Rapp Strategies Rundown – February
What we did, read, watched and thought about this month.
Todd R.: Been working our way through Designated Survivor on the binge list – not sure if there is a definition of anachronism that includes political errors rather than chronological ones, but this lightweight entertainment is full of them (the White House Counsel does NOT defend the President’s mother-in-law). But Billions is in mid-season form and Killing Eve starts Sunday, so help is on the way. I watched the recently released footage of Springsteen’s MUSE Concert from Madison Square Garden in 1979 - it is definitely the second-best NYC performance after his Broadway show. Finally, a shoutout to Danny’s Kitchen & Bar out in Hudson, WI – made a late decision to go out on February 14th, and the four course Valentine’s meal was wonderful.
Rich: February flew by! Kari and I spent vacation time in Palm Springs during the first half of the month. We were joined by four of our five children, along with spouses and significant others, and Kari’s sister. The weather was great and we really relaxed and connected. We enjoyed visits from several friends before we also returned to Minneapolis. Some warm weather and golf can really revive a Minnesotan!
In addition to catching up on reading (I heartily recommend The Splendid and the Vile), I spent time working with All of Mpls Board members, community leaders, the Mayor and City Council Members on plans to reform and revitalize the Minneapolis Police Department and Public Safety system. These are complicated times with real issues that need to be addressed. I am so happy to be working with so many talented individuals devoted to finding solutions.
Todd S.: My sons were heavy into ski lessons and indoor soccer in February – and way too much binging of Brooklyn 99. Sure, it’s a solid show, but probably not worthy of two rounds of all eight seasons. My wife and I found a nice surprise with Peacemaker with John Cena, which offered a strange, sharp and funny take on the never-ending superhero universe. On a more serious note: I am inspired by the fortitude and courage of the people of Ukraine and hope that the world will unite against Putin and his senseless war against a peaceful, democratic country.
Sarah: February was a busy month and I’m just now realizing how few things I read and watched, which was probably a nice break after our January, ha. Much of my free time this month was spent looking up hotels and activities for our trip to Portugal and Spain during the first part of February. I did manage to read Kirstin Hannah’s True Colors on the beach in the Dominican Republic and loved it. Recently I’ve been watching Sweet Magnolias season two – it is just the right amount of corny and so wholesome!
Anna: Isaac and I have been enjoying The Book of Boba Fett, although not as much as the Mandalorian. We received a HelloFresh box as a gift from our neighbors, and it did not disappoint. Our favorite recipes were parmesan-crusted chicken with buttery couscous and balsamic-glazed pork chops with green beans. I hosted a baking day with ladies from church complete with banana bread, pound cake, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and ginger cookies. The house smelled wonderful for several days. Finally, we visited a fun local restaurant called The Craft, and the cheesy grits were all I could hope for in a Southern dish. Clearly, my waistline has not recovered from this month.
Cullen: In February I finally stopped fighting the cold and embraced it. Despite having never seen a sled dog race in person I somehow found myself at two: the Klondike Dog Derby on Lake Minnetonka and the Northern Pines Sled Dog Race in Iron River, WI. While in Iron River I also enjoyed a very rejuvenating weekend at a friend’s cabin. To cap off the month, Lauren and I tried several new things in Madison, including a visit to the Olbrich Botanical Gardens orchids exhibit and Bloom Bake Shop.
In my down time I enjoyed the first two seasons of Sex Education, Downfall: The Case Against Boeing, and the first act of jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy.
Kaylee: Most of my reading time lately has been consumed by the apartment classifieds rather than more interesting pieces. Although, the entire process is, in its own way, one of learning about the city. Similar to many these days, I've just been so glad to see more of the sun and have been able to do a little cross-country skiing.
Will: I had fun watching the Super Bowl earlier this month, it was a good end to a great NFL postseason. I’ve been reading Black Like Me, along with plenty of the New Yorker, and The Atlantic. The Pod Save America podcast is making my commute more fun, and I’ve been re-playing Red Dead Redemption 2 this month while I wait for more pleasant weather outside. I managed to make it up to Saint John’s University for a weekend with some friends, and snagged some of the nation’s best cider at Milk and Honey Ciders on the way home.
