Take 2: Getting to know the WizFans

Spence · Post #41 » by **Spence** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:33 pm

I'm Spence. I was born in Washington, D.C. and went to school in the area. I still live in the area, having graduated from the University of Maryland and George Washington University Law School. I write about the Redskins, Wizards and other things at DC Pro Sports Report. I worked for the Obama campaign last year and I have sex with super-models as often as possible.

fishercob · Post #42 » by **fishercob** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:54 pm

Spence wrote:I'm Spence. I was born in Washington, D.C. and went to school in the area. I still live in the area, having graduated from the University of Maryland and George Washington University Law School. I write about the Redskins, Wizards and other things at DC Pro Sports Report. I worked for the Obama campaign last year and I have sex with super-models as often as possible.

You don't come around these parts close to enough anymore. I'm assuming that's going to change this year when the Wizards are very good and there's less bitching to wade through, right?

BigA · Post #43 » by **BigA** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:01 am

Real Name: Tom

Age: 48

Status: Very happily married, no kids

Locales: Born/raised in central NJ, lived in Michigan and Japan, moved to the DC area in 1990, moved from Glover Park to Arlington in 2000

Deal: Have worked for the same non-profit since I moved here. Like the beach, playing guitar, golf, hoping to find more time for the last two than I've had recently.

Wizards: Loved all sports as a kid, was a Nets fan heartbroken when they traded Dr J to the Sixers, casually followed pro hoops from then until the 04-05 season when I became captivated by Gilbert Arenas. Now I'm a fan for life.

Very much appreciate this board, lots of good writing and informed opinion.

Hey, I just thought of this idea. Several of you already have blogs (e.g. TSW), which I read. Several of you who don't have blogs routinely come up with publishable stuff that I think deserves a wider audience. You should consider getting together and starting a group blog.

NbdyBeatsTheWiz · Post #44 » by **NbdyBeatsTheWiz** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:23 pm

NAME- NbdyBeatsTheWiz- I was going through an old school hip hop phase at the same time as the Wizards were making their run in the 05-06 playoffs, and one time when they won a close one I got up and started singing "nobody beats the wiz!" to the tune of "nobody beats the biz," and that's pretty much become a habit after every Wizards win, even if its only subconsciously in my head. Biz has hosted many a party for the Wiz, so when I was making a name for myself it seemed oh so appropriate.

REAL NAME- Justin

NAME USED ON EVERYTHING BUT MY BIRTH CERTIFICATE- Juice. Picked the nickname up in college during some orientation game where you had to put an adjective with your name using alliteration (originally a guy was the one who kept calling me "Juicy", but I told him I couldn't even start to describe how gay that sounded, so it switched to "Juice" and never stopped from there), but it's somehow become such a part of my life that my boss calls me it, my pastor addresses me from the pulpit with it, and my mom even calls herself "mama Juice" when talking to one of my friends. I don't know if I'll ever rid myself of it, or if I even want to. Grandpa Juice has a nice ring to it.

LOCALES- Born outside of Boston, moved to NYC when I was 2-6, lived in Manassas for 12 years, went to college at William and Mary, and been in Newport News ever since.

AGE- just turned 25 on the 17th, and so far have avoided any quarter-life crisis.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS- got a girlfriend in Richmond, and the distance is killing me. we both have full time jobs, work heavily with our church's youth groups, and really only get to see each other on Fridays. That's either gonna drive me crazy enough to call it off or marry her; right now it's headed towards the latter of the two.

JOB- work as a graphic designer at a small company in Willliamsburg. Basically in charge of all the Tshirt designs and do any art in the shop that needs to be done freehand. I'd eventually just like to become a freelance artist/painter. Right now my side project is Risen Threads, a little clothing line I print out the back of my shop and sell of a website and out my trunk. Not sure where that's headed yet but it's been fun so far.

