Proud of New Jersey .......

Whizzer

Gig'em
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No doubt there are many who think New Jersey sucks, to be blunt. But there is a lot of things about the state to be proud of. So here is a list of oddities, facts and treasures, some not so treasured and some personal observations as well. As always, both postive and dissenting opinions accepted.



New Jersey is a peninsula.

Highlands, New Jersey has the highest elevation along the entire eastern seaboard, from Maine to Florida.

New Jersey is the only state where all of its counties are classified as metropolitan areas. (Please note Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Salem and Cape May Counties have large size but smaller populations. They are considered "metropolitan" as they border New York City, Philadelphia and Wilmington.)

New Jersey has more race horses than Kentucky.

New Jersey has more Cubans in Union City (1 sq. mi.) than Havana, Cuba.

New Jersey has the most dense system of highways and railroads in the US.

New Jersey has the highest cost of living.

New Jersey has the highest cost of auto insurance on a national average.

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation.

New Jersey has the most diners in the world and is sometimes referred to as the Diner Capital of the World.

New Jersey is home to the original mystery pork parts club (no,not spam) Taylor Ham or Pork Roll.

Home to the less mysterious, but the best, Italian hot dogs and Italian sausage w/peppers and onions.

North Jersey has the most shopping malls in one area in the world, with seven major shopping malls in a 25 square mile radius.

New Jersey is home to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

The Passaic River was the site of the first submarine ride by inventor John P. Holland.

New Jersey has 50+ resort cities & towns, some of the nations' most famous: Asbury Park, Wildwood, Atlantic City, Seaside Heights, Long Branch &Cape May.

New Jersey is a leader in non-sunbelt states for retirement communities.

New Jersey has the most stringent testing along our coastline for Water Quality Control than any other seaboard state in the entire country.

New Jersey is a leading technology & industrial state and is the largest chemical producing state in the nation when you include pharmaceuticals.

Jersey tomatoes are known the world over as being the best you can buy.

New Jersey is the world leader in blueberry and cranberry production (and here you thought Massachusetts?)

Here's to New Jersey - the toast of the country! In 1642, the first brewery in America opened in Hoboken.

New Jersey rocks! The famous Les Paul invented the first solid body electric guitar in Mahwah in 1940.

New Jersey is a major seaport state with the largest seaport in the US, located in Elizabeth.

Nearly 80% of what our nation imports comes through Elizabeth Seaport first.

New Jersey is home to one of the nation's busiest airports at Newark Liberty International.

George Washington slept here. Several important Revolutionary War battles were fought on New Jersey soil, led by General George Washington.

The light bulb, phonograph (record player) and motion picture projector, were invented by Thomas Edison in his Menlo Park, NJ laboratory.

We also boast the first town ever lit by incandescent bulbs.

The first seaplane was built in Keyport, NJ.

The first airmail (to Chicago) was started from Keyport, NJ.

The first phonograph records were made in Camden, NJ.

New Jersey is home to the Miss America Pageant held in Atlantic City.

The game Monopoly, played all over the world, named the streets on their playing board after the actual streets in Atlantic City.

And, Atlantic City has the longest boardwalk in the world.

New Jersey has the largest petroleum containment area outside of the Middle East countries.

The first Indian reservation was in New Jersey, in the Watchung Mountains.

New Jersey has the tallest water-tower in the world. (Union, NJ!!!)

New Jersey had the first Medical Center, in Jersey City.

The Pulaski SkyWay, from Jersey City to Newark, was the first skyway highway.

NJ built the first tunnel under a river when the Holland Tunnel was built under the Hudson River.

The first baseball game was played in Hoboken, NJ, which is also the birthplace of Frank Sinatra.

The first intercollegiate football game was played in New Brunswick in 1889. (Rutgers College played Princeton.)

The first drive-in movie theater was opened in Camden, NJ, (but they're all gone now!)

New Jersey is home to both of "NEW YORK'S " ProFootball Teams!

The first radio station and broadcast was in Paterson, NJ.

The first FM radio broadcast was made from Alpine, NJ, by Maj.Thomas Armstrong.

