carnivalorleans

It’s my 30+ anniversary of my first NOLA Mardi Gras, I’ve been here since 1975. Turns out I love Mardi Gras more now than I ever did, and that’s because it’s more fun than ever! There are way more private events, night spots, affordable krewes, and scheduled events than ever before. There are an amazing assortment of neighborhood Mardi Gras celebrations that leave the parades alone and are very genuine in their own right.

While hanging out on Napoleon Avenue this morning before NOMTOC, I witnessed a number of small incidents that depicted the competitive nature of parade watchers.

Due to a bunch of rain outs on Saturday, an incredible six parades, including super krewe Bacchus at 5:15 pm, will march down majestic St. Charles Avenue on Sunday.

The threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms on Saturday evening has forced NOMTOC, Tucks and Iris to switch days to Sunday and Monday. Endymion and Chewbacchus are still planning to roll today. Depending on how the weather fares this afternoon, Endymion could switch to Sunday night, following Bacchus.

Once again, I cannot believe the world that our esteemed Governor, Bobby Jindal, lives in. This commission was charged by Bobby himself to find ways to reduce Louisiana’s world leading incarceration rate. It took months of work to build a consensus. His administration tossed away several very inexpensive solutions offered by the committee.

Go figure. Criminal Court Judge Arthur Hunter has drafted some big names in Crescent City media, politics and legal circles. Hunter has thrown out a brilliant PR strategy but an outrageous legal move for improving indigent defender service. I’m fairly sure that any trials that utilize this plan may have serious grounds for appeal.

I like this plan because it’s down right zany in many respects, and conforms with other New Orleans institutions such as Mardi Gras.

I’ve written several entries on the 150 Rule concerning Diversion, Probation & Parole ( a state agency), and Indigent Defender.

Chewbacchus costs $42 for an adult, and $21for a child. My own Krewe du Vieux is under $200. I don’t know what ‘tit Rəx costs, but I know it’s very cheap.

What all this means is you can have one hell of a time from the inside of Mardi Gras krewe for not too many shekels. That’s real democracy in action!