Well… here it is, the last passion blog of the first semester. As we have embarked on our journey over the past fourteen weeks, we have discussed the Philadelphia sports teams, famous landmarks around the city, notable Philadelphians, and everything in between. Although It’s time to see them go, hopefully everyone was able to enjoy reading the blogs as much I did writing them.  

Since the last blog is finally here, I decided that I will stray away from the consistency of the previous nine blogs. Instead of diving into a one famous piece of the city, I want to provide a list of fun facts about Philadelphia to place a final note of emphasis on its rich history and unique culture. 

The city of brotherly love is little known as a city of firsts; however, the area is the home to many origins. For instance, the first daily newspaper started in Philadelphia. Additionally, America’s first zoo, first hospital, and first medical school all began here. Moreover, Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theater is the oldest continually running theater in the English-speaking world. Finally, the city was home to the first general purpose computer in 1946. 

As for sports related fun facts, the Flyers are named the Flyers because Ed Snider’s wife simply thought the name sounded good, Phillies owner Robert Carpenter attempted but failed to rename the team to the Blue Jays in 1943, and the Eagles helped make the world’s largest cheesesteak in 1988… it was the length of a football field.

In case you have yet to be impressed, the city Boasts over 2000 outdoor murals and is often called the “mural capital of the United States.” Philly is also home to the Wing Bowl, an eating contest that draws crowds as large as 20,000 people. Furthermore, Philly’s Mütter Museum has a great collection of medical oddities, including slides of Einstein’s brain,

slices of a human face, and a book bound by human skin. And, to leave you questioning the entire history of the US, neither Thomas Jefferson nor John Adams signed the Constitution—they were out of town.

Isn’t Philadelphia an amazing city? If you’re ever in the area, I would recommend visiting the liberty bell, I would recommend going to a sporting event, I would recommend visiting the world-class museums, and I would recommend visiting Philadelphia — It’s a beautiful city with amazing people, places, and fun facts.

 

Pat’s versus Geno’s: one of the nations all time greatest food rivalries. No matter which side you take, there will always be someone to refute. Nonetheless, whether Pat’s is your go to or you prefer Geno’s, either one is a top-notch choice for lunch or dinner when in Philly. 

Established in 1930, Pat’s was the first of the two restaurants, making it the earliest cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The founder, Pat Olivieri, began as a hot dog vendor, but one day tried using beef from the local butcher hoping that maybe it would be a hit among the people — it was. The word spread fast and

soon everyone was lining up for some of Pat’s steaks. Pat opened up a shop for his famous steak sandwiches on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philly. Eventually, he began adding cheese to his recipe, and the rest is history. 

Thirty six years after Pat’s originated, Geno’s launched directly across the street. The restaurant was founded by Joey Vento. He began his journey two boxes of steak, a few hot dogs, and six dollars in his pocket — nobody thought he would make it. Instead, Joey mastered the steak grilling process and business boomed. Since 1966, Pat’s and Geno’s have been face to face in a friendly competition to determine the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia and some may even argue the world. 

What is the separating factor that draws us to one or the other? Both places use similar bread, similar cheesy mess, and matching toppings, but the difference lies in the meat. Pat’s uses the traditional chopped steak, while Geno’s serves their steak sliced. At the end of the day, the choice between meat comes down to a personal preference. Otherwise, look for the shortest line and ultimately buy a phenomenal cheesesteak no matter where you decide.   

It’s not often that a city has their name branded on a food like the “philly” cheesesteak. Unfortunately, with such a famous label, Pat’s, Geno’s, and numerous other cheesesteak restaurants throughout Philadelphia are flooded with tourists. In turn, many locals have to wait in painfully long lines or face the consequence of no cheesesteak at all.   

If you are in the city of Philadelphia, regardless of the location, there should always be a cheesesteak shop nearby. Despite the inevitably long line, you should definitely make an attempt to try a philly cheesesteak… it will change your life for the better. 

 

 

Education is what allows our nation to continuously advance. Education provides U.S. citizens with the necessary skills to contribute to the betterment of our country. Education grows the youth of our country. Education is the foundation of America. 

