why I love ...

First, why I love Southern California. Tortilla art. I've been missing SoCal's Latino culture lately.

Next, why I love New Orleans. Stella Shouting Contest at the Tennessee Williams Fest. Where else is it haute couture to rip your shirt and fall to your knees shouting?

And Louisiana in general. It's a little like Alaska in a way - where else can I say, "Anybody have a way to open this cardboard box?" and every male and several females in the crowd immediately whip out a big ole hunting knife? It's folksy and real like Alaska, and maybe that's why I feel at home. But there's also big difference - people are far friendlier here, and while they are definitely quirky they aren't as extreme as a fair percentage of Alaskans. Too many people move to Alaska because they really can't function in a society where they have to interact with people - because they want to start their own church which tells them to have sex wtih their children and deal tons of meth, that sort of thing.

But here in Louisiana, there are down-home traditions such as Egg Knocking Contest. Where else is it a cultural tradition to tap another's egg? Too funny.

Pacques, pacques, mes amis. Never a dull moment down here.