The Rake Magazine

Author: Cristina Córdova

  • Legislators Back Growing Anoka-Ramsey Community College with $5.5

    Looks like Anoka-Ramsey Community College just got a whopping $5.5 million to expand their facilities on the Coon Rapids and Cambridge campuses. Here are the details as per the college:

    Anoka-Ramsey Community College received a resounding "YES" from Minnesota state legislators and Governor Pawlenty, April 7, to its request for $5.5 million to fund four large facilities projects at the college campuses in Coon Rapids and Cambridge, Minn. The college’s requests were part of a larger bonding bill request on behalf of all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities – some of which were not approved by legislators or were vetoed by the Governor.

    "We are particularly pleased that all four requests made it in the final bill, which will allow us to continue to grow, and bring four-year degree offerings, as well as our fine arts, allied health and bioscience programs," says Dr. Patrick M. Johns, President of Anoka-Ramsey Community College. "Our community members are coming to us and requesting that we provide access to bachelor-level programs on campus, more flexible scheduling and more offerings that assist with changing careers. These bonding projects are key to fulfilling those requests."

    The funded bonding projects for Anoka-Ramsey Community College
    include:

    • $300,000. Design planning for new facility at the Coon Rapids Campus to house bioscience programs, allied health programs and bachelor-level programs from universities. An additional $15 million for construction of the facility will be requested in the 2010 bonding process.
    • $3,800,000. Construction of an additional fine arts building at the Coon Rapids Campus to address growing art and music programs. An additional $5 million to renovate the current fine arts building will be requested in the 2010 bonding process.
    • $525,000. Renovate a classroom into a science lab at the Cambridge Campus. Additional funds to expand the Cambridge Campus will be requested in the 2010 bonding process.
    • $885,822. Replace air-handling units on Coon Rapids Campus.


    Growth By Demand

    As part of its mission, Anoka-Ramsey is committed to responding to the educational needs of the changing communities it serves. Key college constituents regularly confer with college leaders through a variety of college advisory groups and several President’s strategic planning breakfasts. In addition, the Anoka County Commissioners and the City of Coon Rapids Council Members made a strong case to bring additional bachelor-level programming to Anoka County when both entities passed resolutions in support of Anoka-Ramsey’s expansion plans.

    The need for increased access to higher education is more than just the opinion of those living in Anoka-Ramsey’s services areas of the north suburban metro area and East Central Minnesota. A 2004 study by Noel-Levitz revealed that populations in Anoka and Isanti Counties have lower than the state average number of individuals with two-year and four-year college degrees as well as a lower per capita income level than the state average. Also, these and the surrounding counties are projecting strong population growths in the next 20 years.

    "We are the right place to come for a college education, especially if you want to stay close to home in East Central Minnesota or in the northern Twin Cities suburbs," says Johns. "If you want a bachelor’s degree, we want to know about you and bring the program to one of our campuses. If you want to complete your generals, then transfer, we are the lowest-cost, high-quality choice. If you are making a career change and need a quick certificate program, we have many options for you.

    "Our goal is to assist anyone who wants to advance their education."

    For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College projects or programs, call 763-433-1100 or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.

  • The Surreal Bourgeois Life of Eluded Love

    Ra’mon-Lawrence A. Coleman
    Hometown: Chicago, Il. (born and raised on the South Side)

    Alum of the distinguished School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Ra’mon-Lawrence A. Coleman received concurrent Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Fashion Design and Performing Arts. Previous to this he attended the University of Iowa, where he studied Biology and Art History. The native Chicagoan has held an array of design positions in Denmark, London, Milan, New York, Chicago, and most recently Minneapolis, where he has begun fervently establishing the ra’mon-lawrence label.

    "Growing up I was always an artistic child. However, looking back, I never had aspirations for a career in fashion. I wanted to be a Neurosurgeon. I loved science; I still do. One day, I found myself saying, ‘I could be a great surgeon, but I don’t think I could be a passionate surgeon.’ When I began studying performing arts, I was introduced to costume design, which ultimately lead me to pursue fashion design. I have merged all these backgrounds to create a constant commentary on the human form. I view myself as a perpetual student. I’m a whirlwind of high energy, and my design esthetic reflects that. There is always an element of the dramatic; it ranges from just under the radar to over the top."

