10 Tips for Great Sex in Your 40s, 50s and Beyond

There's an old saying that sex is one of three topics of conversation that shouldn't be brought up at the dinner table (the other two being politics and religion). And that's the fun thing about having a website: it's not the dinner table!So let's talk sex -- especially great sex for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond. You don't think that's possible? Think again."There is no such thing as a sexpiration date," says Laura Berman, relationship therapist, sex educator, and host of In the Bedroom with Dr. Laura Berman on the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Here are some tips;

1)Kegel exercises (with or without devices) keep your pelvic floor strong and they can also help to prevent bladder control issues. Best of all, regular Kegels can help you to enjoy longer, stronger orgasms. They are especially important for moms or for anyone who wants to strengthen her pelvic floor and transverse abdominals.

2) Sex aids can be a fun and erotic addition to the bedroom, and as we get older they can also play an important role in improving our sexual response and sexual pleasure. Try using warming lubrication or a clitoral stimulator to help speed up your sexual response and make sex more comfortable and exciting

3) It’s hard to feel sexy and in the mood if you are exhausted and cranky at the end of the day. Make sure you include some "me" time and relaxation in your daily life. Do so by trimming unnecessary errands from your to-do list, whether it’s opting for store-bought cookies over homemade cookies for the school bake sale, or cutting back on some on the kids’ numerous after-school activities.

4) If you are struggling with sexual issues such as low libido or decreased sexual enjoyment, your medications might be at fault. Common medications such as birth control pills and antihistamines can do a number on your sex drive, so be sure and talk to your doctor about any medications you are on and any sexual side effects you might be having.

5) As we get older, it becomes harder and harder for us to shed pounds and maintain a healthy weight. The best way to stay healthy and stave off unnecessary weight is to commit to an exercise program you enjoy. Exercise 4-5 times a week and opt for walking or taking the stairs whenever possible

6) Family vacations can be fun and memorable, but for moms they often entail plenty of stress. From long car trips to cranky kids to packing everything from sunscreen to batteries, family trips can be a killer for a mom’s mood, energy, and libido. That’s why couples-only vacations (in which just you and your partner get away together) are so important. Even if it’s just a weekend stay-cation, alone time is so crucial for your sex life and your relationship.

7) Perimenopause (the stage before menopause) can begin as early as age 35 years old. If you are concerned about your hormone levels, have a hormone panel performed by your doctor, including for testosterone (which plays a key role in libido.)

8) If you are in 40s or above, chances are that you might fall into the “sandwich generation,” meaning that you are caring for your own children as well as your aging parents or relatives. If this sounds familiar, make sure that you don’t suffer from caretaker burnout. There is nothing wrong with asking for help, and you can’t help anyone if you are tired and exhausted. Practice good self-care and consider your own needs.

9) Now is not the time to skimp on visiting your doctor and getting your yearly exams such as mammograms and pap smears. You can also talk to your doctor about any sexual side effects you might be experiencing. Don’t be embarrassed! Your sexual health plays a big part in your physical health, and she can help you with any concerns you might have.

10)
Sometimes women want more romance or spontaneity in the bedroom, but they don’t take steps to make it happen. Instead, they sit back and wait for their partner to make the first move. Big mistake! It’s your relationship and your sex life, and there’s nothing wrong with being proactive and empowered. Ask yourself, “What’s one thing I can do today to make my partner feel loved and desired?” The more you channel that energy outward to your partner, the more you will get it back in return.

Mother In UK Forced 14-Year-Old Daughter To Get Pregnant Using Donor Sperm

A woman desperate for another child forced her 14-year-old daughter to get pregnant using syringes of donor sperm, a British judge said.In a ruling reported for the first time Monday, High Court judge Peter Jackson said the mother had behaved in "a wicked and selfish way" that almost defied belief.

