Philadelphia Newsletter (November 11th)

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

Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • AI art of the week

  • Upcoming Philadelphia Flyers home game

  • A deep dive into the life of Ethel Waters

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.”

—Alphonse Karr

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 historic prison, known for its architectural significance, is located in Philadelphia?

A) Alcatraz

B) Sing Sing

C) Eastern State Penitentiary

D) San Quentin

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Philadelphia park where the ""Love"" sculpture is located is C) LOVE Park (JFK Plaza).

News

💼Business

Longwood Gardens gets into the wedding business with $250M expansion.(link)

🏒Sports

How ‘dead legs' helped DeVonta Smith make an impossible catch.(link)

Los Angeles hosts Philadelphia for cross-conference contest.(link)

🏦Finance

Dauphin County bank plans to purchase Philadelphia-area financial institution.(link)

SEPTA purchases Northeast Philadelphia warehouse for $11.25M.(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

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers vs. San Jose Sharks
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Monday November 11 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday November 13 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 An Evening with Sturgill Simpson - Why Not? Tour
The Met Presented by Highmark Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday November 12 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Slow Pulp
Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday November 13 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

👩‍💼 2024 Women of Influence Speed Networking Night
1906 Rittenhouse Square Philadelphia,
Wednesday, November 13 · 6:30 - 8:30pm 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 landscape of Philadelphia with advanced public transport systems.” 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

Ethel Waters (1896–1977): Singer and actress, first African American woman to be nominated for an Emmy Award.

Ethel Waters: Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1896-1917)

Ethel Waters was born on October 31, 1896, in Chester, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Chester, she sang in the church choir and began to showcase her talent as a singer around the Philadelphia area. Her early life was marked by adversity, as she was born as a product of rape and faced a challenging upbringing. Despite these hardships, she discovered her passion for music and began her journey as a talented vocalist.

Rise to Prominence in the 1920s (1918-1929)

In the 1920s, Ethel Waters' career as a singer took off, and she became known for her unique style of ""blues"" music. She gained recognition for her soulful and emotive performances, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and stage presence. During this time, she completed the majority of her 259 recordings, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Broadway and Film Career (1930s-1940s)

Waters' talent and charisma led her to Broadway and the silver screen, where she showcased her acting abilities in addition to her singing talent. She appeared in various films and stage productions, earning acclaim for her performances and contributing to the representation of African American artists in the entertainment industry.

Television and Emmy Nomination (1950s-1960s)

Ethel Waters made history as the first African American woman to star in her own television show. Her groundbreaking role in the series ""Beulah"" earned her a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award, marking a significant milestone in her career and paving the way for future generations of African American performers.

Legacy and Later Years (1970s-1977)

In her later years, Waters became fervently religious and toured with evangelist Billy Graham on his numerous crusades. Her impact on the music and entertainment industry was enduring, and she continued to inspire audiences with her talent and resilience. Ethel Waters passed away on September 1, 1977, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazer and pioneer in the world of music and entertainment.

Key Achievements of Ethel Waters:

  • Pioneering career as a blues singer and actress, with over 259 recordings and numerous stage and film appearances.

  • First African American woman to star in her own television show and to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.

  • Enduring legacy as a trailblazer and pioneer in the music and entertainment industry.

Ethel Waters' story is one of resilience, talent, and groundbreaking achievements, leaving an indelible mark on the history of music and entertainment.

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

What did you think of today's newsletter?

We are always looking for feedback. Give us your honest thoughts.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.