GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

9. Henry Winkler and Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"It's unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Adam Driver, Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were sombre in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about the Wednesday tragedy, Lee said "this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff."

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, said the latest shooting was "Unbelievable."

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency - for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Lady Gaga arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?")

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

GAGA ON THOUSAND OAKS SHOOTING: 'ANOTHER REMINDER THAT WE HAVE TO DO BETTER'

The union representing actors was celebrating its own Thursday (8 NOVEMBER) night in Beverly Hills.

But many attendees acknowledged they were somber in the wake of news from a city just 35 miles northwest.

Wednesday night, 12 were killed during a mass shooting in Thousand Oaks nightclub. Authorities identified the shooter as a former U.S. Marine who was armed with a legally purchased .45-caliber Glock 21 handgun.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga. "There is so much that we need to do in this world," she continued.

Gaga, widely considered a current awards-season contender for her performance in the musical "A Star is Born," was among those honored by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honored studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings. "It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

Director Lee, himself buzzed as an awards-season contender for "BlacKkKlansman," a sometimes-humorous commentary on modern-day America that Lee refuses to call a "comedy."

When asked about Wednesday tragedy, Lee immediately placed the blame on Trump.

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff," Lee said. "He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, isn't a big fan of the current POTUS either.

"Unbelievable," commented the "Barry" actor. "We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh, now riding high in Hollywood thanks to the TV series "Star Trek: Discovery" and the box-office hit "Crazy Rich Asians," said, "It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Beverly Hills, Calif., 8 November 2018

1. Wide Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Recording artist/actress/honoree arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree, on the mass shooting Wednesday (7 NOVEMBER) in Thousand Oaks, Calif.:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is No. 1 is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Actor/Honoree Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Director/honoree Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base his following up on it., and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?)

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown.

9. Actor Henry Winkler and director/honoree Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"Unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency -- for real in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Actress Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough, I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have. It is not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Actor Adam Driver, director-honoree Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

JUDGE: NO SLANDER IN ALEC BALDWIN'S COMMENTS ON PARKING SPAT

Alec Baldwin didn't slander a man in interviews about a parking dispute that turned physical, a judge has ruled as dueling lawsuits between the actor and the other driver continue.

Baldwin's remarks — including claims that Wojciech Cieszkowski's driving was "really fast," "really aggressive" and made the actor think his wife and son were about to be run over — were "hyperbole" and "rhetorical illustrations," Manhattan judge David B. Cohen wrote Thursday (26 DEC. 2019).

"They are words of frustration with someone's driving," not accusations that amount to slander, Cohen wrote.

He tossed out Cieszkowski's slander claim, but his assault and battery allegations can proceed toward trial. A message seeking comment was sent to Cieszkowski's attorneys.

Baldwin's lawyers, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, said Friday they were pleased with the decision.

The Emmy Award-winning actor pleaded guilty to harassment in the November 2018 confrontation. He went on to file a defamation suit of his own against Cieszkowski, a contractor.

The two clashed over a parking spot outside Baldwin's Manhattan apartment building. Cieszkowski said Baldwin hit him in the face, causing him "substantial pain" and headaches. Baldwin has said he "lightly pushed Cieszkowski in the chest" but did not seriously injure him.

Baldwin initially faced a misdemeanor attempted assault charge, but it was dropped. Harassment is a violation, the lowest level of offense.

After pleading guilty and agreeing to take an anger-management class, Baldwin commented on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and "The Howard Stern Show."

"Did I have an argument with the guy? Yeah. I thought he was going to run over my wife with his car when he was stealing my parking spot," he said on "Ellen."

He similarly told Stern that he feared Cieszkowski "was going to hit my wife and my son" as the contractor "just went zip! — really fast and really aggressive" in taking the parking space.

"I thought what he did was impolite, bordering on dangerous," Baldwin said.

Cieszkowski said through his lawsuit that he never imperiled anyone. Baldwin's remarks essentially, and falsely, accused him of such crimes as reckless endangerment, he said.

For his part, Baldwin argues in court papers that Cieszkowski defamed him by falsely accusing him of a violent assault.

Baldwin has gotten into a number of public dust-ups over the years.

He was arrested in 1995 after being accused of slugging a photographer in Los Angeles, and he was thrown off a plane in 2011 after arguing with a flight attendant who asked him to stop playing a cellphone game.

Three years later, Baldwin was arrested in New York, where police said he became belligerent after being stopped for bicycling the wrong way on a one-way street. That case was eventually tossed out.

New York, 21 November 2019

1. Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria Baldwin pose for photos at the American Museum of Natural History gala

Los Angeles, 17 September 2017

2. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Emmys

New York, 7 November 2017

3. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's fall gala

New York, 22 October 2018

4. Wide of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their daughter Carmen on a red carpet

New York, 2 November 2015

5. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's fall gala

ALEC BALDWIN SET FOR COURT DATE IN PARKING-SPOT ASSAULT CASE

Alec Baldwin is due to answer assault and harassment charges in a New York court after being accused of striking a man in the face over a parking space.

