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Pittsburgh Newsletter (August 15th)

Pittsburgh Newsletter (August 15th)

Here are the latest news stories and upcoming events in Pittsburgh.

Matthew Larsen
August 15, 2024

Quote of the Week

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

— Vincent Van Gogh

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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!

Which Pittsburgh-born actor starred in "Singin' in the Rain" and co-directed the film?

A) Clark Gable

B) Gene Kelly

C) Fred Astaire

D) James Stewart

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: The name of the Pittsburgh museum dedicated to the history of Western Pennsylvania is C) Heinz History Center.

News

💼Business

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics holding career event to fill needed aviation roles. (Link)

Pittsburgh Airport Marriott hotel completes $18M renovation. (Link)

🏒Sports

Team USA holds off France to win gold in Olympic men's basketball thanks to Steph Curry's heroics. (Link)

U.S. women's soccer team beats Brazil 1-0 to win gold medal at Paris Olympics. (Link)

🏦Finance

Duquesne awarded $1.5M DoD grant to expand transplant research. (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

⚾ 2024 Seattle Mariners at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Fri, Aug 16th - Sun, Aug 18th | (More info)

⚾ 2024 Cincinnati Reds at Pittsburgh Pirates
PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Fri, Aug 22nd - Sun, Aug 25th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 2024 Tyler Hilton
City Winery, Pittsburgh
Thursday, Aug 15th | (More info)

🎵 2024 Vivian Green
City Winery Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Aug 18th | (More info)

Family

🌿 2024 DAWA Nature Camp
2005 Beechwood Boulevard, Pittsburgh
Friday, Aug 16th | (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 a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences” 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

1995: The opening of the Carnegie Science Center.

In 1995, the city of Pittsburgh celebrated a significant milestone with the grand opening of the Carnegie Science Center. This state-of-the-art facility quickly became a beacon of scientific exploration and education for residents and visitors alike. The center's opening marked a new era of innovation and discovery, offering interactive exhibits, immersive experiences, and educational programs that captivated audiences of all ages. With its focus on promoting STEM education and fostering a love for science, the Carnegie Science Center quickly established itself as a vital resource for the community.

The year 1995 was a turning point for Pittsburgh as the Carnegie Science Center emerged as a hub for scientific advancement and learning. The center's dedication to providing hands-on experiences and engaging exhibits made it a popular destination for school field trips, family outings, and community events. Its impact extended beyond the walls of the facility, inspiring a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators to pursue their passions and contribute to the ever-evolving world of science and technology.

As the Carnegie Science Center celebrated its opening in 1995, it solidified its role as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh's cultural landscape. The center's commitment to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and exploration has continued to shape the city's educational initiatives and inspire a sense of wonder in the marvels of science. Two and a half decades later, the Carnegie Science Center remains a beloved institution, enriching the lives of Pittsburgh residents and serving as a testament to the city's enduring dedication to scientific discovery and education.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Michael Chabon (1963–present):

Michael Chabon, an American novelist, screenwriter, columnist, and short-story writer, was born on May 24, 1963, in Washington, D.C. He grew up in the suburbs of Columbia, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chabon's literary journey began with the publication of his first novel, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, in 1988, when he was just 25 years old. His career has been marked by a prolific output of novels, short stories, and screenplays, earning him critical acclaim and a Pulitzer Prize.

Early Life and Education (1963-1987)

Michael Chabon was born on May 24, 1963, in Washington, D.C., to Robert Chabon, a physician, lawyer, and hospital administrator, and Sharon, a lawyer. His parents divorced when he was eleven, and he grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Columbia, Maryland. Chabon attended Carnegie Mellon University for a year before transferring to the University of Pittsburgh, where he studied under Chuck Kinder and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1984. He subsequently earned a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing at the University of California, Irvine in 1987.

Literary Career and Success (1988-Present)

Chabon's literary career took off with the publication of his debut novel, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, in 1988. The novel gained instant fame and success, establishing Chabon as a promising young talent in the literary world. Following the success of his debut, Chabon continued to produce a series of critically acclaimed works, including Wonder Boys, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, and Gentlemen of the Road. His writing style, characterized by rich storytelling and vivid imagery, has earned him widespread recognition and a dedicated readership. In 2001, Chabon won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, solidifying his position as a leading figure in contemporary American literature.

Connection to Pittsburgh

Chabon's connection to Pittsburgh is deeply rooted in his formative years and academic pursuits. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned writers, shaping his literary voice and creative vision. The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Chabon's debut novel, is set in Pittsburgh and draws inspiration from the city's vibrant atmosphere and cultural landscape. The novel's portrayal of Pittsburgh reflects Chabon's personal connection to the city and its influence on his early literary endeavors.

Key Achievements of Michael Chabon:

Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay.
Acclaimed author of The Mysteries of Pittsburgh, Wonder Boys, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, and Gentlemen of the Road.
- Notable contributions to contemporary American literature, characterized by rich storytelling and vivid imagery.

Michael Chabon's literary journey is a testament to his creative prowess and enduring impact on the literary landscape. His connection to Pittsburgh, along with his remarkable achievements, has solidified his legacy as a celebrated American author.

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