Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

1 Number of free admissions one will receive when buying three during the Mütter Museum Student Open House Sept. 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. A valid student ID is required and "refreshments will be available for purchase." I think the Mütter might have a slightly different concept of "open house." Careful the snacks aren't spiked with formaldehyde, kids.

5 Number of centuries of Philadelphia architecture featured in Forgotten Philadelphia: Lost Architecture of the Quaker City, a new book by Tom Keels, who will discuss and sign copies Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the Borders bookstore on the Avenue of the Arts. The book's last chapter, "Projected Philadelphia," explores the hypothetical impact of 15 never-realized structures. I still say that proposed crystal ziggurat would have looked classy in front of the Art Museum.

8 Number of glasses of water — according to the popular myth — that one should drink per day. Find out the appropriate amount during "Are You Drinking Enough Water?" — a presentation by registered dietician Eileen Chopnick, Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at the Stiffel Senior Center, 604 Porter St. Call 215-468-3500 for more information. And bring a Brita pitcher for the potluck reception.

$10 Annual renewal fee for the limited-edition Flyers license plate, available from the Comcast-Spectacor Foundation for $50 at www.comcastspectacorfoundation.com. With a little express mailing, you can still spare the embarrassment of showing up with your non-Flyers plate to their first preseason home game, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. against the Devils.

18 Minimum age one must be to enter a local Panera Bread contest to win an autographed Jeremiah Trotter lithograph, and, more awkwardly, dinner with the former Eagle and other winners after the season. Good thing Panera didn't go through with the original idea: Win dinner with Jeremiah Trotter and the Eagles management immediately following an unexpected preseason press conference!

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.