Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Austin Rodeo preparations

• Professional bull riders event

• A deep-dive into the life of O. Henry

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

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 body of water is a popular recreational area located in the heart of Austin?

A) Lake Travis

B) Lady Bird Lake

C) Colorado River

D) Barton Springs Pool

Answer to Last Week's Trivia

Austin's well-known festival is B) South by Southwest.

News

💼 Business

SkyHigh Developers announces the launch of a new eco-friendly commercial complex in downtown Austin. (link)

GreenTech Energy secures a contract for a new solar farm on the outskirts of Austin. (link)

Celebrated chef, Elena Sanchez, unveils plans for a high-end restaurant in Austin's East Side. (link)

The City of Austin reveals plans for a major overhaul of public transportation, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable travel options. (link)

🏒 Sports

Austin FC is set for an intense preseason, facing Louisville City FC on February 3, followed by matches against Chicago Fire FC, LA Galaxy, and New York Red Bulls as part of the Coachella Valley Invitational. (link)

Texas Basketball faced a tough overtime defeat against No. 4 Houston with a final score of 76-72. (link)

Rodeo Austin is prepping for its annual event, promising a mix of traditional rodeo sports and entertainment. (link)

🏦 Finance

Austin-based tech startup, InnovateX, secures $50 million in Series B funding, signaling a growing investor confidence in the city's burgeoning tech scene. (link)

Austin's finance sector is bustling with activity, featuring conferences like the Bond Buyer: Texas Public Finance and PRISM. (link)

Economists are predicting a slower pace of economic growth in 2024, highlighting the influence of factors such as Federal Reserve policies. (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

🏀 Texas Longhorns Men's Basketball vs Iowa State
Moody Center ATX
Tuesday, Feb 6 | (More Info)

🐂 PBR: Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour
H-E-B Center at Cedar Par
Saturday, Feb 9 | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎶 Squirrel Flower
The Ballroom at Spider House
Tuesday, Feb 6 | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 The Movement
Emo's East
Friday, Feb 9 | (More Info)

🎷 Mipso
Antone's
Saturday, Feb 10 | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

🎭 The Second City
Paramount Theatre
Sunday, Feb 11 | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family

🎭 Beetlejuice – The Musical
Bass Concert Hall
Saturday, Feb 10 | 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM | (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 “Austin with domed buildings” and this is what I got.

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

Austin Historical Events

The University of Texas at Austin is founded (1871)

In 1871, a significant milestone in the realm of education and intellectual advancement was reached with the founding of the University of Texas at Austin. This momentous event signified not just the birth of an educational institution but the realization of a vision for a future where knowledge, research, and innovation would play pivotal roles in shaping society. The establishment of the university underscored a commitment to higher education and the intellectual growth of the region, marking a profound shift in the cultural and educational landscape of Texas.

The founding of the University of Texas at Austin was driven by the recognition of the essential role that education plays in the progress and prosperity of a community. With its establishment, the university opened doors to opportunities for learning, research, and discourse, attracting students and scholars from across the nation and around the world. The institution was envisioned as a beacon of knowledge, a place where the exchange of ideas, the pursuit of scientific inquiry, and the cultivation of arts and humanities would thrive.

Throughout its history, the University of Texas at Austin has consistently upheld its mission of education, research, and public service. As a leading institution of higher learning, it has contributed immensely to the intellectual capital, innovation, and cultural richness of not only Texas but also the nation and the world. The university's legacy, which began in 1871, continues to influence countless lives, shaping the minds and futures of its students while making substantial contributions to society through its research and scholarship. The University of Texas at Austin stands as a testament to the transformative power of education and the enduring pursuit of knowledge and excellence.

Famous People From Austin

O. Henry (William Sydney Porter) (1862–1910)

Early Life and Formative Years (1862-1881)

O. Henry, born William Sydney Porter in 1862 in Greensboro, North Carolina, developed a love for literature and storytelling at a young age. His early years were characterized by avid reading, which laid the foundation for his distinctive narrative style and keen sense of humor.

Early Career and Move to Texas (1882-1890)

Seeking adventure and new opportunities, Porter moved to Texas in his early twenties. He took up various jobs, including working on a ranch, as a bank teller, and as a draftsman. His experiences in Texas provided rich material for his later writings, capturing the essence of American life and culture.

Marriage, Family, and Life in Austin (1891-1897)

Porter married and settled in Austin, Texas, where he became known for his wit and storytelling prowess. During this period, he also began writing, contributing stories and sketches to local publications. Austin's vibrant culture and diverse society deeply influenced Porter's perspective and writing style.

Legal Troubles and Incarceration (1898-1901)

Porter's life took a dramatic turn when he was accused of embezzlement from the bank where he worked. After a period of living as a fugitive, he was arrested, tried, and sentenced to prison. During his incarceration, he began writing seriously, using the pen name "O. Henry" to conceal his identity.

New York City and Rise to Literary Fame (1902-1907)

Following his release, O. Henry moved to New York City, the setting for many of his most famous stories. His collections, including "The Four Million" and "The Heart of the West," received critical acclaim. O. Henry's masterful storytelling, marked by surprise endings and a deep empathy for the common person, made him one of America's most beloved writers.

Prolific Writing and Enduring Classics (1907-1909)

In New York, O. Henry's productivity reached its peak. He wrote hundreds of stories, drawing upon his rich experiences and observations of city life. His work from this period includes some of his most enduring classics, such as "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Ransom of Red Chief."

Final Years and Reflections on Career (1909-1910)

Despite his success, O. Henry's final years were marked by personal challenges, including poor health and financial difficulties. However, he continued to write and reflect on his career, grateful for the opportunity to touch the lives of his readers through his stories.

Death and Posthumous Recognition (1910)

O. Henry passed away in 1910. Although his life was relatively short, his work left an indelible mark on American literature. Following his death, his legacy continued to grow, with posthumous collections and adaptations of his stories further cementing his status as a master storyteller.

Key Achievements:

• Authored hundreds of short stories, capturing the imagination of readers worldwide.

• Mastered the art of the surprise ending, making his stories enduring and memorable.

• Created beloved works such as "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Ransom of Red Chief."

• Became an iconic figure in American literature, celebrated for his humor, empathy, and narrative skill.

O. Henry's journey from a young dreamer in North Carolina to one of America's most cherished storytellers is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the transformative nature of literature. His ability to find humor, pathos, and beauty in the everyday lives of ordinary people made his stories a beloved part of America's literary heritage. Through his witty narratives and surprise endings, O. Henry continues to captivate and delight readers, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the greatest short story writers in American history.

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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