Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

My wedding is almost exactly one year away. How's the planning going? Thanks for asking!

$100 Value of the free gift certificate from Philadelphia Diamond Co. that every bride-to-be will receive — along with a $5 coupon for a "super easy name change service" — for attending the Ultimate Center City Bridal Event on Oct. 12, noon to 4 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel Center City, 237 S. Broad St. Tickets are $6 in advance at bridalevent.com/shows.html and $10 at the door. My progressive fiancée will be the one trading her swag for frontsies-backsies in the line for the promised chocolate fountain.

15 Number of minutes that will be allotted to each of four close-up performers — along with a dealer demonstration, lecture and stage show — during the Philadelphia Society of American Magicians' Annual Mini-Convention on Oct. 16, 7-10:30 p.m. at the American Legion Bustleton Memorial Post 810 on 9151 Old Newtown Road. Don't worry, I'm not going to hire magicians for entertainment, but I was considering working some sleight of hand into my vows. More info at sam4.org.

18 Number of U.K. Top 40 singles that have been released over the years by The Wedding Present, who will perform a 21+ show for $12 on Oct. 10, 9 p.m., at North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St. Sounds like the perfect band for the reception, especially considering that The Jealous Girlfriends are opening. Sorry ladies, the moon rock on my girl's finger means I'm taken.

7 Number of "Stages of Marriage" that will be discussed during the workshop of the same name that will be held by the Philadelphia Area Marriage Resource Center on Oct. 14, 7 to 9:30 p.m. at 921A Bethlehem Pike, Suite 205, Spring House. For information and registration, call "the marriage doctor," Rita DeMaria, Ph.D., at 215-628-2450. I think I speak for my future wife when I say that there better be refreshments between every stage. And I'm not talking about the workshop.

1 Approximate percent chance that David Sedaris would agree to become a judge, justice of the peace, county clerk or minister of an active congregation in Pennsylvania in order to be our officiant if I were to sneak backstage and ask him when he appears at the Academy of Music on Oct. 14, 8 p.m. Call 215-893-1999 or visit kimmelcenter.org for tickets. Chances may increase if I tell him about the magic vows.

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.