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Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• East Boston owners mad over lost parking.

• Celtics must dodge four title defense traps.

• A deep-dive into the life of Whitey Bulger.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” 

–Pele

Sponsored

Investors have trusted this platform with +$1bn - here’s why

Through COVID, soaring inflation, and today’s crushing interest rates, a group of enterprising investors have collectively entrusted one billion dollars from their portfolios to Masterworks’ art investing platform.

Why? Because the contemporary art Masterworks offers—from legends like Picasso and Banksy—has demonstrated a low correlation to the stock market, inflation resistance, and exceptional appreciation potential. Not to mention Masterworks has completed 23 successful exits to date, distributing over $60+ million in net proceeds to investors in those offerings.

These investors didn’t need art expertise to diversify with blue-chip art, because Masterworks does all the heavy lifting, finding artists with appreciation potential (buying <3% of works offered) and then breaking an art offering into shares for you. If Masterworks sells a piece again for a profit, investors get a return. With 3 illustrative sales, Masterworks investors have realized net annualized returns of +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5%.

With 65,000+ investors, offerings can sell out quickly. Luckily, you can get priority access here.

Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Investment involves risk.

Disclosures:

The content is not intended to provide legal, tax, or investment advice.

No money is being solicited or will be accepted until the offering statement for a particular offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers may be revoked at any time. Contacting Masterworks involves no commitment or obligation.

Contemporary art data based on repeat-sales index of historical Post-War & Contemporary Art market prices from 1995 to 2023, developed by Masterworks. There are significant limitations to comparative asset class data. Indices are unmanaged and a Masterworks investor cannot invest directly in an index. 

Net proceeds distributed back represents the total liquidation proceeds distributed back to investors, net of all fees, expenses and proceeds reinvested in Masterworks offerings, of all works Masterworks has exited to date.

See important Reg A disclosures at masterworks.com/cd.

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 Boston, which famous public square is known for its historic architecture and proximity to the Freedom Trail?

A) Copley Square

B) Davis Square

C) Kenmore Square

D) Faneuil Hall Square

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The historic Boston neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets and significant role in African American history is A) Beacon Hill.

News

💼 Business

Boston startup takes new approach to an old battery technology. (link)

East Boston business owners upset entertainment space took over key parking spots. (link)

🏒 Sports

Four pitfalls that Celtics must avoid in quest to defend title. (link)

Investigation underway after body pulled from Charles River. (link)

🏦 Finance

Smart water-heating company raises $5.6 million seed round. (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 Red Sox vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Friday, Aug 23rd | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Boston Red Sox vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Saturday, Aug 24th | 4:10 PM | (More info) 

Music & Concerts

🎸 Acoustic Live
Six String Grill & Stage 275 Patriot Place Foxboro, MA
Thu Aug 22nd | 6:00 PM | (More info)

🎷 Santigold
Big Night Live, Boston, MA
Thursday, Aug 22nd | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🔮 Clue: A Walking Mystery - BOSTON
206 S Market St, Boston, MA
Wednesday, Aug 21st | time varies | (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 “Boston with a large, central, computerized public library” 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

The Freedom Trail Establishment (1951) - A path through downtown Boston that links significant historical sites.

The Freedom Trail, established in 1951, is a historic path that winds its way through downtown Boston, Massachusetts, linking together 16 significant historical sites. This iconic trail is a living museum of American history, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of the country's founding fathers and experience the rich heritage of the American Revolution. The trail is marked by a distinctive red line that guides visitors through the city's cobblestone streets, past historic churches, meeting houses, burial grounds, and other landmarks that played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's history.

As visitors follow the red line of the Freedom Trail, they encounter sites such as the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere's House, the Old North Church, and the USS Constitution, among others. Each stop along the trail offers a glimpse into the events and people that shaped the birth of the United States. The trail provides a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the history of Boston and gain a deeper understanding of the city's role in the American Revolution.

The Freedom Trail is a beloved and iconic attraction in Boston, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to explore the city's rich history and heritage. Whether walking the trail independently or joining a guided tour, visitors are sure to be captivated by the stories and significance of the sites along the trail. The Freedom Trail is a testament to Boston's enduring legacy as a cradle of American history and a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Famous People From Boston

Whitey Bulger – Organized crime figure

James Joseph "Whitey" Bulger Jr. (September 3, 1929 – October 30, 2018) was an American organized crime boss who led the Winter Hill Gang in the Winter Hill neighborhood of Somerville, Massachusetts, a city directly northwest of Boston. Bulger's life was marked by his involvement in criminal activities, his status as a fugitive, and his eventual capture and imprisonment. Here is a comprehensive biography of Whitey Bulger, highlighting key aspects of his life and legacy.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings (1929-1950s)

James Joseph "Whitey" Bulger Jr. was born on September 3, 1929, in Brookline, Massachusetts. His family moved to Boston shortly after his birth, and he grew up in a working-class neighborhood. Bulger's criminal activities began in his early years, and he quickly became involved in street gangs and delinquent behavior.

Rise to Power in the Winter Hill Gang (1960s-1970s)

In the 1960s, Bulger became a prominent figure in the Winter Hill Gang, a criminal organization based in the Boston area. He rose to power within the gang, establishing himself as a ruthless and influential leader known for his involvement in extortion, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.

Connection to Boston's Criminal Underworld

Bulger's notoriety extended throughout Boston's criminal underworld, where he became known for his iron-fisted control and his ability to evade law enforcement. His criminal empire expanded, and he gained a reputation as one of the most feared and powerful figures in the city's organized crime scene.

Fugitive Years and Capture (1990s-2011)

In December 1994, Bulger fled the Boston area and went into hiding after his former FBI handler, John Connolly, tipped him off about an impending indictment. For over 16 years, he remained a fugitive, evading capture and living under various aliases. In 2011, he was finally apprehended in Santa Monica, California, bringing an end to his life on the run.

Criminal Charges and Trial (2013)

Upon his capture, Bulger faced a litany of criminal charges, including participating in 19 murders, money laundering, extortion, and drug trafficking. His federal racketeering trial in Boston garnered widespread attention, with Bulger maintaining his innocence and pleading not guilty to the charges brought against him.

Imprisonment and Death (2013-2018)

Following his trial, Bulger was convicted on multiple counts and sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison. He was incarcerated at the United States Penitentiary, Hazelton, in West Virginia. On October 30, 2018, Bulger was found dead in his prison cell, having been beaten to death by fellow inmates.

Legacy and Impact

Whitey Bulger's life and criminal activities left a lasting impact on Boston's history and the organized crime landscape. His notoriety as a crime boss, fugitive, and eventual prisoner has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries, cementing his place in the annals of American crime history.

Key Achievements of Whitey Bulger:

• Established himself as a powerful and feared figure in Boston's criminal underworld.

• Evaded capture for over 16 years, living as a fugitive under various aliases.

• Convicted on multiple criminal charges, including participating in 19 murders.

• Subject of widespread media attention and portrayal in books, films, and documentaries.

• Remembered as a notorious crime boss with a lasting impact on American crime history.

Whitey Bulger's story is one of criminal notoriety, evasion of law enforcement, and eventual imprisonment. His influence on Boston's organized crime scene and his status as a fugitive have left an indelible mark on American crime history.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

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