Nowadays, millions of students are enrolled in grade level education with hopes and dreams to eventually attend a top level university following high school graduation. Many such students strive to attend a university right in the heart of Philadelphia — The University of Pennsylvania.

Founded and established by Benjamin Franklin in 1740, The University of Pennsylvania is a private school best known as one of the top ranking universities nationwide and home to some of the most prestigious students internationally. The University of Pennsylvania is one of the longest standing colleges in the nation as just the fourth institution of higher education to be established. Penn is just one of eight Ivy League schools, a status that represents academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social elitism.    

Today, the university has four undergraduate schools as well as twelve professional or graduate schools. The total number of undergraduate students attending the university is around ten thousand, and the school takes up around three hundred acres of land in Philadelphia, PA. Statistically, Penn holds an exclusive prestige with an acceptance rate of just ten percent, a ninety six percent graduation rate, and an average salary of 123,600 dollars ten years after graduation.

Given all of the University of Pennsylvania’s academic success, what does this speak on the city the school resides in? Well, for one, the school alludes to the rich history of the city. As one of the first universities established in the U.S. by one of the most historic figures in American history, Penn has seen many great years in the city. The success of the university also speaks on the quality of people residing in the city. With many great students and graduates residing in the city, there are inevitably many great people in the city as well. 

To be able to attend the University of Pennsylvania is a dream of many and an honor to be admitted to. The school represents quality, success, and history among the people of Philadelphia and the city as a whole. With its prestigious reputation and outstanding success among students, the University of Pennsylvania is arguably the second best university in PA… only second to Penn State of course. 

 

Nothing accompanies a brisk, fall Sunday afternoon quite like mouthwatering wings, joyous family, and, of course, Eagles football. On a typical football Sunday, everyone in the house throws on their jersey, tosses the pigskin around pregame, and then finally huddles around the television for three hours of endless Eagles.  

The Philadelphia Eagles are professional football team residing in Philadelphia, PA. Every eight days of the year tens of thousands of people travel to Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the birds. The festivities begin with benevolent tailgates several hours before kickoff. Eventually, the fans make their way into the stadium to watch their favorite team. Everyone laughs, cheers, and yells as they enter the emotional rollercoaster that is an Eagles game. Most importantly, when the team score, the crowd erupts:

Fly, Eagles Fly!

On The Road To Victory! (Fight! Fight! Fight!)

Fight, Eagles fight!

Score a touchdown 1, 2, 3! (1! 2! 3!)

Hit ’em low!

Hit ’em high!

And watch our Eagles fly!

Fly, Eagles Fly!

On The Road To Victory!

E-A-G-L-E-S!

Eagles!

The comradery — the passion — that the fans bring, no matter the record and no matter the score, always makes the eagles a difficult team to compete against. 

Recently, in 2017, the Eagles finished their season with a 13-3 record, tied for the best in the NFL. The team was playoff bound with a Super Bowl championship in mind, and the fans knew it. Rallied by the supporters and the unbreakable chemistry among the players, the team found themselves in the Super Bowl for only the third time in franchise history. Ultimately, the team deflated the Patriots dynasty in a 41-33 victory to win the Eagles first ever Super Bowl championship. The championship was accompanied by jubilant riots and parties, portraying the true passion of Philadelphia fans. 

Some other notable seasons in Eagles history include their Super Bowl appearances in 1980 and 2004, each ending in tragic losses in the championship. Additionally, Hall of Fame players in Eagles franchise history worth mentioning include Bert Bell, Chuck Bednarik, Bob Brown, Brian Dawkins, Reggie White, Steve Van Buren, Tommy McDonald, Greasy Neale, Pete Pihos, Sonny Jurgensen, and Norm Van Brocklin. 

Altogether, the Eagles franchise carries an energy, an intensity that many NFL franchises fail to compete with. Winning or losing, millions of households are glued to their television for the game, and the stadium is always packed with green, white, and black. Without the Eagles, the city of Philadelphia would be lost — without the city, the Eagles would be lost.