All New Jersey natives: Sal Martorano, Jack Nicholson, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Jason Alexander, Queen Latifa, Susan Sarandon, Connie Francis, Shaq, Judy Blume, Aaron Burr, Joan Robertson, Ken Kross, Dionne Warwick, Sarah Vaughn, Budd Abbott, Lou Costello, Alan Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, Marilynn McCoo, Flip Wilson, Alexander Hamilton, Whitney Houston, Eddie Money,Linda McElroy, Eileen Donnely, Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Walt Whitman, Jerry Lewis, Tom Cruise, Richard Wojewodzki, Joyce Kilmer, Bruce Willis, Caesar Romero, Lauryn Hill, Ice-T, Nick Adams, Nathan Lane, Sandra Dee, Danny DeVito, Richard Conti, Joe Pesci,Joe Piscopo, Robert Blake,John Forsyth, Meryl Streep, Loretta Swit, Norman Lloyd, Paul Simon,Jerry Herman, Gordon McRae,Kevin Spacey, John Travolta, Phyllis Newman, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Eva Marie Saint, Elisabeth Shue, Zebulon Pike, James Fennimore Cooper, Admiral Wm.Halsey,Jr., Dave Thomas(Wendy's), William Carlos Williams, Ray Liotta, Robert Wuhl, Bob Reyers, Paul Robeson, Ernie Kovacs, Joseph Macchia, country singer Eddie Rabbit, and of course.........Frank Albert Sinatra and "Uncle Floyd" Vivino.

You know you're from Jersey when....

You don't think of fruit when people mention "The Oranges".

You know that it's called Great Adventure, not Six Flags.

A good, quick breakfast is a hard roll with butter.

You've known the way to Seaside Heights since you were seven.

You've eaten at a Diner, when you were stoned, drunk or returning from a local stock car track, at 3a.m.

You know that the state isn't one big oil refinery.

At least three people in your family still love Bruce Springsteen and you know the town Jon Bon Jovi is from.

You know what a "jug handle" is.

You know that WaWa is a convenience store.

You know that the state isn't all farmland.

You know that there are no "beaches" in New Jersey, there's the shore and you don't go to the shore, you go "down the Shore". And when you are there, you're not "at the shore", you are "down the Shore".

You know how to properly negotiate a Circle.

You knew that the last sentence had to do with driving.

You know that this is the only "New..."state that doesn't require "New" to identify it (like, try...Mexico,...York, .Hampshire - doesn't work, does it?)

You know that a "White Castle" is the name of BOTH a fast food chain AND a fast food sandwich.

You consider putting mayo on a corned beef sandwich a sacrilege.

You don't think "What exit off the turnpike?" is very funny. Or true.

You know that people from the 609 area code are "a little different". Yes they are!

You know that no respectable New Jerseyan goes to Princeton -that's for out-of-staters.

The Jets-Giants game has started fights at your school or local bar.

You live within 20 minutes of at least three different malls.

You refer to all highways and interstates by their numbers.

Every year you have at least one kid in your class named Tony.

You know the location of every clip shown in the Sopranos opening credits.

You've gotten on the wrong highway trying to get out of the mall.

You know that people from North Jersey go to Seaside Heights, and people from Central Jersey go to Belmar and people from South Jersey go to Wildwood. It can be no other way.

You weren't raised in New Jersey -- you were raised in either North Jersey, Central Jersey or South Jersey.

You don't consider Newark or Camden to actually be part of the state.

You remember the stores Korvette's, Two Guys, Rickel's, Channel, Bamberger's and Orbach's.

You also remember Palisades Amusement Park and/or Bertrand's Island..

You've had a Boardwalk cheese steak and vinegar fries.

You start planning for Memorial Day weekend in February.

And finally...

You've NEVER, NEVER pumped your own gas

Now I could add a few incidentals here but will wait to see what transpires.

:salute:

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Come on Whiz!! You forgot the main attraction of the Garden State! THE JERSEY DEVIL!! Hiding up yonder in those pine barrens!You've heard the stories right? A weird creature that roams around screaming?
 
Here ya go Whizzer...a little info for those unfamiliar:


The Jersey Devil, the supposed mythical creature of the New Jersey Pinelands, has haunted New Jersey and the surrounding areas for the past 260 years. This entity has been seen by over 2,000 witnesses over this period. It has terrorized towns and caused factories and schools to close down, yet many people believe that the Jersey Devil is a legend, a mythical beast, that originated from the folklore of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. Others disagree with this point of view. The following text will show there is evidence to support the existence of an animal or supernatural bring known as the Jersey Devil. The evidence consists of the stories of the Jersey Devil's origin, the sightings of it, and finally, the theories on it.

There are many different versions of the birth of the Jersey Devil. One of the most popular legends says a Mrs. Shrouds of Leeds Point, NJ made a wish that if she ever had another child, she want it to be a devil. Her next child was born misshapen and deformed. She sheltered it in the house, so the curious couldn't see him. On stormy night, the child flapped it's arms, which turned into wings, and escaped out the chimney and was never seen by the family again. A Mrs. Bowen of Leeds point said, "The Jersey Devil was born in the Shrouds house at Leeds Point." 1 Another story that also placed the birth at Leeds Point said that a young girl fell in love with a British soldier during the Revolutionary War. The people of Leeds Point cursed her. When she gave birth, she had a devil. Some people believe the birth of the devil was punishment for the mistreatment of a minister by the Leeds folk.
 