BULLETS/WIZARDS FANDOM- I watched basketball out of boredom quite a bit in my youth, and eventually I watched enough John Stockton to where he inspired me to pick up a ball myself. I'm not the most athletic, but I modeled my game after his (with a little And1 mixtape mixed in when those became the rage) and played from middle school through high school, and rec leagues ever since. I enjoyed the Bogues/Bol years when Bullets basketball was still a joke, but really got that terrible addiction to Bullets basketball in 96-97. Chris Webber was my favorite player in the world hands down, and when Jordan crowned us "the team of the future" my fandom was solidified. If only I knew how wrong MJ was I may have been able to save myself the next few years of torture, but I was already sucked in. I've never recovered, and despite spending my high school years watching literally almost EVERY loss (who honestly did work in high school?), I still love the team. I have an unashamed "man crush" on Gilbert, and although I agree he has his deficiencies on the court I think he's a solid guy, and outside of maybe Dwight Howard there isn't another player in the NBA I think I'd rather kick it for a day with.

(Might I add I'm incredibly geeked out about next year with Gil & Wood back, and then Flip to run the troops.... the media and friends have such short memories they've already crowned us "losers" again and made us the brunt of jokes, how I can't wait to talk insane amount of trash...)

I've stalked these parts for years now, it started because news always seemed to break here first, and then I got sucked into reading all your dialogue. I applaud all of the regular posters who have been here over the years. I only find the opportunity to provide an in depth post to stimulate discussion once in a blue moon as busy as my life can get, but this is DEFINITELY the only board I've ever read, joined, or spent any time looking into. The quality (at least on the Wiz board) hasn't left anything to be desired.

So basically I appreciate every one of you despite the fact you've had little idea who I am. Carry on....

JAR69 · Post #45 » by **JAR69** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:19 pm

NbdyBeatsTheWiz wrote:NAME- NbdyBeatsTheWiz- I was going through an old school hip hop phase at the same time as the Wizards were making their run in the 05-06 playoffs, and one time when they won a close one I got up and started singing "nobody beats the wiz!" to the tune of "nobody beats the biz," and that's pretty much become a habit after every Wizards win, even if its only subconsciously in my head. Biz has hosted many a party for the Wiz, so when I was making a name for myself it seemed oh so appropriate.

NBTW - your tag is full circle. I don't know much about hip-hop, but I suspect that Biz took his line from NY area commercials for an electronics store called "The Wiz." Their motto was (and is) "Nobody Beats the Wiz," and the jingle always runs through my head when I see you post. I always assumed you were from the NY area and referencing that.

NbdyBeatsTheWiz · Post #46 » by **NbdyBeatsTheWiz** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 3:44 pm

JAR69 wrote:
NbdyBeatsTheWiz wrote:NAME- NbdyBeatsTheWiz- I was going through an old school hip hop phase at the same time as the Wizards were making their run in the 05-06 playoffs, and one time when they won a close one I got up and started singing "nobody beats the wiz!" to the tune of "nobody beats the biz," and that's pretty much become a habit after every Wizards win, even if its only subconsciously in my head. Biz has hosted many a party for the Wiz, so when I was making a name for myself it seemed oh so appropriate.

NBTW - your tag is full circle. I don't know much about hip-hop, but I suspect that Biz took his line from NY area commercials for an electronics store called "The Wiz." Their motto was (and is) "Nobody Beats the Wiz," and the jingle always runs through my head when I see you post. I always assumed you were from the NY area and referencing that.

That's crazy. Like I said I only lived in the NY area from ages 2-6, what would be REALLY crazy is if I made the connection subconsiously 15 or so years later after hearing the commercials as a toddler. Because I looked it up on youtube and its definitely the same melody. You learn something everyday...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUsXliGhhHU&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuTROE1FkIs

too funny.

JAR69 · Post #47 » by **JAR69** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 4:03 pm

Considering how much TV I watched as I kid, I'm surprised when jingles from when I was 6 _aren't_ stuck in my head.

fishercob · Post #48 » by **fishercob** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 12:00 am

To bring it even fuller circle, I'm pretty sure The Wiz record shops were owned by the Jemal family -- as in Douglas Jemal, as is Douglas Development (www.douglasdev.com). Douglas owns most of 7th Street by the Verizon Center. He and the Pollins co-own the restored 6th and I synagogue. Fascinating stuff, I know.

Juice/Biz, I love your stuff. I hope you post more often.

