December 23-29, 2004

the bell curve

The Bell Curve

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

Terrell Owens injures ankle and is likely out until the Super Bowl. Eagles fans wake up to Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe."
Minus 10

After a controversial call, Temple basketball coach John Chaney wins in his 1,000th game. That's what they call winnin' ugly.
Plus 10

Exelon, which already owns PECO, buys PSEG of New Jersey, making it the largest utility company in the country. SEC seen setting sail for Canada on a raft made of diamonds and money.
Even

City's "stop 'n' go" markets sign agreement to stop selling rolling papers and tubes used as crack pipes. And suddenly, sales have gone up for the slow-burn, E-Z Wide Daily News.
Plus 4

The Philadelphia Zoo acquires two rare Malagasy giant jumping rats. Great, just what we need: giant jumping rats.
Plus 2

Out-of-work hockey players John LeClair and Chris Therien start a shipping company. Business analysts are skeptical, noting that LeClair hasn't been able to deliver for years.
Even

City postpones plan for 311 service to handle nonemergency calls. Calls will now be routed to Widespread Panic.
Minus 3

Boiler in West Philly elementary school fails on coldest day of the winter so far. You're a mean one, Mr. Knutsen.
Minus 2

Local media has field day reporting on the Zagat Survey that found Philadelphians to be the best tippers in the U.S. Here's a tip: We read that story on CNN.com last month.
Minus 1

Total pluses: 16
Total minuses: 16
This week's total: 0
Last week's total: 12