Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

1 Numbers of hours before every Philadelphia Orchestra subscription concert that ticket-holders can enjoy a free PreConcert Conversation — a program featuring "interviews with renowned guest artists and composers, discussions led by distinguished area faculty and behind-the-scenes information." PreConcert Conversations at 7 p.m. on Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 2 held at the Kimmel Center prior to performances of Tristan and Isolde will feature Philadelphia Classical Symphony artistic director Karl Middleman. Please excuse Karl if he's wolfing down leftovers between the Qs & As.

45 High temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit — along with a 31 percent chance of showers — predicted by Weather.com for Thanksgiving, when the Eagles will face the Arizona Cardinals at the Linc. Fortunately, rain has been ruled out by The Farmers' Almanac 2008 Football Forecast, which predicts the weather will be "Fair and cold for Thanksgiving." How terribly specific!

49 Maximum average temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, that will register a positive hit on the "Philadelphia November 2008 Jacket Weather Index," which measures the total number of days that the average temperature is below 50 degrees during the National Retail Federation's fiscal month of November, which lasts from Nov. 2 to 29. The index measures consumer demand for winter apparel by quantifying "the degree to which daily temperatures will motivate consumers to wear cool-weather clothing." Trying finding that in The Farmers' Almanac!

250 Maximum number of words that should be included in the statement required to be provided with submissions to "Unintended Uses," an exhibition of hacked and repurposed materials — sponsored by the NEXUS/foundation and The Hacktory — scheduled for Feb. 12 through March 6, 2009. Electronics, video, robotics and new media artists are encouraged to submit work for review via e-mail by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 1. Visit nexusphiladelphia.org for info. Who among you will repurpose the Jacket Weather Index to be used for good?

92,000 Number of hours that attorneys at the Morgan Lewis law firm devoted to pro bono representations in 2007. On Dec. 4 from 8:30 to 11 a.m., attorneys from the firm's Philadelphia location at 1701 Market St. will take time out of their bizarre dedication to the U2 frontman to present "Immigration Town Hall Meeting 2008: Addressing Current Challenges in the Immigration Environment." Contact lemiller@morganlewis.com for more info. Please, no questions about Zooropa reparations lawsuits.

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.