Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates home game

• Upcoming Andrea Bocelli performance

• A deep-dive into the life of Rachel Carson

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

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!

The University of Pittsburgh is home to the Nationality Rooms. In what building are they located?

A) Hillman Library

B) Cathedral of Learning

C) Heinz Chapel

D) Posvar Hall

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The famous jazz musician born in Pittsburgh known for "Take the 'A' Train" is C) Billy Strayhorn.

News

💼 Business

The Fat Cat restaurant in Pittsburgh's North Side is permanently shutting down after opening last summer. (Link)

The Ingomar Garden Club is scheduled to meet at Northmont Church in McCandless on April 3, as part of the North Allegheny area's latest updates.(Link)

Kraft Heinz plans to slash carbon emissions by over 99% at ten of its U.S. facilities, supported by a $170 million investment from the U.S. Department of Energy. (Link)

Charles T. Kotuby, Jr., has joined Three Crowns in Washington D.C. as Of Counsel, bringing his expertise as a professor of practice to the team. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Bob Pompeani of KDKA-TV discusses the day's sports topics on the Ireland Contracting Nightly Sports Call. (Link)

WPIAL volleyball champions begin their section schedule, highlighting key matches to watch. (Link)

Former Atlanta Falcons running back and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson reportedly signs with the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Pittsburgh job openings for various organizations including CCAC and Squonk are announced for the week of 3/25/24, aiming at a broad local workforce. (Link)

Howmet Aerospace has named Johan (John) Wall as its new President, effective April 8, 2024, in a strategic leadership enhancement move. (Link)

Kraft Heinz plans to drastically cut carbon emissions by over 99% at ten U.S. facilities, supported by a $170 million investment from the U.S. Department of Energy for clean energy transitions. (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

⚾ Baltimore Orioles at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Friday, Apr. 5th | 4:12 PM | More Info

🏒 Tampa Bay Lightning at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Apr. 6th | 1:00 PM | More Info

Music & Concerts

🎤  The Local Honeys 
  Club Cafe, Pittsburgh
  Thursday, Apr. 4th | 8:00 PM | More Info

🎸 Chappell Roan 
  Stage AE, Pittsburgh
 Friday, Apr. 5th | 7:00 PM | More Info

🎵 Andrea Bocelli
 PPG Paints Arena, Downtown Pittsburgh
 Thursday, Apr. 4th | 8:00 PM | More Info

Family

🎭 Kids of Steel Fest
 RMU Island Sports Complex, Pittsburgh, PA
Apr. 6th | 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | More Info

🌸 Spring Mix with the PBT Orchestra at Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
 Benedum Center for the Performing Arts, 7th Street, Pittsburgh, PA
 Friday, April 5th - Sunday, April 7th | Times Vary | 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 “Pittsburgh with architecture inspired by different planets” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Pittsburgh Historical Events

1875: The Edgar Thomson Steel Works, the first to use the Bessemer process, opens near Pittsburgh.

In 1875, the Edgar Thomson Steel Works opened near Pittsburgh, marking a significant milestone in the steel industry. This historic steel mill was the first to utilize the Bessemer process, a revolutionary method for mass-producing steel. The Bessemer process involved blowing air through molten iron to remove impurities and create high-quality steel, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in steel production. The opening of the Edgar Thomson Steel Works near Pittsburgh played a pivotal role in establishing the city as a major hub for steel manufacturing and solidified its reputation as the "Steel City."

The introduction of the Bessemer process at the Edgar Thomson Steel Works brought about a transformation in the steel industry, propelling Pittsburgh to the forefront of steel production in the United States. The innovative technology implemented at the steel works revolutionized the way steel was manufactured, making it more accessible and affordable for various industries. This development also contributed to the rapid growth of Pittsburgh's economy and established the city as a powerhouse in the steel manufacturing sector. The impact of the Edgar Thomson Steel Works and the Bessemer process on Pittsburgh's industrial landscape was profound, shaping the city's identity as a center of steel production for decades to come.

The opening of the Edgar Thomson Steel Works in 1875 near Pittsburgh marked a turning point in the history of steel production, ushering in an era of industrial advancement and economic prosperity for the region. The utilization of the Bessemer process at the steel works set a new standard for steel manufacturing and positioned Pittsburgh as a leader in the industry. This milestone not only transformed the city's economy but also left a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated as an integral part of Pittsburgh's industrial heritage.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Rachel Carson (1907–1964)

Rachel Louise Carson was born in 1907 and raised on a small farm in Springdale, Pennsylvania, just 18 miles from Pittsburgh. She grew up alongside two siblings and numerous animals, experiencing a challenging childhood due to her family's financial struggles. Despite these hardships, Rachel developed a deep connection to the natural world, which would later shape her career and legacy.

Early Life and Passion for Nature (1907-1925)

Rachel Carson's formative years were spent in Springdale, where she developed a profound love for nature and wildlife. Her upbringing on the farm instilled in her a deep appreciation for the environment and a curiosity about the natural world. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future work as a marine biologist and conservationist.

Education and Career Beginnings (1925-1936)

In 1925, Rachel Carson enrolled at the Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University) in Pittsburgh, where she studied English. After graduating in 1929, she continued her studies in zoology and genetics at Johns Hopkins University, earning a master's degree in 1932. Carson's academic pursuits led her to a position as a marine biologist with the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries, where she began her groundbreaking work in marine science and conservation.

Exploration and Research (1936-1950)

During the late 1930s and 1940s, Rachel Carson conducted extensive research and exploration in marine biology, focusing on the ecology and conservation of ocean life. Her work took her to the Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory in Massachusetts, where she gained valuable insights into the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. Carson's research and writings during this period laid the groundwork for her influential career as an environmentalist and author.

Authorship and "Silent Spring" (1950-1962)

In 1951, Rachel Carson published "The Sea Around Us," a best-selling book that brought her widespread acclaim and recognition as a gifted science writer. Her success as an author continued with "The Edge of the Sea" in 1955, further establishing her as a leading voice in marine science and conservation. However, it was her seminal work, "Silent Spring," published in 1962, that catapulted Carson to international fame and solidified her legacy as a pioneering environmentalist.

Environmental Advocacy and Legacy (1962-1964)

Following the publication of "Silent Spring," Rachel Carson became a prominent advocate for environmental conservation and the regulation of pesticides. Her groundbreaking exposé on the dangers of chemical pesticides, particularly DDT, sparked a global movement and led to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency in the United States. Carson's tireless efforts to raise awareness about the impact of human activity on the environment cemented her status as a trailblazing conservationist.

Connection to Pittsburgh

Rachel Carson's formative years in Springdale, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburgh, deeply influenced her passion for nature and wildlife. Her experiences in the Pittsburgh area, including her education at the Pennsylvania College for Women, played a significant role in shaping her environmental consciousness and commitment to conservation.

Key Achievements of Rachel Carson:

• Author of "Silent Spring," a groundbreaking book that sparked the modern environmental movement.

• Pioneering marine biologist and conservationist, known for her influential writings on ocean life and ecosystems.

• Advocate for environmental awareness and regulation of chemical pesticides, leading to the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.

• Legacy as a trailblazing environmentalist, inspiring generations to protect and preserve the natural world.

Rachel Carson's legacy as a marine biologist, conservationist, and author continues to inspire environmentalists and conservationists worldwide. Her profound impact on the modern environmental movement and her dedication to protecting the planet have left an enduring mark on the world.

Connect With Me

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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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