Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

3 Number of first round picks � 12, 21 and 30 � the Sixers have in the NBA draft tonight. Here are a few reminders just to put you in the right frame of mind, Billy: B.J. Tyler. Sharone Wright. Christian Welp. Kenny Payne. I guess what I'm really trying to say, Billy, is: Shawn Bradley.

8 Number of years the Joshua Kahan Fund has held the All You Can Eat Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival without me knowing about it. The 9th annual event is June 29 to July 1 at Penn's Landing, and I'm prepared to stretch my $5 � and unsuspecting stomach � to fund Pediatric Leukemia research at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Oncology Division. It's Ziggy Piggy time.

10 Number of years the Philadelphia Freedom Skate event lasted. This year, the in-line tradition continues with the Philly Free Skate, featuring six different city skates ranging from 10 to 15 miles from June 29 to July 1. And most likely all ending at the All You Can Eat Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival. You can sample the flavors faster on rollerblades!

12 Number of years the Please Touch Museum has held its annual Great Friend to Kids Awards to honor Philadelphia area individuals and organizations who contribute to enriching the lives of children. To nominate worthy individuals, visit www.pleasetouchmuseum.org for an application form, due by June 29. I nominate the All You Can Eat Super Scooper Ice Cream Festival! Actually I guess I'm kind of serious, as I always am about ice cream.

10,000 Number of total, all-time franchise losses the Phillies are poised to accumulate by sometime in July, making them the first professional sports team to reach that milestone. Good job, Phillies. Looks like you're about to win what was apparently a race between all four teams in this city.

Can I get your digits? I want to hear about the numerals you need to see. Let a number-runner know at runningnumbers@gmail.com.