were opposed to what we were doing, mostly out of ignorance. But I also knew that there was a need for something like XO. I have a very thick skin and was willing to confront any opposition.
We've kept a VERY strict policy on the smoking at XO or ANYTHING that would be deemed illegal. Those with no ID or who are under 18 cannot smoke in here at all and the smoking areas are kept separate from the main body of XO. We've never had a problem here with any event. The young people we get in here are very respectful and intelligent. The jerks stayed away because they knew they couldn’t get away with anything or I would personally “kick their butts” in a manner of speaking.
That’s part of the reason I wear black. It’s intimidating and in a business like this, dealing with young adults, you have to maintain an air of authority. On a sidenote, thanks to those of you who labeled me a witch and a pagan, even though I’m a Christian who studied apologetics and systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical and Willowcreek.
I would estimate that 80% of what walks through our door comes from outside of Morris. We draw people from within a 40 mile radius; Tinley to the east, Naperville to the north, Princeton to the west and Dwight to the south. Our general demographic base from these areas tends to be 18 through early 20's. Unfortunately, they cannot get here as often because of distance. I have heard many times over from these people how an XO is needed in their areas and how much more it would take off.
I might as well let you know now that we are planning to move XO to downtown Aurora. Any business has to base the majority of it's revenue on local traffic. What I've found over the past year is this:
1. Although there were many young people from Morris who supported XO and were thankful we were here, there were also many who refused to come in here because of negative feedback and gossip they heard from parents or others. We started offering pizzas, free wireless internet...a safe environment where they could come, interact and socialize with their peers. They didn't show up.
2. Many of these kids chose not to attend a band show (we only charged high schoolers $5 to see bands that are huge on the Chicago music scene), but instead chose to attend a house party where alcohol was readily available. I hear this all the time. I see it on their myspace sites. One kid labeled us an “evil death cult”. Wonder where he got THAT idea from?
3. The feedback we got from the locals over 21 early on was that they didn’t want to come in because alcohol wasn’t being served. I got 15 people a week coming in asking for “pipes” because they “heard” we were a head shop. I refused to sell those even though the revenue from that stuff would’ve paid my expenses 10 times over.
4. The decision to move to Aurora is based on numbers, population and cultural differences. Aurora feeds into 5 different area colleges and it’s much more progressive culturally. Some people told me it wouldn’t work in Morris, but I’ve always been an eternal optimist for positive change. “No guts no glory” as they say. But ingrained generational cultural habits are hard to change. The view of Morris from those outside of Morris is not very positive, sadly. And that’s not my opinion, but the opinions of others, of all ages.
So, to those of you who supported XO, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Starting XO here allowed me to create a prototype and to tweak the concept in order to bring it to an area that WILL accept it with open arms. The negative gossip and rumors lent to strengthening my emotional, mental and physical reserves as well as forcing me to grow a set of balls (to the more “sensitive” viewers, excuse the colloquial)
To those who didn’t support us, feel free to continue to complain that there’s “nothing here for the kids to do”. I’ve gotten word that a young man wants to start an arcade in Morris. I’ll be sure to warn him well in advance of what he’s going to be up against.
By the way, everything’s for sale because I don’t want to move it and most of the furniture display pieces ( a lot of which were at my old store…bakers racks, furniture pieces) I won’t require in the new space. (Never let it be said that I let a free marketing opportunity go by).
Go ahead and look at the website. www.xounderground.com if you haven’t done that since last March when “Ethel” had her say.
If you do choose to stop in and see what it was we were doing here... I promise I’ll turn down the volume on the sound system…just for you.
I dont think that teenage activities "have"to be sports related but they do have to be teenage interesting.If it was possible to get some children together,let them have a say in what they want to do.If they decide togather,then they will probably enjoy it,and possibly stick with it.REMEMBER idol hands are the devil's workshop.Now I don't have children of my own,but I helped raise two and they turned out pretty good.In my eyes,sometimes they don't need a parent,they just need a friend.If anyone wants to donate time to give the children of morris something to do "I'm in!
