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Welcome to The Philadelphia Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Philadelphia Union home game

• Saquon Barkley named NFC Offensive Player of the Week

• A deep dive into the life of Bill Cosby

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.”

—Soren Kierkegaard

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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!

In 1740, the first botanical garden in the United States was established in Philadelphia. Who founded it?

A) William Bartram

B) John Bartram

C) Benjamin Rush

D) David Rittenhouse

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The winner of the only all-Philadelphia World Series in 1950 was B) Philadelphia Athletics.

News

💼Business

Bucks County shopping center trades for $18.5M, a drop from its 2011 sale price. (link)

BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza file for bankruptcy protection. (link)

🏒Sports

Mayor Cherelle Parker to host town hall on proposed Philadelphia 76ers' arena. (link)

Saquon Barkley named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after historic Eagles debut. (link)

🏦Finance

Ilera medical marijuana ex-owners owe partner Shannon Hexter $24.5M, judge rules. (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

⚾ Savannah Bananas vs. Savannah Party Animals
Citizens Bank Park Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, September 21 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚽ Philadelphia Union vs. D.C. United
Subaru Park Chester, PA
Sunday, September 22 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Doom Flamingo
The Foundry Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, September 21 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Jeff Lynne's ELO - The Over And Out Tour 2024
Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA
Saturday, September 21 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Kid’s Saturday art class
Cherry Street Pier, North Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia,
Saturday, September 21 | 11am - 12:30pm 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 an underwater section accessible to the public.” 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

1719: The first paper mill in America is established in Philadelphia.

In 1719, Philadelphia made history as the birthplace of the first paper mill in America. This significant milestone marked the beginning of a new era in the production of paper, setting the stage for the growth of the printing and publishing industry in the region. The establishment of the paper mill in Philadelphia not only revolutionized the way paper was manufactured but also played a crucial role in shaping the city's identity as a hub for innovation and progress.

The introduction of the paper mill in Philadelphia brought about a wave of economic and cultural transformation, as it provided the means to produce paper locally, reducing the city's reliance on imported paper from Europe. This development fueled the expansion of the printing industry, enabling the dissemination of knowledge and ideas through printed materials. The impact of the paper mill reverberated beyond Philadelphia, contributing to the advancement of education, literature, and communication throughout the American colonies.

Today, the legacy of the first paper mill in America continues to be celebrated in Philadelphia, serving as a testament to the city's pioneering spirit and its enduring commitment to innovation. The establishment of the paper mill stands as a reminder of the pivotal role that Philadelphia played in shaping the history of paper production in the United States, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of the printing and publishing industry.

Famous People From Philadelphia

Bill Cosby (1937–present): Comedian, actor, and producer, known for "The Cosby Show" and his influence on television, although his legacy is now controversial due to legal issues.

Early Life and Education (1937–1956)

William Henry Cosby Jr. was born on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised in the Germantown neighborhood, Cosby grew up in a working-class family and faced the challenges of poverty and racial discrimination. Despite these hardships, he displayed a natural talent for storytelling and humor from an early age. Cosby attended Central High School and later transferred to Germantown High School, but he left school before graduating to join the U.S. Navy. His time in the Navy provided him with discipline and direction, and upon his return, he earned his high school equivalency diploma. Cosby later attended Temple University on a track and field scholarship, where he began performing stand-up comedy at local clubs, laying the groundwork for his future in entertainment.

Rise to Fame and Television Success (1960–1983)

Bill Cosby’s career took off in the 1960s when he began performing stand-up comedy in major cities across the United States. His unique style, which focused on family-friendly, observational humor, quickly set him apart from his contemporaries. In 1965, Cosby became the first African American to star in a network television series, ""I Spy,"" for which he won three consecutive Emmy Awards. His success on television continued with ""The Bill Cosby Show"" in 1969 and numerous comedy albums, which won multiple Grammy Awards. Cosby’s groundbreaking work in entertainment broke racial barriers and opened doors for future generations of African American performers.

The Cosby Show and Cultural Impact (1984–1992)

In 1984, Bill Cosby created and starred in ""The Cosby Show,"" a sitcom that became one of the most successful and influential television programs in history. The show depicted an affluent African American family, the Huxtables, and was praised for its positive portrayal of black family life, countering negative stereotypes. ""The Cosby Show"" dominated television ratings throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, earning numerous awards and accolades. Cosby’s role as Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable became iconic, and the show’s success had a profound impact on American culture, influencing television programming and shaping public perceptions of African American families.

Connection to Philadelphia and Philanthropy (1993–2005)

Bill Cosby’s connection to Philadelphia remained strong throughout his career. He frequently referenced his upbringing in the city in his comedy routines and used his platform to support various educational and cultural initiatives in Philadelphia. Cosby was a major philanthropist, donating millions to institutions such as Temple University, where he had studied, and Spelman College, a historically black college in Atlanta. His contributions to education and the arts were widely recognized, and he received numerous honorary degrees and awards for his efforts. Despite his success and generosity, Cosby’s legacy would later be overshadowed by legal controversies.

Legal Issues and Controversial Legacy (2006–Present)

In the mid-2000s, Bill Cosby’s reputation began to unravel as numerous women came forward with allegations of sexual assault against him, dating back several decades. These allegations led to criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and a highly publicized trial. In 2018, Cosby was convicted of aggravated indecent assault and sentenced to prison, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the once-beloved entertainer. His conviction and the subsequent legal battles have led to a reevaluation of his legacy, with many of his honors and accolades being rescinded. While Cosby’s contributions to television and comedy remain significant, his legacy is now deeply complicated by the serious allegations and his criminal conviction.

Legacy and Recognition (Present)

Bill Cosby’s legacy is a complex and controversial one. While he played a pivotal role in breaking racial barriers in entertainment and contributed significantly to television and comedy, his legacy has been marred by the numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and his criminal conviction. Despite this, his work, particularly ""The Cosby Show,"" remains an important part of television history, and his influence on American culture is undeniable. The ongoing debates surrounding Cosby’s legacy highlight the challenges of reconciling artistic achievements with personal conduct, and his case continues to spark discussions about accountability and the impact of public figures on society.

Key Achievements:

• First African American to star in a network television series, ""I Spy,"" earning three Emmy Awards.

• Created and starred in ""The Cosby Show,"" one of the most successful and influential sitcoms in television history.

• Philanthropist and advocate for education, with significant contributions to institutions in Philadelphia and beyond.

Bill Cosby’s journey from a young man in Philadelphia to a pioneering figure in television and comedy reflects his extraordinary talent and influence. However, his legacy has been deeply complicated by legal issues and allegations of sexual misconduct. While his contributions to entertainment and culture are significant, they are now viewed through the lens of his controversial actions, making his legacy one of the most complex and debated in modern history.

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.

-Matthew Larsen

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