Los Angeles Newsletter (July 4th)

Here are your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • North Hollywood industrial building sells for $2.4 million

  • Upcoming Los Angeles Dodgers match

  • A deep dive into the life of Lou Costello

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"I would rather die of passion than of boredom."

— Vincent van Gogh

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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!

Which historic Los Angeles hotel, opened in 1923, is known for hosting the first Academy Awards in 1929?

A) The Beverly Hills Hotel

B) The Chateau Marmont

C) The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel

D) The Millennium Biltmore Hotel

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) first opened in C) 1946.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Malibu retail center The Park at Cross Creek changes hands. (Link)

Fisker recalls more than 12,000 EVs amid bankruptcy. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Report: Paul George leaves Clippers for $212M deal with 76ers. (Link)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone sets world record in Olympic Trials finale. (Link)

🏦 Finance

North Hollywood industrial building sells for $2.4 million. (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

Arizona Diamondbacks at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Thursday, Jul. 4th | (More info)

Milwaukee Brewers at Los Angeles Dodgers
Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles
Sunday, Jul. 7th | (More info)

Music & Performances

🎵 Bou
Academy LA, Los Angeles
Friday, Jul. 5th | (More info)

🎵 De Lux
Lodge Room, Los Angeles
Saturday, Jul. 6th | (More info)

Family Friendly events

🎭 Subject To Change Presents: Love, Pride & Spades
3515 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
Sunday, Jul. 7th | (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 where each district represents a different season” 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

1981: The first cases of AIDS reported in Los Angeles.

In 1981, the first cases of what would later be known as AIDS were reported in Los Angeles, marking a significant turning point in public health history. A cluster of men in Los Angeles suffered from a rare form of pneumonia, leaving local physicians and researchers puzzled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) published the first official description of the outbreak, detailing 41 cases of Kaposi's Sarcoma, a rare skin cancer. This marked the beginning of the AIDS crisis and set the stage for further research and public health interventions.

The publication of the MMWR report in June 1981 was a pivotal moment that revealed the emergence of an HIV/AIDS epidemic. The report described a rare lung infection among a group of gay men in Los Angeles, officially marking the first report of what would later be named AIDS. The disease would go on to devastate thousands of lives in Los Angeles County and across the United States, leading to a significant number of deaths and sparking urgent efforts to understand and combat the epidemic.

The impact of the first AIDS cases reported in Los Angeles in 1981 reverberated across the nation, leading to increased awareness, research, and public health initiatives. The subsequent years saw a rise in AIDS-related illnesses and deaths, prompting a concerted effort to address the crisis and provide support to those affected. The events of 1981 in Los Angeles marked the beginning of a challenging and transformative period in public health, shaping the trajectory of HIV/AIDS research and advocacy for years to come.

Famous People From Los Angeles

Lou Costello (1906–1959):

Comedian and Actor:

Lou Costello, born Louis Francis Cristillo on March 6, 1906, was an iconic American comedian and actor best known for his role as one half of the legendary comedy duo Abbott and Costello. His career spanned vaudeville, radio, film, and television, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, Costello's comedic genius and warm-hearted nature endeared him to audiences worldwide.

Early Life and Entry into Show Business (1906-1928):

Louis Francis Cristillo was born on March 6, 1906, in Paterson, New Jersey. Growing up, he developed a passion for performing and comedy, which led him to pursue a career in show business. In 1928, he ventured into vaudeville, honing his comedic skills and gaining valuable experience in live entertainment.

Burlesque and Bud Abbott (1928-1930s):

With the advent of talking pictures, Costello headed back east, intending to acquire theatrical experience. Stranded in St. Joseph, Missouri, he persuaded a local burlesque producer to hire him as a Dutch comic, performing with a German accent. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Bud Abbott, marking the beginning of their iconic partnership.

Abbott and Costello: The Comedy Duo (1940s-1950s):

Costello's career reached new heights when he teamed up with Bud Abbott to form the legendary comedy duo Abbott and Costello. Their impeccable timing, slapstick humor, and unforgettable routines made them household names. Their success in radio, film, and television solidified their status as comedy legends, with timeless routines like Who's on First? etching their names in entertainment history.

Film and Television Stardom (1940s-1950s):

The duo's transition to film and television brought them widespread acclaim and popularity. Their films, including Buck Privates, Hold That Ghost, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, became classics, delighting audiences with their comedic chemistry. Their television show, The Abbott and Costello Show, further cemented their status as comedic icons.

Personal Challenges and Legacy (1950s):

Despite his professional success, Costello faced personal challenges, including health issues and financial setbacks. However, his resilience and unwavering dedication to his craft continued to inspire fans and fellow entertainers. His legacy as a beloved comedian and entertainer endures, with his influence felt in the world of comedy and beyond.

Connection to Los Angeles:

Costello's connection to Los Angeles is evident through his philanthropic efforts and the Lou Costello Jr. Youth Center in East Los Angeles. His impact on the entertainment industry also resonates in the city's cultural history, as he and Abbott left an indelible mark on Hollywood's golden era.

Key Achievements of Lou Costello:

  • Iconic comedy duo with Bud Abbott, known for timeless routines and comedic chemistry.

  • Starred in classic films such as Buck Privates and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

  • Philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Lou Costello Jr. Youth Center in East Los Angeles.

  • Enduring legacy as a beloved comedian and entertainer, influencing generations of comedians and entertainers.

  • Indelible mark on Hollywood's golden era, contributing to the cultural history of Los Angeles.

Lou Costello's life and career exemplify the power of laughter, resilience, and the enduring impact of comedic genius. His contributions to entertainment continue to inspire and entertain audiences, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come.

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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