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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.

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