The actor is set to be arraigned Monday (26 NOV. 2018) on the misdemeanor and violation-level charges. He has said any assertion that he punched anyone over a parking spot is false.

Baldwin was arrested on Nov. 2. Police were told a driver pulled into a Manhattan parking space that one of Baldwin's relatives was holding for him, and the two men started quarreling and pushing each other.

The other driver told police Baldwin punched or slapped him. The 49-year-old man was taken to a hospital complaining of jaw pain and redness around his neck.

Baldwin later tweeted the episode was "egregiously misstated."

FILE: New York, 2 November 2018

1. Various of Alec Baldwin leaving police precinct and gets into car

2. Vehicle pulls away

3. Wide of '6th Precinct The City of New York Police Department' wording on wall

4. Zoom in on City of New York Police Department shield logo

5. Medium of door

6. Wide of police officer standing outside entrance door

FILE: New York, 7 Nov. 2017

7. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

FILE: New York, 17 Sept. 2017

8. Various of Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin posing on the Emmys red carpet

FILE: New York, 22 Oct. 2018

9. Wide of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin with their daughter Carmen on a red carpet

FILE: New York, 2 Nov. 2015

10. Various of Alec and Hilaria Baldwin arriving at the Elton John AIDS Foundation's annual fall gala

Actors attending a Screen Actors Guild event on Thursday commented on the mass shooting in Thousand Oaks, California which left 12 dead, just 35 miles from the event's location in Beverly Hills.

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better," said recording artist and actress Lady Gaga, among those honoured by The SAG-AFTRA Foundation at its annual Patron of the Artists Awards.

"What I really believe is number one is making mental health a global priority," she continued.

The Foundation, which provides assistance to union members in need, also honoured studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg, director Spike Lee and actor Harrison Ford.

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership," noted Ford, referring to US President Donald Trump's response to the shootings.

"It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

When asked about Wednesday's tragedy, Lee immediately placed the blame on Trump.

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff," Lee said.

"He set the tone. And his base his following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history the United States of America."

Emmy winner Henry Winkler, an event attendee, isn't a big fan of the current president either.

"Unbelievable," commented the actor.

"We can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real, in our country."

Veteran Malaysian superstar Michelle Yeoh said it was "so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this," adding she didn't understand the US's gun rules and "I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

Former marine Ian David Long shot and killed 12 people at a country music bar which was hosting a night for local college students.

Authorities haven't identified what motivated Long to open fire during college night at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, around 40 miles (64 kilometres) from central Los Angeles.

The dead included 11 people inside the bar and a veteran sheriff's sergeant who was the first officer through the door.

Beverly Hills, California - 8 November 2018

1. Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts

2. Arrivals-line backdrop with logo: SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Patron of the Artists Awards

3. Recording artist/actress/honoree arrives, poses for photographers

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Lady Gaga, recording artist/actress/honoree:

"Last night's shooting is another reminder that we have to do better. There is so much that we need to do in this world. But what I really believe is number one is making mental health a global priority. And this is something that I care very much about, and that I will speak about this evening."

5. Actor/Honoree Harrison Ford poses for photographers

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Harrison Ford, actor/honoree:

"I wish that we could hear more appropriate language from our leadership. It's very sad. And my heart goes out to all those people."

7. Director/honoree Spike Lee poses for photographers

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Spike Lee, film director:

"Well, I think that this guy in the White House is really responsible for all this stuff. He set the tone. And his base is following up on it, and gone overboard. So, we live in a very tricky moment in history of the United States of America."

(Reporter: "Do you think the elections will make any difference?)

Lee: "The midterm? Yes. Yes. It's going to be a showdown."

9. Actor Henry Winkler and director/honoree Spike Lee pose for photographers

10. SOUNDBITE (English) Henry Winkler, actor:

"It's unbelievable. And, so, we can spend a lot of money and send troops to the border for an invasion that isn't happening. But we can do nothing about the incredible loss of life that is happening with such frequency, for real, in our country."

(Reporter: "So, what's the solution?")

Winkler: "The solution is caring about the population and not just a base."

11. Actress Michelle Yeoh poses for photographers

11. SOUNDBITE (English) Michelle Yeoh, actress:

"It's so heartbreaking for, you know, families to have to deal with this. And, often enough I don't understand your gun rules, and I don't claim to understand it at all, because, you know, in Asia, we just don't have.... it's not allowed. And why do you have to carry weapons that are even bigger and stronger than your police force? You know, I don't understand that. And when you can buy guns so easily, it's very scary when the people who are mentally not stable still have access to that. I hope your government, your president will protect his people better, because you deserve to be protected."

