Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Mary Lattimore & Steve Gunn performing this week

• Upcoming LA Kings game

• A deep dive into the life of Alexander Marilyn Monroe

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It doesn't matter if I don't succeed in something. What matters is if I learn from my mistakes."

- Linda Evans

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 famous Los Angeles theater that hosts the Academy Awards?

A) The Orpheum Theater

B) The Pantages Theater

C) The Dolby Theater

D) The Egyptian Theater

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Los Angeles was officially founded in B) 1781.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

The Port of Los Angeles, recognized as the nation's top container port, announced ambitious goals for 2024, focusing on enhancing cargo growth, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. The port plans to play a significant role in developing a green hydrogen market in Southern California, backed by substantial federal and state funding. (link)

Long Beach-based aerospace company Rocket Lab USA Inc. secured a significant contract worth approximately $500 million to build and operate an 18-satellite constellation for the Space Development Agency. This contract marked a major milestone for the company, positioning it as a leading satellite prime contractor​​. (link)

Slickdeals, an online deal-sharing platform, has evolved from a simple newsletter to a comprehensive marketplace. The company reported a steady growth in revenue and team size and has shifted its focus towards 'up-funnel' consumer engagement, distinguishing itself from other e-commerce platforms. It aims to transform its monthly active users into daily active users, highlighting a strategy to deepen user engagement and monetization​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Slickdeals' financial performance has been robust, with a reported 10% annual revenue growth from 2018 to 2022. Their strategic shift towards 'up-funnel' marketing and user engagement is an important financial move, aiming to increase revenue through more targeted advertising and affiliate commissions​​. (link)

Slickdeals' acquisition by Hearst Corp. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc.'s private equity arm in 2018, valued at $500 million, was a key financial event for the company. Their business model, focusing on a mix of advertising, affiliate commissions, and merchant promotions, demonstrates a diversified revenue stream contributing to their financial growth​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Los Angeles Chargers conducted an important interview with a General Manager candidate, highlighting the team's efforts in strengthening their management team for future successes. (link)

In an exciting NFL game, Los Angeles Rams narrowly lost to the Detroit Lions with a score of 24-23. The match was closely contested, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. (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

🏒 LA Kings vs San Jose Sharks (January 22): Get ready for an intense NHL matchup as the LA Kings face off against the San Jose Sharks at the Crypto.com Arena. Expect fast-paced action and a thrilling game as these two teams battle it out on the ice. (link)

🏀 Clippers vs Lakers (January 23): Witness the exciting crosstown rivalry as the Los Angeles Clippers take on the Los Angeles Lakers. This high-stakes basketball game at the Crypto.com Arena is a must-see for every NBA fan in the city. (link)

🏒 LA Kings vs Buffalo Sabres (January 24): Join the crowd at the Crypto.com Arena and cheer on the LA Kings as they go head-to-head with the Buffalo Sabres. It's an evening of top-tier hockey that you won't want to miss. (link)

Concerts

🎤 Mary Lattimore & Steve Gunn (January 22): Immerse yourself in an evening of unique musical artistry with Mary Lattimore and Steve Gunn at Zebulon, blending ambient harp textures and compelling guitar melodies. (link)

🎸 Young Gun Silver Fox (January 23): Enjoy the smooth sounds of Young Gun Silver Fox at the Troubadour. Their music is a fusion of classic soft rock and soul, perfect for a laid-back evening. (link)

Family

💃 Kids Bollywood Dance LOS ANGELES with Rangeela - Winter Session (Ages 4-7) (January 28): Join Studio U - Rangeela Dance Co. for a fun and energetic Bollywood dance session designed specifically for kids. A great way to introduce your children to the joy of dancing! (link)

🎨 Dr. Seuss Experience - Los Angeles (January 22-28): Dive into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss at this immersive experience. Engage with interactive exhibits and enjoy the colorful and imaginative world of one of the most beloved children's authors. (link)

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 skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” 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

Los Angeles becomes part of the U.S. following the Mexican-American War (1848)

In 1848, Los Angeles, a city originally founded by Spanish settlers, experienced a pivotal change in its history following the conclusion of the Mexican-American War. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in February 1848, marked the end of the war and led to the cession of California, including Los Angeles, from Mexico to the United States. This transition was a significant moment in Los Angeles' history, heralding a new era of American governance and cultural transformation.

