Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Kenny Garrett performance

• Upcoming New York rangers home games

• A deep dive into the life of Edith Wharton

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will."

– Suzy Kassem

New York City 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 is the name of the famous New York City skyscraper that was once the world's tallest building?

A) One World Trade Center

B) The Chrysler Building

C) The Empire State Building

D) 30 Rockefeller Plaza

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The landmark known as the "Crossroads of the World" in New York City is B) Times Square.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Insigneo, a dynamic global wealth management firm, is thrilled to share the exciting news of its New York City office's relocation. (link)

New York dtarts distributing debit cards to migrants, despite uproar. (link)

🏦 Finance

Fisker’s talks with big automaker fails, New York Stock Exchange to delist stock. (link)

Citigroup ended sweeping overhaul after 5,000 layoffs. (link)

Court agrees to pause collection of Trump’s massive civil fraud judgment if he puts up $175M. (link)

🏒 Sports

Donte DiVincenzo makes history in New York Knicks' victory over Detroit Pistons. (link)

New York Jets could be stuck with quarterback Zach Wilson if they aren't able to move him via trade this offseason. (link)

The New York Jets signed receiver Mike Williams knowing his medical risks. General manager Joe Douglas provided a brief update on the receiver's knee injury. (link)

Julius Randle’s extended absence a Knicks concern with time running out before playoffs. (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

🏒 New York Rangers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Madison Square Garden
Monday April 1 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏒 New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils
Madison Square Garden
Wednesday April 3 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 New York Knicks vs. Sacramento Kings
Madison Square Garden
Thursday April 4 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏐 Connacht Senior Football Championship Quarter Final - New York V Mayo
Gaelic Park New York
Sunday 7 April | 15:00 | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Queen Bee Live in New York
Sony Hall
Tuesday Apr 2 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶 Matt Hansen: Something To Remember Tour
Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Wednesday April 3 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 Birdland Big Band
Birdland Jazz Club
Friday April 5 2024 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

🎷 Kenny Garrett
Blue Note Jazz Club
Saturday April 6 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🍬 Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
Cricket's Candy Creations New York, NY
Saturday April 6 | (more info)

🤸‍♂️ Spring Kids gym
M & YWHA of Washington Heights and Inwood
April 7 | 9am - May 12 | 10am EDT | (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 “New York City 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.

New York City History

1883: Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge

The opening of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883 was a landmark event in the architectural and urban development of New York City, symbolizing the burgeoning spirit of innovation and unity between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. As one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States, it was an engineering marvel of its time, designed by John A. Roebling and completed by his son, Washington Roebling, and daughter-in-law, Emily Warren Roebling. The bridge not only facilitated transportation and commerce between the two boroughs but also stood as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience.

Spanning the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge was celebrated for its stunning design and technological advancements, including the use of steel-wire cables and pneumatic caissons. Its completion significantly impacted the city's growth, encouraging the residential and commercial expansion of Brooklyn and solidifying New York City's status as a consolidated metropolitan area. The bridge quickly became an iconic symbol of New York, admired for both its aesthetic beauty and its role in the city's economic development.

Today, the Brooklyn Bridge remains a beloved landmark and vital artery, embodying the enduring spirit of New York City. Its historical significance and architectural grandeur continue to captivate residents and visitors alike, symbolizing the bridge's lasting legacy as a monument to progress, connection, and the unification of diverse communities within the city.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Edith Wharton (1862–1937)

Early Life and Introduction to Literature (1862-1880)

Edith Wharton was born in 1862 into a wealthy and socially prominent New York family. Growing up during the Gilded Age, Wharton was immersed in the upper echelons of New York society, an experience that would deeply influence her writing. Despite the restrictions placed on women of her class and time, Wharton became an avid reader and began writing at an early age, laying the groundwork for her future as a celebrated author.

Literary Career and Breakthrough (1881-1904)

Wharton's early literary efforts included poetry and short stories, but it was her keen observation of the intricacies and hypocrisies of her social class that became the hallmark of her work. Her first major publication, "The Decoration of Houses," co-written with architect Ogden Codman, showcased her interest in interior design and architecture. However, it was her novel "The House of Mirth" (1905), a critical look at the New York upper class, that established her as a leading literary figure.

Pulitzer Prize and Literary Success (1905-1920)

Wharton's exploration of New York society continued in her later works, including the critically acclaimed "Ethan Frome" and "The Age of Innocence," for which she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. Her novels, characterized by their subtle critique of society, detailed character studies, and vivid depiction of settings, solidified her reputation as one of America's foremost writers.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Life)

Although Wharton spent her later years living in France, New York City remained a central theme in her work. The city, with its rigid social hierarchy and contrasting morals, served as both muse and antagonist in her novels. Wharton's portrayal of New York society offered a window into the complexities of American life during the turn of the century, making her works invaluable documents of the time.

International Recognition and Later Years (1921-1937)

Wharton's literary achievements earned her international recognition, and she continued to write prolifically throughout her life, publishing over 40 books, including novels, short stories, and non-fiction. Her later works, such as "The Children" and "Twilight Sleep," continued to explore themes of social class, morality, and human relationships, albeit with a more cynical view of society's conventions.

Legacy and Influence (Post-1937)

Edith Wharton passed away in 1937, leaving behind a legacy that has endured in American literature. Her novels, celebrated for their wit, psychological depth, and social commentary, have continued to captivate readers and scholars alike. Wharton's pioneering role as a female author and her contributions to literary realism have earned her a place among the pantheon of great American writers.

Key Achievements:

• Became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction with "The Age of Innocence."

• Authored over 40 books, including influential novels that critically examined New York society and the American Gilded Age.

• Gained international acclaim for her literary works, which have become classics of American literature.

Edith Wharton's journey from the drawing rooms of New York's high society to international literary acclaim is a testament to her extraordinary talent and perseverance. Her novels, deeply rooted in the world she knew so well, offer insightful critiques of the social dynamics and moral dilemmas of her time. Through her portrayal of New York City and its inhabitants, Wharton not only captured the essence of an era but also paved the way for future generations of writers. Her legacy, as both a novelist and a sharp observer of human nature, continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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