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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• AI art of the week

• Rafael Nadal withdraws from the US Open

• A deep dive into the life of Barbara McClintock

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Nobody can teach me who I am. You can describe parts of me, but who I am – and what I need – is something I have to find out myself.”

— Chinua Achebe

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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!

Which New York City avenue is famous for its luxury retailers and upscale boutiques?

A) Madison Avenue

B) Fifth Avenue

C) Park Avenue

D) Broadway

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The New York City museum dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001, is A) The 9/11 Memorial & Museum.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Paul Weiss Adds Asset Management Duo from Skadden in New York. (link)

New York Times Reports 13.6% Jump in Profit. (link)

🏦Finance

New York-based Cents bags $40M for all-in-one laundry business management platform. (link)

🏒Sports

Rafael Nadal withdraws from the US Open in NY. (link)

Billy Bean Dies at 60. (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 Boulders vs. Tri-City ValleyCats
Clover Stadium Pomona, NY
Friday August 16 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚾ New York Mets vs. Miami Marlins
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Saturday August 17 | 4:10 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 The Chameleons
Webster Hall New York, NY
Friday August 16 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎺 The Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Blue Note Jazz Club 131 W. 3rd St New York,
Friday August 16 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎵 Summer Kids: City Owlets Zumbini music and dance
Hunter's Point South Park Center Boulevard Queens, NY
Saturday, August 17 · 10 - 11am 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 celebrating a futuristic holiday with unique traditions.” 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

1912: Titanic survivors arrive at Pier 54.

On April 18, 1912, New York City became the final destination for the survivors of the RMS Titanic disaster, as they arrived at Pier 54 aboard the RMS Carpathia. The Titanic had struck an iceberg and sunk on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, resulting in the deaths of over 1,500 passengers and crew. The Carpathia, having received the distress call, had rushed to the scene and rescued 705 survivors from lifeboats in the icy North Atlantic waters.

The arrival of the Carpathia at Pier 54 was a moment of intense emotion and chaos. Crowds of anxious relatives, reporters, and curious onlookers gathered at the pier, desperate for news of their loved ones. The survivors, many of whom were still in shock and grieving, were met with a mix of relief and sorrow. Medical personnel and volunteers were on hand to provide assistance, and efforts were made to help the survivors reconnect with their families and arrange accommodation.

The Titanic disaster and the arrival of its survivors in New York had a profound impact on maritime safety and public consciousness. The tragedy led to significant changes in international maritime regulations, including improved lifeboat requirements and the establishment of the International Ice Patrol to monitor icebergs in the North Atlantic. The event also left an indelible mark on popular culture and the collective memory, symbolizing both human vulnerability and the spirit of resilience.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Barbara McClintock (1902–1992): Scientist and Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine.

Early Life and Education (1902–1927)

Barbara McClintock was born on June 16, 1902, in Hartford, Connecticut. From a young age, she exhibited a strong interest in science and an independent spirit. She attended Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, New York, and later enrolled at Cornell University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1923 and her Ph.D. in botany in 1927. At Cornell, McClintock began studying genetics, focusing on maize, which would become the primary subject of her groundbreaking research.

Pioneering Genetic Research (1928–1941)

After completing her Ph.D., McClintock continued her research at Cornell and later at the University of Missouri. Her work on maize chromosomes led to several important discoveries, including the concept of genetic recombination through crossing-over during meiosis. McClintock developed techniques for visualizing chromosomes under a microscope, which allowed her to map maize genes and demonstrate that genes are located on chromosomes. Her pioneering research laid the foundation for modern genetic studies and earned her a reputation as one of the leading geneticists of her time.

Connection to New York City (1941–1950)

In 1941, McClintock joined the Carnegie Institution of Washington's Department of Genetics at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory on Long Island, New York. This move marked a significant period in her career, as Cold Spring Harbor became her primary research base for the next several decades. Although not directly in New York City, McClintock's proximity to the city allowed her to engage with its scientific community and participate in various academic activities. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory provided an intellectually stimulating environment where she could pursue her research with greater freedom and resources.

Discovery of Transposable Elements (1951–1960)

In the early 1950s, Barbara McClintock made her most famous discovery: transposable elements, also known as ""jumping genes."" She observed that certain genes could change positions within the genome, leading to variations in genetic expression. This discovery challenged the prevailing understanding of genetics and introduced a new paradigm for studying gene regulation and genome structure. McClintock's work on transposable elements was initially met with skepticism, but it eventually revolutionized the field of genetics and earned her widespread recognition.

Recognition and Nobel Prize (1961–1983)

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, McClintock's work gained increasing recognition as other scientists confirmed her findings on transposable elements. Her contributions to genetics were celebrated, and she received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science in 1970. In 1983, McClintock was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, becoming the first woman to receive an unshared Nobel Prize in that category. The Nobel Committee recognized her for ""her discovery of mobile genetic elements,"" cementing her legacy as a pioneering geneticist.

Legacy and Influence (1984–1992)

Barbara McClintock continued her research and remained active in the scientific community until her death on September 2, 1992. Her work on transposable elements has had a lasting impact on genetics, influencing research on genetic diversity, evolution, and genome dynamics. McClintock's legacy is honored through various awards, lectureships, and institutions bearing her name. Her dedication to scientific inquiry and her innovative contributions to genetics continue to inspire scientists worldwide.

Key Achievements:

• Discovered transposable elements, revolutionizing the field of genetics.

• Developed techniques for visualizing and mapping chromosomes.

• Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1983 for her groundbreaking research.

Barbara McClintock's journey from a curious student to a Nobel laureate reflects her extraordinary contributions to genetics. Her connection to New York, particularly through her work at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, provided the foundation for her groundbreaking discoveries. McClintock's legacy as a pioneering scientist and her innovative research on transposable elements continue to influence and inspire the field of genetics.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen