The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

One of my favorite skits from the Comedy Central series Chappelle Show imagined President Bush as a black man. The idea was simple but effective; a great example from Chappelle's much-missed deft handling of racial and political humor, and his gift for satire. It was smart, spot-on and laugh-out-loud funny (the highlight coming when Bush elaborates on the coalition of the willing: "We got Stankonia gonna drop bombs over Baghdad").

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**While there are scores of bloggers out there committed solely to Fringe Festival reviews, The Rake is striving to offer you a unique, insiders' perspective. We won't tell you, "Be sure not to miss...!" What we will provide is a behind the scenes glimpse of life as a local actor, director, everyday- theater-goer. The Rake will be featuring interviews, personal accounts, reviews by wholly unqualified theater reviewers (aka Spazz Dad) and maybe even a guest appearance or two on Dude Weather.**

I have been struck by lightning.

BMW now apparently wants the Popemobile biz (proposal depicted above). As a Mercedes (exclusive builders of Vatican limos for an eternity) owner, I pray for an intercession.

As no self-respecting Swabian would be seen in a high-end Manure Wagen, neither should His Most Holy Benedict.