January 8-14, 2004

the bell curve

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

Men’s Health, which called Philadelphia the fattest city in 2000, now says we’re only the seventh fattest. Beer at the Vet was much cheaper than at the Linc. Plus 1

In a post-game press conference, Allen Iverson rips into Howard Eskin. Finds nothing inside. Plus 1

Eagles fans no longer have to camp out during the playoffs; now they can only purchase tickets by phone. When lines don’t disappear, officials realize the majority of "rabid Eagles fans" are actually just homeless people. Even

Twenty-one people were arrested for firing guns into the air on New Year’s Eve, including three men in Southwest Philly who videotaped themselves doing so. "We were just trying to get the plastic bags out of the trees," says one of the men. Minus 3

"Now is the time for all of us to become optimists," says Mayor Street at his second inauguration. "Especially for those who have given positive testimonials on my Friendster page." Plus 1

Mummers themes include Saddam Hussein, Bob Hope, Martha Stewart and the FBI bug. This is the first proof that the Inquirer reaches South Philly. Even

Murders in Philly were up 20 percent in 2003 from the previous year. Looks like we’re gonna need a few more crime-fighting cabdrivers. Minus 9

Airport security chief is fired due to improper hiring practices and lapses in security. Mayor Street adopts him. Minus 3

Tug McGraw dies. Minus 10

Total minuses: 25

Total pluses: 3

Score for the week: -22

Last week's score: -1

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