Week of January 16, 2025
How are those New Year’s resolutions doing? Yeah, ours, too. Take comfort in this fresh list of our favorite Philly stories:
A.J. Brown Explains His Viral Reading Moment During the Birds’ Playoff Win
Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown had a quiet statline in the Birds’ wild card playoff win, but he still managed to grab headlines. Late in the second half, Brown was caught reading a book on the Eagles bench. The title in question? Inner Excellence: Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and the Best Possible Life. The self-help book by Jim Murphy has since gone viral, claiming the top spot on Amazon’s top-sellers list. According to Brown, the viral moment wasn’t an act of defiance, but an earnest attempt to refocus his mind — something he does every game. Let’s hope Brown and his squad can channel their inner excellence as they take on the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round this weekend. (Psst … Here’s everything you need to know about the Eagles’ playoffs in Philly). Say it with us: GO BIRDS!
Temple Gymnast’s Kendrick Lamar-Backed Floor Routine Goes Viral on TikTok
Kyrstin Johnson had TikTok absolutely buzzing last week. The Temple gymnast’s hip-hop-infused floor routine at a recent competition left the social media sphere absolutely floored (see what we did there?). Set to a number of high-energy rap songs, including Kendrick Lamar’s scathing Drake diss track Not Like Us, Johnson’s moves must be seen to be appreciated fully. We’ll stop yapping so you can see for yourself:
Meet the Philly Playwright Behind a Pulitzer Prize-Nominated Play Chronicling an Iconic Black Bookstore
Nancy Marie Gilliam always dreamed of performing on Broadway. And though her career may have gone a little differently than she expected — serving in Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services for nearly 15 years — the Philly actor and playwright is now on the doorstep of a Pulitzer Prize. Her play The Bookstore is up for the esteemed award in the drama category this May. Loosely based on the life of Una Mulzac, owner of Harlem’s iconic Liberation Bookstore, the play has earned rave reviews for its unflinching look at the 1960s Black Power movement. Learn more in the latest edition of CBS3’s Spreading the Love segment. Never give up on your dreams!
Pat’s King of Steaks and Empanadas United Is the Flavor Collab We Needed
How’s this for a Philly foodie fusion? The empanada masters at Empanadas United have teamed up with the iconic Pat’s King of Steaks on a brand-new cheesesteak empanada. The delicious, fried-dough treats are available at the empanada spot’s East Falls and Brewerytown locations. Each one is stuffed with Pat’s tender steak, melted cheese and sautéed onions and will only set you back $3.50. Please pardon our drool.
All Aboard: SEPTA Train Operator Surprised by Family, Friends During the Final Ride of Her 40-Year Career
Jackie Pettyjohn is known as the First Lady of SEPTA — a nickname that’s quite literal. Pettyjohn became the transit agency’s first female engineer back in 1984 and retired this week after 40 years on the job. The trailblazing Philadelphian was moved to tears by a crowd of family, friends and passersby who gathered at Suburban Station to receive her on her final voyage from Philadelphia International Airport. Best wishes in retirement, Jackie! Who run the world?