March 18-24, 2004

the bell curve

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

Bono chosen to deliver commencement address at UPenn in May. Parents will explain to kids who the man is and why he was important.

Plus 2

Mayor Street tells delegates from AFL-CIO that labor could decide the next presidential election. We know labor has been "helping" to "decide" elections in Philadelphia for decades.

Even

Amid controversy, wide receiver Terrell Owens signs with Eagles. He used a Sharpie.

Plus 5

Sporting News names St. Joe's Jameer Nelson "player of the year." The magazine cites Nelson's address book full of cheerleaders' phone numbers as proof.

Plus 7

Homeless man arrested for urinating in holy water at Center City Church. Man asks, "Why is everyone so upset about The Splashin' of The Christ?"

Minus 3

PGW proposes an $80-a-year surcharge for its paying customers to cover the unpaid bills of deadbeat customers. Hey deadbeats, there's a sale on sweaters at Forman Mills.

Minus 4

Mardi Gras-style beads are becoming tradition at Philadelphia's St. Patrick's Day Parade. Show us yer potatoes, lass!

Minus 1

The Vet will be imploded Sunday morning. South Philly's "Adopt an Inbred Cat" program begins Sunday afternoon.

Plus 5

After labor disputes, Bunim/Murray Productions announces it has canceled plans to shoot The Real World in Philly. Guess we really are just a TLC town.

Minus 40

Total pluses: 19

Total minuses: 48

Score for the week: - 29

Last week's score: -11