 

 

It’s a brisk night in the middle of the winter. Fans begin to file into the Wells Fargo centers, the stadium is flooded with blue, red, and white. Then, the team takes the floor — the crowd erupts: ten, nine, eight, 76ers!

Founded in 1946, the 76ers are a professional basketball team in the National Basketball Association. The team is based in Philadelphia and competes in the Wells Fargo Center during the late fall, winter, and spring. The 76ers earned their name from the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Some notable members of the 76ers that have left their legacies in the NBA forever include Wilt Chamberlain, Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham, Julius Erving, Andrew Toney, Moses Malone, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson.

Over the course of history, the 76ers have won three nba titles. In 1955, while previously known as the Syracuse Nationals, the team won their first title in team history. The next title came in 1967 lead by Wilt Chamberlain. As a member of the 76ers, Chamberlain set the NBA single game scoring record at 100 points and ended his career as one of the greatest players to ever play the game. Finally, the sixer’s most recent title came in 1983. Since then, the team has been on a 36 year championship drought. 

Riddled with bad draft picks, injuries, and overall terrible seasons, it wasn’t until recently that the team was able to see the light of hope — the process began. Guided by our saviors, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, the team was finally able to find their first winning record in many years. The motto for the new era 76ers is “trust the process,” as we must believe the team can progressively turn themselves around to eventually win an NBA championship. 

The 76ers unite the city of Philadelphia — everyone is brought together by the love for the team. A win is not just a win for the sixers, but rather a win for the entire city. No matter the weather, the record, the day of the week, Wells Fargo will always be filled with ecstatic fans trusting the process, itching to complete the process.

Every large city has a basketball team they use as an enjoyable pastime on a standard week night; However, only one city has the 76ers. The electricity, the passion, the fight of 76ers team and fans is unmatched by any other national basketball organization.

 

We all have that one movie that we can watch anytime, anywhere, and it always refuses to get old. That one movie that we can enjoy on any given lazy Sunday and it will be time well spent. That one movie that screams grab a bag of buttery popcorn, throw on some comfy pajamas, and curl up under a warm blanket for the next two hours. For me, those movies are all of the Rocky movies, and I’m sure quite a few of us agree. 

Rocky is one of the very few movies that has earned the title as an American classic. Where I’m from, if you have not yet seen the movies, it is looked at as a disgrace and people begin to question if you have lived under a boulder for the past fifty years. However, if you are one of those that have not yet seen the movie, I would advise you to find a way to watch them immediately; it would be time well spent.

Rocky is the ultimate underdog story. In a brief description of  the overall premise of the movies, Rocky is a professional boxer that, despite his lack of talent compared to his competitors, he repeatedly outworks his opponents to come out on top. No matter how many times each movie is watched, the thrill of the story will always be unmatched. Such films are so iconic because, on top of being beyond entertaining, they speak a great message to life as a whole because sometimes people will be better than us, but we must never be outworked. 

Now, you are probably wondering, why is Rocky in my passion post about Philadelphia? Well, every Rocky movie was set in Philadelphia, so, naturally, every person with ties to the city feels as though they own the movie. There is an “I’ve been there” feeling every time a recognizable Philadelphia landmark makes an appearance in the movie. Rocky is so significant to the city that the seventy two steps before the Philadelphia Museum of Art has been renamed the “Rocky Steps” because rocky used these steps to train in the movies. 

However, the movie’s connection to Philadelphia goes beyond just the surface. The fight that resided in Rocky’s character must have transferred into the attitude of Philadelphia citizens. The city has the Rocky fight, the Rocky desire, the Rocky work ethic; a little piece of Rocky endures within everyone in the city. It often seems as though the movie was chosen to be set in Philadelphia because the ground of the movie is best characterized by the people of Philadelphia.

 

We often take the freedom we have for granted. Being able to roll ourselves out of bed every morning and deciding how to attack our day, or, better yet, cozying up through several blaring alarms is a privilege that not every country has the joy of experiencing. Yet, our selective perception limits us from understanding what life would be like without American freedom. Sometimes we need to step back and consider what we are really entitled to. So first, we ask, where did such prerogative liberation originate? Well, where else but Philadelphia. 

