I Don't Know. Let's Defer to Emily Post

Overheard: in a NYC hotel elevator

Two 20something guys discussing the makeup of a bridal party.

Guy 1: "So I guess her brother has to be in there, too. That's kind of expected, right?"

Guy 2: "Yeah." (Beat.) "Unless you want to piss people off."

Oh, I Remember! They Also Played Moe-Zart

Overheard: at an Austin nail salon

By: Wendi Aarons

Large Texas woman talking to a Vietnamese nail tech: "Oh, this classical music y'all are playin' is Patchy Bell's Canon. It's from my weddin'."

Editor's Note: My brother lived in a Binghamton, NY neighborhood where all the streets were named for composers. One of them was called Bee- (rhymes with see) thoven Street. The h was not silent, either. (Details!)

You Know What? I'm Just Going to Take Your Word For It

Overheard: in a Baltimore diner

"Next time you go to your Dad's house, look at his gun case. You'll see."

Also overheard from same guy: "It would hurt me more to see you get hurt than it would for me to be hit by a bus." (Ed.'s Note: We're calling questionable.)

Well, With Subtle Differences, But Yes

Overheard: by Ed Shahzade

13 year old boy: "So, bras and batteries go by the same system, like A to D's?"

Ed's Note: An appreciative hat tip to Lisa Bonchek Adams for sending this one my way.

Well, Naturally...

Overheard: at a high school reunion

By: Katie Rosman

Anne: "Your hair color is so pretty!"
Rachel: "Thanks, it's really expensive."

Beatrix' Keen Grasp of the Obvious Was Her Most Endearing Trait

Overheard: in South Dakota during annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Week, which attracts more than 500,000 bikers

By: Julie Kleckley Hummer

A lovely lady with an English accent:"There are so many motorcyles. I wonder if there's an event?"

Physician, Heal Thyself?

Overheard: on the 9:04 N.J. Transit train to New York

By: Bruce Fretts

Breathless overweight man on cell phone: "Hello, yes, I'm on the train...he died two days ago...wait (huff huff), let me get into my seat...it was a blessing..."

Adds Bruce: "Upon further forced eavesdropping, I learned this man is a doctor, it was his father-in-law who died, and he's planning to work from 11-7 today and be reachable via phone while the family sits shiva. Upon turning around, I discovered this was the same obese man who earlier had needed a stranger's help to extricate himself from his too-tight backpack. Oh, doctor!"

Editor's Note: We're wondering if we should just give hand over the blog keys to Bruce, who always seems to find us the best stuff. Or maybe we just need to start riding N.J. Transit more.

Additional Editor's Note: Why do people on cell phones on trains always feel the need to start conversations by stating the fact that they are on trains?

Rule of Thumb: When Hamsters Are Involved, The Story is *Always* Long

Overheard: in Philadelphia.

By: Bill Barol

Lobby security guard: "Kid comes by, he's like, 'Hey, where's my hamster?' I'm like, 'Dude, it's a long story.'"