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New York, 6:11 PM
Thu Nov 12
21 posts in the last 24 hours
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Yes, a big part of his writing is pop culture mad libs, but the man is still funny and relevant.. #billsimmons
11/10/09
Yes, this is semi-professional jealousy, but I think we all can admit Bill Simmons has led a pretty charmed life. #billsimmons
11/10/09
My parents covered my private college education, but it wasn't because my family was rich by any stretch. It's because my father made my education his top priority over a big house, a nice car, or anything else. I imagine Simmons's father was the same way.
Of course, like the idiot I am, I didn't fully appreciate Dad's sacrifices until I went to law school, which I had to pay for. My father's birthday is tomorrow and I finally have a firm job... it's time to make amends. #billsimmons
11/10/09
He was the gifted, only child of a divorce- taking him to a ton of sporting events has "guilt gifts" written all over it.
I have a college degree and (Thank God, seriously) have a steady, albeit soul-crushing job. I make a little under 30k, and am trying to figure out how I can afford grad school, and maybe get married and have a family, and somehow find time to write. Simmons went to grad school then made a living solely as a bartender in one of the most expensive metro areas in the U.S.? Something doesn't add up.
Drew had a great assessment of Simmons, his fandom, and his book a week or two ago in his column.
Again, he has a great life and family, and he gets paid huge money to crack jokes and write about sports and pop culture. This is just me being green-eyed.
I just don't buy the whole "man of the people" thing, like when his wife supposedly walked off from whatever writing she was doing for ESPN.com on The Bachelor/ette because Disney supposedly wouldn't give her season passes to Disneyland.
Bill, please don't insult my intelligence.
Ok, fuck I'm bummed at the moment. Dickjoke, anyone? #billsimmons
11/11/09
10:33 AM
I'll try and respond to a few points:
First of all, yes, it is pretty standard to bartend (or waitress) and make a living. However, the majority of people do it in addition to something else, especially if a) they're young and b) live in the big city. I don't know exactly about Bill (I can't listen to all his Podcasts), but between watching sports, writing and trying to get laid in his 20s, I'd have to guess it wasn't a full-time gig.
@CaptFamous: $30K (6 nights a week, HA!) doesn't go nearly as far in NYC or Boston (even with roommates), as it does here in Cleveland...and I still live paycheck-to-paycheck, pretty well within my means due to their being no other choice.
@docjcl: I never said his perspective wasn't valid, just disingenuous. I don't know rabid fans who have gone to the number of games Simmons has, let alone average ones. I give him some credit for actually paying for Clips season tix and not using a press pass, but he uses it in his work so much like a badge of honor that it's almost obnoxious. He makes it seem like people who don't watch or attend games like he does aren't quite up to snuff, and he's a major web media figure!
@eduardjm: haven't had a chance to yet, but it's on my to-read list. I'm a librarian, work hazard. And it is on my list to purchase, not borrow from work. #billsimmons
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I will now light myself on fire. #billsimmons
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And he took down Albom in doing so. Perfect. #billsimmons
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