Rapp Strategies Rundown – June 2020
What we’re reading, listening to and thinking about this month.
Todd R.: Watched the two-part Laurel Canyon documentary about the Los Angeles music scene in the late 60's and early 70's. Can't believe there is so much archival footage available of these great musicians. Our Saturday nights with the Academy Award winners continues, and surprising strong in-family reviews for “Chariots of Fire.” For reading, I just finished Scott Turow's “The Last Trial,” which purports to be the story of Sandy Stern's last trial (he's in his mid-80's … I'll bet he has a few more tricks up his sleeve). Next up is “The Body: A Guide For Occupants." And for those of you with Decades TV on Xfinity, “Laugh-In” reruns at 6 pm on weekdays are fantastic.
Alyssa: Since we're not doing any traveling this summer, I've been watching old episodes of Anthony Bourdain's “No Reservations” instead. Also, trying to get away from my electronic devices at night and get outside for more backyard happy hours.
Rich: June has been a great month for me to get back on the golf course. Game is improving a little, but it is so enjoyable to be outside doing something that seems normal. This pandemic has removed a lot of normality. Golf brings some back.
At work, I have thoroughly enjoyed the work we are presently doing for the coalition advocating for a Constitutional Amendment to create a right to a quality education. This work is so important for the future of our state and its people.
Remaining joy comes from more opportunities to get together (at safe social distance) with family and friends. It is tough for an extrovert like me to be separated from people. Recent increased togetherness has been a source of joy.
Todd S.: I have been spending some time re-exploring music from previous decades — from 1970s-era Paul McCartney (“Wings Over America” is still a great live album) to Lyle Lovett (“Pontiac” still feels fresh) to Miles Davis (“Kind of Blue” and “Sketches of Spain” are simply sublime).
Sarah: This month I binged “Sweet Magnolias” and am already rooting for a second season. Evening movies have included the sci-fi thriller “The Vast of Night,” a fun spin on the classic alien invasion flick. I recently took wine courses from WineFolly.com and chased it with “Uncorked.” When not consuming too much TV, I’ve been enjoying tending to the garden and having salads with fresh greens nearly every day.
Anna: This month entailed more crockpot creations, including a new favorite recipe of bone-in chicken thighs with potatoes, carrots and green beans soaked in a honey, garlic and soy sauce marinade. I was moved by “Eight Twenty Eight,” a memoir by Larissa Murphy that tells the story of she and her now-husband’s journey through his traumatic brain injury. Now I’m reading “The Drop Box,” which gives an inspiring glimpse into the ministry of a South Korean pastor who takes in abandoned children, many of whom have special needs.
Quentin: To say it has been a difficult few weeks for the Twin Cities and the nation would be a severe understatement. I used a bulk of my free time this month to reflect on how I can help contribute to a more just and equitable society. I started with a new book, "The Color of Law" by Richard Rothstein, which examines how government policies have led to segregation in America. I also listened to two incredibly eye-opening podcasts from The New York Times featuring Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and the history of police unions.
In between hikes, bike rides, I also organized a successful donation drive through my apartment building that provided much-needed supplies to families in the Minneapolis's Whittier neighborhood. Oh, and I finally tried the decadent takeout bowls from the North Loop's Soul Bowl and South Minneapolis's empanada and pizza emporium, Boludo. Both were I.N.C.R.E.D.I.B.L.E.