'titRəx Parade

2012 Poster + Parade Route

2012-01-19T20:48:00.000-06:00

Rəsolution to le Petit Printemps, Enfin?

2012-01-12T00:14:00.005-06:00

If you haven't heard, we've changed our name to Krewe of 'tit Rəx!

Mommy's all right, Rex is all right, they just seem a little weird......

We're also having a little schwaree, or route crawl, this Friday the 13th, nothing fancy, just reconnecting with old and new friends and supporting some of our favorite Bywater/Marigny hangs, including the Lost Love Lounge and the Allways Lounge. Top the evening off at the Allways with the stupefyingly talented Clint Maedgen and Helen Gillet.

Here's to the no-huddle phase of Carnival!!

Update! across the street from Allways is also a Plan B benefit at the Hi Ho Lounge.

See you tonight! You can follow our progress on twitter, or just find us the old fashioned-way -- we'll start at ByWater BarBQ, then to Lost love Lounge, Cutter's, Mimi's, and the Allways lounge.

On the News Tonight

2011-09-13T15:42:00.001-05:00

Bill Lavender will speak to WDSU news tonight at 4 and 6, now that the cat's out of the bag.

Drink a shot every time he says 'gosh'

The latest news in micro carnival world

2011-09-13T11:02:00.003-05:00

Bonjour 'tit printemps!

developments are occuring at breakneck speed. Just wanted to give a little linkupdate:

The original breaking story here

Pics, Videos, Articles, and a Song: 'tit Rex 2011

2011-03-01T11:49:00.011-06:00

We've received some more local press coverage this year. Here are some links to the highlights, below:

-- Offbeat Magazine's article by Cooper O'Bryan
-- Offbeat's pics of the parade by Kim Welsh
-- A short video by Times-Picayune's Doug MacCash of Christopher Skinner's float, "Religion: Too Little, Too Late," catching fire during the parade
-- More comprehensive coverage by MacCash on Nola.com, including some links and an interview w/President Yuslum
-- A slideshow by WDSU;

and

we also have an official song: "The Day After (That 'tit Rex Parade)." Lyrics by Brett Evans; music and vocals by Matthew Schrenk and Emile Louapre. Listen here.

Times-Picayune on 'tit Rex This Saturday

2011-02-24T13:12:00.003-06:00

Thanks to Doug MacCash for taking the time to talk to our President Jeremy Yuslum about the parade. Check out the interview and the video on Nola.com.

"The Angry Mermaid" Float

2011-02-23T20:57:00.010-06:00

"The Angry Mermaid" float
by Tatyana Mescheryakova

The little mermaid grows up, gets angry about the destruction of her underwater domain that's being caused by the climate change, and leads her ocean army to war with the humans. In particular, she's had enough of the inadequate response and sketchy reports of the cleanup of her southern kingdom poisoned last year by BP.

The float was named for the "the Angry Mermaid" award, a satirical honor bestowed by the Copenhagen-based activists upon some of the world's worst environmental offenders. In turn, the award was a nod to the iconic mermaid from the Danish fairytale by Hans Christian Andersen.

2011 poster + route map

2011-02-11T07:25:00.002-06:00

Tiny Throws: 'tit Rex 2011

2011-02-08T13:31:00.025-06:00

Makin' tiny thro ws, some general-purpose, some float-specific and sea-themed for my float, titled "The Angry Mermaid" (pics coming soon): beaded bracelets, tiny coconuts, gris-gris bags, mer-babies, garters, etc.

The gators and Tabasco throws are President Jeremy Yuslum's.

Tiny Inspiration: The Moomin House

2011-02-08T13:15:00.002-06:00

Pics of the miniature house built by the Russian artist named Dasha on her LJ page, inspired by the Finnish series of children's books about moomin trolls (thanks to Tala Voropaeva for the hookup).

tiny incentives

2011-01-19T08:05:00.006-06:00

the tiny float making days are upon us. lori nix has an impressive portfolio of tiny dioramas.

Field Day Pics

2010-05-17T09:07:00.012-05:00

apple neck trade-off

doubloon spitoon

mini pie eating contest

New Dopey Singers halftime show

mardi gras bead carry

a few more pics may be found here.

'Tit Rex presents Field Day 2010 Is Now 'tit Rex presents Bar Day 2010!

