New York City Newsletter (December 12th)

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 Islanders home game

  • AI art of the week

  • A deep dive into the life of Theodore Roosevelt

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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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 island is known for its former military fortifications and as a current public park?

A) Roosevelt Island

B) Governors Island

C) Rikers Island

D) Staten Island

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The New York City neighborhood known for its role as the birthplace of hip-hop culture is B) The Bronx.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Motive unknown in ‘brazen, targeted attack’ that killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in NYC.(link)

Disney shares peek inside its new New York City offices.(link)

🏦Finance

ATI Physical Therapy Receives Delisting Notice From the New York Stock Exchange.(link)

🏒Sports

Poker Pro Pleads Guilty to Sports Betting Scheme.(link)

Aaron Rodgers dispels 'ridiculous' suggestion about New York Jets future.(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 Islanders vs. Chicago Blackhawks
UBS Arena Belmont Park, NY
Thursday December 12 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏒 New York Rangers vs. Los Angeles Kings
Madison Square Garden New York,
Saturday December 14 | 1:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎺 Chris Botti
Blue Note Jazz Club 131 W. 3rd St New York,
Friday December 13 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸The Blood Brothers - U.S. Tour 2024
Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G New York,
Saturday December 14 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

👩‍🍳 Kids' Pizza Class
Angelina Bakery - UES 1649 3rd Avenue New York,
Thursday, December 12 | 4 - 6:30pm EST | (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 “Urban winter wonderland in New York City with ice architecture.” 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: Wall Street Crash and the start of the Great Depression.

The Wall Street Crash of 1929, which began on October 24, known as Black Thursday, led to a catastrophic financial collapse that marked the onset of the Great Depression. New York City, as the financial capital of the United States, was at the epicenter of this economic disaster. The crash wiped out billions of dollars in wealth, leading to widespread bank failures, massive unemployment, and severe economic hardship.

In the aftermath of the crash, the bustling streets of New York's financial district, once teeming with activity and optimism, became scenes of panic and despair. Investors who had heavily borrowed money to purchase stocks found themselves bankrupt overnight. Banks, unable to recoup their loans, began to fail, leading to a cascade of business closures and job losses. Breadlines and shantytowns, known as ""Hoovervilles,"" sprang up as thousands of New Yorkers struggled to survive.

The Great Depression profoundly altered New York City's social and economic landscape. It spurred significant changes in government policy and financial regulation, leading to the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the implementation of New Deal programs aimed at economic recovery. The crisis also fostered a sense of resilience and solidarity among New Yorkers, who worked together to support their communities during one of the most challenging periods in American history.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919): 26th President of the United States.

Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)

Early Life and Education (1858–1880)

Theodore Roosevelt was born on October 27, 1858, in New York City, into a wealthy and prominent family. His father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr., was a successful businessman and philanthropist, while his mother, Martha Bulloch Roosevelt, came from a Southern aristocratic background. Despite his privileged upbringing, Roosevelt faced significant health challenges as a child, including severe asthma. Determined to overcome his physical limitations, he adopted a rigorous regimen of physical exercise and outdoor activity, which fostered his lifelong passion for the natural world. Roosevelt was educated by private tutors before attending Harvard University, where he excelled academically and graduated in 1880.

Early Career and Personal Tragedy (1881–1884)

After graduating from Harvard, Roosevelt entered public service, winning a seat in the New York State Assembly in 1881 at the age of 23. His early political career was marked by his fight against corruption and his efforts to reform state government. In 1884, personal tragedy struck when his mother and his first wife, Alice Lee Roosevelt, both died on the same day. Devastated, Roosevelt retreated to the Badlands of North Dakota, where he spent several years ranching and immersing himself in the rugged frontier lifestyle. This period of self-imposed exile helped him recover from his grief and solidified his reputation as a man of action and resilience.

Return to Politics and National Prominence (1885–1900)

Roosevelt returned to New York City in 1886 and quickly re-engaged with politics. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor of New York but continued to build his public profile through various roles, including serving on the U.S. Civil Service Commission and as New York City Police Commissioner. His commitment to reform and his energetic approach to governance earned him widespread acclaim. In 1897, President William McKinley appointed Roosevelt as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, where he advocated for naval expansion and played a key role in preparing the U.S. Navy for the Spanish-American War. During the war, he gained national fame as the leader of the Rough Riders, a volunteer cavalry regiment that saw action in Cuba.