    —What does the label stand for? What is your design philosophy?

    "The ra’mon-lawrence label is about sophisticated innovation and versatility. Each garment is created with meticulous intentions, but with an effortless feeling. Details are an essential element to each design. Whether it’s ornate beading on an evening shift dress or hand finishing on a sheer tee, the importance on handwork can be seen on every garment. I don’t think about just what a woman needs, I also address what she craves. My work philosophy is simple; without continually pursuing knowledge, and immersing oneself in new experiences, I feel that a person becomes stagnant. This is the mantra of the woman I design for. Fashion should never be taken seriously. True fashion blurs all lines. It serves as a commentary to society, whether through absurdity or conformity.

    "This collection for me isn’t just about putting on an event, but establishing the beginning stages of brand exclusivity."

    —What influenced your current collection? Who are your favorite designers?

    "The concept of The Eluded Love collection is inspired by the paintings of Johannes Vermeer from the Dutch Golden Age, the modern photographs of the Dutch photojournalist, Erwin Olaf, and the narrative of The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. Both Vermeer and Olaf have a mastery of depicting domestic interior scenes of what would be considered ‘ordinary bourgeois life.’ Their usage of color and light as a direct reflection of emotion serves as the focal point for my color palette as well as fabrication. Both Olaf’s photographs and Kafka’s novella push the boundaries of perception, by blurring reality into fantasy. I translated all of these into what I see as a ‘surreal bourgeois life.’

    "Through the use of multi-textural fabrics and architectural silhouettes I am exploring the idea of volume versus tailoring, art versus fashion, absurd versus ordinary. The notion of extreme proportions as well as unexpected ‘convertible elements’ drives the essence of each silhouette. Eluded Love is an organic reaction to the ideals of romanticism that stimulates one’s imagination. Open your mind and enjoy.

    "’The imagination is the spur of delights… all depends upon it, it is the mainspring of everything; now, is it not by means of the imagination one knows joy? Is it not of the imagination that the sharpest pleasures arise?’ —Marquis de Sade

    "Some of my favorite designers are Alexander McQueen, Raf Simmons (Jil Sander), Muccia Prada (Prada), Olivier Theyskens (Rochas), Heidi Slimane (Dior Homme), Chris Benz, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough (Proenza Schouler), Karl Lagerfeld (everything he touches), Marc Jacobs (everything he breaths on), & Rachel Roy."

    —You’ve done Voltage: Fashion Amplified before, and also have been a part of other fashion weekend exhibitions — how different is producing your own show, compared to working in a group format?

    "It’s very different for me. While the concept is purely based on my own direction, I am still working in a group format. I have a production staff that I have made integral to every aspect of the show. I wanted to give the opportunity to several talented individuals in the local industry that have not stepped into the lime light yet. They have been a great inspiration to me. There is this freshness to the production that I am confident everyone will enjoy. The thing that is so exciting for me in the format is there is more freedom to be spontaneous. I like to work organically, and constantly evolve the way I am approaching a collection (even up until the last moment).

    "Sometimes, that doesn’t work if you showing as a collective group of designers, because it can effect the overall flow. After such an amazing response from my showing at last year’s Voltage, I knew it was time for me to take my aspirations to the next level."


    —What was the process of creating a show of this scale?

    "After establishing my concept, it was my mission to find a core group to become my production staff. I knew I had high ambitions for this event, so I need to make sure I had a strong support system to make it happen. After that it was a whirlwind of things: finding the right venue, establishing sponsorships, venue concept, PR/Marketing, casting, soundtrack, among other things."


    —What is the tie between your show and the American Diabetes Association?

    "Several of my family members are diabetic. It was something that I was always aware of growing up, but really didn’t understand. Both my
    parents had diabetes. A few years ago, my Dad passed away from complications related to diabetes. That was an eye opener for me. Since then I have been actively contributing the American Diabetes Association. While this event has benefits for the brand’s exposure, what is even more important is the contribution we will be able to make to the association as well as the education we can pass on to others.

