rakemag

After reading Wm. Steven Humphrey, I find it strange that you published in a Twin Cities magazine an article by a columnist based in Portland who is writing about his Portland cable system. Not all cable systems are alike! If Mr. Humphrey lived in Minneapolis and had Time Warner Cable he would find a service … Read more

To point out hypocrisy is often to belittle or ignore the larger argument. Colleen Kruse points out that her friend, Megan the Vegan Pagan, eats only organic food in an effort to be healthier, yet she smokes [Motley Krüse, April]. A clear hypocrisy, even if they are American Spirits. President Bush promotes the building of … Read more

You bet, the Twin Cities area had a great transit system before Green and Ossanna got in and wrecked the streetcar empire in less than three years time, 1951–1954 [“Get Rail!,” March]. Twin City Lines did have buses to augment the streetcars and a fair amount of private right of way. The vast majority of … Read more

In the most recent issue of The Rake [April], there is an article entitled “Smashing, Glass” in which reference is made to “NPR’s ‘This American Life.’” This is incorrect. National Public Radio (NPR) has nothing to do with either the production or distribution of this very popular program. “This American Life” is produced by WBEZ/Chicago … Read more

When a publication goes national and even international, steps have to be taken to make sure that local writers are not confused with national and international figures. The March edition presents an article entitled “Taters” [Down the Hatch]. The author is Stephanie March. The failure by your editors to include a brief note on the … Read more

In reading Mr. Singer’s letter [Letters, April], I couldn’t help but notice the absence of any mention on his part of the fossil fuel emissions/greenhouse gases that would be produced by the increased demand for electricity from the existing infrastructure—as to whether or not the air quality of the city would be improved by mass-transit’s … Read more

Thanks for your article on global warming. We are not hearing much about it in this country from the corporate press. My opinion is that Minnesota will be a “warm Nebraska” much sooner than 50 years from now. One of the factors that is not taken into account in some of the computerized models is … Read more

One day at college, in New York City, we were discussing getting smacked by a cab or a bus. What would they do with you if you were not identified [Hidden Treasures, April]? I was told you would be brought to Potter’s Field—taken across the river and buried standing up, after they took a snapshot … Read more

Thank you! I was absolutely thrilled when I saw your interview with Louise Erdrich [“The Novelist at Rest,” March]. I’ve been a long time fan of hers, but had no idea that she had a bookstore right in my old stomping grounds. I cannot wait to go there and spend an entire afternoon shopping and … Read more