New York City Newsletter (June 10th)

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

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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Cricket stadium in New York hosts its first match

  • Sean Combs Sells Stake in Revolt

  • A deep dive into the life of Gertrude Ederle

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

“If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.”

— Mario Andretti

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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 neighborhood is the Apollo Theater, famous for its Amateur Night, located?

A) Harlem

B) SoHo

C) Greenwich Village

D) Lower East Side

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The New York City island known for its former military fortifications and as a current public park is B) Governors Island.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Sean Combs Sells Stake in Revolt, the Media Company He Founded. (link)

Delivering food on an e-bike or moped is a deadly endeavor in New York City. (link)

P.J. Clarke's to open its 4th New York City location at Manhattan West. (link)

🏒 Sports

Strahan Headlines Giants on College Football Hall of Fame Ballot. (link)

MLB bans Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life for betting on baseball. (link)

Cricket stadium in New York hosts its first match. (link)

Rob Cross outlasted Gerwyn Price 8-7 in a thrilling encounter to win the US Darts Masters in New York City. (link)

🏦 Finance

New York Stock Exchange says bizarre glitch that showed Berkshire Hathaway down 99.97% has been resolved. (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 Mets vs. Miami Marlins
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Tuesday June 11 | 7:10 PM | (more info)

🏏ICC 20 World Cup - Pakistan vs Canada
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium New York, NY
Tuesday Jun 11 | 10:30 AM | (more info)

New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew
NYCFC at Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Friday June 14 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

New York Mets vs. San Diego Padres
Citi Field Flushing, NY
Sunday June 16 | 1:40 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎷Susan Mack “No More Blues”
Birdland Jazz Club 315 West 44th Street New York,
Monday June 10 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸Brandee Younger
Blue Note Jazz Club 131 W. 3rd St New York,
Monday Jun 10 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎺The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
Blue Note Jazz Club 131 W. 3rd St New York,
Tuesday June 11 | 10:30 PM | (more info)

🎸The Heart of Rock and Roll
James Earl Jones Theatre New York, NY
Thursday June 13 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎤Kids Concert with Mike Messer Music
542 West 36th Street New York, NY
Tuesday, June 11 | 10:30 - 11:15am EDT | (more info)

🎨Creative Kid's Birthday - Art Class by Classpop
Shot of Art NYC 28 W 36th St. 10-th floor New York, NY
Saturday, June 15 · 4 - 5:30pm 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 with gravity-defying structures.” 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

1931: Empire State Building completed.

The completion of the Empire State Building in 1931 marked a historic moment for New York City, symbolizing not only architectural achievement but also the aspirations of the American spirit during the Great Depression. Standing at 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna, it was the tallest building in the world at the time, overtaking the Chrysler Building, which had held the record briefly. This majestic skyscraper, located in Midtown Manhattan, was constructed in just over a year, thanks to the efforts of some 3,400 workers who completed the building ahead of schedule and under budget—a remarkable feat given the economic circumstances of the time.

The Empire State Building was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates and developed by John J. Raskob and Al Smith, who envisioned creating a significant landmark amidst the city's growing skyline. Its art deco design became an icon of New York City, drawing visitors from around the world and serving as a beacon of innovation and ambition. The building's construction was a morale booster for many Americans during the Depression era, symbolizing hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Today, the Empire State Building stands as a monument to American industrial ingenuity and architectural elegance. It has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and photographs, further cementing its status as a cultural and historical emblem of New York City. Beyond its entertainment and aesthetic contributions, the Empire State Building continues to attract millions of tourists each year and remains a central hub for business in Manhattan.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Gertrude Ederle (1905–2003): Swimmer and first woman to swim the English Channel.

Early Life and Discovery of Swimming (1905–1921)

Gertrude Ederle was born in New York City in 1905 into a family of German immigrants. Her passion for swimming began early, thanks to her family's frequent visits to the New Jersey shoreline. By the age of 16, she was already competing locally, showing early signs of her future prowess in the water.

Rise to National Prominence (1922–1924)

Gertrude quickly made a name for herself in competitive swimming, joining the Women's Swimming Association of New York. Her outstanding abilities led her to participate in the 1924 Paris Olympics, where she won a gold medal in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay and bronze medals in the 100-meter and 400-meter freestyle races.

The Challenge of the English Channel (1925)

After her Olympic success, Ederle set her sights on a new challenge: swimming the English Channel. This 21-mile stretch of water had been swum by only five men by that time. Ederle's attempt was not only a personal challenge but also a bid to break gender barriers in endurance sports.

Training and Preparation (1926)

Ederle trained rigorously for her channel swim, adapting her technique and endurance to the cold and choppy waters she would face. Her training took place both in the United States and England, involving long-distance swims and acclimatization to cold water, all under the guidance of her coach, Bill Burgess, himself a Channel swimmer.

Historic Swim and World Record (1926)

On August 6, 1926, Gertrude Ederle successfully swam across the English Channel, setting a new world record time of 14 hours and 34 minutes, beating the previous men's record by nearly two hours. Her feat was celebrated worldwide and brought her unprecedented fame as the first woman to accomplish this swim.

Media Sensation and Role Model (1927–1930)

Upon her return to the United States, Ederle was greeted with a ticker-tape parade in New York City, attended by over two million people. Her accomplishment made her a role model for women in sports and an icon of American achievement. She used her fame to promote swimming and women's participation in sports.

Advocacy and Teaching (1931–1960)

After her swimming career ended, Ederle dedicated herself to teaching swimming to children, particularly those with disabilities. She believed in the therapeutic and empowering qualities of swimming and worked tirelessly to ensure that others could benefit from the sport.

Personal Challenges and Resilience (1961–1980)

Later in life, Ederle faced several personal health challenges, including poor hearing and limited mobility due to spinal injuries from her intense swimming career. Despite these obstacles, she continued to engage in activities and maintained her interests in swimming and advocacy.

Final Years and Legacy (1981–2003)

Gertrude Ederle lived quietly in her later years, remaining an inspiration to many. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 98. Her pioneering spirit and achievements continue to be celebrated in the world of swimming and beyond.

Ederle’s New York Connections (Throughout Life)

Ederle's connection to New York City was profound. Born and raised in the city, she was a member of the Women's Swimming Association of New York and trained in local pools. Her return to New York after swimming the Channel was met with immense public adoration, highlighting her status as a New York hero.

Key Achievements:

  • First woman to swim the English Channel, setting a world record in 1926.

  • Olympic gold and bronze medalist at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

  • Pioneered women’s participation in competitive and endurance swimming.

  • Advocated for and taught swimming to children, particularly those with disabilities.

  • Recognized with a ticker-tape parade in New York City, celebrating her achievements.

Gertrude Ederle's biography exemplifies the life of a trailblazer who not only broke records but also shattered societal expectations for women in sports. Her swim across the English Channel in 1926 marked a pivotal moment in sports history, empowering a generation of women to pursue their athletic ambitions. Ederle's enduring impact is reflected in her advocacy for swimming, her inspirational role, and her deep roots in New York City, where she started her journey and celebrated her most significant triumphs.

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-Matthew Larsen

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

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