Spend some time with people and you will find they are fascinating, witty, funny, intriguing, mysterious and much more. This feature puts Streator people in that spotlight for a few moments each week as we ask them to have a little fun with our offbeat list of questions. To participate or suggest someone, call Jerrilyn Zavada in our Streator Newsroom at 815-673-6371 or e-mail jzavada@mywebtimes.com, or Derek Barichello at 815-673-6372 or e-mail derekb@mywebtimes.com.

Mark Piecha, 45, was born and raised in Oglesby attending Holy Family Grade School and La Salle-Peru High School. He works as an inspector for Quick-Kill Pest Eliminators and is well-known throughout the Illinois Valley as a talented musician. He is married to Lisa Piecha and has one daughter, a stepdaughter and a stepson. Piecha, who now lives in Streator, also is a member of The Times' Write Team.

What ís the one thing you've lost you'd most like to find?

That book on hypnotism...

If you could make up a new law, what would it be?

No being mean or stupid.

What's the best day you've ever had?

When my daughter was born — or — when I got married.

If you were president of the U.S., what's the first thing you'd do?

Fire the president.

What's the nicest thing a friend could do for you?

Buy me a pizza.



Who would you choose to sing at your birthday party if you could?

Pearl Jam.



If you could live the life of a cartoon character, who would it be?

Woody Woodpecker.

If you wrote a book about your life, what would be the title?

"And then..."

What do you wish you had invented?

The Snuggie.



If you were able to cancel one event in history, what would it be?

The creation of concentration camps.

If you were in the circus, what would you want to be?

The Ringmaster.

If you could have any job, what would it be?

The President of the United States.



What supernatural power would you like to have?

The ability to walk through walls.



What one word best describes you or your family?

We're AWESOME!!

If you could change your first name, what would you choose?

Lucian-Ambrose.



What is the one thing about you that would surprise most people?

I have a complex sense of humor.

What is your hidden talent?

I play guitar/singer/songwriter.



What's the worst job in the world?

Foot sniffer.

What would you name your rock band and which instrument would you play?

"Stout Rocks!!", tambourine.



What should all parents tell their children (besides "I love you")?

Question everything.

Do you have a secret for controlling your temper?

I have a frontal lobotomy

Do you believe in angels? If yes, why?

Yes. Haven't you ever felt them near you in a dark theater?

Do you believe in ghosts? If yes, why?

Yes. Haven't you ever felt them near you in a dark theater?



What time period in our past would you like to experience and why?

The Industrial Revolution. Because it would show how great improvements were made during "tough" times.



What's the scariest book you have ever read?

The Bible.

Where is your favorite spot to be alone?

Matthiessen Park.

What's your favorite souvenir?

A rock from Minnesota.

What would be one of the most memorable gifts you've ever been given?

My life; the second time.