Post by Erbes on Jul 2, 2020 16:56:51 GMT -8
The New Canaan Crew Baker's Dozen (Minus One)
Can you guys believe Mark is back finally? I mean what took him so long!? Thought now would be a good time to get the NC Crew back together for a quick chat about life and league. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
1. Mark is back! WHAT THE EFF TOOK YOU SO LONG? You guys are considered part of the foundation of BBS. I think I saw you guys first started in the sim in 2003?? How does it feel, after 17 years, to be back here dealing with Skillz offers and post padding? Anything you miss from the original iteration?
Mark: Heyyyyyy. I ultimately decided not to re-join back in March because I was, and am, terrified of becoming addicted to it. Everyone who is answering questions here knows I can get addicted to things… and lawd knows I have been addicted to BBS in the past. The last two days are proof of what I’ve feared – it consumed me. My work hours can get completely brutal at times, including weekends, and I really didn’t want to have my mind pulled in multiple directions. I still don’t. But I think with COVID causing WFH for likely the rest of 2020, now is the time to see if I can manage everything. Plus, I just got down to Charlotte (where my brother lives) and can get a little bored. Long story short, the timing was right.
It feels great to be back. BBS holds some of my absolute fondest memories. I completely loved it. Special place in my heart for it. Doing it with my pals all those years was the absolute best. I don’t miss anything from the original. It’s about the people, and everyone I care about is here.
Nanz: I was one of the later ones that joined.. I think maybe 07? That sounds about right but anyway! I love it! I remember I stepped down from Sims right before Spence killed it quits to focus on my “career” LOL oh to be young… but after a while we would all think about how awesome BBS was we would think back at all the good times and next thing you know its back baby! Its like we never left! Everything feels like it used to with some new faces! I also love the fact that we don’t do post padding anymore… my lord did I waste a ton of time posting nonsense LOL I think now, as long as I don’t get fired, I can have a nice balance with sims.
Dan: It is amazing to have everyone back, it is obviously very different and with a different group of guys around the league but it is still as fun as ever. Happy to have Mark back in the mix as he can handle the addiction to BBS now that some things are normal for him. This is just like old times, except now we have faster communication and good banter going. I remember when Spencer had a team. I remember some old favorite GMs but otherwise it feels just like old times!!
Habes: I live for this shit. So happy Mark is back.
2. Since Mark didn't join right away let's roast him. Have we all lived with Mark?? What's the most annoying thing he does? Or if you want to be nice you can say what you love about living with him. Mark feel to roast all of us. We probably deserve it.
Mark: These answers are going to be fucking idiotic and I’ll respond to them once I see what they say. In terms of you guys, I’d say Don and Jeff are the two horniest guys I’ve ever met. Don’s more clever about it than Jeff. Jeff has the wind hit him just right and he just goes into his room and locks the door. Hold my calls.
Nanz and I are both gross and our apartment worked because neither of us cared. Good times. Couldn’t love living with my pals more.
Nanz: Oh lawdddddd we lived together for 3 years? The last 2 years were just us and let me tell ya… the guy would ALWAYS lose the apple tv remote… I mean its small but come on!!! We could never keep a remote for more than 2 weeks top. We also had a recycling problem… he would def pound a six pack and stack bottles up. We also had a full closet of cans and beers but that’s more on both of us … lol.
Dan: I have lived with mark for many years. The best thing is we get along very well. Also, he had a gf when we were living in NYC before quarantine and would be over her place constantly. I would have the apartment to myself all the time. It was fantastic. Then he would come over and we would get high and watch netflix. Great pal, great roommate. Thank god I am clean tho, or the apartment would be a mess. We also had a wonderful lady who cleaned the apartment, she did things you didn't think were possible with that place.
Habes: Nope. I’m the only one who hasn’t lived with Mark. I went away to Texas and the rest of my pals moved in together. I lost a lot of ground those years, and I’m never gonna make it up. But BBS being back means these guys love me again. Simply incredible.
3. Alright no more reminiscing. Hue Crew won't give a shit. Give me an outlook of your team for this upcoming season. We winning or we losing?
