Also this issue:

Dreams and Nightmares
Civic groups fight church's plans to re-use Metropolitan Hospital.
-Daniel Brook

Dissent Decree
Protesters complain they get short shrift in media.
-Daryl Gale

"Holy Charge"
Even after 17 years, Elmer Smith considers it a privilege to be a columnist. His new book shows why.
-Deborah Bolling

December 5-11, 2002

the bell curve

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

Phillies sign power-hitting Jim Thome to six-year, $86-million deal. David Bell's memo to self: history of lower back problems = longer deal and more money. Plus 5

Eagles win with third-string quarterback A.J. Feeley starting. For all those fans already booking flights to San Diego, we have two words: Bobby Hoying. Plus 3

Driver for Gov.-elect Rendell arrested for allegedly possessing Xanax and heroin. Hey, if you had to deal with all those yokels in Harrisburg, you'd want an aide who was carrying too. Minus 2

Penn students who allegedly beat and poured oil on visiting Princeton student turn themselves in to police. They'll be tried in Eagles Court, where judges are familiar with this sort of behavior. Plus 1

City health department to offer STD testing at high schools. First attempt leads to confusion on day of SATs. Plus 4

Leader of group of eight Germantown men who robbed a suburban Office Max pleads guilty. Trying to split 70 legal pads and a gross of Bic pens among eight guys just wasn't worth it. Plus 1

Larry Kane announces his retirement, saying he's "had enough of anchoring for now." Seems certain that Paul McCartney will eventually return his calls about "getting the band back together." Plus 1

Orchestra members drenched and instruments damaged when Kimmel Center sprinkler system malfunctions during a rehearsal. Classical music momentarily fun. Minus 1

NBC 10 devotes entire broadcast to John Bolaris' farewell. After all the broadcasts devoted to predictions of snowstorms that never happened, viewers are surprised not to see John on air the next day. Minus 1

Total pluses: 15

Total minuses: 4

Score for the week: 11

Last week’s score: -5