Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Google opens massive Hudson Square site

• MetLife Stadium's transformation

• A deep dive into the life of Andy Warhol

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“If you can’t yet do great things, do small things in a great way.”

―Napoleon Hill

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 building is the United Nations Headquarters located?

A) The Empire State Building

B) One World Trade Center

C) Chrysler Building

D) The United Nations Building

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The major New York City airport named after a U.S. President is A) John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

The Trump Verdict Sparks Major Business Retreat from NYC! (link)

New Adult-Use Cannabis Business Licenses Approved in New York. (link)

Google opens massive Hudson Square site as it closes other offices, sheds workers. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Chip Wars continue: GlobalFoundries scores $1.5 billion to fund expansion in New York, Vermont. (link)

Half of New York direct support professionals experience housing or food insecurity, report shows. (link)

Bill Ackman rockets up best-paid hedge fund list by doing very little. (link)

🏒 Sports

Red Bulls Crown Emil Forsberg as Captain for a Thrilling 2024 Season. (link)

Rookie Manager Carlos Mendoza Ignites New Hope for the Mets. (link)

NHL Stadium Series: MetLife Stadium's Spectacular Transformation. (link)

Kevin Durant's Big Decision: Agent and Dad's Knicks Dream Revealed. (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 Knicks vs. Golden State Warriors
Madison Square Garden
Tuesday, Feb. 29th | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏀New York Islanders Vs. Boston Bruins
UBS Arena
Belmont Park - Long Island
Saturday, March 2nd | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏀Yankee Stadium Tours
Yankee Stadium
Monday, Feb 26th | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏒 New York Rangers Vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Madison Square Garden
Wednesday, Feb 28 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Donnie T. Smith, Who Shot Lulu, Summer Fling, Jake Schaefer and The Realm Of Possibility
Heaven Can Wait
Mon Feb 26 | 7:00PM | (more info)

🎶 Elevation Worship & Steven Furtick
UBS Arena, Belmont Park - Long Island, NY
Tue Feb 27 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤Night Lovell: I Hope You're Happy Tour
Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G, New York, NY
Thu Feb 29 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎷 Birdland Big Band
Birdland Jazz Club
Fri March 1 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎿 Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
Cricket's Candy Creations
Fri March 1 | 3:30 PM | (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 “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in 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

1807: Robert Fulton's steamboat, the Clermont, launches on the Hudson River.

In 1807, a groundbreaking advancement in transportation and technology occurred on the waters of the Hudson River with the launch of Robert Fulton's steamboat, the Clermont. This historic voyage marked a significant leap forward in the evolution of maritime travel and commerce, showcasing the potential of steam-powered propulsion. The Clermont's journey was not merely a demonstration of an innovative mode of transport; it symbolized the dawn of a new era in which distance and travel time would be dramatically reduced.

The successful operation of the Clermont transformed the way goods and people moved, revolutionizing trade and communication. The steamboat's ability to navigate upstream against the current demonstrated the feasibility of reliable and efficient river travel, opening up new possibilities for commerce and connectivity. The Hudson River, a vital artery in the region, became a bustling waterway, further bolstering the economic development of New York and its neighboring areas.

Robert Fulton's Clermont stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. The steamboat's maiden voyage on the Hudson River in 1807 laid the groundwork for advancements in maritime and transportation technology, reshaping the social and economic landscape and setting the course for a future defined by innovation and movement.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Andy Warhol (1928–1987)

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1928-1949)

Andy Warhol, born Andrew Warhola on August 6, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, showed an early interest in art. Raised in a working-class family of Slovakian immigrants, Warhol faced childhood illness, during which he developed his passion for art, particularly drawing and photography.

New York City and Commercial Illustration (1950-1959)

Moving to New York City in the late 1940s, Warhol found success as a commercial illustrator. His unique style in advertising and magazine illustrations garnered attention, setting the stage for his later ventures into fine art.

Emergence of Pop Art and The Factory (1960-1965)

In the 1960s, Warhol's work transitioned into what would become known as Pop Art. He founded The Factory, his art studio in NYC, which became a hub for artists, musicians, and actors. His work during this time, including the iconic Campbell's Soup Cans and Marilyn Monroe portraits, challenged traditional notions of art.

Exploration of Media and Fame (1966-1970)

Warhol's exploration of art extended to film, music production, and multimedia. He produced experimental films, managed the Velvet Underground, and created multimedia experiences with The Exploding Plastic Inevitable. His focus on celebrity culture and consumerism continued to be a theme in his work.

Shooting and Recovery (1968)

In 1968, Warhol survived an assassination attempt by Valerie Solanas, which profoundly affected him. This event marked a significant turning point in his life and art, leading to a more reflective period.

Later Work and Portraiture (1971-1980)

In the 1970s, Warhol returned to painting and became a prolific portraitist. He depicted numerous celebrities, politicians, and socialites, further intertwining his work with the concept of fame.

The Andy Warhol Diaries and Pop Culture Influence (1981-1987)

Warhol's diaries, published posthumously, provided insight into his life and times. His presence in New York City's social scene and his commentary on culture through his art continued to influence and reflect the zeitgeist.

Death and Legacy (1987 and Beyond)

Andy Warhol died on February 22, 1987, leaving behind a complex legacy. As a leading figure in Pop Art, his influence extended beyond the art world into broader cultural and social realms.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneer in the Pop Art movement, redefining modern art.

• Founder of The Factory, a significant cultural and artistic hub.

• His work explored themes of consumerism, celebrity culture, and media.

• Warhol's influence is evident across art, film, and music.

Andy Warhol's impact as an artist and cultural icon was profound. From his beginnings as a commercial illustrator to becoming a leading figure in Pop Art, Warhol's work challenged and redefined artistic norms. His legacy endures in his innovative approach to art, his exploration of fame and media, and his enduring influence on contemporary culture.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen