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Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Local foundation grants $750,000 for affordable housing redevelopment downtown.

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Penguins match

• A deep-dive into the life of George Westinghouse

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

— Albert Einstein

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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 native is known as the Queen of Jazz and had a prominent music career spanning six decades?

A) Ella Fitzgerald

B) Lena Horne

C) Sarah Vaughan

D) Billie Holiday

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra was founded in B) 1895.

News

💼Business

Pollocks announce Palm Palm restaurant for former Plum Asian Kitchen space in East End this spring. (Link)

United Steelworkers unimpressed by Nippon Steel's latest offer. (Link)

🏒Sports

WPIAL teams come up empty at PIAA football championships for first time in 32 years. (Link)

Here's the average ticket price for Penn State-SMU College Football Playoff game. (Link)

🏦Finance

Local foundation grants $750,000 for affordable housing redevelopment downtown. (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

🏒 Los Angeles Kings at Pittsburgh Penguins
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Dec. 17th, 2024 | (More info)

🏀 Sam Houston Bearkats at Pittsburgh Panthers Mens Basketball
Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh
Saturday, Dec. 21st, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Jimkata
Thunderbird Cafe & Music Hall, Pittsburgh
Thursday, Dec. 12th, 2024 | (More info)

🎤 Gary Owen
Pittsburgh Improv, Pittsburgh
Friday, Dec. 13th, 2024 | (More info)

Family

📚 Sunday Storytime at Squirrel Hill
5841 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh
Sunday, Dec. 15th, 2024 | (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 gravity-defying structures” 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

1936: The St. Patrick’s Day Flood, one of the most devastating floods in Pittsburgh history.

The St. Patrick's Day Flood of 1936 stands as one of the most devastating natural disasters in Pittsburgh's history. On March 17 and 18, 1936, the city witnessed the worst flood in its history, with flood levels peaking at 46 feet. The flood, which became known as The Great St. Patrick's Day flood, also affected other areas of the Mid-Atlantic on both sides of the Eastern Continental Divide. The disaster was the result of an unlucky downpour that followed a brutal winter with more than double the normal amount of snowfall. The snow melted due to warm temperatures, swelling creek beds along the upper Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers, leading to catastrophic flooding in Pittsburgh and beyond.

The impact of the St. Patrick's Day Flood of 1936 was tremendous, with more than 100 people losing their lives and damage estimated at $300 million. Downtown Pittsburgh and the North Shore experienced massive flooding, with the river swelling to 46 feet, more than 21 feet above flood level. The flood left a lasting mark on the city, and levels of the 1936 flood lines can still be seen on some buildings in downtown Pittsburgh. The disaster changed the city forever and remains an unforgettable historical moment in Pittsburgh's history.

The St. Patrick's Day Flood of 1936 serves as a somber reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the resilience of the Pittsburgh community in the face of adversity. Today, the flood is remembered as a pivotal event that shaped the city's history and continues to be a part of Pittsburgh's collective memory.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

George Westinghouse (1846–1914): Inventor and industrialist.

George Westinghouse Jr., born on October 6, 1846, and passing away on March 12, 1914, was an American entrepreneur and engineer from Pennsylvania. He was a key figure in the early years of his life and was granted his first patent for the development of the railway air brake at the age of 19. Throughout his life, he worked on various projects and became a pioneer of the electrical industry, receiving his first patent at a young age.

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit

George Westinghouse was born on October 6, 1846, in Central Bridge, New York, as the eighth child of Emeline Vedder and George Westinghouse. His father established a shop for agricultural machinery and small steam engines in Schenectady, New York, where George grew up. After serving in the Union Army during the Civil War and briefly attending college, Westinghouse returned to his father's business, displaying an early entrepreneurial spirit.

Invention of the Railway Air Brake

At the age of 19, George Westinghouse was granted his first patent for the development of the railway air brake. This invention revolutionized the safety of rail travel and had a profound impact on the railroad industry. The air brake system made railroads safer and more efficient, leading to widespread adoption and recognition of Westinghouse's engineering prowess.

Pioneer of the Electrical Industry

George Westinghouse's contributions to the electrical industry were groundbreaking. He founded the Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company to improve alternating current (AC) power, promoting AC technology and making significant advancements in electrical engineering. His firm faith in the alternating-current system led to the founding of the Westinghouse Electric Company in 1886, which became a major player in the electrical industry.

Connection to Pittsburgh

George Westinghouse's legacy is deeply intertwined with Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The city played a significant role in his industrial innovations, and the Westinghouse story is an integral part of Western Pennsylvania's history. His industrial innovations have made a lasting impact on the world, and his contributions are celebrated as part of the region's 250-year history.

Legacy and Honors

Throughout his lifetime, George Westinghouse was accorded numerous honors in the U.S. for his pioneering work in engineering and industry. He received more than 360 patents for his work and was acclaimed as the greatest living engineer in his time. His legacy as an inventor and industrialist continues to inspire future generations and is commemorated through various artifacts and collections, including his personal grooming set and a one-of-a-kind white marble bust.

Key Achievements of George Westinghouse:

• Invention of the railway air brake, revolutionizing rail travel safety.

• Pioneer of the electrical industry, promoting alternating current (AC) technology.

• Founding the Westinghouse Electric Company and receiving over 360 patents.

• Deep connection to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and significant impact on the region's history.

• Legacy as an inventor and industrialist, inspiring future generations.

George Westinghouse's story is one of innovation, entrepreneurship, and pioneering spirit. His contributions to engineering, industry, and rail travel safety have left an enduring legacy, and his impact on Pittsburgh and the world remains significant.

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