Rapp Strategies Rundown – February 2021

What we’re reading, listening to and thinking about this month.

Todd R.: It was cold – really cold! So we finished “The Queen’s Gambit” and “Your Honor,” and now we’ve started “Succession.” We also got back to the Academy Award Best Picture winner list, watching “A Beautiful Mind” (really good) and “The Greatest Show on Earth” (basically a docu-commercial, but with Jimmy Stewart). Dusty Springfield returned to the iPhone playlist this month. Started “The Man Who Ran Washington,” the biography of James Baker III. Food choice is Andiamo in Woodbury – found a penne dish that is addictive. 

Alyssa: With February being so cold, there wasn’t much reason to leave the house. I read a fantastic book called “The Revolt of the Public” by former CIA analyst, Martin Gurri about how the democratization of information and communication through social media in the last decade has led to political destabilization. A more fractured “public,” where people get their information from their own customized media bubbles, where the elites in government and media have less control over information than ever before, has led to a society with fewer common ideologies, only united by what we’re against: the status quo. Fascinating and grim. 

Rich: The “light at the end of the tunnel” got a lot brighter when Kari and I received our first shot of the vaccine in early February. Our second shot will come in early March bringing hope that all of us can start getting our lives back to normal this spring and summer.

Flossie, our new Beagle puppy, is growing up fast physically, but is still very much a puppy at heart. We found ourselves reverting back to the days when we had five babies/kids. We love the action and fun, but when the puppy naps, we nap too.

I’ve been watching with alumnus pride as many Georgetown grads join the Biden administration, including several from my Law School Class of 1977. Georgetown was a wonderful school and I made many lifelong friends. It is heartwarming to know so many have accomplished so much.

Todd S.: During several frigid nights this month, I thought we might need a train like the one on the TV show, “Snowpiercer,” which I highly recommend. Also, if you haven’t yet, check out the movie that it was based on – brutal and fascinating. Chris Evans (aka Captain America) plays against type in the starring role. Our other TV addiction is “Resident Alien” on SyFy. Alan Tudyk (Yes, Steve the Pirate from “Dodgeball”) is hysterical as the twitchy, grumpy alien trying to adjust to life with the human race, which he is hoping to wipe out.

Sarah: February feels like it went by in a total blur. I’ve been making my way through “Floret Farm’s Cut Flower Garden” to learn more about how to handle to copious amount of cut flowers I’ll be growing this summer. (Now taking name suggestions for my inevitable bouquet side-hustle, ha!) I also planted up my first seeds and have been taking Joe Lamp'l’s Master Seed Starting Course which has been really helpful as I plan my garden and get things moving. Here’s hoping for an early thaw and warm spring.

Anna: My month kicked off with a move down to Alabama as my husband attends military flight school. We’re finally unpacked and have begun exploring our new home, including a few delightful places such as M.Y. Cakes and Pastries and Dothan Area Botanical Gardens. I unboxed my Instant Pot, and there have already been a few hits, including a whole chicken recipe and southwest quinoa salad. The iFOODReal blog has been a lifesaver for easy, healthy and tasty meals. In my down time, I also re-read “A Castaway in Cornwall” by my favorite former boss, Julie Klassen. An impeccably researched, enthralling and romantic tale that makes me long to visit the rugged English coast.

Cullen: Even as a born and raised Minnesotan, the weather this month was...too much. Thank goodness for fireplaces and jumper cables.

This month I read “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller, which is beautiful but nothing short of heart-wrenching. I recommend it but can’t promise that your emotional wellbeing will be in one piece when you’ve finished.

My favorite watches this month were “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “The Dig.” I’m a sucker for historical dramas, and both films have phenomenal casts so you really can’t go wrong. It’s only a matter of time until Ralph Fiennes pulls the Oscar he deserves.