Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• The New York Red Bulls hire new head coach

• Upcoming Knicks home games

• A deep dive into the life of Norman Rockwell

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have."

-Maya Angelou

Photo of the Week

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!

The Chrysler Building, an iconic part of the New York skyline, was briefly the tallest building in the world before another famous skyscraper surpassed its height. Which building claimed this title shortly after the completion of the Chrysler Building?

A) The Empire State Building

B) The Rockefeller Center

C) One World Trade Center

D) The Flatiron Building

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

U.S. stock markets closed higher on Friday, driven by strong economic data. A resilient labor market and increasing consumer sentiment boosted expectations of a soft landing of the economy. All three major stock indexes ended in positive territory, marking their highest close since early 2022​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

New York City's investment sales market in 2023 saw significant transactions, including Wells Fargo's $550 million purchase of Neiman Marcus' former retail space at 20 Hudson Yards and Mori Trust's $998 million purchase of a stake in 245 Park Avenue. The year marked the return of $1 billion deals and a shift towards owner-occupier sales​​. (link)

Speaker Adrienne Adams reviewed the Mayor's November Financial Plan, emphasizing the need for collaborative work to address budget challenges and support the city's health and future​​. (link)

🏒 Sports

The New York Red Bulls announced the hiring of Sandro Schwarz as their new head coach. This marks a significant change for the team, looking to enhance their strategies and performance in upcoming seasons​​. (link)

The New York Mets are reportedly considering a pivot to Blake Snell, especially if they miss out on acquiring Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This move could significantly impact the team's lineup and future strategies​​. (link)

📰 News

The NYC Council's Economic & Tax Revenue Forecast showed the city's economy is stable, but slowing growth is creating budget pressures. The Council's revenue estimates are higher than those of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)​​. (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

🏀 Milwaukee Bucks at New York Knicks (December 23) Experience the thrill of NBA basketball as the New York Knicks face off against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden. This game will feature high-level basketball and a vibrant atmosphere typical of NBA games. (link)

🏀 Knicks at Brooklyn Nets (December 20) Join the excitement at the Barclays Center where the Brooklyn Nets host their city rivals, the New York Knicks. This basketball game is sure to be a heated contest filled with talent and city pride. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Postmodern Jukebox at Hackensack Meridian Health Theatre (December 21) Enjoy modern pop hits reimagined with a big band twist by Postmodern Jukebox. Known for their unique covers and jazz piano, this group is sure to provide an entertaining and memorable night out. (link)

Family

📚 Family Story Time (December 19) Perfect for a family night out with children, enjoy Family Storytime at the Children's Center in the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library. (link)

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 during a zombie apocalypse” 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

Opening of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (1962)

The opening of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in 1962 heralded a new era for culture in New York City. Situated in Manhattan's Lincoln Square neighborhood, this complex became a focal point for the performing arts, housing key institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet, and the Juilliard School. It was conceived as part of the urban renewal movement and transformed a previously blighted area of the city into a prestigious cultural hub.

Lincoln Center quickly established itself as a leading international arts venue, renowned for its diverse offerings in music, dance, theater, and film. The center's innovative architectural design, featuring iconic buildings like the Metropolitan Opera House and David Geffen Hall, became a symbol of modernist aesthetic in the city.

As a cultural landmark, Lincoln Center has significantly influenced the development of performing arts worldwide. Its commitment to artistic excellence and education continues to enrich New York City's cultural landscape, making it a destination for artists and audiences from around the globe.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Norman Rockwell: 1894-1978

Norman Rockwell was a renowned American painter and illustrator famous for his depictions of American culture. Born in New York City, Rockwell's work celebrated everyday life and played a significant role in shaping the popular image of American identity in the 20th century.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings (1894-1916) 

Born and raised in New York City, Norman Rockwell showed a passion for art from an early age. He left high school to study art at The National Academy of Design and later at the Art Students League, focusing on illustration.

Early Career and the Saturday Evening Post (1916-1930) 

Rockwell's early career was marked by freelance work for various magazines. In 1916, he created the first of over 320 covers for "The Saturday Evening Post," a collaboration that would continue for nearly five decades and become emblematic of his career.

Depicting American Life (1930-1945) 

Rockwell's illustrations in the 1930s and 1940s captured the spirit of American life with warmth, humor, and pathos. His scenes of small-town life were particularly beloved, offering a comforting vision of America during the Great Depression and World War II.

The Four Freedoms (1943) 

In 1943, inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's address to Congress, Rockwell painted the "Four Freedoms" series. These works—Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear—gained immense popularity and were used to promote war bonds.

Post-War America and Civil Rights (1946-1963) 

In the post-war era, Rockwell's work began to reflect the complexities of American life. He addressed social issues such as civil rights in paintings like "The Problem We All Live With" (1964), depicting Ruby Bridges in New Orleans' school desegregation.

Later Life and Autobiography (1964-1978) 

In his later years, Rockwell continued to paint and write. His autobiography, "My Adventures as an Illustrator," was published in 1960. He also created works for "Look" magazine, focusing on subjects like space exploration and presidential portraits.

Legacy and Influence in American Art (Post-1978) 

Rockwell passed away in 1978, but his legacy endures. He is remembered as one of America's most beloved artists, with his work continuing to resonate with audiences for its portrayal of American life and culture. Rockwell's art remains influential, celebrated in museums and galleries across the country.

Museum and Preservation of Work (1970s-Present) 

The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where he spent the last 25 years of his life, is dedicated to preserving his legacy. It houses the world's largest collection of original Rockwell art, offering insights into his creative process and the historical context of his works.

Enduring Appeal and Cultural Impact 

Rockwell's appeal lies in his ability to tell stories through his art, capturing the essence of American identity and values. His work has been referenced and parodied in various media, underlining its enduring place in American culture.

Recognition and Awards 

Throughout his career, Rockwell received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977, the United States' highest civilian honor, recognizing his contribution to American culture.

Key Achievements of Norman Rockwell:

• Created iconic images of American life, contributing over 320 covers to "The Saturday Evening Post."

• Painted the influential "Four Freedoms" series, which played a role in America's wartime propaganda efforts.

• His work addressed important social issues, reflecting changes in American society.

• Left a lasting impact on American art, influencing generations of illustrators and painters.

• His work is celebrated at the Norman Rockwell Museum, preserving his artistic legacy.

Norman Rockwell's story is one of artistic excellence and cultural impact. His ability to capture the spirit of America in his paintings has made him an enduring figure in the art world, continuing to inspire and connect with audiences today.

Connect With Me

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

-Matthew Larsen