A gold chandelier hangs over rows of seats packed with Salve Regina University students and members of the Newport community. The excitement fills the air as papers rustle and the locals chat.

In America’s oldest library there are tall, olive green wooden shelves that line the walls holding hundreds of ancient leather bound books, preserved gently with ribbons holding the delicate bindings together.

Today’s Birthday (02-23-06). You’re an inspiration to others this year, but that’s not enough. You also need to get them to help you accomplish the goals you’ve set.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

The Salve Campus Ministry is holding the annual Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 28 in Miley Hall. The festivities start at 8 p.m.

The Mardi Gras Committe has been planning the event for several months, anticipating the large crowd that attends every year.

Newport is a city full of culture and is deeply routed in American history. Many tourists visit Newport to see mansions such as the Breakers, the Elms, or the Marble House. Others come during the summer to enjoy the beaches, the sailing, and the gorgeous Cliff Walk.

The sound of chatter filled the air as the audience, donning red Newport Art Museum stickers filed in from the narrow white hallway to the small artsy lecture room where the walls came alive with paintings of abstract human forms in vibrant hues of blue, orange green and purple.