Feldman's Faves: May 23, 2023

GOOD MORNING EVERYONE

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend. Weather wasn’t perfect but overall it’s nice to celebrate the official kick-off of the summer season.

This week I simply want to acknowledge the loss of the great Norm Schipper – Goodmans’ first articling student ever. Norm was the epitome of the word “mensch” and was a great friend to my family (and to many others) and a mentor to me (and to many others), and one of the main reasons I came to Goodmans. His approach to life in being a decent human being who cared deeply about others was reflected in both his words and his deeds. A true legend both inside and outside of Goodmans and someone we will all really miss.

No theme this week – just random topics of interest.

THE HALF GOD OF RAINFALL – Inua Ellems – I was reading an article about LeBron James and Stef Curry the other day, which referred to them as basketball gods, which is not an unfair statement. I might add Jayson Tatum and The Djoker to that category as well this year. In any event, in the article, the reporter referenced Inua Ellems’ poem entitled The Half God of Rainfall so I decided to check it out. I had to read it a few times to make sure I understood it (which with me takes time) but I did enjoy it and found it to be very thought provoking and some good writing that raises a whole host of issues ranging from violence, to status and of course, to basketball. It involved mythology (both Greek and Nigerian), social commentary on political violence, some real world events (including the US destruction of the Nigerian basketball team in the 2012 Olympics in London, a/k/a the most lopsided game in international basketball history) and, of course, a recognition that Michael Jordan may not be human after all…. According to some reviews, “The Half God of Rainfall tells the story of Demi, a Nigerian basketball hero and Olympic sportsman whose tears cause rivers to overflow. He is also the son of Zeus. But since that other half-god, Michael Jordan, flagrantly displayed his supernatural powers by actually flying on a court, the gods have outlawed half-men from participating in human sports. Here is a story about what happens when the ambition and desires of mortals come face-to-face with the caprices of celestial beings. The Half God of Rainfall by Inua Ellams is an emotive poetic prose of the rise of a scorned woman against the powers that be. Ellams writing style brings magic to the imagination of a reader. Once, you are in Nigeria watching the victory and joy of a half God, next you find yourself at the helm of a fight between Gods in the sky! Poetic, beholding events! Her writing gives you something to hold on too as scenes flash behind your eyelids. Don’t let me get started on what Ellams did with Modupe’s perspective! Stunning, vivacious growth. She does not pamper her characters. She lets them be vicious as they want, be weak as they can be and be prideful as they can get. The gospel of Ellams according to this short, interesting story is if you mess with one, you mess with all. It doesn’t matter when vengeance will come, but it will and mercy will be far, then. Also, nobody will keep on getting away with evil! Have you ever imagined? Do you want to see Nigerian gods and Greek gods doing their thing?! Read this book ASAP.” This mythological tale is different from my usual taste but it is short, interesting and worth a read especially if you love the game of basketball. Here is a great review from the Kiln Theatre - https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/the-half-god-of-rainfall/

Smartless - "Bill Hader" Bill Hader is one of my all-time favourite cast members from SNL, not only because he had so many hilarious characters but also because nobody breaks character as often and as funny as he does (Google “The Californians bloopers” if you want to laugh out loud). In addition to being hilarious, Hader is also an incredibly talented dramatic actor, which he has shown in his amazing series Barry, which I highly recommend. He seems like a great and super nice guy as well as you can hear from his discussion with the three idiots from Smartless. Here’s an excerpt from the PODCAST itself, “Things we discuss with the insanely talented Bill Hader: Portal-to-portal A hat on a hat Pot roast for breakfast Nut allergies How high can you jump? Did your parents listen to Charo? It's SmartLess - here we go! Please support us by supporting our sponsors.” https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/smartless/id1521578868?i=1000611214485

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and participation.

And remember to stay safe, stay healthy and to docket daily.

Jon