Metairie, Louisiana: Muffler Man - A King (Gone)

I was a little worried about the potential condition of the big guy after that nasty hurricane, so on my way out of town after the holidays I stopped by and paid our large friend a little visit. I am happy to announce that not only is he standing proud and tall but he also has a new coat of paint. I stepped inside and an employee of the fine establishment told me that they refer to him as "The Big Guy."

I've been driving past the muffler man in Metairie every day for almost three years now. I had no idea who he was because he stands in front of an auto insurance company. I thought he was some remnant from Mardi Gras as well, but now I know his true identity. He used to hold a pipe, but now his hands are empty. Currently he's wearing blue pants, a red shirt, and a giant gold crown. He has a very latino look to him.

More on Metairie: Clearview Auto Title & Co., 2122 Clearview Parkway. It has been there for three years that I personally know of. He has a yellow or gold crown on his head; (I guess he is the king of auto titles or something) and blue slacks and a white shirt. He has a little mustache. I could be mistaken; but he is the 18 ft version.

A muffler man beckons motorists to come in for auto title transfers and low insurance rates on Clearview Pkwy. in this suburb of New Orleans. Living in New Orleans, I had always thought that he had been salvaged from an old Mardi Gras float. And, until recently, held one of those "Little Tykes" cars in his mighty arms, as if to say," HA! Foolish mortals! I can lift this 8 pound car with my bare hands, you might be next!!" Anyway, my friends and I thought it might be cool to do a drive-by with one of those paint-pellet guns, and give him a tie-dye shirt, but now I know he COMMANDS respect, and that others of HIS KIND might seek some kind of retribution. Just thought you'd like to know.