Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Latest updates on the Giants

• Upcoming New York Islanders games

• Local concerts this week

• Houdini’s impact on New York City

• And more…

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We are all about supporting New Yorkers whether that means:

• Businesses

• Artists

• Charities

• Sports

• Performers

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Quote of the Week

“If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.”

-Abraham Maslow

My Goal For the Week

Training my “ability to focus” as if it were a “muscle.” I have always had a tough time focusing on what I am doing, and I am working on overcoming this.

I am trying to work in 60 minute bursts with a break in between.

I am literally training myself to sit there and focus with the hope that I will get better and better at “focusing” the more I practice.

One Idea For a Better Week

Dedicate the first hour of your day towards physical and mental well-being. Spend the first 20 minutes stretching. Spend the second 20 minutes journaling. Spend the final 20 minutes reading. This will set the tone for the rest of the day.

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!

Before Central Park was established, which village resided in its place?

• A. Greenwich Village

• B. Parkville

• C. Seneca Village

• D. Manhattanville

News

💼 Business

Home design aficionados have something to look forward to as the brand BaBoo announced the opening of a new showroom and retail store in New York City on October 27, with the announcement made on October 16.

The cannabis retail landscape in New York City saw a new chapter with more dispensaries opening during the week, as part of the progressive steps by New York's Office of Cannabis Management on October 16.

🏦 Finance

A reflection on the finance sector revealed that despite a robust number of securities-industry workers, there's a cautionary note on potential job cuts among New York-based financial giants due to softening earnings and rising interest rates.

Wall Street found itself amidst discussions around the 'year of the bond' as surging Treasury yields impacted the financial markets.

🏒 Sports

The city's sports enthusiasts cheered as the Giants clinched a victory over the Commanders on October 22, breaking a four-game losing streak and reigniting their season hopes.

A new dynamic was observed in the Giants' offensive meetings with Brian Daboll's takeover, a change that sparked spirited discussions among the team on October 19.

📰 News

A progressive step in the education sector was noted on October 21, with the city’s powerful principals' union securing a lucrative new contract that ensures a 16.7% pay increase over the next 5 years.

The real estate sector showed signs of buoyancy with 97 transactions reported in Hudson County from October 16 to October 22, showcasing the continual vibrancy of the local housing market.

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:

🏒 New York Islanders vs. Colorado Avalanche (October 25, 2023)
Catch an exhilarating NHL game as the Islanders face off against the Avalanche.

Music & Concerts:

🎹 Jean-Yves Thibaudet Concert (October 24-25, 2023)
Don't miss the chance to see one of the world's best pianists perform live.

🎤 Jorja Smith Concert (October 23, 2023)
Experience the soulful sounds of Jorja Smith live in concert.

🎸 Gregory Alan Isakov Concert (October 23, 2023)
Delight in the indie folk tunes of Gregory Alan Isakov.

Events:

🎃 Springfield Park Fall Festival (October 29, 2023)
Join NYC Parks for a day of fun activities including inflatables, crafts, games, music, and pumpkin picking.

🎉 Let’s Fly Exhibit Opening (October 27, 2023)
Discover a new cultural destination with the opening of the “Let’s Fly” exhibit.

Hobbies:

🏃 TCS New York City Marathon Media Events (October 29, 2023)
Kick-start marathon week with Rising NYRR Kids Kickoff, ensuring a memorable experience for aspiring young runners.

Family:

🍂 Outdoor Halloween Festival (October 27, 2023)
Celebrate the season with live music, magic, pumpkin painting, and more at Sherman Creek Park.

🎃 Halloween at Bronx Zoo (Weekends through October 29, 2023)
Enjoy candy trails, pumpkin carving demos, and other family-friendly activities.

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “New York City as a Disney Movie” and this is what I got.

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

Famous New Yorkers

Harry Houdini: Master of Mystique

Introduction

Embarking on a voyage from obscurity to worldwide acclaim, Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in 1874, established himself as the epitome of escapology and magic. His heart always belonged to New York City, where he first encountered the allure of magic that would hallmark his remarkable career. His daring and often death-defying acts not only left audiences spellbound but also ignited a legacy that still kindles the hearts of aspiring magicians. This narrative unveils the magical journey of Houdini, whose early struggle in New York paved the path to his global stardom.

1) The Humble Beginnings (1874 - 1894) Born in Budapest, Houdini's family migrated to the U.S when he was a child. The allure of magic captured his heart early on, and by his teens, he was performing small acts in circuses.

2) The Spark Ignites (1894 - 1899) Adopting the stage name Harry Houdini, he started to perform with his brother Theo in various shows. However, the real magic began when he met his lifelong partner, both on stage and in life, Bess.

3) The Boundaries Break (1899 - 1910) Under the mentorship of manager Martin Beck, Houdini's fame soared as he toured Europe and America, showcasing his escape acts that defied the shackles of reality.

4) Master of Escapes (1910 - 1920) Houdini's audacious escape acts, from handcuffs, straightjackets, and sealed water tanks, made him a living legend. His name became synonymous with escapes.

5) The Silver Screen Magic (1920 - 1923) Houdini ventured into the world of cinema, acting in a number of films. Though not as successful as his escapology, it showed his thirst for creative expression.

6) Debunking the Supernatural (1923 - 1926) With a scientific temperament, Houdini embarked on a mission to debunk fraudulent spiritualists. His crusade brought a rational perspective amidst a sea of blind faith.

7) The Final Bow (1926) The world bid adieu to the Master Mystifier after a fatal punch to his abdomen. His unexpected demise left the world in a state of disbelief, much like his acts did.

8) The Legacy Lives (1926 - onwards) Even after his demise, Houdini’s legacy continued to flourish. His techniques are still studied by magicians, and his life continues to inspire many.

9) Houdini's Mystical Museum (1951 - 2002) The establishment of The Houdini Museum in NYC ensured his magic lived on, providing a glimpse into the life of the man who could escape anything but death.

10) The Digital Escape (2002 - present) As the modern era unfolds, Houdini's magic finds its way into the digital realm, with numerous documentaries, films, and online platforms keeping his legacy alive.

Conclusion

In the realm of escapology and magic, Harry Houdini's name echoes through time, leaving a legacy that continues to both mystify and educate. His unparalleled ability to escape seemingly inescapable shackles placed him in a league of his own, inspiring countless individuals to venture into the world of magic. The Houdini Museum in New York City stands as a living testament to his enduring legacy, encapsulating the mystique that surrounded this masterful escapist.

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