Also this issue:

If You Level It, Will They Come?
Not necessarily, say developers who want to rehab buildings near Temple University.
-Daniel Brook

Paper Trail
Take away the name and the philanthropy and the Annenberg family history reads just like any other mob story.
-Brendan McGarvey

Hack Attack
-Daryl Gale

Snarls Barclay
-Deborah Bolling

Hissy-toric Fit
-Daniel Brook

Noam Way
Noam Chomsky ignored by the media? Maybe there's a reason.
-Deborah Bolling

ISTAR Rising
-Mary F. Patel

October 10-16, 2002

the bell curve

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

City evicts woman from home where roach infestation was so bad it was affecting entire block. Neighbors then hit with property tax increases. Plus 2

Northeast man accused of selling coke from dollar store he owned. Buyers turned him in, claiming false advertising. Plus 1

Despite uproar over property tax increases, few have appealed their new rates. Action means less time for bitching. Minus 5

Mt. Airy man, 73, and eight others charged with running $8 million scam selling surplus goods. I. Goldberg closes for a few months and chaos ensues. Plus 1

Ira Einhorn sought book on mummification, witness says at trial. Defense claims Einhorn just wanted to join a string band. Plus 1

Eagles lose to Jaguars in game marked by penalties and Donovan McNabb's vomiting. Stench helps teammates feel more like they're playing a home game. Minus 2

Court gives city prosecutors additional 60 days to bring cases to trial. Lawyers let Einhorn do a little dance for 20 minutes before telling him it doesn't apply to his case. Minus 2

Police department removes from street duty cop whose slapping of a teenaged suspect was caught on tape by a TV news helicopter. Now, co-workers say, he's slapping the troll dolls and bobbleheads on everyone's desks. Plus 1

School District withholds $2 million payment to Edison over incomplete paperwork. "Dude," says Edison spokesman, "an incomplete is totally better than an F." Plus 3

Survey shows that more groups would come to Philly if convention center were expanded. Yeah, expanded to New York, maybe. Plus 1

Total pluses: 10

Total minuses: 9

Score for the week: 1

Last week’s score: -2