In this week’s blog, we will dive into the beginning of the habitual freedom we often overlook, which all began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. After constant command from the British, American citizens had their fill. They did not believe the british had the right to have control over them, so America began the revolutionary war. The Declaration of Independence ended the revolutionary war as America defeated Britain to become our own, free country. At the time, the most significant people in America gathered in the Pennsylvania State House (now Independence Hall) to sign arguably the most important document in US history. Some notable names penned on the document included John Handcock, Sam Adams, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others. Ever since that document was agreed upon by the british parliament, the United States has been free from any foreign rule.

Why was Philadelphia such a desirable location to sign the Declaration of Independence? First of all, the city was near the North-South Center of the Atlantic seaboard colonies, equalizing travel distance for all areas. Second, it was America’s largest transportation center, so travel there was most efficient. Other reasons consist of weather, people residing there, and resources. Looking back, Philadelphia was the obvious choice. 

Now, almost two hundred and fifty years later, the old, decrepit document resides in Washington, DC, but it will always belong to Philadelphia. Perhaps it has to do with proximity, or maybe it’s bias, but freedom seems to ring louder in Philadelphia. Everything in the city seems to imitate American liberty. The buildings reflect gorgeous sunlight, the people go about their day with smiles and radiating positivity, and everyone takes advantage of their rights as a free, American citizen. Philadelphia is the home of the Declaration of Independence — Philadelphia is the heart of our freedom.

 

 

 

It’s a gorgeous night in downtown Philadelphia. The city is buzzing and everyone has a wide smile on their face as they draw near a radiantly glowing Wells Fargo Center. The stadium is sold out, ticket resale prices are through the roof. Why? Three words: it’s Meek time.  

Meek Mill is to Philadelphia as ice cream is to apple pie; without one, the other is just not the same. Now, you are probably thinking “wow, Meek Mill must be fairly important to Philadelphia, but why?” Let me explain.

Meek Mill was born and raised in Philadelphia. Growing up in an impoverished family, he was forced to struggle through the many hardships that were brought on through the gang-ridden areas of Philly — his music was his only escape. In 2008, he released his fourth solo mixtape, which happened to be the one that caught the attention of big name producers such as Aphillyated Records and Grand Hustle Records. Ultimately, he soared as an artist from then on, becoming one of the most influential rappers in the game. Through all the fame and fortune, Meek has held very true to his Philadelphia roots. In his music, he constantly references his love for the city, which the citizens and fans echo right back.

Unfortunately, Meek Mill had some setbacks along the way due to his questionable decision making. In the same year Mill signed his first record label, he was later convicted of drug dealing and gun possession. His first arrest was followed by various debatable parole violations, leading to jail time, house arrest, and many angry fans. On April 24th, 2018, Meek Mill was released early, sparked by the ongoing fight against the validity of the rapper’s arrest. Through all the hardship, the controversy around the star’s conviction just brought him that much closer to the heart of Philadelphia. 

Because of Mill’s dedication and loyalty to the city, the city was loyal to him in return. The same day Meek Mill was released from jail, he was flown to a Philadelphia 76ers game to perform the ceremonial pregame bell ringing. Moreover, his music became the anthem to the Philadelphia Eagles during their historic Super Bowl run — the fans were happy once again. 

Today, Meek continues to make music that represents Philadelphia, and Philadelphia continues to be the city that represents him. Never has a rapper had such an impact on one location until Meek, but then again, never has there been a city quite like Philadelphia.

 

 

Many people often argue that, out of every city in the United States, Philadelphia possesses the richest history out of all of them — an argument that I feel inclined to support. Not to say competing cities such as Boston, New York City, D.C., and others are not just as crucial to our country’s extraordinary past, but the sheer abundance of significant landmarks and historic figures that were established in Philadelphia exceeds all. 