2010-05-16T09:26:00.004-05:00

It's Official!
Due to inclement weather, Field Day is relocating to the Lost Love Lounge in a breathtaking display of oganizational agility.
Never Fear! We still have some of the original events modified for indoors, as well as some new events, with one-of-a-kind award wristbands; the Art Ref; delicious gourmet sack lunches from Giannio's; rare 'tit Rex t-shirts; as well as New Dopey Singers at 3pm. What more could you ask for a rainy sunday? Come to the Lost Love and forget your blood lust for BP executives for an afternoon!

New Time: 1pm - 5pm

New events:
mini pie eating contest
orange you glad to see me?
marshmallow marathon
doubloon spitoon
'tit Rex Ultimate Mini-Challenge

Hope to see you there!

Your 'tit Rex 2010 President,

jeremy yuslum

Rain Day Alert

2010-05-16T02:53:00.001-05:00

To all fans of Field Day:

There seems a high probability that we will be unable to host an outdoor event tomorrow due to inclement weather, so this morning we will make a game day decision regarding the locale. If that is the case, we will reconvene at the Lost Love Lounge at a slightly late time - 1pm. We will modify what events we have to accommodate the new setting, so there will still be excellent awards (and glory) to win, in addition to Giannio's mouth-watering gourmet sack lunches - mini muffalettas, gourmet potato salad, and slaw orient, in addition to some trademarked Giannio sweets! And, the mini pie-eating contest will still be on, of course.

In the fortunate event we do have good weather, the games are as follows:

.2K Race
Objective – Be the first to cross the finish line

1. Arguably the most straightforward of the events: The first one across the finish line wins. .2K= 200 meters for the metrically challenged.

Doubloon Discus

1. Participants stand at the line, consecutively throw their doubloon, ancient Greek discus style, as far as they can.

4-Legged Race

1. Participants stand side-by-side - put leg closest to each other, tying the inner legs of a pair of players. The legs must be tied into 2 or 3 different locations to make the bond stronger.
2. Together, they race to the finish line. Participants are not disqualified if they fall.
3. The first team to the finish line wins.

Quail Egg Toss
Objective – Be the last team with an intact egg

1. Participants pair off into teams, stand across from one another at the following distances, starting at 5:

5’
10’
15’
20’
30’
40’
50’
75’ etc

2. At each interval the egg is tossed ONCE between the participants. Egg breakage results in disqualification. A missed catch with intact egg may retry the interval twice before disqualification (for a total of 3 attempts).

Mini-Pie Eating Contest
1. Nothing can be spit out in order to make room for more pie in the mouth — doing so should result in a disqualification.
2. Any style of eating is allowed as long as the pie is consumed, though, any competitor who, prior to the declaration of a winner suffers urges contrary to swallowing is immediately disqualified. Meaning, if you regurgitate or spit up you will be disqualified.
3. The winner will be the person who consumes the most pies in 60 seconds.

Intermission

Sad-Sack Race
1. Players must remain in the bags at all times and hop to the finish line while keeping their feet and legs in the bags.
2. Contestants must keep both feet in sack and at least one hand on the sack at all times.
3. The sack must remain as close to the waist as possible and should not fall below the knees.

Mardi Gras Bead Carry
Objective - With one hand behind their back, participants race to the finishing line, trying not to drop their beads

1. If your bead falls to the ground, you are allowed to pick it up and go back to the start line to begin again (while the rest of the race goes on)
2. Spoon must be held in mouth, no hands!
3. The first one across the finish line wins.

Don’t focus much on the running but more on the balancing of the bead. There’s a saying “haste makes waste,” and it applies to this game. Make sure you don’t drop the bead until you reach your base.

Obstacle Course
Objective – Be the first to cross the line with the most tasks successfully completed.

1. Contestants are given a small basket before start of the race.
2. The race starts off with a 20-yard dash to the first table, where there are sufficient sharpies for each contestant to write their first AND last name on dried red beans. The station cannot be left until this task is completed.
3. Another dash to the next station, which has sufficient needle and thread for each contestant to thread. The station cannot be left until this task is completed.
4. Two columns of tires to run through, classic obstacle course style, to the next station.
5. There will be dolls waiting at this station. The contestants must apply make-up to the dolls faces before moving on. The minimum effort accepted is: lipstick, eyeliner, rouge. Style points will be awarded at the referee’s discretion as a tiebreaker.
6. Made-up doll will then be placed in the basket, which will then be hooked to a pulley and ‘swing-lined’ across a baby pool. Note that successfully crossing the water barrier is not required to continue as long as an adequate attempt is made, i.e., contestants will not be disqualified if their basket falls in the water. However, a water-smeared doll may count against a contestant in the final analysis.
7. Dash to the final station: a table with sufficient sunglasses for each contestant. Each sunglass will have one arm removed. The contestant must fix the sunglasses with an eyeglass screwdriver and screw. Once the sunglasses are fixed, the contestant must place the sunglasses on and wear them in the final dash across the finish line.
8. Winners will be determined by time AND task. That is, the first to cross the line with the most tasks completed will be the winner, etc. If tasks are equally completed, time will determine winner; if time is equal, tasks completed will determine winner. The referee is the sole and subjective arbiter of completion. In the case, of the doll, aesthetic considerations may apply. IF AT ANY POINT during the obstacle course a previously completed task becomes undone, it will count as an uncompleted task, unless the contestant recompletes the task (rethreading needle, etc.)

