Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

3,945 Number of arrests made in the U.S. in 2006 involving the passing of counterfeit bills to individuals and businesses — resulting in a loss of $62 million — according to Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Economic Education Adviser Andrew Hill in the first installment of his new podcast series, "Moments in Money and Economics," available for download at philadelphiafed.org. The inaugural edition details the features of the newly designed $5 bill, but Hill fails to mention how hideous the purple looks. I'd rather have counterfeit.

300 Maximum number of words individuals should use to nominate educators of students with autistic spectrum disorder in order for them to be acknowledged for their outstanding services by the Philadelphia Right to Education Task Force at the fourth annual Autism Awareness Night with the Phillies on April 19. Nominations are due March 31. Submission details are available at philadelphialtf.org. Is the prize getting to leave the game early?

50 Minimum percent of African-American males who will not graduate high school in the North Philadelphia community "if nothing changes," according to Project U-Turn, a citywide campaign focusing on the dropout crisis through a series of "Turning-it-Around" community summits. A North Philadelphia Community Summit will take place March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Nu Sigma Youth Services Beacon Center at Ben Franklin High School, 550 N. Broad St. Those interested in attending should visit projectUturn.net or call 267-502-3706. Here's hoping something changes.

10 Number of "great reasons to attend" given by organizers of "The Rule of Law Today: The War on Terror; Immigration Reform," the inaugural law policy forum of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, to be held on April 3 at the CLE Conference Center in the John Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East. Reason No. 2: "Learn how the law impacts the stated policy of the Presidential candidates just two weeks before the Pennsylvania primary election." Call 800-932-4637 or visit pbi.org for rates and registration. Pennsylvania has a primary?

3 Number of opera singers who will prepare for an upcoming Opera Company of Philadelphia production of Norma by performing in a recital of bel-canto arias during "A Taste of Opera," a free program on March 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, 118 N. Broad St. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 215-893-3600, ext. 218. Is there a reception called the After-Taste? Should be.

(n_norlen@citypaper.net)

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.