There has been so much talk about the pros and cons of even having Mardi Gras this year. Most of what you heard in favor of it had to do with how important Mardi Gras was to the desperate economy, about how much we needed whatever tourist dollars the city could get. We're sure you've heard enough of the negative side that we are not going to repeat it. And while a lot of good points were made either way, it seems that too many missed the big one. Quite simply, after all we've been through, we really need the party.

We need to be able to stop thinking about everything that has gone wrong, or is still wrong and focus on what we still have that is right. We need to celebrate life in the best way we know how, and it's Carnaval time. Time to have some King Cake. Time to get together with your friends and a cooler and holler, "Through me something mister!" as the floats roll by. Time to figure out what you're going to wear on Fat Tuesday. And for me it is time to crowd in with all the other crazies for the wildness that only goes on in the French Quarter. I'm happy that i'm still here, and as my father used to say, 'alive and kicking'. Happy Mardi Gras, y'all. Laissez le Bon Temps Roulez. La vie continue.

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COME TO THE MASQUERADE Fat Tuesday in the French Quarter is the most exciting blend of color and imagination. There's no telling who or what you'll run into next. For me, it's great to just walk down the street, catching as much of it as i can, taking my pictures and sharing a few words with such happy people.

KREWE RUE BOURBON Yep, Curt is a part of Krewe du Vieux. These folks are so irreverant that he fits right in. Take a look at the shots from last year until we can get "Fridge Over Troubled Water" posted.

 
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WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD? When the French Quarter is the neighborhood in question, you are bound to come up with all kinds of questionable folks. Just kidding - some of these people are bound to be responsible, upstanding citizens.

LET'S GO TO SOME PARADES We don't usually do parades, but this year we made it to several of them. Maybe we should jumble all the shots and let you guess which is which.

THE BEST OF THE BREASTS OF BOURBON STREET Okay, if you were raised to believe that beautiful breasts are something to be ashamed of, this is not for you. Also if you are under 18 and your mommy doesn't know you are sneaking around doing web searches for "titties", get out of here. For the rest of you, enjoy.