Actual broadcast from Jim Metzner's Pulse of the Planet 22-Feb-01, he quotes Barry Ancelet, professor of French and Folklore at the University of Louisiana. Mr. Ancelet is talking about Cajun Mardi Gras and it's connection with tickling. The actual quote from Professor Ancelet: "In a lot of senses, Mardi Gras is a lot like tickling. When you get tickled it makes you laugh, but it makes you feel uncomfortable and you wish that wasn't being done. In a lot of ways Mardi Gras is like tickling society." - end quote. I've never quite heard of Mardi Gras being described in that way, but I'll think about it on my next visit to N'awlins.