Also this issue:

Sue Good
A former personal injury attorney wants to take child abusers to court.
-Daryl Gale

Deep in the Heart of Texas
There's never a dull moment with Philly's crime families.
-Brendan McGarvey

Ward Up
-Mary F. Patel

Street Fighting
-Daniel Brook

November 27-December 3, 2002

the bell curve

The Bell Curve

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

Starting in place of injured Donovan McNabb, Eagles QB Koy Detmer suffers elbow dislocation on Monday Night Football. Team's first call is to Randall Cunningham -- to tell him to forget it. Minus 5

Police Department suspends five cops who were arrested recently in separate incidents while off-duty. If only they'd broken the law together and covered it up, they'd be promoted. Plus 1

In rare address to City Council, Mayor Street announces plans to reduce city payroll by 2,500 to counter looming "fiscal calamity." Oh, sure, now there's a problem, but when the unions wanted to build stadiums, he couldn't write the checks fast enough. Minus 6

Fistfight at Convention Center involving Carpenters Union official complicates already delicate labor and political situation. Union's offer to resolve matter in cage match with Convention Center execs politely declined. Minus 2

School District to open military high school and launch ROTC-style programs in other schools. Special forces units said to be excited about prospect of working with the best. Plus 1

Federal labor official rules that Penn graduate students are employees and can unionize. Now there's a picket line to fear. Plus 1

Phillies sign free agent third baseman David Bell. He won't make fans forget Scott Rolen, but unless that 4 mil a year buys a whole lot more than his lifetime .256 average, he may make them forget to care. Plus 1

Inspired by recent Inquirer series, Councilman DiCicco calls for public hearings on future of Penn's Landing. Inspired by Daily News columnist, Councilman Mariano buys a sixpack. Plus 4

Total pluses: 8

Total minuses: 13

Score for this week: -5

Last week’s score: -14