Skip to main content

Give me the Good, the Bad, and Everything Else

New York City is often regarded as a city that is complex in its existence and its operation. It is a city that is often in overdrive, slowing up for no one, nor showing any regression or compassion for those that are swamped by the pace. It's a demanding and peculiar culture.

However, despite the pressure that is laid upon every individual in this city, New York City begs to be sought after to every New Yorker. No matter where you are going, have gone, or will go, New York City possesses qualities and characteristics that can't be duplicated or replicated anywhere else.

I missed this City.

I forgot how unforgiving this town can be.

Only a place like New York City, where a man can be vilified and be the center of attention the way that Alex Rodriguez has been this season. Whether it is his on-the-field performance, or his personal life, A-Rod cannot escape the madness, the intrigue, and the controversy.

I forgot how passionate this town can be.

Where else will fans use the word "we" when in discussion about the local professional teams? Where else can you talk to a stranger and automatically find common ground with the Yankees and Mets? Where else are people as passionate about their sports and local teams as they are in New York City? You are not a fan here, you are a stakeholder.

I forgot how diverse this town can be.

There is no description for the feeling of sitting on the train looking into the eyes of many different people from many different backgrounds and experiences, and wondering what they are thinking, who they are, and where they are from. Being different isn't considered "weird" but is embraced as a form off individuality and intelligence. Conformity extends as far as Baseball. No less. No further.

I forgot how historic this town can be.

For most visitors and tourists, New York is seen as a place for sight seeing. Statue of Liberty. Wall Street. Times Square. Broadway. Brooklyn Bridge. However, it also includes open fire hydrants, stick ball/wall ball, making noise on the train, running for that bus, and playing ball in the park. History is about keeping that piece of New York City with you.

I missed this city.

Many consider the negatives of this great town as a detractor from its overall aura. For every crime rate, garbage smell, tax hike, MTA fare raise, parking ticket, crowded area, controversial story, terrorist alert, high-priced professional sports team and low graduation rate, I'll take the passion, the pace, the diversity and the history.

Give me the good, the bad, and everything else that comes with this town.

God, I missed this City.

Recent Favorites

Wanting the Alternate Route For Bronny James

Welcome to the NBA, Bronny James!  In what was the worst-kept novelty of a storyline in the sports world in LeBron and Bronny one day gracing the NBA together, we're finally here!  First, congrats to Bronny! Entering the NBA is incredibly difficult, especially more than ever considering its global reach. Regardless, he is now part of the fraternity and amongst the elite in the game. Haters will say what they want, but he's there.  And second, congratulations to LeBron and Savannah James. What will be lost in all of this is that they raised a strong young man who yes, took advantage of his access and genetics, and is now at this point in his life - his ultimate goal. Bronny at the core, had no reason to want this - none. He easily could have rested, relaxed, and enjoyed the spoils of this birth lottery. Instead, he wanted what h knew would be the shadow of a massive legacy - and still did the work. That takes guts.  I commend the kid for not resting on Dad's name and wealth.

Thoughts on First 2024 Presidential Debate

It’s the most unwanted rematch likely in history. Biden vs. Trump What we saw tonight was exactly what many moderates expected and solidified what we didn’t want to say out loud - we have to have better options than these two, no? There isn’t much to say about this debate, especially from this debate nerd. This was the absolute shits in regards to inspiring a nation for an upcoming election season, which in many ways, still resonates with political fatigue from 2020. But you know that, already. You knew that ten minutes into the debate. The two best quotes I’ve come across to wrap up my overall feeling are the following: On one side it’s hell no, and on the other, it’s oh no. It’s who we shouldn’t have be President vs. who we can’t let be President A few more quick thoughts on last night 1st Presidential Debate:  - For me, this format was the biggest positive of the night and a very good baseline for where future political debates need to go. In a world of “takes” and who shouts the lo

2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs Keeps Me Casual on Hockey

It's been a long time since I've talked hockey on this.  Wait! Huh? Come again? Yes, hockey. In fact, the last time I posted anything, I was mesmerized by the 2014 Stanley Cup Finals between the Los Angeles Kings and the New York Rangers.  Fast forward to 2024, and my hockey fandom took another step forward. For years I've been the admitted casual. And you know what, I'm okay with that. Unfortunately, my unconditional love fandom for my New York Knicks presents a conflict that will forever curtail anything serious from happening between hockey and myself.  Nonetheless, I felt like this post-season heightened my hockey fandom to another level. Hockey is amazingly awesome. I very much enjoyed the Stanley Cup Playoffs, caught myself choosing Rangers games over early April Yankees baseball, and overall, found myself playing NHL 24 on the ol' Playstation 4.  Yeah, I fell hard. But before I shelf my spring fling with hockey until April 2025, here are just a few quick pon