September 11-17, 2003

the bell curve

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

Eagles get shut out in first game at the Linc. New house, same crumbling foundation.
Minus 2

Street denies using the mayor's skybox at the Linc for a fundraiser. Says Street, "That was just a $1,000-a-plate tailgate party. Would you like to meet Donovan McNabb?"
Minus 1

Philadelphia hosts its first two flash mobs simultaneously. Still, the sound of one flash mob clapping remains a mystery.
Plus 1

Microsoft will help build a high-tech high school in Philadelphia. Students in detention will have to go around closing all the windows at the end of the day.
Plus 2

Library unveils plan for $100 million renovation. That should cover the velvet rope needed to declare the rest of the building off-limits except by appointment.
Plus 1

Emergency workers close the Ben Franklin Bridge to simulate responding to a terrorist attack on PATCO. Simulation enhanced by the hordes of screaming commuters.
Plus 1

Airport now equipped with wireless Internet services in every terminal. That should make it so much easier to track your luggage as it's misdirected around the globe.
Plus 2

Plan is unveiled for $3 billion renovation of Penn's Landing -- featuring condos, an ice rink, a theater and more. The project's tentative title is "Philadelphia Free Public Library."
Plus 3

Total pluses: 10

Total minuses: 3

Score for the week: 7

Last week’s score: -11

-- Respond to this article in our Forums -- click to jump there