Let The Good Times Roll!

This issue, again, is packed with a plethora of information. In addition to the regular column, "Updates from Congress," we've included bills which have been introduced in our own state legislature. Readers will also notice that Jeannine Thiele is back with her South of the Bridge column after a nasty bout with Valley Fever. Her column provides some insight on this little known fungus existing in Arizona soil. Dizzy Dover is back again delighting readers with his teenage antics. Speaking of fun, Mardi Gras, which in French translates to Fat Tuesday, began yesterday. Millions of people across the world will celebrate what first occurred under French rule in 1704. French ancestors, known as the "Creole population of the Bayous," started when France's then King Louis XIV ordered Iberville and Bienville LeMoyne to sail from France and defend their territories, which now include Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. The brothers found the mouth of the Mississippi River and located the perfect spot and aptly named the area "Point du Mardi Gras." In addition to the famed New Orleans festivities, the Rio de Janeiro Carnival is held each year for two weeks in Brazil prior to the fasting period known as Lent. Fat Tuesday is officially the day before Ash Wednesday. Other celebrations occur in Mazatlan, Mexico, Venice, Italy, and many cities throughout Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Mardi Gras is the culmination of various cultures coming together in celebration, hence the phrase, "Let the Good Times Roll." Here's hoping your good times continue to roll throughout the year. Until next issue . . . take care.