10:38, I completely understand how you feel, but in all honesty and fairness, the city officials as well as the city council and the MPD were always fair and professional with us. They had no issue with XO as far as I am aware. If they did, they kept it to themselves. I apologize in advance to the city officials if my statement opens up a whole can of worms regarding how the city and Dick could let an "evil business like XO" exist, but I feel it had to be said. Consider this a public thank you for your help and professionalism
November 9, 2007 11:26 AM ,I agree with you completely about "it does not have to be all about sports." Personaly I think this blog has opened a lot of doors even with the negativity from the city slicker. But lets not let it end here. Lets actualy do something about this.
I have to agree with XO, some people are closed minded because i have been in her shop a few times and i have never seen anything wrong with it. Infact I even took my two girls there for a photo shoot for an upcoming magazine they were starting. My girls are a little to young in my eyes to hang out there but it did have a good idea for the teens to get off the street and still have fun but be safe. Does anyone out there know of some good volunteering for kids and adults together in Morris. I emailed the city but all they came up with was the Hopsital. A good place to start but wish i knew of more. Something the kids would enjoy doing. I am open for ideas.
Morris is a great place to raise a family. I lived here through my High School years and then moved away for a few years but this is where I came back to raise mine. Oh and my husband who was also a city slicker from New York loves it here.
Is 'The Cafe' still open at First Christian church? Its local teen-age bands and artists.
Im 18 and Me and a lot of my friends are really sad XO is leaving but we will go to aurora when it gets there.it was the only cool place that morris ever had and it sucks there leaving. a lot of kids around here didnt go becuse all they want to do is get stoned and party. they dont care about music or art or anything craetive. either that or there parents are so strict and judgmental that they wouldt let them go there. I also know some of them get into bars and are underage. people here are trained to go to bars from a young age. all the peope at xo were cool and i met a lot of people form other places who thought morris sucked but they came to xo. now its going to be gone and morris sucks again. and to all those poeple who want to start sometjhing for the kids ice cream socials and britney spears are not what we want. maybe the 12 year olds would like that but xo was not for 12 yer olds. you have no clue about what teens and college age look for. gale did and thats why xo will do great up north were peopel are different and into different things besides getting stoned and sports.
I guess a next step would be where when and how.After that is achived,make it locally known to all the young people in the area.Set a date to meet and from there let the kids fairly and democratically decide on there own what they want to do.To accomidate everyone is impossible so change the "theme" of the activity weekly.sometimes they'll be there and sometimes not so interested.But the point I am trying to make is that sometimes they'll be out of trouble and thats a start.
I would never go to the cafe. They have crap bands there and its a bunch of 14 year olds. all you adults want to start something for the kids but as soon as a kid wants to do or play something that doesn't fit in with what you think is appropiate then it gets censored. I am 19 and don't need some churchie 'adult' telling me what's appropriate or not. That's why I liked XO. There is freedom for expression. If a kid is under 18 then fine put some limits on it but most of the people who went to xo are 18 and over.
No disrespect to you 1:44 PM at all but I would be talking about the younger crowd because you and 1:30 PM are considered adults. I wish there was more things for your age also but at least you can get in your car and drive to Aroura but the young teens can't. I hope that was worded right because i meant no disrespect at all. And kudos to you for not falling into the drinking scene!
Bye, Bye XO don't let the door hit you in in the rump!
12:49
We Care is an organization that helps low income families. You can "adopt" a family for the holidays. You would buy gifts for the children and provide groceries for a holiday meal. Their phone number is 815-942-6389.
After that well written and articulate comment by XO that's all 2:22 can say? What an ignoramous.
Good post, Gayle XO. After reading all today's posts, it seems like yXO could be considered today's version of what the 1950-60's youth center must have been. Back in those days the religious right wingers thought people went to hell for dancing, wearing make-up and playing cards! The Episcopalians are traditionally a little more liberal thinking than some churches. Maybe that's what helped that priest see what he could do to help the kids back in the day. Does anybody know if he caught flak for his efforts back then? It would be interesting to know.
Today people are freaked about XO because they fear the unknown. Instead of investigating with an open mind, they condemn--the sign of small minds.
