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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• New York Giants Sign Guard Greg Van Roten

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Irving Berlin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”

― Bruce Lee

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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 famous New York City building is known for its annual lighting in different colors to commemorate various occasions?

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 New York City park known for its large meadow and Bethesda Fountain is B) Central Park.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Astor Place Starbucks closes after nearly 30 years in business. (link)

🏦Finance

Drugmaker Pfizer Hikes 2024 Forecast Again After Initially Underwhelming Wall Street. (link)

Financial Advisor Dan Chorney joins UBS in New York City. (link)

🏒Sports

New York City FC's Christian McFarlane is nearing a deal with English Premier League side Manchester City, according to multiple reports. (link)

New York Giants Sign Guard Greg Van Roten. (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 Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Tuesday August 6 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾ New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Angels
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Wednesday August 7 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎺 Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks
Birdland Theater 315 West 44th Street New York,
Monday August 5 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

🎸 Dead Country Tuesdays - Shakedown Citi
Hill Country Live 30 West 26th Street New York,
Tuesday August 6 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Summer Kids: Art in the Park
Gantry Plaza State Park 4-44 47th Rd New York
Tuesday, August 6 · 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 with a transportation system based on personal drones.” 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

1860: First baseball game played at Elysian Fields, Hoboken.

In 1860, Elysian Fields in Hoboken, New Jersey, hosted one of the first organized baseball games, marking a pivotal moment in the sport's development. While not the first game ever played, it was among the earliest and most significant, showcasing the growing popularity of baseball as America's pastime. The game was played between two of the leading teams of the era, the New York Mutuals and the Brooklyn Atlantics, attracting considerable attention and setting the stage for baseball's evolution.

Elysian Fields was an ideal venue for early baseball due to its spacious grounds and proximity to New York City, accessible via ferry. The games played here helped standardize rules and promote baseball as a spectator sport. This period saw the establishment of key elements of the game, including nine-player teams and nine-inning games, which would become the foundation of modern baseball.

The significance of the games at Elysian Fields extends beyond their immediate impact. They contributed to the formalization of baseball as a professional sport and influenced the formation of future leagues and teams. The location became a hallowed ground for baseball enthusiasts, symbolizing the sport's humble beginnings and its rise to prominence in American culture. The legacy of these early games continues to be celebrated by baseball historians and fans alike.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Irving Berlin (1888–1989): Composer and lyricist.

Early Life and Immigration to America (1888–1907)

Irving Berlin was born Israel Beilin on May 11, 1888, in Tyumen, Russia. Fleeing the anti-Jewish pogroms, his family immigrated to the United States in 1893, settling in New York City's Lower East Side. Growing up in poverty, Berlin worked various jobs, including as a street singer, to help support his family. His early exposure to the diverse musical styles of New York City's immigrant neighborhoods greatly influenced his future work as a composer and lyricist.

Rise to Fame and Early Career (1908–1920)

Berlin's breakthrough came in 1911 with the publication of his first major hit, ""Alexander's Ragtime Band."" This song propelled him to national fame and established him as a leading figure in American music. Berlin's ability to blend different musical genres, including ragtime, jazz, and popular music, set him apart from his contemporaries. Over the next decade, he wrote numerous hits, including ""Blue Skies"" and ""Puttin' on the Ritz,"" solidifying his reputation as a prolific and innovative songwriter.

Broadway and Hollywood Success (1921–1940)

In the 1920s and 1930s, Irving Berlin expanded his influence to Broadway and Hollywood. He wrote the scores for several successful Broadway musicals, including ""Annie Get Your Gun"" and ""Call Me Madam."" His songs from these shows, such as ""There's No Business Like Show Business"" and ""Anything You Can Do,"" became standards in American music. Berlin also contributed to numerous Hollywood films, writing timeless classics like ""Cheek to Cheek"" for ""Top Hat"" and ""White Christmas"" for ""Holiday Inn."" His work in both theater and film showcased his versatility and enduring appeal.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City was the epicenter of Irving Berlin's life and career. The city's vibrant cultural scene provided endless inspiration and opportunities for collaboration. Berlin's involvement with the Broadway theater district and his contributions to the city's musical landscape were significant. He founded the Music Box Theatre on Broadway, which became a venue for many of his productions. Berlin's music captured the spirit of New York, and his songs often reflected the city's energy and diversity.

World War II and Patriotic Songs (1941–1945)

During World War II, Berlin's patriotic songs played a crucial role in boosting American morale. He wrote ""God Bless America"" in 1938, which became an unofficial national anthem and a symbol of American patriotism. Berlin also composed ""This Is the Army,"" a musical revue that toured internationally to raise funds for the war effort. His contributions to the war effort extended beyond music, as he dedicated his time and resources to supporting American troops and promoting national unity.

Later Years and Enduring Legacy (1946–1989)

In the post-war years, Berlin continued to write and contribute to the American music canon. Although he slowed down his production of new works, his existing repertoire remained immensely popular. Berlin received numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal, recognizing his contributions to American culture. He lived a long and fulfilling life, passing away on September 22, 1989, at the age of 101.

Legacy and Influence (1989–Present)

Irving Berlin's legacy as one of the greatest American composers and lyricists endures. His vast catalog of songs continues to be performed and cherished worldwide. Berlin's ability to capture the American experience in his music has left an indelible mark on the nation's cultural history. Institutions such as the Irving Berlin Archives at the Library of Congress preserve his work, ensuring that future generations can appreciate his contributions to music and American culture.

Key Achievements:

• Composed numerous American standards, including ""God Bless America,"White Christmas," and ""Cheek to Cheek."

• Successfully transitioned from Tin Pan Alley to Broadway and Hollywood, creating enduring musical works.

• Received prestigious awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal.

Irving Berlin's journey from an immigrant boy on New York City's Lower East Side to one of America's most celebrated composers is a testament to his talent and resilience. His connection to New York was fundamental to his success, as the city's rich cultural environment provided the perfect backdrop for his musical innovation. Berlin's legacy as a composer and lyricist continues to shape American music and culture, making him an enduring figure in New York City's and the nation's history.

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

-Matthew Larsen