Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming Rangers home game

• Giants sign Drew Lock to a one-year deal

• A deep dive into the life of Walt Whitman

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Courage is never to let your actions be influenced by your fears.”

— Arthur Koestler

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 district is known as the center of the American theater industry?

A) SoHo

B) Greenwich Village

C) Times Square

D) Broadway

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:
The historic island in New York City that served as an immigration station is C) Ellis Island.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

New York State cracks down on organized retail theft. (link)

Donald Trump's Business Ventures in New York successfully preserve their federal tax classification amid scrutiny. (link)

NYCB Shares Keep Falling As Investors Weigh 'Significant And Very Expensive' Financial Strategy. (link)

Drive Shack Inc. announces grand opening of Puttery New York City. (link)

🏦 Finance

Reddit sets its sights on achieving a $6.5 billion valuation through its anticipated Stock Market Debut in New York. (link)

New York AG questions Trump cash reserves as $464 million judgment looms. (link)

The Internal Revenue Service has rolled out a new pilot program offering free online tax filing services exclusively for residents in New York. (link)

The Health and Hospitals (H+H) Committee has officially approved contracts totaling $403 million dedicated to providing a wide range of services for asylum seekers. (link)

🏒 Sports

Former New York Mets and Yankees star Darryl Strawberry is recovering from a heart attack. (link)

Brian Burns Secures $150M Five-Year Deal with New York Giants Following Carolina Panthers Trade. (link)

New York Giants are giving former Seahawks QB Drew Lock a one-year, guaranteed $5 million deal. (link)

Women’s roller derby league sues suburban New York county over trans athlete ban. (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 Rangers vs. Winnipeg Jets
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
Tuesday March 19 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 Brooklyn Nets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY
Tuesday March 19 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

🏀 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament: All Sessions
Barclays Center Brooklyn, NY
Friday March 22 | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 SAMSARA, Autumn Rhythm, Mildly Allergic
Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Wednesday March 20 | 6:00 PM| (more info)

🎛 DJ and the Lovemakers' Days, Nights and Seasons Tour
Heaven Can Wait
Wednesday March 20 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎺 The High Society New Orleans Jazz Band
Birdland Theater
Thursday March 21 | 5:30 PM | (more info)

Family

🌌 Star Talk: Neil deGrasse Tyson
Beacon Theatre New York, NY
Wednesday March 20 | 8:00 PM | (more info)

🍬 Candy Crafting at Cricket's Candy Creations
Cricket's Candy Creations New York, NY
Friday March 22 | 3:00PM | (more info)

🐰 Breakfast with The Bunny
Hard Rock Cafe Times Square NYC
Saturday March 23 | 10:00 AM | (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 “Spaceport integrated into New York City's central 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

1858: Central Park opens.

The opening of Central Park in 1858 represented a groundbreaking moment in the social and physical development of New York City, embodying a visionary approach to urban public space that would influence cities worldwide. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, Central Park was America's first major landscaped public park, conceived as a pastoral oasis for all New Yorkers, irrespective of social class. Its creation reflected growing awareness of the need for green spaces within rapidly industrializing urban environments, offering residents a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Spanning over 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park was an engineering feat, transforming swampy land into a harmonious blend of naturalistic landscapes, meadows, lakes, and walking paths. The park became a social equalizer and a communal space where people from diverse backgrounds could mingle, relax, and engage in leisure activities. Its design and success underscored the importance of public parks in urban living, promoting health, wellbeing, and community cohesion.

Central Park's opening and enduring popularity underscore the vital role of public spaces in enhancing urban quality of life. It set a precedent for the creation of urban parks across the United States and globally, highlighting the critical balance between nature and urban development. As a beloved landmark and green heart of New York City, Central Park continues to reflect the city's complex character, serving as a testament to the vision of its creators and the enduring value of public spaces in urban centers.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Walt Whitman (1819–1892)

Early Life and Initial Forays into Writing (1819-1840)

Walt Whitman was born in 1819 in West Hills, New York, and grew up in a burgeoning Brooklyn, experiencing the rapid growth and diversification of New York City during his formative years. These early experiences in a city marked by both stark inequalities and burgeoning democratic ideals profoundly influenced Whitman's worldview and literary ambitions. He began his career as a teacher and journalist, developing a keen interest in the social issues of his time, which would later inform his poetry.

Journalistic Career and Advocacy (1841-1854)

Whitman's career in journalism took him through various New York publications, where he wrote extensively on political, social, and cultural issues. His work as a journalist and editor in Brooklyn and Manhattan helped hone his distinctive voice, characterized by an unwavering commitment to democracy, equality, and human dignity. This period was crucial in shaping Whitman's literary philosophy, emphasizing the common man's value and the significance of individual experience.

"Leaves of Grass" and Literary Innovation (1855-1865)

In 1855, Whitman self-published the first edition of "Leaves of Grass," a groundbreaking collection of poetry that celebrated the human spirit, nature, and the democratic ideals of America. The work's free verse style and explicit celebration of the body and soul marked a significant departure from traditional poetic forms, positioning Whitman as a pioneering figure in American literature. Despite initial controversy, "Leaves of Grass" would come to be celebrated for its innovative approach to poetry and its profound exploration of life and identity.

Civil War Years and "Drum-Taps" (1861-1865)

The outbreak of the Civil War profoundly impacted Whitman, leading him to volunteer as a nurse in Washington, D.C. His experiences tending to wounded soldiers informed his later work, particularly the collection "Drum-Taps," which captured the war's human toll and the nation's anguish. Whitman's poetry from this period reflects a deep empathy for the suffering of others and a continued belief in America's ideals, even amidst division and conflict.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Life)

New York City remained a central influence in Whitman's life and work. The city's dynamism, diversity, and democratic energy deeply resonated with Whitman, shaping his vision of America and his literary exploration of self and society. New York served as both muse and backdrop for much of Whitman's poetry, embodying the complexities and contradictions of the nation itself.

Later Years and Reflections on Legacy (1866-1892)

In his later years, Whitman continued to revise and expand "Leaves of Grass," with the final edition published shortly before his death. He reflected on his contributions to American literature and the enduring themes of his work: love, democracy, and the sanctity of the individual. Despite facing health challenges, Whitman remained engaged with the literary community and his readers, solidifying his status as one of America's most influential poets.

Death and Enduring Influence (1892)

Walt Whitman passed away in 1892, leaving behind a literary legacy that has continued to inspire and challenge readers. His innovative approach to poetry, characterized by its free verse form and celebration of the human experience, has made Whitman a central figure in the American literary canon. His work continues to be celebrated for its visionary embrace of democracy and its profound exploration of life, death, and the human spirit.

Key Achievements:

• Published "Leaves of Grass," a seminal work in American poetry that celebrated democracy, individuality, and nature.

• Influenced the direction of modern poetry through his use of free verse and exploration of diverse themes.

• Served as a nurse during the Civil War, documenting the conflict's impact on the American psyche through his poetry.

• Left a lasting impact on New York City's cultural landscape, drawing inspiration from its people and places.

Walt Whitman's journey from a young journalist in New York City to one of America's most celebrated poets reflects a life dedicated to capturing the essence of the human experience and the ideals of democracy. Through his pioneering work in poetry, Whitman explored the depths of individuality, the beauty of the natural world, and the complexities of society, leaving an indelible mark on American literature and the cultural fabric of New York City. His legacy, characterized by a boundless love for humanity and an unwavering belief in the democratic spirit, continues to resonate with readers around the world.

Connect With Me

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-Matthew Larsen

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