New York City Newsletter (August 22nd)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Upcoming New York Liberty home game

  • New York Times Launches First Podcast

  • A deep dive into the life of Norman Rockwell

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

-Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Disclosures:

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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!

What is the name of the historic New York City music venue known as "The World's Most Famous Arena"?

A) The Apollo Theater

B) Carnegie Hall

C) Madison Square Garden

D) Radio City Music Hall

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The New York Botanical Garden is located in D) The Bronx.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Big Lots to close two stores in Western New York. (link)

The New York Times Launches First Podcast From Wirecutter. (link)

🏦Finance

Atwater Brewery acquired by New York beverage & lifestyle company in deal with Molson Coors. (link)

🏒Sports

ICC yet to upload pitch ratings of New York games of T20 World Cup. (link)

New York Jets 2024 first-round pick Olu Fashanu shined in his first preseason game. (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 Liberty vs. Dallas Wings
Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, August 22 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

New York Yankees vs. Colorado Rockies
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Sunday, August 25 | 1:35 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Shenseea
Webster Hall New York, NY
Thursday, August 22 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Chalk Talk
Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Friday, August 23 | 6:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎉 Kid's Day
Olly Olly Market 601 West 26th Street New York,
Saturday, August 24 | 12 - 4pm 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 “An architecturally symmetrical New York City..” 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

1932: Opening of Radio City Music Hall.

On December 27, 1932, Radio City Music Hall opened its doors in New York City, becoming an iconic venue for entertainment and culture. Located in Rockefeller Center, the Music Hall was designed by architect Edward Durell Stone and interior designer Donald Deskey, showcasing a lavish Art Deco style. The opening of Radio City Music Hall marked a significant moment in the city's cultural history, offering a glamorous space for live performances, movies, and special events.

The inaugural performance featured a variety show called ""Radio City Revels,"" which included the precision dancing of the Rockettes, who would become one of the hall's enduring attractions. With its opulent interiors, including a grand lobby and the world's largest indoor theater at the time, Radio City quickly became a symbol of New York's entertainment industry. The venue's advanced stage technology and acoustics set new standards for live performances.

Over the decades, Radio City Music Hall has hosted countless legendary performances, from premieres of major motion pictures to concerts by world-renowned artists. It remains a beloved New York City landmark, attracting millions of visitors annually. The opening of Radio City Music Hall in 1932 solidified the city's reputation as a premier destination for arts and entertainment, contributing to its vibrant cultural landscape.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Norman Rockwell (1894–1978): Painter and illustrator.

Early Life and Education (1894–1912)

Norman Rockwell was born on February 3, 1894, in New York City. Raised in a supportive family, he exhibited a talent for drawing from a young age. Rockwell attended the Chase Art School, the National Academy of Design, and finally the Art Students League, where he was influenced by teachers like Thomas Fogarty and George Bridgman. His early education in New York City provided him with the foundational skills and connections that would shape his career as one of America's most beloved illustrators.

Beginnings as an Illustrator (1913–1928)

At the age of 19, Rockwell became the art editor for Boys' Life, the official magazine of the Boy Scouts of America. This role marked the beginning of his prolific career in illustration. His early work for Boys' Life and other publications showcased his ability to capture the everyday moments of American life with warmth and humor. In 1916, Rockwell painted his first cover for The Saturday Evening Post, a relationship that would span nearly five decades and produce some of his most iconic works. His covers for the Post made him a household name and cemented his reputation as a leading illustrator.

Peak of Career and Iconic Works (1929–1959)

The 1930s and 1940s were particularly productive for Rockwell, who created some of his most enduring images during this period. His work often reflected American values and ideals, particularly during times of hardship and conflict. During World War II, Rockwell's ""Four Freedoms"" series, inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech, became immensely popular and toured the country to raise funds for the war effort. These paintings—""Freedom of Speech,"" ""Freedom of Worship,"" ""Freedom from Want,"" and ""Freedom from Fear""—epitomized Rockwell's ability to convey profound messages through relatable, everyday scenes.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

Norman Rockwell's connection to New York City was significant throughout his career. His early education and initial professional opportunities were rooted in the city's vibrant art scene. Additionally, New York City served as a frequent backdrop and source of inspiration for his work. The city's diversity and dynamic energy influenced many of his illustrations, which captured the spirit of American life. Even as he later moved to Vermont and Massachusetts, Rockwell maintained ties to New York through exhibitions and collaborations.

Later Career and New Themes (1960–1978)

In the 1960s, Rockwell's work began to address more contemporary social issues. He tackled subjects such as the civil rights movement, space exploration, and the changing American landscape. His painting ""The Problem We All Live With"" (1964), depicting Ruby Bridges, an African American girl integrating a public school, highlighted his shift towards more socially conscious themes. Despite the changing focus of his work, Rockwell's style remained consistent, characterized by its meticulous detail and emotional depth. His later works continued to resonate with the public, solidifying his legacy as a chronicler of American life.

Legacy and Influence (1978–Present)

Norman Rockwell passed away on November 8, 1978, but his legacy endures. His works are celebrated for their ability to capture the essence of American culture and values. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, houses the largest collection of his work and continues to attract visitors from around the world. Rockwell's illustrations remain iconic, influencing generations of artists and illustrators. His portrayal of American life, with its blend of humor, empathy, and realism, continues to hold a special place in the nation's cultural heritage.

Key Achievements:

  • Created over 300 covers for The Saturday Evening Post, becoming a beloved American illustrator.

  • Painted the "Four Freedoms" series, which played a significant role in the World War II effort.

  • Addressed social issues through his later works, including civil rights and space exploration.

Norman Rockwell's journey from a young art student in New York City to one of America's most iconic illustrators reflects his profound impact on American art and culture. His connection to New York provided the foundation for his career, and his works captured the spirit of American life with unparalleled warmth and insight. Rockwell's legacy endures through his timeless illustrations, which continue to inspire and resonate with audiences around the world.

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-Matthew Larsen

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