Mark: I’ll be disappointed if I win more than 20ish games. My team is completely terrible. I’m really pleased with how these moves shook out though, and I think I’m in a good position to contend by my CY. Worst case I miss out on true studs, have to retool in a few seasons, and then can start over without having to deal assets for my picks. But this season won’t be pretty. Maybe Ben Gordon can win ROY.
Nanz: OH MAN We winning baby!!! Lake show keeps retooling and we keep trying to get better! This time around we have as much talent as we’ve ever had with Kidd ManUUUUU DD Rose Jo and BIG EDDIE. I’m excited! I don’t know what we’ll run.. outside or inside or balanced but I think this team will be fun! Hopefully we can make it to our third WCF in a row and get to the finals!
Dan: We winning baby! So more deals are in place, I hope. Trying to change this team around slightly and win some games. Close to the HC which is a bit concerning but otherwise, I want to win. Really pumped to have Ricky Davis on the this squad locked up. Great player, going to be awesome in Portland.
Habes: Sensitive subject. Feel like my range is 34 to 47 wins. Thirty-four if my rookies, especially my bigs (and Darko), aren’t productive. Forty-seven if Wade takes the leap and my wings (Deng, Ariza, Drejer, Stevenson) pop. I loved my draft, though, and think my guys should have nice value after TC, so I think I can make the playoffs if I want to prioritize that. Had an amazing draft though. Just nailed it.
4. We've got two CY teams this year. After losing THREE guys last year do you think we lose anymore this year? Can the league sustain more turnover? I mean at some point we're going to have to bring back break...
Mark: I’m not familiar enough with the rosters to properly comment. I will say though that I think there should be some sort of rule in place that prevents CY teams from dealing off their futures while having shitty rosters… makes it absurdly difficult for new GMs, particularly GMs who are new to the league. It’s a turn off. Not sure it’s even possible to actually implement a rule here, but maybe there is something. It could be as simple as a 5th year to win 42 if a team is in truly bad shape post CY.
Nanz: That was so annoying. I should have gotten Kobe for Kidd and Dirk. I had been trying to get Kobe for so damn long!!!!! Ugh really annoying and guess what! IM GLAD HE:S GONE!!!!!!! This year the Wolves have talent and I don’t think they will have an issue making it for sure… especially with Bosh in their back pocket to trade for more talent if needed…. Bucks well I think they are in tougher place but I like chipper so I hope he makes it!
Dan: I think they both stay tbh. I think both guys are active enough and willing to do whatever they can to stay in the league. They want to win and not get CYD. The other guys just didn't seem to care enough or have enough balls to make that huge deal. In your contract year IMO you have to do whatever it takes till you start winning. You can't get yourself in a deep hole.
Habes: I don’t think turnover’s an issue, given that we have four or five solid candidates on the waitlist and a few others lurking. And I think we could recruit some BBS old timers if we put our minds to it—I think several guy who’d be interested didn’t see that the league is back.
5. We definitely live in a very weird time (to put it mildly) and I'm not sure why anyone is surprised by this, but some of the weirdness showed up the other day and things got uhhhh a little heated with one member threatening to quit. Do we trust ourselves to moderate this kind of conversation or should we avoid it in the future?
Mark: I don’t really know what happened, but I do know that there’s a 0% chance I’m ever going to engage in anything like that on the forums. No thanks. I don’t mean saying anything offensive, because that’s obvious. I mean any of it. Nope. I’ll be avoiding those threads. Written word is forever.
Nanz: Ummmm I wasn’t around when this took place so I have no idea what is going LOL BBS is the place I come to have a good time and relax and get away from all the BS at work so whenever something gets going I’ll just click to another thread or come back later. Not worth it for me! Its not good for my skin and staying looking John Stamos Fresh.
Dan: I think we can trust ourselves to moderate the conversations and it will be okay. Most conversations are fine/people just do things to troll. Over the things there have been plenty of arguments on BBS forums and for better or worse it was all fine. It will ok!
Habes: I’m probably not the one to ask if we trust ourselves to hold back. I don’t think we’re heading for an eruption or anything, though. Most people here seem likeminded enough and willing to ignore Brian.
6. Okay now I'm done with boring league questions. What's this summer's hottest drink? I just had some Devil's Backbone Pineapple Sparkling Ale and absolutely lost my shit. 85 cals, no sugars... it's hotttttt.
