In 1969, Jimmy Buffett graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg with a bachelor’s degree in History.

Next Friday Buffett’s alma mater will have “Parrothead Night at the Pete” for the Golden Eagles’ baseball game against the University of New Orleans.

The USM team will wear Caribbean-themed jerseys, which will be sent to Buffett to sign, and they will be auctioned off. Proceeds go to USM’s Dugout Club and to the Mary Loraine Peets Buffett Scholarship, in honor of USM alumnus Jimmy Buffett’s mother.

Read more about the night here.

Radio Margaritaville has brought to attention a Florida congressman’s efforts to honor Jimmy Buffett:

Rep. Rick Kriseman, a 3rd term Democrat from Florida 53rd District has introduced Florida House of Representatives HR 9063, A resolution recognizing April 16, 2011, as “Jimmy Buffett Day” in Florida. First reading was on Mon. 4/4, and is pending a vote.

You can read the full text of HR 9063 here. Below is a portion of the resolution:

Be It Resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Florida:

That April 16, 2011, is recognized as “Jimmy Buffett Day” in Florida in appreciation of his charitable efforts, support of the environment, and positive economic impact in the state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be 54 presented to Jimmy Buffett as a tangible token of the sentiments expressed herein.

The resolution mentions many of Buffett’s charitable endeavors, including the Save the Manatees Club, benefit concerts for hurricane victims and the Gulf Coast, plus his business contributions to the state, including employing 200 people at the Margaritaville Beach Hotel and his mark on Key West.

Rep. Kriseman proved his parrothead chops at a 2010 campaign fundraiser where he sang “The Great Filling State Holdup:

Margaritaville.com has posted another video from Jimmy’s StageIt demo during SXSW. This one is Buffett performing “Chanson Pour Les Petits Enfants.” Before singing, Buffett mentions that he’ll be rehearsing for the tour in Austin again this year.

A couple weeks ago Jimmy Buffett filed papers to trademark the term “Tiger Blood” for use in vodka and energy drinks, but now Charlie Sheen is fighting back on the phrase that he coined:

Charlie Sheen is challenging veteran entertainer Jimmy Buffett’s attempts to create a drink called Tiger Blood – the actor has filed his own trademark application to take ownership of the phrase he coined last month

Bosses at Buffett’s company, Margaritaville Enterprises Llc, decided to try and cash in on Sheen’s rants and antics by proposing formal plans for a Tiger Blood tipple for use in vodka.

But Sheen is trying to prevent others from benefiting from his publicity and his representatives at associated firm Hyro-gliff have now filed their own trademark documents to gain the right to the name, after learning of Buffett’s idea in March.

“Tiger blood” is among 22 of Sheen’s most famous quotes and catchphrases the actor is seeking to protect, including, “Duh, winning” and “rock star from Mars”. The actor wants to use the quotes for potential projects including clothing, food, drinks and video games.

The reigning three-time CMA musician of the year and Coral Reefer Band member Mac McAnally gives a good interview to Nashville.com:

You still perform with Jimmy Buffett, but do you have your own band now?
I can’t imagine not playing with Jimmy as long as he has a use for me. I mainly perform my shows as a solo but I did put together a bit of an all-star band made up of some fellow Coral Reefers and some of my best studio buddies from Nashville and Muscle Shoals to record a live CD last fall. It will be called “Live from Muscle Shoals” and was recorded at the W.C. Handy Festival down in Alabama.

What are your favorite songs that you’ve written for other artists and why do you like these songs?
Well, once again, I’ve really been blessed in that area but I’ll single out a few. “All These Years” by Sawyer Brown; “Back Where I Come From” and “Down the Road” by Kenny Chesney; “It’s My Job” by Jimmy Buffett and the one that started it for me “Old Flame” by Alabama. These are favorites because in addition to being successful they represent the best I can do. Sometimes a writer’s best work is not what ends up representing them in the charts. These were satisfying, both ways.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about the music business?
To enjoy it. It’s music. It should be enjoyed. I think people can hear whether you’re having a good time or not. And that’s contagious. Having a good time is contagious and not having a good time is also contagious. I’ve learned it from one of the best, from Jimmy [Buffett]. The secret to him when he was playing frat parties and keg parties as a young man, he enjoyed the heck out of it. I don’t think he enjoyed it any less or more than now. He’s always enjoyed playing music. I think it’s important to do that. How many people in the world don’t have even an opportunity to something they like?

Read the full interview here.