    • Total: 20.8 million children and adults — 7.0% of the population — have diabetes.
    • Diagnosed: 14.6 million people
    • Undiagnosed: 6.2 million people
    • Pre-diabetes: 54 million people
    • 1.5 million new cases of diabetes were diagnosed in people aged 20 years or older in 2005

    "Just imagine how much of this could either be preventive or treatable with the right amount of education or funding."

    Ra’mon’s collection will be featured in Voltage 2008: Fashion Amplified, on April 16th, and will be available exclusively through www.ramonlawrence.com, June 1st or by special order.

    Be sure to check out the Eluded Love slideshow and the Voltage Preview slideshow. 

  • Secure the Sewers in a Handbag

    For starters, be sure to check out photographer Nicholas Marshall’s Voltage 2008: Fashion Amplified Preview. After that, you might be ready to do a little shopping of your own.

    SHOPPING & STYLE
    Alexis Hudson Trunk Show

    Stop by StyledLife today for the first Twin Cities Alexis Hudson trunk show. "Alexis Hudson is the hottest up-and-coming handbag brand, seen on the arms of starlets like Eva Longoria, Katherine Heigl, Kate Hudson, Keira Knightley, the Olsen twins, Cindy Crawford, and more." Designer Rachelle Copeland, who recently moved here from Los Angeles, will be on hand to discuss her designs and help you find the perfect handbag.

    10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Gaviidae Common, Suite 179, 555 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.

    LECTURE
    Security vs. The Law: A False Choice

    Join former U.S. presidential candidate Walter Mondale for today’s National Security Forum — Security vs. The Law: A False Choice. As U.S. Senator, Mondale served in 1975 on the Church Committee, which investigated abuses by U.S. intelligence agencies. He was also chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee’s Domestic Task Force.

    Noon    , William Mitchell College of Law, Auditorium, 875 Summit Ave., St. Paul; 651-290-6370; free, register online.

    LECTURE, ART, & EXPLORATION
    Twin Cities Underground: A Life Down the Drain

    Join veteran explorer Greg Brick this evening for a presentation on the Twin Cities underground. View images of the caves and sewers of Minneapolis and St. Paul and learn about the subterranean wonderland Brick has been exploring for two decades. It’s one way to tour the sewers without the grime and creepiness.

    7 p.m.,     Mill City Museum, 704 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis; 612-341-7555; free.

    ART
    Before Their Time: The World of Child Labor

    In January, the New York Times reported labor abuses in Chinese factories. "’I work on the plastic molding machine from 6 in the morning to 6 at
    night,’ said Xu Wenquan, a tiny, baby-faced 16-year-old whose hands
    were covered with blisters." At the end of last year, a Gap scandal revealed child-labor abuses in India. Around
    the world, an estimated 350 million children continue to sacrifice
    their childhood, their health, and their education working in
    exploitative and unsafe conditions. While we may read the
    headlines and stay abreast of the current conditions across the globe,
    the distance, perhaps, makes it all too easy to dismiss the harsh
    realities our children endure. Leave it to a physician/photographer to bring it home. Taking it upon himself to expose one of the world’s greatest injustices, David Parker
    has traveled the world, with camera in hand, photographing children
    laboring in Bolivian tin mines, Indian sweatshops, Nepal brick
    factories, Mexican garbage dumps, and the list goes on. With his new book, Before Their Time: The World of Child Labor — a collection of these photos — released this month, Parker is exhibiting his photos at the Nina Bliese Gallery from March 31st through May 2nd. Join him for the opening reception (and book signing) this evening.

    5-8 p.m., Nina Bliese Gallery, 225 S. Sixth St., Suite 100, Minneapolis; 612-332-2978.

