Welcome to The Los Angeles Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• LA focuses on hydrogen as future fuel source

• Latest updates on the Lakers

• Eric Nam and Jamie Miller performing this week

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"No one is more hated than he who speaks the truth.”

– Plato, Ancient Greek Philosopher

My Goal For The Week

I need to work on “thinking more long-term” instead of short-term, and I am going to start doing that this week.

One Idea For a Better Week

If you have work to do, or you have to study, or you have to do chores, try setting a 60 minute timer, putting all of your devices away, and then working on it until the timer is up. It is a great way to be more productive.

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!

The Los Angeles Dodgers moved to LA in 1958. From which city did they relocate?

A) New York

B) Chicago

C) Boston

D) Philadelphia

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

The Los Angeles Central Library faced a catastrophic event in 1986. What was it?

Answer: A fire

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

The FDA began studying a promising cancer drug from ImmunityBio, a local biotech firm, after resubmitting their application this week.

Los Angeles is riding the wave of the future with an increased focus on hydrogen as a fuel source, heralding a cleaner and more sustainable era for city transportation.

🏦 Finance

Beverly Grove made headlines with a record-setting real estate sale, signaling a hot market and a high demand for luxury properties in the area.

🏒 Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers suffered a loss to the Houston Rockets in their away game on November 8th. The next time these two teams meet will be on the 19th.

📰 News

Country music fans were treated to Orville Peck's annual rodeo show featuring a lineup of beloved artists.

L.A. Zoo Lights promised a festive season with new sculptures and a “Winter Wildlands” theme.

Car enthusiasts revved their engines at the L.A. Auto Show, with the chance to test drive new models and meet celebrities.

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

🏀 Los Angeles Lakers Game (November 14) Experience the thrill as the Lakers hit the court at the Crypto.com Arena for their in-season tournament game against the Grizzlies.

Music & Concerts

🎸 Bad Suns (November 13, 2023) Catch the indie rock vibes of Bad Suns at the Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood.

🎶 Alesana, Vampires Everywhere!, and Across The White Water Tower Limbs (November 13, 2023) A night of intense music awaits at the Whisky A Go Go with this lineup.

🎤 Eric Nam and Jamie Miller (November 13, 2023) Enjoy an evening of smooth vocals and pop tunes at the House of Blues.

Family

🌾 Free Day at The Autry (November 14) Explore the rich history and culture of the American West with family-friendly exhibits.

🎤 ‘Tis The Grinch Holiday Talk Show Experience (November 13 - 18) Participate in an interactive holiday talk show for all ages, featuring the Grinch.

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 on Mars” 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

The 1984 Summer Olympics: A Triumph for Los Angeles (1984)

In the summer of 1984, Los Angeles became the stage for an extraordinary chapter in Olympic history. The city, hosting the Games for the second time, presented the XXIII Olympiad with a sense of glamour and efficiency that captivated the world. The event was noteworthy for its groundbreaking financial model, which relied heavily on private funding and corporate sponsorships, steering clear of the public debt that had burdened many past host cities.

The Games were a resounding success, not just in terms of the athletic competitions but also in their lasting economic impact. Los Angeles avoided the pitfalls of previous hosts through meticulous planning and the use of existing venues, mitigating the need for expensive new infrastructure. The result was a surplus of approximately $232 million, a feat unmatched by any Olympic Games before or since. This surplus funded the LA84 Foundation, which continues to support youth sports programs, ensuring the Olympic legacy lives on in the community.

Culturally, the 1984 Olympics served as a global advertisement for the city of Los Angeles, reinforcing its image as a land of sunshine, innovation, and dreams. The Games were emblematic of the American entrepreneurial spirit, with their success reinforcing the viability of private financing for such large-scale events. The sense of unity and pride these Olympics engendered within the city bolstered Los Angeles's standing on the world stage, proving it to be not only an entertainment capital but a beacon of international camaraderie and sporting excellence.

Famous Angelenos In History

Dorothy Dandridge: 1922-1965

Dorothy Dandridge was a symbol of grace, talent, and trailblazing achievement in mid-20th century America. Born into a family of entertainers, she found her home on stage and screen in Los Angeles, rising to become a critically acclaimed actress and the first African-American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. Her life was a testament to talent, beauty, and perseverance in the face of adversity.

The Beginnings (1922-1935)

Dorothy's early years in Los Angeles were steeped in show business, with her mother creating a song-and-dance act for her and her sister. These formative years in the city's vibrant cultural scene laid the foundation for her future success.

Finding the Spotlight – Hollywood's Darling (1936-1945)

As a young woman, Dorothy began to secure small roles in films. Her beauty and presence were undeniable, and she quickly garnered attention in an industry and city captivated by glamour.

Music and Film (1946-1954)

Dorothy's career blossomed as she took on more significant roles in film and on stage, and her musical talents shone through in performances in Los Angeles's nightclubs, making her a local and national sensation.

Carmen Jones – The Pinnacle of Success (1954)

1954 was a landmark year for Dorothy with her performance in "Carmen Jones," which earned her an Academy Award nomination—a historical achievement for an African-American actress and a moment of pride for Los Angeles.

Beyond the Camera – Personal Triumphs and Challenges (1955-1959)

Off-screen, Dorothy led a life filled with personal highs and lows. Her marriage to Jack Denison in 1959 was a much-discussed Los Angeles social event, yet her private struggles hinted at the challenges she faced in her personal life.

A Star in Turmoil – Battles with Hollywood (1960-1963)

In the early '60s, Dorothy's career faced challenges as she struggled with the limitations imposed by a racially biased industry, fighting for roles that would offer her the opportunity to showcase her range of talents.

Lasting Legacy (1964-1965)

Dorothy's untimely death at the age of 42 left Los Angeles and the world mourning a star whose life was cut short, but whose legacy would continue to inspire and influence.

Remembering Dorothy (1966-present)

Dandridge remains a cultural icon, remembered for her extraordinary talent and the barriers she broke. Her influence can be felt in Los Angeles today, where her story is celebrated as part of the city's rich artistic history.

Dorothy Dandridge's life was one of radiant artistry and profound significance. Here are five key points that highlight her contributions and legacy:

• She became the first African-American woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress.

• Dorothy was a celebrated nightclub performer, captivating audiences with her voice and presence.

• She fought against racial discrimination in Hollywood, striving for meaningful and dignified roles.

• Her performance in "Carmen Jones" is a landmark in the history of cinema.

• Dandridge's legacy continues to inspire generations of performers in Los Angeles and beyond.

Dorothy Dandridge's story, interwoven with the fabric of Los Angeles, serves as a beacon of both the progress we've made and the challenges we continue to face in the world of entertainment and beyond.

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