Indoor events may include, but not limited to:
Marshmallow Race
Obstacle Course Modified to mini-challenge
Mardi Gras Bead Carry
Mini Pie Eating contest
Uncomfortably Close Balloon Pass

Again, we will keep you updated on the change sometime in the morning.

Pro Bono Minimis,

Your 2010 President,

jeremy yuslum

'tit Rex presents Field Day 2010!

2010-05-12T03:19:00.003-05:00

Presenting The first ever 'tit Rex Fundraiser!
a 'tit Rex original.

Ah, Field Day. No Matter where you grew up (in America), the name brings up either triumph or shame. And if you didn't grow up in America, we're sure some other similar event did the same for you.
An afternoon of fun, subversive achievements, music, food, drink, awards ceremonies on a mini olympic-style podium, feted by "Big Chief" on the trombone. what?
' tit Rex holds all the answers to the eternal questions
1.) what should i do on a sunday afternoon?
2.) how do i improve my seemingly unimprovable self-esteem?
3.) how can i dress like Gabe Kaplan and/or Linda Carter and/or Telly Savalis while they were still young and willing?

4.) who will be the Howard Cosell of the 21st century?
5.) how do i give money to a worthy cause (LASPCA) and have a kick-ass time while doing it?

The Time: Sunday, May 16th, 12-5pm.
The Place: Royal and Jourdan in the 9th ward, baby!

View Larger Map

the Cost:
No cost to attend.
Pay-to-play per event: $3/event, 2 for $5
Delicious food! The best sack lunch to ever pass between your lips! (mini-muffalettas, gourmet slaw and potato salad) and drinks available.
Pay-one-price (includes one sack lunch and entry to all events): $20

The Events

Eight Spectacular Events in all! Each complete with an awards ceremony on an Olympic-style podium, at which I personally will play "Big Chief" on the trombone, because A.) "Big Chief" is a bad-ass song, and B.) i don't know any national anthems on trombone.

.2K Race
Doubloon Discus
4-legged Race
Mini-Pie Eating Contest
Mardi Gras Bead Carry
Sad Sack Race
Quail Egg Toss
Grand Finale 'tit Rex Obstacle Course

I will go into detail in the next post about the Obstacle course, the likes of which you have never seen before.

Most of these events are kid-friendly, as is the overall event itself - so bring out the young ones! There will be a painting corner with non-toxic paints for the non-athletic progeny, as well as a shady area for wee ones.

At intermission, we will be blessed by the melodious musings of The New Dopey Singers!
After all, what is a non-music event without a musical interlude?

This may be a once in a lifetime event, so don't miss it!
It's a beautiful location on the Mississippi levee, it will be a beautiful day.
Best of all, this event has a tiny carbon footprint, and unlike the "junk shot," the chances of something catastrophic happening are Truly "really, really remote."
So, get your sansabelt and terry cloth shorts on, bust out the headbands, and join us on Sunday!

Some Retro Thoughts from Co-Founder Czarzasty

2010-03-11T23:24:00.003-06:00

I recently found Alan Czarzasty's response to the original 'tit Rex exploratory questionairre. For those of you who don't know Alan: along with Todd Schrenk, he was the other guy Really into the idea of 'tit Rex on the night of its inception. Unfortunately he is no longer on this plane of earthly existence. i hope they get blogs in the ether!

