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
Gwen opened the middle drawer of her desk and saw box after box of tea jammed one next to the other. Some were decorated in pastels, others in bright reds and yellows; some featured drawings of animals or pastoral scenes, and all were frightening. Like a banner strung from the tail of an airplane, the … Read more
The Fantastic Four has always been a comic lover’s comic. Although Spider-Man is more widely known, Reed Richards and his family are often considered the soul of Marvel Comics—it was, after all, the Fantastic Four’s explosive popularity in the early sixties that vaulted the company from also-ran to market leader. Although it’s been a long … Read more
Some of the landmarks have changed, but eight years ago, directions to the Rainbow Inn were easy: Stay on Highway 169, watch for Wigwam Bay and the Grain Belt beer sign. I found it, pulled in, and walked into the lodge. The light was comfortably dim, slanting in through the row of front windows. A … Read more
Over several nights about a year ago, a small miracle of human interaction took place on KSTP late-night radio. Host Tommy Mischke was embarking on a self-styled pitch for the Spectacle Shop, one of his show’s handful of loyal sponsors, when a call came over the transom. It had been a slow night and Mischke, … 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
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
“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 appreciate your enlightening information [Sex and the Married Man, March]. However, your idea about not abstaining is rather saddening. It is not surprising that many people are dying from the dreaded disease AIDS because of similar ignorance. I consider it unfortunate that there are some like you who insist on having sex outside marriage, … Read more
I am a faithful reader of The Rake, and thoroughly enjoy your columns. [Sex and the Married Man, June] caught my attention because it deals with the issue of erectile dysfunction and the drug industry’s solution to everything—pills. I think you are missing a key issue in this article. It is proven that the absence … Read more