New Orleans, LA -- Residents in New Orleans are making a stink over the lack of public toilets for this year's Mardi Gras festival. They're blaming it on the "drinks-to-go" stands in the French Quarter, reports the "Times-Picayune." The to-go vendors aren't required to provide toilets, and, as a result, revelers are showering the streets, walls, alleyways and landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral with tinkle.

NEW ORLEANS -- "Lord of the Rings" hobbits Elijah Wood and Dominic Monaghan will both lord over Fat Tuesday (Feb. 24) floats during Mardi Gras. Monaghan will be the Celebrity Monarch on the Krewe of Orpheus float while Wood will reign as King Bacchus 2004.

NEW ORLEANS -- Mardi Gras beads are bigger, longer and bolder this year. It's just keeping up with the demand according to a man quoted in the "Times-Picayune" who works in the bead business: "It used to be the crowds were happy with the smaller beads. But these days they are demanding more. I have even seen some crowds throw back the traditional beads. They've just gotten pickier."

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