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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Classic Tour at Yankee Stadium

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of Herman Melville

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”

― Albert Einstein

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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!

In which New York City borough is the famous botanical garden, housing the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, located?

A) Manhattan

B) Brooklyn

C) Queens

D) The Bronx

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The historic New York City train station known for its grand architecture and celestial ceiling is B) Grand Central Terminal.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Fast Company's 10th annual Innovation Festival returns to NYC. (link)

Former New York trucking company owner convicted of lying to FMCSA. (link)

🏦 Finance

Rupert Murdoch has spent at least two years trying to sell his NYC penthouse, slashing its original listing price from $62 million to $28.5 million. (link)

🏒 Sports

Stewart leads New York against Atlanta after 24-point game. (link)

Former New York Knicks guard gets a lucrative deal in free agency from the Toronto Raptors. (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

⚾Classic Tour at Yankee Stadium
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Friday July 5 | (more info)

⚾New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Sunday July 7 | 7:10 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤Birdland Big Band
Birdland Jazz Club 315 West 44th Street New York,
Friday July 5 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

🎸Bob James
Blue Note Jazz Club 131 W. 3rd St New York,
Saturday July 6 | 10:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🎉Creative Kid's Birthday - Art Class by Classpop
Shot of Art NYC 28 W 36th St. 10-th floor New York,
Friday, July 5 | 12 - 1:30pm 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 “New York City where each district represents a different season.” 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

1965: Northeast blackout of 1965.

The Northeast Blackout of 1965 was a massive power outage that affected over 30 million people across the northeastern United States and parts of Canada, including New York City. Occurring on November 9, 1965, the blackout began at 5:27 PM due to a faulty relay at a power station in Ontario, Canada, which caused a cascading failure of the interconnected power grid. NYC, one of the hardest-hit areas, was plunged into darkness, bringing the bustling metropolis to a sudden halt.

The blackout led to widespread disruption in New York City. Subways stopped mid-journey, trapping passengers underground, and traffic lights went out, causing gridlock on the streets. Businesses, theaters, and schools were forced to close, and the city’s iconic skyline went dark. Despite the potential for chaos, New Yorkers largely remained calm and resourceful. Stories of cooperation and camaraderie emerged, with people helping strangers and police maintaining order throughout the night.

The 1965 blackout highlighted the vulnerabilities of the interconnected power grid and led to significant changes in the management and infrastructure of electrical systems. It prompted utilities to improve coordination and implement better safeguards to prevent future widespread outages. The event also underscored the resilience and spirit of New Yorkers, who navigated the challenges of the blackout with determination and solidarity.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Herman Melville (1819–1891): Author known for "Moby-Dick.”

Herman Melville (1819–1891)

Early Life and Education (1819–1838)

Herman Melville was born on August 1, 1819, in New York City, to a family of modest means. His father, Allan Melvill, was a merchant who faced financial difficulties, and his mother, Maria Gansevoort Melvill, came from a prominent Dutch family. The family added an "e" to their last name after Allan's death in 1832. Melville's early education was sporadic due to the family's financial instability. He attended the New York Male High School and later the Albany Academy, where he developed a love for literature and the classics. These formative years in New York City and Albany profoundly influenced his literary sensibilities and exposed him to the maritime culture that would later dominate his work.

Seafaring Years and Early Writing (1839–1846)

In 1839, seeking adventure and a livelihood, Melville took to the sea, working as a cabin boy on a merchant ship bound for Liverpool. This experience ignited his fascination with maritime life and provided rich material for his future writings. In 1841, he joined the crew of the whaling ship Acushnet, embarking on a journey that would take him to the South Seas. Melville's time at sea was filled with adventure and hardship, including desertion, captivity among the Typee natives, and a stint in the Navy. These experiences formed the basis of his early novels, "Typee" (1846) and "Omoo" (1847), which were well-received for their exoticism and adventure.

Literary Success and ""Moby-Dick"" (1847–1851)

Encouraged by the success of his early works, Melville settled in New York City and began writing full-time. He married Elizabeth Shaw in 1847 and moved to a farm in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, where he continued to write. In 1851, he published his magnum opus, "Moby-Dick," a complex and ambitious novel that delved into themes of obsession, revenge, and the human condition. Though "Moby-Dick" received mixed reviews and was not initially a commercial success, it is now considered one of the greatest American novels. Melville's intricate narrative style and profound philosophical insights set "Moby-Dick" apart as a literary masterpiece.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Life)

New York City played a pivotal role throughout Melville's life and career. Born and raised in the city, Melville's early exposure to its vibrant port and diverse population influenced his worldview and literary themes. After achieving literary success, he frequently returned to New York, where he was part of the literary and intellectual circles. In 1866, Melville moved back to New York City permanently and worked as a customs inspector on the New York docks for 19 years. This job provided financial stability and allowed him to observe the city's dynamic life, which continued to inspire his writing. Melville's connection to New York City is integral to understanding his work and legacy.

Later Works and Decline in Popularity (1852–1876)

After the publication of "Moby-Dick," Melville continued to write, producing novels such as "Pierre" (1852), "Israel Potter" (1855), and "The Confidence-Man" (1857). However, these works did not achieve the same level of success as his earlier books, and Melville's popularity waned. He turned to poetry, publishing collections such as "Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War" (1866) and "Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land" (1876). Despite the lack of commercial success, Melville's later works explored profound themes and showcased his evolving literary style. His dedication to writing remained steadfast, even as his audience dwindled.

Final Years and Posthumous Recognition (1877–1891)

In his final years, Melville continued to write and revise his works, though he struggled with poor health and financial difficulties. He completed the novella "Billy Budd," which remained unpublished until 1924, more than three decades after his death. "Billy Budd" is now regarded as one of his greatest works, highlighting his mastery of narrative and his deep understanding of human nature. Melville passed away on September 28, 1891, in New York City. At the time of his death, he was largely forgotten by the literary world, but his reputation underwent a dramatic resurgence in the early 20th century, as scholars and critics rediscovered his work and recognized his genius.

Legacy and Influence (1891–Present)

Herman Melville's legacy as one of America's greatest writers was solidified posthumously. His exploration of complex themes such as humanity's struggle against the sublime, the nature of good and evil, and the quest for meaning in a chaotic world has continued to resonate with readers and scholars. "Moby-Dick," in particular, has been hailed as a cornerstone of American literature, influencing countless writers and artists. Melville's work has been the subject of extensive academic study and has inspired adaptations in various media, ensuring his lasting impact on literature and culture.

Key Achievements:

• Authored "Moby-Dick," one of the greatest American novels, known for its profound thematic depth and innovative narrative style.

• Published a series of influential early novels based on his seafaring experiences, including "Typee" and "Omoo."

• Worked as a customs inspector in New York City for nearly two decades, reflecting his connection to the city's maritime heritage.

Summary:

Herman Melville's life and career were marked by profound literary achievements and a deep connection to New York City. His early experiences in the city's vibrant port and his later years working as a customs inspector influenced his writing and provided a backdrop for his exploration of human nature and the complexities of existence. Although he faced periods of obscurity, Melville's work has endured, earning him a place among the greatest writers in American literature. His legacy continues to inspire and challenge readers, scholars, and artists around the world.

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-Matthew Larsen