It's not a criticism, it's an observation.
New York didn't make it....
Mike Cox

It was the next to last day of 1975. Four of us were walking down Canal Street in New Orleans looking for our car. We were in the middle of the greatest road trip I'd ever been on.

As we walked along, conversation was mostly about football. At some point, we noticed three people behind us; two women and a man. They were making fun of the way we talked.

Detecting a northern accent, we assumed they were from Ohio and down for the Sugar Bowl match-up between Alabama and Ohio State. When we asked if that was the case, all three swelled with indignation. "We're from New York City" they proudly stated in unison.

We laughed as we climbed into the car. When they called us hillbillies, Rick questioned the man's sexual preference and politely asked the women if they were members of the oldest profession. Then we drove off laughing with another story to tell about the weekend.

Years later, after visiting New York, I recalled that incident. Everyone in The Big Apple seems to think they are special just because they live there. Isn't that like having one of those bumper stickers bragging about the breed of dog you buy?

No one lives in New York because of Providence, Divine Guidance, or Special Circumstances. They were either born in the place or moved there for any number of reasons. Being a resident of New York City requires no special talent.

Don't get me wrong, it is a vibrant place, but Chicago is cleaner and friendlier. New Orleans has better food, and Houston has better looking women. I understand why some people want to live there; I just don't understand the arrogance.

Maybe the media hype that comes with so many newspapers and TV stations in the area makes people think they are somehow special. What ever happens there is blown out of proportion. Consider any cataclysmic event anywhere else in the country; then consider what happens if the same thing occurs in New York. You know what I mean.

This attitude carries over to the sports teams. I have had the pleasure of watching the Braves beat both the Mets at Shea and the Yankees at Yankee Stadium, and I was most impressed by the Holier Than Thou attitude of the fans.

That is why it brings me great pleasure to sit and watch the World Series and know that New York isn't represented. The two teams with the biggest wallets and egos are watching from home just like me.

The World Series is special to me. It was the first pro event that captured my interest, and I watch each year with pleasure. I enjoy it more if I know the winning team will be someone I can smile about.

The Cardinals of Stan Musial and the Tigers of Al Kaline both represent excellence in baseball. I'm not yet sure who I'll pull for, but I do know I won't be pulling against anyone. Start Spreading the News.

MWC423@bellsouth.net