    MUSIC
    Two Fab Shows

    You can’t go wrong this evening with two fabulous music shows. See hot Twin Cities band Tapes ‘n Tapes at First Avenue. Or catch the Anoushka Shankar Project at Orchestra Hall. "Trained by her father, Ravi Shankar, Anoushka is a uniquely talented artist, a sitar virtuoso in her own right, and a master interpreter of the great traditional music of India. Joining her is an ensemble of seven virtuoso Eastern and Western musicians, including tabla master Tanmoy Bose."

  • What is your favorite bumper sticker?

    Publisher Kristin Henning: Hang Up and Drive.

    Chief Operating Officer Matt Bartel:

    Editor Cristina Córdova: Good thing I brought my library card, ’cause I’m checking you out.

    Calendar Editor Jennifer Havrish: Baby Jesus cries every time you don’t use your turn signal.

    Advertising Director A.J. Kiefer: In case of rapture… I have dibs on your TV

    Contributing Writers
    Ann Bauer: Don’t Make Me Get Out My Flying Monkeys.
    Rich Goldsmith: There are two important things to remember about surrealism. Frogs,
    power tools, and the Lincoln Memorial.

    Jeremy Iggers: Practice Compassionate Impeachment.
    Melinda Jacobs: My other car is a MULE
    Britt Robson: JESUS SAVES… He Passes It To Gretzky… Gretzky Shoots… He Scores!
    Erin Roof:

    Max Ross: My other car is a car. It’s not this one. This is a different car than my other car, which is a car.
    Todd J. Smith: "It Don’t Matter to Jesus" — from The Big Lebowski
    Brad Zellar: Don’t Honk, I’m Pedaling As Fast As I Can!

    Weatherman Jimmy "Dutch" Gaines: Boycott Jane Fonda Traitor Commie Bitch

    Videogragher Tyler Jensen: ass gas or grass, no one rides for free!

    Edit Interns
    Tom Bartel: If you can read this, I’m a Minnesotan blocking traffic in the left lane.
    David Bloomquist:
    Joshua Fischer: How’s my driving? Call 911. (and) No, I’m not wasted, I’m just a bad driver.
    Hannah Simpson: What if the hokey pokey IS what it’s all about?

  • April Book Releases

  • Chillin' Out Maxin' Relaxin' All Cool

    Passive aggressive and dependent on others of their own kind, box elder bugs create havoc and annoyance when swarming in groups. Todd Sklar, a triple threat in the filmmaking business, wrote, directed, and starred in the coming of age tale, Box Elder. With a shoestring budget and 18 days of shooting, Box Elder is a promising first attempt with an entertaining story and relatable characters.

    Four best buds, followed through their college years, fail to become independent from the group and use their university experience as a time to drink, have sex, and eat sandwiches, as most college students do. Much like other movies of this genre, the story follows four characters: the hopeless romantic, the party animal with ridiculous advice, the responsible one, and the ladies man. As they stumble through classes and exams, they’re forced to examine their dependence on each other.

    The chemistry cemented by the dialogue and plotlines is reminiscent of ’90s films like Mall Rats (or any Kevin Smith film, for that matter) and even ’80s flicks like Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Improvisation and subtle humor drive the friendships and create a strong rapport between the characters, who find amusement in even the most quotidian activities — like eating sandwiches. Although the film has its share of laugh-out-loud moments, other jokes become stale after repetition and drawn-out scenes. Like an Atkin-dieters burger with no bun, the plot tends to lack enough beginning and conclusion, leaving us with a considerable amount of middle; but it’s one hell of a patty in between. Creative camera shots and editing create an interesting dynamic throughout the film and an element of randomness that mirrors the characters.

    As an independent filmmaker, Sklar is utilizing traditional grassroots marketing to promote the film. He’s currently touring with the film, and is using social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace to spread the word about Box Elder through the fans’ voices. The film even has its own YouTube channel.

    An indie story centered on a generation of misunderstood, misguided, and privileged youth, Box Elder will surely leave you entertained. Now showing at the Oak Street Cinema.

    7:30 p.m., through Tuesday, April 15th, The Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, 612-331-3134, $7.

