Around the Block: 12/12/25

12/12/25

Witty takes, can't-miss Philly updates, insider info, and curated listings - by Jeff "City" Block

Happy Hanukkah and a Few December Updates

Hi Readers,

A few thoughts as we move into mid-December.

• This Sunday evening begins the Festival of Lights, 5786. Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrate.

  
  

• I am Jewish, but I grew up with Christian relatives and always appreciated the multi-faith celebration of holidays. I feel fortunate to have an interfaith family today, and I can’t wait to celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas. Safe to say the kids feel the same. Whenever you celebrate your family holidays, I wish you peace and joy during this time around the Winter Solstice (working in some secular elements as well).

  
  

• I have written extensively about Philly’s lack of an inter-city bus terminal, including recently, when I wrote that “the Sixers staying at the Sports Complex has now reopened the possibility of the bus terminal back at 10th & Filbert. The final site is not confirmed yet, but I say let’s go OG and run it back to [that location]. I think that is the overall plan. The administration has proposed legislation to the City Council.”

  
  

  I also wrote about the bus terminal issues here and here.

  
  

  And yesterday it was made official. City Council has voted to bring the inter-city bus terminal back to 10th & Filbert. By May 2026, Philly is scheduled to have a proper bus terminal. Wonderful news for the city.

  
  

• I tend to revisit my favorite topics… such as Philly Sports, Philly cheesesteaks, Philly neighborhoods, Philly real estate, Philly history, Philly traffic, and perhaps as much as anything… Rocky Balboa. I wrote about Rocky many times, including this Summer 2022 piece where I wrote--

  
  

  "Rocky statue? Huge line as always. And deservedly so. The Rocky statue is an absolute Philly must-see classic. People sitting on and running up the Art Museum steps? Just packed. With the running part being an obvious tie-in with the Rocky statue. And for anyone who derides the Rocky statue, the movie, the fictional character, or how all of this fits into the lore and character of this city, I strongly disagree. First, the movie won the 1977 Oscar for Best Picture. Not nominated. Won. It also won for Best Director. The two most prestigious awards. The Academy actually nominated Rocky for 10 Oscars, and it won three (also for Best Film Editing). Also, it won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture- Drama. It dominated the 1977 awards and is one of the greatest movies of all time. And how “Gonna Fly Now” did not win for Best Original Song, I will never understand. Bill Conti’s song was nominated, of course, as were Sylvester Stallone (Best Actor AND Best Original Screenplay), Talia Shire (Best Actress), and Burgess Meredith and Burt Young (both for Best Supporting Actor).

  
  

  And if you want to enjoy a really special three minutes, please check out this YouTube clip of a young Jack Nicholson presenting the award for Best Picture that March 1977 evening. I mean the list of films that Rocky beats. Just incredible. I love the look on the face of the All the President’s Men producer when Nicholson announces Rocky as the winner. Priceless.

  
  

  Now, with or without these accolades, Rocky still defines Philadelphia. Underdog. Grit. Winner. America’s Showplace (i.e., the Spectrum). Now you may point out that Rocky did not even win the championship fight. He lost to Apollo Creed, of course. Just like I hear some say that Philly might not have enough this or that compared to NYC or some other cities. That is the point. Rocky did not win that fight. But everyone walking out of that movie theater some 45 years ago believed that Rocky was a true winner. And, while a fictional character, Rocky stands for Philly at its absolute best.

  
  

  Sometimes when I am heading off Kelly Drive and swinging around Eakins Oval, I open my window and blare “Gonna Fly Now” as I drive by the Rocky statue line. I kid you not. Generally, I do this with the kids in the car, and they do not get quite as embarrassed as you might think. They love the song and the Rocky lore. One of my finest parenting accomplishments.”

Ok, so the Rocky statue absolutely belongs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I mean, how can that even be a question? And I believe the perfect spot is where it has been since 2006—at the base of the steps, where tourists and locals can line up, and I can drive by with my car windows open. Why would it ever be moved from that spot permanently to the top of the steps? Can somebody please read this very confusing article and explain to me what is going on and why? Please.

Anyway, my Rocky statue complaint is all in good fun. Most importantly, I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable weekend.

Warm regards,

Jeff

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