23

Being #1 seems to get all the glory. And though I have nothing against the number 1, I would like to point out that there are several numbers that are also quite interesting and definitely could use a closer look. This brings me to number 2, and 3, more specifically, to the amazing number 23.

I operate my business under the umbrella of HelmsBriscoe, the largest site selection firm (or #1) in the world. Each year the 1200 HelmsBriscoe associates gather at our Annual Business Conference, where we network, learn and honor our top managers.  Of the 1200, it turns out that I am number 23, hence my current fascination with the number.  Let me tell you, 23 is darn interesting and here are 23 reasons why!

1. Michael Jordan wore number 23.

2. David Beckham wore number 23 when he played for Madrid Real, he requested the number since he so admired Michael Jordan.

3. Lebron James wore number 23.

4. In the movie, Airport, the bomber sat in seat 23.

5. In the movie, Die Hard with a Vengeance, a train derails in subway station 23.

6. In the movie, The Big Lebowski, “The Dude” always bowled in lane 23.

7. The Number 23 is a 2007 American psychological thriller film, starring Jim Carrey.

8. In the TV show, Lost, one of the combination of six numbers that haunt the characters, and that they have to input in the computer to avoid an unknown fate, is 23.

9. W is the 23rd letter in the alphabet; it has 2 points down and 3 points up (well, and it is also the first letter in the word “wine,” which is definitely worth a mention).

10. It takes 23 seconds for the blood to circulate through the body.

11. The average circumference of a human head is 23 inches.

12. The average human breathes 23,000 times per day. If anyone tries counting this to check the facts, please let me know.

13. Human reproductive cells each have 23 chromosomes.

14. There are 23 discs in the human spine.

15. The tilt of the Earth’s axis is roughly 23 degrees.

16. There are exactly 23 characters, numbers and letters on the face of all US coins.

17. 23rdians are a group of people who subscribe to the mystical power of 23 and see it in multiple combinations throughout daily life. Hmmm? Really?

18. 23 is a prime number.

19. Mars Candy Company invented the Milky Way bar in 1923.

20. States that have a Highway 23 are Louisiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Arkansas.

21. The most common trait found within the Number 23 is the ability to adapt and change.

22. People born on the 23rd of the month have a socially popular energy.

23. Dr. Pepper is a mix of 23 Flavors; I would tell you the flavors, but was asked not to share this information by Dr. Pepper herself, so sorry.

So as you can see, 23 is a delightful digit and I am most happy to be able to bring it to you.  I will tell you I feel 23; definitely young at heart (though some other parts are a bit older).  Cheers to 23!