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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 Charlie Chaplin

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“Poetry is an awareness of the world, a particular way of relating to reality.”

― Andrei Tarkovsky

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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!

Which New York City building is known for its annual holiday window displays and Art Deco design?

A) Bloomingdale's

B) Macy's Herald Square

C) Saks Fifth Avenue

D) Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous New York City performing arts center located at Lincoln Center is C) The Metropolitan Opera House.

The Best Stories of the Week

💼Business

NY investment bank hires two local execs to establish Memphis office.(link)

🏦Finance

France's Orange to exit New York Stock Exchange.(link)

LPL plants new stake in New York with $400M Wedbush team.(link)

🏒Sports

Yankees miss chance to clinch AL East as Gleyber Torres’ baserunning blunder costs them in loss to Orioles.(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
Monday September 30 | (more info)

🏒 New York Rangers v. New Jersey Devils
Madison Square Garden New York,
Tuesday October 1 | 7:00 PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Vincent Lima
Bowery Ballroom New York,
Monday September 30 | 6:30 PM | (more info)

🎭 All Star Stand Up Comedy
Broadway Comedy Club 318 W. 53rd St New York City,
Monday September 30 | 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM | (more info)

Family

🎨 Kids Birthday Painting Party - Art Class by Classpop!™
Shot of Art NYC 28 W 36th St. 10-th floor New York,
Monday, September 30 · 5 - 5:40pm 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 an art district where the buildings are canvases for digital art.” 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

1999: The Millennium New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square.

The Millennium New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square on December 31, 1999, was one of the most spectacular and highly anticipated events in New York City's history. Marking the transition from the 20th to the 21st century, the celebration drew an estimated 2 million people to Times Square, with millions more watching the event on television worldwide. The festivities included live performances, a dazzling fireworks display, and the iconic ball drop at midnight.

The city undertook extensive preparations to ensure the event's success and safety. Security measures were heightened in response to concerns about potential Y2K disruptions and other threats. The celebration featured an array of entertainment, including performances by popular artists, speeches by prominent figures, and a tribute to the city's history and cultural diversity.

The Millennium New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square was a memorable and joyous occasion that captured the spirit of hope and renewal. It showcased NYC's ability to host large-scale events and brought global attention to the city's vibrant culture. The event set the tone for future New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square, reinforcing its status as the ""Crossroads of the World"" and a symbol of new beginnings.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Charlie Chaplin (1889–1977): Comic actor, filmmaker, and composer.

Early Life and Beginnings in Entertainment (1889–1913)

Charles Spencer Chaplin was born on April 16, 1889, in London, England. Raised in poverty by a single mother, Chaplin's early life was marked by hardship and instability. Despite these challenges, he developed a passion for performing, inspired by his parents, who were both entertainers. At the age of 10, Chaplin joined a troupe of child dancers, and by 14, he had secured his first acting role. His early work on the British stage, particularly with the Fred Karno comedy company, honed his comedic skills and introduced him to the world of slapstick comedy.

Move to the United States and Rise to Stardom (1914–1920)

In 1914, Chaplin moved to the United States and signed with Keystone Studios, where he made his film debut in ""Making a Living."" It was here that he created his iconic character, ""The Tramp,"" distinguished by his bowler hat, mustache, cane, and distinctive walk. The character quickly became a hit, and Chaplin's unique blend of humor and pathos won over audiences. By 1916, he had signed a lucrative contract with Mutual Film Corporation, making him one of the highest-paid actors in the world. Chaplin's films from this period, including ""The Kid"" (1921), showcased his genius in blending comedy with social commentary.

Connection to New York City (Throughout Career)

Charlie Chaplin's connection to New York City was significant throughout his career. While Hollywood was the center of his film production, New York served as a key location for his business dealings, premieres, and personal life. Chaplin's ties to the city were strengthened through his relationships with New York-based artists, writers, and intellectuals. He frequented the city's theaters, hotels, and social circles, often staying at the Algonquin Hotel and mingling with figures from the New York cultural scene. New York provided Chaplin with both inspiration and a platform to further his influence.

Innovation and Artistic Control (1921–1939)

Chaplin's drive for creative independence led him to co-found United Artists in 1919, alongside Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith. This move allowed him complete control over his films, from directing to acting to scoring. His work during the 1920s and 1930s, including ""The Gold Rush"" (1925), ""City Lights"" (1931), and ""Modern Times"" (1936), cemented his reputation as a cinematic genius. These films combined humor with critical social and economic themes, demonstrating Chaplin's ability to address serious issues while entertaining audiences. His use of silent film techniques continued to captivate even as sound films became the norm.

Political Controversies and Later Career (1940–1952)

In the 1940s, Chaplin's outspoken political views and personal controversies began to overshadow his career. His film ""The Great Dictator"" (1940) was a bold satire of Adolf Hitler and fascism, showcasing Chaplin's courage in addressing global issues. However, his political beliefs, particularly his perceived sympathy for communism, made him a target during the Red Scare. In 1952, after a trip to England, the U.S. government revoked his re-entry permit, effectively exiling him from the country. Chaplin settled in Switzerland, where he continued to make films, including ""A King in New York"" (1957) and ""A Countess from Hong Kong"" (1967).

Legacy and Recognition (1953–1977)

Despite his forced departure from the United States, Chaplin's contributions to cinema were eventually recognized and celebrated. In 1972, he returned to the U.S. to receive an honorary Academy Award for his ""incalculable effect in making motion pictures the art form of this century."" Chaplin's return to New York for the award ceremony was a poignant moment, highlighting his enduring impact on the film industry. He spent his later years in Switzerland, where he continued to write and compose music. Chaplin passed away on December 25, 1977, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences worldwide.

Key Achievements:

• Created the iconic character ""The Tramp,"" revolutionizing the silent film era with a blend of humor and social commentary.

• Co-founded United Artists, gaining creative control over his films and producing classics like ""The Gold Rush"" and ""City Lights.""

• Received an honorary Academy Award for his profound influence on the development of cinema.

Charlie Chaplin's journey from a childhood of hardship in London to becoming one of the most influential figures in film history is a testament to his extraordinary talent and resilience. His connection to New York City, through his business dealings and cultural engagements, played a significant role in his career. Chaplin's legacy as a pioneering actor, filmmaker, and composer continues to resonate, ensuring his place as a key figure in the history of cinema. His work remains timeless, reflecting his genius in blending comedy, pathos, and social commentary.

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-Matthew Larsen