Also this issue: Shoot To Kill? Law enforcement is increasingly wary of photographers. -Daniel Brook Off the Mapp Construction at 30th Street Station is killing newsstand owner Randy Mapp’s business. -Daryl Gale Casino Royale Of bikers and bosses, betting and brawling. -Brendan McGarvey Charles In Charge Though he’s been ousted from a Grays Ferry neighborhood group, Charles Reeves is still stirring it up. -Jenn Carbin Old News At-Large Gripe -Mary F. Patel

February 27-March 5, 2003

the bell curve

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

Most Philly hospitals refusing to take part in president's plan to vaccinate medical personnel against smallpox. Holding out for super-size pox and fries. Plus 1

Cable technician shot by AK-47-wielding robber fleeing South Philly bank on foot. Who could've guessed that a getaway would be difficult after the worst snowstorm in years? Minus 2

FBI and hazardous materials unit called after man sprays cologne at airport security guards to prove that it's harmless. He and his tacky spritz are being held in an undisclosed club on Delaware Avenue. Minus 3

Facing prospect of running without party support, Councilman Longstreth opts not to seek re-election. Party's worried about embarrassing revelations about to be made public regarding where his sympathies really lay during the Revolutionary War. Plus 1

Two former mounted cops convicted of fraud for passing off personal purchases as horseshoes and stable supplies. "The whips were for the horses, I swear!" Minus 1

Environmentalists warn of possible problems from city's dumping 400,000 pounds of snow into Schuylkill River. City officials note that there's no risk from burying environmentalists in snow. Minus 1

Despite budget crunch, Mayor Street insists city needs $79,000-per-year fitness czar. Says it's for the children -- and Angel Ortiz and Jim Kenney. Minus 1

Mayor Street orders surprise inspections of city nightclubs. Let's not act hastily -- couldn't we let those with numerous fire-code violations serve only kids from Jersey? Plus 2

Restaurateur Neil Stein trying to negotiate payment deal with city for $1.36 million in back taxes he owes. That's enough for dozens more fitness czars! Plus 1

Total pluses: 5

Total minuses: 8

Score for the week: -3

Last week’s score: -1