[Reproduced in its entirety. Alan in italics]

'tit Rex Startup Primer
Should 'tit Rex be a guerilla organization?
yes. This year.
Should 'tit Rex seek official status?
yes

What day/night should the parade roll?
Barkus sunday (cree's sale...we could use it to get some publicity and a built in audience of people that would get it.maybe) Run the Friendly bar to Golden Lantern. pass cafe brazil and r bar. If the time it right we can catch the people leaving barkus.
What route should the parade take?
Uptown -a waste of electricity
Krewe de Vieux- hmmm crushed in front of apple barrel
mid-city route...right behind the hamheads on trikes
see question above

What should be the theme for 2008?
"The Little Difficult"
Will there be throws?
yes, normal and tiny
Normal throws would be easier to procure
tiny throws will be special.
Build the floats over toys that shoot things.

How many floats should the parade have?
It would depend on how many people we could round up, but as many as we can.
Should we have miniature bands, "saddle krewes," flambeaux, dance teams, "walking krewes," etc.?

tiny dancer..isn't that a song?
yes. the technology exists. virational football field action.
music boxes?
i agree
we should remain realistic , but we could we have "kooks on bikes" - jesus statues riding remote motorcycles

How shall we expand membership?
sounds good to me
can we call the newcomers newbies for a while?
What should be our membership fee?
$50-100 then we work on a reality show or documentary. Don't whore ourselves out. just show the world what is really up in the minds of the few.

Have I omitted any other important startup questions?
Lastly, although I believe it is generally agreed that the name of the World's First Microkrewe is 'tit Rex (thank you, Todd), of late the actual form of "'tit" has been called into question. That is to say, Tatyana claims that the real Cajun form of the abridged "petit" is either "ti" or "tee."
Can anyone either confirm or refute this challenge?
i can't challenge that but no one will take us seriosly with the word "tit" in the name. The showing of tits for beads has ruined that word in this town no matter what language.
As you may have gathered, getting some of these questions set is crucial to moving forward with the projects suggested by other questions. Here is where I shall include my last question, for in the future I would like to end this document with the answer to
What shall be our krewe motto?
It's the little things that matter.

Lamp for Haiti

2010-03-01T10:21:00.002-06:00

Hello 'tit Rexers!

I just wanted to let you all know that a donation (made by my mom, Pat Hayes) was made in the name of 'tit Rex to the Philadelphia based foundation Lamp for Haiti.
Hopefully in the future we will be able to make our own actual donations but this is a good start. Thanks Mom! Thanks Lamp for Haiti for the good work that you do.

LampforHaiti.org

Janine

2010-02-26T00:39:00.007-06:00

Greetings from the other side of the best Mardi Gras ever. I trust that everyone is resting up and regaining their lucidity and health after a hectic and wonderful Carnival season.

First, I would like to thank each and every one of the 'tit Rex members, old and new, who participated in this year's parade, and without whom it would not have been the smashing success that it was. Every single member had a unique and beautiful vision that they brought to the parade, which in aggregate contributed to the unique and beautiful nature of the parade as a whole.

I would also like to give a special thanks, in no particular order, to:

Rob Cambre: who not only was a fabulous Sinatraesque emcee at parade's end, but also was instrumental in securing both space and atmosphere at the Saturn Bar for the pingpong Ball festivities.
Speaking of, Michael Hurrt and the Haunted Hearts who very smoothly and very voluntarily shared their venue at the Saturn with 'tit Rex, and made for a pleasantly memorable Ball.

Michelle Melancon, who in addition to organizing the tiny throw meetings throughout the year, went above and beyond the call of duty by making and printing out templates for tiny cups And making yet another kick-ass 'tit Rex poster (she is now 2 for 2 in kick-ass posters). Oh, yes, the sashes are brilliant, too (sorry, Jonathan! - you will always be remembered as the originator of the 'tit Rex sash).

Speaking of, Jonathan Traviesa, who helped suss out a great route and who hooked up 'tit Rex with a double helping of PR via the New Orleans Art Council.

Christopher Skinner, who generously provided the pre-parade spread at Bacchanal (it sucks that you were sick the day of the parade, scro!)

Janine Hayes, whose trustworthiness, doggedness, and fiscal responsibility ensured that our funds went to their stated purposes, who 'finished strong' by establishing parade day logistics, and who was instrumental in securing Egg Yolk Jubilee to march with us.

Egg Yolk Jubilee, for providing a class act for the second year in a row.

Dana Embree, who graciously allowed her Stitch & Bitch to be overrun with 'tit Rexers for those last crucial tiny throw meetings.

Tatyana Meshcheryakova, whose patience & tolerance enabled me to spend nearly sleepless nights in the living room during the week leading up to the parade.

Marcus, who kindly gave not one, but two! float-building workshops which helped bring our collective techniques to the next level.

The many fans who arrived at the parade in theme with tiny barricades, stepladders, boob-baring barbies, etc. So sweet.

