4. Bo Jackson

Alabamians love Bo Jackson. Even those who are for the other team in the state acknowledge Bo's great accomplishments. If you ever want to guess who they think is the greatest athlete in the history of the world, Bo Jackson is a good guess. This mainly pertains to those Alabamians born before 1982, but even younger Alabamians have heard his name even if they don't actually know who he is.

The worst thing you can say to an Alabamian is that you think that Hershell Walker was a better running back. Use this only if you wish to provoke them into hitting you. If your goal is peaceful, it is best to not say his name.

The best way to bring up Bo Jackson is to mention the phrase "Bo Knows". This was a popular ad campaign by Nike. All Alabamians swelled with pride when Bo was on Nike commercials. And since he was injured in his prime and not able to have a Brett Favre-ian fall from grace, he is still beloved to this day.

3. Wall-to-wall weather coverage

If there is a storm anywhere in the state, Alabamians want to know about it. If you are visiting Alabama and are interested in watching a show on one of the major networks during a storm, you are out of luck. At the slight hint of a thunderstorm, meteorologists will break in to your programming. With luck, these will be brief interruptions- but more times than not, you are going to be watching men such as this one fill hours with storm reports, tower cams and hook echos. If there is a Tornado Watch, expect to hear tales of previous tornadoes. You will also be fully aware of how many people have lost power by the end of the weather event.

If you encounter some Alabamians watching a wall-to-wall weather event, make sure and appear interested. Comments such as "It looks like it's past Eutaw now" or "That's going to be hitting I-65 pretty hard soon" are acceptable. Whatever you do, do not mock the meteorologists or suggest that they may be scaring people. Alabamians are very righteous about their weather, and have strong personal feelings for their favorite weatherman.

It is also worth noting that 80% of the adult population in Alabama considers themselves to be amateur meteorologists. If possible, avoid bringing up actual meteorological terms in case they do not know them.

2. Gawking at cars on the side of the road

Few things excite an Alabamian more than a vehicle broken down on the side of the road. Whenever this occurs, whether it be a wreck or simply an equipment malfunction, drivers of all lanes of traffic slow to a crawl- not to offer help necessarily, but to see what's going on. Unlike places like California or Texas, Alabama drivers are startled and interested in any roadside activities. This can even hold true if the vehicle on the side of the road is across an eight lane interstate.

If you are in a vehicle with an Alabama driver and there's a car on the side of the road, make sure you comment on it and look at it as long as possible. Perhaps you should even squint and stare at any people you see outside the vehicle. Don't be alarmed- they expect you to.

If you are planning a trip on an interstate through Alabama, allow for extra time- you'll need it. Also be prepared to slow to a stop if you see a tow truck- Alabamians are mesmerized by the yellow lights.

1. Sweet Tea

All Alabamians love sweet tea. It is a required beverage at every tailgate and picnic throughout the state. Upon first sampling sweet tea, you may notice that it contains more sugar than you thought could be put into a beverage and maintain its liquid consistency. This is normal. Expect a slight diabetic shock from drinking sweet tea created in Alabama. If engaging an Alabamian regarding sweet tea (which is never referred to as just tea) make sure that you mention that you just can't get it up north. They will nod and smile, even if they have never been up north.

If you are sent to the grocery store to pick up sweet tea and the only thing left is unsweet you might as well return empty handed. This will definitely occur if you attempt to purchase sweet tea on a holiday.

It's important to understand the concept of adding sugar after the tea is brewed is abhorrent to all Alabamians. It is not considered sweet tea even after adding a packet of sugar.

When in a restaurant, regardless of its ethnicity, it is possible to order sweet tea.

There is only one accepted brand name of sweet tea, Milo's Tea. Imagine taking sweet tea and doubling its sugar- this is what is is like to drink a large Milo's Tea. This tea can be found at Milo's restaurants, and also next to the milk in every grocery store.