Philadelphia Newsletter (October 28th)

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

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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming Philadelphia 76ers home game

  • AI art of the Week

  • A deep dive into the life of Edgar Allan Poe

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“Think of each failure, each heartache, and each loss in your life as a lesson in courage and resilience.”

—Kate Anderson

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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 iconic food item is Philadelphia best known for?

A) Hot Dog

B) Cheese Steak

C) Deep Dish Pizza

D) Clam Chowder

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The building that surpassed Philadelphia's City Hall as the tallest habitable building in 1908 was D) Singer Building.

News

💼Business

Maceo N. Davis, innovative business owner and global trade and finance expert, has died at 76.(link)

Philly’s iconic Bassett ice cream finds new customer base in China and beyond.(link)

🏒Sports

Philadelphia hosts Milwaukee for season opener.(link)

Deebo Samuel hospitalized with pneumonia after 49ers' loss to Chiefs.(link)

🏦Finance

St. Chris gets $30 million in support from coalition of Philadelphia health-care organizations.(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 76ers vs. Detroit Pistons
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday October 30 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners - The October Moon Tour
Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia
Tuesday October 29 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Drinking Boys and Girls Choir
Johnny Brenda's Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday October 30 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎃 Scavenger Hunt Philadelphia
3820 N 2nd St Philadelphia,
Wednesday, October 30 · 2pm 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 architecture inspired by different planets.” 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

1871: The first professional baseball game is played in Philadelphia.

In 1871, the city of Philadelphia witnessed a historic moment in sports history as the first professional baseball game was played. The Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia, also known as the Philadelphia Athletics, became the first team to represent the city in a professional baseball league. This marked the beginning of a new era for baseball in Philadelphia and set the stage for the city's enduring love affair with the sport. The players of the 1871 Philadelphia Athletics had their own unique quirks, adding an element of intrigue to the game and capturing the imagination of the local community.

The inaugural game in the history of Major League Baseball took place on April 22, 1876, with the Philadelphia Athletics facing off against the Boston Red Caps. Although the Philadelphia Athletics lost the game by a score of 6-5, the event marked a significant milestone in the city's sporting history. The strong team led by pitcher and Captain Dick McBride had been denied a shot at the championship several times in the past five years, making the 1871 season of the National Association baseball's first pennant race. This historic game laid the foundation for Philadelphia's enduring legacy in professional baseball and set the stage for the city's future contributions to the sport.

Baseball in 1871 may have sounded just as interesting as it does today, with the Athletic Base Ball Club of Philadelphia making its mark as the first professional baseball team to represent the city. This milestone event in Philadelphia's sports history paved the way for the city's continued involvement in professional baseball and solidified its place in the annals of the sport's rich heritage.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Edgar Allan Poe (1809–1849): Famous writer, poet, editor, and literary critic.

Edgar Allan Poe: A Life of Literary Brilliance and Tragic Mystery

Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809, in Boston, Massachusetts. Throughout his life, he became known as a legendary figure in the world of literature, leaving behind a legacy of haunting tales and poetic mastery. His life was marked by both triumphs and tragedies, shaping the enigmatic persona that continues to captivate readers and scholars to this day.

Early Life and Literary Beginnings (1809-1827)

Born as Edgar Poe in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 19, 1809, Poe's early years were marred by tragedy. His parents, David and Elizabeth Poe, both actors, passed away when he was just a toddler. He was taken in by John and Frances Allan, a wealthy couple from Richmond, Virginia, who raised him as their foster child. Poe's passion for literature and writing emerged during his teenage years. He attended the University of Virginia but faced financial difficulties, leading to strained relations with his foster father. Despite this, he excelled in his studies and developed a keen interest in poetry and storytelling.

Rise to Prominence in Literary Circles (1827-1837)

In 1827, Poe enlisted in the United States Army under the pseudonym ""Edgar A. Perry"" and achieved the rank of Sergeant Major. During this time, he published his first collection of poetry, ""Tamerlane and Other Poems,"" under the name ""A Bostonian."" Poe's literary career gained momentum when he won a literary contest in 1833 with his short story ""MS. Found in a Bottle."" This marked the beginning of his reputation as a master of the macabre and mysterious.

Connection to Philadelphia and Literary Success (1838-1844)

In 1838, Poe relocated to Philadelphia, where he lived at four different residences between 1838 and 1844. Philadelphia became a significant city in Poe's life, serving as the backdrop for some of his most iconic works, including ""The Tell-Tale Heart"" and ""The Fall of the House of Usher."" During his time in Philadelphia, Poe worked as an editor for various literary magazines, including Burton's Gentleman's Magazine and Graham's Magazine. His critical essays and editorial work showcased his keen intellect and literary acumen, solidifying his reputation as a respected literary critic.

Tragic Losses and Lasting Legacy (1845-1849)

Poe's most famous poem, ""The Raven,"" was published in 1845 and brought him widespread acclaim. However, personal tragedies continued to haunt him, including the death of his beloved wife, Virginia, in 1847. Her passing plunged Poe into a deep depression, further fueling the melancholic themes present in his later works.

On October 7, 1849, Edgar Allan Poe passed away under mysterious circumstances in Baltimore, Maryland, leaving behind a legacy of haunting tales and enigmatic poetry. His untimely death only added to the mystique surrounding his life and work, cementing his status as a literary icon.

Key Achievements of Edgar Allan Poe:

  • Pioneering the genre of detective fiction with his iconic character C. Auguste Dupin.

  • Crafting timeless tales of mystery and the macabre, including ""The Tell-Tale Heart"" and ""The Fall of the House of Usher.""

  • Establishing himself as a literary critic with insightful essays on the art of writing and the role of the author.

  • Leaving a lasting impact on the world of literature, inspiring generations of writers and captivating readers with his haunting prose.

Edgar Allan Poe's life was a tapestry of brilliance and tragedy, woven with literary masterpieces that continue to captivate and intrigue audiences. His legacy endures as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the enigmatic allure of the human psyche.

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-Matthew Larsen

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