I could write endlessly about the ongoing history of the city, but instead, this weeks blog is going to be about an old, worn piece of metal that carries such high regards. An old, worn piece of metal that symbolizes unity and connection. An old, worn piece of metal that is the Liberty Bell. 

The bell was originally crafted in 1751 to commemorate the 50th year anniversary of the Pennsylvania Constitution, The Charter of Privileges. From then on, the shiny, brown copper was often tolled for special announcements and events within the city. The Liberty Bell gained nation-wide significance when it became a symbol of freedom, or “liberty,” during the abolitionist movement. During its lifespan, the Liberty Bell attended many historic events, rang in times of despair or joy, and, most importantly, gathered everyone to form as a more peaceful nation. The bell was finally set to rest when, in 1846, on George Washington’s birthday, Washington struck and cracked the bell as its familiar yet energizing vibrations flooded the city for one last time. 

The liberty bell now resides in the Liberty Bell Center, 526 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA — dormant. However, despite the almost two century long silence, the bell’s prestige and influence in Philadelphia rings louder than it ever had before. Engraved across the top, the phrase, “Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” characterizes the interconnectedness of everyone within the city — it represents the freedom and appreciation the city radiates. 

The beauty of the liberty bell is that, yes, it resides in Philadelphia, but the figure’s message travels beyond the city and covers area beyond the state lines. The Liberty Bell holds meaning throughout the entire nation. The meaning that we are all one free country where everyone has the right to their own decisions and everyone is treated with equal standards. 

If you are ever in Philadelphia, visit the Liberty Bell. Enjoy the elegant style and effective wording, but also think about the deeper meaning of the art. Think about all the bell has been though, what it has seen, what it stands for. Enjoy the bell not for how it was created, but what it has created.

 

We define passion as a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire; but, in reality, passion defines us. Passions are what give our lives meaning. They allow us to be our true selves, reach for a goal, find success. With passion forming such a substantial impact on our lives, it often makes me wonder, what am I passionate about?

After a lot of time and thought, I realized I am a man of many passions, not just one. Having such a plethora of fascinations made it difficult to choose just one (on top of the fact that I knew I could not maintain a blog about most of them for ten weeks). I was forced to think about the near and far — the present and the past — of my life. It was when I really thought long and hard that it came to me; I am passionate about a place, and that place is the city of Philadelphia.

Growing up, I would always go to the city with my family. We would watch games, rain or shine, frigid or scorching. We would walk the musty streets, growing nose blind to the foul scents. Most importantly, we would eat the delicious, one-of-a-kind cheese steaks. For outsiders, it may not seem like much, but for me, that’s why I love the city. 

Each week I will dive into a certain feature of Philadelphia, whether it be a landmark, building, or person, and explain how each thing comes together to create the beautiful city Philadelphia is. This week, I want to briefly talk about a person that brought the city together, closer than it has ever been. He went from a standard athlete to one of the city’s most historic figures overnight. He is my favorite person to ever influence Philadelphia; he is Nick Foles.  

Nick began his career as a Philadelphia Eagle in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft. He played with the Eagles for two seasons before being traded to the St Louis Rams. Later, in 2017, Nick Foles returned to the Eagles, a gift sent from God. In week fourteen of the 2017 NFL season, Foles got the call. After as many lows and highs as seven weeks could bring, the eagles were in the Super Bowl under the wings of Nick. Then came history.

February 4, 2018: the day the Eagles became super bowl champs for the first time in history. Every Eagles fan knows where they were on the day that football touched the ground as time expired in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII. I was in the living room of my house, huddled around the television with my parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents — attendance was mandatory for everyone. On that day, Nick Foles won Super Bowl MVP, solidifying himself as a Philadelphia legend for eternity.

The championship brought about ongoing comradery throughout the entire city for the day, and then the month, and then the year. A little part of the city changed forever. Winning was a team effort, but the impact Foles had, the excitement and charisma he maintained, and the way he handled the situation he was brought into makes it feel like his super bowl. Now, Foles is in Jacksonville, but his legacy will always remain in Philadelphia.