Categories: Entertainment

Guess what today is? That’s right, it’s Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras! The New Orleans tradition is back for another year, nearly 6 months after Katrina hit. I saw some of the coverage on CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360º. Mr. Cooper was busy flinging beads from his float to the eager crowd on the sidelines. Apart from the usual drunken debauchery, this Mardi Gras has a special symbolism to it. It’s the rebirth of New Orleans (or at least the recovery).

I had no idea that Mardi Gras could be “family friendly.” I thought it was only about drunken college girls doing things they’ll regret later or middle aged women trying to feel sexually attractive after years of being ignored by their husbands. But then again, my knowledge of Mardi Gras is little more than what I see on the Girls Gone Wild commercials. Apparently, that behaviour happens in the French Quarter. Oh, and why didn’t Pat Robertson blame Katrina on the raucous behaviour at Mardi Gras? Just a thought.

I know that the people of New Orleans want to show America and the rest of the world that they have moved on, but couldn’t some of the money go towards the rebuilding of New Orleans? Couldn’t they spare a little expense on the floats and costumes and give some money to the needy, because after Mardi Gras, then what? Should people simply return to the desolate lands that used to be their homes? Hopefully the profits from Mardi Gras will help the relief effort. Oh, and it’s also Shrove Tuesday, you godless heathen!