Today February 17, is “Fat Tuesday” in large parts of the world, with festivities like the big, extravagant Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans. As we move closer to the last day before the repentant Lenten Season that leads up to Eastertide, it seems the best way to launch the period of contrition is with the most bacchanalian of celebrations. “Fat Tuesday” is a time for, quite literally, getting fat before the ritual fasting of Lent.
      For New York City, there is always room for Mardis Gras, however this year’s outdoor celebrations have been muted a bit as the wicked weather continues calling the shots, with snow forecasted as the ice box outside continues.
      But tradition cannot be ignored and with a full slate of air cargo events looming all during the month of March 2015, we will declare a time-out to be next to the band on Tuesday, while singing along to the words of a great jazz standard and a tune that Louis himself performs here just for you.
      “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?”
      Then on Ash Wednesday we will give thanks, and pray for better weather!

Forwarders In Big Easy March 1

     But New Orleans will enjoy a second time around on March 1, 2015, as the U.S.-based Airforwarders Association (AfA) comes to a downtown “Big Easy” hotel for a couple days of networking, thinking big thoughts, and learning exactly “what it means to miss New Orleans.”
     According to AfA President Brandon Fried:
     “AirCargo 2015, our annual event held March 1-3 in New Orleans, is really the one time of the year that the air forwarding industry gets together—and it’s the one opportunity that forwarders have to network with a large cross-section of their industry colleagues, learn what others are doing and get a good snapshot of where the industry is going.
     “We put a premium on learning and education, and anyone who attends is going to come out of it with a boost in their knowledge and their contacts.
     “Our agenda will focus on upcoming advanced data regulations, e-commerce, technology, upcoming new export and import regulations, legal concerns and, of course, a new update to the TSA security program for forwarders.”
     Jim Crane, the Houston Astros owner who built his fortune creating and building Eagle USA Airfreight, will deliver the keynote address.
     While you’re in New Orleans, make sure to “get fat” on the best the town has to offer (regardless of whether it’s Tuesday, Friday, or whenever). Pay a visit to the oldest candy shop in Louisiana, Laura’s Candies, located in the historic French Quarter. With an assorted of different, decadently delicious pralines and truffles, and some of the best candied fruit slices we’ve ever had (made with real fruit juice, so you can pretend you’re eating healthy!), Laura’s is a stop you simply must make.
     If you have any extra time, a trip to the World War II Museum is always a safe bet for an interesting afternoon (although one could easily spend an entire weekend perusing the enormous collection). The Peche Seafood Grill is just around the corner from the museum, so make sure to stock up on delicious oysters, fried hushpuppies, and a sumptuous whole grilled fish that will knock your socks off.
     Online registration for the conference is available here.
Geoffrey

We know what it means . . . The Mardi Gras Parade of Muses marches through the streets of New Orleans, last Thursday, Feb. 12, 2015. Mardi Gras season is in full swing and will culminate today with the Rex and Zulu day-long celebrations and Fat Tuesday parades on Feb. 17, 2015.