The Rake Magazine

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

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 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

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

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

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

Dale writes: On a July trip to Scandinavia, I took my latest copy of The Rake along to catch up on my reading. Ad you can see in my photo, I even took it along to the top of Areskutan, a 4,200 meter ski mountain in Are, Sweden. I enjoy your magazine and pick it … Read more

Deborah of Minneapolis writes: Hello Rake – I was recently in Tahiti and Bora Bora for work (need I mention that I have a great job??) and I had these pictures taken of me at the Bora Bora Lagoon Resort where I was staying. Thank you, Deborah Author(s) and Location: Deborah Dapkus

During his three-month stint in Thailand earlier this year, Lee Temte of Minneapolis dined at the memorably named Cabbages & Condoms Restaurant, whose edible fare is “guaranteed not to cause pregnancy.” Established to help fund the work of the Population and Community Development Association, the eatery serves food that “is traditional Thai,” Temte writes, “but … Read more