Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Swing Into Spring golf workshop

• Upcoming Edmonton Oilers home game

• A deep dive into the life of Patricia Anne McKillip

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

Edmonton 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 fortification was reconstructed as a historical park in Edmonton?

A) Fort Saskatchewan

B) Fort Calgary

C) Fort Edmonton Park

D) Fort McMurray

Answer to Last Week's Trivia: Which famous annual sporting event is held in Edmonton? Answer: B) The Canadian Finals Rodeo

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Edmonton-based Flair Airlines website hit by 'service interruption'. (link)

Airstream announces that they now have a dealership in Western Canada, and will be located in Edmonton, Alberta. (link)

An Alberta corral cleaning company was fined a total of $85,000 for an incident that led to a worker being seriously injured in southwestern Saskatchewan. (link)

🏦 Finance

New Study Finds GenAI as Top Tech Investment for Manufacturers, While 94% Expect to Maintain or Expand Their Workforce. (link)

Treasurer who stole $160k from Edmonton preschool given 18 months in jail. (link)

The City of Edmonton is suing two former employees accused of defrauding the city of more than $1.6 million. (link)

🏒 Sports

Flames fall to Blackhawks as losing streak hits four games. (link)

Some great news for Edmonton Oilers as promising pivot Noah Philp will resume career. (link)

Head coach Rick Bowness was back behind the bench for the first time in five games for the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night as they hosted the Edmonton Oilers in a match-up of contenders in the Western Conference. (link)

The Edmonton Oilers took a tight-checking game to overtime and beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-3 on a great goal by scoring ace Zach Hyman. (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

🏒 Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche
Rogers Place, Edmonton
Friday April 5 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏐 Co-ed Volleyball
Westmount Fitness Club, Edmonton, AB
Thursday, Apr. 6th | (more info)

🏌️ Swing Into Spring Golf Workshop
Strength Headquarters, Edmonton, AB
Thursday, Apr. 6th | (more info)

Concerts

🎸 Life in Vacuum, Nigel Gannet, And Cowboys, No Idea
The Buckingham
Tuesday April 2 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎵 Leonard and Joni: The Untold Love Story
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton, AB
Thursday April 04 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 'I Love 80s' Dance Party
The Starlite Room
Saturday April 6 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

🎷 Will sparks
Union Hall
Saturday April 6 2024 | 9:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🍦 Mini Pop Kids Live - The Good Vibes Tour
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium Edmonton, AB
Sat • Apr 06 • 3:00 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 “Edmonton where every building is a work of abstract art” and this is what I got.

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

Edmonton History

1907: The University of Alberta is founded.

In 1907, a significant milestone in the educational landscape of Edmonton and indeed all of Alberta was reached with the founding of the University of Alberta. This momentous event marked the culmination of a vision to provide higher education within the province, facilitating access to academic and professional development for residents of Edmonton and beyond. As a beacon of learning and research, the University of Alberta was established with the intent to foster intellectual growth, innovation, and societal advancement. Its establishment was a testament to the province's commitment to education and the belief in its power to shape the future.

From its inception, the University of Alberta quickly became a cornerstone of the community, drawing students, academics, and researchers from across Canada and around the globe. Its campus, initially consisting of a few buildings, has since expanded into a vast and vibrant hub of education, housing faculties that span the arts, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and many other fields. The university has played a pivotal role in the development of Edmonton, contributing to its identity as a center of excellence in education, research, and culture. The institution's commitment to discovery and innovation has led to significant contributions in various domains, impacting not just the local community but also making a mark on the global stage.

Over the years, the University of Alberta has grown in size and stature, becoming one of Canada's leading post-secondary institutions. Its founding in 1907 laid the groundwork for a legacy of excellence in education that continues to this day. The university not only enriches the lives of its students but also serves as a catalyst for economic development, social change, and cultural enrichment in Edmonton and beyond. Through its comprehensive research initiatives, community engagement, and dedication to creating a better world, the University of Alberta embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience that defines Edmonton.

Famous Edmontonians

Patricia Anne McKillip (1948–2000)

Early Years and Education (1948–1966)

Patricia Anne McKillip, born on February 29, 1948, in Salem, Oregon, showed an early affinity for storytelling and the fantastical realms of literature. Growing up in a household that valued creativity and education, McKillip was an avid reader from a young age. She pursued her passion for literature and writing through her educational journey, culminating in her enrollment at San Jose State University, where she majored in English, laying the groundwork for her future as a celebrated writer.

The Genesis of a Writing Career (1967–1972)

After completing her undergraduate studies, McKillip embarked on her journey as a writer. Her early career was marked by experimentation with different genres and styles, but she found her true voice in fantasy and science fiction. It was during this period that McKillip honed her craft, developing the richly detailed worlds and complex characters that would become hallmarks of her work.

Breakthrough and Early Novels (1973–1980)

McKillip's breakthrough came with the publication of "The Throme of the Erril of Sherill" (1973), a novel that showcased her unique blend of lyrical prose and imaginative storytelling. This period also saw the release of "The Forgotten Beasts of Eld" (1974), which won the World Fantasy Award, cementing McKillip's reputation as a leading voice in fantasy literature.

Establishment as a Fantasy Luminary (1981–1990)

Throughout the 1980s, McKillip produced some of her most enduring works, including the Riddle-Master trilogy, which further demonstrated her mastery of the genre. Her ability to weave intricate plots with profound themes of identity, power, and love resonated with a growing base of readers, establishing her as a luminary in fantasy literature.

Explorations and Expansions (1991–1995)

In the early 1990s, McKillip continued to explore new themes and settings, expanding her bibliography with titles such as "The Book of Atrix Wolfe" and "The Sorceress and the Cygnet." Her work during this period was characterized by a deeper exploration of the human condition, set against the backdrop of richly imagined fantasy worlds.

Connection to Edmonton (1996–2000)

In the late 1990s, McKillip developed a connection to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where she spent significant time. This experience influenced her writing, introducing elements of the Canadian landscape and culture into her fantasy worlds. Edmonton's vibrant arts scene and its natural beauty provided fresh inspiration for McKillip's storytelling.

Later Works and Legacy (2000)

The final years of McKillip's life were marked by continued creativity and the publication of works that would solidify her legacy in the fantasy and science fiction genres. She remained a prolific writer until her passing in 2000, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to inspire new generations of readers and writers.

Key Achievements

• Winner of the World Fantasy Award for "The Forgotten Beasts of Eld."

• Author of the critically acclaimed Riddle-Master trilogy.

• Recognized for her lyrical prose and imaginative world-building.

• Contributed significantly to the fantasy and science fiction genres with over 30 novels and numerous short stories.

• Influence extended beyond literature, inspiring artists and creators in other media.

Patricia Anne McKillip was a visionary writer whose works transcended the boundaries of fantasy and science fiction, leaving an indelible mark on the genres. Her unique ability to blend lyrical prose with deeply imaginative storytelling earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated readership. McKillip's legacy is a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring appeal of stories that invite us to explore worlds beyond our own.

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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