New York City Newsletter (July 1st)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

New York City Newsletter
July 01, 2024

Quote of the Week

“Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene.”

— Arthur Christopher Benson

Break Free From Negative Thoughts by Taking This Quiz

Do you ever feel like your mind is on a hamster wheel of negativity? Worry, self-doubt, and harsh inner criticism can hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest. You're not alone.

Millions of people struggle with negative thought patterns, but there is a way to break free. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist skilled in helping clients identify and change unhelpful thinking styles. Through personalized therapy, you can learn to silence your inner critic, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and finally experience the peace of mind you deserve.

Take this free 5-minute assessment and get matched with a therapist who understands your unique challenges. Start talking anytime, anywhere, with phone, video, or text options. Plus, get $75 off your first month and a risk-free experience with a money-back guarantee. Take control of your thoughts and start feeling better today!

Click Here to Silence Your Inner Critic

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 historic New York City train station known for its grand architecture and celestial ceiling?

A) Penn Station

B) Grand Central Terminal

C) New York Transit Museum

D) Atlantic Terminal

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The landmark where the annual New Year's Eve ball drop occurs is B) Times Square.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Forest River Bus to acquire New York bus company. (link)

SRQ to add new daily flight to New York City. (link)

🏦 Finance

NY bans discrimination related to affordable housing insurance. (link)

🏒 Sports

New York county bans transgender athletes from public sports venues. (link)

Mets' Edwin Díaz suspended 10 games after ejection for foreign substance on hand. (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. Cincinnati Reds
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Wednesday July 3 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾New York Boulders vs. Florence Y'alls
Clover Stadium Pomona, NY
Saturday July 6 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤All Star Stand Up Comedy
Broadway Comedy Club 318 W. 53rd St New York City,
Wednesday July 3 | 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM | (more info)

🎸The Heart of Rock and Roll
James Earl Jones Theatre New York, NY
Saturday July 6 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Family

💦Slide City Waterpark
Forest Park - Victory Field Victory Field Queens, NY
Thursday, July 4 | 11am - 7pm 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 “Metropolis of New York City with a massive central AI-controlled hub.” 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

1964: The 1964 New York World's Fair.

The 1964 New York World's Fair, held at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, was a spectacle of innovation and optimism, aimed at promoting a vision of peace and progress through a display of international cultures and cutting-edge technology. Themed "Peace Through Understanding," the fair spanned two six-month seasons from 1964 to 1965, attracting over 51 million visitors. It featured more than 80 nations, 24 US states, and over 45 corporations, each showcasing their achievements and aspirations for the future in elaborate pavilions and exhibitions.

One of the fair's most iconic symbols was the Unisphere, a massive stainless steel model of the Earth, which emphasized the global theme and served as a focal point for the event. The fair also introduced many technological marvels to the general public, including the Ford Mustang, the picturephone (a precursor to video calls), and Walt Disney's audio-animatronics. These innovations highlighted the fair's focus on "Man’s Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe," demonstrating how technology could potentially unite the world in new and exciting ways.

Despite its grand ambitions, the 1964 New York World's Fair faced financial difficulties and criticisms over its commercialism. However, it left a lasting legacy on the cultural and physical landscape of New York City. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park remains a vibrant public space, hosting various cultural and sporting events, and the Unisphere continues to stand as a symbol of global unity and progress. The fair also played a pivotal role in cementing New York’s status as a global city at the forefront of cultural and technological advancements.

Famous New Yorkers In History

George Washington (1732–1799): First President of the United States.

George Washington (1732–1752): Early Life and Beginnings

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, into a moderately prosperous family that owned a tobacco plantation. As a young man, Washington pursued a career as a surveyor due to his family's financial difficulties, which prevented him from receiving formal education abroad, unlike many of his contemporaries. His early career as a surveyor gave him significant insight into the layout and potential of American land, which would serve him well in his future military and political careers.

George Washington (1753–1763): Military Outset and the French and Indian War

In the early 1750s, Washington entered the military as a major in the Virginia militia, quickly becoming embroiled in the beginning stages of the French and Indian War. His involvement in the war began with a mission to deliver an ultimatum to the French forces on the frontier, a journey that marked the young officer's first brush with command. Washington's experiences during the war, including his leadership in the disastrous defeat at Fort Necessity and his role as an aide to British General Edward Braddock, helped cultivate his military acumen and leadership qualities.

George Washington (1764–1774): Mount Vernon and Political Dissatisfaction

After the war, Washington returned to Mount Vernon, which he had inherited from his brother's estate. He devoted himself to the expansion and management of his lands, becoming one of Virginia's most prosperous planters. During this period, Washington grew increasingly concerned with British colonial policies and taxation, which he viewed as unjust and detrimental to the economic welfare of the colonies. His political involvement intensified, setting the stage for his subsequent role in the American Revolution.

George Washington (1775–1783): The American Revolution

Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress in 1775. Despite lacking a formal military education and facing numerous challenges, including inadequate supplies and training for his troops, Washington demonstrated remarkable strategic ability and resilience. His leadership during critical moments such as the crossing of the Delaware River and the winter at Valley Forge was pivotal in maintaining colonial morale and ultimately securing American independence.

George Washington (1784–1788): Post-War Challenges and Constitutional Convention

Following the Revolutionary War, Washington returned to Mount Vernon, hoping to retire from public life. However, his respite was short-lived as he soon found himself involved in efforts to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. His presidency over the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he played a crucial but restrained role, was instrumental in shaping the new Constitution, which strengthened the federal government.

George Washington (1789–1797): Presidency

Washington became the first President of the United States in 1789, bringing stabilizing leadership to the new nation. His two terms in office set many precedents for the future conduct of the presidency, including the establishment of a cabinet and the tradition of a peaceful transfer of power. He also navigated domestic controversies and laid the groundwork for American foreign policy, particularly with his Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793.

George Washington (1797–1799): Retirement and Final Years

Washington retired from the presidency in 1797, setting a precedent by voluntarily stepping down after two terms. He returned to Mount Vernon, where he devoted his time to managing his estate and reflecting on the future of the young republic. His retirement was brief, as he died on December 14, 1799, after a sudden illness.

George Washington (Connection to New York)

George Washington's connection to New York was marked by significant events. New York City served as the capital during his presidency, and he was inaugurated as the first President of the United States there in 1789 at Federal Hall. This period highlighted his profound impact on shaping the emerging nation while residing in what was then the nation’s capital.

Key Achievements:

Led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War.
Served as the first President of the United States, setting foundational precedents for the role.
Presided over the Constitutional Convention, guiding the formation of the United States Constitution.
Established enduring frameworks for American political and economic policies.

George Washington's life was characterized by his immense contribution to the establishment and consolidation of the United States, both in military and political capacities. His leadership during the American Revolution and his presidency helped lay the durable foundations of the nation. Washington's legacy, marked by his character and leadership, continues to influence the United States profoundly.

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.

-Matthew Larsen