The Bell Curve

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

Comcast unveils the plans for its 975-foot skyscraper. Construction crews are scheduled to begin groundbreaking between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursday or Friday.
Even

Teenage con artist posing as James Thrash tricks Donovan McNabb into wiring him money. McNabb knew he'd been duped when the money didn't go sailing through the guy's hands.
Minus 1

Consumer Reports praises Philly chocolate company as the best. "Well," says company spokesman, "when the magazine guy came around, we made sure to give him a brown bunny."
Plus 4

According to city officials, Mayor Street's anti-blight initiative is ahead of schedule. In other words, his trash gets collected twice a week.
Plus 1

Fraternal Order of Police says the city's maligned radio system needs to be replaced immediately. Only it sounded like this: "Refined Scott Baio. Missed 'em. Leads goo ski knee-faced indubitably."
Even

South Philly's Fralinger String Band wins Mummers competition for the third year in a row. And then, in unison, the brigade projectile vomited sequins and feathers.
Plus 3

The Philadelphia Zoo raises ticket prices and cuts staff. Monkey see, SEPTA do.
Minus 2

In an attempt to make up for poor service over the holidays, volunteers from US Airways give away coffee at Terminal C. Actually, they poured the coffee on the floor, handed out straws and encouraged passengers to suck it up.
Plus 1

There were 328 murders last year, 20 fewer than in 2003. Happy New Year!
Plus 20

Total pluses: 29
Total minuses: 3
This week's total: 26
Last week's total: -12

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