Read the latest dispatch from former Gulf Coast resident DERRIK J. LANG, who's returned to New Orleans for Mardi Gras to see if the party he remembers is over or still kicking.

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3:01 p.m., Feb. 26

At the halfway point of the Thoth parade, I notice some revelers are standing in a trash bin across the street. I find this highly unnecessary.

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2:11 p.m., Feb. 26

The parades never start on time. But I suppose that's the nature of a parade.

I watch two back to back: Okeanos and Thoth. Okeanos' theme is "And It's All Here." Each of 14 floats display what New Orleans offers, such as "Casinos" and "Seafood."

With 38 floats, Thoth's parade is more reflective of the krewes' mythological roots with floats titled "Isis" and "Muses." I wish "Thor" would come down and strike the rowdy mother behind me. She's got her children perched on ladders above me. She's offering the police officer on the other side of the barricade some homemade Jell-O shots. And she's shoving me every time a float rolls by.

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10:12 p.m., Feb. 25

While in line to get a drink at a bar, I notice two suspicious-looking young men standing nearby. They're obviously not of age. I anticipate they're going to ask me to purchase them some hand grenades, a famous New Orleans cocktail known for its powers of drunkenness.

I wonder what I will say. I've never had teenagers ask me for booze before. Do I play the villain and decline? Do I earn eternal coolness and accept? Maybe they're uber-young undercover police officers like on "21 Jump Street." And when I say yes, they'll arrest me, make a mockery of me in front of all of New Orleans.

But they don't ask. Their dad is in line in front of me and supplies the teens with their hand grenades.

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4:31 p.m., Feb. 25

During Carnival, many people wear masks. It's a tradition of anonymity that stretches back to the 1700s. Most are covered with colorful jewels or feathers. I stop by New Orleans Party & Costume and pick up my own mask. It's covered in blue mascara.

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See the previous installment.

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asap reporter Derrik J. Lang is covering the sights, sounds and smells of Mardi Gras 2006.

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