Last but not least Cree McCree, who provided us with a great PR hook-up that really brought 'tit Rex into the public consciousness (a map in the Times-Pic? c'mon!) and thus made for a well-attended parade.

Speaking of this last bit of publicity, I would like to digress and address a potential misconception. Tatyana told me that her impression from the Lagniappe article was that I sounded as if I thought that all superkrewes are "shabby" or consistently unworthy of merit, which is not true at all. I just referenced the one underwhelming superkrewe parade in 2006 (which is understandable, considering the extenuating circumstances) as the genesis for the 'tit Rex idea. Thus, I would like to go on record as saying that I fully enjoy the Giant Spectacle that superkrewes like Bacchus and Morpheus provide; the Medium Spectacles such as Muses and Krewe d'Etat provide; the small spectacle of a krewe like Dreux and Vieux; and the tiny spectacle at which Box of Wine excels. Naturally, I feel that 'tit Rex fits in at the micro end of this continuum, not as a usurper for the title "King of Mardi Gras," but as one more element in the meta-parade that is the Mardi Gras Season.

However, what i think makes 'tit Rex unique among Mardi Gras parades is that although it is a parade with floats, yet the krewe members are at the same level as the crowd on the street: there is no unequal power distribution as there is with a krewe that rides its members above the crowd. It could be said that walking krewes are also at the same level as the crowd, but to this claim i have two points: 1.)Most stand-alone walking krewes march within the controlled chaos of Mardi Gras Day, and 2.)walking krewes do not adhere to the float format. This peculiar synthesis of walking krewe and riding krewe is revolutionary in its daring upending of traditional Mardi Gras power relationships. So, 'tit Rexers, hold your heads up high! you form a unique part of Mardi Gras history, and belong to something that is unique (at least, in 2009 and 2010...)

Getting back down to a more operational analysis of 'tit Rex, I have gathered the many trenchant observations from both participants and viewers of the parade, and will attempt to produce them all below (if i forget something, please feel free to add in the comments to this post):

Of primary importance, as it seems with so many other endeavors in life, seems to be the tempo of the parade. An illustration: Tatyana related to me that during a particularly brisk stretch of the parade, an onlooker commented "Hi! Bye!"
Owing to the tiny nature of the parade, I believe that it is critical that onlookers have enough time to view and appreciate our works of art. Again, I am by no means disparaging the large floats with the following analogy; it is true that visually, large objects are grasped more quickly than their more subtle counterparts: think Pamela Anderson vs. Audrey Tautou, simple addition vs. differential calculus - i think you get the point. 'tit Rex needs to be slower for our public to appreciate and love.

Part of the fault lies with me: due to our limited budget for the police escort, we had an average of six minutes a block to cover. Obviously this average was not enough. Solutions: shorten the length of the parade (no cost) and/or lengthen the time for which we have the police escort (additional cost). I think it would be more fun for us if we had a more relaxed pace (note i said "more"), and much more enjoyable for the onlookers.
apropos the tempo:

1.) The first band should be placed after the queen and king float, and before the title float. This will allow our 'tit Rex royalty to dictate the tempo of the parade.
2.) Shorten the route
3.) Lengthen the time of permit

Other suggestions:

4.) Two bands - one in front and one in back. A point that was brought up this year but must be realized in 2011 for the sake of morale and all-around ass kicking, especially considering that the 2011 parade will have more elements. A more robust fund-raising program will make two bands happen.
5.) The fishing lines by which we drag the floats need to be illuminated somehow - to avoid the tripping over of by spectators and ourselves, and for general Safety.
6.) We need title placards for each float - a thought which I had this year and last, but because of time limitations became low priority. If we truly appreciate our spectators, however, a title placard becomes essential - not least because this neat little device will free up each float puller from explaining the float to every spectator.
7.)more throws! i think we all ran out pretty quickly. Granted, loot is not the primary reason to attend this parade, but it also sucks to be empty-handed. More frequent tiny throw meetings and/or subcontracting tiny bead-making out to teenage friends and relatives.
8.) bring your own. Having your own liquor supply not only makes you happier, but also limits the time spent waiting at bars for your drink (and holding up the parade).
9.) It was suggested that rather than describe the floats via PA at parade's end, we should stick to tradition, and have a mini-review stand at some mid-point in the parade (complete with toast), at which the emcee can perform his/her time-honored duty. That way when the parade arrives at its final destination, we can start kickin ass and taking names stat!
10.) leave a comment for further suggestions

