The Bell Curve

City Paper's Quality-o-Life-o-Meter

John S. Carter, who defrauded the Independence Seaport Museum of $1.5 million, appeals his 15-year plea bargain sentence, saying the penalty is too harsh. "It turns out jail is extremely unpleasant," he explains. "I would like to leave, please." Even

The Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance establishes a new index to track involvement in cultural activities. "This can't be right," says analyst. "Under Bridesburg it just says '-4.'" Plus 1

Jimmy Rollins and his girlfriend will appear in a fashion spread for Playboy. "Wow," says Pat Burrell. "They printed my letter." Plus 1

Michael Nutter plans to keep 46 of the city's 73 pools open this summer, despite raising only a quarter of the $2 million he'd hoped to get in private donations. Also, he's calling them Wet Libraries. Plus 2

The snowfall for Philadelphia is measured in Gloucester County. More white flight. Even

After Michael Nutter announces his budget, former mayor John Street tells reporters he would have made different choices. Too soon, John. Minus 1

George Perrier, John Bolaris and others judge the Miss Philadelphia Pageant. From behind the tinted windows of an illegally parked minivan. Even

The Philadelphia Zoo celebrates its 150th birthday. "Feels like longer," says Galapagos Tortoise. "Why won't I die?" Plus 5

Total Pluses: 9

Total minuses: -1

Total for the Week: 8

Last Week's Total: 11