rakemag John writes: Dear Rake–here’s a picture of my wife Shelley and I atop Victoria’s Peak in Hong Kong. We brought The Rake to read on the (long) plane ride over and used it as a photo prop when the opportunity arose. Please make us famous! –John Steingraeber, St. Paul The Rake writes: Hope this helps … Read more
Interesting profiles on the six politicos in your “Sculpting a Candidate” article [November]. One is a good pal of mine. However, I can’t be the first to note that all six of the people profiled were employed by those on the liberal side of the ledger. Are we to believe there is not one hard-working, … Read more
Tom Bartel’s characterization of Keith Ellison [“Capulets and Montagues,” November], like his understanding of perfect political storms, could benefit from a deep breath. The election of Jesse Ventura in 1998 did reflect voter aversion to the candidates of the established parties, but Ventura’s populist image, albeit more cultural than economic, had an even greater impact … Read more
I was a little surprised by the political operatives you chose to highlight in the November issue [“Sculpting a Candidate”]. Not because of their skills and abilities—indeed, they are clearly some of the best left-leaning political minds in Minnesota—but rather because of the lack of diversity in the profiles. I find it hard to believe … Read more
I really don’t think there is a logical connection between Terminalia and, as you state, political boundary lines between Mr. Ellison and Mr. Fine [“The Rituals of Boundaries,” October]. You suggest that Mr. Ellison and Mr. Fine should come together and find some common ground on Louis Farrakhan and his teachings. Some lines need to … Read more
I really enjoyed the story about Circle Pines [“A People’s History of Circle Pines,” November]. I have spent a large chunk of my life living in the N.E. metro and have memories of Circle Pines from back in the 70s. (Yes, I still can remember!) What really caught my eye was the map on page … Read more
In “Pep Personified” [The Rakish Angle, November], Nancy Nelson’s husband explains that he gives his wife bee-themed jewelry as a private joke, because, “Aerodynamically, a bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly … but the bumblebee doesn’t know that, so it just soars merrily along.” At the risk of depressing the sales of the bee-themed jewelry … Read more
Director Richard Linklater has been on the independent movie track for over twenty years now, and he’s built an oeuvre that’s as interesting as it is eclectic. He recently abandoned the romantic comedies and plotless, stream-of-consciousness work he’s been known for, turning out instead a pair of cynical flicks—A Scanner Darkly and now Fast Food … Read more
Caleb McEwen is fast on his feet, but we suspect the artistic director of the Brave New Workshop has been running himself ragged as of late. Not only has he been directing plenty of comedy revues, but he and his wife Katy (the workshop’s assistant artistic director) welcomed a bundle of joy into the world … Read more
Seemingly timed for the darkest month of the year, this is a dystopic vision of a world in which the women suddenly become infertile, forcing society to examine—in short order—just what it means to be alive. The youngest human on earth, all of eighteen, is killed, and society’s falling apart at the seams. But when … Read more