Also this issue: Global Pride Equality Forum celebrates gay and lesbian rights around the world. -Daniel Brook Outlaw Picnic Given bike gang tensions, even one-percenters need to chill. -Brendan McGarvey Learning Curve Ball A Wharton student from Pakistan can’t get back into the country. -Daniel Brook Still Fighting for the First -Mary F. Patel

April 24-30, 2003

the bell curve

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

Penn official is charged with downloading child porn. Claims he was researching Pete Townshend. Minus 3

New brochure and ads in travel magazines promote Philly as gay-friendly place to visit. An outraged Mayor Street says, "See? I told you that "Philly’s More Fun When You Sleep Over’ thing would get out of hand!" Plus 3

Former Temple student accused of defrauding school, and two other colleges, out of $115,000 in tuition scam pleads guilty. Wharton offers him a scholarship. Minus 1

Southwest Philly woman charged with faking own death to collect pension money. Calling to complain about late checks was her undoing. Plus 1

Michael Jordan bids farewell to basketball in Philly. Tickets were exceedingly hard to get -- this only happens once every few years. Plus 1

Philly police officials to meet with inmates at Graterford for advice on curbing crime. Turns out their only suggestion is to free and deputize them. Plus 1

City takes control of airport parking lots away from Parking Authority, which was taken from city by state Republicans two years ago. Let’s make a deal -- state can have both, if it’ll also take Street and send back Rendell. Plus 1

Sen. Santorum equates homosexuality with incest and bigamy. Maybe he’s just pissy over not being invited to PrideFest/Equality Forum. Minus 3

Child welfare officials plan group home for teens in city’s care who are gay, bi, transgendered or just unsure. Man, their prom is gonna be fierce! Plus 5

Total pluses: 12

Total minuses: 7

Score for the week: 5

Last week’s score: -5