When I think of Minneapolis, I think of James Lileks, and I'm happy to report that he and his family are OK. (I'll admit that I have refreshed the buzz.mn site quite a bit in the last few hours before he posted.) Please join me in keeping everyone up there in your thoughts and prayers today.
UPDATE: The Lileks post I linked earlier has been updated extensively, and the comments section brings out the best and worst in people. (Best: all the concern for James and his family from around the country. Worst: people who can't resist throwing politics into the mix before everyone is even rescued.) One crass commenter predicts that this disaster will help Lileks "sell a lot of books," but our host--very much the bigger man--suggests donating the cost of a book to the local Red Cross instead--(651) 291-4680.
Also, here's an eyewitness report of the collapse from someone who lives pretty much within rock-thrpwing distance to the bridge. And there are lots of updates and photos at the Star-Tribune site.
For now, I'll let Lileks have the last word:
I’ve driven across this bridge every few days for thirty years. There are bridges, and there are bridges; this one had the most magnificent view of downtown available, and it’s a miracle I never rear-ended anyone while gawking at the skyline, the old Stone Bridge, the Mississippi. You always felt proud to be here when you crossed that bridge, pleased to live in such a beautiful place. Didn’t matter if it was summer twilight or hard cold winter noon - Minneapolis always seemed to be standing at attention, posing for a formal portrait . We’ll have that view again – but it’ll take a generation before it’s no longer tinged with regret and remembrance.
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