Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Red Cross & FDNY installing free fire alarms in homes

• Upcoming Jets home games

• Latest updates on the city’s budget crisis

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do."

- Steve Jobs

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 Woolworth Building was completed in 1913. What distinction did it hold at that time?

A) The world's tallest office building

B) The first building with a steel frame

C) The first building with an elevator

D) The largest department store in the world

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

What unique feature was originally incorporated in the design of the Brooklyn Bridge for entertainment purposes?

Answer: Wine Cellars

The Best Stories of the Week

💼 Business

On November 16th, Starbucks workers in New York City walked off the job, expressing dissatisfaction over pay and staffing issues. (link)

Hoping to attract new customers, Crate & Barrel opened a new location on Thursday on 881 Broadway in the Fashion District. (link)

🏦 Finance

New York City Mayor Eric Adams released the city's November Financial Plan Update for Fiscal Year 2024. This update comes as the city faces significant fiscal challenges, including a migrant crisis projected to cost nearly $11 billion over two fiscal years and an expected FY25 budget gap surpassing $7 billion. (link)

Mayor Eric Adams’ office announced that the budget crisis will cause for budget cuts for libraries, summer schools, police, and composting. (link)

🏒 Sports

New York Jets Defeated by Las Vegas Raiders: In a recent NFL game, the New York Jets fell to the Las Vegas Raiders with a final score of 16-12. The game raised questions about the future direction of the Jets. (link)

📰 News

The American Red Cross launched a “Sound the Alarm” program with the New York City Fire Department to install fire alarms in homes across the city for free. (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 Jets (November 24) Watch the New York Jets as they face off against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium, promising an action-packed game. (link)

🏀 Brooklyn Nets (November 25) The Nets will play a home game on Saturday as they face the Miami Heat at the Barclays Center. (link)

Music & Concerts

🎹 Sam DeRosa (November 26): A live music event featuring Sam DeRosa at the popular Brooklyn venue, Baby's All Right​​. (link)

🎶 Lady Bunny (November 25): Enjoy live music from the legendary Lady Bunny at C'mon Everybody, a known spot for vibrant performances in Brooklyn. (link)

Family

🦃 The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (November 23): The iconic parade features giant balloons, floats, bands, and Broadway performances. It's a must-see free event, with options for paid seating for an enhanced view. (link)

💡 Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden (November 20–January 1): An after-dark illuminated trail of art, featuring over a million lights, music, and new immersive experiences​. (link)

Events

🚆New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show (November 20-25): Witness model trains as they zip through a display of famous New York landmarks. (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 as an underground 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

New York World's Fair (1939)

The 1939 New York World's Fair, held in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, was a landmark event showcasing innovation and offering hope during a time of economic depression. Themed "The World of Tomorrow," the fair promised a future filled with technological wonders and was a grand display of optimism and ingenuity. It attracted millions of visitors and featured pavilions from countries around the world, alongside exhibits from major corporations.

One of the most memorable features of the 1939 World's Fair was the introduction of cutting-edge technology. It was here that the public first saw color photography, air conditioning, and television demonstrations by RCA. The fair's focus on the "world of tomorrow" included futuristic exhibits like the General Motors' Futurama, showing imagined cities of the future. This emphasis on innovation and progress captured the imagination of a nation looking forward from the Great Depression.

The fair's architecture was also notable, with iconic structures such as the Trylon and Perisphere becoming symbols of the event. These structures embodied the fair's futuristic vision and Art Deco style. The event was significant in boosting morale and providing a vision for a better future. Despite its success in terms of attendance and cultural impact, the fair was not a financial success, but its legacy lived on, influencing design and popular culture for years to come.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Al Hirschfeld: 1903-2003

Al Hirschfeld, an iconic American caricaturist, spent over seven decades creating distinctive line drawings that immortalized performers and productions of Broadway and Hollywood. His work, deeply intertwined with New York City's cultural fabric, reflects the dynamism and charm of American entertainment.

The Formative Years (1903-1920)

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Hirschfeld's family moved to New York City when he was 12. His early fascination with art and performance was nurtured in the city's vibrant cultural atmosphere. These formative years laid the foundation for his distinctive artistic style.

The Artistic Calling – Finding a Niche (1921-1930)

Hirschfeld's early career was marked by experimentation and exploration. He worked in various art forms, from sculpting to painting, but it was his unique line drawings that began to capture the public's attention, especially his caricatures of theater personalities and scenes.

Broadway and Beyond – Rise to Prominence (1931-1940)

By the 1930s, Hirschfeld's work was synonymous with Broadway. His caricatures, featured in newspapers like The New York Times, captured the essence of performances and performers with a whimsical yet incisive touch, making him a sought-after artist in the entertainment world.

Diversification and Experimentation (1941-1950)

During World War II, Hirschfeld served as a correspondent and illustrator for the U.S. military magazine 'Yank'. This period saw him expanding his subject matter, although he would return to theater caricatures post-war with renewed vigor.

A Prolific Period (1951-1960)

In the 1950s, Hirschfeld's work reached new heights of popularity. His drawings became staples in publications nationwide, and his style—marked by fluid, continuous lines—became iconic within the entertainment industry and beyond.

The Later Years (1961-1970)

Through the 1960s, Hirschfeld continued to chronicle the ever-changing landscape of Broadway and Hollywood. His studio in New York City was a testament to his deep connection with the city and its cultural heartbeat.

Nina’s Alphabets – A Signature Touch (1971-1980)

Hirschfeld introduced a unique element to his drawings: the name 'Nina', after his daughter, hidden within the lines. These 'Nina's' became a beloved feature, with audiences eagerly searching for them in his caricatures.

Recognition and Tributes (1981-1990)

The 1980s brought Hirschfeld numerous accolades, recognizing his contributions to art and culture. Galleries and museums, including in New York, showcased retrospectives of his work, celebrating his unique artistic legacy.

The Centenarian Artist – A Life in Lines (1991-2000)

As Hirschfeld entered his nineties, his commitment to his art remained unwavering. He continued to capture the vibrancy of the American theater scene, earning the admiration of new generations of artists and theatergoers.

The Final Curtain – Legacy of a Legend (2001-2003)

Hirschfeld passed away in 2003, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy. His work remains a vital part of New York City’s cultural history, immortalizing decades of theatrical productions and performers in his inimitable style.

Key Achievements of Al Hirschfeld:

• Chronicled over seven decades of Broadway and Hollywood history through his caricatures.

• His work appeared regularly in The New York Times and other prominent publications.

• Known for hiding his daughter's name, 'Nina', in most of his drawings, creating a playful interaction with the audience.

• Received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts.

• Hirschfeld's art is celebrated for capturing the spirit and personality of his subjects with minimal yet expressive lines.

Al Hirschfeld's remarkable career, deeply intertwined with the rhythms of New York City’s theater scene, showcases a unique blend of artistic talent and a deep affection for the world of entertainment. His legacy endures, offering a whimsical yet profound window into the world of performing arts.

Photo of the Week

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-Matthew Larsen