Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Boston biotech cuts staff, CEO salary.

• Cora's contract, Red Sox struggles highlighted.

• A deep-dive into the life of Donna Summer.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."

– Harper Lee

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 famous Boston restaurant known for being America's oldest continuously operating restaurant?"

A) The Union Oyster House

B) The Parker House

C) Durgin-Park

D) Cheers

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The famous building in Boston that was the site of the first reading of the Declaration of Independence in Massachusetts is C) Old State House.

News

💼 Business

Boston biotech firm lays off 25% of its staff, cuts CEOs salary. (link)

F. L. Putnam acquires three investment advisors. (link)

🏒 Sports

Alex Cora’s Contract, Red Sox Struggles, and Top Boston Sports Villains. (link)

Police investigating stabbing near downtown Boston hotel. (link)

🏦 Finance

Boston-based Openly enters Virginia homeowners insurance market. (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

🏉 Preseason Game 1: Patriots v. Panthers
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Thursday, Aug 8th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

⚾ Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Friday, Aug 9th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Princess Goes
Sonia 10 Brookline St. Cambridge, MA
Thursday, Aug 8th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎷 The Great Escape
Bally's Event Center, Lincoln, RI
Thursday, Aug 8th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🔮 Binchtopia
Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre, Somerville, MA
Thursday, Aug 8th | 7:30 PM | (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 where architecture is inspired by different musical genres” 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 Big Dig Project (1991-2007) - One of the most complex urban engineering projects.

The Big Dig Project, also known as the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (CA/T), was a monumental civil engineering endeavor that took place in Boston, Massachusetts from 1991 to 2007. The project aimed to address the congestion and inefficiency caused by the elevated Central Artery of Interstate 93, which cut across the city. The ambitious plan involved rerouting the highway through an underground tunnel and constructing the Ted Williams Tunnel to extend Interstate 90 to Logan International Airport. The Big Dig was one of the most complex and expensive urban engineering projects in U.S. history, and it sought to knit together a city segregated by ethnicity, income differentiation, and traffic congestion.

The Big Dig was managed by the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and was a multi-decade effort that began with planning in the early 1980s. The project involved extensive environmental impact studies and shoreline restoration along the Charles River Basin. Despite facing persistent criticism and challenges, the Big Dig ultimately reshaped Boston's major interstate highway, I-93, and contributed to the city's infrastructure and urban development. The completion of the Big Dig marked a significant milestone in the city's history and serves as a case study for understanding the complexities and challenges of large-scale infrastructure projects.

The Big Dig's resounding success and completion in 2007 solidified its status as one of the most ambitious and challenging highway projects in U.S. history. While the project incurred significant costs and faced criticism, it ultimately achieved its goal of remedying the congested Central Artery and transforming Boston's urban landscape. The Big Dig remains a testament to the determination and engineering prowess required to undertake and complete such a massive urban infrastructure project.

Famous People From Boston

Donna Summer – Singer and songwriter

Donna Summer, known as the "Queen of Disco," was born on December 31, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts. Her journey from a girl in Boston to a global music sensation is a testament to her remarkable talent and enduring legacy. Let's explore the life and achievements of this iconic singer and songwriter.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings (1948-1960s)

Donna Adrian Gaines, later known as Donna Summer, was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts. She discovered her passion for music at a young age and began singing in local churches, showcasing her exceptional vocal abilities. Her upbringing in Boston laid the foundation for her future success as a musician.

Rise to Stardom in the Disco Era (1970s)

Donna Summer's breakthrough came during the disco era, where she rose to stardom with hit songs like "Love to Love You Baby," "Hot Stuff," and "Last Dance." Her powerful voice and electrifying stage presence captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying her status as the undisputed Queen of Disco.

Musical Legacy and Global Impact (1970s-1980s)

Summer's influence extended beyond the disco genre, as she continued to produce chart-topping hits and explore diverse musical styles. Her timeless classics and soulful performances resonated with fans across generations, earning her a permanent place in music history.

Boston's Hometown Hero (Throughout Career)

Donna Summer's connection to Boston remained a significant part of her identity. Her roots in the city, from singing in local venues to becoming a global sensation, inspired pride and admiration among Bostonians, culminating in the renaming of Parker Hill Avenue in her honor.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement (Throughout Career)

Beyond her musical achievements, Donna Summer was known for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to community causes. She used her platform to advocate for social issues and support charitable organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the communities she touched.

Honors and Recognition (Posthumous)

In 2012, Donna Summer passed away, leaving behind a legacy of musical excellence and philanthropy. Her contributions to the music industry were honored with posthumous awards, including the Special Merit Award during the 2024 Grammy Week, recognizing her enduring impact on music.

Remembering Donna Summer

Donna Summer's legacy as the Queen of Disco and Boston's own musical icon continues to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide. Her timeless music, philanthropic spirit, and unwavering dedication to her craft ensure that her influence will be felt for generations to come.

Key Achievements of Donna Summer:

• Renowned as the "Queen of Disco," with a string of chart-topping hits in the 1970s.

• Global impact as a musical icon, transcending genres and captivating audiences worldwide.

• Honored with posthumous awards, including the Special Merit Award during the 2024 Grammy Week.

• Remembered as a philanthropist and advocate for social causes, leaving a lasting impact on communities.

Donna Summer's story is one of resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication to her art. Her connection to Boston and her global impact as a musical legend ensure that her legacy will endure for years to come.

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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