Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Eagles' roster move hints at DeVonta Smith's return

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of John Barrymore

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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!

In what year did the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team win their first World Series?

A) 1950

B) 1980

C) 1993

D) 2008

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The department store that originally sponsored the first Thanksgiving Day Parade in the U.S. in Philadelphia is B) Gimbel's.

News

💼Business

Tyson Foods plans two more plant closures.(link)

Asian and Arab businesses sue Philadelphia over "discriminatory" curfew.(link)

🏒Sports

Eagles' latest roster move could mean good news for injured WR DeVonta Smith.(link)

Legendary Eagles linebacker named Hall of Fame seniors finalist.(link)

🏦Finance

Philly mayor unveils plan to invest $3M into youth sports, anti-violence efforts.(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

🏀Villanova Wildcats Mens Basketball vs. Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Mens Basketball
Finneran Pavilion Villanova, PA
Wednesday December 11 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 AURORA - What Happened To The Earth? Part 2 Tour
The Fillmore Philadelphia ,
Monday December 09 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 The Blood Brothers
Union Transfer Philadelphia,
Wednesday December 11 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Monday S.T.E.A.M. Art
1701 South 15th Street Philadelphia,
Monday, December 9 | 1:30 - 2:30pm EST | (more info)

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Philadelphia
3820 N 2nd St Philadelphia,
Tuesday, December 10 | 2pm EST | (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 “Urban winter wonderland in Philadelphia with ice architecture.” 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

1985: The MOVE bombing, a confrontation between the Philadelphia Police Department and the MOVE organization.

In 1985, the city of Philadelphia was the site of a tragic and violent confrontation between the Philadelphia Police Department and the MOVE organization. The MOVE bombing, which occurred on May 13, 1985, resulted in the destruction of residential homes in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of Philadelphia. The standoff between the police and MOVE, a black liberation organization, escalated to a deadly level when the police dropped explosives on the MOVE group's home, leading to the deaths of 11 people, including co-founder John Africa. The MOVE organization, known for its militant and confrontational lifestyle, opposed science and technology and advocated for a raw food diet.

The MOVE bombing remains one of the most violent yet often overlooked actions taken by law enforcement in the United States. The aftermath of the event led to widespread destruction, with 65 homes being destroyed in addition to the loss of life. The tragic incident earned Philadelphia the reputation of ""the city that bombed itself,"" and the impact of the bombing continues to be felt to this day. The MOVE organization's reaction to the bombing and the subsequent police violence, as well as the case of John Africa, the leader of MOVE, were deeply affected by the events of 1985.

The MOVE bombing of 1985 is a somber and significant chapter in the history of Philadelphia, serving as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between law enforcement and activist groups. The legacy of the MOVE bombing continues to be commemorated and remembered, shedding light on the need for understanding, reconciliation, and justice in the aftermath of such tragic events.

Famous People From Philadelphia

John Barrymore (1882–1942): Member of the Barrymore family of actors.

John Barrymore: The Early Years (1882–1900)

John Barrymore was born on February 15, 1882, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the renowned Barrymore family of actors. His father, Maurice Barrymore, was a stage actor, and his mother, Georgiana Drew, was an accomplished actress. Raised in an environment steeped in theater, John was destined to follow in the footsteps of his family. From a young age, he showed a natural flair for the dramatic arts, beginning his career on the stage in his late teens.

The Rise to Prominence (1901–1915)

Barrymore’s early years as a professional actor were spent primarily in theater, where he quickly gained recognition for his commanding stage presence and charismatic performances. By 1903, he was appearing regularly on Broadway, taking on both comedic and dramatic roles. His breakthrough role came in 1905 when he starred in the play The Fortune Hunter, which showcased his considerable talent and drew the attention of critics.

A Star is Born in Silent Films (1915–1920)

In 1915, Barrymore made the leap to silent films, where his striking features and ability to convey emotion without dialogue made him a star. His first major film role came in Sherlock Holmes (1916), a part that marked his entry into cinema. Despite the rapid rise of the Hollywood film industry, Barrymore remained committed to his roots in the theater, balancing both mediums throughout his career.

The Golden Years of Hollywood (1921–1930)

During the 1920s, Barrymore's career reached its zenith. He transitioned from silent films to talkies, with his rich, deep voice becoming one of his most notable assets. His performances in films such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) and The Beloved Rogue (1927) cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most charismatic actors. He became a major box-office draw, starring in a variety of films that showcased his versatile talents.

Personal Struggles and Challenges (1930–1935)

Despite his professional success, Barrymore's personal life was marked by turmoil. He struggled with alcoholism and multiple failed marriages, which often affected his career. However, his deep love for acting kept him in the limelight, and his personal challenges seemed only to add depth to his portrayal of complex characters on screen.

Return to Stage and Dramatic Performances (1936–1940)

By the late 1930s, Barrymore returned to the stage, appearing in several highly praised theatrical productions. One of his most memorable performances during this time was his portrayal of Hamlet, which was hailed as a tour de force. Although his health began to decline due to years of drinking and smoking, he remained a beloved figure in the theater and film industries.

Philadelphia: The Family's Roots and Connection (1930s)

Barrymore’s connection to Philadelphia remained strong throughout his life, particularly due to his family’s history in the city. The Barrymore family was one of Philadelphia's most celebrated artistic families, and John’s early exposure to theater in the city played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Despite spending much of his life in New York and Hollywood, he often returned to Philadelphia to visit family, ensuring the city remained a significant part of his legacy.

The Decline of His Health and Career (1941–1942)

In the final years of his life, John Barrymore’s health deteriorated. His heavy drinking had taken a toll on his body, and his performances became more erratic. Despite his declining health, he continued to work, with his last major role being in the film The Great Profile (1940), which was a self-parody of his larger-than-life persona.

Death and Legacy (1942)

John Barrymore passed away on May 29, 1942, at the age of 60. His death was widely mourned by the acting community and the public, as he had left an indelible mark on both stage and screen. He was buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, but his legacy as a member of the famous Barrymore acting dynasty and his significant contributions to the arts live on.

Key Achievements

• Established as one of Hollywood’s first true leading men in both silent films and talkies.

• Renowned for his role in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920) and Sherlock Holmes (1916).

• A versatile actor known for his work in both drama and comedy.

• Member of the famous Barrymore acting family, contributing to its legacy in theater and film.

• Celebrated for his performances in Shakespearean roles, including Hamlet.

John Barrymore’s career was marked by both immense success and personal struggles. He remains one of the most iconic figures in early Hollywood, known for his versatility and dramatic presence. His legacy, shaped by his work in theater and film, continues to inspire actors today.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Yannick Lyons

Poll