Made in China?

China has a float in the Rose Bowl Parade.

How ironic is it that since its built here the Chinese float is, "Made in USA."

It'll fall apart halfway through.

Merry Christmas to all

I got this in an email and thought I would share. Merry Christmas humanity!


I thought everyone could use a smile about this time.....this little story should do it.I hope everyone has a very "Merry Christmas"

It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. The pastor of the church was looking over the creche when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures. He hurried outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little infant Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said, "Well, where did you get your passenger, my fine friend?" The little boy replied, "I got Him at church." "And why did you take Him?" The boy explained, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told Him if He would bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give Him a ride around the block in it." MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The mind of a child

Kids have great answers to questions. I saw this today.

HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
( 1 ) You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.-- Alan, age 10 (true sports fan)
( 2 ) No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.-- Kirsten, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
( 1 ) Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.-- Camille, age 10
( 2 ) No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.-- Freddie, age 6.

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
( 1 ) You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.-- Derrick, age 8 (so true)

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
( 1 ) Both don't want any more kids.-- Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
( 1 ) Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.-- Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)
( 2 ) On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.-- Martin, age 10

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?
( 1 ) I'd run home and play dead. The next day! I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.-- Craig, age 9

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
( 1 ) When they're rich.-- Pam, age 7
( 2 ) The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.-- Curt, age 7( 3 ) The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.-- Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
(1 ) It's better for girls to be single but not boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.-- Anita, age 9

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?
( 1 ) There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there? -- Kelvin, age 8

And the #1 Favorite is....HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
( 1 ) Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.-- Ricky, age 10 (future diplomat)

Happy Thanksgiving!

May all my family, friends, and everybody who reads this have a wonderful and loving Thanksgiving.

Remember to be thankful for what you have and not dwell on what you don't.

Woman president

Without doubt our country is ready for a woman to be president. Unfortunately for her, I don't think Hillary Clinton will be the first.

My question is this, what woman is ready to run this country? I don't follow politics that closely to know what woman is a force right now. Talk to me people.

I'm back, but how long?

I had high hopes for this blog when I started writing it back in August. Then that thing called a job got in my way.
Just as I was to start writing again, I got sicker than a dog. Why do people say that, "sicker than a dog?" Dogs are not sick as they are generally quite enjoyable, cuddly, and fun to be around. Unless it's a pitbull ripping your arm out of its socket.

I must say it was a nasty virus that forced me to get antibiotics. I usually let the body fight it's own battles but this one needed a mediator. Three weeks later I think I'm fine.

So what's going on? I see OJ is back in the judicial system with a trial set for December. His lawyer proclaims he'll be in Miami playing golf until then. Shouldn't he be looking for Nicole's killer instead? Who pays his golf fees?

One year until we choose a new president. Can we lock Bush in a closet until his term is over? He can still cause a lot of damage. What goes on inside his head?

Random thought: Gay couples may be happier than straight couples. When a man and woman are done having sex most guys fall asleep while the woman wants to cuddle and talk. This tends to lead to arguments later on and an appearance on Dr. Phil. But think, two guys are done with sex they both fall asleep. Two women are done they both cuddle and talk. No arguments and everybody is happy. Unless you're with Rosie because she probably never shuts up.

Another thought: Taking Viagra, Cialis, etc. may cause an erection lasting longer than four hours seek medical attention. Ok, who's making that call? Ooh honey just do it to me one more time before dialing 911.

Well, here's just some stuff to keep the masses interested. I hope to write more.

Miss me?

The idea of writing blog is exciting but as much as I'm sure you all miss what I have to say, I have no time to write anything. I barely have time to write this.

Work has become excitingly busy with projects galore so my time is focused on finding companies that need to be merged or acquired.

Don't worry I'll be back soon with a couple of interesting topics, including why gay couples are happier than hetero couples.

"Wheelchair Mean"

My brother has his own blog called, "Where I Sit." You can get to it via the link on the right. He writes about things in his life or voices an opinion on something.

Like yesterday he wrote a piece on how he thought Chicago radio personality Steve Dahl was now boring. He also emailed Steve as well to read it. He did and talked about it on hour two of his show of 9/28, http://www.wckg.com/pages/393124.php.

I listened to the 15 minute or so oration by Dahl and couldn't help myself from laughing. It was funny. During his ramble he and Buzz Kilman came up with the term, "Wheelchair Mean." They were going with the premise that disabled people were basically nice people and we should probably treat them the same way. My brother's attack (criticsm) on him according to Dahl was mean, "Wheelchair Mean."

I love the term. However, it should be pointed out to Steve and every other human that disabled people don't want to be treated any different than anybody else. There are without a doubt many people in wheelchairs who are pleasant individuals, cross them and they will get Wheelchair Mean. There are also some in wheelchairs who are just Wheelchair Mean 24/7. They will cut any man, woman, or child a new one at any given moment.

I won't mention any names but there was this couple, both disabled, who got married. A week later the bride got Wheelchair Mean and told her husband she never really loved him and basically just wanted the party. They got divorced.

