Feldman's Faves: February 8, 2021

WOW, what a Super Bowl and what a week for sports. Tom Brady just WON his SEVENTH SUPER BOWL and Jon Feldman just completed his 100th PELOTON RIDE. It’s impossible to really know or really say, which of these is the greater achievement but over time and with some perspective, historians will decide. For now we celebrate them both as equals. But I digress….

I have not read any books or listened to any podcasts about Tom Brady (suggestions are welcome) so this week I am moving back to fiction (albeit historical fiction) and repeating a PODCAST brand (which I normally try to avoid but this one is too good). So here are this week’s recommendations:

A Gentleman in Moscow By: Amor Towles – This book comes highly recommended from my “friend” Bill Gates (I think he may have filed a restraining order on me). I had almost lost faith in his judgement because it took me three tries to finally get through this book. It is a slow and long read but, in the end totally worth it. It reminds me of the feeling one gets when walking into a museum and quietly studying the old masters. It is beautiful, carefully crafted and takes time to absorb. The novel takes place in 20th century Russia and tells the story of a former Tsarist Count who following the Russian Revolution is accused of crimes against the state and serves a life sentence……under house arrest…..in the fanciest and most luxurious hotel in Moscow. One hell of a way to quarantine…..This is a story told on a grand scale (describing key events in early 20th century Russia) and on a very miniscule scale, including the minute details of hotel living, the Count’s friendships and even his personal possessions. The detail and the history are fascinating and there is a bit of a caper at the end. As noted, this read requires patience and perseverance but it is absolutely worth it. If you don’t believe me, here is what Bill has to say about it - https://www.gatesnotes.com/Books/A-Gentleman-in-Moscow

Spark & Fire: Epic Creative Stories - Architect Thomas Heatherwick on NYC’s “Vessel” – Yes I am recommending another episode of Spark & Fire. This episode tells the story of the process of creating and constructing the VESSEL in Manhattan’s newest neighborhood, Hudson Yards. If you have any interest in art, architecture, city planning and engineering, then you will find this PODCAST to be utterly useless.. JUST KIDDING. It covers all of these elements in discussing how the Vessel came to being, a true artistic and architectural marvel (Google it if you have never seen it). Below is the description from Spark and Fire: How do you change the creative brief? You start with play. The architect Thomas Heatherwick was asked to create a monumental public work for the plaza of vast new development in the heart of Manhattan. The expected route would be to copy what’s worked before on other plazas in other cities – a statue, a fountain. But Heatherwick knew he had to push past what was expected. Spark & Fire follows the journey of “Vessel,” a massive piece of public art, from its roots in traditional Indian forms, to its sophisticated construction and multi-year assembly, to its reception by the public – a complicated story that is still unfolding. It’s a story of creative bravery, play, and persistence – at the drawing board and in the meeting room. Listen on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/spark-fire-epic-creative-stories/id1544310633?i=1000507423084

As always, enjoy or ignore at your leisure.

I continue to welcome your suggestions.

And remember to stay safe and to docket daily.

All the best,

Jon