July 1- 7, 2004

the bell curve

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

Twelve power players are indicted as result of the federal probe, but Mayor Street is not charged. Which means at least 12 people will be running for mayor in 2007.
Minus 12

Once banned as a place to eat because of its rat problem, Love Park now has tables encouraging people to have lunch there. Also, the rats are once again permitted to skateboard.
Plus 4

Computer glitch assigns straight-A students to summer school. Relieved nerds glad to get out of sports camp.
Minus 1

Justice Department deploys "Violent Crime Impact Teams" for Philadelphia and 14 other cities with high murder rates. Law & Order writers energized by new acronym.
Plus 1

Will Ferrell consulted Larry Kane while researching his role in Anchorman. Kane had an even bigger influence Ferrell's next movie, 10,000 Anecdotes About The Beatles.
Plus 1

Philadelphia couple allegedly tries to sell their baby on a beach in Wildwood Crest. Best offer was eight Skee-Ball tickets.
Minus 5

Phoenix hasn't passed Philly in total population yet, as earlier reported, but it's predicted to within two years. After counting all the police officers, fire fighters, teachers and city officials who secretly live outside the city, Philly is back on top.
Plus 1

SEPTA says all bus routes are now equipped to handle disabled passengers. SEPTA officials hope to equip all drivers with the ability to handle buses.
Plus 7

Daily News announces new activist columnist-character, "Riot Grrrl." Oh for fuck's sake.
Minus 1

Total pluses: 14
Total minuses: 19
This week's total: -5
Last week's total: 7