rakemag “Donny Highrise” is my new hero [The Rake’s Progress, June], but I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere before. Is it possible that’s not his real name? Is the man in the photograph some kind of cheap Donny Highrise imposter, because Donny himself was too shy to pose for photos? Lisa Clifton Minneapolis Well, now, … Read more
I rarely read The Rake because I get sick of the pinko rags that are many of the independent magazines in the Twin Cities. But my co-worker wanted me to read the article on god and politics [“Church and State,” June]. He’s a left-winger and I’m a die-hard Republican. I didn’t think it was going … Read more
I appreciate it when people or organizations notice that we political moderates and liberals have strong Christian beliefs, too. I didn’t realize the depth of Senator Dean Johnson’s professional and personal commitments along these lines; I am in awe. On another point the article made: How can Chaplain Hall maintain his 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (which prohibits religious … Read more
Paul Harstad, his sister, and her partner (all South Minneapolis residents) accompanied his father (of Vadnais Heights) to the land of Pharoahs. Paul says, “Egypt is a very interesting place, and holds a prominent position in world history, but why on Earth would they spend all that time, energy, and resources to build monuments to … Read more
Took the Rake to France with me, just for giggles. Spent a week on the Yonne Canal floating on a barge with two other couples, drinking cases of cremant, (the local name for champagne) and speaking French very poorly. This photo was taken from a 16th Century bridge in a town called Mailly de Chateau. … Read more
Two pictures were taken at sea level on the decent to the Dead Sea in Israel. We thought it appropriate to read about conservative politics in The Rake while visiting the places where it all started. The other pictures are at the River Jordan where John the Baptist did his work. Note in particular the … Read more
Your mission this coming Saturday afternoon: without upstaging the happy couple. It behooves you to be both fashionable and appropriate, because the mother of the bride might cast you a disapproving glance if you are anything less. So grab your pastel neckties, dust off some chic but not overly sexy footwear, and wiggle into those strapless gowns. Provided … Read more
Jeff Wechter writes: These pictures were taken in Switzerland on March 10, 2005. The Crap Bar was at a ski area called Laax. Crap was everywhere. www.laax.com. The other was taken in a small town near Flims called Sogogn. Author(s) and Location: Jeff Wechter
I think a lot of people have been saying this lately: the moderates among us Christians have to step up and make our views preeminent over those radically conservative Christians who would take over, and in some cases have tken over, our government. We’ve received some unexpected praise here for our cover story this month–primarily … Read more
The devilish man himself Damn, until reminded a little while ago, I forgot today was Bloom’s Day. Have a fried kidney, walk around town, try to sell some ads, wander into an Irish pub, and think of Leopold Bloom, Stephen Daedalus and James Joyce and all the good books you could have read if you … Read more