August 14-20, 2003

the bell curve

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

Goat escapes Pennsylvania Dutch Festival, jumps into the fountain at Love Park. Oh no, that was just Ed Bacon, trying to skate again. Plus 4

New study shows more New Yorkers are moving to Philly than Philadelphians moving to NYC. But they're just here on a layover on the way to Phoenix. Plus 2

Philadelphia Parking Authority unveils plans for "smart cards," which can be inserted into a meter to pay for parking. Of course, since the PPA still employs "dumb people," they'll probably screw it up somehow. Plus 1

Flood at PECO substation leaves much of Center City without power. Local TV news crews forced to sensationalize the blackout door-to-door. Minus 3

Police catch bicyclist suspected of groping several women in Queen Village. Asked why he did it, the man only replied, "I feel like an ass." Plus 5

Family attempting to rob Zoo gift shop drops cash all over Girard Avenue and gets caught. It was a bad move trying to use the Zoo Balloon for the getaway. Minus 2

Citing a dearth of space, the Eagles eliminate VIP parking from the Linc. Fat, drunken, body-painted fans will also be allowed in the skyboxes. Even

N.Y. Daily News names John Bolaris sexiest weatherman. What, did all the sexy people of New York move to Philly? Minus 3

Democratic presidential hopefuls converge on Center City. Dean visits Pat's Steaks, and the rest rush to Geno's to hold press conferences denouncing him. Plus 2

Total pluses: 14

Total minuses: 8

Score for the week: 6

Last week’s score: 1

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