THE HISTORY OF AN ICON.., AND THE LOSS OF IT'S SOUL

One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in
five minutes as in five years. -- Tom Wolfe

IF YOU CAN MAKE IT THERE...

There was a time in it's fabled history, before the $200 million penthouse and the $5 cup of coffee, when the balance in this city was -- something to see… People from all walks of life flocked to this town, some to fulfill a dream in one of they many chosen professions that dominated their industry -- artists, writers, actors, musicians, designers, advertising fashion, finance.., others came to raise families and take advantage of it's affordability (yes, NYC used to be affordable…). The crime, danger, money, poverty, intrigue, sexiness and possibility, all balanced out in the most weird, unexpected but beautiful way -- you were in the thick of it.., and you wouldn't have had it any other way.

These qualities not only gave it that edge, they were it's edge… They way in which they all lived and breathed, on a an island 3 miles wide by 9 miles long, with all their differences, right next door to each other, stacked one upon another, just like it's sky-scrapers -- it invoked your admiration. The hardships were real, as they hid in plain sight, taking a back seat to the creative energy that permeated through the streets. The hopes and dreams, that turned into legends, for having endured at it's worst.., while never underestimating the beauty and magic that existed all around them…

The true New Yorker secretly believes that people living anywhere else have to be, in some sense, kidding. -- John Updike

No other town, so storied… From films to novels, music and dance, poetry and music, the paintings and photographs -- so many great works of art, in any genre you can think of.., all about the same place -- New York City. So much talent and creativity, bought to life in this town, it only seems fair, I guess, to be the subject of so much brilliance. It's infamous energy, regaled worldwide.., seduced you from a far -- frenetic, yet controlled. So many dreams realized under it's bright lights.., giving purpose to all the madness.

THE BIRTH OF A NATION

From it's very inception, New York City has always been special -- the first capital of the states in 1785 and hosted the inauguration of George Washington, the first US President. Even the Great Depression could put a halt to the giant Art-Deco masterpieces that sprung up in spite of it.., and today still dot the awe inspiring skyline… Taking the title as the number one city after WWII.., and never letting go. No matter the era -- it never failed produced…

“New York is an ugly city, a dirty city. Its climate is a scandal, its politics are used to frighten children, its traffic is madness, its competition is murderous.
But there is one thing about it - once you have lived in New York and it has become your home, no place else is good enough.” -- John Steinbeck

Through all of it's highs.., and times in the sun, to it's darkest of hours, when it's people acted as one -- it always provided lost souls a home, a place to just be.., and relatively free. It honored the artist, held them up to the light -- as well as, the people that suffered it's might. The pride one displayed, just for calling it home -- no matter who you were.., rich or poor, white or black, fat or skinny.., you were all New Yorkers. When it was broken, it rose from the ashes… And each and ever year, drops a ball from the sky, telling the world -- COME PARTY HERE!

A place like no other.., for those that called it home -- an extension of who you were, it was a part of you.., and you were a part of it. And though it could be harsh, for those faint of heart -- it looked you in the eye.., and gave everyone a shot. It took you at your word, but held you to it too… It never jerked your chain and forgave you when you faltered -- and as much as you loved it.., it loved you even more.

LIVING OFF THE PAST…

These days it seems creativity, is for those that can afford the rent… Some of the "toniest" neighborhoods resembling one big timeshare -- beautiful expensive apartments, sit completely empty, as it's uber wealthy owners only occupy it a few weeks out the year. All those Mom and Pop stores, that added so much character, class, love and value, that have been priced out of business for years, are all but gone… Replaced by corporate retail, high-end corporate retail, banks and more eye sore high rises to cater to only the wealthiest among us. New York used to accept all, no questions asked -- upon arrival it embraced you, whoever you were... Now a six figure bank account, will confine to one of the boroughs -- a safe distance from the privileged that put a damper on it's light. Where's the soul in that...

New York is appalling, fantastically charmless and
elaborately dire. -- Henry James

Im not sure when greed got trendy.., but from the time Gordon Gekko first uttered the line -- "Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works." in the original Wall Street movie by Oliver Stone.., where, for awhile -- greed did work. Profits soared and were enjoyed by the fat-cats on Wall Street, as well as anyone with a retirement fund. Money flowed through the businesses that served the city, fed it it's breakfast and tucked it in at night… But in it's true nature, when given free reign, that green monster continued to grow.., compared to the last decade or two, the greed of the 1980's and Gordon Gekko were nothing.., it grew into a religion, a way of life -- sucking the soul right out of the city.


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