You Make The Call

by Al Yellon on Jan 8, 2007 7:28 PM CST in Chicago Cubs News

As you can see below, a certain sixth-grader in my house has let his hair grow quite long (photo taken today):

I think he looks like a dork. Plus, he can't see properly when he's playing basketball. (We went to the Suns game last night; he's a Steve Nash fan, so he used some of his Hanukkah money to buy the jersey you see him wearing.)

He has agreed that BCB readers can decide whether or not he gets a haircut. You can vote in the poll on the right sidebar. I don't think you have to guess what MY vote is.

UPDATE [2007-1-12 9:03:17 by Al]: Despite some attempts at late ballot-box stuffing by a certain 11-year-old, the haircut has won (383-338, or 53% to 46% -- came out to less than 100% due to a rounding error). It will occur on Monday -- a photo will be posted.

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Comments

Haircut's fine...

...but make him get rid of the Suns's jersey and burn it.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Jan 8, 2007 7:28 PM CST reply actions

That would be mean.

He used the money he got to pay for it. That's something my uncles or cousins say, "Why don't you burn that Lee jersey from that loser team?"

Anyway, you're never serious so that means you believe Mark needs a haircut and should never burn his jersey, so I agree with you. :)

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jan 8, 2007 7:38 PM CST up reply actions

uhoh...somebody's on to me...

...rats.

PINIELLA!

by theprognosticator on Jan 8, 2007 7:44 PM CST up reply actions

Hey

keep the hair, I starting losing my hair since I was in my late 20's, am 48 now.

Been a long Suns fan since the days of Connie Hawkins, Dick Van Arsdale, Walter Davis, Paul Westphal and on it goes. And the painful loss to Chicago's own in 1993.

Keep the hair Mark, Go Suns

Throw out your Gold Teeth and see how they Roll

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Jan 8, 2007 10:22 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry, Mark

You gotta get it cut.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Jan 8, 2007 7:42 PM CST reply actions

Well Dad, there's a new trend:

From askmen.com:

In the spirit of retro styling, one look that's making waves for men this year is the "rock disco hair" of the 1970s. More specifically, hair that's flat (basically, with zero volume) and split in the middle. Another '70s look is hair that's short on top and in the front, and long over the ears -- a style that is slightly reminiscent of Jim Morrison.

I know YOU can't pull this off and neither can I, sadly. However.....Mark does have the hair for this suddenly (and unexplainable) fashionable look.

Maybe he should enjoy his hair while he can.

by Smooth Jazz Man San Diego on Jan 8, 2007 7:54 PM CST reply actions

BUT LOSE THE JERSEY

by Smooth Jazz Man San Diego on Jan 8, 2007 7:55 PM CST reply actions

I voted he should cut it...

But in all honesty... it's pretty damn dead-on for its "style" as far as what's in now.

Although, I would argue that most who wear that style of hair wouldn't be caught dead wearing a current NBA jersey of a popular player.

TOWEL DRILL!

by tyger1147 on Jan 8, 2007 8:02 PM CST reply actions

as a Nash fan...

he should follow his idol and cut his hair

by DTJchris on Jan 8, 2007 8:18 PM CST reply actions

I voted to....

let him keep it. He's only young once, and on day he won't have any hair. Plus, it's in style and most "kids" you see are months overdue for a hair cut. I'm gonna call Mark's hair a "mop top".

hey, hey, cubs win.

by cubbyblue137 on Jan 8, 2007 8:25 PM CST reply actions

Trim it

Don't need to cut it all off, but it does need to be cleaned up a little bit.

Throw Jacque Jones down the well, so the Cubs will be free...

by Ross on Jan 8, 2007 8:29 PM CST reply actions

I agree.....

Just need to clean it up in the front.

by FLCubsFan on Jan 8, 2007 8:53 PM CST up reply actions

Let him keep it

I voted no haircut. Someday he'll probably end up in some corporate job where he can't let it grow. As a friend of mine said when her daughter wanted pink streaks in her hair, it's nothing permanent. If he starts wanting crazy tattoos, that's a different story. Long hair is nothing.

by rlpete on Jan 8, 2007 8:30 PM CST reply actions

My Son is Only Two

but if it ever gets to the point of him wanting to wear it shaggy, I'll pay him not to.

by NashvilleBlue on Jan 8, 2007 8:30 PM CST reply actions

Steve Nash fan eh?

Tell your son that Mr. Nash (Canadian!) doesn't have his long hair anymore, and he's playing better with out it!

Los Cachorros!

by Laven on Jan 8, 2007 8:39 PM CST reply actions

It seems

to be the style now so maybe just a little trim but he looks like all the kids where I live. He's a cute kid Al.

