August 7-13, 2003

the bell curve

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

New $187 million SEPTA terminal opens in Frankford. It must have sparked a beautification wave throughout the neighborhood -- hardware stores can't keep spray paint on the shelves. Plus 5

Constitution Party candidate John P. McDermott's petition to run for mayor features suspicious names and several signatures apparently in the same handwriting. Campaign director Jacques Strapp could not be reached for comment. Minus 5

McDermott's petitioning might have been aided by Street-backers looking to split Katz's white vote. They hired 16 recovering drug addicts and alcoholics to help gather names. More information on the candidate can be found at area T-shirt outlets. Minus 2

Large mail distribution center to be built in SW Philly; Penn plans to buy the old office at 30th and Market. In other news, Drexel buys a shed to keep some stuff in. Even

Eagles lift hoagie ban, saying as long as the sandwiches are wrapped in clear plastic they're allowed in. Al-Qaeda resumes atomic hoagie program. Plus 7

NE teenager blows off own hand trying to make a bomb. Asked what went wrong, the kid admitted he was stumped. Minus 4

After 80 years, United Way votes to cease financial support to area Boys Scouts because of their anti-homosexual discrimination policy. “We’ve come to the conclusion that gay people are A-OK,” says United Way spokesperson. “It was a lengthy investigation.” Plus 2

New York City man is cited for disorderly conduct for poking actor dressed as Telly at Sesame Place. Says man, "He wouldn't say, "Who loves ya, baby?' like I asked him to!" Minus 2

Total pluses: 14

Total minuses: 13

Score for the week: 1

Last week’s score: -14