Also this issue: The Law Won Two former narcotics agents win big in a lawsuit against Pa. Attorney General Mike Fisher. -Howard Altman Right to Know Ed Goppelt is suing City Hall to get access to info that's rightfully his -- and ours, too. -Daniel Brook Gender, Studies Students say a sexist atmosphere permeates Temple Law. -Deborah Bolling Center Gets A Nutter Chance -Daniel Brook The Race to Restore Belmont -Mary F. Patel

February 13-19, 2003

the bell curve

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

Cardinal Bevilacqua weighing offer of a free new house, paid for by local business leaders, upon retirement. Deferring decision until hot tub in chapel is redesigned to his specs. Minus 2

Gov. Rendell says he won't release state money for Convention Center expansion until professional managers, not political appointees, are hired. So when does David L. Cohen start? Plus 1

Boy accused of poisoning teacher by pouring cleaning fluid in her coffee. Let's not jump to conclusions -- maybe he's just interested in chemistry. Minus 4

Members of Pagan motorcycle gang blockade coffee shop at which actor and author Chuck Zito, a Hells Angel, was to appear. Standoff ends peacefully -- when you spend that much for a latte, who wants to risk spilling it in a brawl? Minus 1

Northeast civic and political leaders say no thanks to Mayor Street's plan to use city antiblight money to demolish buildings on site of old Byberry State Hospital. One man's blight is another man's fright over new low-income housing. Minus 1

More than 50 people respond to Kimmel Center e-mail offering deep discount on tickets to Orchestra performance during snowstorm. Confused and armed with snowballs, many ask where 700 level is. Plus 1

Sheriff says he'll stop handing out contracts without bids or written deals. Let's just change city's name to Bumblefuck and be done with it. Minus 2

Street administration considering entering into marketing agreements, such as naming rights and exclusivity deals, with corporations. If it means getting Mayor McCheese on the ballot this year, we're down. Minus 5

Total pluses: 2

Total minuses: 15

Score for the week: -12

Last week’s score: 10