COTTS!!!

by sue369 on Jan 8, 2007 8:45 PM CST reply actions

A Certain Sixth Graders Hair

As a mom, I am inclined to reach up and pinch his cute little cheek. However...

I think if the kid likes his hair long he should wear it that way. Just like if he wants to wear the jersey he should wear it. Don't cave into peer group pressure. Or, ask a trusted sixth grade girl what she thinks, and then make your decision based on that.

Federer

It's like deja`vu all over again ....

by tigerperson on Jan 8, 2007 8:46 PM CST reply actions

As I said below...

... he barely gives the girls in his class the time of day... but that may change in a year or so!

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 4:32 AM CST up reply actions

let it grow long

but ditch the nash jersey. I'm sure the young man can find a jersey for a Bulls player he likes just as much.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jan 8, 2007 8:58 PM CST reply actions

Hair stylings

I'd make him shave his head, grow his eyebrows long, and comb them back over his forehead.

by Mordecai Brown on Jan 8, 2007 9:01 PM CST reply actions

Please...

Season, start already.

I very excite about this upcoming season! Jenqui!

by nextyearcub on Jan 8, 2007 9:20 PM CST reply actions

And from what I see

On a daily basis, pretty much anything is "in style."

But lose the Suns jersey and throw a tight shirt and some eyeliner on, and he'll be a prime candidate to head up an emo band.

I very excite about this upcoming season! Jenqui!

by nextyearcub on Jan 8, 2007 9:26 PM CST up reply actions

No kidding

laughing out loud here, for real

Federer

It's like deja`vu all over again ....

by tigerperson on Jan 8, 2007 9:43 PM CST up reply actions

Give him a head with hair!

Long Beautiful Hair...

LET HIM KEEP THE MOP!

When he grows up, he'll be getting it cut enough.

PERRY!!!!

by Goat Whisperer on Jan 8, 2007 9:38 PM CST reply actions

No worse than me in 1969

If he is doing his best at school, responsible for some chores around the house, and respectful of others, I say tolerate the hair and jersey.

I finally cut my hair because, at least in my dad's eyes, I bore too much of a resemblance to Charles Manson.

by tex on Jan 8, 2007 10:04 PM CST reply actions

Yeah, I know.

I used to have hair like that myself. All of you would laugh your heads off at some of my HS yearbook photos.

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 4:31 AM CST up reply actions

if the hair

lets him ball like nash ket him keep it.

by tbizzle83 on Jan 8, 2007 10:38 PM CST reply actions

sorry

not let, helps

by tbizzle83 on Jan 8, 2007 10:38 PM CST up reply actions

Nah

I'd make him trim it up, but other than it's not too bad.

by theantigoat on Jan 8, 2007 11:10 PM CST reply actions

Let him keep it.......

n/t.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Jan 8, 2007 11:27 PM CST reply actions

If that's what

makes him happy dad, that's what makes him happy, let him keep it and come to it on his own terms.

TRAMMELL!

by Faith plus 1 on Jan 8, 2007 11:31 PM CST reply actions

who cares about the haircut

how can you let him cheer for the suns???

That's a far more serious problem.

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Jan 8, 2007 11:37 PM CST reply actions

agreed

the last thing I worry about with kids are their haircut. Now if they live in Chicago and root for the suns, well, they need some counciling and fast.

People still worry about kids hair these days? I've always been more aware of who they hang out with. Hair styles come and go but kids' friends and role-models help choose their path.

by jman on Jan 9, 2007 1:13 AM CST up reply actions

The Suns...

... are definitely his (and my) SECOND-favorite NBA team.

We're both big Bulls fans, let the record be set straight.

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 4:29 AM CST up reply actions

haha

good to hear.

MURTON!!!

by tal1286 on Jan 9, 2007 9:19 AM CST up reply actions

Born and raised in Texas.

Root for the Cubs.

Maybe I need counseling!

by tex on Jan 9, 2007 6:43 AM CST up reply actions

Cut it

Just to prevent the obviously imminent rock-star status... the women won't be able to handle that.

by jcg996 on Jan 8, 2007 11:38 PM CST reply actions

LOL

He barely looks at the girls in his class.

I suspect in a year or so, that will change.

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 4:29 AM CST up reply actions

Parents can be so naive...

Maybe he tells you he barely looks at the girls in his class. Maybe he shrugs uncomfortably or says "nah" or "ugh" when you ask if there are any girls he likes, but odds are he's been paying attention for a couple years already. Maybe he's not done much talking to any specific girl or anything like that, but if he's a normal kid, he's definitely looking every once in a while.

