Also this issue:

Ink-Stained Kvetch
The piercing cry of favoritism rings out as South Street debates the arrival of a new tattoo shop.
-Alex Richmond

The Way West
-Daniel Brook

Then Came Brunson
The nation's only black female TV station owner is right here in Philly and about to celebrate 10 years of broadcasting at WGTW.
-Deborah Bolling

Ed of Days
-Mary F. Patel

January 23-29, 2003

the bell curve

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

Eagles lose to Tampa Bay in NFC Championship, the last football game to be played at the Vet. In a fitting end for the stadium known as The Toilet, the Birds shit up the field like never before. Minus 9

Two more unions pull out of long-delayed labor deal at Convention Center. Just like so many of their members have pulled out of the city. Minus 4

City workers may lose cell phones as cost-cutting measure. Yeah, but mess with the three-hour lunches and half-day Fridays and you'll see a strike. Plus 2

Man falls to death from apartment building balcony after setting fires and throwing furniture following apparent domestic dispute. TV stations opt not to show slo-mo footage of the tumble-down -- February is sweeps month. Minus 3

Daily News political reporter Dave Davies changes mind about taking press job with Rendell administration. Rendell hires Dave Spadaro of Eagles Digest instead. Minus 1

Man accused of setting fire to Bible on steps of Congressman Fattah's office is ordered to stand trial. His swearing-in ought to be interesting. Plus 1

Student activists sleep outside State Office Building in sub-freezing temperatures to call attention to school-funding issues. TV news stations cover much larger group of kids sleeping outside FU Center for Christina Aguilera tickets. Plus 2

Philadelphia Council of Clergy gives hero award to Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson when Chief Charles Moose, of Maryland sniper case fame, fails to show. Actually Hugh Douglas was the runner-up, but just like on Sunday, he too was a no-show. Plus 1

Total pluses: 6

Total minuses: 17

Score for the week: -11

Last week’s score: -3