September 9-15, 2004

the bell curve

The Bell Curve

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

Mayor Street says he wants Philadelphia to be the first city with wireless access. Bell Curve staff would like a pony.
Plus 4

Fewer people rode the ferry to Camden and vice versa this year. We would if it ever showed up.
Minus 1

Daily News columnist Riot Grrrl calls James Gandolfini "sexy." Finally, she says something controversial.
Even

Report says Philadelphia traffic jams are 26th worst in the U.S. PennDOT phones Philadelphia Phillies for tips on how to cope with coming in 26th.
Even

Bank robber escapes when pepper spray bomb planted in his bag of loot stops the cops who were pursuing him. Fuckin' chokers.
Minus 4

The dreaded snakehead fish is reproducing by the thousands in lakes in FDR Park. And by the millions at Philadelphia Eddie's.
Minus 1

Forty-one people are treated when somebody uses pepper spray in a Northeast Wendy's. Now that's a spicy chicken sandwich.
Minus 2

At orientation rally, Bill Cosby reminds Temple freshman not to punch their girlfriends or take sexual advantage of them when they're drunk. Where was the Cos for La Salle's orientation?
Minus 1

Group plans rally in Love Park to register homeless voters. Well, whaddayaknow? Even homeless people are more socially acceptable than skateboarders.
Plus 3

Total pluses: 7
Total minuses: 9
This week's total: -2
Last week's total: -11