💪Finkel's Fast Five 146 - November 13, 2020

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ONE
HEROES - Imagine swimming through shark-infested waters, while being shelled by Japanese bombs, while towing a boat full of 15 of your wounded comrades. For EIGHT HOURS.

Let me introduce you to a man who personified bravery, Charles Jackson French, a war hero you should absolutely learn a little bit more about in honor of Veteran's Day. Here's a short write-up about this swimmer/hero/legend. It's a short read, but well worth it.

TWO

HOOPS - Of all the NBA players whose back half of their careers (MVPs, All-NBA selections, etc...) didn't match the promise of their first half, Shawn Kemp is sadly, certainly up there.

Kemp was an otherworldly athlete, incredible leaper, underrated shooter and tremendous shot blocker. In the 1996 Finals he was at worst, the second-best player on the floor through all six games. At his best, in that series, he played better than Jordan (really, he did). Case in point, this 15-second sequence where he blocks Jordan's shot and then makes a beautiful floater on the other end. Pardon my Marv Albert impression over the video.

THREE

BOOKS - I have had Andre Agassi's memoir, Open: An Autobiography on my list to read for years and years. Not only is Agassi one of the more compelling athletes we've ever had, and the last captivating American tennis player, but I'd heard that one of my favorite writers, J.R. Moehringer, collaborated with Agassi on the book and I was curious how it played out.

I'll save you the suspense: it is outstanding. Truly. This is one of the best memoirs I've ever read. It's written with such a fast pace and with punishing honesty (about Sampras and Brooke Shields and his drug problems and his hair and Steffi Graf and everything) and with such depth that you'd think it was written by a writer and a psychologist and a dialogue expert. Highly recommended.

FOUR

DADDIN' - Got into a discussion this week about the best dad scenes in movies and yes, the Vacation series has several classic lines, buuuuut...

From a parent perspective, this exchange from Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse is my absolute favorite. It's got the perfect amount of heart, humor and the lightest touch of wish fulfillment, because what dad wouldn't cherish being able to simultaneously tell their kid they love them and embarrass them in front of a busy street in New York City, using a police car megaphone? Enjoy it here.

FIVE

A great quote/strategy for parents to get their kids to appreciate them:

"My kids know I’m a big deal. They’re very aware. I let them know every day, I say, ‘Look, daddy’s a big deal."

- Kevin Hart

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"The basketball brotherhood in Seattle is just different. There's such a deep connection with each other and their city. I really enjoyed that feeling and I was happy to be apart of it. This story of the culture of basketball in Seattle is so pure."

- Kevin Durant, 10x NBA All-Star, 2x NBA Champion

"The fans are so loyal and so dedicated in Seattle. They give you a feeling of warmth and family. So many guys made it to the NBA from the area because of that feeling of family. Hoops Heist is the story of generations of NBA guys lifting each other and their community up".

- Gary Payton, Pro Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA Champion

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