New Jersey - The Rodney Dangerfield of U.S. States

There is no other state that is ridiculed and made the butt of as many jokes as New Jersey. The next time I tell someone I'm from NJ, please try and refrain from asking "What exit?" Many folks' impressions of NJ are drawn from the only place they've travelled in NJ - the infamous Turnpike. The opening credits on the Sopranos don't help either. For those New Yorkers who love to razz on my state, I have one question - why do I see so many cars with NY plates here at the Jersey Shore this time of year, usually blocking an intersection I'm trying to get through.
Yes, like most stereotypes, there is some truth to them. We do have lots of pizzerias, 24 hour diners, a few oil refineries (somebody has to do it), and, yes, I've known a few guys who would have been right at home in a Soprano's episode.
Anyway, I thought I would do my duty as a proud New Jerseyan and share some of the real New Jersey with the rest of the world, starting with my hometown, Middletown.
In addition to moi, Middletown is also the home of:


Jon Bon Jovi - Check out his digs.



Mighty Max Weinberg- E Street Band drummer & bandleader of the Tonight Show Band
See home here.



Mr. & Mrs. Maury Povich (aka Connie Chung)
Home

NBC News anchor, Brian Williams, grew up here and was a volunteer fire fighter and legendary football coach, Vince Lombardi, is buried here.


Well, that's all for today's "Introduction to Middletown, NJ" class. Tomorrow's lesson: Jersey Girl's Neighborhood.