I too remember that euphoria when Jordan anointed the Wiz as the team of the future. I was in college and had a Sporting News with C-Webb dunking on cover up on my dorm wall. I remember watching that game that Pip dunked on someone near the buzzer as the only true DC fan amongst a dining hall full of bandwagon Bulls/MJ fans. Better days are ahead for sure.

This thread is great. Keep it comin', fellas!

bulletproof_32 · Post #49 » by **bulletproof_32** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 3:11 am

Before I introduce myself I just want to piggyback on swami and fisher's Gaylord Faulker moment:

I've met several of you guys (W. Unseld, Donk, dobrojim (and daughter), Zerocious and the good doclinkin) but for the folks that haven't had the pleasure of meeting me I still feel like I know you (or at least your online persona).

I don't post a lot but I visit and read this board daily not only for the Wizards/ basketball related dialogue but for all the "off topic" discussions (e.g. politics, music, movies, workout/ health etc.). This board has so many smart people that I've learned so much from over the years both basketball and non basketball related and I'm grateful for having "met" all of you.

Lastly (well before I introduce myself again) I know everyone has had their "what I would do with my lottery winnings" dream but other than doing nothing like Peter from Office Space, I've always said that I would most definitely get a luxury suite at Verizon for just my "Wizboard" family members to drop by (obviously I'd have Abe and Co. customize the suite with adult size high chairs and bibs for the all the whiners/ babies).

Anyway, I love this board and feel like I'm part of unique community (even though my only meaningful contribution in nearly 4 years as a member has been coining the "N1" moniker (even though some of you still insist on using "NY" to reference "N1")).

Okay, enough of this Bruno nonsense (very disappointing movie btw, save for the ridiculously awkward/ high-larious Psychic reading scene) and on to the 411:

Handle: bulletproof_32 (I believe either daswami or doc were responsible for giving Blatche that moniker when I just started lurking). Lately I've been thinking of changing it to "bulletproof tiger" in honor of Kenny Powers after he dropped that nugget while hurling baseballs at the siding of Dustin's house (yeah, I've watched the first episode of Eastbound and Down more times than a normal being should...and I laugh every time).

Irrelevant Background: 35 years old. Born in the beautiful city of Bayonne in the armpit of the USA - NJ. Honed my bball skills on the rough streets of Manassas, VA. Did a 4 year bid in the 'Burg (JMU) and then moved on to a halfway house in Arlington before settling on my bachelor pad condo in Falls Church.

Work for a Litigation Consulting company in the technology practice/ electronic discovery group. Basically I get belittled by a bunch of holier than thou attorneys all day/ night/ weekend (no offense to the not so holier than thou attorneys on this board). Anyway, the J-O-B pays the mortgage (and my season tickets - this upcoming season will be my 6th year) and I've been there forever (going on 9 years) so I'm used to the abuse.

Somewhat Relevant BBall/ Wiz Background: I've been ridiculed since my teenage years for being a Bullets/ Wiz fan. But I've got a thick skin and know at some point I'll have the last laugh (or at least that's what I keep telling myself).

Also, a week before my 30th birthday I had my first knee surgery (who knew the freshman 30 and years of playing on asphalt were a bad combination that would eventually catch up with me?) and later had 3 more procedures in the next 2 1/2 years. Having gone through that, I find myself rooting for GIl more than ever (my favorite all time Wiz although I was always fond of Bernard, Jeff Malone, Rex and Don Maclean (he had a ridiculous "dead step" move that led to his quick release that I still emulate today)).

So, even though I'm more Chris Mullin than Chris Paul these days, I'm so happy to be back playing full time (6 men's leagues year round and 2x a week of pick up at the gym) and root for Gil to do the same.

For those still reading, this is the end.

Go Wiz.

pancakes3 · Post #50 » by **pancakes3** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 3:25 pm

JAR69 wrote:Considering how much TV I watched as I kid, I'm surprised when jingles from when I was 6 _aren't_ stuck in my head.

i caught myself humming the theme to duck tales the other day.

Post #51 » by **LyricalRico** » Sun Jul 26, 2009 5:31 pm

pancakes3 wrote:
JAR69 wrote:Considering how much TV I watched as I kid, I'm surprised when jingles from when I was 6 _aren't_ stuck in my head.

i caught myself humming the theme to duck tales the other day.

