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Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Cosm raises $250 million to expand immersive venue and technology.

• Upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers match

• A deep dive into the life of Rod Serling

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Better a diamond with a flaw than a pebble without.”

–Confucius

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Los Angeles 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 is the name of the historic Los Angeles building, once the tallest in the city, known for its Art Deco style and observation deck?

A) The Bradbury Building

B) The Eastern Columbia Building

C) The Oviatt Building

D) The U.S. Bank Tower

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles area known for its iconic pier with an amusement park and aquarium is C) Santa Monica.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Southern California retail demand expected to grow while office stagnates, survey finds. (Link)

CrowdStrike sued by investors after global tech outage. (Link)

🏒Sports

Olympic swimming: Kate Douglass grabs gold, Ledecky silver for Team USA. (Link)

Angels’ Mike Trout to miss rest of season with another tear in his knee. (Link)

🏦Finance

Cosm raises $250 million to expand immersive venue and technology. (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

⚾ Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Monday, August 5 and Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | (More info)

⚾ Pittsburgh Pirates at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Friday, August 9 to Sunday, August 11, 2024 | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Travis
Largo at the Coronet, Los Angeles
Monday, August 5, 2024 | (More info)

🎵 Chris Brown
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎉 National Night Out Community Celebration - Free Family Fun!
4810 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles
Tuesday, August 6, 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 “Los Angeles with a transportation system based on personal drones” and this is what I got.

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

Los Angeles History

1997: The murder of The Notorious B.I.G. in Los Angeles.

In 1997, the music world was rocked by the tragic murder of Christopher Wallace, also known as Biggie Smalls or The Notorious B.I.G. The influential rapper was shot to death at a stoplight in Los Angeles, marking the culmination of an ongoing feud between rap music artists from the East and West coasts. The murder took place in the early hours of March 9, 1997, as Wallace left a music industry party in Los Angeles' Mid-Wilshire district. At the time of his death, Wallace was embroiled in an ongoing beef with West Coast rap figures at Death Row Records, adding a layer of complexity to the tragic event.

The murder of The Notorious B.I.G. sparked widespread shock and grief within the music community, and to this day, it remains an unsolved mystery. The tragic shooting of the legendary rapper, who was only 24 years old at the time of his death, marked the first of two unsolved killings that defined a tragic hip-hop feud. The circumstances surrounding the murder and the ongoing cover-up have been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation, with questions lingering about the role of the Los Angeles Police Department and the unresolved nature of the case.

The legacy of The Notorious B.I.G. continues to loom large in the world of hip-hop, and his untimely death in Los Angeles remains a poignant and unresolved chapter in music history. The impact of his murder reverberates to this day, as the search for justice and closure in the case of Christopher Wallace's tragic death continues.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Rod Serling (1924–1975): Screenwriter, playwright, television producer, and narrator.

Rodman Edward Serling was born on December 25, 1924, in Syracuse, New York. He grew up in Binghamton, New York, and his life was marked by a deep passion for storytelling and a commitment to social commentary. Serling's career as a screenwriter, playwright, television producer, and narrator left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, and his most iconic creation, The Twilight Zone, continues to captivate audiences to this day.

Early Life and Military Service (1924-1945)

Rod Serling's early years were shaped by his love for writing and his desire to serve his country. After graduating from high school in 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18. Despite his aspiration to become a tail-gunner in the Army Air Forces, his poor eyesight led to rejection, but his time in the military greatly influenced his future work.

Television Career and The Twilight Zone (1950s-1960s)

Serling's television career took off in the 1950s, and he quickly gained recognition for his thought-provoking scripts and socially conscious storytelling. His most enduring legacy is The Twilight Zone, a groundbreaking anthology series that explored the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and horror while addressing contemporary issues. The show's impact on popular culture and its enduring relevance are testaments to Serling's visionary storytelling.

Connection to Los Angeles

Rod Serling's career brought him to Los Angeles, where he made significant contributions to the television industry. His work on The Twilight Zone and other television projects solidified his reputation as a pioneering figure in early television, and his influence continues to be felt in the entertainment capital of the world.

Legacy and Impact (1970s-Present)

Rod Serling's untimely passing in 1975 marked the end of a remarkable career, but his legacy lives on through his timeless body of work. His ability to blend entertainment with social commentary, his skillful use of allegory and metaphor, and his dedication to storytelling continue to inspire writers, filmmakers, and audiences around the world. Serling's impact on the television landscape and his enduring influence on the art of storytelling make him a revered figure in the entertainment industry.

Key Achievements of Rod Serling:

• Creator and host of The Twilight Zone, a groundbreaking anthology series that continues to be celebrated for its thought-provoking storytelling and enduring cultural impact.

• Winner of multiple Emmy Awards for his work on The Twilight Zone and other television programs, recognizing his exceptional talent as a writer and producer.

• Pioneering figure in early television, known for his commitment to addressing social issues and pushing the boundaries of storytelling in the medium.

Rod Serling's life and career are a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of thought-provoking narratives. His contributions to the entertainment industry have left an indelible mark, and his legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.

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

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