Mark: I’ve got some BCAAs in a water bottle right now because I need to get my size back. 90 days in a studio made me so depressed I had to re-join BBS.
Nanz: Hot damnnnnn. I just found this apple cider here in Oregon and I take a nice 6 pack with my when I go golfing… my lord its good and it makes me play better so that’s gonna be my drink! I think it has a ton of calories and sugar tho but ….. I got my first hole in one so you tell me if its worth it!
Dan: Oh really? Going to the store today to pick some up for the 4th weekend. I will check it out. I am all about the seltzers and I don't care who knows it! Going to try the High Noons and maybe try to find the Corona seltzers or bud light ones. Both solid choices!
Habes: I just bought Kirkland Malbec and like 1000 ml of Sake for $9 at Costco. This summer’s hottest drinks are Kirkland Malbec and like 1000 ml of Sake from Costco. Also ginger tea.
7. I'm already missing the prospect of hanging out on some nice rooftop bars or my apartment's pool this summer (humblebrag alert). What are you cool cats going to be doing this summer for fun or to keep busy? I think we're somewhat scattered around the country even though Habes lives 20 minutes from me and still won't hang out with me, but whatever, anyways what was this question?
Mark: Habes is busy whatever day you’re trying to hang, I can confirm that. I’ll be in Charlotte for the foreseeable future, and then I’m coming back to NYC the second I can. I’ll stay here until there’s a vaccine or improved treatment though. There’s no point to be there, but I can’t wait to re-start my life and that will take place in NYC. January 2021?
Nanz: Yea doesn’t surprise me… you just gotta show up to Habes and say heyyyyyy. He lived in BK once and was a short train ride away from us yet we saw him less often than when he lived in Texas so you tell me…. Ummm this summer I’ll be in Oregon hiking biking golfing… I may never go back home….
Dan: Hahaha, habes would never! Trying to keep it low key since I moved out of NYC for the summer and living with the folks in Connecticut. I am not doing anything crazy besides, work and working out pretty much in these parts at home. I have a few buddies around where we might go hit baseballs and play wiffle ball etc. Mark is in Carolina and I may visit him in August tbd. His brother lives down there and has a sweet place. Might do that, well see. Otherwise, just been chilling in my home state!
Habes: Not sure why you decided I wouldn’t hang out with you. Was it because we didn’t meet up when I was in Michigan during a pandemic? If so, that’s on me. Anyway this question is insane. What am I going to be doing? Going on walks with my family and checking sim. TBH I want to do a weeklong vacation somewhere within driving distance.
8. Speaking of being the most ignored member of the NC Crew, I know I've already missed two weddings, a baby shower, countless Zoom happy hours, but is there anything I should plan for coming up?? Did I miss anything else? Why are you guys avoiding me?
Mark: Weren’t you at all of that?
Nanz: …. Line…..? LOL jk we should def zoom… that would be fun. Get a few drinks, get on a zoom call, pal around… it’s a great time. Ummmmmm probably James; wedding is next? Idk… we try not to speak to him either….
Dan: Jeff..Jeff...Jeff... when are you gonna find whatever the hell it is you're looking for... No zooms coming up or meetings...Just boys being boys...Maybe a zoom soon...
Habes: We didn’t have a baby shower. I’ll invite you to my next wedding.
9. I'm getting old. I have aches, I'm balding, I wake up at 7 without an alarm, and I find the Big Bang Theory funny now. But what's the best thing about being old? Or what are you guys looking forward to over the next 10 years? I need some positivity.
Mark: Honestly, I love it. I thought 26 was better than 25, 27 better than 26, 28 better than 27, etc. I think we’re all peaking. Why not? Everyone is still young in the grand scheme of things. We’re old enough to do what we want to do, young enough to still have a ton ahead of us. I honestly think all of these years keep getting better. Doesn’t mean bullshit doesn’t happen constantly (lol…) but overall, I’m way happier than I was 5-10 years ago. I truly think good things have happened and great things will happen. For everyone answering questions. Love these fellas.
I want to win a title in the next 10 years.
