Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Tripadvisor finds no beneficial third-party deals in Q1.

• Upcoming Boston Red sox Game

• A deep-dive into the life of Phillis Wheatley

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself”.

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

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 historic neighborhood is known for its narrow, gas-lit streets and brick row houses?

A) Beacon Hill

B) North End

C) South End

D) Back Bay

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The oldest tavern in Boston, dating back to 1795, is A) The Bell in Hand Tavern.

News

💼 Business

Tripadvisor finds no third-party deals beneficial to the company or shareholders, per first-quarter earnings report. (link)

Massachusetts-based IRobot names new, permanent ‘turnaround' CEO. (link)

AIM elects Eastern Bank's head of commercial banking as new board chair. (link)

Steward Health Care to sell all 31 U.S. hospitals, including nine in Massachusetts, following its bankruptcy announcement. (link)

🏒 Sports

DICK'S Sporting Goods Announces Multi-Year Partnership with the Boston Celtics and Red Sox, Becoming the Official. (link)

As Boston makes playoffs, PWHL enjoys booming interest in women's sports. (link)

Celtics vs. Cavs second-round playoff preview, odds and prediction. (link)

Boston Celtics favored by 13.5 points over the Cavaliers, with BetMGM Sportsbook setting the over/under at 213.5 points. (link)

🏦 Finance

Boston Financial to Acquire Boston Capital's LIHTC Business| Housing Finance Magazine. (link)

Blank Rome Launches in Boston with Prominent 25-Attorney Corporate and Finance Team. (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. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Monday, May 13th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Fenway Park, Boston, MA
Tuesday, May 14th | 7:10 PM | (More info)

🏀 East Conf Semis: Cleveland Cavaliers at Celtics Rd 2 Hm Gm 3
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Wednesday, May 15th | Time varies | (More info)

⚽ New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia Union
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA
Saturday, May 18th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤  High On Fire, Zeta, High Command 
Middle East - Downstairs 472 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge, MA
Monday, May 13th | 6:00 PM | (More info)

🎵 Bad Bad Hats
Brighton Music Hall presented by Citizens, Boston, MA
Monday, May 13th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

🎷 Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Roadrunner-Boston, Boston, MA
Monday, May 13th | 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Swans
Paradise Rock Club presented by Citizens, Boston, MA
Tuesday, May 14th | 6:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎢 Auschwitz. Not Long Ago. Not Far Away.
The Castle at Park Plaza, Boston, MA
Monday, May 13 | Time varies | (More info)

🌸 Strange Loop
Calderwood Pavilion, Boston, MA
Wednesday, May 15th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

🖼️ Blue Man Group Charles Playhouse
Charles Playhouse, Boston, MA
Wednesday, May 15th | 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 illuminated entirely by bioluminescent plants and structures.” 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

Founding of Boston University (1839) - Originally Newbury Biblical Institute in Vermont, relocated to Boston in 1867.

Boston University has a rich history that dates back to 1839 when it was established as the Newbury Biblical Institute in a small town in Vermont. Founded by a group of abolitionist Methodists, the institute aimed to provide distinguished theological training. In 1867, the institute relocated to Concord, New Hampshire, and later to Boston in 1869, where it was officially chartered as Boston University. The move to Boston marked the beginning of a new chapter for the institution, leading to its growth and development as a prominent private research university.

The founding of Boston University in 1839 laid the groundwork for its evolution into an internationally recognized institution of higher learning and research. The relocation to Boston in 1869 marked a significant milestone in the university's history, as it expanded its academic offerings and established itself as a leading educational institution. Today, Boston University offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and special degree programs, along with a vast network of academic centers and institutes. The university's founding principles and commitment to academic excellence continue to shape its identity and contribute to its global reputation.

Boston University's origins as the Newbury Biblical Institute in Vermont reflect its deep-rooted history and the visionary efforts of its founders. The institute's relocation to Boston in 1869 set the stage for its transformation into a top-tier university with a diverse and vibrant academic community. As Boston University continues to thrive, its founding in 1839 serves as a testament to its enduring legacy and its ongoing pursuit of excellence in education and research.

Famous People From Boston

Phillis Wheatley – First African American author of a published book of poetry

Phillis Wheatley: Her Life, Poetry, and Legacy

Phillis Wheatley, born around 1753 in Gambia, Africa, was captured by enslavers and brought to America in 1761. Upon arrival, she was sold to the Wheatley family in Boston, Massachusetts. Her first name, Phillis, was derived from the ship that brought her to America, "the Phillis."

Despite being an enslaved person, Phillis Wheatley Peters was one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America. She was educated and enslaved in the household of prominent Boston commercialist John Wheatley. Her literary talent and personal qualities contributed to her great social success in London.

She married John Peters in 1778, despite the skepticism and disapproval of some of her closest friends. Phillis Wheatley became well known around Boston for her poetry, and her poems continue to be studied by historians and literary scholars due to her talented use of language. She earned acclaim as a Black poet, and historians recognize her as one of the first Black and enslaved poets to publish a book of poems in the United States.

Phillis Wheatley's poems continue to be studied by historians and literary scholars due to her talented use of language. She became well known around Boston for her poetry, and her writings were published in newspapers and pamphlets. Despite the challenges she faced as an enslaved person, she earned acclaim as a Black poet and influenced the colonies with her eloquence and biblical language.

Phillis Wheatley's legacy extends beyond her literary achievements. She overcame challenges and adversity to become a poet of note, leaving a lasting impact on American literature and history. Her life story is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and the power of the written word.

Key Achievements of Phillis Wheatley:

• Overcame enslavement and adversity to become one of the best-known poets in pre-19th century America.

• Published a book of poems in 1773, becoming the first enslaved Black poet to do so in the United States.

• Influenced the colonies with her eloquence and biblical language, earning acclaim as a Black poet.
  
  Phillis Wheatley's story is one of resilience, creativity, and literary excellence, and her contributions to American literature continue to inspire future generations.

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-Matthew Larsen

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