He overheard African American stable hands in New Orleans referring to New York’s racetracks as “the big apple” — meaning the biggest prize, the place where the highest stakes and most prestigious races were held.
He loved the phrase and began using it frequently in his columns, cementing its association with NYC.
Jazz musicians adopted the term next. Smaller cities were “little apples,” but New York — especially Harlem — was “The Big Apple,” the ultimate stage where careers were made.
Clubs used the phrase, songs referenced it, and even a dance called the Big Apple emerged.
Mid-century fade & 1970s revival
The nickname fell out of use in the 1940s–50s.
Then in the 1970s, during a period of economic struggle, NYC’s tourism bureau revived “The Big Apple” as part of a marketing campaign. It stuck — globally — and became the city’s most iconic nickname.
Eternal Flame Falls is a rare natural wonder in Chestnut Ridge Park, Erie County, New York, where a small waterfall and a naturally burning flame coexist in the same grotto. The flame is fueled by natural gas seeping from cracks in the underlying shale, creating the striking illusion of fire glowing behind falling water.
What makes Eternal Flame Falls unique
It’s a 30‑foot cascade along Shale Creek with a small alcove at its base where natural gas escapes and can be lit to produce a 4–8 inch flame.
The flame is usually visible year‑round. Geologists found the seep contains unusually high concentrations of ethane and propane (~35%), unlike most natural gas seeps dominated by methane.
The gas originates from Rhinestreet Shale about 400 meters deep, likely reaching the surface through faults created by tectonic activity.
The flame may be small, but the combination of fire and water makes it a memorable sight.
Erika M Szabo is known for her diverse range of writings,
which span historical fantasy, magical realism, cozy mysteries, sweet romance,
and children's literature. Her writing style is both expressive and insightful,
transporting readers into the depths of the characters' emotions.
Born in a small town in Hungary, Erika grew up with a deep love for literature
and storytelling. Always seen with a book in her hand from a young age and soon
began creating her own intricate worlds and characters. Her gift for
storytelling is evident to all those who know and have encouraged her to pursue
her passion.
As she grew older, Erika's thirst for adventure and new experiences led her to
travel the world. She lived in various countries, soaking up their cultures and
traditions, and absorbing them into her writing. Her travels also allowed her
to meet a diverse array of people, whose stories and perspectives she wove into
her novels.
Despite her literary success and acclaim, Erika remains a humble and
down-to-earth person. She often speaks of her belief in the power of words to
connect and heal, and her writing reflects this deep empathy and understanding
of human experience.
After having negative experiences with publishers, she started her own company
to help authors with book formatting, cover design, and navigating the
complexities of the publishing industry http://www.goldenboxbooks.com
Erika is also the founder of #OurAuthorGang,
a group of writers blogging together. This diverse group showcases the power of
collaboration and the potential it has to elevate individuals and create
something truly special such as the What
If? Anthology Series
Some of her notable works include: "Protected
by the Falcon": The first book in "The Ancestors'
Secrets" series. This urban fantasy/magical realism novel introduces
readers to a world of clan mysteries and ancient traditions.
The "Unbroken
Curse": A historical fantasy that explores an ancient curse cast
by a powerful witch sixteen hundred years ago, affecting families across
generations.
“The
Seven Cozy Shorts” includes seven novellas ranging from
paranormal fantasy and unconventional relationships to futuristic love stories.
Some of Erika’s books are also published in Spanish,
Hungarian, and German, as well as in audiobooks.
In addition to her novels, Erika has authored several children's books that
emphasize moral values, acceptance, and friendship. Titles such as "Pico
the Pesky Parrot" and "Look, I Can
Talk With My Fingers" aim to educate and inspire young readers.
Erika's complex career reflects her passion for storytelling, art, and
supporting fellow authors in bringing their creative visions to life.
