Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• MassChallenge secures $50 million to support early-stage startups

• Upcoming Boston Bruins home game

• A deep-dive into the life of Benjamin Franklin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

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 historic ship docked at the Boston Navy Yard?

A) USS Constitution

B) USS Boston

C) USS Freedom

D) USS Independence

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The oldest public park in America is B) Boston Common.

News

💼 Business

Boston-based Wayfair announces a strategic partnership with local artisans to feature a unique "Made in Massachusetts" collection starting March 2024. ​(link)

Biogen, headquartered in Cambridge, unveils a breakthrough Alzheimer's drug, promising to revolutionize treatment with significant investment in Boston. (link)

Renewable energy division into a standalone company, aiming to capitalize on the growing green energy market, with headquarters remaining in Boston. (link)

Toast, Inc., a Boston-based restaurant software provider, launches a new AI-driven analytics tool designed to boost small restaurant revenues across New England. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Boston Red Sox are actively fielding trade offers for All-Star closer Kenley Jansen and other players, indicating a potential team restructuring ahead of the new MLB season. (link)

A former top-100 MLB prospect, now 27, celebrated his first major league success with the Red Sox last season, boasting impressive stats including a .295 batting average and 34 doubles. (link)

The Boston Celtics' Joe Mazzulla expressed dissatisfaction with only two Celtics players being selected for the NBA All-Star Game. (link)

The Celtics are seen as strong contenders for the NBA championship, thanks to strategic roster moves and a focus on team dynamics, highlighting their ambition for the season. (link)

🏦 Finance

Fidelity Investments, headquartered in Boston, announces a $200 million initiative to fund fintech startups focused on blockchain and AI technologies in the Greater Boston area. (link)

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston reports a surprising uptick in regional economic growth, attributing the success to robust fintech and biotech sectors. (link)

Boston's State Street Corporation introduces a new digital asset custody platform for institutional investors, signaling a major shift in traditional banking services. (link)

MassChallenge, a Boston-based accelerator, secures $50 million in funding to support early-stage startups, with a focus on financial services innovation, aiming to position Boston as a global fintech hub. (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

🏒 Bruins vs. Stars
TD Garden, Boston
Monday, Feb. 19th | 1:00 PM | (More Info)

🏒 Boston College Eagles Hockey vs. Vermont Catamounts Hockey
Chestnut Hill, MA
Friday, Feb. 23rd | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 The Veils
City Winery Boston, Massachusetts
Tuesday, Feb 20th, 2024 | 7:30 | (More Info)

🎹 Thursday - Band
Paradise Rock Club Boston, Massachusetts
Wednesday, Feb 21st | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎷 Bob Schneider
City Winery Boston, Massachusetts
Wednesday, Feb. 21st | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎪 Disney On Ice
TD Garden, Boston
Feb. 21st - Feb. 25th | (More Info)

🐻 Sci-Fi Book Fair
Stone Zoo, Stoneham, MA
Saturday, Feb. 24th | 12:00 PM-4.00 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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Boston with modern technology” 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

Antinomian Controversy (1636-1638)

The Antinomian Controversy (1636-1638) was a significant religious and political conflict that deeply divided the Massachusetts Bay Colony in the 17th century. Also known as the Free Grace Controversy, it revolved around the primacy of God's grace over good deeds and the preeminence of a Covenant of Grace over a Covenant of Works. The disagreement led to a sharp division between the colony's ministers and magistrates and some adherents of Puritan minister John Cotton. This conflict had far-reaching implications, ultimately leading to the founding of Rhode Island.

The Antinomian Controversy was a pivotal moment in the history of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, as it brought to light fundamental theological and political differences. The controversy raised questions about the role of grace and good deeds in religious doctrine, sparking intense debate and division within the colony. The conflict ultimately led to the establishment of Rhode Island, as those who were at odds with the prevailing orthodoxy sought a place where they could practice their beliefs freely.

The Antinomian Controversy remains a significant chapter in the history of religious and political conflict in early America. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and divisions that shaped the development of religious freedom and tolerance in the New England colonies, and its impact reverberates through the history of the region to this day.

Famous People From Boston

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Early Life and Family

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Abiah Folger and Josiah Franklin. He was the 10th son of 17 children in the Franklin family. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a candle and soap maker who married twice and had 17 children.

Youth in Boston

During his youth in Boston, Franklin was active in community affairs and colonial and state politics. At the age of 15, he began working for his brother James at The New-England Courant, the third newspaper founded in Boston. His early years in Boston laid the foundation for his future involvement in national and international affairs.

Scientist, Inventor, and Diplomat

Benjamin Franklin was a polymath, inventor, scientist, printer, politician, freemason, and diplomat. He made significant contributions to the understanding of electricity, inventing the lightning rod and the Franklin stove. His experiments with electricity led to the discovery of positive and negative charges. Franklin's diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing French support for the American Revolution.

Political Career and Contributions

Franklin was an influential figure in American politics, serving as a member of the Continental Congress and playing a key role in drafting the Declaration of Independence. He was also a signer of the United States Constitution and made significant contributions to the early governance of the United States.

Legacy and Impact

Benjamin Franklin's legacy extends beyond his political and scientific achievements. He was a prolific writer and publisher, known for his wit and wisdom. His aphorisms and writings continue to inspire and educate people around the world. Franklin's impact on American history and culture is profound, and his contributions to science, politics, and literature are widely celebrated.

Key Achievements of Benjamin Franklin:

• Signer of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

• Discoverer of positive and negative charges in electricity.

• Inventor of the lightning rod and the Franklin stove.

• Instrumental in securing French support for the American Revolution.

• Prolific writer and publisher, known for his aphorisms and wisdom.

Benjamin Franklin's life story is one of perseverance, innovation, and dedication to the betterment of society. His impact on American history and culture remains significant and enduring.

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

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

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