He and his friends will probably be rewatching/pausing on the nude scenes in dvds well before you think, too. If you're at all worried about all of that, I expect the cookies on his PC will give you a good idea of how interested in girls he is. ;)

Parents. Gotta love em.

By the way, as a guy who has let his hair grow long since he was in like the 2nd grade (and with the exception of one substitute teacher he'll hate forever, never had problems with being mistaken as a girl), I say let the kid keep his hair. As in don't badger him to cut it.

Bug him to keep it clean/neat/combed, but if he wants it long, let him keep it long. Like most people said, it's kind of in fashion, and even if it's not, so what? As a Cubs fan, you should know well how little what other people think really matters about what you like and don't like. If people make enough jokes or he feels dorky, he'll get it cut. Otherwise, you're just being mean to try to control such an insignificant thing. Worry about piercings, tattoos, smoking, drinking, drugs etc before thinking hair is important.

Right now, my hair's down close to my shoulders and I keep it back with a bandana. Get a lot of compliments about looking like John Lennon, too (the glasses add to it).

And if you bug him about it, even if your relationship is great, he'll keep it long just to irk you. That was always the case with me and my dad, who by the way, had longish hair in photos from when he was my age. I loved pointing that out to him.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Jan 9, 2007 9:27 AM CST up reply actions

Oh, believe me...

... I know about hair battles, having had long hair (to my shoulders) when I was in high school. But I kept it trimmed and neat. Mark's hair is a mess. He needs a trim, at least. I was never proposing (and haven't) a really short haircut.

The nude scenes in DVD's? What DVD's do you think we have around my house? ;)

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

I seriously think...

many band-members pay lots of money to keep their hair looking just like that--however ugly I think it is.

http://www.411blitz.com/stills/falloutboy.jpg

Lead singer for Fall Out Boy

TOWEL DRILL!

by tyger1147 on Jan 9, 2007 10:08 AM CST up reply actions

Pre-teens can find those scenes.

It's a skill that compensates them for the cracking voice and acne.

Unless all your dvds are PG or G, there're some there somewhere.

Then again, the Internet changed the whole dynamic.

When I was your kid's age, the only young people online did it through Prodigy. Man, Prodigy. That really brings back some memories.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Jan 12, 2007 10:07 AM CST up reply actions

No kidding.

When I was Mark's age, of course we counted with stones and sticks.

;)

by Al Yellon on Jan 12, 2007 10:49 AM CST up reply actions

Obligatory Simpsons reference

"Look at them sideburns...he looks like a girl! Now Johnny Unitas, there's a haircut you could set your watch to!"

I rocked a mop in my younger days, but I've grown to enjoy keeping it short. Maybe he should at least keep it above the ears.

ROTHSCHILD!

by Perkins on Jan 9, 2007 12:19 AM CST reply actions

i like it

agreed, compromise.

TRAMMELL!

by Faith plus 1 on Jan 9, 2007 12:28 AM CST up reply actions

Keep it

It's definitely stylish and en vogue. Having a nine year old myself, believe me, he needs the long hair. Btw, i just let mine grow over the winter (it still grows!!!) and , wow, i like the 70ies. Though in the summer i will cut it again (if for practical purposes only).

Let it grow, let it grow, let it grow! (sung to the tune of a certain xmas song)

Since noone has it yet: HEINI WEISS!

by Frank Chance on Jan 9, 2007 3:54 AM CST reply actions

I say

trim it not cut it. You can do more with his hair if it's not too short. I'd trim the bangs and back, clean up the ears. I has my hair long, similar to Gavin Rossdale. I played drums in a band at the time. Trust me he'll grow out of it. If he decuides to keep it long, how about a headband like Iverson's? Good lookin' kid, Al. At leat it's not a Mr. T. mohawk or blue or red or something like that.

All right, Hendry!! Time to sign Zambrano to an extension!!

by fuzzycubfan on Jan 9, 2007 6:06 AM CST reply actions

Keep the hair

My boy, now 41, had long hair when he was a sixth-grader, and now he's bald.
It's in style now and in a few years, it will all change.

by Butchoh31 on Jan 9, 2007 6:20 AM CST reply actions

Let it flow, let it flow, let it flow

I had a shaggy mop in high school. I didn't have that length in the 6th grade, but let him sport the look.

If the hair is hip, you must not snip!

by grover @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jan 9, 2007 6:49 AM CST reply actions

I've seen a lot worse

on me, even, And now it's not there anymore!

