Also this issue: Presidential Pique The leader of the Dominican Republic is mad as hell and sending lawyers to Philly. -Howard Altman Naval Gazing City may have let Toll Brothers off the hook before the Naval Home fire. -Gwen Shaffer Peace! Thousands of Philadelphia-area residents protest war. -Gwen Shaffer Eighth District Councilmanic Mania -Mary F. Patel

February 20-26, 2003

the bell curve

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

Philly pounded by one of worst snowstorms in recorded history. Derrick Coleman frozen in place. Minus 5

Five arrested in raid of men's bathroom in Strawbridge's, which police say was meeting place for quickies with strangers. They misinterpreted "men's shorts half off." Minus 1

Defying his own party, 82-year-old Councilman Thacher Longstreth says he'll seek re-election. He was here when they built the place, he'll be here when they tear it down. Minus 1

Five-year-old boy found to be home alone after he calls 911 to complain that his PlayStation was smoking and he hadn't eaten in 24 hours. Mother located in line at PGW. Minus 2

Daily News columnist suggests turning money-losing Phlash bus service into nightlife transportation system. Fill it up on Second Street and drive it into the river. Plus 1

Philly police launch antiterrorism website. Takes them days to realize that every suspected terrorist reported through the site is a school teacher. Plus 1

Philly antiwar rally draws about 10,000. Yeah, if each marcher had a conjoined twin hidden in his or her shirt. Plus 6

Local Guardian Angels chapter splits with national group. Considers reconciliation after learning from Beret Council of America that the only color not claimed by an activist group is hot pink.

Minus 1

Council passes law making it illegal to block intersections on South Street. Sadly, it will still be legal to be from Jersey. Plus 1

Total pluses: 9

Total minuses: 10

Score for the week: -1

Last week’s score: -12