Lou Page

Time for Congress to Rejuvenate America’s Appetite for Sex?

“It’s time for congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America.” At least that’s the opinion of Hustler Magazine Publisher, Larry Flint.

According to Flint and Joe Frances, the CEO of Girls Gone Wild, the American Porn industry has been hurt by the recent economic downturn. Their solution? According to CNN.com is to as congress for a $5 Billion dollar bailout of the adult entertainment industry.

In the article, these men agree that the porn industry isn’t in any real danger but reason that “People are too depressed to be sexually active…”

My opinion?

• That hat the last thing America needs is someone promoting expansion of the porn industry.
• That this is a really, really stupid idea.
• That they probably have about a 50-50 chance of getting the $5 Billion from Congress.

I’d love to hear what you think about this, shout it out in the comments below.

Time to Get Your Inner “Dog” On

Popular wisdom says that dogs have owners while cats have staff. That’s undoubtedly why dogs come when they’re called and cat’s take a message and get back with you later.

When I recently heard a speaker compare entries from a dog’s journal and a cat’s journal, I knew I had to do a little research so I could share it here.

Entries in a dog’s journal:

8:00 AM – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!

9:30 AM – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!

9:40 AM – OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!

10:30 AM – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!

11:30 AM – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!

12:00 PM- OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!

1:00 PM – OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!

1:30 PM – ooooooo. bath. bummer.

4:00 PM – OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!

5:00 PM – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!

5:30 PM – OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Entries in a cat’s journal:

DAY 752 – My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another house plant.

DAY 761 – Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair…must try this on their bed.

DAY 765 – Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was…Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768 – I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time, however, it included a burning foamy chemical called “shampoo.” What sick minds could invent such a liquid? My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771 – There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise. More importantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of “allergies.” Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774 – I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured. But I can wait; it is only a matter of time……

In these stressful times it’s hard not slip into a “cat” attitude. To avoid it, we have to work a little harder to be truly grateful for what we have in life. Clearly our country has significant economic problems. As if these problems weren’t enough, media outlets magnify them and undermine consumer confidence with the constant drum beat of negative reporting. And this is a case where the reporting may be causing the problem to grow worse.

So it’s worth focusing a bit less on media hysteria and a little more on the things we can actually control. And most of all, like the dog, we must focus our thoughts on our “favorite” things – our spouse, our kids, our families, our friends.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. – Philippians:4:8

Face It – Some People Just Have “It”

Michael Caine once said, “Having talent is like having blue eyes. You don’t admire a man for the color of his eyes. I admire a man for what he does with his talent.”

Let’s face it, some people are just talented. Take a look at 7 year old, Anthony Gargiula sings our National Anthem at a Siena College Basketball game in Albany New York, and I guarantee, you’ll truly be amazed.

We can’t all sing like Anthony, but I believe we all have amazing talents within us. I love this encouragement from the Book of Romans.

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.”

Five things I Love about the One I Love

Today is Valentine’s Day. And while I’m really not known as a person who shares my feelings easily, I think this would be a good time to tell a little about the woman who has been my valentine for thirty-six years. Of course, I will probably be in trouble since Charlene has never enjoyed being in the spotlight.

I could share a lot, but I’ll limit myself to five things I love about my friend, lover, counselor, and companion.

Five things I Love about My Wife

1. Charlene is a woman of integrity. What she believes, she believes strongly, and her actions are always consistent with her beliefs. She says what she means and means what she says. You can always count on her to do what she says she is going to do.
2. She is passionate about her relationship with God. She consistently seeks to grow spiritually by reading the scriptures, devouring books, and listening to recordings. (If they were on the computer we would call them podcasts, but she is still quite analog. I love that too. ☺)
3. Charlene loves our kids and grandkids. When they are here, everything else is on the back burner. She invests the time to teach, love, guide and pray with and for them.
4. Let’s put the cards on the table. You have to admit – she is really, really cute!
5. And finally, the thing that most amazes me – she loves me!

Bush Daughters Advice to President Obama’s Daughters

It’s got to be tough to stay grounded when you are growing up in the White House. Here’s a message from the Bush Daughters to the President Obama’s daughters, Sasha and Malia.

For me, the most moving part was what they had to say about their dad. See if you agree.

What Rick Warren is Praying for Barack Obama

It’s hard not to be impressed with Rick Warren’s thoughtful response to the question about what he would pray for President-elect Barack Obama. What impressed me was that Rick Warren was humble enough to realize that he has exactly the same needs.

Do you agree with Rick’s assessment of Barack Obama’s unique position?

Who is the one doing the influencing and who is being influenced?