Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

$10,000 Maximum amount of "free money" — for the purchase of a new home — that you can learn to apply for during "Housing Grants and Free Credit Reports," a seminar hosted by ICON Philadelphia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a cohesive community of Asian-Americans from all backgrounds. Two rounds of seminars, limited to 20 people each, are scheduled for Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and are open to members only. Visit iconphiladelphia.org for membership info and RSVP to herbert.lau@era.com by Feb. 15. And then please report back to me about all this "free money for a house" stuff.

305 Number — indicating third season, fifth show — of the "Pros vs. Joes" episode featuring Philadelphia resident Michael Kotsch that will air Feb. 21 at 11 p.m. on Spike TV. Kotsch will face former athletes including two-time Sixer Derrick Coleman. No word on whether DC will be off the DL in time to participate.

73 Number of countries whose citizens stayed at Chamounix Mansion International Hostel in Fairmount Park during their visits to Philadelphia in 2007, according to Chamounix management. With overnight stays at $23, towel rentals at 50 cents, and the American dollar God knows where, the Chamounix should expect to break 100 nations this year.

3 Number of Temple University scholars who will be present Feb. 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Paley Library Lecture Hall for the first-ever "Chat in the Stacks," an interdisciplinary conversation with distinguished faculty members about the latest research in their diverse fields. The inaugural event includes a discussion by Kimmika Williams-Witherspoon, assistant professor of theater history, about her study of "The Secret Messages in African American Theater." Decoder rings encouraged, but not required.

1 Number of brows that will be featured in each of 40 self-portraits on display in the Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, running Feb. 20 through May 18 in honor of the 100th anniversary of her birth. Word is that unibrowed patrons get admission discounts. Seriously, try it.

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.