Like most New Orleanians in 2010, I will be taking my cue from the Saints' proven success model, and ride the 'tit Rex momentum for full advantage until it can be ridden no more, and then create new momentum. Rest assured, there will be no lack of copycat microkrewes in the years to come, who will be all too happy to knock us off our micro throne. Not on my watch, I say! To that end, there are two primary goals on my agenda for the coming year:
1.) socializing
2.) fundraising

I like everyone in our krewe, but let's face it: we are a Social Aid and Social Pleasure club. Meaning: we don't hang out enough! Let's not forget the social pleasure part. After all, with membership come benefits. To a large extent I aim to make our fundraising events extended parties. More importantly, we need to have fun without the pressure of raising money. So for point 1.), I propose a 'tit Rex crawfish boil sometime in March or April (members and prospective members only). I am also volunteering Jonny to shuck oysters (he redeemed himself at the Superbowl).

for point 2.),

A.)never fear, there are many fund-raising ideas, one realizable in the near future, and one (courtesy of Gianna Chachere) realizable in the even nearer future. All of them are fun, crazy game-changers. 'tit Rex will rewrite the book on fund-raising, as it has rewritten the book on Mardi Gras parades - my personal promise to you. We will cover in greater detail in our secret meetings. Think of the period from Jazzfest to Halloween as 'tit Rex fund-raising season. We need something to spice up the New Orleans summer doldrums - why not us?
B.) the period from 29 June to July 31 I officially decree as 'tit Rex Month.
C.) I plan on announcing a Merch Czar (with the blessing of the board of directors, of course). Merchandising will become a vital avenue of fund-raising for 'tit Rex. We will also rewrite the book on Merch.
D.) my personal goal for 2010 is to have a real website up - to announce events, to sell merch, to attract donors, to attract new members.

The above sentiments are my ruminations on the parade just past and for the year to come - I welcome your input! I hope you were not too bored by them.

Pro Bono Minimis,

Your 2010 'tit Rex President,

Jeremy Yuslum

Parade Day Video Coverage

2010-02-17T09:42:00.005-06:00

video coverage by Alex Rawl for OffBeat.

a few parade day pics

2010-02-10T09:22:00.003-06:00

unfortunately my camera batteries died before we even started rolling.
i have a few more line up pictures from outside Bacchanal here.

2010-02-03T16:51:00.003-06:00

Nola.com did an article on 'tit Rex here. It will also appear in this Friday's Lagniappe.

"The Dead Ain't Gone" Float

2010-02-02T18:48:00.022-06:00

I filled my float with the Gede, a family of spirits in the vodou tradition, who come from the New World (Haiti in particular) and are popular in New Orleans. The more famous members of the family include Manman Brigitte and Les Barons, and Baron Cimitiere.

The Gede guard the cemeteries and help people pass between the world of the living and the dead, that's why they are dressed in the funereal colors. The Barons wear a signature top hat and glasses with one lens missing.

The Gede are also the life of the party, they love women and children, and are benevolent healers. They help us remember that life is a fleeting state, and that we shouldn't take it so seriously.

I dedicate this float to all of our ancestors. I'll see you soon on the other side.

-- Tatyana Meshcheryakova

Angst in the Alley

2010-01-30T21:19:00.001-06:00

I can't tell if my float -- Kon-Keesty Takes a Load Off -- is going to "read" to the nighttimers. Oh, and it's not even assembled? Is it Catholic to feel *shame* for a min-float tardily assembled?

flyer images

2010-01-28T11:03:00.004-06:00

flyer images for the taking.
four fit to a page in word + the maps can be printed on the back.
spread the word... of 'titREX that is.

more from tiny throws big blowout

2010-01-28T08:34:00.003-06:00

Makin' Throws

2010-01-25T19:29:00.015-06:00

Parade Day Pics

2009-02-16T11:16:00.011-06:00

more parade day pictures can be found here.

Parade Day Video

2009-02-16T08:22:00.004-06:00

this video was shot by fields of garlic.
thanks dave.

Happy 'tit Rex Day!

2009-02-14T11:05:00.001-06:00

Today is the day! The day that we will bask in the glory of our tiny victories! All Hail 'tit Rex!!!!!

Declaration of Existence

2009-02-10T23:10:00.002-06:00

After much resistance the signing of the Articles has been made official! Together we are tiny. Our second line is 1.5. New Orleans needs smaller floats. The sturdy table pictured here with all hands on deck is the vessel that incorporated the diminuative mirthmakers. King Tut would definitely be proud! Is there anyone that objects?

