Philadelphia Newsletter (April 22nd)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Phillies honor former players

  • Upcoming Penn Relays

  • A deep dive into the life of Noam Chomsky

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Don't be afraid to give up the good to go for the great."

John D. Rockefeller

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the historic ship permanently docked in Philadelphia that served in the Spanish-American War?

A) USS Olympia

B) USS Constitution

C) USS Arizona

D) USS Missouri

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:
The historic prison located in Philadelphia known for its architectural significance is C) Eastern State Penitentiary.

News

💼 Business

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has signed a new executive order intended to make it easier for businesses to work with city officials. (link)

Free Wawa exhibit at National Constitution Center shows you how the business got started. (link)

Four craft breweries in the Philadelphia region have filed for bankruptcy since December. (link)

Philadelphia’s SEPTA cancels railcar order with Springfield’s CRRC; Chinese-owned company vows to repair relationship. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers took care of business against the Brooklyn Nets, defeating them handily 107-86. (link)

Philadelphia Eagles Last Three Drafts Earn Passing Grades for GM Howie Roseman. (link)

Philadelphia Phillies unveil "Pioneers in Pinstripes" display on Jackie Robinson Day at Citizens Bank Park. (link)

🏦 Finance

13 UBS advisors in the Philadelphia D.C. Wealth Management Market named to the Barron’s Top 1200 Financial Advisors list. (link)

Alterra raises $900 million for more industrial outdoor storage acquisitions. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏃 Penn Relays Thursday
Franklin Field Philadelphia, PA
Thursday April 25 | 9:00 AM | (more info)

🏃 Penn Relays Saturday
Franklin Field Philadelphia, PA
Saturday April 27 | 7:00 AM | (more info)

🤼 Lets Settle
The Liacouras Center Philadelphia, PA
Saturday April 27 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🏍️ Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship
Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, PA
Saturday April 27 | 2:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Jesse McCartney: All's Well Tour
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia PA
Tuesday Apr 23 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸Led Zeppelin 2
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, PA
Thursday April 25 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 The Motet (21+)
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia, PA
Friday April 26 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎭 Walnut Street Theatre's Madagascar Jr.
Walnut Street Theatre Philadelphia, PA
Saturday April 27 | 11:00 AM | (more info)

Family

🎉 Jungle Kid rave
Beehive at BOK 1901 S 9th Street Suite Philadelphia, PA,
Friday, April 26 · 6 - 8pm EDT | (more info)

📚 Free - Kid's Story Time with the Torresdale Library and Riverfront North
Pleasant Hill Park 8900 N. Delaware Avenue Philadelphia
Friday, April 26 · 11am - 12pm EDT | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Philadelphia with wildlife corridors and roaming animals..” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Philadelphia Historical Events

1901: The Philadelphia Athletics baseball team is established..

In 1901, the Philadelphia Athletics baseball team was established as a new franchise in the American League, marking the beginning of a storied legacy in Philadelphia sports history. The team played their home games at Columbia Park, where they garnered a strong fan base, with 206,329 attendees witnessing their inaugural season. Managed by the legendary Connie Mack, the Athletics finished the season with a record of 74 wins and 62 losses, securing a respectable fourth position in the American League standings. This marked the beginning of a long and successful journey for the Philadelphia Athletics, as they became a prominent fixture in the city's sports culture.

Under the ownership and management of Connie Mack, the Philadelphia Athletics went on to achieve great success, winning five championships during their time in Philadelphia. Their legacy continued until 1954 when the team moved to Kansas City, Missouri, and became the Kansas City Athletics. Following another relocation in 1967, the team eventually became the Oakland Athletics, maintaining their identity and location to this day. The establishment of the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901 laid the foundation for a rich and enduring baseball tradition in the city, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Philadelphia sports.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Noam Chomsky (1928–present): Influential linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and social critic.

Noam Chomsky (1928–present)

Noam Chomsky was born on December 7, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Dr. William Chomsky, a Hebrew grammarian, and Elsie Chomsky, a teacher. He is renowned as an influential linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, and social critic. Chomsky's life and work have left an indelible mark on the fields of linguistics, philosophy, and political activism.

Early Life and Education

Noam Chomsky's early years were shaped by his upbringing in Philadelphia. He attended Oak Lane Country Day School and later Central High School in Philadelphia, where he demonstrated exceptional academic prowess. In 1945, Chomsky enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania, where he met Zellig Harris, a leading Structuralist, and developed a keen interest in linguistics.

Groundbreaking Contributions to Linguistics (1950s-1960s)

Chomsky's groundbreaking contributions to linguistics began to emerge during his time as a Junior Fellow of the Harvard Society of Fellows from 1951 to 1955. It was during this period that he developed his influential theory of transformational-generative grammar, revolutionizing the field of linguistics and challenging prevailing behaviorist theories of language acquisition.

Academic Career and Political Activism (1960s-1970s)

In 1955, at the age of 27, Chomsky was appointed as a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he continued to shape the field of linguistics and mentor future generations of scholars. Concurrently, Chomsky emerged as a prominent social critic, using his platform to advocate for civil rights, oppose the Vietnam War, and critique the role of media in shaping public opinion.

Philosophical and Cognitive Contributions (1980s-1990s)

Chomsky's intellectual pursuits expanded to include philosophy and cognitive science, where he made significant contributions to the study of mind, language, and the nature of human cognition. His work in these areas further solidified his reputation as a polymath and a leading figure in interdisciplinary scholarship.

Continued Influence and Activism (2000s-Present)

In the 21st century, Chomsky's influence has continued to resonate across academic, political, and social spheres. He remains an outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy, corporate influence, and the erosion of civil liberties. Chomsky's prolific writing and public speaking engagements have ensured that his voice remains a powerful force in global discourse.

Connection to Philadelphia

Noam Chomsky's formative years in Philadelphia played a crucial role in shaping his intellectual development and worldview. His experiences in the city, from his early education to his exposure to influential mentors, laid the foundation for his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and social justice.

Key Achievements

  • Revolutionized the field of linguistics with his theory of transformational-generative grammar.

  • Advocated for civil rights, opposed the Vietnam War, and critiqued media influence on public opinion.

  • Made significant contributions to philosophy and cognitive science.

  • Remained an influential voice in global discourse on politics, foreign policy, and civil liberties.

Noam Chomsky's life and work exemplify a relentless pursuit of knowledge, a commitment to social justice, and a steadfast dedication to challenging established paradigms. His impact on linguistics, philosophy, and political activism continues to inspire scholars and activists worldwide.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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