Nanz: I’m younger than you so shove it! Nah I don’t think I am.. ummm things take a turn! I’m having a blast into my first year of marriage! Living in Oregon playing golf hiking loving life! Am I in the best shape of my life? Nope not even close. Am I still handsome as hell? My wife thinks so… I look forward to hopefully making more money while working less and traveling around!? Its nice to afford some fancy hotels and treating yoself every now and then!
Dan: I am NOT OLD! I am young! I look young! I feel young! I feel good! Can't wait to move back into NYC, get a new apartment, live with my boys and have good times. I'm single and don't have any kids. Life is good personally, hopefully life gets better and more positive around the world. Big Bang sucks btw. I'm looking to see where my career goes in my 30s. Stay positive Jeff, you're a handsome devil.
Habes: I reject the premise! I remember you from 10 years ago. You’ve improved!
10. What if I started BBSBL2020? LOL
Mark: How absolutely idiotic was that sim engine? LOL at the PDs. Just totally random. Good luck rebuilding! Oh we simmed and your 5 star prospect just got hit by a car, but fear not, your meaningless prospect is now a top 10 guy. So stupid. OOTP had a ton of potential because there is so much tinkering that in theory could be done, but it just didn’t work out that way. Maybe we did it wrong, IDK, but nothing was going to fix the idiotic PD system, and that was forever going to ruin a baseball sim. But we did try.
Nanz: LOL that OOTP bullsh*t was awful and im never doing it again! I did win 2 ships with Arod tho so maybe I would re join? LOL NAH!
Dan: Maybe we can get the old gang back together? James, Pistol..etc..Steve?!?! That would be fun. But yeah, one sim may be enough for me. I do miss fantasy. Can't wait till fantasy football returns.
Habes: You’re going 0 for 4 on this question, my friend.
11. But okay serious question. What if sports never come back? Imagine a scenario in which you were never alive for your favorite team's championships and now will never see them win. ::cough:: Mets... Jets... ::cough:: That would be tough!
Mark: I’ve legit thought many times about never seeing the Mets win the WS. Some dude on a message board used to have a signature that said “when the Giants won the Super Bowl, I celebrated, but if the Mets ever win the World Series, I’m just going to cry”. Yup. I couldn’t want it anymore than I do. 2015, so close. Habes and I are 6 weeks away from talking ourselves into the Mets as contenders after they win 3 of 4 to claw back to 2 under. Don’t let them get hot…
Nanz: LOL sounds like a dig at everyone here but me… GO YANKS! GO RAMS! LOL
Dan: I don't wanna think about that, I CAN'T THINK ABOUT THAT. Jets baby. This is the year, we compete for the division. We can do it. I hope there is a football season but we shall see. Yankees have a good shot of winning the WS. If baseball happens it will be weird. The records and stats. Going to be an interesting season.
Habes: I don’t care! As long as Spence posts “trade in” and Julia needs diaper changes, I’m good!!!
12. Alright I'm running out material. It's late. I drove 7 hours today. Let's just use this question as a Spencer appreciation post. How much do we love sdogg?
Mark: Best guy in the world. I can’t even believe he does for us what he does for us. It’s stunning. Years ago he legitimately provided all of us with massive fun/entertainment/distraction at a time when we all really needed it, and now he’s brought it back. It’s amazing. Spence is on my short list of people who, outside of my true inner circle, I truly root for. I refused to be in any leagues 10 years ago that he wasn’t running, and I think that was the easiest possible call. Forever love the image of Spence in the sim room, surrounded by 45 monitors, making his puppets dance by promising a +3 if every idiot 18 year old posts 4500 times in the next 6 hours. We love ya sdog.
Nanz: I love Spence so much and truly appreciate what he is doing! The amount of joy and pleasure I get out of this…. Man it should be illegal… and it might already be in some states. Love Spence for doing everything that he does for us when he doesn’t have to at all. I WILL CHERRISH THIS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
STAMOS! OUT!
Dan: Spencer does so much work for this Sim League. Now that he is working again and has a family it is a huge undertaking. But I know that he loves running a league, and I know we all appreciate him. So thank you again Spencer! It's been fun to be back. Thank you for asking me to join! I didn't want to at first but its so damn fun. You do a great job and you do so much! We love Spence!!!
Habes: Good guy, good guy.