Enter now! Or be besotted and potted in a thimble-size Devo hat.

'titREX flickr group

2009-02-10T10:26:00.003-06:00

hey guys, i created a 'titREX flickr pool. i thought it would be nice to have a place to dump all our awesome 'titREX preparation pics [as well as parade pics]. a sort of one stop shopping for 'titREX imagery. photo viewing of the group is open to the public. all you need is a free flickr account to contribute. perhaps there are 'titREX attendies with flickr accounts that would be willing to contribute to the pool as well.

i added a flickr button to the side bar.
the web address is as follows:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/titrex/

flyer + parade route map

2009-02-09T14:49:00.002-06:00

On the Scarcity of Thrift Store Trophies in Flood Zones

2009-02-07T01:34:00.000-06:00

Yes, the title float is not quite finished, but it will contain trophy elements....elements i thought would be easy to find, having for the duration of my life encountered a surplus of trophies in thift stores...

little did i realize that in a post-K world, trashed trophies trechinating true treasures are a rarity... and then it will take several years, if not decades, to rebuild the cache of unwanted trophies.
are they dead?
are they shunned?
are they desperate?
the ribbon is nice but the word is better.

ut something,

jmy

More tiny

2009-02-04T10:58:00.000-06:00

The smallness don't quit - Annie is at work on tiny stuffed throws:

tiny throws = tiny cups

2009-02-03T10:29:00.000-06:00

even GODZILLA* loves 'titREX.
*GODZILLA not actual size.

i have to say, my favorite throws are the cups. you can never have too many cups, they are forever practical and always useful. so if 'titTEX = tiny... tiny cups it is. i've made up a template with graphics, so we can make a few thimble sized cup throws. if you decide to make some yourself, be sure to cut out extra tabs [beyond the color graphics] as shown in the example below. i'll be posted a full set of how-to pictorial instructions tomorrow, for those up to the challenge.

i will also be sending out a couple template word docs [similar to the image at your left] via email. i thought some of you might be interested in making a few 'titREX tiny throw cups for yourself. sorry about the instructional delay, though. i spent to much time with the godzilla photoshoot [not giving myself enough time to take tutorial pics]. i guess we all know where my priorities lie, with the monsters... always.

The Invention of the Mosquito Guillotine

2009-01-31T11:37:00.000-06:00

In the early 1700's France was struggling to populate Louisiana. The French forcibly emigrated prostitutes and "debauchees" from Paris to make up for the lack of people willing to live here. It was and still is a swamp and while many of us (present day) find it lovely here we share with our founding debauchees some of the same irritants that would prevent happy homesteading and general mirth. Chief among irritants of the swamp is, of course, the Mosquito.

Throughout history we have tried unsuccessfully to rid ourselves of this vexation. Repellants, nets, swatting, even screened in porches! But alas, our nights have been tormented again and again and nothing has alleviated our suffering until the implementation of capital punishement for this wretched creature, paying back the fever-spreading pest in measure commensurate with its heinous annoyances.

Seen here is the tiny float "The Invention of the Mosquito Guillotine". It harkens back to those early days when Louisiana was still finding her identity, from Plaqemmines Parish to the French Quarter to Bayou Goula. The whores and bums and prisoners sent from France were all too pleased to witness the public slaying of these pests. Viva la severed mosquito head!

The Making of King and Queen Floats

2009-01-30T17:18:00.000-06:00

I still have to add some lights and finishing touches, but - here they are, the King and Queen floats. What do you think?I still have to add some lights and finishing touches, but - here they are, the King and Queen floats.

What do you think?

The King, Close Up

2009-01-30T17:09:00.000-06:00

Thanks go out to Cree McCree for donating King Antoine's crown and throne.

Queen Is in the Details

2009-01-30T16:53:00.000-06:00

Girl cannot help but look glam. I mean, just look at her. She is FABULOUS, but she's also a WARRIOR.

I, as her "maker" and an aspiring dollmaker, am happy for her, but also excited to step away from the usual wacky plantation belles and gayboys I create, and to get Vivienne decked out in mirrors, silver shoes and a gigantic headpiece.

Most of her and King Antoine's costumes were made with the old-school Mardi Gras costume (women's, adult size). I got at the Bargain City USA, where I also got the King and Queen dolls.

Hail to the King Antoine and the Queen Vivienne!

The Royalty

2009-01-30T16:19:00.000-06:00

I present to you our Queen Vivienne Isherwood and King Antoine Glapion!