I have been to XO a number of times out of curiosity and because I was a customer of Peaceful Gazebo and happen to like Gayle as a person. I am sorry to hear XO is relocating but totally understand why. College towns are more in tune with the times. I wish you much success, Gayle.
Great. Now clucker's posting anonymously.
Does anyone have pets? I have a little puppy doggie and I love him!!!
farts in cluckers general direction
5:21, 5:24 and 5:26, We're deleting your comments because you're the same person spamming lame comments and pretending you're different people. Cut it out. It's annoying.
someone posted the following:
Sure kids buzzed the gut--a lot more than 3 blocks, by the way-- from the courthouse out to where Lindsay Soft Water is located. Back then it was a local eatery, The Prince Drive. There were other places between The Prince and downtown where kids would grab a coke, burger and fries--kind of like Happy Days, if you ever saw that show on tv.
If you talk to people from other parts of the country, everyone buzzed the gut or buzzed the square. Why do you think the movie American Graffiti was so popular?
My God some of these people ARE living in the 1950's. I know the Morris PD reads this. Could you guys please tell them what really goes on around here and why 'buzzing the gut' doesn't happen anymore? Times have changed old guy. Kids arent even allowed to ride bikes or skateboard down liberty street. And if they were allowed to buzz guts, they'd be doing it drunk and high.
The same people who have fond memories of buzzing their gut would be the first to rag to the city if it started happening again. "Damn yunguns ridin round in thur carrs causin trouble
Shugart for Mayor!
Martha, stop posting that
Martha is going to be the next Mayor! The Mayor and Belt keep making a fool of themselves. You can not stop progress!
For somebody that says they do not monitor their blog. You like to put your two cents in quite abit.
Post your thoughts without censorship! We don't even monitor this thing so say what you want!
Good Luck Gayle, I'm so sad to see you go.
Your independent spirit and entrepreneurial expertise will be sadly missed. And believe it or not, I am an over 40, Nerdy, Blue-Haired, Ethel. Not all of us old-fogies believe what you have created is evil.
Best of luck to you and your new endeavors.
Geez 6:20..no one is living in the 1950's. There's nothing wrong with reminiscing. We all know why buzzing the gut is no longer allowed. It is because of the gangs. Gangs target large groups of people to try and recruit. I learned that at citizen's police academy when Jeff Fritchnitch was principal of the high school. Which by the way, is a very interesting class to take. Quit making fun of people for remembering their fond memories.
6:20 the buzzing the gut post was a history lesson to illustrate how times have changed from then to now.
By the way, for those who posted about kids going to a friends house to party and get drunk rather than go to the cafe or wherever...where are the parents?
Who is supplying the booze and drugs for the parties at the freind's house? It is a crime to supply booze and drugs to minors. Don't the parents of the party attendees contact the host parents to see if the party has a chaperone? Or, are the kids lying to their parents about where they are going?
It isn't just Morris where this is happening. It is all over the state and the country. It isn't cool to supply drugs and alcohol to kids.
10:28 and 10:43. It's our blog and we can do what we want. Don't make us delete these comments like we did the other ones you made. You're starting to piss us off with your spam and your multiple comments all saying the same damn thing so that people think it's coming from different posters. We don't like bullshitters.
How can he be? He's a democrat
XO: Sorry to see you go, Gayle. All the best in your new adventures in Aurora. You will be missed.
FSM:Thanks for the appropriate moderation. Free speech is a right, not privilege, and must be used responsibly. That's why there are laws against slander, libel, etc. to protect the rest of us from those who would abuse the right.
Dick is a union butcher. He supports the unions. The unions support him.
4:11, 8:25 and 1:48, Thank you. It was people like you and some of the young people that came in here on a regular basis that helped keep my sanity and a vision for XO going.
9:01 and others. OK, I'm gonna tell it like it is here because I'll be gone and I've really got nothing to lose here and as a parent myself I feel I owe it to you parents who ARE concerned and responsible.
About the house parties, "where are the parents"?
Ive asked myself that question loads of times. The party last weekend on pine bluff road for instance; I asked someone who was there that very question. She said there were no signs of adults there and she had asked herself that very question.
