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What BBV has taught me, and what I have figured out on my own

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 23, 2011 1:07 AM EST

(thanks for the forum, apologies for the draftish nature)

What BBV has taught me:

I started coming here in 2008, AFTER the Giants had won the Superbowl. A real bandwagon jumper: I had stayed up to watch XXI by myself at age 9 and fallen in love with the Giants, watched alone again for wide right, finally had a huge obnoxious mocking crowd for XXXV ... I remember Jim Burt, and Carl Banks, and Landeta, and 15-13.

I came here in 2008 because of the uber-dominance of the Internet and the fact that Youtube and every newspaper in the world simply could not feed me enough recaps of what the Giants had just done. I came here because it's the best damn Giants site on the web.

BBV has changed me from a fan who started in week 1 to a fan who watches mock drafts. From a fan who knew the stars to a fan who knows the OL depth chart. Now, when I think about serious fandom, it's now "Do you know who your OC & DC are?" It's do you know where they came from, and what their strengths and weaknesses are?"

BBV has taught me that I, a drunken fanatic, actually do NOT know more than a trained professional who spends 80, not (7?) a handful of hours a week thinking about it. BBV has taught me not to be a knee-jerk, lynch-mob, troll.

BBV has broadened the depth of my knowledge thanks to fanposts (12 or 21 personnel, anyone? God I miss that fuckin column) and the perspectives available.

BBV has brought me from a typical fan to a true die-hard. I start with mock-drafts, I keep my eye OFF the ball, I check the injury reports, I know what's happening and why as best as a fan can. Thanks to BBV.

Now let me go and piss of EVERYONE with a quote from Manny Ramirez.

"Why panic?" Ramirez said. "If we don't do it, we'll come back next year and try again."

Maybe the context means nothing (2004). But As a Sox fan, I have learned that Sports are not the be-all end-all. Frankly, when the Sox won it in 2007, it took me another month to realize that they were just the Pepsi to the Yankees' Coke, the Evil Empire Jr., and after a brief stint of trying to support the Milwaukee Brewers (because I'm an alcoholic) I basically stopped paying attention to baseball.

But it leads me back to a similar thought.

Why get too worked up? Maybe this is your year. Be glad it's a maybe.

There's a part of me that says the more you put in, the more you get out. The more you hurt, the more you exult.

But there's another part that cannot believe that grown men fight over strangers who know not nor care not about them. I mean really -- we're all people. It's just a game, here for our entertainment.

It's hard to put that into practice. I have gotten nasty with in-laws over Giants games. I have just about popped knuckle caps over bad calls. But really, it's kind of silly.

It should be here for your enjoyment. Yes, you should bleed a little when it's bad. Yes, you should exult and share in the victory (thank fucking God we're not Eagles fans). But mostly, you should enjoy it. Those guys we watch have chosen to dedicate their lives to entertaining us, and trying to make us happy. A big Kudos to each and every one of them.

After music (I'm a musician) the Giants are probably my number one hobby. But yaknow what? They're not my kids. They're not my income, or my future. They're just something I like. And I'm enjoying this season. And I'm going to enjoy next season. I think they're set up to be competitive for years to come. Thank God I wasn't born in Detroit or Buffalo or Philadelphia. They're gonna win that shit again. Until then, I ain't gonna stress.

And when they do, I will exult in it with all of you. Thanks for being here.

FanPosts are written by community members. This is simply a way for community members to express opinions too long to be contained in a comment.

Tweet Comment 41 comments | 15 recs |

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Comments

thank you

rec’d

by GiantsReignSupreme on Nov 23, 2011 1:33 AM EST reply actions

Aaaaaaaaad Rec'd

Great Post Man

"The Giants defense has managed to make the Matt Moore look good and Tom Brady look bad in back to back weeks. Go Figure. " - James Brewer
Yeah we're weird like that

by sejo28 on Nov 23, 2011 6:09 AM EST reply actions

All so true

BBV has made me so much more informed than I was before this site. It’s almost bad because when I’m arguing football with people, I’ll bring up a player or idea I picked up from here and the people I’m talking to have no clue what I’m saying. Great post man.

by #56 4life on Nov 23, 2011 9:11 AM EST reply actions

not a fanpost

Details of the operations of an interstate dog fighting ring were revealed, with some portions involving drugs and gambling. Gruesome details involving abuse, torture and execution of under-performing dogs ... He admitted to being involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs, by hanging or drowning...

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 23, 2011 10:03 AM EST reply actions

HA ha ha ha ha ! (not a fan post)

So true though, your orig. post. Great post. Rec’d.

It’s a roller coast of emotions. Being a 2nd year ticket holder I think I get a little more stressed about it. Like, OMG, what should I do with my Week 17 Dallas tix – should I sell them now b/c the Giants might be eliminated — should I keep them b/c it might be the decider — what if it is and I go and they lose — it’s gonna be a freezing cold game, etc.etc.etc. But generally your post is so true and it helps to be reminded.

by BigBlueDeadHead on Nov 23, 2011 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

congrats on the tix

I can’t believe anyone sells them. If the person in your seat gets in trouble, can’t you lose them?