The judge said the woman, an American divorcee living in Britain with three adopted children, hatched the plan after she was prevented from adopting a fourth.The scheme involved getting her oldest daughter to inseminate herself with syringes of sperm purchased over the Internet from a Denmark-based company, Cryos International.

Jackson said the daughter, identified only as A, "became pregnant at the mother's request, using donor sperm bought by the mother, with the purpose of providing a fourth child for the mother to bring up as her own."In his ruling, the judge quoted the teenager as saying said she was shocked by the suggestion, but thought, "If I do this ... maybe she will love me more."

"My mum is a very determined person and she does her best not to let anything get in her way if she wants it," the teenager added.

Her daughter wanted to breastfeed the baby, but her mother said: "We don't want any of that attachment thing.

"The hospital alerted the authorities, and the children were taken into foster care. The mother is now serving a five-year jail term for child cruelty.

Football: Real Madrid fall just short as Borussia Dortmund proceed to the final

Borussia Dortmund are on their way to Wembley. But only just. Jürgen Klopp's side rode out an opening storm and a late, late siege to reach the final on 25 May. Just when it appeared that their passage would ultimately be a comfortable one, two goals in the final eight minutes, first from Karim Benzema and then from Sergio Ramos, left them hanging on. In the end a 2-0 defeat, Dortmund's first in four matches against Madrid, was not enough to deny them. When the final whistle went there were celebrations from Dortmund's players and applause from Real Madrid's fans.

Borussia Dortmund's head coach Jürgen Klopp (left) and Real Madrid's José Mourinho agonise from the sidelines at the Bernabéu.

Rivers PDP Gives Amaechi 48hours To Explain His Plane Controversy, Suspends 27 Assembly Members

The crisis rocking the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a new twist as the party on Monday, suspended 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The party’s leadership also announced that it has given the state Governor; Rotimi Amaechi, 48 hours to “explain to Rivers people why the jet bought with the state government money is bearing a bank’s name on the documents.”

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Sunday  grounded the plane of River State governor for the expiration of its operating license while the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) claimed that the plane belongs to the Bank of Salt Lake City,USA and was brought into the country on chatter by Carverton Helicopters.

The new chairman of the party in the state, Felix Obuah told journalists in Port Harcourt, the state capital, that the suspension of the lawmakers was over their refusal to obey an order by the party to reinstate the suspended Chairman of Obio Akpor Local Government Area.

He noted that the suspension of the lawmakers, who are members of the party, is part of resolutions reached at the end of an emergency meeting of the party on Monday.

I have been following this "Amaechi's" case with close interest- cannot wait to see more of the drama.

Nigeria: Put looted funds to good use

All Nigeria’s corrupt leaders are enemies of the corporate existence of this nation. Let them reinvest their loot and open industries in Nigeria for the teeming unemployed youths of the country.

 Reinvesting the stolen money will have a multiplier effect on the economy to create jobs. The wicked ones among them put the money in foreign banks, still go to those countries to get their stolen money in form of loans and still pay interest on the money.

 Most people parading themselves as Nigerian leaders, all have industries outside Nigeria, and condemning unemployment at home. We need to be wise and reject all godfathers using politics to divide us for their political gains.

 Vote and don’t sell your vote. Politicians buying votes are political armed robbers who do not mean well for the country.

- OJEWOYE Gbenga

Playing House was a nightmare, says Hugh Laurie (who made £250,000 an episode)

Hugh Laurie has told how starring in US medical drama House turned into a 'nightmare' despite him being the best-paid actor on TV.

The British actor, 53, was paid a reported £250,000 an episode and won two Golden Globes for his long-running role as curmudgeonly Dr Gregory House.

But he suggested to the Radio Times that his huge success became 'a gilded cage', with the actor even fantasising about having an accident just so that he could take a few days off.

While filming the Fox show, Laurie had his car windows tinted to avoid being snapped by phone cameras and stopped buying his own groceries because he 'couldn't stand people photographing the contents of my shopping basket'.

