Feldman's Faves: March 25, 2024

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

In case anyone forgot that we live in Canada, Friday’s “little storm” was a good reminder.

Well March Madness is in full swing and it is as fun as ever. Kentucky’s first round loss and Kansas’ second round loss validated my “bet against blue uniforms thesis” right off the bat but I have not been as successful as I would like to be (so far – heads up NC you are on my list….).

It’s hard to believe that we are entering the Final Rotation for this year’s articling student class.  And I’d like to welcome Olivia and PJ to our section. As always, I would ask that you make every effort to get to know them and get then involved in your files ASAP.

Just a friendly reminder of our Section Lunch happening this WEDNESDAY at noon – so please try to make it for good food and an opportunity to meet our new students and just to catch up. Thanks as always to Alex for organizing this lunch – I’m sure it will be crazy delicious.  It will also be Duncan’s birthday and Neill has finally agreed to jump out of a cake to celebrate – that will be a must see event for everyone.

No theme this week, just topics of interest.

LEARNING TO LOVE MIDLIFE: 12 REASONS WHY LIFE GETS BETTER WITH AGE By: Chip Conley – I listened to a PODCAST about this book but then forgot which one it was….perhaps a sign of my own middle age.  I did find the discussion interesting so I ordered the book and found it both fascinating and reassuring. Our world is designed for the young and the strivers but it should also find a place for those of us entering the “back nine” of our lives.  In Learning to Love Midlife, Chip Conley does a good job in arguing that there is still a lot of gas in the tank for those entering middle age and it is a time to find new and different challenges rather than riding off into the sunset. As life expectancy increases people will need to start thinking about chapters of their lives that just a few generations ago were not available.  As one reviewer notes, “Life after 40 is “a rich time for introspection, a journey through stillness into freedom,” according to this engaging, conversational guide. In a youth-oriented culture like the U.S., the midlife period is often seen as “one endless sand trap on the golf course of life.” But it doesn’t have to be like that, writes Conley, co-founder of the Modern Elder Academy and author of numerous business and self-help books. Midlife, which he defines as the 40-65 age bracket, can be a time when life is reconsidered and reorganized. The key is to make a conscious decision about what sort of future you want, including what the author calls “the Great Midlife Edit.” This means letting go of mindsets and obligations that have outstayed their welcome. For some people, it can be a change of career or lifestyle, perhaps stepping off the 9-to-5 treadmill and finding a new use for hard-won experience; Conley cites statistics indicating that half of American start-up entrepreneurs are over 55. True, after 40, wrinkles start to appear and hairlines begin to recede. Accept it and become comfortable in your skin, advises Conley, although he also offers advice on maintaining overall health. Staying active is the best medicine. The connection between mental condition and physical capability increases in midlife, and people with strong relationships, religious faith, and a willingness to try new things live longer, healthier lives. Don’t be afraid to seek new challenges and experiences; the author notes that his father took up scuba diving at 60. “Midlife is the time to rediscover our love of old movies, jazz music, impressionist painters, and anything else that makes life worth living,” he writes. Later, he continues, “Aging is a privilege, a gift of time.” Conley’s enthusiasm for grasping the full potential of the midlife years is contagious and inspiring.”  Now I remember, the PODCAST was from the Next Big Idea… Here’s the link if you want a short summary and explanation of the book from the author himself - https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-next-big-idea/id1482067226?i=1000646374800

TED Business - The secret perks of driving electric | Cynthia Williams – I used to be a fan of Elon but these days not so much (having read the recent biography and observing his behaviour). He did, however, start a revolution when it comes to driving.  I am in favour of the use of electric vehicles as one way we can do our part in the fight against climate change.  That said, it feels like we are in the very early innings when it comes to the electric transition.  In this PODCAST, Cynthia Williams, a Ford employee explains what will be needed to get there and help us deal with, among other things, range anxiety. Not only that, she describes how electric cars can be used as a clean and safe source of power for other needs (homes, campsites, etc.). She is working at Ford to make this happen. I hope she and her team succeed. Here’s an excerpt from the PODCAST itself, “Electric vehicles need to be more than just eco-friendly — they have to be more chic, convenient and affordable than their gas-powered alternatives, says sustainability leader Cynthia Williams. She explores what it'll take for an electric revolution to succeed in the US, calling on corporations, policy leaders, investors and more to collaborate in unprecedented ways. After the talk, Modupe shares her own approach to encouraging change that sticks”: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ted-business/id470622782?i=1000642139507

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and participation.And remember to stay safe, stay healthy and to docket daily.

Jon