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Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming 24kgoldn concert

• NY Sports Betting Hits $200M in May

• A deep dive into the life of Mae West

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Build your own dreams or someone else will hire you to build theirs.”

— Farrah Gray

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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!

What is the name of the famous New York City art museum located on Fifth Avenue and 89th Street, known for its spiral architecture?

A) The Metropolitan Museum of Art

B) The Guggenheim Museum

C) The Whitney Museum of American Art

D) The Museum of Modern Art

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia: The neighborhood where the Apollo Theater is located is A) Harlem.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

Hundreds of ATVs, scooters, and mopeds were crushed by New York City officials. (link)

Flushing soup dumpling restaurant Nan Xiang charts its expansion. (link)

🏦 Finance

New York sports betting revenue tops $200m in May. (link)

Moelis places banker on leave as it investigates New York scuffle. (link)

🏒 Sports

Cricket craze hits N.Y. as fans take in rival teams Pakistan and India. (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
Tuesday, June 18 | (more info)

⚾️Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Jersey Shore BlueClaws
Maimonides Park Brooklyn, NY
Tuesday, June 18 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

⚾️New York Yankees v. Baltimore Orioles
Yankee Stadium Bronx, NY
Wednesday, June 19 | 7:05 PM | (more info)

⚾️Brooklyn Cyclones vs. Jersey Shore BlueClaws
Maimonides Park Brooklyn, NY
Sunday, June 23 | 2:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Haley Reinhart
Sony Hall 235 W 46th St New York,
Monday, June 17 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🎶24kgoldn
Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Wednesday, June 19 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸The Heart of Rock and Roll
James Earl Jones Theatre New York, NY
Wednesday, June 19 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🎤Joyner Lucas - Not Now, I'm Busy Tour
Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G New York, NY
Thursday, Jun 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🍭Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
157 Chambers St, New York,
Wednesday, June 19 | 1:00 PM | (more info)

🖌️Workshop for Kids: Hands on Clay with Clay Space
Lentol Garden 178 Bayard Street Brooklyn, NY
Friday, June 21 · 3 - 4pm 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 “An entirely underground 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

1939: The 1939 New York World's Fair.

The 1939 New York World's Fair, held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, was a grand exposition that aimed to showcase the future during a time marked by economic depression and growing global tensions. Themed "Building the World of Tomorrow," this fair promised a dazzling vision of the future, emphasizing technology, innovation, and modernity. It was a sprawling event, covering over 1,200 acres and featuring futuristic exhibits from over 60 countries and many corporate giants.

The fair's iconic symbols included the Trylon, a towering spire, and the Perisphere, a gigantic globe, both connected by a futuristic moving sidewalk called the "Helicline." Inside the Perisphere was "Democracity," a utopian city of the future, presented in a detailed diorama that visitors viewed from a moving walkway. This exhibit encapsulated the fair's theme, projecting an idealized vision for a future shaped by technology and human ingenuity. The fair also introduced many technological innovations to the American public, including television, air conditioning, and nylon, all of which would have a lasting impact on society.

Despite its focus on the future, the 1939 World's Fair was deeply rooted in the cultural and political contexts of its time. It served as a platform for international dialogue, with nations like the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany participating and erecting their own pavilions. As World War II loomed on the horizon, the fair's optimistic tone provided a stark contrast to the global unrest. Although it initially struggled financially, by the time it closed in 1940, the fair had entertained millions of visitors, leaving a legacy of hope and innovation that aimed to inspire a generation facing uncertain times.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Mae West (1893–1980): Actress, singer, playwright, and sex symbol.

Mae West (1893–1917): The Early Years

Mae West was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1893. Growing up in a vaudeville family, she was exposed to the performing arts from a young age. Mae started performing professionally in vaudeville and on the stage as a child, quickly gaining recognition for her charismatic presence and sharp wit. By her teenage years, she was already writing and performing in her own plays, setting the stage for a groundbreaking career.

Mae West (1918–1927): Broadway Beginnings

During the 1920s, Mae West's career transitioned from vaudeville to Broadway, where she continued to push boundaries with her bold, sexually charged performances. She wrote and starred in the 1926 play "Sex," which led to her arrest and brief imprisonment on morals charges. This incident only boosted her fame, making her a household name and a symbol of sexual freedom.

Mae West (1928–1932): Hollywood Calling

West moved to Hollywood in the late 1920s and signed with Paramount Pictures. Her film debut in "Night After Night" (1932) was a success, marked by her famous line, "Goodness, what beautiful diamonds!" to which she ad-libbed, "Goodness had nothing to do with it, dearie." This transition to film allowed West to reach an even broader audience with her unique blend of humor and sensuality.

Mae West (1933–1940): Cinematic Peak

Throughout the 1930s, Mae West starred in several hit films such as "She Done Him Wrong" and "I'm No Angel," both of which were among the highest-grossing films of the era. Her screen persona as a confident, independent woman was revolutionary and had a significant influence on the portrayal of women in film and society. West became one of the highest-paid women in the United States.

Mae West (1941–1950): Challenges and Changes

The 1940s presented new challenges for West as the film industry's moral standards tightened with the enforcement of the Hays Code. Her film roles became less frequent, and she returned to the stage, reviving some of her earlier plays and touring with her nightclub act, which included singing and comedy routines.

Mae West (1951–1960): A Return to the Spotlight

In the 1950s, West made a successful comeback to the entertainment industry with her Las Vegas stage show, which was a mix of glamour, comedy, and music. She also appeared in television and radio, demonstrating her versatility as an entertainer and her ability to adapt to the changing tastes of the American public.

Mae West (1961–1970): Silver Screen Revival

The 1960s saw West's return to the cinema with roles in films like "Myra Breckinridge." Although the film was controversial and received mixed reviews, West's performance was noted for its classic wit and timing. Her appearance in the film reaffirmed her status as a cultural icon.

Mae West (1971–1980): Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Mae West maintained a public presence, often appearing in interviews and making cameo appearances in films and on television. She continued to write and, in 1978, released her autobiography, "Goodness Had Nothing to Do With It," which became a best-seller. West passed away in 1980, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both film and theater.

Mae West (Connection to New York)

Mae West's connection to New York was profound. Born and raised in Brooklyn, her early exposure to the city's vibrant theatrical scene shaped her artistic style and persona. New York's mix of cultures, coupled with its liberal attitudes towards theater and performance art, played a significant role in her development as a groundbreaking figure in American entertainment.

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered roles for women in film that combined wit, sensuality, and intelligence.

• Wrote and starred in plays and films that challenged societal norms around sexuality and gender.

• One of the highest-paid people in the United States during the 1930s.

• Authored a bestselling autobiography.

• Served as a lifelong advocate for artistic freedom and sexual liberation.

Mae West was not just an actress; she was a cultural force who transformed entertainment with her bold, unabashed persona. Her career, spanning from the vaudeville stages of New York to the silver screens of Hollywood, was marked by groundbreaking achievements that challenged and changed societal norms. West's legacy as an icon of empowerment and self-expression continues to influence artists and audiences today.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen