January 31–February 7, 2002

news

The Bell Curve

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

Handcuffed carjacking suspect leaps to his death from eighth-floor window at D.A.’s office. Yeah, and Kennedy shot himself. Minus 1

Mayor says city will compete for some of the money expected to become available to municipalities through Homeland Security Office. Street gloats to aides who thought he was crazy to plant plastic explosives in a Greyhound terminal locker. Plus 2

Father and son murder suspects blame each other for death of Manayunk businessman. Psst, guys — blame Kim Delaney. Minus 1

Floating restaurant Moshulu to move from damaged Pier 34 to Penn’s Landing. Angel Ortiz offers to captain the vessel on its journey. Plus 1

Union boss John Dougherty testifies that men accused of breaking into his home threatened him and used ethnic slurs. "Stupid wops thought I was a Polack," Dougherty fumes. Plus 1

Penn, a major accounting firm and 29 other organizations apply to act as consultants to School Reform Commission. Penn’s first recommendation: recruit more students from wealthy families. Plus 1

Eagles play hard but come up short against Rams in NFC championship game. Flyers GM Bobby Clarke calls to suggest trading Donovan McNabb. Minus 3

Judge denies ailing mobster Anthony "Tony Buck" Piccolo’s request for early release from prison so that he can die at home. "I know how you feel," Angelo "Fat Ange" Lutz tells Piccolo. "I couldn’t get out for the Wing Bowl." Plus 1

Allen Iverson calls Larry Brown "best coach in the world" in interview with Playboy. Elsewhere in the issue: tits. Plus 1

Total pluses: 7
Total minuses: 5
Score for the week: 2
Last week’s score: 0