The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

Older generations often talk wistfully of times past - an era when candy was a nickel and hookers cost but sixpence. And with Minnesota's sesquicentennial occurring this year, the temptation to romanticize is pushed even farther, with tales of subzero temperatures, white out conditions, and devouring small children to survive winter's lean times bandied about like so many empowering after-school special style messages delivered by Hillary Duff.

I received an e-mail that this Ron guy insisted I publish along with a picture of his scarcely-aged trophy (above). This has not been spell-checked and is re-produced unmolested (bad choice of word?)

It has become quite obvious in recent days that loyal service just isn't rewarded within the legislature anymore. As recently as a handful of years ago, long-tenured legislators and officials would be shown the public's appreciation through pompous public ceremonies and the occasional backroom smorgasbord of hookers and blow. But Lindsey Lohan's rates have gone through the roof, and tight budgets have reduced the budget for recreational pharmaceuticals in the Senate to almost nil. As a