Welcome to The New York City Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• John Legend and The Menzingers concerts this week

• Upcoming Rangers and Jets Home games

• A deep dive into the life of Jonas Salk

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today."

– Franklin D. Roosevelt

My Goal For The Week

This week, I plan to wake up one hour earlier every day at 5:30am. I like how peaceful it is at that time of morning. I just re-read one of my favourite books called The 5AM Club over the weekend and I am motivated to get back to early rising.

One Idea For a Better Week

Every single day, write down one idea that you could do to make your life 1% better. Think small. Keep doing it. Stack these 1% improvements up over the course of a month, and watch how much it impacts your life.

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 famous New York Public Library lion statues have unofficial names given to them in the 1930’s. What are they?

A. Romulus and Remus

B. Lord and Lady

C. Patience and Fortitude

D. Faith and Charity

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

What was the original name of New York City before it was renamed in 1664?

Answer: New Amsterdam

The Best Links of the Week

💼 Business

New York City saw a shift in its public transportation landscape as six out of seven of the city’s new R211 subway cars were taken out of service due to faulty gearboxes.

Tech workers at the New York Times planned a half-day strike on October 30, 2023, to voice their concerns over the return-to-office rules imposed by their employer.

🏦 Finance

New York City's financial oversight was highlighted through the release of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for Fiscal Year 2023 by the Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.

🏒 Sports

The sports arena in New York City buzzed with the energy of the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon.

The city experienced the thrill of ice hockey as the New York Rangers faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes on November 2, 2023, at the Madison Square Garden. The Rangers won 2-1.

📰 News

On the labor front, a significant development unfolded as a five-year, two-month tentative agreement was reached, covering approximately 7,100 New York City sanitation workers.

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

🏈 Jets vs. Chargers (November 6) The New York Jets have a home game scheduled on November 6 as they take on the LA Chargers at Metlife Stadium.

🏒 Rangers vs. Red Wings (November 7) The New York Rangers will be playing against the Detroit Red Wings in Madison Square Garden, keeping the city's hockey spirit alive.

Music & Concerts

🎹 John Legend (November 7-8) Experience the soulful tunes of John Legend at the Beacon Theatre.

🎸 The Menzingers (November 11) The Menzingers will be performing live, providing an energetic and rocking performance at the Knockdown Center in Queens.

Events

😂 Marlon Wayans (November 11) The city will be buzzing with laughter as Marlon Wayans take the stage at Apollo Theater, promising a night full of fun and laughter.

Hobbies

🏃 Salsa Thursdays at Time Out Market NY (November 9) Dive into a rhythmic experience at Time Out Market New York, where you can join others in a salsa dancing event..

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 in the year 2100” 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

The Erie Canal: Gateway to the West [1825]

The Erie Canal's opening in 1825 stood as a marvel of engineering, creating a vital waterway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great Lakes. This 363-mile canal reduced trade costs and times dramatically, invigorating New York City's economy by transforming it into America's premier port. The inaugural trip of the Seneca Chief, celebrated by pouring Lake Erie’s waters into New York Harbor, symbolized the unification of distant markets and the city’s newfound prominence.

New York City burgeoned as goods and people moved more freely. The canal attracted industries and immigrants alike, sparking a population boom and a surge in urban development. Its influence reached beyond economics, fostering social reforms and facilitating cultural exchanges that enriched the city's diversity.

The Erie Canal's legacy is multifaceted, marking an era of ambitious infrastructure projects that galvanized America's growth. It etched New York City's status into the world stage, where it remains a center of commerce and culture, thanks in part to the foresighted canal project that linked distant frontiers to urban prosperity.

Famous New Yorkers In History

Jonas Salk: The Conqueror of Polio (1914–1995)

In the annals of medical history, few have left a mark as indelible as Dr. Jonas Salk, the New York-born virologist whose vaccine vanquished the terror of polio. His life's work stands as a testament to the power of science to change the world, embodying the spirit of humanitarian progress.

Bronx Beginnings: A Mind in Motion (1914-1934) Foundations of a Future Scientist 

Born to Russian-Jewish immigrant parents, Jonas Salk's early years in the Bronx were marked by a keen intelligence and a voracious appetite for knowledge. His academic brilliance shone early, and he entered City College of New York intent on becoming a lawyer, only to find his true calling in medicine.

A Path of Purpose: From Med School to Microbiology (1934-1942) The Quest for Understanding 

Jonas's time at New York University School of Medicine was not just a journey through the rigors of academic training but also a quest to grasp the intricacies of life's defenses against disease. He opted for medical research over practicing as a physician, a choice that would pave his path to greatness.

Wartime Work: A Race Against Infection (1942-1955) The Battle Beyond the Battlefield 

During World War II, Salk joined the fight against influenza, developing a flu vaccine that was used to protect U.S. soldiers. This work set the stage for his lifelong battle against viral menaces and honed his skills in vaccine development.

The Polio Pioneer: Triumph Over Tragedy (1955) A Leap of Faith into Science 

The polio epidemic was ravaging the globe, and Salk's relentless work led to the creation of the inactivated polio vaccine. In 1955, after extensive trials, the Salk vaccine was declared safe and effective, a momentous occasion in medical history, offering hope to millions.

Champion of Public Health: An Ethical Standard (1955-1963) A Vaccine for All 

Salk's decision to not patent the polio vaccine, foregoing personal profit, solidified his standing not just as a scientist but as a moral leader. His commitment to public health over personal gain has since set a standard for medical ethics.

Building Bridges in Science: The Salk Institute (1963-1995) A Legacy of Collaboration 

Jonas Salk founded the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California, to further the collaboration between scientists. The institute became a beacon for research in multiple disciplines, all aimed at improving human health.

A Vision of Hope: The Pursuit of an AIDS Vaccine (1980s-1995) The Unending Mission 

Even in his later years, Salk did not rest. He turned his attention to developing a vaccine for AIDS, a testament to his enduring commitment to combating the most daunting diseases of his time.

The Sage of Science: Reflections and Recognitions (1995) The Final Chapter 

Salk's final years were spent in contemplation and advocacy, urging the world toward a more responsible use of scientific knowledge. His death in 1995 marked the end of a monumental life, but his teachings and discoveries continue to influence medicine and society.

Epilogue: The Salk Legacy

• Developed the first successful polio vaccine.

• Chose to prioritize public health over personal gain by not patenting the polio vaccine.

• Established the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, fostering scientific collaboration.

• Advocated for ethical responsibility in scientific research.

• Inspired generations of researchers to dedicate their lives to medical science.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Matthew Larsen