March 23-29, 2006
City Beat : The Bell Curve
The Bell CurveCity Paper's weekly gauge of Philly's Quality of Life
Philly unions donate labor to remove the old Liberty Bell pavilion from Independence Mall, saving taxpayers $300,000. Also, earth spins backwards, cats chase dogs, protons and electrons switch polarity. Plus 4
U.S. Circuit Judge Edward R. Becker of the U.S. Court of Appeals says the union was performing "the most remarkable example of civic heroism that I have seen in over 40 years." "This makes those 9/11 firefighters look like a bunch of loafers," adds Becker. Plus 5,000
Pieces of the pavilion will be used in constructing "Unity Park" in Anchorage, Alaska. Liberty Place to be dismantled to construct "Bridge to Unity Park." Plus 1
SEPTA bus hits Henry Winkler's Town Car, no one was injured. Once again, Fonzie escapes the dreaded Malachi Crunch. Plus 1
Former Police Commissioner Richard Neal is injured by a 14-year-old boy driving a stolen van in South Philly. "Sign him up," says SEPTA. Minus 1
The Recreation Department and Fairmount Park Commission will be consolidated, according to a new plan. U.S. Circuit Judge Edward R. Becker calls it "the most inspiring example of civic cooperationism since the dawn of the modern Olympic Games." Plus 10,000
A Democratic ward leader punches out attorney for Electricians' Local 98 outside city commissioners' offices where both are petitioning to run for office. U.S. Circuit Judge Edward R. Becker calls it "the most despicable example of civic pugilism since Hamilton/Burr." Minus 15,000
Mayor Street is called for jury duty, but is not selected. Says Street: "Chances are, I know the defendant." Even
Currently present in the Northeast, red light cameras will soon be added to South Philly. Actual red-light district at K&A remains underlit. Plus 1
Total pluses: 15,007
Total minuses: 15,001
This week's total: 6
Last week's total: -2