12. Actor Adam Driver, director-honouree Spike Lee and studio chief/honoree Jeffrey Katzenberg pose for photographers

SHOTLIST:

HEADLINE: New Orleans Residents: The Show Must Go On

CAPTION: The Mardi Gras Bacchus parade rolled through New Orleans as planned on Sunday, despite both a threat from the weather and a weekend shooting that left four people injured. Residents said they were determined to show the city's positive side. (Feb. 11)

SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS

Location - Date: New Orleans / February 10, 2013

1. Wide. Parade float coming down street

2. SOUNDBITE: CAROL REDMANN-BAILEY / NEW ORLEANS

' It was very disappointing because we take a lot of pride in our city. It's get such negative publicity and there's so much wonderful about it.'

3. Wide. Police motorcycles ahead of parade float

4. SOUNDBITE: Janell Weber/Baton Rouge, Louisiana

' I hate that it happened but I'm sorry to say it happens more frequently than it should.'

5. SOUNDBITE: William Daviss/Celebrating Mardi Gras

' The show must go on. Don't matter' (screams)

6. Close. Woman's Mardi Gras beads

7. Mid. King's Band of Merry Men parade float

8. Mid. Men dancing on parade float

9. Wide. Marching band

10. Close/Zoom out Marching band

STORYLINE:

Actor G.W. Bailey will share the spotlight Sunday as celebrity king of the Bacchus parade _ one the biggest in the run-up to Mardi Gras _ with more than two dozen child cancer patients from across the country.

When Bailey suits up in his Bacchus tunic and cape, 28 teens and children being treated for cancer will board a float and ready themselves for an hours-long ride through New Orleans, where they'll toss Mardi Gras beads and trinkets to throngs of crowds well into the night.

Even with the threat of nasty weather _ the National Weather Service said thunderstorms were likely from 3 to 6 p.m. _ the parade was on. On Sunday afternoon, Bacchus spokesman Clark Brennan said, "We're rollin'."

Bailey _ known as the co-star of "Major Crimes" on TNT and for roles in the "Police Academy" movies and the series "The Closer" _ said New Orleans at Mardi Gras is a great place to escape, especially for teenagers needing a break from cancer treatments and doctor appointments.

"I've had the opportunity to travel a good deal of the world, and I am not just saying this, there is no question I am in my favorite city in the world," he said. "I mean, the color, the sounds, the smells, the energy, the people, the food and obviously the music, how can you not love it?"

Bailey grew up in Port Arthur, Texas, near the Louisiana border, and says he has fond memories of visiting "that magical place" where he would walk the French Quarter, catch beads at Mardi Gras and eat some of the best food he's ever tasted. He said this weekend he relished the opportunity to share those experiences with young cancer patients.

As executive director for the Sunshine Foundation, a nonprofit organization with the mission of bringing joy to children being treated for cancer, Bailey arranged for 28 patients known as "Sunshine kids" to join him in New Orleans for his Bacchus reign. The group arrived Tuesday to a packed schedule that included trips to the Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Zoo and French Quarter.

The group also took a south Louisiana swamp tour and attended Saturday's Endymion parade.

Bailey said he's been involved with the Sunshine Foundation for 27 years and has been executive director for 12. He said the foundation regularly organizes trips for young cancer patients to major U.S. cities.

He said that for years, patients would ride in suburban parades or downtown New Orleans parades in the weeks before Mardi Gras. But Bailey's reign as Bacchus thrust the actor and kids into the city's biggest Carnival weekend and atop floats on one of its biggest parades.

The revelry continues Monday, the eve of Mardi Gras known locally as Lundi Gras. That's when actor Gary Sinise and New Orleans musicians Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews and Harry Connick Jr. will ride in the Krewe of Orpheus parade. Joining them will be Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Mariska Hargitay, the Imagination Movers family-friendly rock band, and Animal Planet's Tillman, the skateboarding bulldog.

Carnival season culminates Tuesday with the pageantry of the Rex and Zulu parades and as many as 1 million people reveling in the streets.

The parade routes were packed with revelers by early Sunday, despite the threat of rain and a shooting on Bourbon Street the night before. Some had set up tents, folding chairs, even barbecue pits. Ladders were set up with seats at the top for kids to get a good view of the revelry.

"The show must go on," said William Daviss, donning a black and white striped costume and yellow face mask as he boarded a float in the Krewe of Thoth parade, one of several that rolled Sunday.

"This is what Mardi Gras is all about right here," said Patrick Browne of New Orleans, hugging his 1-year-old son Patrick Browne IV. The younger Patrick had a birds-eye view of the parade from the top of a ladder, which his dad had equipped with a small seat and handle bar.

The rain appeared to be a minor concern. Most had arrived at the parade route prepared.

"We have ponchos. We have our jackets. We have umbrellas. We have everything. We are set," said Janell Weber of Baton Rouge, La., wearing a hat boasting long purple, green and gold streamers.

The previous night's shooting was on the minds of revelers.

"It was very disappointing," said New Orleans resident Carol Redmann-Bailey as she watched Thoth roll by. "I was disappointed and sad, but it seems like Bourbon Street stayed open. Laissez les bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll."