Welcome to The Boston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Bill permits UMass to acquire Norwood Hospital.

• Brissett addresses Douglas' touch frustration.

• A deep-dive into the life of John Cheever.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"We do not see things as they are, we see them as we are."

— Anaïs Nin

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 concert venue is known for its acoustics and has hosted the Boston Symphony Orchestra?

A) Orpheum Theatre

B) Boston Opera House

C) Symphony Hall

D) Berklee Performance Center

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The annual Boston event that features dragon boat races on the Charles River is A) Boston Dragon Boat Festival.

News

💼Business

Bill would allow UMass to buy Steward’s Norwood Hospital. (link)

Northeastern breaks ground on new Portland campus. (link)

🏒Sports

Jacoby Brissett responds to DeMario Douglas’ frustration over lack of touches. (link)

Patriots' entire starting offensive line dealing with injuries, team says. (link)

🏦Finance

German 'Shopify for data' company is opening a Boston office. (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 Bruins vs. Washington Capitals
TD Garden, Boston, MA
Tue • Sep 24 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎥 Killer Queen - A Tribute to Queen
Citizens House of Blues Boston, Boston, MA
Mon • Sep 23 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎷 Blues Traveler - 30 Years Of Four Tour
Citizens House of Blues Boston, Boston, MA
Tue • Sep 24 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

📚 Mamma Mia! (Touring)
Citizens Opera House, Boston, MA
Tue • Sep 24 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🔮 Amor Towles
Emerson Colonial Theatre, Boston, MA
Tue • Sep 24 • 8:00 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 “Boston with an art district where the buildings are canvases for digital art” 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

Dedication of Fenway Park (1912) - Home of the Boston Red Sox.

In 1912, Fenway Park, the iconic home of the Boston Red Sox, was inaugurated with great fanfare. The park's first game took place on April 9, featuring an exhibition match between the Red Sox and Harvard College. Just eleven days later, the Red Sox played their first official game at Fenway Park against the New York Highlanders. The construction of Fenway Park was completed in just over six months, and the ballpark has stood the test of time, enduring for well over 100 years as a symbol of Boston's rich baseball history.

The opening of Fenway Park in 1912 marked the beginning of an exceptional era for the Boston Red Sox. The inaugural year of the park was celebrated with a win over the New York Highlanders, setting the stage for many more historic moments to come. The park's state-of-the-art design and significance in the world of baseball made it a landmark in the city of Boston, capturing the hearts of fans and players alike. Fenway Park's rich history and enduring legacy continue to make it a beloved and iconic symbol of Boston's sports culture.

The dedication of Fenway Park in 1912 was a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a new chapter in Boston's baseball history. The park's grand unveiling, just days after the sinking of the Titanic, added to the significance of the event. Fenway Park's inaugural year set the stage for the Red Sox's future successes and established the park as a cherished landmark in the city. Today, Fenway Park remains a beloved and historic venue, continuing to host memorable moments and unite fans in their passion for the Boston Red Sox.

Famous People From Boston

John Cheever (1912-1982) – Novelist and short story writer

John Cheever was an American writer known for his keen, often critical, view of the American middle class. He was born on May 27, 1912, in Quincy, Massachusetts, the second son of Frederick Lincoln and Mary Liley Cheever. Known primarily for his short stories, his attention to detail and careful writing found the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Childhood and Early Life

John Cheever was born on May 27, 1912, in Quincy, Massachusetts. His childhood in Quincy played a significant role in shaping his perspective and later literary works. His family's experiences and the local environment influenced his understanding of the American middle class, which became a central theme in his writing.

Literary Career and Recognition

Cheever's literary career took off with the publication of "The Stories of John Cheever" in 1978, which earned him widespread recognition. The collection of short stories was praised for its meticulous attention to detail and its ability to capture the nuances of middle-class life in America. In 1979, he received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for this work, solidifying his status as a prominent American writer.

Connection to Boston

In 1975, Cheever was temporarily exiled to Boston to teach at the University. His time in Boston provided him with new experiences and perspectives, which likely influenced his later works. The city of Boston served as a backdrop for some of his stories, adding depth and diversity to his portrayal of American life.

Personal Life and Legacy

John Cheever's personal life was marked by struggles with alcoholism and self-doubt, which often found their way into his writing. Despite these challenges, his literary legacy remains significant, and his works continue to be studied and celebrated for their insight into the complexities of American society.

Key Achievements of John Cheever:

• Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for "The Stories of John Cheever" in 1979.

• Known for his meticulous attention to detail and critical view of the American middle class.

• Influential in capturing the nuances of middle-class life in America through his writing.

John Cheever's life and works reflect a deep understanding of the American middle class and the complexities of human experience. His legacy as a writer continues to inspire and provoke thought, making him a significant figure in American literature.

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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