October 16-22, 2003

the bell curve

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

Health Department accidentally kills squirrels rather than rats with poisoned bait in Rittenhouse park. Rats seen smirking and watching the squirrel carnage from sidewalk tables at Rouge. Even

PA considers changing teen labor laws to accommodate Amish customs. You know what this means: even longer hair in your Big Mac. Plus 1

Twelve Linc beer vendors arrested for refilling patrons’ cups and pocketing the money. No word yet on whether executives will be charged with stealing thousands from season-ticket holders. Minus 2

Urban Outfitters stops selling controversial Ghettopoly game. Activists lift boycott, but continue to not shop there because $18 is too much for a rubber ducky. Plus 1

Recent poll shows John Street ahead of Sam Katz, despite the revelation of a federal investigation of the mayor. We're just excited that he's getting national attention. Even

PA doctors plan to launch ad campaign urging state senate to impose a cap on pain and suffering awards in malpractice suits. At least that's what we think the ads say -- no one can read the handwriting. Plus 5

Street announces city will put $1.5 million toward a plaque recognizing the eight slaves who were held in the location currently housing the Liberty Bell. For that much, we could clone them and set them free. Plus 5

WPVI anchor Monica Malpass files lawsuit claiming the employees in her Rittenhouse high-rise were paid to spy on her by her estranged husband. There goes the last of her dedicated viewers. Minus 1

Total pluses: 12 <

Total minuses: 3<

Score for the week: 9 <

Last week's score: 7