In life, where you stand very often depends on where you sit. And when it comes to the police, I have usually taken the stand that they have to be monitored very closely, especially when it come to relationships with black and brown people. I have a lot of personal and collective history that bred … Read more
As we speak, the conservative men’s religious/political organization, the Promise Keepers, are right smack in the middle of their 2002 National Conference Season, and on September 6 and 7, they’ll be rallying at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. “In 12 years, we have held 140 stadiums and arena events, reaching 4.8 million men. … Read more
Bertrand Russell may have looked like God—piercing eyes, white hair, son of the Duke of Bedford, that sort of thing. But he was a philosopher not noted for an enthusiastic belief in the Divine. When asked what he would say when he got to Heaven, he replied in clipped tones, “‘God’, I will say, ‘you … Read more
We are a deserving people. We bear down under the barrage of cold and wetness for some eight months, to emerge into the light for the remaining four. We understand our lot in life, we choose it. We have stronger character for the winters we suffer, and we have a deeper love and appreciation for … Read more
The Fringe Festival arrives again, this year with more corporate sponsors than ever, and I’m feeling the same sense of anticipation and obligation. So many options, so much creativity, so many challenging theatrical experiences to seek out. As always, it’s the seeking that intimidates. Must I really drag my sporadically employed butt out of the … Read more
With the grand opening of Hormel’s $8 million Spam Museum, there’s not much mystery left in the story of the world’s strangest can of food. The Rake dives in—only to learn the “Spam Gelatin Jump” has been canceled. Now it’s just a savory memory. Marion Ross, Barb Billingsley, Tom Brokaw, and other dubious TV superstars … Read more
Having moved back from Seattle 18 months ago, I completely relate to Jennifer Vogel’s struggle with homesickness [“Weed Whacked,” July 2002]. I enjoyed revisiting the old haunts mentioned in her article. Newfound friends drinking caffeine uppers and smoking Vancouver downers are charming but lack a certain something Minnesota brims over with. Is it the smell … Read more
I have great admiration for Ann Bancroft; she is an amazing woman and a good friend. I was taken aback, however, by your reference to Will Steger and the idea that Ann has eclipsed Will by creating an educational program and meeting and greeting her followers [“If the Breakers Don’t Get You…,” July 2002]. In … Read more
At 17,582 feet above sea level, the Taglang La is the world’s second highest motorable pass. It’s the highest point on the 300-mile “highway” that connects the northern cities of Leh and Manali. On a bicycle, getting to the top of the pass from the southern side requires a 3-hour, 12-mile climb that takes you … Read more
In some hip nightclubs on the East and West Coasts, customers line up to pay $12 for a shot of flavored, 99.9 percent-pure oxygen. If the designer-air fad ever catches on here, Ed Berger might be the hippest guy in town. Berger brings his own air supply. Tucked under his chair on the Artist’s Quarter … Read more