Also this issue:

Repeat Offender?
Despite complaints, the city has rehired Prison Health Services to run its inmate health care.
-Gwen Shaffer

Allah Behind Bars
Even La Cosa Nostra members fear the Nation of Islam in jail.
-Brendan McGarvey

Putting the Fish Behind You
-Mary F. Patel

Miracle on Market Street
-Daniel Brook

November 7-13, 2002

the bell curve

The Bell Curve

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

Ed Rendell elected governor. WIP to move to Harrisburg and broadcast statewide. Plus 10

Eagles send cheerleaders to Sarajevo to entertain U.S. troops. NFL players start flying in as well when word gets out about peephole in their tent. Plus 1

Sen. Arlen Specter writes to New York Times in response to article that said Philly is a “banana republic” and Eagles fans are “cruel.” May have gone too far, however, with crack about not having lost any tall buildings lately. Plus 1

On Election Day, Daily News puts Winona Ryder on the cover. A spokesperson credits the coverage to Ryder’s getting more votes than Mike Fisher in Philly. Minus 1

SEPTA cops host Halloween party for kids. The severed heads and limb props are strikingly lifelike. Plus 1

J.Lo and Ben Affleck movie, Jersey Girl, ends production in Philly. Total impact of ass-fetishist tourism for the city: $7.3 million. Plus 1

About 600 show up at Franklin Mills Mall to audition for next season of American Idol. Gossip on 417 of them can be found in this week’s “Ice Pack.” Plus 1

With his campaign fading, Mike Fisher airs commercial saying Ed Rendell will raise state taxes to give more money to Philly. Damn straight -- that’s why we endorsed him. Minus 3

SEPTA doing poor job with its own “on time or free” offer, Daily News reports. But doing well with “What Red Light?” and “We'll Keep Your Change” programs. Minus 2

Total pluses: 15

Total minuses: 6

Score for the week: 9

Last week’s score: -5