'THE Fing BRIDGE BURNED DOWN!'

That's how my partner-in-crime expressed his shock and surprise to me via email just now at the demise of my favorite drinking bridge in Minneapolis, which apparently burned down overnight thanks to kids and fireworks! Check out the WCCO story!

The railroad bridge spanned the Mississippi hundreds of feet above the water; it was rickety and exhilerating being up there with a six pack and a good buddy. We'd see underage drinkers, crusty West Bankers, joggers, assorted nefarious people, and of course, hobo dancers.

Of course, it was also technically illegal. My partner-and-crime and I were having some beers and some Santana's hamburgers a few weeks ago when we were snagged by the Minneapolis Park Police! Given a trespassing citation, we now have a mandatory court date for next week at the county lock-up! The recent tragic events are not going to help our case, unfortunately (though I am currently working on a crack defense based on the recent court filings of a Florida creationist). Now to rub salt into the wound, the bridge is severely damaged!