re: Rate the different Mardi Gras'

It's kind of hard to specify to out of towners really what a N.O. mardi gras is. Of course 90% probably assume Bourbon street with crowds of drunk college kids and trash. I gave up on that scene long ago with the exception of a few balcony VIP parties during the day on Saturday or Sunday.

Being out on Napoleon or St. Charles with family and friends is what it's about for me. With the cooking, house parties, drinking, occasional bar hopping, it's my favorite time of the year.

And the parades themselves are pretty important as far as what matters and it would be hard for anyone to tell me that anything comes close to N.O. as far as the awesomeness of so many of the floats. The various marching groups, great bands from around the country included, and unique throws are top notch. Hell, we even have three women's parades that are kick arse these days.

I rode in my first NOLA parade last year as part of Thoth and that just elevated the whole mardi gras thing to another level. It's an awesome group and the ride is a blast.