Remember, man, that thou art dust

And unto dust thou shalt return.

Cheery sentiment with which to start the day, isn't it?

And yet that is the message for tomorrow, Ash Wednesday, the start of the Christian penitential season of Lent.

Wednesday, Catholics will fast -- only one meatless meal will be permitted for most healthy adults. Now do you understand why they are partying today with such fervor in Rio and on Bourbon Street?

Some of the Usual Suspects call Wednesday National Tortellini Day or Get a Different Name Day. You could combine things, possibly, and change your name to Tortellini... but do you think you look sufficiently Italian?