December 18-24, 2003

the bell curve

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

West Philly man pulls a gun on children after getting hit in the face with a snowball. North Philly man actually fires at snowball-throwing kids, but misses. If it was South Philly, those kids would be dead. Minus 5

Among those who received write-in votes in the last mayoral election are Brian Westbrook, Bob Dylan, Bill Clinton, Mumia Abu-Jamal and Jim Gardner. "Where my dogs at?" mimes a sad Philly Phanatic. Plus 10

White principal in a predominantly black South Philly school who used the word "nigger" in a lesson on the evils of discrimination, is allowed to return to work unpunished, though the school district cites her "poor judgment and lack of tact." Then adds, "Let's give her the benefit of the doubt, she's just a dumb honky." Plus 1

Pickpocket is caught after months of stealing from Penn and Drexel students. "I don't even party with Drexel people," says one Penn victim. "I can't believe we have to hang out at the same police lineup." Plus 1

After going down a street blocked off by police, bike messenger runs into officer who tries to stop her. Officer treated for cuts, scrapes and lice. Minus 1

Old City officially declared a "historic district" by the Philadelphia Historical Commission. "The Philadelphia Historical Commission can now disband," says spokesperson. Plus 1

Federal judge who dismissed a lawsuit against Vanguard, a company in which he owns stock, denies having a conflict of interest. Judge insists there's no conflict: "I always rule in my portfolio's favor." Minus 3

Philly is on pace for 348 murders in 2003, up from last year's total of 288. And things could get worse, it's snowball-fight season. Minus 7

Total pluses: 13

Total minuses: 16

Score for the week: -3

Last week's score: -14

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