JJ Banicki-#23

The number 23 makes me think of Michael Jordan.  You know there are certain numbers that will have that one association for life.  23 is MJ

for me. So from MJ to JJ….

JJ is my brother and one of my best friends.  JJ inspires me everyday and
even more so reminds me to be inspired.  I decided to have a little
fun and use some research to describe my brother on his birthday.

Joseph James Banicki was born November 29.

There’s a site that I love called If Today is Your Birthday.  It includes lots of fun information, like:

Those born on November 29 are funny, articulate, and extremely intuitive and love to make people laugh.

Oh J’s got the charm. JJ can always make everyone in the room laugh.  He
has that thing that just makes people want to be around him.

People born on November 29 have a strong sense of responsibility and worry about the future more than the typical Sagittarius personality.

JJ doesn’t talk a lot about his worries, but those who are his close friends know that he simply holds them in. As his big sis, I always worry about this. Sometimes I think he forgets how talented he is and doesn’t know how many people truly want to help him succeed.

Optimistic, Philosophical and freedom-loving, Sagittarians are usually
modest.

Sagittarius – he fits his sign well…

Equipped with foresight and good judgement, and they can be witty conversationalists.

JJ is the person who can always find the positive in every situation.
Even when he was little, he always seemed to be smiling!

They hate being bothered with details.

This is probably the one thing that causes JJ and I to get into fights.

As a Type A crazy person, I go nuts when he’s so laissez faire about the
specifics!  I tried to get JJ to tell me exactly what bars we should go to
for his birthday, and he was just so nonchalant….I mean it works for him.  We
went with it, and it was the most fun I’ve had all year!

They may make fine musicians and, in the days before automobiles, they were said to be successful at horse-trading and all activities, including sporting ones, involving horses.

JJ has a great voice and presence on stage.  I can listen for hours on end
when he sings and plays the guitar.
A few years ago we did JJ’s birthday on the sunset canyon horseback riding
trip.  Fifteen of us rode horses over the canyon, and then we drank margaritas at a
hole in the wall Mexican joint.

They have both profound and wide-ranging minds.

This year we went on a partybus barcrawl around LA and played a song JJ wrote in college called BARCRAWL!

JJ is a Middle Child.

These kids are the most difficult to pin down. They are guaranteed to be
opposite of their older sibling, but that difference can manifest in a
variety of ways. They can usually read people well, they are peacemakers
who see all sides of a situation.

JJ is such a peacemaker.  He will pull out a hug mid fight, and you just
cannot be mad at him.  It’s a gift.

Having JJ in your life is a gift. Happy birthday JJ!

Check out JJ’s website to learn more about him.

Wanna plan your own barcrawl?

First, check out Elite Transportation to rent your own partybus!
Off: (800) 324-1555
Cell: (661) 212-1114

Here’s how ours went:

–1616
1616 E 15th St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 748-8099

“Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles and just minutes from the Staples Center and Convention Center, 1616 brings new life to one of the upcoming areas of LA. 1616 is changing the image of a Downtown LA Club and Restaurant while maintaining the ambience, clientele and atmosphere expected . 1616 introduces the area to a young sexy market. At 1616 we strive to entertain you with the best DJ’s worldwide on the weekends and fun Rock, Blues and Pop performances throughout the week.”

–Seven grand
515 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 614-0737

“A swank Irish infused urban oasis in Downtown Los Angeles,
Seven Grand serves up 271 premium whiskeys, rare ryes and small batch bourbons on a hand-carved black walnut bar under the stony gaze of freshly hunted Jackolopes. Thanks to its bounty of 12 different glacier-cold pints, a 150 year-old pool table, exclusive dipped-in-bourbon Makers Mark cigars and live bands, the pace of modern L.A. stands still.””

–King eddy saloon
131 E. 5th St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 629-2023

“At the base of the 120-year old King Edward Hotel –was the central hub of illegal alcohol bootlegging. Part of an enormous network of underground tunnels sprawling the greater part of downtown Los Angeles, this 90-year old speakeasy made its home beneath the ground floor of a well known piano shop.”

–La Descarga
1159 North Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 466-1324

“La Descarga hearkens back to the days of Prohibition with its speakeasy-style entrance up a staircase and through an armoire filled with clothes. Once inside, guests descend down another spiral staircase into the dramatic space, which features chandeliers and other vintage design details, a handful of banquette seating, and an outdoor cigar lounge. There’s dozens of varieties of rums to try, as well as classic drinks like mojitos and daiquiris. As the night wears on, Latin musicians and dancers perform while weaving through the crowd and roaming the catwalks above.”

–Teddy’s at the Roosevelt
7000 Hollywood BLVD
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 466-7000

“Teddy’s, located behind heavy bronze doors off the Hollywood Roosevelt lobby, plays host to Hollywood’s glitterati nightly. The lounge is a seductive haven for those who like to revel in the days of old Hollywood glamour.”