You ever go to gathering of the vibes in bridgeport?

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 23, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions

hmmmm, i don't know about that, losing your seats...

I’ve never been to the GOTV. Thought about it but never did. Been to a bunch of the real deal btwn 1987 and 1992, and assorted related shows more recently but not the GOTV..

by BigBlueDeadHead on Nov 23, 2011 2:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

check it out on wikipedia

past lineups, you might like it

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 23, 2011 10:36 PM EST up reply actions

Yea this is front page material!

Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden
[Jake Ballard] has 4 speeds actually:
Stop→Slow→Truck (he shifts into that when its time to carry 4 defenders for another 4 yards)→LEAP!
-Raptor 22

by Willgfass on Nov 23, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions

not!

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 23, 2011 10:37 PM EST up reply actions

Wait, so does this mean I’m not supposed to throw things when they play awful football?

If not, then I would like to apologize to a pillow, my hat, two of my daughter’s toys, the remote, and some random cat who wandered too close to my property.

At night, when the air is still, if you listen real close, you can still hear someone who sounds a lot like me yelling “STEVE #$^%#%% SMITH ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!?”

Blueshirt Banter: Covering the New York Rangers

Big Blue View: Unofficial New York Giants blog

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Nov 23, 2011 11:05 AM EST reply actions

serenity now!

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 23, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions

LOL

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 30 NO 27

by tommy d. on Nov 23, 2011 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

Sounds about right.

Though my throwing arsenal consists of candles, books (we have a lot of those for some reason), spoons/forks, and shoes.

by #56 4life on Nov 23, 2011 5:43 PM EST up reply actions

I scared my RA and half of my hall on Sunday

I’ve never yelled so loud or as angry as when Eli was sacked from behind.

by Willgfass on Nov 23, 2011 9:06 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, this is my attitude

I won’t dive into the misery or drama around the team.

I’m 45 years old. I’ve dealt with life changing illness. I’ve dealt with widespread discrimination. I’ve held the hands of my grandfather (I was 14), my father and my mother as they died. I have a great family life of my own, economic security and the benefits of a fantastic (over)-education. What counts in life is the time you have with good people you love and who love you back.

Football is entertainment. And I like learning about it and having good times and conversations with other fans, mostly because it’s another way of connecting with people.

That’s it. Nicely done post!

Now everyone will say Eli is in Bradys class. F*ck me

by PatNation85 on Nov 6, 2011 4:31 PM PST

by AJ_in_VA on Nov 23, 2011 11:16 AM EST reply actions

this^^

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 30 NO 27

by tommy d. on Nov 23, 2011 5:35 PM EST up reply actions

great post

Since coming here in 2009, I have learned so much more about this team and helped me grow as a fan. That being said, I have come to a point in my life where I am not too worked up over how the Giants do. Do I go nuts when they win and curse up a storm when they lose… I sure do. But after a few hours, I move on and get back to my boring life.

Team TAWD:
The entire 53 man roster of the 2011 New York Giants

by The Always Well Dressed... on Nov 23, 2011 12:42 PM EST reply actions

WTF is with all this rational thought???

THE GIANTS LOST GDDAMNIT NOW THANKSGIVING IS RUINED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Plaxico Burress on Nov 23, 2011 1:02 PM EST reply actions

funny thing is

I wrote this drunk at around midnight I think… I remember checking the spelling for slurred speech

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 23, 2011 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Great post!

Rec’d it before I was done reading it.

Obviously, you’re a good drunk writer; how are you as a drunk musician? :)

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"It's a great day to be great, baby!"

Skol is a four-letter word.

The Munsters of the Midway still suck!

by NorthStarr on Nov 27, 2011 7:59 AM EST up reply actions

much better

Sometimes I see video of myself, falling down drunk, playing very well. I think it’s because I was always drunk when I was learning to play.

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 27, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

THANKSGIVING IS RUINED!!!!!

LOL

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 30 NO 27

by tommy d. on Nov 23, 2011 5:36 PM EST up reply actions

The post with the most!!

Clearly a work of art simms. Wish I could rec it but I can’t on rhis cell.

Osi is king. All other DEs must bow down.

by LoNJDTechnology on Nov 23, 2011 3:45 PM EST via mobile reply actions

good take on things

For 3 hours a week I’m much closer to a stay at the looneybin than at any other point of the week. And that will always be true.

I’ve traced it back to unreal expectations. The way i see things now is that they are always building toward a championship. When that will come… I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. But I’m much more patient today than I ever used to be. And I thank BBV for this insight. The more I learned about the team, the more realistic my expectations for them became.

Keeps me from thinking about anything other than getting to the other side of the bridge when I come to one.

You down wit JPP?
I got 99 problems but a Vick ain't one!

by Flynner on Nov 23, 2011 4:58 PM EST reply actions

yep.

