[Steve C.]

From the internet...

Description: Pork shoulder is the top portion of the front leg of the hog. The terminology for pork shoulder can vary widely depending on the region. However, the lower ‘arm’ portion of the shoulder is most commonly called the arm picnic. The upper part of the shoulder, often called the Boston blade roast (also known as Boston- style butt), comes from the area near the loin and contains the shoulder blade bone. "Boston Butt", "Picnic Roast", "Pork Shoulder" or "Shoulder Blade Roast" are all names for shoulder cuts that make great pulled pork.

I think the mention about the terminology for pork shoulder being differant depending on the region stands out because BBQ pork is so very regional in preparation styles and piticulary the differant styles sauces used, a subject in itself. If you haven't seen it this site on the subject is very interesting as it contains some nice history of the subject:

http://xroads.virginia.edu/~MA95/dove/bbq.html

From it.....

"When considering barbecue, tradition is particularly important. Barbecue is not easy to prepare-- it requires hours of tending a hot smoky fire, and vigilant monitoring of the roasting meat. Few people would choose to spend their time in a covered shack, inundated with smoke (especially during the blazing summers of the South). But barbecue endures. Despite encroaching health regulations, despite inconvenience, and despite the prevalence of fast food restaurants all over the country, people still eat barbecue, and "pit men" still hone their craft."

"Unlike most food preparation in the South, which is dominated by women, barbecue is a male preserve"

"In my (white) South Carolina family, a Christmas tradition has all of the men staying up all night, tending the fire and basting the pig with a mustard-based sauce. Strictly off-limits to women, the men swap stories and drink Southern Comfort until the barbecue is done. Then, we all feast."





.