Many people have heard of Hattiesburg only because of Afroman, who does live here, though he doesn't always claim it. "Because I Got High" is pretty much the only thing he is known for, and that's too bad, because the man is quite talented. (Who else could make the rhyme "I get nervous/ as I swerve this/Cadillac through Purvis"?)

I asked him once where he got the nickname "Afroman," and he said it came from childhood. As in every neighborhood, you inevitably got stuck with a name describing your predominant characteristic. Then he said, "Yeah, Zit Face is still pissed."

At least to me. I suppose that some folks might be surprised to discover that there are postmodern women in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. . . .

Postmodernist 88% Materialist 81% Cultural Creative 75% Idealist 56% Existentialist 50% Modernist 38% Fundamentalist 25% Romanticist 19% What is Your World View? (updated) created with QuizFarm.com

(thanks to Scott for the title)

So, I know a lady who is still breast-feeding her 6 year-old. No kidding. I have no problem with breast-feeding in general, or women breast-feeding in public, so don't label me as some anti-baby, anti-mother, anti-family, anti-American feminazi. I just think this kid may end up having a problem. And what's with the mother? Now, I am not suggesting anything otherwise hinky about this lady, but I do have a theory that among those who are still breast-feeding post-toddler stage, those children are boys. I tried to find out demographic info on this, but Google was no help.

Here are some rules of thumb (hey, a thumb--perhaps that's an alternative) for when it may be time reconsider the meal plan:

• Your child can walk up to you as you're standing and look your breast in the eye.
• He has all of his permanent teeth.
• He asks for "ninny" using a complete sentence. (As the child I know does.)
• He critiques the breasts of your friends. (As the child I know does.)

Feel free to add your tips below. . . .

Just like Bonsai Kittens, Rent My Daughter and Rent My Son are slick sites that are getting some knickers in a twist across the 'Net. I am a raging feminist and cat lover, so what does it say about me that I peed myself laughing found these sites mildly humorous?

And here's another "Gosh, that can't be real. Can it?" site. I especially like the letters page.

See that "comments" link down there? Use it to tell me what a twisted kitten I am. . . .

Eyeglasses Piercing
Corset Piercing
Yeeouch!

So, I was in a Hattiesburg Pizza Hut a while back, and this guy in overalls was talking to (ostensibly) his girlfriend. He was trying to explain to her that though he didn't say he loved her very often, and never in public, his feelings for her were deep. The last thing I heard him say as he walked out the door was, "Well, honey, you know that everything I ever said to you, I'd git writ right on me! . . .Hello? . . . Hello??"

I find this sadly romantic. I hope the call was dropped, and not that this woman didn't appreciate such a guy.

To read other folk's Overheards, check out:
Overheard in New York

Sorry, I had it where you couldn't comment anonymously. Now ya can!

Sadly, my first post on this newborn blog is to pass on the information that Tal DeCell, currently the owner of Tal's Dart Bar and Hattiesburg icon since the 1960's, is ill.

Tal's is not the hotspot it used to be, but there was a time that if you were out seeing good music, both local and national acts, the chances were you were tapping your little toes at Tal's. There have been songs written about the place (Fight at Tal's, Atomic Jefferson), funny (at least as far as arrests go) arrests of local iconic musicians there, and plenty o' slamdancing. Folks from Fishbone to major Country and Western acts have played there or at previous clubs owned by Tal, and ask your parents about The Stone Toad. (Which Tal primly declined to name the Stoned Toad, though everybody called it that.)

Every old-school musician in town owes Tal thanks-- for providing what was sometimes the only live venue in town, often a free place to practice, and sometimes cash money for the down-on-their-luck. If Tal were to ever call in the tabs that people have run up, many of us would be a lot poorer, and Tal could retire to where ever he wanted with a sexy nurse to help him through his illness. As it is, he is in a convalescent center, likely heading to the Collins VA.

I will be posting a mailing address here as soon as I get it for those of you who may want to drop him a card. There are also plans for a "Thank You" benefit in the works. Musicians, if you would like to give back a little, contact me about playing the gig (deadmandancing at gmail).

I will leave you with two of my favorite Tal's quotes:

"Double shotta Jager? I'll drink to that!"

To a young lady: "Bend over, and I'll ride you home, as a courtesy!"
As a courtesy! That always cracks me up.

Please post your stories about Tal and Tal's Dart bar in the comments section.

At:

Tal DeCell
Adventist Health Center
6428 US Hwy 11
Purvis, MS 39455