It has terrorized towns and caused factories and schools to close down, yet many people believe that the Jersey Devil is a legend, a mythical beast, that originated from the folklore of the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

I remember that bugger! Agents Scully and Mulder chased it one time. Never caught it though. :unsure:
 
New Jersey has more Cubans in Union City (1 sq. mi.) than Havana, Cuba.

New Jersey has the most dense system of highways and railroads in the US.

New Jersey has the highest cost of living.

New Jersey has the highest cost of auto insurance on a national average.

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the nation.


These are reasons to be proud?! God bless Dixie.
 
Originally posted by Whizzer@Mar 6 2004, 10:48 AM
You've NEVER, NEVER pumped your own gas

Well heck I am from Ohio and I don't pump my own gas... :P
 
Originally posted by EatMorePossum@Mar 6 2004, 05:07 PM
New Jersey has more Cubans in Union City (1 sq. mi.) than Havana, Cuba.


These are reasons to be proud?! God bless Dixie.
So what's your point?

If it had said that Newark had more Irish than Dublin or Trenton had more Germans than Hamburg............. whould that have warranted such a negative comment?
 
You have your opinions, I have mine. Name calling does not work with me, try something else. If you're capable.
 
Well I didn't see name calling...just Guido saying how he felt about your remark...
 
Originally posted by EatMorePossum@Mar 6 2004, 10:07 PM

These are reasons to be proud?! God bless Dixie.
Union City has a large Cuban population and the same might be said for several major areas of the south where the Hispanic population is increasing by 20 and in a recent survey, 35% annually. The same is taking place in the west and in the northwest sections of this nationwith an influx of Asians.
Over 99% of the people who live in the United States came from some other country and upon arriving on these shores, a vast majority did not speak English.

Pumping your own gas. New Jersey and suppossedly Oregon are the only two states where it is actually against the law to pump your own gas. In other state it is optional.

Ah yes, the Jersey Devil. Good story and similar to the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow.

The New Jersey Pinelands cover and contain the largest pure water aquifer east of the Continental Divide. Now if only the politicians will retain the current legislation and prohibit developers from raping the land because of the proximity to Atlantic City, but one can ony hope.
Fortunately, the land remains pristine and as far as I know, the Jersey Devil is still alive and well in the minds of many, continuing to scare people willing to believe in the existence of the Jersey Devil.

The thing is, there is pride in the fact I was born and raised in New Jersey. Like everyplace else, it has faults and also things, people and places to be proud of. Sharing the entire spectrum of the positives and negatives is the fairest way to compare it to any locale. Listing only the positives is an honest assessment, not an end all to saying it is the only place in the world.
Having lived in Texas, spent time in Montana and now living in North Carolina plus having traveled across two-thirds of this nation, personal experience has found no place to be a Shang gri la. Every place has warts and smiles. :cheers:
 
Whizzer, you are so right

People tend to judge NJ by what they see riding along the Jersey Turnpike. A poor image, indeed.

In my 20's, I spent a lot of time in the northern part of the state. The Palasaides <sp> and the hills along the Delaware River. Two beautiful areas that I think of when someone mentions NJ.

And you are correct about the warts and smiles. It is a rare day when Union N.J. makes the national news for anything negative. I see far more problems in other cities and towns around the country, and yes.......... here in the south too. Unless you've been there, you really can't make an intelligent decision about whether or not a particular ethnic group is a positive or negative influence on a city.

We are a land that was founded and built and continues to be built by immigrants. Some folks tend to forget that and since their ancenstors may have been here longer that others. As long as they are here legally, I welcome the newcomers and wish them sucess in finding the American dream.

My dad was an immigrant from Cuba. He legally emigrated to NY at the age of 21, learned English, studied hard to become a naturalized citizen but was rejected by the armed services because he had rehumatic fever.
My dad was an honest 6 day a week hard working family man that always had in his mind that his 3 children would lead better lives. He wore his Amercian flag lapel pin on his suit........ he was so proud to say that he was an American!

I do not speak Spanish. I too have worked hard for 30 years in one job so that I could educate my two children. I served in the military and I have volunteered thousands of hours in the volunteer fire service over a 24 year period HERE IN THE SOUTH. I always felt that it was important to give something back to my community. It is in appreciation for what this country has done for me and my dad.

For anyone to make a comment about ANY ethnic group being a negative impact on a state and with that person probably never setting foot within that city or state........... I stand by my comment that it is a display of ignorance.

Whizzer, thanks for sharing this interesting stats about NJ.
 
I think the forum is a lot more diverse than some people think... Maybe some members should remember that before they make comments that might offend others.
JMO
 
:huh: I know I personally am kind of what you would consider a 'minority'. Not many of us Busch Fans on here.... :huh:

I suffer oppression from Bowtie quite often. :angry:


Ahem. Nothing like a little Busch Fan humor to lighten the mood,eh? :P
 
Originally posted by 97forever@Mar 7 2004, 12:27 PM
:huh: I know I personally am kind of what you would consider a 'minority'. Not many of us Busch Fans on here.... :huh:

I suffer oppression from Bowtie quite often. :angry:


Ahem. Nothing like a little Busch Fan humor to lighten the mood,eh? :P
I adore my "busch" fan!! :wub:
 
Originally posted by 97forever@Mar 7 2004, 12:27 PM
:huh: I know I personally am kind of what you would consider a 'minority'. Not many of us Busch Fans on here.... :huh:

I suffer oppression from Bowtie quite often. :angry:


Ahem. Nothing like a little Busch Fan humor to lighten the mood,eh? :P
Look Dee.....97 has a persecution complex. :lol:


Clark and Dee, thank you for you words..... and your friendship :)
 
Originally posted by 97forever@Mar 7 2004, 12:33 PM
Hey! I have to kinda grow on you! :o :lol:
I don't know about anything "growing on me".

That usually means a fungus, doesn't it? :lol:
 
Originally posted by Guido+Mar 7 2004, 12:44 PM--></span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (Guido @ Mar 7 2004, 12:44 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin--97forever@Mar 7 2004, 12:33 PM
Hey! I have to kinda grow on you! :o&nbsp; :lol:
I don't know about anything "growing on me".

That usually means a fungus, doesn't it? :lol: [/b][/quote]
:lol: :lol: :P
 
Originally posted by EatMorePossum@Mar 6 2004, 09:50 PM
You have your opinions, I have mine. Name calling does not work with me, try something else. If you're capable.
Was that in the least bit necessary? I think you need to consider the person behind the computer screen. Unless you have met them in person, you really DON'T know what their heritage is.
 
Good points all around folks. No one does know for certain what the other guy is or what may be going on in that persons life.

I think this whole post is kinda my fault in the first place for picking on my buddy Whiz( as He and I often do) regarding his 'Joisey' heritage in bar and grill.You know I was jerking your chain Whiz.

I hope we can all get past this little deal and back to some worthy goals:

Such as chasing chicks and making snide anti-Chevy remarks!! :cheers: C'mon! Who's with me? :P
 
Originally posted by 97forever@Mar 7 2004, 11:27 AM
:huh: I know I personally am kind of what you would consider a 'minority'. Not many of us Busch Fans on here.... :huh:

I suffer oppression from Bowtie quite often. :angry:


Ahem. Nothing like a little Busch Fan humor to lighten the mood,eh? :P
You and his mom and dad. :lol:


oppression form bowtie? I think you are confused, that depression from being a Busch fan. :lol:
 
Originally posted by 97forever@Mar 8 2004, 10:24 AM
Good points all around folks. No one does know for certain what the other guy is or what may be going on in that persons life.

I think this whole post is kinda my fault in the first place for picking on my buddy Whiz( as He and I often do) regarding his 'Joisey' heritage in bar and grill.You know I was jerking your chain Whiz.

I hope we can all get past this little deal and back to some worthy goals:

Such as chasing chicks and making snide anti-Chevy remarks!! :cheers: C'mon! Who's with me? :P
97, I wouldn't take any blame for anything here. If you do, Dee might have you doing that on a regular basis. :lol:

Us Yorkers love to rag on Jersey. :D

But it's a friendly fight.

All states have their positives and negatives.
 
Whizzer, nice original post. I wuz born and raised in central Jersey; fled to PA after college to avoid high taxes and car insurance...
 
Originally posted by 97forever@Mar 8 2004, 01:19 PM
Good point Guido...in that case, I retract my blame and put it all on Bowtie. ;) :lol:
I got big shoulders. :lol:
 
Originally posted by redrock@Mar 8 2004, 07:24 PM
Whizzer, nice original post. I wuz born and raised in central Jersey; fled to PA after college to avoid high taxes and car insurance...
Where did you live in central Jersey ???

Our hometown after we got married was a community listed on a bag of M&M's. :cheers:
 
Grew up near Washington Crossing area, Hopewell/Ewing and then moved to Lawrenceville (north of Trenton)...are you talking about Hacketstown?
 
Originally posted by judas1@Mar 19 2004, 10:27 PM
or Haboken? lol
Hoboken, (not Haboken) is on the east side of the state, across the Hudson River from NYC. The areas under discussion are on the west side of New Jersey near the Delaware River and Pennsylvania. By comparison, one place might be considered rural and the other a bedroom community caught between Philadelphia,PA, Wilmington,DE, and NYC. :D
 
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