So just remember not everybody in a wheelchair is a "good" person. Most are nice and want to be treated with respect and equal like everybody else. Postal workers on the rampage gave us the term, "Going Postal." In a sense now those people in wheelchairs on a rampage now have their own term, "Wheelchair Mean." Maybe this is our start towards equality.

Being disabled.

I've been disabled, handicapped, crippled, inconvenienced (pick one you like) for 47 years with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It falls under the hierchy of Muscular Dystrophy.
The other day I was thinking about being disabled. I usually don't think about it. Frankly I doubt able bodied people think about being able bodied either because it's our normal part of life. But when you have a blog you need to come up with things to write about.

I was thinking what is the hardest part of being disabled. Using a wheelchair saves on shoes being worn down, gets you on theme park rides quicker by avoiding the waiting lines, and gets you good parking spots in front which is great on cold days. So that's not bad.

Then I thought about all the stares you get from people as they look at you because many people are clueless. I'll stare back at them because their staring at me has them heading right for a light pole, SPLAT! So that's not bad either because people walking into poles is hilarious.

Kids staring is ok too because they're curious. Many children will even ask why I'm in a wheelchair and why I look like I do. Answering them actually gives them this feeling of, "Oh ok," and they go happily on their way. Unless their mom suddenly is in horror and yanks the kid's arm and yells, "Don't stare," before crashing into the light pole.

Obviously there are physical barriers to going places. You have to call ahead to make sure you can get in a place or arrange to have five skinny armed bus boys to pick your wheelchair up the steps. Once you're in you are usually treated nicely so that's a plus.

As the years go by your physical abilities diminish and you need more help. I miss the days of being able to eat a hotdog at the ballpark with no help, throwing back five too many beers without the use of a straw, and just being able to go anywhere at a moment's notice. You make your adjustments and your friends and family help you out. Enjoying life is the goal so one can't sulk.

The hardest part of being disabled is remaining the person you molded yourself into from childhood to adult life. All of the above can destroy your will and dignity, if you let it. Going with the flow of life and making the adjustments needed is the key to being disabled.

Random thoughts...

Where does OJ get all this money to fly to Vegas, stay in Vegas, $12.5k to bail out of Vegas, then money for air fare to fly out of Vegas to go back home to Florida? I'm sure the Goldmans want to know too.

I think our government knows where Osama Bin Laden is but won't capture him because,
1. His followers have orders for uncontrollable attacks if he's killed or caught.
2. Catching him gives the public more ammunition to attack President Bush on pulling out of Iraq which he isn't going to do. Too bad his dad didn't pull out sooner if you get my drift.

Sunday Sports thoughts

Congratulations to Jim Thome of the White Sox on hitting his 500th home run without the use of steroids. A class guy and his homer won the game in the ninth.

The Bears won but I was not happy. Ron Turner in my opinion needs to open up the offense. Rex is more comfortable throwing it deep and I think he then gets in a better feel for the short game. Cedric Benson ran harder but he better start blocking for Rex or he's going to get hurt.

Why is it the Second City anyway?

Saturday was one of those rare ocassions when I had a chance to go to the beautiful and exciting downtown Chicago. Wow!

My good friend Lori and I decided to make the trek to the grand city. The day was spectacular weather wise as the hint of Fall was in the air, the sun was bright, skies were blue, and the temperature was cool for me but perfect for her so in all great friendships you compromise. She did spend an evening with me when it was in the 90's so this was fair.

Our journey began with a quick stop at White Castle for friend favorite fish/chicken sandiwich combo. It's two sandwiches but I like the word combo. I think White Castle should do the fish/chicken sandwich combo. It would be a big seller.

On the road now 294 to 55. The closer you get to the city the skyline truly jutted out like some picture on a postcard on this clear day. Sears Tower is quite majestic and just screams, "This is Chicago and welcome to the city."

Then we continue on 55 and there it is, Lake Michigan. Everytime I see this body of water it takes my breath away. If I ever get married this would be a great background for photos especially today with the water so blue. The lake has this calming effect on me. I could stare at it for hours.

Now we are northbound on Lake Shore Drive. I've never been on what some people call the greatest scenic route in the world, Ventura Highway. I can't imagine it being better than the drive. Huge skycrapers and Grant Park on the left, the museum campus and boat docks on the right, people strolling and running and even two guys who looked to be cross country skiing with poles in hand but no skis. Maybe they were lost.

We had so many options of what to do but the cool air was going to limit the driving of my chair especially in the shaded areas. My hands stiffen up in cool air. So we decided on Millenium Park but first Lori would show me many of the fine sights in this grand city. We went hear and there and even over there as we zigged and zagged to our destination.

We arrived to the home of "The Bean." Cloudgate to the arts people. I waited for my friend as she parked my spectacular blue van in the Prudential Building garage thanks to her friend at B-96 FM. Watching the different people walk by is fascinating the varied races and cultures. Of course they stare at a guy in a wheelchair by himself and I just smile and say what a gorgeous day it is. Lori arrives and to the Bean we go. On the way I saw what looked like six girls dressed as Ninja warriors. I'm sure they were just servers for one of the three weddings taking place but Ninja warriors sounds better.