Governor of New York and Vice Presidency (1899–1901)

Riding on the wave of his wartime popularity, Roosevelt was elected Governor of New York in 1898. As governor, he implemented progressive policies, including measures to regulate corporate interests and improve labor conditions. His success as governor and his reformist zeal caught the attention of national Republican leaders, who selected him as McKinley's running mate in the 1900 presidential election. The McKinley-Roosevelt ticket won decisively, and Roosevelt became Vice President of the United States. However, his tenure as vice president was short-lived; following McKinley's assassination in 1901, Roosevelt assumed the presidency, becoming the youngest person to hold the office at age 42.

Presidency and Progressive Reforms (1901–1909)

As the 26th President of the United States, Roosevelt ushered in a new era of progressive reform. He championed the ""Square Deal,"" a domestic policy agenda that aimed to ensure fairness for workers, consumers, and businesses. Roosevelt took on powerful corporate monopolies, earning the nickname ""trust-buster"" for his efforts to regulate big business and break up monopolistic practices. His administration also saw significant advancements in labor rights, public health, and environmental conservation. Roosevelt established numerous national parks, forests, and monuments, laying the foundation for the modern conservation movement. His foreign policy, epitomized by the construction of the Panama Canal, reflected his belief in a strong international presence for the United States.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Life)

New York City played a central role in Theodore Roosevelt's life and career. Born and raised in Manhattan, he maintained strong ties to the city throughout his life. His experiences in New York politics and reform movements shaped his approach to governance and policy. Roosevelt's home in Oyster Bay, Sagamore Hill, served as his summer White House and is now a national historic site. The city honored his legacy with numerous memorials, including the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in Manhattan and the statue outside the American Museum of Natural History, reflecting his enduring influence on New York City's cultural and historical landscape.

Post-Presidency and Continued Influence (1909–1919)

After leaving office in 1909, Roosevelt remained an influential public figure. He embarked on a year-long African safari and later a scientific expedition to South America, furthering his reputation as a naturalist and explorer. Dissatisfied with his successor, William Howard Taft, Roosevelt re-entered politics in 1912, running for president as the candidate of the Progressive Party, also known as the ""Bull Moose Party."" Although he did not win, his campaign significantly impacted American politics by advocating for progressive reforms. During World War I, Roosevelt was a vocal advocate for American involvement and criticized President Woodrow Wilson's policies. Despite his declining health, Roosevelt continued to write and speak on issues of national importance until his death on January 6, 1919.

Legacy and Influence (1919–Present)

Theodore Roosevelt's legacy is one of dynamic leadership and enduring impact on American society. His contributions to progressive reform, environmental conservation, and foreign policy have left an indelible mark on the nation. Roosevelt's advocacy for a strong federal government and his efforts to balance economic interests with social justice laid the groundwork for future reforms. His writings and speeches continue to inspire generations of leaders and citizens committed to public service and the preservation of natural resources. Roosevelt's life and achievements are celebrated in numerous monuments, institutions, and historical sites, ensuring that his legacy remains a vital part of American history.

Key Achievements:

  • Became the 26th President of the United States, implementing the ""Square Deal"" and championing progressive reforms.

  • Successfully broke up corporate monopolies and regulated big business to protect workers and consumers.

  • Established the foundation for modern environmental conservation, creating numerous national parks and monuments.

  • Played a key role in constructing the Panama Canal, enhancing American influence in global affairs.

Theodore Roosevelt's life was marked by a relentless pursuit of reform, justice, and national progress. His connection to New York City, where he was born and began his political career, profoundly influenced his approach to governance and policy. As President, Roosevelt's progressive reforms and conservation efforts reshaped the American landscape, while his dynamic leadership left an enduring legacy. His contributions to politics, conservation, and public service continue to inspire and guide future generations, cementing his place as one of the most impactful leaders in American history.

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-Yannick Lyons