January 15-21, 2004

the bell curve

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

Eagles beat Packers with late-game heroics. Plus 9

An RV and five cars are damaged by tailgaters’ barbecue outside Sunday’s Eagles game. "E-A-G-L-E-S!" say victims in unison. Plus 1

Newspaper in Green Bay reports that Packers fans are suffering from "sudden-loss depression." As opposed to the usual, unending depression associated with living in Wisconsin. Plus 5

Anti-Defamation League supports a movement to force Chink’s Steaks, in Wissinoming, to change its name. They suggest "Chink’s Veggie Steaks." Plus 6

Mayor Street says he’ll consider selling PGW or the airport to raise money for his economic-development plan. "Hell," says Street, "I’ll throw in the Riverview." Minus 1

Philadelphia School District begins program to put parents behind "help desks" in elementary and middle schools. And their children volunteer to stuff themselves into "shame lockers." Plus 2

A gay rights group complains about Comcast’s Queer Eye spoof commercial. Says spokesperson, "Only other queers are allowed to make queers look silly." Even

Study says people in the Philly area who buy land for preservation don’t have long-term plans. Just look at Northern Liberties. Minus 2

South Philly principal who told students not to use the word "nigger" steps down. Friends and family are holding a goodbye party at Chink’s Steaks. Minus 6

Total pluses: 23

Total minuses: 9

Score for the week: 14

Last week's score: -22

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