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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Jalen Brunson May Sacrifice $100M for Knicks' Future

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Mark Twain

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Life isn't about getting and having, it's about giving and being.“

–Kevin Kruse

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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 served as a major federal immigration station from 1892 to 1954?

A) Ellis Island

B) Liberty Island

C) Governors Island

D) Roosevelt Island

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The landmark art deco skyscraper with a famous observatory is B) Empire State Building.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

NYC underground retail spaces at alarming 75% vacancy rate. (link)

Electric Shuffle expands social shuffleboard bar and restaurant to New York City. (link)

🏦 Finance

Midtown market for interior designers faces $30M loss as tenants flee. (link)

🏒 Sports

New York sports betting handle dips below $1.5bn in June. (link)

Jalen Brunson reportedly considering massive $100M sacrifice to help New York Knicks’ 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 Liberty vs. Connecticut Sun
Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY
Tuesday July 16 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Staten Island FerryHawks vs. Long Island Ducks
SIUH Community Park Staten Island, NY
Wednesday July 17 | 10:30 AM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎺 Nicole Henry
Birdland Jazz Club 315 West 44th Street New York,
Monday July 15 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎤 The Bad Plus
Blue Note Jazz Club 131 W. 3rd St New York,
Tuesday July 16 | 10:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🍭 Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
157 Chambers St, New York,
Wednesday July 17 | 1:00PM | (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 “A city in the clouds, with buildings suspended in the air over 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

1977: New York City blackout.

The New York City blackout of 1977 was a major event that plunged the city into darkness for 25 hours from July 13 to July 14. Triggered by a series of lightning strikes that knocked out key transmission lines, the blackout left approximately 9 million residents without power. Unlike the relatively calm blackout of 1965, the 1977 blackout was marked by widespread looting, arson, and vandalism, reflecting the city's economic struggles and social tensions at the time.

As the lights went out, chaos erupted in many parts of the city. Looters took advantage of the darkness to break into stores, leading to extensive property damage and a significant financial loss estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Fires set by arsonists further compounded the crisis, overwhelming the city's emergency services. The blackout exposed deep-seated issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inadequate social services, which were prevalent in many of the affected neighborhoods.

In the aftermath of the blackout, the city faced a lengthy recovery process. The events of those 25 hours led to increased scrutiny of the city's infrastructure and emergency preparedness. Efforts were made to improve the resilience of the power grid and address the underlying social issues that had contributed to the disorder. The 1977 blackout remains a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities of urban centers and the need for comprehensive planning to mitigate the impact of such crises.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Mark Twain (1835–1910): Writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer.

Early Life and Background (1835–1856)

Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by his pen name Mark Twain, was born on November 30, 1835, in Florida, Missouri. Raised in the nearby town of Hannibal, Twain's early life along the Mississippi River deeply influenced his writing. He experienced the hardships and adventures of river life, which would later become central themes in his literary works. After his father's death in 1847, Twain left school to become a printer's apprentice, eventually working as a typesetter for various newspapers. His early exposure to the world of print and storytelling laid the foundation for his future career as a writer.

Adventures and Writing Beginnings (1857–1869)

In 1857, Twain embarked on a new adventure as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, a job he held until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. During the war, he briefly served in a Confederate militia before heading west to seek fortune in Nevada and California. Twain's experiences as a prospector, journalist, and traveler during this period provided rich material for his writing. In 1865, his humorous short story "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County" was published, earning him national recognition. Twain's unique voice and wit resonated with readers, setting the stage for his literary career.

Move to New York City and Literary Success (1870–1884)

In 1869, Mark Twain published "The Innocents Abroad," a travel book based on his experiences in Europe and the Middle East. The book was a commercial success and established Twain as a prominent author. In 1870, he married Olivia Langdon and settled in Hartford, Connecticut, but frequently visited New York City, which became an important center for his literary and social activities. Twain's connection to New York deepened as he became involved with prominent literary figures and publishers. During this period, he published some of his most famous works, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1876) and "The Prince and the Pauper" (1881).

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

New York City played a significant role in Mark Twain's career and life. He often stayed at the Players Club and frequented the city for literary events, lectures, and publishing meetings. His friendship with influential New York writers and publishers, such as William Dean Howells, helped shape his literary career. Twain's works were widely celebrated in the city, and his lectures attracted large audiences. New York also served as a backdrop for some of his writing and provided inspiration for his observations on society and human nature. His connection to the city was integral to his success and legacy.

Later Works and Financial Challenges (1885–1895)

In the mid-1880s, Twain faced financial difficulties due to poor investments, including his involvement in the failed Paige typesetting machine. To recover from his financial losses, he embarked on an extensive lecture tour, which took him around the world. Despite these challenges, Twain continued to write and publish significant works, including "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1885), widely regarded as one of the greatest American novels. His sharp social commentary and masterful storytelling solidified his place in literary history. Twain's financial troubles, however, persisted, influencing the themes of his later works.

Global Recognition and Legacy (1896–1910)

Mark Twain's later years were marked by global recognition and continued literary contributions. He published "Pudd'nhead Wilson" (1894) and "Following the Equator" (1897), showcasing his enduring wit and critical eye. Despite personal tragedies, including the deaths of his wife and two daughters, Twain remained a prolific writer. In 1907, he received an honorary doctorate from Oxford University, further cementing his international stature. Twain's influence extended beyond literature; he was a vocal advocate for social justice, condemning imperialism, racism, and other societal injustices.

Legacy and Influence (1910–Present)

Mark Twain passed away on April 21, 1910, but his legacy endures through his timeless works and profound impact on American literature. His novels, particularly "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," continue to be celebrated for their humor, insight, and social critique. Twain's pioneering use of vernacular speech and his exploration of American life have influenced countless writers and remain central to literary studies. His life and works are commemorated in numerous ways, including the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford and various festivals and educational programs.

Key Achievements:

• Authored classic American novels such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

• Renowned for his sharp wit, social commentary, and innovative use of vernacular speech.

• Gained international recognition and influenced generations of writers and social critics.

Summary:

Mark Twain's journey from a small-town boy on the Mississippi River to one of the most celebrated authors in American history is a testament to his genius and resilience. His connection to New York City, a hub of literary and cultural activity, was pivotal to his career and success. Twain's works, characterized by their humor, social critique, and vivid portrayal of American life, continue to resonate with readers worldwide. His legacy as a writer, humorist, and social commentator endures, reflecting his profound influence on literature and society."

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

-Matthew Larsen