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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New York invests $54 million in North Country airports

• Sam Rosen retiring after next season.

• A deep dive into the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.”

-J.K. Rowling

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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!

In which New York City borough is the New York Botanical Garden, one of the largest botanical gardens in the United States, located?

A) Manhattan

B) Brooklyn

C) Queens

D) The Bronx

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The avenue famous for its luxury retailers and upscale boutiques is B) Fifth Avenue.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Cramer says new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol is key to the company's turnaround after management shakeup. (link)

🏦Finance

Three-year inflation outlook hits record low in New York Fed consumer survey. (link)

New York invests $54 million in North Country airports. (link)

🏒Sports

New York Jets Rookie Already Surging Up Depth Chart. (link)

Legendary Rangers voice Sam Rosen retiring after next season. (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 Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Monday August 19 | 7:10 PM | (more info)

⚾ New York Mets vs. Baltimore Orioles
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Wednesday Aug 21 | 1:10 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶Choir!Choir!Choir!
Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Monday August 19 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎺 Birdland Big Band
Birdland Jazz Club 315 West 44th Street New York,
Wednesday August 21 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Creative Kid's Birthday - Art Class by Classpop!
Shot of Art NYC 28 W 36th St. 10-th floor New York,
Monday August 19 | 8 - 9:30pm 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 with a public space dedicated to virtual reality experiences.” 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

1929: Museum of Modern Art opens.

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) opened its doors in New York City on November 7, 1929, marking a significant milestone in the city's cultural landscape. Founded by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, Lillie P. Bliss, and Mary Quinn Sullivan, MoMA was established to challenge traditional notions of art and provide a space dedicated to contemporary and avant-garde works. The museum's opening came just days after the Wall Street Crash of 1929, yet it quickly became a beacon of innovation and creativity amidst economic uncertainty.

MoMA's initial exhibitions featured a diverse range of modern art, including works by Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat, highlighting the museum's commitment to showcasing both established and emerging artists. The museum's collection expanded rapidly, encompassing various mediums such as painting, sculpture, photography, film, and design. MoMA's emphasis on modern and experimental art set it apart from other institutions and helped to elevate the status of contemporary art in America.

Over the years, MoMA has continued to grow and evolve, becoming one of the world's leading institutions for modern and contemporary art. It has played a crucial role in shaping public perceptions of modern art and fostering artistic innovation. The museum's influence extends beyond its galleries, impacting art education, criticism, and the global art market. MoMA's opening in 1929 marked the beginning of a new era for art in New York City, reinforcing the city's reputation as a cultural capital.

Famous New Yorkers In History

F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940): Novelist and writer.

Early Life and Education (1896–1917)

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Raised in a well-off but unstable family, Fitzgerald exhibited a talent for writing from a young age. He attended the Newman School in New Jersey and later enrolled at Princeton University. Although he did not graduate, his time at Princeton helped him hone his writing skills and establish important literary connections. Fitzgerald's early life experiences and his exposure to the world of the affluent East Coast elite profoundly influenced his later works.

Early Writing Career and First Novel (1918–1920)

After leaving Princeton, Fitzgerald joined the Army during World War I but did not see combat. During this period, he met Zelda Sayre, who would become his wife and muse. In 1920, Fitzgerald published his first novel, ""This Side of Paradise,"" which was an immediate success. The novel's portrayal of the post-World War I generation resonated with readers and established Fitzgerald as a major literary figure. The success of ""This Side of Paradise"" allowed him to marry Zelda and cemented his status as a prominent writer.

Connection to New York City (1920–1924)

New York City played a significant role in Fitzgerald's life and career. After marrying Zelda, the couple moved to New York, where they became part of the city's vibrant social and literary scene. The couple's extravagant lifestyle and Fitzgerald's observations of the Jazz Age elite provided rich material for his writing. This period in New York inspired many of the themes and settings in his later works, particularly his most famous novel, ""The Great Gatsby."" The city's energy, decadence, and cultural dynamism were captured in Fitzgerald's vivid prose.

The Great Gatsby and Literary Fame (1925–1929)

In 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald published ""The Great Gatsby,"" widely considered his masterpiece. Set in the fictional towns of West Egg and East Egg on Long Island, the novel explores themes of ambition, love, wealth, and the American Dream. Although initially not a commercial success, ""The Great Gatsby"" received critical acclaim and has since become a cornerstone of American literature. Fitzgerald's portrayal of the Jazz Age and his critique of the American elite cemented his reputation as one of the greatest American writers.

Personal Struggles and Later Works (1930–1939)

The latter part of Fitzgerald's life was marked by personal and professional struggles. His relationship with Zelda became increasingly strained due to her mental health issues and his alcoholism. Despite these challenges, Fitzgerald continued to write, producing works such as ""Tender Is the Night"" (1934) and numerous short stories. While ""Tender Is the Night"" was not as well-received as his earlier works, it is now considered a significant contribution to American literature. Fitzgerald's later years were spent working in Hollywood as a screenwriter, where he struggled to find the same level of success.

Death and Posthumous Recognition (1940–Present)

F. Scott Fitzgerald passed away on December 21, 1940, in Hollywood, California, at the age of 44. At the time of his death, he believed himself to be a failure, but his reputation grew significantly after his death. ""The Great Gatsby"" gained immense popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming a staple of American high school curricula and an enduring symbol of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald's works have been adapted into numerous films, stage productions, and other media, ensuring his lasting influence on American culture.

Key Achievements:

• Authored ""The Great Gatsby,"" a seminal work of American literature.

• Captured the spirit of the Jazz Age through his vivid and insightful prose.

• Established a lasting legacy as one of the greatest American novelists.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's journey from a young writer in the Midwest to a leading figure of the Jazz Age reflects his profound impact on American literature. His connection to New York City was pivotal in shaping his most famous works, particularly ""The Great Gatsby."" Fitzgerald's exploration of themes like ambition, wealth, and the American Dream continues to resonate with readers, solidifying his place as a central figure in the literary canon. His legacy endures through his timeless works and his influence on American culture.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen