Also this issue: Laminate Lament How the theft of some plastic in the Northeast can make your life miserable. -Daryl Gale Unnecessary Roughness The boys of section 346 get spanked. -Daryl Gale Tavis Smiley -Deborah Bolling Absolutely Fabulous -Mary F. Patel Experimental Justice -Daniel Brook

November 21-27, 2002

the bell curve

The Bell Curve

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

Donovan McNabb out for season with broken ankle. Thousands of fans suffer same injury jumping off bandwagon. Minus 7

Councilman Jim Kenney says he's reluctantly seeking re-election. Finally, a message Democrats can rally around: "We're just going through the motions." Minus 1

Owners of Trocadero and former Sameric theater talk about partnership. Concerned fans form "Save the Troc" committee, just to be safe. Plus 5

Mayor and Councilman Rick Mariano support sale of city-owned land to admitted tax cheat. He must be a union tax cheat. Minus 2

Eagles fans flood opposing teams' online forums with lewd, insulting messages. Scientists are shocked -- sure, chimps can be taught to use computers, but 700-levelers? Minus 1

"Fuck you, John Street" spray-painted on bench in new, skater-unfriendly LOVE Park. That'll teach him to dismiss skaters as stupid, destructive kids. Minus 1

Parking Authority denies that many new "smart" meters aren't working properly, as Inquirer reports. But plans under way to replace them with "dumb" meters -- Delaware Avenue club kids with egg timers. Minus 2

Judith Rodin is highest paid president of a private college in the country. And they told her that museum on the Parkway is named after her. Minus 1

Instead of reopening Chestnut Street in front of Independence Hall, as city wants, Park Service now considering closing Fifth and Sixth streets as well. Let freedom be ringed. Minus 4

Total pluses: 5

Total minuses: 19

Score for the week: -14

Last week’s score: 4