Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

4 Number of world première "plays-in-process" that will be presented by a company of nearly 40 artists during the second annual Playshop Festival, a five-week rehearsal process featuring continuous rewritings and performances of the plays at Shubin Theatre, 407 Bainbridge St., March 7-22. The lineup features The Loudest Man on Earth, Noori and the Infidels, Solitary and Traveling Light, which is currently about 1967 London, but will hopefully turn into a metaphysical meditation on the space-time continuum.

6 Number of Pennsylvania college students — out of 194 finalists — who will be interviewed in Philadelphia on March 13 for consideration as recipients of one of the approximately 60 Harry S. Truman Scholarships, which provide college juniors committed to careers in government or public service with financial support for graduate study and leadership training. Here's a tidbit for your interview, candidates: Truman's middle name was actually "Scholarship." See if they can prove you wrong!

9 Number of open, public positions to be filled on the newly created, 15-member Commission on Parks and Recreation. Applications must be received by March 9, after which City Council will choose a list of nominees for Mayor Nutter's appointment following a public hearing where applicants will have the chance to speak. Visit fairmountpark.org/newcommission.asp for applications and details. Feel free to use the Truman trivia here, too, applicants. 50Percent of the discount on admission that Girls Scouts in uniform will receive to the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 8, Girl Scout Day, which will include a 1:30 p.m. announcement of the new Pennsylvania Horticultural Society PatchProgram, "Planting Seeds, Growing Lives" in room 114. Discount tickets must be reserved by e-mailing csharkey@pennhort.org. Yes, cookie fiends, you can get hopped up on Thin Mints throughout the show at the sale in the Family Lounge, Room 203. 2568Iranian New Year — also known as Norooz — that will be celebrated on March 20. Celebrate early at the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Norooz festival — free after museum admission — on March 8 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with performances by the Silk Road Dance Co., a calligraphy demonstration, Norooz-inspired crafts, and the Sofreh Haft Sin, the ceremonial New Year spread, featuring the so-called seven "S's." Of course, my Sofreh Haft Sin always includes 8 "S's" — including those delicious Girl Scout Samoas. Yes, I know they're not called that anymore. But did you know that "Somoa" was actually Truman's middle name before he changed it to Scholarship? True story.

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.