I have always taken great pride in the fact that I am from Boston. This is obvious, based on the notion that when choosing a college to attend, I just couldnt seem to tear myself away from the state;

not to Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, or even Rhode Island. None of the tri-states would do. There was something about Massachusetts of which I simply couldnt let go.

Now I dont know if everyone displays the same type of fervent allegiance to their own cities or towns. An inevitable bias towards home would be understandable. We all think that where we come from is the best. But Ive got to say it. I truly believe that Boston, Massachusetts is pretty high up there on the list. Wicked high, if you will.

True, our public transportation isnt the greatest Washington D.C. definitely has us beaten in that category. Weve got the MFA (free entry for all Brandeis students, no less!) and the Wang Center, but we know that we just cant beat the Met or the lights of Broadway in New York City. Boston doesnt have the sophisticated flair of other American cities. Were never quite up to date on the latest fashions. Walk down the street and youre much more likely to find Boston Bruins across our chests than Lacoste alligators. Our bars are the musty, familiar kind, where everybody knows your name. (Sorry, I just couldnt resist.)

We dont have any fancy bells or whistles around here. We do have baked beans and the Big Dig. But somehow I doubt that a molasses-laden side dish and one of the nations most poorly-planned construction endeavors are what do it for Boston. There is something rough and epic, something undeniably classic, about this city. Something makes it stand out amongst the rest of its urban competitors. And I think I know what that is: sports.

I know, I know, youve heard it a thousand times. Boston has the best sports fans in the world. If youre from out of state, if you even care about sports at all, youll probably roll your eyes. You know that everyone who makes this claim is himself a Boston sports fan. You also know that, now that we have won the World Series and securely established the Patriots dynasty, we Bostonians are on a major ego trip. But thats exactly what I am talking about. We may not have class or couture. But we have character.

This topic is in the forefront of my mind because of a Celtics game I went to last week. Aside from the fact that we won in double overtime, to boot I was overcome by the feeling that I owed my enjoyment of the victory in large part to the fans surrounding me. I know that everyone plays on the stereotype of the Boston sports guys. If you watch Saturday Night Live, despite the shows recent mediocrity, you might remember a hilarious recurring skit featuring Jimmy Fallon as Sully. Sully is this guy. His most prized possession is his Louisville Slugger. His speech is completely devoid of Rs . He always wears his Nomar t-shirt. Even to the prom. These comedy sketches are absolutely hysterical, and not because theyre so totally out-of-this world crazy or random in their humor. Theyre great because of their perfect accuracy. I swear I must have seen fifty Sully-type guys the night of the Celtics game. Decked out in Believe in Boston shirts, talking about the return of Walkah to the team, I had to smile.

Sure, not everyone is Boston is like that. But I dont think the Boston stereotype is a bad one. In fact, it is the people in this city that make it great. Where else are you going to get into a spirited conversation about the Pats with the guy behind the counter at Dunkin Donuts, or a Lets go Red Sox! chant after a Celtic win, months before baseball season begins? Its true. Bostonians are just as vivacious and funny and crass and colorful as their characters on TV. It feels good to come from a city where people seem to have been blessed with an extra helping of heart. So you can contest my argument all you want. But youre not going to sway me one bit. Because Boston, you are definitely my home.