Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Flyers home game

• Philadelphia-based companies earning reports

• A deep dive into the life of Benjamin Franklin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It doesn't matter if I don't succeed in something. What matters is if I learn from my mistakes."

- Linda Evans

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!

Which famous document was signed in Philadelphia in 1776?

A) The U.S. Constitution

B) The Declaration of Independence

C) The Bill of Rights

D) The Emancipation Proclamation

News

💼 Business

Independence Realty Trust, Inc. Earnings Release: Independence Realty Trust, Inc. announced that it would release its fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results on February 14, 2024. A conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for February 15, 2024. Independence Realty Trust is a real estate investment trust that owns and operates multifamily communities in non-gateway U.S. markets. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Eagles faced a tough defeat against the Buccaneers with a final score of 32-9. Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers, throwing for 337 yards and 3 touchdowns. (link)

The 76ers had significant games during this period, including a notable win where Joel Embiid's return to action had a substantial impact on the team's performance. (link)

The Flyers continued their impressive performance with a series of victories, including a notable win against the Dallas Stars, marking their fifth consecutive win. (link)

🏦 Finance

Corporate Financial Reports: Several Philadelphia-based companies reported their earnings, including JPMorgan Chase & Co., which reported fourth-quarter 2023 revenues of $38.57 billion, and BlackRock, Inc., which reported fourth-quarter earnings of $9.66 per share. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation also reported its earnings, with fourth-quarter earnings of $1.28 per share. (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

🏀 San Antonio Spurs at Philadelphia 76ers (January 22): The Philadelphia 76ers will host the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center. This basketball game is a great opportunity to see the local NBA team in action. (link)

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (January 23): Watch the Philadelphia Flyers take on the Tampa Bay Lightning in an action-packed NHL game at the Wells Fargo Center. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Beartooth at Franklin Music Hall (January 23)
For fans of hardcore punk, Beartooth will be performing at Franklin Music Hall. Expect a high-energy show with intense music and passionate performances. (link)

🎶 Rosanne Cash at World Cafe Live (January 26): Experience the soulful music of Rosanne Cash, an acclaimed singer-songwriter, in a live performance at World Cafe Live. (link)

Family

🏒 Ice Princess Night at Franklin Square (January 27)
A magical evening awaits at Franklin Square with Ice Princess Night. This free event from 5-7 p.m. features appearances by beloved Disney princesses such as Elsa and Anna from "Frozen". Enjoy games, sing-alongs, ice sculpting, and more. A perfect outing for Disney fans and families. (link)

Image of the Week

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

This week, I typed in “Philadelphia as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

William Penn founds Philadelphia (1682)

In 1682, William Penn, an English Quaker and the founder of the Province of Pennsylvania, established the city of Philadelphia. Penn's founding of Philadelphia was part of a larger colonial venture granted by King Charles II, who owed a debt to Penn's deceased father. The city's name, derived from the Greek words "philo" (love) and "adelphos" (brother), signifies "the city of brotherly love," reflecting Penn's commitment to religious tolerance and freedom.

Penn meticulously planned the city's layout, envisioning a grid-like structure with wide streets and five public squares, intended to promote order and cleanliness. Unlike the crowded cities of Europe, Philadelphia was designed with ample open spaces and was notably more organized. This design later influenced the grid layouts of many other American cities. Penn also established a government based on democratic principles, further solidifying Philadelphia's role as a center of progressive thought and governance in the early American colonies.

Philadelphia rapidly grew into an important cultural and economic center, attracting a diverse population due to Penn's policies of religious tolerance and his fair treatment of Native American tribes. The city played a pivotal role in early American history, serving as a meeting place for the Founding Fathers and the location for the signing of both the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution in 1787. Philadelphia's founding by William Penn not only marked the birth of a major American city but also set a template for urban planning and democratic governance in the New World.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790)

Early Life and Education (1706-1723)

Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. The 15th child in a family of 17, his early education was limited, but Franklin was an avid reader. At the age of 12, he was apprenticed to his brother James, a printer, which marked the beginning of his lifelong engagement with printing and publishing.

Venture into Printing and First Achievements (1723-1730)

Franklin moved to Philadelphia in 1723, where he worked as a printer. After a brief sojourn in London, he returned to Philadelphia and established his own printing business. He began publishing "The Pennsylvania Gazette" and gained recognition for his wit and insight.

Inventions and Scientific Pursuits (1731-1740)

In the 1730s, Franklin invented the Franklin stove, which improved efficiency and safety in heating homes. He also founded the Library Company of Philadelphia in 1731, the first lending library in America. Franklin's interest in scientific research, especially electricity, began to flourish during this period.

Political Career and Public Service (1741-1750)

Franklin's political career commenced in the 1740s. He was appointed deputy postmaster of Philadelphia, improving the efficiency of the postal service. He also advocated for civic improvements and public projects, including street lighting and a fire department.

Diplomacy and the Pennsylvania Assembly (1751-1760)

Franklin was elected to the Pennsylvania Assembly in 1751, where he served for over a decade. He worked on various civic projects, including the establishment of the Pennsylvania Hospital. He also represented Pennsylvania in London, negotiating various disputes with the Penn family, the colony's proprietors.

Scientific Achievements and International Fame (1761-1770)

In the 1760s, Franklin's scientific work, particularly in electricity, garnered international acclaim. He conducted his famous kite experiment, proving that lightning is electricity, which led to the invention of the lightning rod.

The Revolutionary War and Independence (1771-1780)

During the 1770s, Franklin became an ardent supporter of American independence. He was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and a signatory of the Declaration of Independence. Franklin played a critical role in securing French support for the American Revolution.

Constitutional Convention and Later Life (1781-1790)

After the war, Franklin continued his diplomatic work, contributing to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and played a significant role in shaping the U.S. Constitution.

Death and Legacy (1790)

Benjamin Franklin passed away in 1790 in Philadelphia. He left behind a legacy as a founding father, a scientist, an inventor, and a statesman. His contributions to the fields of science, politics, and civic life were immense.

Key Achievements:

• Founding Father of the United States, signatory of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

• Renowned inventor, scientist, and author; contributions include the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove.

• Influential in the establishment of civic institutions like libraries and hospitals in Philadelphia.

• Played a pivotal role in the American Revolution and in securing French support for the cause.

Benjamin Franklin's remarkable journey from a printer's apprentice to one of the most influential figures in American history is a story of relentless curiosity, innovation, and civic responsibility. His contributions as a statesman, scientist, inventor, and founding father have left an enduring impact on American society and the world. Franklin's legacy, particularly in Philadelphia, continues to symbolize the spirit of American ingenuity and democratic ideals.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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