Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

6 Height, in feet, of the Comcast Center replica cake made by the Ace of Cakes crew for the celebration of the center's opening last Friday. If for some reason I was caught on camera, I'm the one who looks more like a hilariously underdressed member of the AoC crew than one of the swanky suits at the club known as "G" on 117 S. 17th St., where the bouncer politely told me, "No sneakers next time." Dude, unless I'm lured by the prospect of free cake again, there won't be a next time.

7 Number of days I have to finish the 2008 "One Book One Philadelphia" selection What is the What — which is brilliant so far, so read it — so I can re-gift it to my sister for her birthday. For the record, that will make four books so far this year, leaving me 16 to meet my New Year's goal, which means I've been slacking. What did you expect? I give used books as gifts and wear sneakers to clubs.

24 Number of years the Philadelphia International Children's Festival has been bringing "the joy and magic of performances created just for kids." Don't miss evening performances of music, poetry and more next Wednesday night starting at 7 p.m. during this year's festival, May 7-9 at Penn's Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut St. Tickets at pennpresents.org. Sneakers encouraged.

24 Number on the back of the T-shirts being sold by the Southeastern Pa. chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America, which will hold a World Lupus Day Awareness Rally May 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Love Park, featuring an appearance by the owner of that 24, the Eagles' Sheldon Brown. Actually, this sounds like a pretty good way to celebrate a birthday ...

100 Number of children, according to the Jewish Exponent, expected to take part in the March of the Children during the Annual Memorial Ceremony for the Six Million Jewish Martyrs on May 4 at 1 p.m. at 16th Street and the Parkway. If nothing else, the event should give you the right perspective with which to read What is the What, which is a similar reminder of how horrible human behavior can be — and how heroic are those who overcome 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.