The transfer of Los Angeles to the United States initiated a period of rapid growth and development. The city, which had previously been under Spanish and then Mexican rule, began to integrate into the American political and economic systems. This transition brought about changes in land ownership, legal systems, and social structures, profoundly impacting the local population, particularly those of Mexican descent.

The incorporation of Los Angeles into the U.S. also set the stage for its evolution into a major global metropolis. The discovery of gold in California shortly after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo attracted a surge of settlers to the region, contributing to the city's demographic and economic expansion. Over time, Los Angeles would grow to become a diverse and influential city, playing a key role in the cultural and economic fabric of the United States.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Marilyn Monroe (1926–1962)

Early Life and Struggles (1926-1944)

Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson in 1926 in Los Angeles, California, spent much of her childhood in foster homes and an orphanage. Her early life was marked by instability and hardship, shaping her resilience and desire for a better life.

Marriage and Modeling Career Beginnings (1944-1946)

At the age of 16, Monroe married for the first time, a union partly to escape her difficult living situation. During World War II, she worked in a munitions factory where she was discovered by a photographer. This encounter kickstarted her modeling career.

Entry into Film and First Movie Roles (1946-1950)

Monroe's success as a model led to a film contract with Twentieth Century Fox. Her early roles were minor, but she was determined to make a name for herself in Hollywood. This period was crucial in developing her skills and understanding of the film industry.

Rise to Stardom and Breakthrough Roles (1950-1953)

By the early 1950s, Monroe had started to gain attention with notable roles in films like "All About Eve" and "Niagara." Her combination of talent, charisma, and glamour quickly made her one of Hollywood's most sought-after actresses.

Critical Acclaim and Iconic Status (1953-1955)

Monroe's performances in films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and ""The Seven Year Itch"" solidified her status as a cultural icon. She was not just a celebrated actress but also a symbol of beauty and sex appeal in the 1950s.

Struggles with Fame and Personal Challenges (1955-1959)

Despite her professional success, Monroe struggled with the pressures of fame and her personal life. Her marriages, including to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller, were highly publicized and tumultuous. She also faced challenges with her mental health and substance abuse.

Critical Recognition and Artistic Aspirations (1956-1958)

Monroe sought to prove her worth as a serious actress, taking on more challenging roles in films like "Bus Stop" and "Some Like It Hot." These performances earned her critical acclaim and demonstrated her range as an actress.

Final Years and Professional Struggles (1959-1962)

In her final years, Monroe's career was marked by unreliability and struggles to maintain her earlier success. Projects like "The Misfits" were critically acclaimed but also hinted at her personal difficulties.

Tragic Death and Speculations (1962)

Marilyn Monroe's untimely death in 1962 at the age of 36 was surrounded by speculation and controversy. Officially ruled as a probable suicide, her passing left many questions unanswered and added to her enduring legend.

Legacy and Enduring Influence (Post-1962)

Monroe's legacy extends beyond her film career. She remains an enduring symbol of glamour, vulnerability, and the pressures of fame. Her influence on pop culture, fashion, and the portrayal of women in media is still evident today.

Key Achievements:

• Rose from a troubled background to become one of Hollywood's most iconic actresses.

• Starred in classic films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Some Like It Hot."

• Became a cultural icon, symbolizing beauty, glamour, and the complexity of fame.

• Left a lasting impact on the film industry, fashion, and pop culture.

Marilyn Monroe's journey from a difficult childhood to Hollywood stardom is a story of resilience and transformation. As an actress and a cultural icon, she broke barriers and redefined perceptions of femininity and celebrity. Her legacy as a symbol of glamour and vulnerability continues to captivate and inspire, making her an enduring figure in American culture.

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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