Lighten up, Al. It's not that bad. Let him keep it!

by tommy veryzer on Jan 9, 2007 7:00 AM CST reply actions

the style

is certainly in fashion right now, but in 20 years he'll looking at pictures and laughing

wouldn't want to take that away

keeping mediocrity at bay

by flyball on Jan 9, 2007 9:13 AM CST reply actions

Or...

... even in five or six years, to embarrass him. Right?

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 9:17 AM CST up reply actions

In five or six years...

We could all be sporting bald heads so as to emulate our alien overlords.

by HanOfTheBluegrass on Jan 9, 2007 9:30 AM CST up reply actions

Then I'm ahead of the curve!

The aliens will think I'm their friend!

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 9:32 AM CST up reply actions

Hey, Mark...

...Noel and Liam Gallagher called. They want their haircut back. (They also want you to buy an Oasis album because no one else seems to be doing so these days.)

Seriously, if Mark likes his hair that way, and it's at least somewhat in style (that is, he's not being mercilessly teased because of it), I say leave his locks unshorn.

If a compromise is possible, however, I'd recommend getting it trimmed so it doesn't hurt his roundball game.

(Daver sings) Maybe/I don't really want to know/
How your garden grows/I just want to fly...

I didn't have the ball, bitch!

by daver on Jan 9, 2007 9:33 AM CST reply actions

If...

... the poll says he gets it cut, then I think keeping it trimmed sounds good.

He said he was going to try to get all his friends at school to vote "no" today. So we'll see how the poll results go.

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 9:48 AM CST up reply actions

re: If...

Those slackers better start voting. He's down five percentage points as I type this!

I didn't have the ball, bitch!

by daver on Jan 9, 2007 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

Let's not insult Oasis......

Lot's of people buy their albums, just not too many Americans.

RAMIREZ!! PRIOR!!

by PriorandAramisfan23 on Jan 9, 2007 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

I like it long, Al.

But I think it just needs some trimming, that's all.

Coming Soon: The Martha Stewart Collection's Mark Prior "Signature" Towel ...

by Littlerock Rynofan on Jan 9, 2007 9:45 AM CST reply actions

i think

it looksw dumb, but i also think he should get to decide how to wear his hair for now. i think the best way to have your son live under your rules and control is to let him have control over some things that are important to him, but don't negatively affect how he develops. his hair is a good example of this. let him wear his hair how he wants to, but do his homework and come home at night when you want him to.

DEJESUS!!!

by tomas21 on Jan 9, 2007 10:04 AM CST reply actions

yeah

my parents let me have my hair the way I wanted and now I have a whole year of pictures from junior high of a really horrible spiral perm

thanks mom and dad, really thanks

keeping mediocrity at bay

by flyball on Jan 9, 2007 10:41 AM CST up reply actions

This is.....

the kind of sh%t my parents lived for.

They took and kept pictures of me looking odd throughout the years and have embarrassed me with them when they could.

Let him keep the hair long. It will bring much joy later on....

It is good to be home again!!!!!!

by timeforachange on Jan 9, 2007 10:08 AM CST reply actions

Cut it now

A couple more months and he'll either look a like an upside-down mop or you can use a bowl for future haircuts. If you don't nip this type of issue in the bud, next you'll see torn/dirty jeans, makeup, nose rings, filthy untied shoes; The list goes on and on. I base my opinion on sheer personal experience all the way through adult-hood, both boys and girls; though I have to say girls are 10 times a problem than boys.

One last thing, lose that silly jersey.

da-da-daddio

by blackhawk24 on Jan 9, 2007 10:31 AM CST reply actions

"Makeup"????

n/t

by Al Yellon on Jan 9, 2007 12:57 PM CST up reply actions

What's wrong with...

torn jeans? I like them.

Girls are not 10 times the problem. Or maybe just some of them are. Not me. My parents must be thankful I am the way I am.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jan 9, 2007 3:57 PM CST up reply actions

re: Let's not insult Oasis......

I'll have to take your word on that, PriorandAramisfan23. Of course, a lot of people who aren't Americans buy David Hasslehoff albums, too.

Oh, man, Mark is down seven points. I hear the barber's razor warming up now...

I didn't have the ball, bitch!

by daver on Jan 9, 2007 3:13 PM CST reply actions

I may have said...

to cut it, but I really meant a trim.

I like long hair. I never have had short hair in my entire life, and I never plan to.

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jan 9, 2007 3:59 PM CST reply actions

Keep the hair, it back in style for the kids

I've been doing a 4 on top and 3 on the sides for the last two years but since the lady who cut my hair last did a 3 both ways and screwed it up I'm going back to long hair.

But Al that should not stop you from making fun of it everyday.