The actor, who appeared in the drama's finale last year, admitted: 'At this distance it all sounds absurd. Ridiculous! After all, what was I doing other than playing about, telling stories with a very nice bunch of people? What could be constricting about that?

'But the repetition of any routine, day after month after year, can turn into a bit of a nightmare. 

It was his while though, you would agree with me.

             'A nightmare': Hugh Laurie, pictured leaving Paris' Gare Du Nord yesterday, said House's success turned into a 'gilded cage'

Man jailed 45 years for stealing Aregbesola’s phone

The suspect, Ighodalo being taken away by a policeman

An Osogbo High Court on Monday sentenced a dismissed police officer, Kelvin Ighodalo, to 45 years imprisonment for stealing the cell phone of  Governor Rauf Aregbesola of  Osun.

The accused was arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy, theft, obtaining by false pretence, obtaining by force and impersonation, among other offences.

The accused was sentenced to 10 years for each of  counts 1, 2 and 3 and 5 years each for three other counts.

The  governor’s  cell  phone was stolen  on Nov.  28, 2010, at his swearing-in-ceremony.

Six months later, Mr. Ighodalo,  a dismissed police officer, used the phone to swindle the governor’s friends and associates.

The accused had earlier served jail terms for murder, theft and political thuggery.

Nigerian Artists Plan Anti-Piracy Task Force

Music piracy is so prevalent in Nigeria that most people do not consider buying original copies of the albums they want. 

Nigerian musical artists say the practice is killing what could be a booming industry and they are gearing up to fight back.   The country has copyright laws, but by shopping in the markets, you would not know it. 

Newly-released Hollywood movies sell for less than $3 and CDs cost about 95 cents. Ranking Deezed is the president of Performing Musicians and Employers Association of Nigeria.   The organization has about 100,000 members.  He said the Nigerian music industry has the potential to become an economic success - like Nigeria's "Nollywood," the third-largest film industry in the world.“Artists are increasing. 

Talents are increasing.  In fact, studios are increasing," Deezed noted.  "We have producers that have studios in their homes.  But then the market is what’s the problem.” What happens in the markets, he said, just about cuts out any chance the artists have of making a profit from their music.  Original CDs are released and sold for a little over $3.  But if the music is good, he says, the market is swiftly flooded with copies sold wholesale for less than 25 cents.“We learned of some companies, or let me say pirates, in Lagos that duplicate almost like 10 million copies in almost like a week or so. 

So that is really bad,” he said. Dezeed said his organization is setting up a task force to catch music pirates and turn them in to authorities.   In northern Nigeria, Copyright Commission law enforcement director Amadu Augustin Aleo said his organization has caught 170 people copying CDs or stealing music and marketing it as their own in the past six months.  He said the punishment can be a more than $1,500 fine or prison time, but the commission needs more support to slow the growing piracy business. And musicians say it is not just people copying CDs and selling them in the markets that is hurting their ability to profit from their work.  They say their music is also regularly shared illegally on the Internet or through mobile-phone ringtones.

This guys need our support. I bet we all know hiw to help

The Netherlands welcomes its first King for more than 120 years

Willem-Alexander has been sworn in as king of the Netherlands at a colourful ceremony attended by 2,000 visitors in Amsterdam. 

The 46-year-old became the country's first king since 1890 when his 75-year-old mother Beatrix signed the abdication deed after 33 years on the throne this morning. As King Willem-Alexander and his wife Queen Maxima took centre stage in Nieuwe Kerk, a decommissioned church, Princess Beatrix smiled happily, watching the proceedings with her three granddaughters, who all wore matching royal blue dresses.

Wearing a fur-trimmed ceremonial mantle, swore an oath of allegiance to his country and the constitution in the historic New Church. 

In recent years, speculation about when she might abdicate had grown, as she endured personal losses that both softened her image and increased her popularity further as the public sympathized.

