Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

9 Number of actors in new Philly improv ensemble Tongue & Groove, who will appear as part of the Fringe Festival Sept. 13-15 from 9 to 10 p.m. at 2nd Stage @ the Adrienne, 2 030 Sansom St. The troupe aims to "improvise the human experience" with both "laugh-out-loud humor and heart-touching moments of truth." I'm totally going to use "HTMT" now when my instant messenger conversations get intense. Call the Fringe Festival box office for tickets and information at 215-413-1318.

22 Rank of Pennsylvania for its house price appreciation — 4.7 percent — over a one-year period that ended June 30, according to Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight data reported by the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank in its second quarter analysis issued Sept. 4. Where are these people who actually appreciate the rise in house prices? Not cool, guys. I'm trying to move out here.

28 Number of seconds that went by between every pair of shoes distributed by Soles4Souls since January 2005 — more than 2.5 million pairs. The organization, which will hold a shoe drive for new or gently worn shoes at the 30th annual Philadelphia Distance Run Sept. 16, is devoted to collecting and donating footwear throughout the world to those in need. Their current slogan: "Changing the world one pair at a time." Bor-ing. And probably more suited for neutering clinics. My proposal: "Ya know ... for kicks."

58 Number of guys 24-year-old Philadelphia resident Julie had dated since 2005, according to the first entry in her blog, "Liberty Belle: (Mis)fortunes of Dating in Philly," at datethelibertybelle.blogspot.com. She's now at more than 60 and counting, so go ahead and commence with the e-stalking, Mr. Rights.

140 Minimum number of artists who will be displaying their works at the third annual Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Sept. 14-16 at the square, which organizers call "an affluent residential and commercial location providing qualified patrons who appreciate and collect fine art." Qualified patrons? Seriously, Rittenhouse?

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.