Welcome to The Edmonton Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Oilers' Lose Defenseman to Injury

• Upcoming Zulu Kids Challenge Edmonton 2024

• A deep dive into the life of Arthur Hiller

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“That's gotta be one of the principles behind reality. Accepting things that are hard to comprehend, and leaving them that way.”

― Haruki Murakami

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 museum in Edmonton is dedicated to Alberta's aviation history?

A) Royal Alberta Museum

B) Alberta Aviation Museum

C) TELUS World of Science

D) Art Gallery of Alberta

Answer To Last Week's Trivia: In Edmonton, what is Hawrelak Park known for hosting annually? Answer: C) The Heritage Festival

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Firefighters investigate blaze at southeast Edmonton strip mall. (link)

Canadians ready to ditch big cities for cheaper alternatives, report suggests. (link)

🏦 Finance

Lobby group says emissions cap would cost oil and gas sector $75B in lost investment. (link)

Canada's Alexander First Nation opens HDPE pipe plant. (link)

City council gets input on proposed district policy as Edmonton plans for 15-minute communities. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Edmonton Oilers couldn't hang on to an early lead, losing 4-2 to the Dallas Stars in Game 3 of the Western Conference final. (link)

Oilers' Lose Defenseman to Injury. (link)

Dallas Stars’ DJ apologizes for trolling Edmonton Oilers with ‘La Bamba’ following Game 2 loss. (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 Stingers vs. Vancouver Bandits
Edmonton EXPO Centre Edmonton, AB
Tuesday June 4 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🤼Top Talent Wrestling
Midway 6107 104 St NW Edmonton, AB T6H 2K8
Friday June 7, 2024 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🏈Edmonton Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders
Commonwealth Stadium / Stade du Commonwealth Edmonton, AB
Saturday June 8 | 5:00 PM | (more info)

🏀Edmonton Stingers vs. Niagara River Lions
Edmonton EXPO Centre Edmonton, AB
Sunday June 9 | 4:00 PM | (more info)

Concerts

🎵Little Big - Presented by F7 Entertainment
Union Hall 6240 99 St NW Edmonton, AB T6E 6C7
Tuesday June 4 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶Bethel Music
Edmonton EXPO Centre Edmonton, AB
Friday June 7 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Johnny Drille
Midway 6107 104 St NW Edmonton, AB T6H 2K8
Saturday June 8 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🌈 Fruit Loop Pride Dance Party
The Starlite Room 10030 – 102 Street Edmonton,
Saturday June 8 | 8:00 PM| (more info)

Family

🏃‍♂️Zulu Kids Challenge Edmonton 2024
Northeast River Valley Park 903 153 Avenue Northeast Edmonton,
Saturday, June 8, 2024 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM MDT | (more info)

🏀Edmonton Stingers Pro Basketball Game Fundraiser!
Edmonton EXPO Centre
Sunday, Jun 9, | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM MDT |(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 “Urban winter wonderland in Edmonton with ice architecture.” 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

1950s: The post-war boom and urban expansion in Edmonton..

"The 1950s marked a period of significant transformation and growth for Edmonton, driven by a post-war economic boom that propelled the city into a new era of prosperity and development. In the aftermath of World War II, Edmonton experienced an influx of returning veterans, immigrants, and migrants from across Canada, all drawn by the promise of employment and a better life. This population surge, coupled with the city's burgeoning oil industry, fueled a period of rapid urban expansion and economic diversification. Edmonton's strategic position as a gateway to the north and its role in the oil sector attracted investment and spurred the development of new industries, services, and infrastructure, laying the groundwork for the modern, vibrant city it is today.

The urban landscape of Edmonton underwent dramatic changes during the 1950s, with residential neighborhoods expanding outward to accommodate the growing population. Suburbs sprouted on the edges of the city, characterized by single-family homes and new community amenities such as schools, parks, and shopping centers. This era also saw the construction of significant infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and public buildings, which improved connectivity within the city and with the surrounding region. The expansion of the city's boundaries and the development of its infrastructure reflected Edmonton's evolution from a mid-sized prairie city to a major urban center in Western Canada.

