May 18-24, 2006
City Beat : The Bell Curve
The Bell CurveCity Paper's weekly gauge of Philly's Quality of Life
The Barnes Foundation meets its $150 million fundraising goal, bringing it one step closer to its move to the Parkway. Then again, Google Maps puts the current distance between the Barnes and the Parkway at 5.6 miles, and that's a lot of expensive steps. Plus 3
Paris suburb names a street for Mumia Abu-Jamal. The Rue Mumiahow fitting. Minus 1
Ira Einhorn is blogging through a friend. Today's topic: "Shit, what's a unicorn gotta do to get a street named after him in France?" Even
An EMS driver who has criticized the city's emergency response management will face disciplinary charges. The Fire Department will outfit the driver with gold teeth and a big clock to wear around his neck, because then everyone will think his 911 admonitions are in jest. Minus 2
New exhibit says Ben Franklin was a proud plagiarist. "What can I say?" says Kaavya Viswanathan. "I've got Benergy!" Even
After exhaustive search for a new Philly office space, Wachovia decides to stay put. "At least," says bank official, "until our funding drive is complete." Minus 1
The Divine Lorraine Hotel is sold to a developer who promises to turn it into condos. In related news, City Hall sold for scrap. Minus 1
Kimmel Center unveils its new organ with marathon five-hour recital. And oh, how she bellowed. Plus 2
Phillies install extra padding on Citizens Bank Park's outfield fence. Bobby Abreu's clubhouse recliner still on back order. Even
Total pluses: 5
Total minuses: 5
This week's total: Even
Last week's total: -6

