although my favorite guy was wearing a military green utilikilt and ruffled tuxedo shirt...and a Darth Vader helmet. (Pictured with one of the uber-pirates.) Awesome.

I'm just going to have to say it -- it's not a Darth Vader helmet, it's a stormtrooper helmet. Albeit one of Darth's personal storm troopers (I think it's the ones who flew the X-Wings with him behind Luke in the attack run on the Death Star. You may remember Darth saying "You two. Come with me" and stalking away with a dramatic cape swirl)

I am slightly embarrassed by my geek and pedantry.

No, now that you point it out, I see the difference (although I don't remember the scene you described at all; it's been too long since I've watched any of the original trilogy). The color just immediately made me think Vader, and it stuck.

I'm with you, I did a double take myself :) It's the original trilogy or nothing for me. My friend J is distraught that his son likes Jar Jar Binks. I keep reassuring him that the kid is only 4 and he will grow out of it.

Having a bit of insomnia and a midnight snack, so I'm around for a bit, Maria, if you're out there reading.

Went back and read about sixty posts, since I was kind of skimming today on the phone.

Teppy, looking hot!

I am slightly embarrassed by my geek and pedantry.

Vortex, looking hot!

Nora, I did pass your greetings on to the parade crowd. They say hi back.

Man, I don't love how some riders just pelt people with beads, including full bags of them. Our neighborfriend S dressed as a cowgirl bear today and people were just hauling off and whipping things at her. It gets a little scary. That's one reason Muses has been my favorite big parade so far (all female riders). Also, they had Patricia Clarkson as their honorary Muse!! I went all stupid geebling fangirl when she rode by in a giant shoe.

Also, dudes give the best throws to 1) kids and 2) hot chicks on guys' shoulders. @@ Not that I'm not drowning in beads at this point, but it's kind of annoying when it happens again and again and again. eta to be clear I do not begrudge the kids. Duh.

Aaand I'm still up. I left my hip belt in a house we're rebuilding and ten hours of standing today has totally messed me up. I took Flexeril, naproxen, and Tylenol with codeine an hour ago and did the trigger point thing, and it still hurts like a bitch. I might have to see if I can go get it tomorrow, and I will be wearing my Fuevogs for the rest of the parades.

Trifecta: I've realized that I have all the elements for a pretty rockin' ringmaster outfit, including a whip. Now just trying to decide if I'm going to wear it tomorrow or Tuesday.

Gurl, don't tease me like that...

The one full Mardi Gras season I did, I was swimming in beads. I gave so many away, kept so many, and threw away what my local family told me was no good. It was sad that the Zulu coconut didn't last. But there was way too much stuff.

Slow hospital connections make me hit post too often.

Eh, better to double-post than not post at all.