The Best State... at least I think so

As my blog comes to an end, I want to leave all of you guys with one last thought.  As you may already think, I am incredibly proud to say that I am from New Jeresey.  What many people think is that New Jersey is the armpit of America but let me give you some fun facts.

1. New Jersey hosted the first baseball game
2. New Jersey has the longest boardwalk in the world.
3. The first Professional Basketball game was in New Jersey
4. The Statue of Liberty, technically is in New Jersey
5. New Jersey was the first state to sign the bill of rights.

The list goes on and on, but by now I have hopefully changed your mind about what you think of people from New Jersey.  I want to say don't always listen to everything you hear, but get to know them first.

Triple D: Diners, Diners, and Diners

      Its 11 PM on a Friday night, you have had a few beers and are craving a 4 cheese omelette with salsa and sour cream.  You think to yourself, "where could i possibly get this?"  and that answer is quite obvious... Your local Diner.  Diners are a trademark of New Jersey and while other states have diners, its not like that of the ones in Jersey.  Ever since I was a young boy, when my family couldn't decide where to go eat for dinner, we would always agree on one location, our local diner; The Prestige Diner.  Now, I know what many of you are thinking, its just like any diner in our states or somewhere I've been, but to the people of New Jersey its much more than that.  Diners give us a homey and comfortable feeling regular restaurants cant mimic, maybe its because they usually are owned by families and provide a great atmosphere for the eaters or maybe its how you are able to get basically what ever you are craving at that time.  The great thing that we know as Jerseyans is that no matter where you are in our beautiful state, if your hungry and want to feel welcome, go into any local diner and they will make you feel right at home.  Get a cheeseburger, maybe a panini with chicken and chipotle, whichever your little heart desires.  But no this.  In our local diners, you will truly understand what it means to feel right at home in good ol Jersey.

Strong Side... North Side

What many people don't understand about New Jersey is that there is an on going battle between the North and South Jersey.  New Jersey is cut into two sections, north and south.  I know that it is not actually divided, but within the state itself their is a heated rivalry between north and south Jersey.  Being from the northern end of Jersey I always believe that North Jersey is better but I could see where some southerners are coming from.  Whether it be the Devils or Flyers, Giants/Jets or Eagles and pork roll or Taylor ham (See previous post for pork roll if you have no idea what i am talking about http://dbarletta.blogspot.com/2014/11/pork-roll.html) the two sections are constantly in a heated battle, almost an ongoing civil war.   Not being from New Jersey, you may think that this is a stupid and irrelevant post or subject but being from New Jersey, I am constantly battling for my right to claim North Jersey as the dominant half and you need to know that.  When I first came to Fordham, I was surprised as to having a roommate from south Jersey.  When he first exclaimed where he was from and me to him, we both started with our bashful and persuasive lashing towards one another.  But after living with a southerner for almost 3 years now, I have been blessed to be able to say..... south Jersey..... You alright.