Hey NaziNuts,

A Piney is the name, once considered derogatory, for a resident of the New Jersey Pine Barrens (also called the Pinelands). Seeing your question reminded me of field trips and research I did in this area as a botany/evolutionary biology grad student. Now, I'm having an urge to go back there.

Here's a little info on the NJ Pine Barrens:

The Pine Barrens covers over 1 million acres of southern and central New Jersey coastal plain. It's the largest open space area (with very few residents) between Boston and Richmond, VA. It's unique ecology has been recognized by the UN, which designated it an International Biosphere Reserve. Large sections are now under the protection of the National Park Service. The sandy, acidic soil is what provides the proper conditions for the areas unique combination of plants (including orchids and carnivorous plants) and animals. There are other area of the country with 'Pine Barrens'. Those have similar soil conditions. I think the NJ Barrens, though, is either the largest or one of the largest such places in the US. It provides ideal conditions for the commercial growing of blueberries and cranberries.

Here are a few links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Barrens_(New_Jersey)

http://www.nps.gov/pine

Many peoples' picture of New Jersey is based mostly on their experiences driving by, and smelling, the refineries along the NJ Turnpike near Elizabeth, Jersey City and Newark. This area also has an extremely high population density.

New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the US but still contains huge areas of wilderness, such as the Pine Barrens. The mountainous northwest is beautiful. Of course, there is the 'Shore': there are many areas along the coast with gorgeous beaches away from resort towns like Atlantic City and Wildwood. These include Island Beach State Park, Sandy Hook and other spots.

Sorry for the short break into seriousness here.

-todd

Hi NaziNuts,

Your question regarding farting on the Garden State Parkway is a good one. This is something that, in fact, might be an easy subject for some naive young grad student's research in a field like human ecology.

The Parkway would provide readily available space for the set up of lab equipment to measure the air quality in cars. This would be the annoyingly frequent toll plazas. As each car slows for the driver to toss coins into the basket, a robotic probe could quickly extend to sample the air inside the car. The results could make for a really interesting research paper, that unlike most, might actually be read by the general public!

The real Jersey Devil, rumored to terrify residents and transients of the Pine Barrens, and especially gamblers passing through the area on their way from Philadelphia and NYC to Atlantic City, is indeed a fallen California Angel! I like that idea!

It's very possible Jimmy Hoffa was himself a Piney who felt it safest not to mention his associations with the Jersey Devil.

Questions are indeed allowed in New Jersey. Just be very careful which ones you ask and of whom. Otherwise, you may find yourself wearing a pair of cement shoes as you're tossed into the Hudson River

Todd,

Thank you very much.

I am now much more interested in, and informed about, your state.

Some feel men after a certain age can't learn anything. Actually, all men can be enlightened, especially if they lose weight.

Thanks again.

- NaziNuts, not actually a Nazi, as I may have mentioned on these boards before.

NaziNuts,

Danya (imported) wrote: Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:23 am I haven't lived in New Jersey for over 3

1 years. I still consider myself basically an East Coast boy, though. Now I live in the cold northland of Minnesota, which is a pretty cool place, too.

The more I read the list "You know you're from New Jersey when..." and reply to responses like yours, I'm finding some nostalgia returning for my old stomping grounds. Philadelphia (my home town) and New Jersey represent my roots.

-todd