October 29, 1999 - Commentator Nanci Olesen got a couple of insights about the people who live near her. Olesen shares a Halloween memory, titled “Pumpkin.” It involves a third trimester and a very unique costume.
November 22, 1999 - For more on the design of the Lindbergh terminal, we turn to Michael Schrock. He's a Minneapolis architect who's done some recent work at the terminal, and is also president-elect of the Minneapolis chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
November 25, 1999 - A Thanksgiving Day special, "Giving Thanks: A Celebration of Fall, Food and Gratitude." Produced by MPR's John Birge, it includes a rare recording of actor Charles Laughton, essays by Bill Moyers, Donald Hall and Garrison Keillor, and the music of Aaron Copeland, Vivaldi and more.
November 25, 1999 - It's the time of year for pausing to consider what we are thankful for, which as commentator Nanci Olesen found out, can evoke a range of emotions.
December 21, 1999 - A look at Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol and how it's shaped our view of Christmas and charity. Features a 1940 version of A Christmas Carol featuring Lionel Barrymore as Ebenezer Scrooge. Our review of A Christmas Carol was written and produced by John Rabe, with assistance from Kara Fiegenschuh. It included selections from To Charles, With Love, a special production created and produced by Bridget Carpenter, the NEA-PCG playwright in residence of the Guthrie Theatre. We heard My Carol by Doris Baizley, read by Sue Scott; and excerpts of Octoclaus by Eric Ehn, read by Dan Gorenstein; and A Christmas Golem by David Grimm, read by Steve Yoakam.
December 21, 1999 - It's being billed as the final full moon of the 1900's--bigger and brighter than anything we've seen in 133 years. Tonight and tomorrow's full moon coincides with the winter solstice and happens when the moon is at its closest point to earth, but astronomers aren't hyping this celestial event. John Dickey is a professor of astronomy at the University of Minnesota. He says he's not sure what all the fuss is about.
February 4, 2000 - The running of the John Beargrease sled dog race has Commentator Nanci Olesen thinking north this weekend.
February 14, 2000 - In this special extended edition of Midday, Walter Mondale, former vice-president, speaks at the inaugural program of 50 Years: The Mondale Lectures on Public Service. Mondale’s address was titled, "Atlantic City Revisited: Mississippi Freedom Democrats and the Integration of the Democratic Party,."
February 14, 2000 - Continuation of a special extended edition of Midday, presenting excerpts from the inaugural program 50 Years: The Mondale Lectures on Public Service. Topic was on "Atlantic City Revisited: Mississippi Freedom Democrats and the Integration of the Democratic Party." Part 2 highlights a panel discussion with Lawrence Guyot, the Reverend Ed King, William Winter, and Taylor Branch, who share their thoughts and recollections of the 1964 Atlantic City Democratic National Convention.
February 29, 2000 - A Mainstreet Radio special about life and death. Host Rachel Reabe broadcasts from The Waterford, a retirement community in Fargo. In this first hour, Reabe talks about end-of-life issues with medical and religious experts about the concept of death and “dying well.”