Oh man, that was one of the best. The Darkwing Duck spin-off had a cool theme song, too ("Let's get dangerous..."). I'll even admit to liking the song from the briefly run Gummi Bears cartoon series.

My favorite cartoon theme song of all time? Inspector Gadget. "Go Gadget, go!"

JWizmentality · Post #52 » by **JWizmentality** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 12:33 am

LyricalRico wrote:
pancakes3 wrote:
JAR69 wrote:Considering how much TV I watched as I kid, I'm surprised when jingles from when I was 6 _aren't_ stuck in my head.

i caught myself humming the theme to duck tales the other day.

Oh man, that was one of the best. The Darkwing Duck spin-off had a cool theme song, too ("Let's get dangerous..."). I'll even admit to liking the song from the briefly run Gummi Bears cartoon series.

My favorite cartoon theme song of all time? Inspector Gadget. "Go Gadget, go!"

Captain Plaaaaanet. He's a Hero...gonna take pollution down to zero!

Biker Mice from Mars was kick ass!

Post #53 » by **miller31time** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 1:09 am

^^^ Phew....so relieved. I thought I was the only kid who watched Captain Planet.

:lol:

BTW: I always felt bad for the kid who's power was "heart". What a stupid power. He must have been so jealous all the time.

DaRealHibachi · Post #54 » by **DaRealHibachi** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 11:17 am

Some of my favourite cartoons...

Wheeled Warriors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyttr8wI3lE

M.A.S.K.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0BzBFWt8V8

Pole Position
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NpgsUOKQs8

OT: Talk about threadjacking...

doclinkin · Post #55 » by **doclinkin** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:59 pm

Can't resist the thread hijack. Best theme songs. Inspector Gadget is pretty good, but my fave cartoon theme songs:

Pinky and the Brain
Bugs Bunny Show
Danger Mouse
Spidey
best ever? toss up between
Pink Panther...
and
the Linus and Lucytheme from Peanuts.

Carry on.

fishercob · Post #56 » by **fishercob** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 6:16 pm

doclinkin wrote:Can't resist the thread hijack. Best theme songs. Inspector Gadget is pretty good, but my fave cartoon theme songs:

Pinky and the Brain
Bugs Bunny Show
Danger Mouse
Spidey
best ever? toss up between
Pink Panther...
and
the Linus and Lucytheme from Peanuts.

Carry on.

And no "getting to know you" post?

Boo......

Post #57 » by **nate33** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 6:48 pm

bulletproof_32 wrote:I was always fond of Bernard, Jeff Malone, Rex and Don Maclean (he had a ridiculous "dead step" move that led to his quick release that I still emulate today)).

Don Maclean is one of my favorite all-time Wizards too. He had that "one hit wonder" season where he just couldn't be stopped. I've never seen a guy with so few moves and so little athleticism be able to score so easily. He had an absurdly quick release where it kinda looked like the ball just slipped out of his hands and right into the basket. And the guy just couldn't miss from 15-18 feet.

Post #58 » by **LyricalRico** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:27 pm

miller31time wrote:BTW: I always felt bad for the kid who's power was "heart". What a stupid power. He must have been so jealous all the time.

I was another Captain Planet watcher and I've always felt the same way.

Post #59 » by **LyricalRico** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:28 pm

Wow doc, I'd forgotten about Pinky and the Brain. And the original show they were spun off from - Animaniacs, which also had a great theme (and was an awesome show, maybe even a little ahead of it's time). I still like Inspector Gadget the best, though. Maybe it's because that was my first favorite cartoon as a little kid.

Any discussion of the best theme songs has to include the Flintstones and Jetsons. And remember the Johnny Quest instrumental?

JWizmentality · Post #60 » by **JWizmentality** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:42 pm

LyricalRico wrote:
miller31time wrote:BTW: I always felt bad for the kid who's power was "heart". What a stupid power. He must have been so jealous all the time.

I was another Captain Planet watcher and I've always felt the same way.

What exactly did his power do again??

Oh and who remembers this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2jjCMgGOYw

I swear, I sooo had a crush on that chick. :lol: