A tree. But is it huggable? Photograph: David Sillitoe
Dude, I just read the most awesome study. Everyone outside California knows that Californians are a bunch of godless freaks, given to hugging trees and electing actors as governor. Now a survey carried out for California's agricultural industry has proved there may be some truth in the stereotypes about the Golden State, or as the jealous residents of less privileged states call it, the "land of fruits and nuts".
Apparently 63% of the state's residents have indeed hugged a tree. Just over 70% have used the word "awesome" to describe something they've tasted, and 67% have called someone "dude" on at least one occasion. Seventy percent have visited a winery. Nearly half of Californians have milked a cow. About a quarter have surfed, and 21% have taken a mud bath.
I'm a native Californian, and I have a desk drawer full of cashews and dried fruit to prove it. And yes, I have hugged a tree on more than one occasion. The last was a lovely eucalyptus in my parents' front yard. (Reports have suggested that much of the tree hugging is inspired by California's magnificent and unique redwoods. Huggers should go easy on the redwoods, though, as they have delicate, shallow root systems. Express your love from a respectful distance, please.)
This being essentially a promotion for California agriculture, the researchers neglected to ask how many respondents drove a polluting SUV, had sustained earthquake damage to their home, or were aware that the state's groundwater was contaminated with a toxic component of rocket fuel.
Still, it's, like, really good to know the trees feel loved.
