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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Philadelphia Eagles home game

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of M. Night Shyamalan

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

—Stevie Wonder

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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!

The Philadelphia Phillies and the Philadelphia Athletics were involved in the only all-Philadelphia World Series in 1950. Who won?

A) Philadelphia Phillies

B) Philadelphia Athletics

C) It was a draw

D) The series was canceled

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous Philadelphia athlete nicknamed “The Minister of Defense” is C) Reggie White.

News

💼Business

Prominent Philadelphia healthcare litigator Daniel Ferhat moves to Saxton & Stump. (link)

Campbell Soup wants to drop soup from name. (link)

🏒Sports

Cal Stevenson delivers tiebreaking hit, Trea Turner homers twice as Philadelphia Phillies top Rays. (link)

Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber sets MLB single-season leadoff HR record vs. Tampa Bay Rays. (link)

🏦Finance

U.S. crude oil rebounds after worst week since 2023. (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 Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons
Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, PA
Monday, September 16 | 8:15 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 The National and The War On Drugs with Special Guest Lucius
TD Pavilion at the Mann Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, September 17 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎵 Robert Delong & Atlas Genius
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, September 18 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Kid’s art class
Cherry Street Pier, North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia,
Tuesday, September 17 | 5 - 6:30pm EDT | (more info)

🔍 Scavenger Hunt Philadelphia
3820 N 2nd St Philadelphia,
Wednesday, September 18 | 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 buildings featuring interactive, kinetic facades.” 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

1996: The Philadelphia Phillies baseball team moves to a new stadium.

In 1996, the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team made a historic move to a new stadium, marking a significant milestone in the team's history. The move to the state-of-the-art stadium brought a wave of excitement and anticipation among Phillies fans, as they eagerly awaited the team's debut in their new home. The new stadium provided modern amenities, enhanced facilities, and a fresh atmosphere for fans to enjoy the thrill of baseball, further solidifying the Phillies' presence in the heart of Philadelphia.

The relocation to the new stadium represented a new chapter for the Philadelphia Phillies, symbolizing growth, progress, and a renewed sense of pride for the team and its loyal supporters. The move not only offered a modern and comfortable setting for fans to experience the excitement of baseball but also served as a catalyst for the team's continued success and legacy in the city. The new stadium became a symbol of unity, bringing together fans from all walks of life to cheer on their beloved Phillies and create lasting memories in the heart of Philadelphia.

The move to the new stadium in 1996 was a momentous occasion that left an indelible mark on the history of the Philadelphia Phillies. It represented a bold step forward for the team, solidifying its place in the city's sports culture and creating a vibrant hub for baseball enthusiasts. The new stadium became a beloved landmark, a source of community pride, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Phillies and their unwavering connection to the city of Philadelphia.

Famous People From Philadelphia

M. Night Shyamalan (1970–present): Filmmaker and screenwriter known for directing movies like "The Sixth Sense" and "Unbreakable," with much of his work based in Philadelphia.

Early Life and Education (1970–1992)

Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan, known as M. Night Shyamalan, was born on August 6, 1970, in Mahé, India, and raised in Penn Valley, a suburb of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Shyamalan’s parents, both doctors, encouraged his academic pursuits, but it was filmmaking that captured his imagination. By the age of eight, Shyamalan was already making short films with a Super 8 camera, showcasing his early passion for storytelling and visual arts. He attended the Waldron Mercy Academy and later Episcopal Academy in Pennsylvania, where his love for cinema continued to grow. Shyamalan went on to study film at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he honed his craft and prepared for a career in filmmaking.

Breakthrough with ""The Sixth Sense"" and Rise to Fame (1993–1999)

After graduating from NYU, M. Night Shyamalan returned to the Philadelphia area, where he began his career in filmmaking. His early work included writing and directing the films ""Praying with Anger"" (1992) and ""Wide Awake"" (1998), but it was his 1999 film ""The Sixth Sense"" that catapulted him to international fame. The film, starring Bruce Willis, was both a critical and commercial success, earning six Academy Award nominations, including Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Shyamalan. Known for its iconic twist ending, ""The Sixth Sense"" established Shyamalan as a master of suspense and psychological thrillers. The success of the film marked the beginning of his prolific career as a filmmaker and screenwriter.

Connection to Philadelphia and Impact on the Film Industry (2000–2010)

Philadelphia has played a central role in M. Night Shyamalan’s work, with many of his films set in or around the city. Shyamalan’s deep connection to Philadelphia is evident in the way he incorporates the city’s landscape, architecture, and atmosphere into his storytelling. Films like ""Unbreakable"" (2000), ""Signs"" (2002), and ""The Village"" (2004) were all filmed in the Philadelphia area, and the city’s presence is almost like a character in his movies. Shyamalan’s unique style, characterized by supernatural elements, twist endings, and a focus on ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, has had a lasting impact on the film industry. His work has inspired a new generation of filmmakers and contributed to the resurgence of psychological thrillers in Hollywood.

Continued Success and Artistic Evolution (2011–Present)

After a period of mixed critical reception, M. Night Shyamalan experienced a resurgence with the 2015 release of ""The Visit,"" which was both a commercial success and a return to his suspenseful storytelling roots. This was followed by ""Split"" (2016) and ""Glass"" (2019), both of which were well-received and continued his exploration of the superhero genre, which he began with ""Unbreakable."" Shyamalan has also ventured into television, creating the Apple TV+ series ""Servant"" (2019–present), further expanding his storytelling repertoire. Despite the ups and downs of his career, Shyamalan has remained a prominent figure in the film industry, known for his willingness to take creative risks and his dedication to his craft.

Legacy and Recognition (Present)

M. Night Shyamalan’s legacy as a filmmaker is marked by his ability to create suspenseful, thought-provoking films that resonate with audiences worldwide. He has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious Padma Shri Award from the Government of India in 2008 for his contributions to cinema. Shyamalan’s commitment to setting and filming his movies in Philadelphia has brought attention to the city’s film industry and showcased its potential as a backdrop for storytelling. His influence on the thriller genre and his impact on the film industry as a whole are significant, and he continues to be a vital force in contemporary cinema.

Key Achievements:

• Gained international fame with "The Sixth Sense," a landmark film in the psychological thriller genre, earning six Academy Award nominations.

• Established a strong connection to Philadelphia, using the city as the setting for many of his films, and bringing attention to its film industry.

• Continued to innovate in film and television, with successful projects like "Split," "Glass," and the series "Servant."

M. Night Shyamalan’s journey from a young filmmaker in Philadelphia to an internationally acclaimed director reflects his extraordinary vision and storytelling ability. His deep connection to Philadelphia is evident in his work, where the city often serves as a crucial element of his films. Shyamalan’s legacy as a filmmaker who redefined the psychological thriller genre continues to inspire, ensuring his place as one of the most influential directors of his generation. His commitment to creative storytelling and his impact on the film industry remain enduring and significant.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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