January 22-28, 2004

the bell curve

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

Eagles lose. Maybe it's time we put the William Penn statue on top of Liberty One. Minus 10

Eagles fan who looks like Andy Reid is getting the cold shoulder from passersby, says Daily News. Still, he coached one hell of a game on Sunday. Minus 1

The section of 20th Street that runs through La Salle's campus is turned into one-way street. As expected, it dead-ends at the cul-de-sac of professional mediocrity. Even

Philly schools ban all sweetened drinks from vending machines. Thankfully, milk shakes still bring all the boys to the yard. Plus 1

Gov. Rendell puts new panel in charge of reopening the plan to run a light rail train between Philly and Reading. Mayor Street dumbfounded when told it's not actually a trolley to the library. Plus 1

Eagles fan throws beer at Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory at the Linc on Sunday. Fittingly, McCrory intercepted it. Minus 1

City Council begins sessions in its newly refurbished chambers. Due to technical difficulties, Anna Verna had no power in her office. Plus 1

Developers start building 320 new condos and townhouses in Old City. A little over-optimistic about The Real World, are we? Minus 1

Flyers suffer injuries caused by collisions with teammates. Eagles are thankful they can't suffer injuries from collisions with footballs. Minus 1

Teen files suit after finding bloody, pus-filled bandage in her fried sweet potato ball. Fear Factor sends crew to restaurant to research its next stunt. Minus 5

Total pluses: 3

Total minuses: 19

Score for the week: -16

Last week's score: 14