Logos & uniforms, our new and current listings, and Philly fun this week. If you’d like to discuss real estate or anything in this newsletter please send me an email: [email protected]. This edition of Around the Block was originally published on Friday, 8/4/2023
8/4/2023
Relevant Commentary, all information Philly (real estate and otherwise), Open Houses, Listings, Happenings, and More — by Jeff “City” Block
Logos & Uniforms
I have always been into sports logos and uniforms. As a kid for sure and really just as much as an adult. So, this was a big week for one of my favorite teams and my alma mater.
As many of you know, I am a long-time Temple sports fan. I am a graduate of Temple University (’90) and Temple Law (’93). I was an Owls basketball season ticket holder for over 15 years starting in 1986; all great years under the late Hall of Fame coach John Chaney. By the way, one of my most popular ATBs of all time was the one I wrote upon Coach Chaney’s death in early 2021, which you can read here.
Now back to the logos. I have always loved the Temple T. Perhaps the greatest logo of any University (in my highly biased/accurate opinion). If you prefer your alma mater’s logo, please let me know.
Then Temple created this secondary sports logo, of which I was never a big fan (see I can be objective). It always struck me as goofy when compared to the elegant and awesome T.
Now, after decades of this insanely aggressive cartoon owl, Temple has finally unveiled a new secondary sports logo. And it is spectacular!
Without further delay…
The Temple T and a classic stylized owl inside a cherry and white diamond! Now that says Temple. Diamonds are an important symbol at Temple, and you will see the diamond shape on sports uniforms and elsewhere throughout the University. This stems from the phrase “Acres of Diamonds,” which is the basis of a renowned speech written and delivered (over 6,000 times) by Temple University Founder Russell Conwell. Acres of Diamonds stands for the idea that every person has a great opportunity in their own backyard (i.e., we are all standing on acres of diamonds). They just need to recognize it and act on it. Temple was founded to provide that opportunity, and it has done so for hundreds of thousands of students since the late 19th Century. And for a more modern and concise way to understand the meaning of Acres of Diamonds (Conwell’s speech is quite lengthy after all), consider John Chaney’s simple yet meaningful catchphrase, “Winning is an Attitude.”
In addition to the new Temple logo, this week, the Philadelphia Eagles have unveiled their long-awaited Kelly green alternate uniforms. Unless you are a huge Birds fan or serious uniform aficionado, you will likely not fully understand the significance. I am clearly both and take my word for it, this is big (not in a severe life-altering way. But in a fun, light-hearted fandom kind of way). You can read more about it here.
Here are a few photos from photographer Drew Hallowell/philadelphiaeagles.com
The Eagles expected a huge rush on these jerseys and had a major surplus ready to go. And guess what happened… they sold out immediately. Even 3XLs are now on deep backorder. A 3XL #62 Jason Kelce jersey will be shipped by October 27th. Any other size? You can’t even place an order at this time.
Ok, so here are two takeaways on the new Eagles alternate uniforms: First, I love the new Kelly greens. Second, I hope Coach Sirianni is more prepared to face other NFL teams than the Eagles were for this totally expected onslaught of new jersey orders. I have a feeling he will be. GO BIRDS!
So, the Temple Owls and Philadelphia Eagles: (two of my favorite actual birds by the way) two of my favorite sports teams with some summer 2023 stylish upgrades. I love it.
Huge Arched Windows | Flexible and Open Floor Plan | $619,000
Exceptional residence in the heart of Midtown Village. Live in this most sensational loft in a remarkably prime location. 23′ vaulted brick ceilings, exposed brick walls that surround six huge double-hung arched windows. Exposed ducts and beams. Big open living space, dining area, open kitchen.