They were on a fast track to oblivion, spending their days naked and buried under a pile of delicious junk at the Bargain City USA in the Bywater. Then, $1 (for each) later, they had come to stay with Tatyana and Jeremy, gradually acquiring their finery and floats.

They can't wait to preside over the parade, and Vivienne insists on THE BALL, naturally.

Hail to the King and Queen!

Band of Giants

2009-01-30T00:04:00.000-06:00

As most of you know, I am jonesing to have a live band amidst 'tit Rex the night of the parade, so do what you can to find one! Assuming we do, the next step (so that they are not incongruous with the tininess of the rest of the parade), is to think of, and procure, giant costumes for the band members. I have, aided by others, come up with:

Jolly Green Giant
Paul Bunyan
Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man
The 50-ft. Woman
Godzilla
King Kong

This is the 3rd result on a google image search for all of the above:

any others?

Itty Bitty Throw Committee Pics

2009-01-29T03:42:00.000-06:00

Some pictures from the session

janine marvels at tiny spear and power couple

busy people

cluster of tiny beads may hurt if hurled too forcefully

Humor vs. Morbidity

2009-01-29T02:42:00.000-06:00

As I shambled into the kitchen this morning i decided to leave the light off, the better to see the morning rain in the neighboring garden downstairs. next was decided on jam and toast, unusual breakfast fare for me, and my fingers wrapped around the tiny jar of blueberry jam on the refrigerator door shelf.

Having scraped the last of the jam from the jar over the buttered toast, and also having prepared some coffee as accompaniment, I tore into the toast and, after a moment of confusion, realized i had mistakenly spread thai chili paste on the bread instead of blueberry jam.

this next is the part i submit as a tiny victory: on any other day i might easily have succumbed to a fatalistic interpretation of the mishap as a gloomy portent of the day to come, but somehow, under the influences of soft light and gentle rain, the incongruity of my expectations and the reality was so absurd i could not but smile. so, on this day at least, it was Sedaris 1: Poe 0.

Giants!!!

2009-01-27T13:58:00.000-06:00

I came across this image in the depths of my computer today. I recall stowing this one away when Tit Rex was still just a glimmer in our collective eye (I think it was meant to tie together last years MGD "Sea Krewe" with Tit Rex on a literal level.) Aside from a nod to Michelle's float, this epic battle of giants doesn't have much to do with our current undertaking, but I still think it's cool.

T. began assembling "Sustenance" today - a two tier affair

2009-01-24T17:13:00.000-06:00

A look at the haul from the tiny bead throw-down:

2009-01-24T16:55:00.000-06:00

PB fever... catch it! (Amazing detritus)

2009-01-24T09:22:00.000-06:00

Amazing detritus of all sorts (lightweight and therefore floatable)
is to be had at Pontchartrain Beach -- where Elysian Fields meets the lake.
Lightweight pieces of wood and plastic shards of all varieties, for ex.

If anyone needs to create a semblence (sp?) of grass for their float surface
There's scads of astroturf (easily cuttable with knife) on the ruins of the old tennis courts.

There's also a barbecue pit floating about 30 yards offshore if anyone needs that...

Righteous,

Pasha "Brett" Peddler, authour of Slosh M.

Miniature Madness

2009-01-19T09:26:00.001-06:00

here are a few pics from the collection of miniatures at the UCM Museum, in Abita Springs.
it makes for excellent research. besides, it's the best three dollars you'll ever spend.

if you don't feel like driving to the north shore, more pictures may be found here.

Introducing your Queen and King

2009-01-16T01:06:00.000-06:00

Without further ado...
the 'tit Rex 2009 Queen... Vivienne Isherwood!

Vivienne has a pedigree unlike any Mardi Gras queen ever,
where Soviet childhood migrates to New Orleans thrift store over an ocean of everything between... don't let the shiny bits fool you, this reine will rain her reign on you, with all the blessings that entails...

T. Rex for Tit' Rex

2009-01-15T15:24:00.000-06:00

By way of indirect inspiration, here's a slice of awesomeness from one of my all time favorite bands: T. Rex

SEA MONSTERS???

2009-01-15T11:10:00.000-06:00

the title of my tiny victories float will be:

you'll never take me... ALIVE

documenting, in tiny form, the chronicles of japanese scientist Tsunemi Kubodera's attempt to be the first person ever to capture a live giant squid, only to kill her in in the process. below... artistic depictions of sea monster awesomeness, for float building inspirational purposes.