Welcome to The Pittsburgh Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Pitt Football schedule announced

• Pittsburgh history on the Battle of Fort Duquesne

• A deep-dive into the life of Andrew Carnegie

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

– Friedrich Nietzsche

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!

What year was the city of Pittsburgh founded?

A) 1758

B) 1776

C) 1796

D) 1816

News

💼 Business

Google announced the expansion of their Pittsburgh office, creating 200 new tech jobs. (link)

A new renewable energy facility opened in the South Side, aiming to power 50,000 homes. (link)

Pittsburgh Health Data Firm: Acquired by a national healthcare provider, expanding services in data analytics. (link)

Restaurant Scene: Notable Pittsburgh chef opened a new farm-to-table concept restaurant in the Strip District. (link)

🏒 Sports

Announced a new head coach following the retirement of Mike Tomlin. (link)

Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby scored his 500th career goal in a game against the Washington Capitals. (link)

Pitt Football Schedule Announced: The 2024 schedule for Pitt's football team features seven home games including matchups against Clemson and West Virginia. (link)

The Suns dominated over the Mavericks with a significant win. (link)

The Suns achieved a 117-110 victory against the Pacers, led by Kevin Durant's impressive performance. (link)

🏦 Finance

Real Estate Development: Announcement of a new luxury condo project in the East Liberty neighborhood. (link)

Financial Tech Conference: Hosted in downtown Pittsburgh, focusing on cybersecurity in financial services. (link)

PPG Industries reported their financial results for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2023, including a record sales of $18.2 billion and a projected adjusted EPS for 2024. (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

🏀 Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Pittsburgh Panthers Basketball
Petersen Events Center
Wednesday, Jan. 31st | (More Info)

🤸‍♀️ North Carolina Tar Heels at Pittsburgh Panthers Women’s Gymnastics 
Fitzgerald Field House
Friday, Feb. 2nd | 1:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Rhode Island Rams at Duquesne Dukes Women’s Basketball
UPMC Cooper Fieldhouse
Saturday, Feb. 3rd | 2:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Eddie 9V and Dan Bubien
Club Cafe
Monday, Jan. 29th | (More Info)

🎶 Wild Party
Club Cafe
Tuesday, Jan. 30th | (More Info)

🎸 Umphrey's McGee
Stage AE
Thursday, Feb. 1st | (More Info)

Family

🎸 Penguins on Parade
Pittsburgh Zoo
Feb. 3 - 4 | 11:30 a.m | (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

The French and Indian War begins with the Battle of Fort Duquesne in Pittsburgh (1754)

In 1754, the French and Indian War, a pivotal chapter in North American colonial history, began with the Battle of Fort Duquesne in what is now Pittsburgh. This conflict, part of the larger Seven Years' War between Britain and France, was crucial in determining control of the vast territories of North America. Fort Duquesne, located at the strategic point where the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers meet to form the Ohio River, was a key French stronghold.

The British, aiming to assert their dominance over the French in the region, sent a young Virginia militia lieutenant colonel named George Washington to confront the French forces at Fort Duquesne. The skirmish that ensued marked the beginning of hostilities in the war. Washington's defeat and the subsequent British retreat set the stage for a wider conflict that would involve various Native American tribes, who played a crucial role in the dynamics of power in the region.

The Battle of Fort Duquesne in 1754 not only initiated the French and Indian War but also significantly influenced the future of the United States. The war's outcome would eventually lead to the removal of French influence from the Ohio Valley and set the stage for the American Revolution. This event is a significant part of Pittsburgh's history, symbolizing the city's strategic importance in the broader geopolitical struggles of the colonial era.

Famous People From Pittsburgh

Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919)

Early Life and Immigration to America (1835-1850)

Andrew Carnegie was born on November 25, 1835, in Dunfermline, Scotland. Growing up in poverty, he immigrated with his family to the United States in 1848, settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Carnegie started working in a cotton factory and then as a telegraph messenger, demonstrating a strong work ethic from a young age.

Rise in the Railroad Industry (1850-1870)

Carnegie's career began to blossom when he took a job at the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. His keen business sense and ability to make strategic investments, especially in the railroad and telegraph industries, laid the groundwork for his future success.

Steel Industry and Business Expansion (1870-1892)

Carnegie entered the steel industry in the 1870s, eventually founding the Carnegie Steel Company. His innovative approach to steel production, including the adoption of the Bessemer process, significantly lowered costs and revolutionized the industry. Carnegie Steel became the largest manufacturer of pig iron, steel rails, and coke in the world.

Philanthropy and Education Advocacy (1892-1919)

After selling Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan in 1901, Carnegie devoted himself to philanthropy. He believed in the ""Gospel of Wealth,"" the idea that the rich have a duty to distribute their wealth for the public good. He funded libraries, universities, and various educational and scientific endeavors.

Advocacy for Peace and Final Years (1901-1919)

In his later years, Carnegie became a vocal advocate for international peace and established organizations aimed at promoting global disarmament and conflict resolution.

Carnegie's Key Achievements:

• Led the expansion of the American steel industry, revolutionizing its production methods.

• Founded Carnegie Steel Company, which became a dominant force in the industry.

• Sold Carnegie Steel for a historic $480 million to J.P. Morgan, creating U.S. Steel.

• Became one of the most prolific philanthropists in history, establishing libraries, universities, and various institutions.

• Advocated for international peace and the betterment of society through education and science.

Andrew Carnegie's life is a classic rags-to-riches story, from a Scottish immigrant to a leading industrialist who dramatically altered the American steel industry. His legacy, however, extends beyond his business achievements. Carnegie is equally remembered for his profound impact on philanthropy and his belief in the social responsibilities of the wealthy, shaping modern approaches to charitable giving and public institutions.

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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