| By Bob Warren
King cakes and parades: It's Carnival time. If you’re at an office today, you might be gulping down a second piece of king cake. (If you’re working from home, eat the whole thing – no one will judge.) Jan. 6 is also the kickoff of parades. The Krewe of Joan of Arc hits the streets tonight led by plaque doctors. Appropriate, no? And the Phunny Phorty Phellows and Funky Uptown Krewe will take their annual streetcar rides. Follow this season's Carnival action here.
He wrote what? In Jefferson Parish, the school board appointed an interim member Wednesday night despite a social media history that prompted some questions and an admonishment for him to "clean up" the posts. In other school news, a St. Tammany board member held a news conference in early December to announce she was resigning her seat immediately due to differences with the school system. But the paperwork lagged behind nearly a month.
Land ho! The Treasure Chest casino in Kenner is moving – but won't go far. Wednesday the floating gambling house that opened on Lake Pontchartrain in 1994 announced a $90 plan to expand and move onto land at the current site at the end of Williams Boulevard.
Strain wants relief: Former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain, convicted on eight sex crimes charges last year, is asking a judge to give him a new trial -- or just acquit him. Strain and his legal team argue that the jury's guilty verdicts weren't supported by the evidence presented.
None better than Payton: What do you think of the coaching job Sean Payton has done this season? Columnist Jeff Duncan says no NFL coach has gotten more from their team this year, but don't expect Payton to win coach of the year honors. (The Saints, remember, are amazingly still in the hunt for a playoff spot.)
Shameless pitch: And how about we make a promotional pitch and tie it to Carnival? You knew we would – but this is a great offer. Six months for $1. All the Carnival news you can handle for a buck! Check it out.
Hope you enjoyed the Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us today. BW | 
