Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming PinkPantheress performance

• Upcoming Boston Celtics home games

• A deep-dive into the life of Ralph Waldo Emerson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"For there is nothing either good or bad, thinking makes it so."

- William Shakespeare

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 is the name of the iconic Boston lighthouse, the oldest in America?

A) Marblehead Light

B) Boston Light

C) Nantucket Light

D) Chatham Light

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The bridge in Boston famous for its role in the American Revolution is D) Old North Bridge.

News

💼 Business

Dunkin' playfully revisits its previous name change with an April Fools' Day joke about bringing donuts back into its branding. (Link)

GFI Partners plans to redevelop a former state hospital site in Grafton, initiating construction this summer for a project encompassing 200,000 square feet. (Link)

Massachusetts faces a looming snowstorm, prompting preparations among businesses and schools as it clashes with the current spring season. (Link)

Boston Scientific has scheduled a conference call to review its financial performance for the first quarter of 2024. (Link)

🏒 Sports

The Bruins continue exploring NCAA free agents, maintaining their strategy under General Manager Don Sweeney. (Link)

Caesars Massachusetts introduces a $1,000 first-bet bonus for new bettors with the promo code BOOKIES1000 as sports betting launches in the state. (Link)

Boston College secures a spot in the Frozen Four with a 5-4 overtime victory over Quinnipiac, preparing to face Michigan. (Link)

Key players including Jayson Tatum are highlighted for the Celtics' upcoming game against the Hornets on April 1. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Donald Trump's social media company reports a stock drop of over 21% after disclosing a $58 million loss for 2023. (Link)

United Airlines requests pilots to take time off in May due to a shortage of Boeing planes. (Link)

Zapata AI's stock declines on its first trading day on Nasdaq following a SPAC deal. (Link)

Akari Therapeutics announces its financial results for the full year of 2023 and recent highlights. (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

🏀 Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks
TD Garden, Boston
Thursday, Apr. 11th | 7:30 PM | More Info

⚾ Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles
Fenway Park, Boston
Wednesday, Apr. 10th | 7:10 PM | More Info

🏀 Boston Celtics vs. Charlotte Hornets
TD Garden, Boston
Friday, Apr. 12th | 7:30 PM | More Info

🏀 Boston Celtics vs. Washington Wizards 
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Sunday, Apr. 14th | 1:00 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎵 PinkPantheress 
Royale Boston
Friday, Apr. 12th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎶 Nicki Minaj 
TD Garden, Boston
Monday, Apr 8 | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎸 Dan + Shay 
TD Garden, Boston
Saturday, Apr. 13th | 7:00 PM | More Info

Family

🌑 [Not Quite] Total Eclipse of the Park 
Spectacle Island, Boston
Monday, Apr. 8th | 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 Boston 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.

Boston Historical Events

Massachusetts Abolishes Slavery (1783) - A judicial decision effectively ended slavery in Massachusetts.

In 1783, a landmark judicial decision effectively ended slavery in Massachusetts, marking a significant milestone in the fight for freedom and equality. The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, in a series of cases known as "the Quock Walker case," applied the principle of judicial review to abolish slavery. This decision was based on the incompatibility of slavery with the state Constitution that had been adopted in 1780. The end of slavery in Massachusetts was a gradual process, and the Court's ruling established that slavery was in direct conflict with the Massachusetts State Constitution of 1780.

The abolition of slavery in Massachusetts was a result of the tireless efforts of individuals who sought emancipation through freedom suits and organized petition drives. The Supreme Judicial Court's decision in 1783 effectively put an end to the legal practice of slavery in the state. This pivotal moment in history not only fulfilled the promise of justice but also led to the establishment of judicial review in Massachusetts. Despite this significant victory, the struggle to end the enslavement of people in Massachusetts continued, highlighting the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

The year 1783 marked a turning point in Massachusetts, as the Commonwealth effectively abolished the institution of slavery, setting a precedent for the pursuit of freedom and equality. This decision reflected the state's commitment to upholding the principles of justice and equality, laying the groundwork for the advancement of civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of a more just society.

Famous People From Boston

Ralph Waldo Emerson: 1803-1882

Ralph Waldo Emerson, a renowned philosopher and poet, was born on May 25, 1803, in Boston, Massachusetts. His influential work and philosophical contributions have left a lasting impact on literature, philosophy, and society.

Early Life and Family (1803-1820s)

Ralph Waldo Emerson was born to William and Ruth Emerson in Boston, Massachusetts. His father, William Emerson, was a prominent minister of the First Church in Boston. After the death of his father when he was eight, Ralph's mother worked hard to support the family, instilling in him a sense of resilience and determination.

Education and Early Career (1820s-1830s)

Emerson attended Harvard College, where he developed a keen interest in literature, philosophy, and theology. After graduating, he pursued a career in ministry and became a minister at the Second Church in Boston. However, he eventually left the ministry to pursue a career as a lecturer and writer.

Transcendentalism and Literary Contributions (1830s-1840s)

Emerson became a leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement, advocating for individualism, self-reliance, and the inherent goodness of people. His essays, including "Nature" and "Self-Reliance," became foundational texts of American transcendentalism and had a profound impact on the literary and philosophical landscape of the time.

Connection to Boston (1830s-1880s)

Emerson's connection to Boston remained strong throughout his life. He was deeply involved in the intellectual and cultural circles of the city, and his lectures and writings often centered around themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience, reflecting his deep connection to the city and its intellectual community.

Influence and Legacy (1840s-1880s)

Emerson's influence extended far beyond his lifetime, with his work inspiring future generations of writers, philosophers, and social reformers. His ideas on individualism, nature, and the human spirit continue to resonate with readers and thinkers around the world, making him a central figure in American literary and philosophical history.

Later Years and Passing (1880s)

Ralph Waldo Emerson passed away on April 27, 1882, in Concord, Massachusetts, leaving behind a legacy of profound philosophical thought and literary excellence. His contributions to literature and philosophy continue to be celebrated and studied, ensuring that his impact endures for generations to come.

Key Achievements of Ralph Waldo Emerson:

• Leading figure in the Transcendentalist movement, advocating for individualism and self-reliance.

• Author of influential essays such as "Nature" and "Self-Reliance," which shaped American literary and philosophical thought.

• Inspirational lecturer and writer, whose work continues to resonate with readers and thinkers worldwide.

• Deeply connected to the intellectual and cultural circles of Boston, influencing the city's intellectual community.

• Legacy of profound philosophical thought and literary excellence, inspiring future generations of writers and thinkers.

Ralph Waldo Emerson's life and work exemplify a commitment to individualism, intellectual exploration, and the pursuit of truth. His influence on American literature and philosophy remains enduring, and his legacy continues to inspire and enlighten.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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