Welcome to The Atlanta Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Landmark plans Midtown student tower.

• A deep-dive into the life of Ted Turner.

• Cavaliers rise, Knicks fall, rotations analyzed.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself."

— George Bernard Shaw

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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!

What annual Atlanta event is known as the largest free jazz festival in the country, typically held in Piedmont Park?

A) Atlanta Jazz Festival

B) Music Midtown

C) Atlanta Blues Festival

D) Shaky Knees Music Festival

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The Atlanta museum that houses a renowned collection of classic to contemporary art, and a particularly notable collection of folk and self-taught art is A) The High Museum of Art.

News

💼 Business

Solarcycle expands in Polk County, acquires shuttered yarn facility. (link)

Landmark Properties files more plans for Midtown student housing tower near The Varsity. (link)

🏒 Sports

NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers soar, Knicks drop and a spin through every team's rotation. (link)

Predicting the first 12-team College Football Playoff selection committee rankings. (link)

🏦 Finance

Woodruff Foundation President Russ Hardin to retire; successor named. (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

 🏀 Atlanta Hawks vs. Washington Wizards
State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
Fri • Nov 15, 2024 • 7:30 PM | (More Info)

🏈 Georgia State Panthers Football vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves Football
Center Parc Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Sat • Nov 16, 2024 • Time varies | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Real Friends
The Masquerade - Hell, Atlanta, GA
Thu • Nov 14, 2024 • 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🎤 Makari
The Masquerade - Purgatory, Atlanta, GA
Fri • Nov 15, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More Info)

Family Friendly

🙃 Dane Cook: Fresh New Flavor
Tabernacle, Atlanta, GA
Fri • Nov 15 • 7:30 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 “Atlanta with buildings that change shape and color” 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 Winecoff Hotel Fire (1946): The deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history led to changes in fire codes and safety standards.

The Winecoff Hotel Fire of 1946 remains a tragic and haunting chapter in Atlanta's history. On December 7, 1946, a devastating fire swept through the Winecoff Hotel, claiming the lives of 119 people, making it the deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history. The fire exposed critical deficiencies in fire codes and safety standards at the time, leading to significant changes in fire safety regulations and building codes, not only in Atlanta but across the nation.

The Winecoff Hotel Fire was a wake-up call that prompted a reassessment of fire prevention measures and the need for improved building safety protocols. In its aftermath, Atlanta and other cities began implementing stricter fire codes, requiring the installation of sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and fire-resistant materials in high-rise buildings. This tragic event served as a catalyst for reform and contributed to the development of more robust safety regulations, ultimately saving countless lives in the years to come.

Though the Winecoff Hotel Fire remains a somber memory in Atlanta's history, it played a pivotal role in improving fire safety standards across the country. The lessons learned from this tragedy continue to shape building codes and safety protocols, ensuring that future generations can enjoy safer and more secure accommodations in hotels and high-rise structures.

Famous Atlantans

Ted Turner - Media mogul and philanthropist, founder of CNN.

Early Life and Education (1938-1959)

Robert Edward "Ted" Turner III was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1938. Moving to Georgia with his family at a young age, Turner attended The McCallie School, a private boys' prep school in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he developed an interest in sailing. He later enrolled at Brown University, studying Classics and Economics, though his time at Brown was cut short due to disciplinary reasons. This early period set the stage for Turner's ambitious and unconventional approach to business and life.

Beginning of a Business Career (1960-1970)

After his father's tragic death, Turner took over the family business, Turner Advertising Company, in the early 1960s. He transformed it from a small billboard business into a larger, more profitable enterprise, showcasing his knack for business and setting the groundwork for his future media empire.

Launch of a Media Mogul (1970-1980)

In 1970, Turner purchased an Atlanta-based UHF television station, WTCG, which later became WTBS. This station was the cornerstone of Turner Broadcasting System (TBS), pioneering the concept of the "superstation" by using satellite technology to broadcast content nationwide. Turner's innovative approach to television broadcasting expanded his influence in the media industry.

Founding CNN and Revolutionizing News (1980-1990)

In 1980, Turner launched the Cable News Network (CNN), the world's first 24-hour, all-news television network. CNN revolutionized the way news was delivered and consumed, establishing Turner as a visionary in the media landscape. This period marked Turner's most significant contribution to the media industry, changing global news coverage forever.

Expansion and Philanthropy (1990-2000)

Throughout the 1990s, Turner expanded his media empire, overseeing the launch of several successful networks, including Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies (TCM). In 1991, he married actress Jane Fonda, and in 1997, Turner Broadcasting merged with Time Warner in a massive media deal. Turner also made headlines with his philanthropic efforts, notably his historic $1 billion pledge to United Nations causes in 1997.

Connection to Atlanta

Atlanta played a central role in Turner's career and personal life. It was in Atlanta that he purchased WTCG, founded CNN, and established the headquarters for Turner Broadcasting System. His impact on the city goes beyond media; Turner's philanthropic and business endeavors have left a lasting mark on Atlanta's cultural and economic landscape.

Environmental Advocacy and Land Conservation

Beyond media and philanthropy, Turner is also known for his environmental advocacy and significant contributions to land conservation. He is one of the largest individual landowners in the United States and has used much of his land for conservation projects, promoting sustainable practices and wildlife conservation.

Sailing Achievements and Sports Ownership

Turner's passion for sailing led to significant achievements in the sport, including winning the America's Cup in 1977. He also owned several sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves baseball team and the Atlanta Hawks basketball team, demonstrating his diverse interests and impact on the sports world.

Later Life and Ongoing Legacy

In recent years, Turner has focused on his philanthropic efforts, environmental advocacy, and managing his extensive business interests. Despite facing personal and health challenges, he remains a significant figure in media, philanthropy, and environmental conservation.

Key Achievements

• Founded CNN, the first 24-hour news network, fundamentally changing global news coverage.

• Expanded the media landscape with the creation of Turner Broadcasting System and several successful networks.

• Made a historic $1 billion pledge to United Nations causes, showcasing his commitment to philanthropy.

• Advocated for environmental conservation, becoming one of the largest individual landowners in the U.S. for conservation purposes.

Ted Turner's life and career have been marked by visionary achievements in media, significant philanthropic contributions, and a steadfast commitment to environmental conservation. His founding of CNN revolutionized news broadcasting, while his philanthropic efforts have made a substantial impact on global causes. Turner's connection to Atlanta and his diverse interests, from media to sports and environmental advocacy, have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential and multifaceted figures of our time.

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.

-Yannick Lyons

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