The fact is regarding drugs, anyone can get anything around here. Some of the house party booze is actually supplied by parents or adults living in the home. Apparently, they feel it's better that the kids do it at home than on the streets. Ive heard this first hand from some parents and some of these kids. But the attitude around here is, 'so what. It's just kids having a good time, right?' Apparently these morons don’t realize that they’re legally liable and could go to jail for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
That one young commenter said it all when he said people here are trained to go to bars (aka drink) at a young age. It's accepted and condoned here on the downlow. I hear this on a daily basis from the people who come in here.
I created an alternative to the drunk parties and bars where these people (ALL ages, including over 21's) could come but you know what I found? They would rather plop their asses on a barstool and/or get wasted in some basement or cornfield. That's why I'm moving to Aurora, not that it doesn't go on there too, but at least you have a larger populace from which to draw from; 175,000 alone in Aurora not counting the surrounding Kane, Dupage and Kendall county’s suburban population.
I've decided to create the Chicago area's first All Age music venue in Aurora, bringing in local, regional and national talent. These things are cropping up all over the west coast and have been in places like Seattle and Florida for ages. People in urban areas are more about the original talent and urban music and art scenes. That's why 80% of what we drew here was from outside of Morris. Morris isn't ready for it and I doubt it ever will be.
It's useless out here. People are flatlined and conditioned to get wasted. They won't go anywhere unless booze or drugs are available. And lest you think I'm overreacting, I've HEARD it, SEEN it, EXPERIENCED it on a daily basis. It's woven in the cultural fabric here.
To anyone else who had an issue with XO:
I said in a previous post that I got LITERALLY 15 people a week walking in here looking for glass pot pipes. I REFUSED TO CARRY THEM…it was a matter of principle over cash. I could’ve made a killing but decided to go with my principles and not contribute to the stoneheaded waste case environment that already exists here. The majority of people coming in here looking for pipes were 35 or older, some in their 50’s and 60’s.
And as far as the hookahs go?? Get over it already. It’s a hookah. Joliet has a hookah lounge now. The tobacco is flavored. It’s not pot and NOONE EVER brought pot in here to smoke it. I don’t know how many times I had to confront that bs mostly by ignorant older people walking in here. (that tells you what THEY used to use hookahs for). You can make a pot pipe out of tinfoil or a bong out of golf clubs for godsake. If theyre gonna smoke it, theyre gonna smoke it, but it sure as hell never happened in here because the douchebags KNEW they couldn’t get a way with it.
Most of them were afraid of me (a healthy respect I should say) and that’s the way I wanted it. Was I and am I tough about this? Oh yea and that’s the precedent I set at XO from the very beginning. Two incidents occurred within the first two weeks we were open:
1. One 16 year old kid stole something in here. Her friends actually finked on her and showed me her myspace. So I right clicked her pic, saved it and made a poster out of it which read “Attention…Douchebag Alert! This girl was caught stealing” and I posted it all over the store for everyone to see. 2 weeks later she came in crying and apologizing vowing never to do it again. I reamed her for a half hour on stealing and being stupid. She’s lucky I didn’t have her arrested. Actually I called the cops but there was nothing they could do. So I took it into my own hands.
2. Some 19 year old idiot (from Morris) thought he could sneak a beer in here during a show. He popped open the can as I was right behind him, (unbeknownst to him). I whipped it out of his hand, grabbed him by the shirt collar, dragged him thru the crowd, kicked his ass down the side door ramp, and yelled, “go ahead *expletive*, call the cops” Then I reamed HIM for a half hour about underage drinking in front of 30 other people. He apologized profusely while sitting in a fetal position on the ground. I never had an incident after that. If any of my own kids had done that I would’ve done the same thing.
Did I do something wrong by grabbing this kid? Maybe, maybe not. But I’ll protect my ground to the death. And if it knocked some sense into the idiot as well as getting the point across to any others, then it was well worth it.
I've had younger and older people FROM MORRIS tell me from the get-go that it won't fly in Morris because Morris will never change for two reasons: if they can't get wasted they won't go (their words not mine). And because of the old farts around here who didn't like what we were doing. Ive had high school aged as well as late teens and even 20 year olds come in here and tell me their parent or grandparent doesnt want them in here.