Currently configured as a 1 bedroom, 2 full bath with an immense living space (could be configured as a two bedroom) and straight steps to a very spacious primary loft suite with high brick ceilings, primary bathroom, and large walk-in-closet. Hardwood floors, solid core doors, and fine finishes throughout. High-end kitchen with Carrera marble counter tops and eating bar, Pedini cabinetry and drawers, stainless steel Sub-Zero fridge, and 5-burner cooktop, oven, dishwasher and microwave. High-quality replacement windows with superb sound attenuation.
Flexible and open floor plan. And because of its size, you can readily create a second space on the main living floor. Whether a separate family room, office, or complete bedroom suite with full bath and walk-in-closet. You could add a wall (full or partial) or sliding/barn doors to create a fully delineated 2nd bedroom with a gigantic walk-in closet and tile and marble bath (both walk-in closet and bath have solid wood pocket doors for clean lines). Or use a screen or other furniture delineation to create any separate space you desire. And still enjoy a living and dining space larger than most condo residences. Just incredible space and numerous options. The residence also has a spacious walk-in coat and storage closet and Washer/Dryer.
Midtown Village is already one of Philly’s best neighborhoods–not just ordinary places to walk, but the City’s very best restaurants, coffee shops, and retail. And the neighborhood is transforming into a very desirable, high-end residential village with so many new restaurants, coffee shops, shopping, high-end residential. All within 1-2 blocks. The White Building is a professionally managed, well-run building with a bike room and a small fitness center. PARKING within half block. Pet Friendly! 100 WalkScore.
In Northern Liberties, on the first Sunday of August, thousands of revelers have attended the free annual 2nd Street Festival since 2008. So this Sunday, come and enjoy live music on two stages, over 150 merchants and vendors, cocktails, craft beer from Mainstay Independent Brewing, Sly Fox, Victory, and Yards. Indulge in awesome food from NoLibs (and beyond)! This sounds like a really cool event.
Peach fan? Well this weekend this sweet and fuzzy fruit is the star at Peddler’s Village‘sannual Peach Festival. This free event includes peach treats, live entertainment, and scenic summer strolls through the gardens. And You can enjoy peach treats at Village restaurants all month long.
More peach fun at Shady Brook Farm in Bucks County, at their summer celebration of fruit and flowers. Snap a perfect selfie in a field of sunflowers before picking your own peaches. Kids can enjoy wagon rides, a petting zoo, giant inflatables, and go-karts. Get ticket information here.
Bringing together Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers from around the world, the BlackStar Film Festival offers feature films, shorts, documentaries, panel discussions, and celebrations to multiple venues on the Avenue of the Arts. During this Oscar-qualifying festival, some of the most influential voices in film and visual arts will be honored. A total of 93 films (including 19 world premieres) from 31 countries will be screened at the Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, and the Lightbox Film Center as part of the 2023 festival. Visitphilly.com said that These are nine films you don’t want to miss.
Summertime means outdoor movie screenings! Friday, 8/4:Clark Park in West Philly will be showing “Raiders of the Lost Ark” beginning at sundown. Can’t make this week’s showtime? Summer movie screenings are happening all summer long throughout the area. Check out this guide!These open-air film screenings are free and open to the public. Some even have free snacks! Bring your blanket, chairs, and friends!
It is important to keep in mind that details – such as screening dates – may be subject to change at any time, especially if inclement weather occurs. It is always a good idea to confirm event dates and times with organizers and/or on official event websites and social media channels.
Kurt Evans joins the Philadelphia Museum of Art‘s Chef in Residence program for a weekend of culinary fusions. In his new concept, Black Dragon Takeout, Evans melds the aesthetic of Chinese takeout with the flavors of soul food, with dishes like collard green egg rolls and oxtail rangoon. These tasty creations will be available from August 4th through August 6th at the Café in the Philadelphia Museum of Art (a museum ticket is required).
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions
Some imagery in this e-newsletter was sourced via visitphilly.com and Canva.
By submitting information, I am providing my express written consent to be contacted by representatives of this website through a live agent, artificial or prerecorded voice, and automated SMS text at my residential or cellular number, dialed manually or by autodialer, by email, and mail.