  • It Takes a Village

    BOOKS & AUTHORS
    Chat It Up: Young Adult Literature

    With the Minnesota Book Awards right around the corner, you’ll have several opportunities this week to meet some of the finalists. Tonight, our very own Tom Bartel will be hosting a Chat It Up event featuring Young Adult Literature author Patrick Jones. Jones’s book Chasing Tail Lights explores the impact of poverty, drugs, and abuse on an 18-year-old girl.

    7 p.m., Maple Grove Library, 8351 Elm Creek Blvd., Maple Grove; 952-847-5550.

    WINE & DINE
    Empowering Women In Africa

    Enjoy a five-course meal featuring six handcrafted wines by Giraffrican Mix, and help raise funds to build Regina Pacis University for the Assumption Sisters of Nairobi, in Kenya, to operate with an option for women. The school’s first priority will be to train nurses, because there’s a great need for them in Kenya.

    6:30-9:30 p.m., Ursula’s Wine Bar and Cafe, 2125 4th St., White Bear Lake; 651-429-9600; $70.

    MUSIC
    Qwiksand

    "If Shaft was living in
    southern California and he invited Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix over
    for dinner," reads their website bio,
    "Orange County quartet QWIKSAND would make a groovy side-dish." What
    the California surf funk band fails to mention is the wonderful scent
    of salt and sun evoked by their music — so much needed in the
    land-locked Midwest as the winter lays its icy claws to rest. A jam
    band at heart, QWIKSAND serves up fun, melodic funk, interlaced with
    rap sessions reminiscent of the Spin Doctors. Though they’re often compared to the Red Hot Chili Peppers,
    QWIKSAND has actually developed a much smoother, perhaps even poppier,
    sound. Currently on tour promoting their new album, QWIKSAND delivers
    its Liquid Dream to the Fine Line. Joining them will be dEv JAna, The Limns, and The Rebelution.

    8 p.m. (QWIKSAND goes on at 10:30 p.m.), Fine Line Music Café, 318 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-338-8100; $3, or go here for a free ticket.

    SPORTS
    Squash Those Hornets

    And of course, you can also go see the Minnesota Timberwolves play the New Orleans Hornets. I know we’re all pro-New Orleans these days, and with good reason, but let’s put that aside for the night. Let’s show those Hornets we have just as much to lose. (And let’s see if we can win another darn game, guys.) The season is quickly coming to an end, so don’t delay.

    7 p.m., Target Center, 600 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612-673-0900; tickets starts at $10.

  • Please, Oh, Please, No!

    This month I went to various locales, frantically searching for The Rake, which I
    could not find. It is the best publication I have seen around
    here for a long time. I am quite addicted to it and begin to look for it at the end of each month. A teenager told me that you had stopped printing it, and now it is only online.

    I want to plead with you to not do that. It does not seem smart to
    neglect the many people who enjoy sitting in an easy chair, in bed,  or
    travelling with their copy. Admittedly, I am a baby boomer. There are
    so many of us who feel that way, even if we are internet savvy. But even
    the teenager said he felt it was not good to have it only online,
    that it is limiting. Please re-consider your decision. I will sign up for a subscription — promise.

    Thank you for letting me express this concern.

    Victoria Amaris, Minneapolis
    Letter

  • Dinner, Drinks, 2 Movies, and 2 Lectures

    WINE & DINE
    New French Cafe Reunion

    Ah, yes. Remember the New French Café? Many a lovely latte was enjoyed there. Many a meal. Many a show. Many drinks for all. Those were the good old days. And tonight, you can re-live them a bit and reminisce with a New French Cafe reunion at Nick and Eddie. (Smart move.) Join an inimitable
    gathering of New Frenchies, Warehouse District Originals, Aging
    Hipsters, and Newbies tonight — and every second Tuesday — for a happy hour and more. Plus, enjoy the music of Willie Murphy at 8 p.m.

    5 p.m., Nick and Eddie, 1612 Harmon Place, Loring Park, Minneapolis; 612-377-6582, 612-486-5800.

