Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.


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Published: Dec 30, 2008

Your resident number-runner batted .500 on 2008's New Year's Resolutions — I bought a house and read 20 books, but regressed into old gags and missed out on Philly's arts events. In 2009, I will become a master of mind and body.

12,000 Number of studies that have found hypnotism to be a "valuable procedure," according to a proclamation by Mayor Nutter declaring Jan. 4 as "World Hypnotism Day" in Philadelphia. Certified hypnotist Dolores Merrell will mark the event by hosting "Keeping Your New Year's Resolution," a free workshop at 3 p.m. on Jan. 4 at the Ivyland Counseling Center, 1210 Old York Road, Suite 202, Warminster. Looks like I have it easy this year.

101 Number of years that Holmesburg Library has served its community. The unfortunate closure of the library will be marked by a Candlelight Farewell Vigil on Dec. 31 starting at 3:30 p.m. at the library at 7810 Frankford Ave. A sad time, but a great motivation for Resolution No. 1: Read 25 books in 2009. It'll be the best way to mourn.

20 Number of days left to register to volunteer for the Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service — which has drawn 400,000 volunteers since 1996. The 14th annual event on Jan. 19 will be a perfect way to get started on Resolution No. 2: Contribute to charity projects. Because 400,001 can definitely make a difference.

4 Number of free cooking demonstrations — perfect for Resolution No. 3: Learn to cook a lick — scheduled to take place at Foster's Homeware, 399 Market St., at 2 p.m. on Saturdays this January. I especially look forward to the Jan. 24 lesson from Rich Landau of vegan restaurant Horizons, who is said to craft dishes "that amaze even the most serious meat-eater." Of course, I plan to get a fair frame of reference via my new $100 gift card to Fogo de Chão, the Brazilian steakhouse and carnivorium. Details at shopfosters.com.

3 Number of ice-skating rinks that were targeted by the city for possible closure that are now operated by the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation. The season at all city rinks closes on March 1, giving me only two short months to use them to work on Resolution No. 4: Get in sick shape. I'll start right after I wake from my Fogo de Chão meat-coma.

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.