To those narrow minded ignoramouses I say:
(alert...sarcasm up ahead...reduce speed)
GOD FORBID A BUSINESS OPENS UP OFFERING A CREATIVE ALTERNATIVE TO THE DIVE BARS AND GETTING WASTED DRUNK BLASTED OFF YOUR ASS AT SOME KID'S UNCHAPERONED HOUSE PARTY. YOU WERE SO RIGHT...WE WERE SUCH AN EVIL INFLUENCE. YOUR KID WAS SOOO MUCH BETTER OFF NOT COMING IN HERE.
I'm making an adjustment to my will. When I die, lay me in a coffin, dressed in my obligatory black with a sign saying "Morris" under my middle finger.
Go ahead, slam me with your best shot, but at LEAST have the balls to say it to my face. (yea yea…its morris…THAT won’t happen. It takes SO MUCH more balls to say it behind someone’s back or behind a comp screen, right Nov. 9 2:22?)
You know damn well I’m right. And if you don’t know it? Then you need to get your head out of your ass because it’s reality here.
Dick is against the seniors.
good riddance to xo. morris doesn't need that sort of business
Bravo Gayle...it sucks that you're leaving but I don't blame you.
And to those parents who think that they're going to create some type of rec center for teens: good luck. I am a high school teacher and there is NO WAY teens today would go there..and if they did, they would be considered totally uncool dorks. Why do you think they sit behind their computer screens all of the time?
I grew up here...I've lived in THE CITY....I knew people in high school who didn't drink and I know people now who don't drink...you either do or you don't, at any age. But I know that me and all my friends drank...those kids in school who were the goody-goody ones too...god, my friend used to tell her mother that pizza hut ran out of dough and that's why we were late getting home: we had to wait for them to make new dough and then it had to rise....and this mother believed that!
People hang out in bars because it's the only social outlet in this town (sorry to the city slickers...we obviously don't have any other options...no museums, art, theaters around here...that's why Morris isn't in big bold letters on a map...it's a small town, retard, not a booming metropolis or cultural mecca).
AND...I've personally known MANY people who did not grow up here and found themselves getting quite comfortable on a bar stool while they are here...and enjoying the local yokels...even considering them friends.
Yeah, Morris sucks...but it's our hometown...and it's growing...the entire world is...there's nothing we can do about it but accept it and adapt. This is the 21st century for God's sake...
OH...and if you think that kids are "smoking pot"...HA...you better hope that's all your kid is doing. The meth around here is rampant...and the pill popping (ie, ecstasy) is insane. The entire high school pops that before class.....and then roll all day long.
Such a beautiful world we live in...and it's only going to get worse because all of these teens are having kids and just keepin' the ball rolling.
Why haven't people realized that we should be suppling birth control in our schools? Hell, I think that all females, upon entering high school, should be given that birth control shot.
3:38....WHAT "sort of business"???? music..art...poetry...???
What kind of business would you like to see? I would love to know...another freaking gift shop? How about a nice candle store? Trinkets! This town LOVES trinkets...
We have a bowling alley...uh...movie theater...hell, we could all go to Wal-Mart and wander around aimlessly....Can anyone name another BUSINESS that isn't a store (or bar) in this town?? The old people have their coffee shop to sit and talk in...but young people can't have a BUSINESS where they can go to sit and talk?
I seriously hope you enjoy your pathetic life...sitting on your computer letting us all know how glad you are that another profitable industry (ie, entertainment) is leaving our town.
xo = hoodlum hangout
Hoodlum? lol . Who uses that word anymore but some old crapper. Ignore it XO, it's just some decrepit old fart who is living in la la land.
Maybe it's ethel lol
High school teacher posted: "And to those parents who think that they're going to create some type of rec center for teens: good luck. I am a high school teacher and there is NO WAY teens today would go there..and if they did, they would be considered totally uncool dorks."
Maybe you didn't see this post, teach:
Anonymous said... "I guess a next step would be where when and how.After that is achived,make it locally known to all the young people in the area.Set a date to meet and from there let the kids fairly and democratically decide on there own what they want to do.To accomidate everyone is impossible so change the "theme" of the activity weekly.sometimes they'll be there and sometimes not so interested.But the point I am trying to make is that sometimes they'll be out of trouble and thats a start."
November 9, 2007 1:30 PM
Why would the kids be considered dorks if they were in on helping create their own place?
Aren't there any student leaders over at the high school? Aren't there any cool teachers most of the kids like? There should be "leaders" from the various cliques or has that type hierarchy changed over time?
Teach, you are with the kids every day. Is all lost to drugs, booze and sex (you mentioned birth control shots for all freshman girls)? Is there no hope?
If you think the world is messed up today, what are we facing tomorrow with the kids using pot, crack, meth, heroin, ecstacy, etc?
It's people like 3:38 that have kept Morris in the dark ages. They're actually creating the problem of drug and alcohol abuse by resisting positive creative entertainment outlets for people of any age because of their ignorance and prejudice against popular culture, so people have nothing else to do but sit in a bar or waste their lives away on a computer. You suck 3:38.
Maybe you didn't get my point about drinking if they want to drink. I mean there are different types of people: those who enjoy using alcohol (at any age), and those who do not. Just because you provide an alternative doesn't mean those kids who want to drink are going to say "gee..I think I'll go hang out at the rec center tonight instead of going to that huge party."
Yes, there is a percentage of high schoolers not participating in drinking, drugs, and sex...and those are mostly the kids who are deeply involved in their churches...which is great. But that (unfortunately) is not the majority. Being proactive (by implementing birth control policies, etc.) is probably the smart thing to do.
the young people should get jobs or go to college instead of hanging out at wasting time and smoking at the xo dump.
Man with all this talk here. One would think that XO Underground was some martyr for the Arts, instead of a niche business relocating to better location to serve its customers.
6:07, the people that came in there DID have jobs (how else could they pay for a hookah?) and most of them DID go to college, which explains why the level of intelligence in there is much greater than anything you've ever experienced dumbass. Maybe YOU should get a job instead of living off the social security payments you get because we WORK and maybe YOU should go to college so you're not so ridiculously stupid.
children should not be permitted to smoke in xo
i am glad xo is shut down. it is for losers
xo is for bums
the hoodlums in xo should get jobs
is xo a hangout for dopers and loose women?
free speach morris is an xo loser
"free speach" removes any comment he doesn't agree with
hey free speach, can you HYPOCRITE???
HEY FREE SPEACH, ARE YOU GOING TO REPORT ME TO THE SPAMMER POLICE?
free speach better get busy deleting my "spam" since i have apparently exceded his limit on postings
just hit delete
Oh no the sockpuppets are revolting!
go ahead free speach, delete every comment that you disagree with, and every comment that exceeds your comment limit.
MY free speach is that XO UNDERGROUND SUCKS, AND PEOPLE WHO GO THERE NEED TO FIND SOMETHING MORE PRODUCTIVE TO DO. just my opinion.
but MR FREE SPEECH disagrees with my humble opinion, so he JUST HITS DELETE. Thnk you MR. FREE SPEECH HYPOCRITE
obviously, free speach has some psychological hangups. please call dr. phil
MR. FREE SPEECH is sooooo clever that he can identify that the same commenter has been leaving several comments in a row (you see, he can see your IP address - don't let out that little secret!)
mr. free speach, sir, have i exceeded your posting limit?? oh, please forgive my little oversight. i would not want to offend anyone, least of all you, oh lord master of the blogger universe
mr. almighty blogmaster has a delete button, and by god he is not afraid to use it, so just you watch out mister.
mr. free speach will show you, all right.
5:14 PM Good point. As a teacher you would think they would be more helpful in correcting the problem instead of insulting it.
Im sure the owner could kick the shit out of him. Shes badass
7:40...insulting the problem? Umm...just because I'm practical and allow myself to admit reality doesn't mean I'm insulting or condoning anything.
We went to parties 20 years ago in high school...A LOT...and that is what the segment of the high school population that wants to party is going to do..that's all I'm saying.
And I see the entire high school population every day....do you? Apparently you aren't aware of how rampant drug use and sex is at that level.
You would be shocked.
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