I can't believe Al put Rick Wilkins in the top 100 cubs.

by diehardmark on Jan 9, 2007 4:37 PM CST reply actions

Keep it

I think he should keep it. But then again, I always wanted to grow my hair long when I was his age, but couldn't because I just get the Jew-fro.

Plus, I'm kind of traumatized right now, because I went to get my haircut today, and found out that the woman who has been cutting my hair for over seven years is pregnant. Which means I'll have to go at least a few months without a haircut until she comes back from her maternity leave. If she doesn't, I'm hosed.

PAGAN!

by Jesse Guam on Jan 9, 2007 10:05 PM CST reply actions

So wait a minute.

You're saying there is NO ONE ELSE on the entire planet that you'd trust to cut your hair?

Man, she must be good at it.

by Al Yellon on Jan 10, 2007 4:03 AM CST up reply actions

Pretty much

Either that or I'm really resistant to change.

PAGAN!

by Jesse Guam on Jan 10, 2007 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

Apparently so!

n/t

by Al Yellon on Jan 10, 2007 10:24 AM CST up reply actions

It could be worse.

He could be emulating worse hairstyles, e.g. Trump!

Lol, I never thought I'd see the day when people would want the "Nash hairdo."

I just hope he grows up a Cub fan and not a Diamond Back.

by cubby23 on Jan 10, 2007 9:28 AM CST reply actions

forgot to cast vote.

Oh, and I vote for a trim!

by cubby23 on Jan 10, 2007 9:29 AM CST up reply actions

Not to worry.

He's already a Cubs fan.

And having been to Game Six with me, he already understands what "crushing defeat" means.

by Al Yellon on Jan 10, 2007 9:40 AM CST up reply actions

Deadline?

So, Al, what's the deadline on this haircut thing? Here it is the next morning and poor Mark is still down seven points. I guess he didn't exactly turn out the vote at school. Young people these days...they have no respect for the democratic process.

I didn't have the ball, bitch!

by daver on Jan 10, 2007 9:48 AM CST reply actions

I think we agreed...

... he and I, to give it till the end of the day today. When he gets his haircut, I'll post another picture.

by Al Yellon on Jan 10, 2007 10:25 AM CST up reply actions

Haircut...

This is mark if you didn't know, and the deadline is actually 1-11-07 9:00 PM. Also, what kind of father would make his son cut his hair over a silly little poll.

by Little Al on Jan 10, 2007 9:38 PM CST reply actions

For everyone's information...

... yes, Mark did create a user id named "Little Al". That is his post, and he insisted on doing it while I wasn't watching.

However, he is right. I agreed on a deadline of 9 pm tomorrow (1/11).

And since he agreed to the results of the poll, he'll have to get a haircut, it appears. I think he's just upset that he's not winning.

by Al Yellon on Jan 10, 2007 9:40 PM CST up reply actions

That's cute.

Now I feel bad. I want to switch my vote to no or maybe I'll just vote multiple no's...

"I don't talk. I just let what I do talk for myself." -Johan Santana

by sparkles721 on Jan 10, 2007 10:38 PM CST up reply actions

Thank You...

I DON'T want to get my hair cut the problem was that the poll was the only chance I had to not get a haircut

by Little Al on Jan 11, 2007 6:20 AM CST reply actions

re: Thank You...

Mark, dude, your homeys let you down. All you needed was a laptop, a Wi-Fi connection and a full classroom and you could've won this thing.

I say you grow it back and we do this all over again around Opening Day.

Keep the faith, brother.

I didn't have the ball, bitch!

by daver on Jan 11, 2007 2:59 PM CST up reply actions

Haircut...

I have a laptop and i've alreday voted 5 times

by Little Al on Jan 11, 2007 4:51 PM CST up reply actions

PLEASE

get a harcut..Shaggy hair is not cool.Soon youll be wearing polos and popping the collars if your already not..Remember your a man.Longer hair is for women..Plus, with shorter hair youll look more cleaned up and thatll attract the ladies..Do It..

by PrimeTime on Jan 11, 2007 2:02 PM CST reply actions

Attract the ladies?

Geez, give the kid time! He's only 11!

;)

by Al Yellon on Jan 11, 2007 2:23 PM CST up reply actions

haha

IM j/k..Thats the age I started liking girls..Im 21 now and live in Tinley Park and his haircut is huge out here with all the yuppies and everyone single one of them owns a pink polo and pops the collar and wears seashell necklaces..That could him sumday :( I personally don't like the shag at all.But its all up to the voters.Otherwise if he wnats to keep it, just ATLEAST get it trimmed and cleaned up a little..

by PrimeTime on Jan 11, 2007 2:40 PM CST reply actions