The social and cultural fabric of Edmonton was also enriched during the post-war boom, with the establishment of cultural institutions, educational facilities, and recreational venues that catered to the diverse interests of its residents. The University of Alberta expanded, and the city's arts and culture scene flourished, supported by the economic prosperity of the time. The 1950s set the stage for Edmonton's future growth, establishing a foundation of economic strength, cultural diversity, and community spirit. This period of expansion not only reshaped the city's physical landscape but also its identity, cementing Edmonton's place as a dynamic and thriving capital of Alberta.

Famous Edmontonians

Arthur Hiller (1923–2016): Film director, known for "Love Story."

Arthur Hiller: The Early Years (1923–1948)

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1923, Arthur Hiller grew up in a culturally rich environment that nurtured his interest in storytelling and the arts. His early life in Edmonton laid the groundwork for his future career, providing him with a diverse cultural perspective that he would later bring to his films. This period was crucial for developing Hiller's understanding of human emotions and relationships, themes that would permeate his work as a director.

Education and Early Career (1948–1955)

After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, Hiller pursued his passion for the arts by studying psychology at the University of Toronto. However, his love for film and theater quickly took precedence, leading him to a career in Canadian television. This formative period was marked by Hiller's experimentation with various genres and styles, honing his skills as a storyteller and director.

Transition to Hollywood (1955–1963)

In the mid-1950s, Hiller moved to Hollywood, where he began directing episodes for popular television shows such as ""Gunsmoke"" and ""Perry Mason."" This transition allowed him to refine his directorial technique and narrative approach, setting the stage for his future success in the film industry. His work during this period showcased his ability to elicit strong performances from actors and his keen eye for detail.

Breakthrough and Critical Acclaim (1963–1970)

Hiller's breakthrough as a film director came with "The Americanization of Emily" (1964), a film that earned critical acclaim for its anti-war message and sharp wit. This success was followed by a series of notable films, including "Tobruk" (1967) and "Popi" (1969), which further established Hiller as a versatile and thoughtful director capable of handling both drama and comedy with equal finesse.

"Love Story" and International Fame (1970–1975)

In 1970, Hiller directed "Love Story," a romantic drama that became a cultural phenomenon and one of the highest-grossing films of its time. The film's impact on popular culture was immense, earning Hiller an Oscar nomination and solidifying his status as a premier director in Hollywood. ""Love Story"" was notable for its emotional depth and the strong performances of its leads, becoming a defining work in Hiller's career.

Continued Success and Diverse Projects (1975–1985)

Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Hiller continued to direct a wide range of films, including "Silver Streak" (1976) and "The In-Laws" (1979). His ability to balance humor with poignant storytelling became a hallmark of his work, appealing to both critics and audiences. Hiller's films from this period are characterized by their humanistic approach and the director's commitment to exploring complex emotional landscapes.

Leadership and Advocacy (1985–1995)

In addition to his directorial work, Hiller took on significant roles within the film industry, serving as the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Directors Guild of America. During this time, he was a vocal advocate for creative freedom, artists' rights, and the importance of storytelling in cinema. Hiller's leadership and advocacy efforts contributed to important discussions about the direction and values of the film industry.

Connection to Edmonton (Throughout Career)

Despite his success in Hollywood, Hiller never forgot his roots in Edmonton. He often credited his upbringing in the Canadian city for his approach to filmmaking and storytelling. Hiller's connection to Edmonton remained an integral part of his identity, influencing his perspectives on art, culture, and community.

Later Years and Legacy (1995–2016)

In his later years, Hiller continued to be involved in the film industry, albeit in a more limited capacity. He was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to cinema, including the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. Hiller's legacy is defined by his impactful films, his leadership within the industry, and his commitment to storytelling that resonates with humanity and compassion.

Key Achievements

• Directed "Love Story," one of the most iconic films of the 20th century.

• Served as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Directors Guild of America.

• Advocated for creative freedom and the importance of storytelling in cinema.

• Received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for his contributions to the industry.

Arthur Hiller's career was marked by a deep commitment to storytelling, characterized by films that explored the complexity of human emotions and relationships. As a director, he achieved critical and commercial success, most notably with ""Love Story,"" which remains a landmark in cinema history. Hiller's leadership roles and advocacy for the film industry underscored his belief in the power of cinema to influence and inspire.

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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