Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Upcoming New York Knicks home game

• AI art of the week

• A deep dive into the life of John D. Rockefeller

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Power is action; the electoral principle is discussion. No political action is possible when discussion is permanently established.”

—Honoré de Balzac

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 Yankee Stadium located?

A) Manhattan

B) Brooklyn

C) The Bronx

D) Queens

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous New York City skyscraper that was once the world's tallest building is C) The Empire State Building.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

Beard Papa’s bringing Japanese cream puffs to New York City's Financial District.(link)

Boeing Union Approves New Contract, Ending Costly Strike.(link)

🏦Finance

New York spent $873M on student financial aid in 2023-2024 school year.(link)

🏒Sports

Elite star linked to New York Yankees and New York Mets in free agency now ‘likely’ to stay with current team.(link)

New York Passes Radical Ballot Amendment to Enshrine Male Participation in Women’s Sports, Protect Illegal Immigrants.(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. San Jose Sharks
Madison Square Garden New York,
Thursday November 14 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🏀 New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets
Madison Square Garden New York,
Friday November 15 | 7:30 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 G-Eazy - Freak Show
Brooklyn Paramount Brooklyn, NY
Friday November 15 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

🎸 Dylan Gossett - The Back 40 Tour
Irving Plaza Powered By Verizon 5G New York,
Saturday November 16 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Family

🎶 Making Music With Friends - An Interactive Concert for Kids
Church In the Gardens 50 Ascan Avenue Queens, NY
Saturday, November 16 | 4 - 5pm EST | (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 “Urban landscape of New York City with advanced public transport systems.” 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

1886: Dedication of the Statue of Liberty.

The dedication of the Statue of Liberty on October 28, 1886, marked a pivotal moment in the history of New York City and the United States, symbolizing the ideals of freedom, democracy, and international friendship. A gift from France to commemorate the centennial of American independence and the shared values between the two nations, the statue was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and features a framework by Gustave Eiffel. Standing on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, the statue greeted millions of immigrants arriving in America, becoming an enduring symbol of hope and a new beginning.

The dedication ceremony was attended by thousands, including President Grover Cleveland, and featured festivities that underscored the statue's significance as a beacon of liberty. The Statue of Liberty's presence in New York City has since been a powerful reminder of America's foundational principles and its role as a refuge for those seeking freedom and opportunity. Over the years, it has become an iconic image of New York City and the nation, embodying the aspirations and dreams of countless individuals.

The Statue of Liberty continues to hold a special place in the American consciousness, attracting visitors from around the world and serving as a focal point for discussions on immigration, liberty, and national identity. Its dedication in 1886 and enduring presence underscore the Statue's role not just as a monument, but as a symbol of the enduring values that define the United States and its promise to all who seek a better life on its shores.

Famous New Yorkers In History

John D. Rockefeller (1839–1937): Oil industry business magnate and philanthropist.

Early Life and Business Beginnings (1839-1863)

John Davison Rockefeller was born in 1839 in Richford, New York, to a modest family. His early life was characterized by hard work and a keen sense for business, traits that would define his career. By his early twenties, Rockefeller had entered the business world in Cleveland, Ohio, demonstrating a natural aptitude for finance and negotiations. His initial ventures in produce commission and other businesses laid the groundwork for his entry into the oil industry.

Formation of Standard Oil and Monopoly (1863-1890)

In 1863, sensing the burgeoning potential of the oil industry, Rockefeller founded Standard Oil. Through shrewd business strategies, including aggressive expansion, acquisitions, and the pioneering use of trusts to consolidate operations, Rockefeller quickly dominated the industry. By the late 19th century, Standard Oil had become synonymous with the American oil industry, controlling a vast majority of oil refining and transportation in the United States.

Philanthropy and the Rockefeller Foundation (1891-1937)

Parallel to his business pursuits, Rockefeller emerged as one of the most influential philanthropists in history. His views on wealth and responsibility led to the establishment of numerous charitable organizations and initiatives. In 1913, he founded the Rockefeller Foundation, an institution that played a pivotal role in public health, scientific research, and education, both in the United States and worldwide. His philanthropic efforts, guided by the principle of ""scientific philanthropy,"" sought to address the root causes of societal issues.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Life)

New York City played a central role in Rockefeller's life and legacy. It was in New York that Standard Oil was headquartered, and the city served as the base from which Rockefeller expanded his business empire and philanthropic activities. His impact on the city is visible in landmarks such as Rockefeller Center, a symbol of his vision for urban development, and numerous cultural and educational institutions that benefited from his generosity.

Retirement and Reflection on Legacy (1911-1937)

Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to break up Standard Oil in 1911 due to antitrust violations, Rockefeller gradually withdrew from active business operations, focusing instead on philanthropy. His later years were spent reflecting on his dual legacy as a business magnate who revolutionized the oil industry and as a philanthropist who sought to use his wealth for the betterment of society.

Death and Enduring Influence (1937)

John D. Rockefeller passed away in 1937, leaving behind a complex legacy. As the world's first billionaire, his name became synonymous with wealth and business acumen. However, his most enduring contributions may well be in the field of philanthropy, where his innovative approach to charitable giving has influenced generations of philanthropists.

Key Achievements:

• Founded Standard Oil, establishing a near-monopoly in the American oil industry and setting the foundation for the modern corporate economy.

• Pioneered the concept of scientific philanthropy, establishing institutions such as the Rockefeller Foundation that have had a profound impact on public health, education, and scientific research.

• Transformed New York City's urban landscape and cultural institutions through significant philanthropic contributions.

John D. Rockefeller's journey from a modest upbringing to becoming the patriarch of the American oil industry and a leading philanthropist is a story of ambition, controversy, and legacy. His business practices set the stage for the modern corporate world, while his philanthropic efforts aimed to tackle global challenges through systematic and scientific methods. In New York City, his impact is felt in the enduring institutions and landmarks he helped create, testament to a life that forever changed the landscapes of both industry and philanthropy.

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

-Yannick Lyons