New York's Alright If You Like Saxophones

[HammyD]

I grew up in NYC but spent the majority of my adult life in the Carolinas. I had an opportunity to return to NYC a few years ago and I was amazed how quickly I fell back into the pace of things. small town life is pleasant and slow paced, but there is a vitality in the big Apple.

I noticed how one could maintain their anonymity in the big city which is impossible in a small town where everyone knows everyone and all their history. And although they can seem a bit guarded at first, New Yorkers are as friendly as anyone I have ever met.

If I were a rich man, I'd return. Live a simple life but avail myself of the sites, sounds, and yes, even the smells of NYC. I would gladly retire to NYC.

[reentune]

My thing is, when the shit hits the fan (and it's only a matter of time till it does), NYC won't be the place to be.

Imagine 8 million people trapped on an island and the surrounding area trying to get clean water, food, and medical attention...and trying to escape.

I know this isn't really what the thread is about, but I'm a paranoid dude...and also quite practical.

Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam...

[reentune]

On the other hand, there sure are a helluva lot of gorgeous women here...

[A-Bone]

Originally Posted by reentune

On the other hand, there sure are a helluva lot of gorgeous women here...

And NYC has the best ratio of straight women to straight men of any metropolitan area in the US.

[Darkburst]

I lived in NYC for 13 years and loved it. That said, I fit in better here in Los Angeles. I'm into making rock posters, rock photography, skateboard graphics, cartoon animation, etc. There's just way more work for me here as a freelance artist. I've also noticed that companies are more willing to give you a shot here. In NYC you really have know somebody to get a foot in the door with cool clients. The only thing I dislike here in LA is the traffic, but I work from home and don't have to face it all the time like most day jobbers.

[hk45acp]

As a life long New Yorker, I'll say this:
The bad things in NYC used to make it cool now the bad things are just that, bad things.

[flume]

LEE F ING VING!

I flipped when I saw this thread title - well done!

[A-Bone]

Originally Posted by flume

LEE F ING VING!

I flipped when I saw this thread title - well done!

Yes. Definitely dig the Fear reference.

[KissTone]

Fear? "There're some cold ones on the bottom..."

[AnchorHoy]

Originally Posted by reentune

when the shit hits the fan (and it's only a matter of time till it does), NYC won't be the place to be.

Imagine 8 million people trapped on an island and the surrounding area trying to get clean water, food, and medical attention...and trying to escape

Yep

No natural resources to speak of, plus virtually everything necessary for survival (besides air to breathe) comes from elsewhere

Their water is stolen from the Catskills, the vast majority of their food supply is stored in warehouses in NJ, their fuel comes in by barge or pipeline, even their garbage needs to be exported daily by the hundreds of tons or else they'd be drowning in it within days

Close down the bridges and tunnels for a week and the place would be Hell On Earth

[aram]

Originally Posted by reentune

But I'd rather see rolling pastures and hear birds singing than see thousand-foot concrete and filthy asphalt and hear blaring horns, foul-mouthed screaming teenagers, and bass-heavy reggaeton booming from every car. (Those of you not in NYC, thank your lucky stars you don't have to listen to that shitty blend of music...reggaeton is the worst!)

Dude, what do you have against reggaeton?

Reggaeton KICKS ASS!!!!

[reentune]

Originally Posted by aram

Dude, what do you have against reggaeton?

Reggaeton KICKS ASS!!!!

I guess I wouldn't hate it so bad if I hadn't had an inconsiderate neighbor who would blast that stuff so loud the dishes in my cabinet would rattle rhythmically.
I could grow to hate Bird and Mingus at that volume!
NYC just ain't the place for peace and quiet, huh?

[aram]

Originally Posted by reentune

I guess I wouldn't hate it so bad if I hadn't had an inconsiderate neighbor who would blast that stuff so loud the dishes in my cabinet would rattle rhythmically.
I could grow to hate Bird and Mingus at that volume!
NYC just ain't the place for peace and quiet, huh?

Dude! That's what New York is ALL ABOUT!

When you're 80 you'll look back and laugh.

My girlfriend and I have a way to deal with those types of neighbors-

LOUD SEX!

[reentune]

Originally Posted by aram

Dude! That's what New York is ALL ABOUT!

When you're 80 you'll look back and laugh.

My girlfriend and I have a way to deal with those types of neighbors-

LOUD SEX!

Ha! I can't have loud sex, because most of my partners were gagged!
(Kidding...I'm married...so still, no loud sex.)

Speaking of 80-year-olds...

I always wonder how all the old folks up here were able to make it. I think about all they've had to put up with over their lifetimes.

I'd probably have jumped off the GWB long ago.

I guess I'm already a curmudgeon

[JimmyR]

I'd like to live in NYC for a couple of years. I've been there a few times and (a) loved every minute and (b) been amazed at how different it is every time I visit. My very first view of NYC still gives me chills just remembering - in our early 20s my wife (then GF) and I backpacked around the US. We caught a night Greyhound into NYC and at about dawn we woke very bleary and sore just as the bus was at the top of a hill in Jersey about to go down into a tunnel to Manhattan. The city was like a cardboard cutout in various shades of dusty grey against a pink sky. It looked like a tonight show backdrop, so surreal and beautiful. That was in 1988. We could tell which was the Empire State building! The twin towers were obviously there and it was breathtaking.