Also this issue: Junior's Achievement: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Bob Casey Jr. dishes over duck about his negative ads, what he'll do for Pennsylvania and what people across the state really think about Philly. -CP Staff No Slaves to History Historic Philadelphia Inc. is having a hard time attracting black actors. -Jenn Carbin Too Cool for School -Mary F. Patel Holy War -Daryl Gale Chestnut Roasted -Daniel Brook

May 9-15, 2002

the bell curve

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

Allen Iverson reminds reporters that he's only human in 30-minute, obscenity-laden speech. Larry Brown says it reminds him of the 30 minutes of obscenity-laden practice time Iverson put in this year. Plus 1

City Council asks Mayor Street and Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson to explain cost and philosophy of Operation Safe Streets. Philosophy of City Council's Operation Slow Down A Second is painfully clear. Minus 3

Patrick B. Mulligan, city's deputy managing director for parking and traffic, finally gets driver's license after driving a city-issued SUV for nearly two years without one. City Council eyes the promising candidate. Minus 3

Inquirer reports that Philadelphia pension board members spent more than $86,000 of fund money on trips to "educational conferences," often at beachfront hotels, over the past year and a half. "That's where the pensioners are," shrugs one board member. Minus 2

No plans have been made for the four statues outside Veterans Stadium once the ballpark is closed for demolition. Can any of them cross the street and do Mutombo's job? Minus 1

The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, announces he will visit North Philly's Simon Gratz High School in September to launch a $2 million education fund. Great. Can't wait to see the "Welcum Prints Andruw" signs. Plus 2

Local writer sues Disney for allegedly stealing his copyrighted story about Robin Hood's teenage daughter for the TV movie The Princess of Thieves. Still, nobody has taken the bait on his even stupider project, The Little Mer-Maitre d'. Minus 1

The last mainstream Center City movie theater, the 74-year-old Sameric at 19th and Chestnut, closes. Now we have to go all the way down to the Riverview to smoke weed and scream at The Talented Mr. Ripley. Minus 5

Total pluses: 3

Total minuses: 15

Score for the week: -12

Last week’s score: -14