Brides, bridesmaids, grooms, photographers were everywhere. I hope I got in a picture or two. At one point I had to come down a ramp and a bride was at the bottom. If my driving hand froze her wedding was ruined. We all lucked out.

The Bean is interesting. Seeing it in person is much better than on tv. Chill is setting in, cocktail time. To the Park Grill we go. Very nice place, great food, excellent wine and great conversation with my friend. The menu was so mouth watering it took me an hour to choose. Dufus. I went Kobe burger and wow.

So a great day in a great city. I don't understand why they call it the second city. What's better?

King George to speak.

Yaaaaaawn.
Ok, I know we're supposed to respect our president. If I actually met him I wouldn't say anything bad to him.
But this guy is the biggest idiot as president ever. Tonight he will address our great nation. I'll be watching college football.
Mr. Bush please resign tonight and take Cheney with you. Before you leave pull all the troops out of Iraq and Afghanistan. They're all adults there let them figure out their own problems. You ruined their lives and the lives of 3200 dead troops family's lives. Help us all please!

New title

I did a check through Google and apparently millions of others also have a Voice of Reason. Well, I can't be like them.
So I have all ready changed my blog title after four days. Deep down it really is my words so hence, "My say and more."

15 beers too many.

I do not advocate drunk driving by any means. Many people drive after having one or two drinks, this is a discussion for another time, but how could Mr. Ortiz even walk after 10 beers let alone 24? Didn't the clerk at the liquor store detect anything? Worse yet, how drunk were his passengers?

A Southwest Side man admitted he drank 24 beers and had picked up another six-pack before a weekend crash that killed a top official with the Cook County sheriff's office, prosecutors said in court today.Leonel Ortiz, 27, of the 5800 block of South Albany Avenue is charged with felony reckless homicide and aggravated driving under the influence in the crash Sunday that killed Sheriff's Supt. Minerva Santiago, authorities said.
Ortiz also was cited with driving on a suspended license and disobeying a red light, police said.Ortiz said in a videotaped statement to authorities that he had attended several parties Saturday night and early Sunday and consumed as many as 24 beers before getting into his Chevrolet Blazer with friends and driving to get more alcohol, prosecutors said during a bond hearing this afternoon.
After picking up another six-pack, Ortiz drank two more beers while driving his friends back to a female friend's house, prosecutors said. He dropped them off and about 10 a.m. was driving south on Western Avenue when he ran a red light and slammed into the driver's side of Santiago's Nissan Murano, which was traveling east on 31st Street, prosecutors said. Santiago was on her way to church at the time.

Today's ramble.

As I'm beginning my workday I get an email from my brother:
Here's a reminder. Please comment I would love to hear your comments. http://markploch.blogspot.com/

All I could think was, can he hear people's written comments? Perhaps he wants people to leave voice comments. But there is no option for us to do that. Does he have a super power that I don't?

Now I must go back to work.

Work and the blogger. Bears thought..

Having a real job and trying to keep a blog up to date could be troublesome.

Anyway, the Bears game on Sunday still bugs me. Rex wasn't really the big problem. Offensive coordinator and Cedric Benson were. Mr. Turner get a clue. A 350 pound defensive tackle is in front of your offense, yet on 4th and 2 yards to a first down you run the bewildered Benson right at the man. How about a sweep? Maybe a surprise pass? No, you're still thinking 1960's football. It's 2007.

Mike Brown, all I can say is sorry man. Time for coaching, IN THE PRESS BOX AWAY FROM THE FIELD!

Baby do it no more times

Ok, the headline is not a good sentence but then again neither was the performance of Britney Spears at the Video Music Awards.

You had a decent career and maybe just got sick of the whole thing. That's fine. Quit performing and just be a mom to to your kids. However, if you still want any respect as a performer you might want to practice a little. A lot of bars have kareoke night. You did little to show you're ready for a comeback. Hit the gym too, you're a little young to be out of shape.

Aaaah football is back

I do not like the Fall and Winter. BUT I LOVE FOOTBALL!

The excitement and atmosphere of the college game and seeing Michigan and Notre Dame both at 0-2 makes the weekend great.

Then on Sundays the NFL. The FOX pregame show, though not what it once was, is the best way to get week of games going.

The anticipation of the Bears' kickoff. This season will have the annoyance that the majority of the Bears games won't start until 3pm or later. I like my noon kickoffs for the Bears. Of course it just never seems right to start drinking before noon anyway.
GO BEARS!

One more blog for the world to read

I see them. I read them. Now I've decided to write one.

Everyone has an opinion on something, well I have an opinion on everything. Since it's a fast pace world I'll keep
my ideas short and to the point. Feel free to argue.

Today's thought.
Everybody in big cities preaches the virtues of public transportation. Great for eliminating congestion. Helps ease pollution. Yet, here in the Chicagoland area public transportation is being drastically reduced with layoffs, routes cut, and fares going way up because the state hasn't provided the money to help.

What does Illinois legislation do? They postpone a session to solve the problem. Shouldn't this be a no brainer solution by granting the funds so people can use the buses and trains to go to work, make money, buy things and pay TAXES?