March 28-April 3, 2002

the bell curve

The Bellcurve

City Paper's weekly guage of Philly's Quality of Life

School District officials complain of intimidation by electricians union. But who needs an education when you can make $45 an hour changing light bulbs in the same high school you dropped out of a couple years before? Minus 7

Mother charged after her son takes handgun and two knives to school for protection. That's not nearly enough weaponry for Philly's schools. Minus 2

Sting at cop-run "weed store" leads to 51 arrests. And thousands of empty Cheetos bags. Plus 1

In apparent middle finger to Mayor Street, Sen. Fumo introduces bill calling for deep cuts in city wage tax. Street's buddies from electricians union call for deep cuts in Fumo. Plus 5

Allen Iverson to miss four to six weeks due to broken hand bone. Sixers expected to miss four to six weeks of the playoffs. Minus 4

Daily News encourages readers to report instances of sex abuse by priests to the paper. Confession is good for the soul -- and sales. Minus 1

Mysterious rash that's been plaguing schools around the country shows up in Northeast Philly charter school. Witnesses report seeing electricians lurking about with red markers. Minus 1

SEPTA investigates fight between conductor and engineer on Regional Rail line, which some passengers mistook for an attempted terrorist attack. Don't laugh -- forcing trains to run on time would send this city into an absolute panic. Minus 1

Bala Cynwyd-based firm considers moving to Center City or Camden. If we lose this one, then we really are as lame as Maxim magazine says. Plus 2

Total pluses: 8

Total minuses: 16

Score for the week: -8

Last week’s score: -5