Her husband Prince Claus died in 2002; and last year she was devastated when her youngest son, Prince Friso, was hit by an avalanche while skiing in Austria and suffered severe brain damage. Friso remains in a near comatose state.

In her pre-recorded message she said she had been thinking about the issue for some years and now was the 'the moment to lay down my crown'.'Now that my oldest son is to take over this fine and responsible job tomorrow, it is my deep wish that the new royal couple will feel themselves supported by your loving trust,' the popular monarch said in a nationally televised address. 

'I am convinced that Willem-Alexander will apply himself with true devotion for everything a good king is obliged to do.'Beatrix succeeded her mother, Juliana, as head of state, and she won widespread acclaim and admiration from the Dutch people. Most feel she has proved a supremely competent, if occasionally aloof, head of state over her 33-year reign.

'My mother taught me that being queen is a position that you carry around with you day and night,' she said once. 'You can never forget about it, not for a moment.'

Bangladesh Plaza collapse: Primark says it will compensate families of killed and injured

The death toll from the factory building collapse in Bangladesh could reach as much as 1,400, it emerged today.

As many as 900 workers are still missing six days after the reinforced concrete of Rana Plaza in Savar, near Dhaka, crumbled around them.

Around 3,000 workers - mainly young women who made cheap clothes for the likes of Primark and Matalan - had gone to work in the eight-storey building last Wednesday morning, despite huge cracks appearing in the walls the day before.

The collapse was the deadliest disaster to hit Bangladesh's garment industry, which is worth £13billion a year and supplies High Street retailers throughout the West.

Grim search: Around 3,000 workers - mainly young women - had gone to work in the eight-storey building last Wednesday morning, despite huge cracks appearing in the walls the day before

Bosses at high street giant Primark have said they will pay compensation to the families of their workers who were killed and injured in the accident.

The budget clothing chain occupied a floor of the eight-storey building, and some of the workers injured and killed in the incident worked for a company that supplied the brand.

The boat that flies: Exhilarating images of the world's fastest yacht racing at speeds to up to 60mph

Hold on to your hats! Almost literally flying across the water, this is the world's fastest yacht which can clock an amazing 60 miles an hour

With its wings skimming across the water, this super yacht soars above the competition.

Its state-of-the-art design means the world's fastest yacht can clock an amazing 60 miles an hour - and reach 50mph in just ten seconds.

Causing waves: The Hydroptere is an experimental sailing hydrofoil designed by French yachtsman Alain Thébault

The Hydroptere, which uses marine and aeronautic technology, relies on giant wings to almost fly across the water.

Pictured in these gorgeous photos taken off of the French coast the yacht, which weighs 7.5 tons, it's easy to see why the powerful boat has broken so many world records.

Baga Killings: Investigations underway

A sweeping and independent investigation by Nigeria's human rights commision is underway into last week's deaths in Baga community of Borno state where several residents were killed in a deadly confrontation between government troops and members of the extremist sect, Boko Haram.

Although a government establishment, the National Human Rights Commission, headed by Chidi Odinkalu, has a special autonomy to conduct independent probes into crimes as it deems necessary, and if needed, establish a commission of inquiry, fully independent of the government.

Mr. Odinkalu said on Monday the commission was reaching to its wide powers to unlock the truth behind a series of conflicting details of how many civilians were killed in the bloody battle in Baga, a scene of what many widely called a massacre that has alarmed the world and has put the federal government's crackdown on the deadly sect on the spotlight.

Boko Halal, not Boko Haram- Prof. Wole Soyinka

Nobel laureate; Prof Wole Soyinka has advised the Federal Government and government at all levels to use quality education to address the nation’s growing illiteracy, noting that it is lack of education that breeds sinister groups like the Boko Haram.

Prof Soyinka made this remark on Monday, while speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, where he noted that Halal is the opposite of Haram.