    FILM
    Lecture & Screening by Experimental Filmmaker Peter Hutton

    Detroit-born experimental filmmaker Peter Hutton will be sharing his work and his knowledge this evening in a combined lecture and screening at MCAD. Primarily known for his silent cinematic portraits of cities and landscapes, Hutton offers a rich and contemplative experience of diverse places, from the Hudson River Valley to Iceland and Bangladesh. "Typified by fixed shots of extended duration, his concentrated gaze builds a bridge between early cinema, landscape painting and still photography." Come out and drink from Hutton’s vast well of knowledge.

    6:30 p.m., Minneapolis College of Art and Design, 2501 Stevens Ave. S., Minneapolis; 612-874-3700; free.


    Meet Bill

    Also playing tonight is Meet Bill, Aaron Eckhart’s latest film and his first stab into the physical comedy genre. While the trailer and promos for the film make it out to be just one more Jessica Alba-infused silly comedy, Meet Bill actually touches on some deeper issues of fulfillment and dissatisfaction. Ok. I have to admit, the ending somewhat ruined it for me, but I was pleasantly surprised by most of what preceded it. And Eckhart’s belly, alone, is worth the watch. Besides, how often do you get to see him in a Speedo — and shaving his chest on screen! The film is at the Lagoon for one week only, which means you have but three days to catch it, so don’t delay. And read our Rakish interview with Eckhart.

    7:30 & 9:40 p.m., Lagoon Cinema, 1320 Lagoon Ave., Minneapolis; 612-825-6006; $8.25 ($5.75 seniors and children).


    LECTURE
    Our Inner Ape

    Join world-reknown primatologist and author Dr. Frans de Waal this evening for a lecture about human behavior. That’s right, de Waal, will leave the chimps aside for a moment to examine the greatest primate of all — humans. Actually, he doesn’t quite leave the apes aside; he uses chimps and bonobos as a metaphor and lens to explore our own behaviors. De Waal will be drawing from his latest book, Our Inner Ape, and the evening promises to be quite fun.

    7 p.m., Minnesota Zoo, Great Clips IMAX, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley; 952-431-9200; free, but R.S.V.P.

     

  • Unleash the Power

    MUSIC
    Nellie McKay

    Nellie McKay     is certainly like no other — and yet she draws from so many. Ella Fitzgerald one moment. Ethel Merman the next. Soon she abandons the piano keys and is off pantomiming some strange Broadway musical. A glimpse of the past. A peek at the future. She’s got grit alright, but the pretty-little-blond image throw you off, somehow makes the obscenities more a parody of themselves than truly obscene. She’s got talent, no doubt, but it’s the show that counts. She’s like a confused, grown-up Shirley Temple, always a performer, though. Always a performer.

    7 pm, Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; 612-332-1010; $25.

    BOOKS & AUTHORS
    Heal Your Body, Unleash the Power of Your Mind

    The mind and body are so much a part of each other, that to address one without the other — as we have come to do — is almost absurd. Forget almost; it’s absurd. Yet we do it. All the time we do it — so much so that now we have to relearn what was probably pretty organic at some point. And perhaps we need a guide. Dr. Rick Levy, a pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine, is the perfect escort for those first steps, and beyond. Today, he’ll be discussing his new book, Miraculous Health: How to Heal Your Body by Unleashing the Power of Your Mind and showing us how using the mind to heal the body is not just a good idea; it’s hard science. Miraculous Health shows how the mind has the ability to help everyone heal from illness, injury or pain, and to prevent their occurrence in the first place. Don’t tell me you’re not interested in a better (simpler) quality of life?

    7 p.m., University of Minnesota Bookstore, Coffman Memorial Union, 300 Washington Ave. S.E., Minneapolis; 612-626-0559; free.

    WORKSHOP
    The Textures of Your Life: Healing through Art

    And more healing… "Reflect the rough and smooth places in your life as you experiment with various media in this introductory art exploration and support group. The process of discovery, not the product, is the focus. And everyone is welcome."

    12:30 – 3 p.m., Well Within, 1880 Livingston Avenue, Suite 103, West St. Paul, MN convenient to several major highways; 651-451-3113; $15 .