Running Numbers

A scholarly look at the digits that matter.

by Nick Norlen

Running Numbers lampoons Philly's neighbors. Just because.

4 Number of courses patrons can get for $30 at more than 40 independent restaurants during South Jersey Restaurant Week, March 11 to 16. I said "patrons" instead of "diners" because I didn't want you to assume all the restaurants were diners. Which is a reasonable assumption in South Jersey.

5 Number of consecutive episodes of Bam's Unholy Union — including the one where he and his bride-to-be choose a Philadelphia wedding venue — that'll air tonight on MTV2. I'm really hoping their vows included plans to never leave West Chester again.

12 Number of counties in WYBE's coverage area, according to a job posting for a "Member Services" position that calls for candidates who will be able to use "available and invented resources" to "cause individuals to become active paying members of a new multiplatform TV and Internet channel, and to produce their own short-form programs for use on these platforms." Note to future WYBE employee: Target the Main Line. I can't think of people more willing to pay to see themselves. Application deadline is March 9.

66 Percent of Pennsylvanians polled — up from 48 percent in November 2005 — who have "a lot or some confidence in the Legislature as a whole," according to the recent IssuesPA and Pew Charitable Trusts Benchmark and Legislator Survey. The other 34 percent are from Central Pennsylvania and have no confidence in whatever that word you just said is.

1,144 Number of articles, as of press time, published at wikiphilly.com, a user-generated Philadelphia encyclopedia. I've heard it's where all the sheltered Bucks County people go to see how to avoid the "bad parts" of the city. Ouch. That one hit a little too close to home.

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.