Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming New York Rangers home game

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Mae West

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way."

—Martin Luther King, Jr.

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 famous New York City art museum located on Fifth Avenue and 89th Street, known for its spiral architecture?

A) The Metropolitan Museum of Art

B) The Guggenheim Museum

C) The Whitney Museum of American Art

D) The Museum of Modern Art

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The neighborhood where the Apollo Theater is located is A) Harlem.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Potential economic impact of HEAT Act raises concerns among New York business leaders.(link)

New York Times Tech Guild reaches contract agreement with company.(link)

🏦Finance

New York Stock Exchange Showcases IonQ Technology in First Ever Recognition of a Quantum Company.(link)

🏒Sports

New York Red Bulls and Sports Illustrated Tickets Announce Historic, 13-Year Partnership and Unveil Sports Illustrated Stadium.(link)

Mets introduce Juan Soto at Citi Field after record-breaking deal.(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 Rangers vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Madison Square Garden New York,
Sunday December 22 | 12:30 PM | (more info)

🤼‍♂️AEW Presents Dynamite
Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom New York,
Sunday December 22 | 4:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎶Debbie Gibson's Winterlicious - An Evening of Holiday and Hits
Gramercy Theatre New York,
Friday December 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎼New York Philharmonic
David Geffen Hall New York,
Friday December 20 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎁 Kid's Christmas Party & Toy Giveaway
463 East 45th Street Brooklyn, NY
Friday, December 20 | 5 - 11:30pm 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 “An entirely underground 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

1939: The 1939 New York World's Fair.

The 1939 New York World's Fair, held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, was a grand exhibition that showcased the theme ""The World of Tomorrow."" Opening on April 30, 1939, the fair attracted millions of visitors from around the globe and featured pavilions from 60 nations. It was a celebration of technological innovation, cultural exchange, and futuristic visions, offering a sense of optimism at a time when the world was on the brink of World War II.

The fair's centerpiece was the Trylon and Perisphere, two modernist structures that became its iconic symbols. Inside the Perisphere, visitors experienced ""Democracity,"" a diorama envisioning a utopian city of the future. The fair also introduced groundbreaking technologies, such as early television broadcasts, nylon fabric, and the first fluorescent lights. Companies like General Motors and Westinghouse used the fair to unveil their latest innovations, inspiring awe and excitement among attendees.

The 1939 World's Fair had a lasting impact on New York City and the world. It left a legacy of cultural and technological advancements, many of which became integral parts of everyday life. The fairgrounds were later transformed into a public park, providing a lasting recreational space for New Yorkers. The event also reinforced New York City's status as a global center of progress and innovation, embodying the spirit of hope and possibility during a tumultuous era.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Mae West (1893–1980): Actress, singer, playwright, and sex symbol.

Early Life and Vaudeville Beginnings (1893-1910)

Mae West was born on August 17, 1893, in Brooklyn, New York, into a family that encouraged her show business aspirations from an early age. Her mother was a former fashion model, and her father was a prizefighter turned private detective. West began performing in amateur shows and local talent contests as a child, and by the age of seven, she was starring in amateur productions and vaudeville shows, capturing audiences with her charismatic presence.

Broadway Ambitions and Early Success (1911-1926)

West moved to the Broadway stage as a teenager, where her bold, confident style quickly made her a name in the theater scene. She wrote and starred in her own plays, including "Sex" in 1926, which was a hit with audiences but attracted controversy and legal issues due to its candid portrayal of sexual themes, leading to West's brief imprisonment for "corrupting the morals of youth."

Hollywood Breakthrough and Stardom (1927-1936)

West transitioned to Hollywood in the late 1920s, making her film debut at the age of 38 in "Night After Night" (1932). Her sharp wit and risqué one-liners became instantly famous, with lines like, "Why don't you come up sometime and see me?" She quickly became one of the highest-paid people in the United States, known for her glamorous image and comedic talent.

Iconic Films and Characters (1937-1950)

During this period, Mae West continued to dominate the silver screen with films like "I'm No Angel" (1933) and "My Little Chickadee" (1940), where she co-starred with W.C. Fields. Her characters were strong, sassy women who used their wit and sexuality to navigate a male-dominated world, which was both revolutionary and empowering for many women of her era.

Continued Influence in Film and Music (1951-1960)

Even as the demand for her type of characters waned in the post-war era, West continued to make appearances in movies and nightclubs. She also recorded rock and roll albums in the 1950s, which featured her singing a variety of songs that capitalized on her sultry image.

The Las Vegas Revue and Television Appearances (1961-1970)

In her later years, West starred in her own Las Vegas stage show, surrounded by bodybuilders, which was a major draw. She also made memorable appearances on television, including a famous stint on "The Dick Cavett Show" where she showcased her sharp wit and maintained her image as a sex symbol well into her 70s.

Final Years and Legacy (1971-1980)

Mae West continued to perform until her health declined. She passed away on November 22, 1980, but left behind a significant cultural impact. West had blazed a trail for female empowerment in entertainment, pushing boundaries that influenced future generations of performers.

Key Achievements

• One of the first female playwrights to achieve success on Broadway with themes of sexual freedom and empowerment.

• A pioneering figure in Hollywood, known for her command of the screen and her unique blend of wit, humor, and sexuality.

• Created and portrayed some of the most memorable and influential female characters in early American cinema.

An enduring icon who challenged social and sexual norms of her time.

Mae West was more than just a film star; she was a cultural icon who used her platform to challenge the conventions of her day regarding gender and sexuality. Her work on stage and screen not only entertained millions but also offered a new, bold image of what a woman could be. West's legacy as an entertainer and a trailblazer continues to influence the entertainment industry and popular culture to this day.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Yannick Lyons