A couple of notes on recent posts:

2010 SNOWSTORMS: This is now officially, the snowiest winter of all time! Since records began to be kept in the late 1800's, this was approaching a record-setting winter - but it has now exceeded snow-fall for any previous winter.

The local TV stations in DC remain on the air throughout the day, during these storms. I wonder why they do this (preempting soap operas, game- and talk-shows). First, I think they do it to promote public safety: if people are getting a non-stop, "virtual tour" of the region, they have less need to go out and explore on their own. It is a forum for conveying important information, such as safety points (clear roofs; clear exhaust outlets; clear the area around fire hydrants;etc.). Watchers are also kept up to date on possible transportation options (metro trains, buses, commuter trains), in case they do need to go out. It also keeps everyone generally pacified, and informed, during the storm.

I also think the local TV stations can get away with this type of blanket coverage, these days, because there are many more cable options for viewing. In other words, when people get tired of hearing about the regional snow-storm (and seeing live stand-up comments from reporters), they can switch to WGN, Nickelodeon, the CW, or other cable options to get some varied fare. The availability of DVD's and Netflix, also provides more options.

THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS' BIG VICTORY: A follow-up to my New Orleans post: During the New Orleans Saints victory parade, on Tuesday, Feb. 9, over 20 Krewes donated their "lead" or signature float, to help carry players and staff. These crews are normally quite competitive, so for them to combine their signature floats (the float usually used to carry the King, Queen, or Grand Marshal for that parade) in one parade, is quite unprecedented. The lead float was Bacchus (grapes, fruits): that held quarterback Drew Brees, backups Chase Daniel and Mark Brunell, and the Offensive Linemen. The Rex float (a giant smiling Jester) held the wide receivers. Another was Caesar, a red float with large gold Roman centurions at the front. The float carrying Head Coach Sean Payton and his family (and the Lombardi Trophy itself!) appeared to be a large red railroad train, with giant gold wheels.

The Owner Tom Benson and his family were on a colorful float featuring large fleur-de-lix emblems, which changed hues throughout the parade. Beautiful! As each float arrived at the City Hall viewing stand, they were greeted by outgoing Mayor Ray Nagin (who was Mayor during Hurricane Katrina), Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter, and a host of Congressman, borough presidents, Mayors from around the state, etc. Governor Bobby Jindal was of course there: he emphasized building New Orleans "better than before" (a code-name for charter schools; high-tech jobs; and eliminating most public housing projects). We will see if he clashes with newly-elected Mayor Mitch Landrieu (Sen. Mary's little brother) who comes from a more traditional "big-money" Democrat perspective.

Should be an interesting time in the Big Easy - especially now that they have more confidence back!