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Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Georgia Tech invests in autonomous planes.

• A deep-dive into the life of Sidney Lanier.

• Braves win, Riley injury scare.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength."

-Marcus Aurelius

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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 Atlanta park is known for its iconic "Atlanta" sculpture, popular jogging paths, and a scenic pond often visited by ducks and geese?

A) Centennial Olympic Park

B) Piedmont Park

C) Lake Clara Meer Park

D) Woodruff Park

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The name of the Atlanta district, adjacent to Georgia Tech, known for its innovative companies, technology startups, and modern skyscrapers is A) The Technology Square.

News

💼 Business

Georgia Tech invests in R&D of electric and autonomous planes. (link)

Chick-fil-A names Susannah Frost company's sixth president. (link)

🏒 Sports

Braves finish road trip on high note, but deal with Austin Riley injury scare. (link)

Despite cease and desist letter from Braves, Hank Aaron memorabilia still on auction site. (link)

🏦 Finance

South Carolina multifamily developer completes first community in Athens. (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

⚾ Clemson vs. Georgia
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, Aug 31st | 12:00 PM | (More Info)

⚾ Gwinnett Stripers vs. Columbus Clippers
Coolray Field, Lawrenceville, GA
Friday, Aug 30th | 7:05 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 The Lemonheads
Terminal West, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, Aug 29th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Grady Spencer & The Work
Vinyl, Atlanta, GA
Thursday, Aug 29th | 8:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🎭 PAW Patrol Live!
Fox Theatre - Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, Aug 31st | 10:00 AM | (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 “An architecturally symmetrical Atlanta” and this is what I got.

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

Atlanta Historical Events

The Piedmont Exposition (1887): Showcased the New South's progress post-Civil War.

The Piedmont Exposition of 1887 was a pivotal event that showcased Atlanta's and the South's progress in the years following the Civil War. Held in Atlanta's Piedmont Park, the exposition aimed to exhibit the economic and industrial advancements that had taken place in the New South. It was a deliberate effort to rebrand the region, shifting its focus from agriculture to industry and manufacturing.

The Piedmont Exposition featured impressive displays of technological innovations, machinery, and manufactured goods. Visitors from across the nation marveled at the exhibits, which highlighted the South's potential for economic growth and development. The event also attracted notable figures, including Henry W. Grady, a prominent Atlanta newspaper editor and advocate for the New South, who delivered a memorable speech emphasizing the importance of economic diversification and reconciliation after the Civil War.

The Piedmont Exposition played a significant role in reshaping perceptions of the South, presenting it as a region with a promising future and a commitment to modernization. This event marked a turning point in Atlanta's history and contributed to the city's emergence as a dynamic economic and cultural center in the South. The exposition's legacy endures as a symbol of Atlanta's resilience and determination to rebuild and redefine itself in the aftermath of the Civil War

Famous Atlantans

Sidney Lanier - Poet and musician.

Early Life and Education of Sidney Lanier (1842-1860)

Sidney Lanier was born in Macon, Georgia, in 1842, into a family with a strong appreciation for literature and music. From a young age, Lanier showed remarkable talent in both fields, learning to play the flute, which would become a lifelong passion alongside his writing. He attended Oglethorpe University, where his love for poetry and music flourished, setting the stage for his future contributions to American arts.

The Civil War Years (1861-1865)

The outbreak of the Civil War interrupted Lanier's education and early career. He enlisted in the Confederate Army, serving as a private. His experiences during the war deeply influenced his later writing, introducing themes of conflict, nature, and the human spirit's resilience. Lanier was captured and spent time in a Union prison camp, where he contracted tuberculosis, affecting his health for the rest of his life.

Post-War Struggles and Early Works (1866-1873)

After the war, Lanier faced financial difficulties and poor health. He worked various jobs, including as a teacher and a clerk, while continuing to write poetry. His early works from this period reflect a deep engagement with nature and a quest for beauty amidst adversity, showcasing his evolving poetic voice.

Move to Baltimore and Academic Pursuits (1874-1879)

Seeking a more conducive climate for his health, Lanier moved to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1873. He was appointed as a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University in 1879, where he taught English literature. This period marked a significant shift in his career, allowing him to focus on his poetry and music while engaging with academic circles.

"The Marshes of Glynn" and Poetic Recognition (1880-1884)

Lanier's publication of "The Marshes of Glynn" in 1878 brought him significant recognition. This poem, part of a series celebrating the natural beauty of Georgia's coastal landscape, is considered one of his masterpieces. It exemplifies his deep connection to nature and his innovative use of musical rhythms in verse, contributing to his growing reputation as a poet.

Contribution to American Music and Poetry (1885-1887)

Alongside his poetic achievements, Lanier made substantial contributions to American music. An accomplished flautist, he performed with the Peabody Orchestra in Baltimore and composed music. His dual talents in music and poetry allowed him to explore the interconnections between the two arts, enriching both fields.

Lanier's Literary Theories and Lectures (1888-1890)

Lanier was not just a poet and musician but also a theorist who articulated his ideas on the relationship between music and poetry in lectures and essays. His lectures at Johns Hopkins University, later compiled and published, offered insightful analyses of English literature and his philosophy of art, emphasizing the importance of musicality in poetry.

Connection to Atlanta and the New South (1891-1892)

Lanier's connection to Atlanta was marked by his contributions to the cultural life of the New South. Although he spent much of his later life in Baltimore, his works remained influential in Atlanta and the wider Southern United States. His poetry and music celebrated the South's natural beauty and contributed to the region's cultural renaissance during the post-Reconstruction era.

Final Years and Legacy (1893-1897)

Lanier's health continued to decline due to tuberculosis, yet he remained prolific in his creative output until his death in 1897. His final works continued to explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition, leaving a lasting impact on American literature and music. Lanier's legacy is celebrated for his unique blending of poetic and musical forms, and his influence on subsequent generations of American poets and musicians.

Posthumous Recognition and Influence (1898 and Beyond)

After his death, Lanier's contributions to poetry and music were increasingly recognized and celebrated. Schools, parks, and other institutions have been named in his honor, and his works continue to be studied for their lyrical beauty and innovative melding of music and verse. Lanier is remembered as a significant figure in the American Romantic movement, whose work transcends the boundaries between music and poetry.

Key Achievements:

• Recognized for his poetic masterpiece "The Marshes of Glynn," celebrating the natural beauty of the Georgia coast.

• Made significant contributions to the fields of both music and poetry, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the arts.

• Served as a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, where he shared his innovative literary theories.

• His work contributed to the cultural life of the New South, particularly through his connection to Atlanta.

Sidney Lanier was a multifaceted artist whose talents in poetry and music left a lasting impact on American arts. His work, deeply rooted in the natural beauty of the South and marked by a profound musicality, bridged the worlds of music and literature in ways

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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