Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performance

• Pitt football releases their schedule

• A deep-dive into the life of Gertrude Stein

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

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 river is not found in Pittsburgh?

A) Allegheny River

B) Monongahela River

C) Ohio River

D) Susquehanna River

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

Pittsburgh was founded in A) 1758.

News

💼 Business

The Middle Hill District celebrates the opening of 40 affordable housing units, with a preference for artists connected to the Black community. (link)

Echo Realty is transforming the former Shady Hill Plaza into Meridian, a mixed-use development with a new Giant Eagle store. (link)

A new 23-story office building with ground-floor retail and green roofs is replacing the former New Federal Cold Storage Building in the Strip District. (link)

The University of Pittsburgh is constructing BioForge, a laboratory building for gene and cell therapy research. (link)

A $1.4 billion Terminal Modernization Program is underway, constructing a new 811,000-square-foot terminal to replace the Landside building and streamline operations​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The University of Pittsburgh is set to revamp its football offense under the direction of new offensive coordinator Kade Bell. (link)

The 2024 schedule for Pitt Football has been announced, featuring key games against Kent State, Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Youngstown State, as well as an exciting home match against Cal in their first-ever ACC meeting​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Pittsburgh faces budget challenges with projections indicating a significant drop in operating margin by 2025, necessitating a cautious fiscal approach​​. (link)

The city's 2024 preliminary budget shows a healthy operating result but relies heavily on dwindling American Rescue Plan funds. (link)

Pittsburgh and its firefighters' union finalize a new multi-year contract, promising wage increases and operational modernizations. (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

🏐 Nike Steel City Boys Championships (Volleyball)
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
February 10-11 | (More Info)

🥋 PBJJF Pittsburgh Winter International Open (Jiu-Jitsu)
All American Field House
February 10th | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Madonna - The Celebration Tour
PPG Paints Arena
Monday, Feb 5th | 8:30 PM | (More Info)

🎸 Extreme with Living Colour
Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
Tuesday, Feb 6th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Playboi Carti
PPG Paints Arena
Wednesday, Feb 7th | 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🎻 Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra: Manfred Honeck - Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet
Heinz Hall
Friday, Feb 9th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🐾 PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure"
Benedum Center
Thursday, Feb 8th | (More Info)

🎪 Peekaboo - Artist
Stage AE
Saturday, Feb 10th | 7:00 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 “Pittsburgh as a giant eco-friendly treehouse community” 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

British forces, led by General John Forbes, capture Fort Duquesne and rename it Fort Pitt (1758)

In 1758, a crucial event unfolded in the history of Pittsburgh during the French and Indian War: the capture of Fort Duquesne by British forces led by General John Forbes. This victory was significant in the ongoing struggle between the British and French for control over the strategic region of the Ohio Valley. General Forbes' expedition, which included Highlanders, Royal Americans, and Colonial troops, marked a turning point in the war.

Upon reaching the fort, Forbes found it abandoned and destroyed by the French, who retreated rather than face the advancing British army. He promptly claimed the site for Britain and began constructing a new fortification, named Fort Pitt in honor of William Pitt the Elder, the British Secretary of State. This new fort symbolized British dominance in the region and was a pivotal move in expanding their colonial territories in North America.

The capture and renaming of Fort Duquesne as Fort Pitt in 1758 were significant not only in the context of the French and Indian War but also in the broader scope of American history. It marked the beginning of British control in the area, paving the way for the growth of what would become the city of Pittsburgh. This event was a key moment in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region, influencing the patterns of settlement and trade in the years to follow.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Gertrude Stein (1874–1946)

Early Life and Education (1874-1897)

Gertrude Stein was born on February 3, 1874, in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, which later became part of Pittsburgh. She grew up in an affluent Jewish family and was educated at Radcliffe College under psychologist William James. Stein developed a love for literature and the arts during her college years.

Move to Paris and Literary Career (1903-1914)

In 1903, Stein moved to Paris, where she began to write and immerse herself in the avant-garde art scene. Her Paris home, shared with her brother Leo, became a gathering place for artists and writers. Stein's unconventional writing style, characterized by its stream of consciousness and repetitive phrases, began to take shape.

World War I and 'The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas' (1914-1933)

During World War I, Stein and her partner Alice B. Toklas aided the war effort, which influenced her writing. In 1933, Stein published "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas," which became her most popular book, bringing her fame for its unique perspective and narrative style.

Later Works and Lectures (1933-1946)

In her later years, Stein continued to write and deliver lectures. Her works from this period include "Wars I Have Seen" and "Brewsie and Willie," exploring themes of war and society. She remained an influential figure in modernist literature.

Art Patronage and Influence (Throughout Career)

Stein was also known for her role as an art patron, supporting and collecting the works of various artists, including Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Her Paris salon was a hub for the avant-garde art and literary community.

Stein's Key Achievements:

• Pioneering avant-garde writer, poet, and playwright.

• Author of "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas," which brought her mainstream success.

• Influential figure in the Parisian art scene, patronizing and supporting modernist artists.

• Contributor to the development of stream-of-consciousness writing and experimental literature.

Gertrude Stein's legacy as an avant-garde writer and cultural figure extends far beyond her innovative literary style. Her influence on the modernist movement, her role in the Parisian art scene, and her contributions to literature and art make her a significant figure in 20th-century culture. Her unique approach to writing and her commitment to the arts continue to inspire and challenge readers and writers alike.

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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