Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

The Eagles' preseason home opener is Aug. 14. Since you've no doubt gone soft this summer, please submit to the Running Numbers Killer Instinct Regenerator. To competition!

2 Number of hours for which members of the GLBT Philadelphia Boardgames Meetup will gather at Joe Coffee Bar at 1100 Walnut St. on Aug. 14, starting at 6 p.m., to enjoy their "favorite classic game or quick-to-teach personal favorite." Participants can RSVP at boardgames.meetup.com/571 until 5:45 p.m. that day. Two hours might be just enough to explain the rules of my own personal favorite, "Scrabblegories," which is of course Scrabble and Scattergories played simultaneously. Nobody's had the guts to play me yet.

5 Number of dishes that Jose Garces completed when he became the first Philly chef to compete on Iron Chef America. Garces' battle against Bobby Flay premières on the Food Network Aug. 17 at 9 p.m., and, for a week after the episode, each of his restaurants will showcase a special menu featuring the five dishes he created on the show. Prediction: Garces by 5.

$25 Cost of registration for the Philadelphia Kickball League's fall season, which will run on Sundays starting Sept. 7 at Starr Garden Park on Sixth Street between Lombard and South. Visit myspace.com/philadelphiakickball to register before the Aug. 21 deadline and enjoy your first time having control over whether you're picked last.

$50 Value of gift cards for local restaurants and other establishments that can be purchased for $25 by visiting phillyforless.radio1045.com. Participating businesses include Triumph Brewing Company, Triada Lounge and Salon l'Etoile & Spa, among others. I'd consider these "competitive" prices, wouldn't you? Don't complain. I just saved you $25.

Hey ... 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.