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones,Jacquian Williams,Paysinger...Maybe not..

by Troy O on Nov 23, 2011 5:26 PM EST reply actions

There's nothing like football

Every time someone pokes fun at the Mets, I say that I was lucky enough to see them win it all in 1986, and that’s alright with me. The Giants lose a few games and I flip out. Super Bowl XLII was so 50 years ago. Although I use BBV to get all my anger out, I’m fine once the computer goes off.

The one thing you seemed to have not learned at BBV is that our hosts don’t like the f-word.

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."

by ct17 on Nov 24, 2011 12:15 AM EST reply actions

same here

letting everything out here helps tons, and thanks to bobbi and BBI, im laughing hysterically through the week even after we lost

"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid

by nyg94 on Nov 24, 2011 5:24 PM EST up reply actions

Well said sir

It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.

Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions

SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16

by trueblue63 on Nov 24, 2011 1:40 PM EST reply actions

Very nice post

Rec’d

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 24, 2011 6:46 PM EST reply actions

simms

great post but when the broncos have a off day i will be P O i think its very healhy to be mad u want to be num 1 period and the red sox are rebuilding buddy i relly hope u hire bobby V he is unique a littie nuts i think all the yanks have to worry about is Texas thanks john henry form a yanknee fan other than u love of the sox u are a great guy simms and i thank u for giveing me support

okay i have cerebral palsy arthris and chronic fatigue as well i have a great life and loveing folks some days are better than other days i got a make-a-wish in 2001 and saw my favorite team the broncos it was the trip of a lifetime i wish everyone couild have gotten to enjoy that with me i know some of u hate the broncos and that okay but i bleed organ and bule for my mnr fans but i bleed orange and blue denver will rise again resident broncos fan for every blog resident broncos for stampede bule thanks shvd98z24 real name jeremy woodard nettleton high class of 02 yes i am a raider Stay humble in victory respect all fear none and finish larry soprano

by j-man on Nov 24, 2011 8:00 PM EST reply actions

no YOU da man

Hope my choosing the chargers means that as usual I am wrong, everybody else has the Holy Tebows

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 25, 2011 1:39 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Rec'd

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"It's a great day to be great, baby!"

Skol is a four-letter word.

The Munsters of the Midway still suck!

by NorthStarr on Nov 27, 2011 8:06 AM EST up reply actions

u couild be right

but Minn and Chi scare me more than SD

by j-man on Nov 26, 2011 9:16 PM EST reply actions

Minn? Really?

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"It's a great day to be great, baby!"

Skol is a four-letter word.

The Munsters of the Midway still suck!

by NorthStarr on Nov 27, 2011 8:07 AM EST up reply actions

I'm hoping the Vikings haven't bottomed out, yet. :)

"Perfection is not attainable,
but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence."

"It's a great day to be great, baby!"

Skol is a four-letter word.

The Munsters of the Midway still suck!

by NorthStarr on Nov 27, 2011 8:09 AM EST up reply actions

Welln said, SM

Neither abstinence nor excess renders man happy.

by blue gonz on Nov 27, 2011 8:41 AM EST reply actions

Great post man!

I’m right there with you to. My family (all giants fans) refer to me about any kind of info, or stats on our players. I love the team, and I love knowing as much about it as I can. Being a casual fan who ask other people “hey what was the score on that Giants game” , will not cut it for me. I HAVE to watch every game. No matter how angry I am at what is going on with the team, or how badly they are playing. I just cant miss one of our boys making a big play.
I also really like this site a lot and visit daily. I may not post that much, but I’m here often reading the post and all the comments (which are the best part!). I think most of the people here are very sharp with knowing our team, and thats why it is fun to read every ones post. This really is a fan/ family site, where its cool for people to ask questions and people will even responed w/ links to stats or info on whatever the topic is, making us all the wiser. I really appreciate that, and am glad I saught out a G-men fan site and ended up finding the best one.

by DmaninBlue on Nov 27, 2011 7:08 PM EST reply actions

Oh yeah ...

Thought it was cool that you mentioned that you where a musician. I used to play the bass in some bands in the VA, DC, & MD areas. What kind of music do you like, and what do you play???

by DmaninBlue on Nov 27, 2011 7:11 PM EST reply actions

I play electric bass

in a blues/rock band. Mostly just parties and for our own fun.

For Blues, I’m a big fan of the classics: Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Jimi Hendrix (if you haven’t heard his :blues album you haven’t heard the ultimate expression of blues) Albert, BB, and Freddy, Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, and a dozen others.

For Rock and Roll, it’s the Hendrix, the Stones, The Grateful Dead, the Black Crowes, Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers … bands with strong blues roots.

I also like Reggae like Marley and Cliff, some Michael Franti and Ben Harper … leads me into lighter stuff like the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, I dig Jackie Greene… oh, wait, I’m never going to stop naming bands. I’ll stop now.

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 27, 2011 9:19 PM EST up reply actions