I was born in Montclair, NJ, about five crow flies miles from NYC. New Jersey gets a bad rap from people entering the state via the NJ Turnpike. The turnpike is not representative of NJ, which is quite beautiful in many areas. Have you heard the lyrics to NJ's official state song:
"When I die, bury me low, where I can hear the petroleum flow. The sweetest sound I ever did know! God bless the bums of New Joisey!" ;-)
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"I am a true laborer. I earn that I eat, get that I wear, owe no man hate, envy no man's happiness, glad of other men's good, content with my harm." As You Like It, Act 3, Scene 2. Shakespeare.
"Deep down, I'm pretty superficial." Ava Gardner.