October 21-27, 2004

the bell curve

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

Team of former homeless and drug-addicted people win at Philly Dragon Boat race. First prize: homes and drugs. Plus 4

Michael Smerconish's Cheesesteak Veterans for the Truth criticizes Kerry for asking for Swiss on his cheesesteak last year. This is why there will never be a right-wing Daily Show. Conservatives. Are. Not. Funny. Minus 1

As presidential race gets down to the wire, both candidates campaign heavily in Pa. and N.J. We haven't seen this much Bush around here since Streak Week at Bryn Mawr. We haven't seen this much Dick since the Penn Wrestlers Gone Wild video. We haven't seen this many Johns since two-for-one night on Kensington Ave. Plus 4

Rendell picks old college buddy to run Pa.'s gaming commission. Vows to turn Pennsylvania into the "Beer Pong, Quarters and Asshole Capital of the World." Even

Voter registration is way up in the city. That's only half the battle: MoveOn plots Election Day "Wake Up West Philly" campaign. Plus 6

Students at Lincoln High arrested after a food fight turns into a brawl. In related news: Ten dead at Neumann-Goretti on pot-pie day. Minus 1

Mayor Street pulls the plug on expensive plan to develop Penn's Landing. As per tradition, he will now fill it with dirt and put in a parking lot. Minus 1

Firearms training officer is reassigned after grabbing a gun at a firing range and shooting the ground. Tackleberry!!!

Minus 1

US Airways will increase departures from Philly. Sadly, no increase in arrivals.

Plus 2

Total pluses: 16

Total minuses: 4

This week's total: 12

Last week's total: -3