He commended the state government for winning and hosting the World Book Capital city next year, stressing that both the state and the country will benefit from the festival.

Prof Soyinka suggested that the slogan ‘Nigeria is Boko Halal’ should be adopted as the campaign slogan for the World Book Capital.

“When they (Boko Haram insurgents) say Boko Haram, we say Boko Halal” he said.

He explained that Halal; an Islamic term designating any object or an action which is permissible to use or engage in, means “virtue, goodness and peace.”

Islamic fundamentalists that seek the imposition of Sharia law across Nigeria are known as Boko Haram which means ‘western education is sinful.’

10 things academics say students get wrong in exams

Not many Students would admit to enjoying taking exams or writing essays, but if you want to get a degree, they're an ordeal you have to survive.

So we've worked out how to make the whole thing a little less stressful. We've persuaded four academics from a range of subject areas to tell us the top 10 things students get wrong in exams and coursework. This is what they've told us:

Panic and procrastination 

Sometimes a task can feel so overwhelming that it's difficult to begin, says Amber Regis, lecturer in 19th century literature at the University of Sheffield. Procrastination takes over and you just can't seem to get anything done. The bare white page is a formidable foe when it stares back at you, untouched, from the library desk. Try not to panic, protect and manage your preparation time, and don't put off getting started.

Lack of analysis

It can be tempting to parrot everything you know when writing essays and exam answers. But to demonstrate your understanding you should engage critically with your source material. Always assume an informed reader — they do not need a plot summary or biographies of key figures. Read through the marking scheme used by your department. You will notice some very telling words and phrases attached to the highest marks, for example: "originality of interpretation", "astute engagement" and "critical thought". To fulfil these criteria, you must favour analysis.

Poor planning 

In exams it's vital that you don't jump the gun. Take the first five to 10 minutes to read through the paper and plan the questions you're going to answer in order of how confident you feel in that subject area, says Bhavik Patel, lecturer in physical and analytical chemistry at University of Brighton. Make sure you secure the marks on the questions that you find easiest to answer first, before attempting questions that are more difficult. The latter often make you lose confidence and time during exam conditions.

Not reading the question properly

When revising, students often rehearse answers in their head. says Roy Jackson, course leader in religion, philosophy and ethics at theUniversity of Gloucestershire. "Although we don't deliberately intend to catch them out in exams, we do set questions that requires them to think and reflect under timed conditions. But instead students will often pick up key words in the question and write out a rehearsed response."

This can be avoided by taking some time to reflect upon the question, rather than seeing that as wasted time and rushing to fill the pages.

Focusing on word count

In both exam responses and coursework, students are often more concerned with quantity rather than quality. The best essays are those that demonstrate evidence of personal reflection and are not just trying to achieve a word limit.

Insufficient reading around a subject

During revision time, students are too selective in what they choose to read, selecting one or two books and remembering as much from those as possible. What comes across in a good essay is confidence, and this can only be achieved by demonstrating plenty of reading on a subject, so that you can be prepared for any question that you come across. This also requires giving yourself plenty of time to read, and not leaving it until a few days before an exam or assignment.

Regurgitating in-class or lecture material 

In English we are looking for excitement and originality of thought backed up by evidence and we don't want you to take our formulations as gospel truth, says Martin Eve, lecturer in English literature at the University of Lincoln. Challenge – and think for yourself.

Over-generalisation 

Always make sure your statements are specific and show self-awareness. Do say: "There is no one single representation of working-class life in post-50s British fiction". Don't ever go for something like: "Novels that feature the working class show us that these people..."

Carelessness

Getting characters' names or other basic factual details wrong just smacks of not caring. If you don't care enough to do this correctly when you're paying to be at university, what will an employer think when he or she is paying you?

Spelling, grammar and register 

Universities have a standard academic English in which you should write. The best way to become proficient at this is to read a great number of academic journal articles and books and mirror the register, language and tone (but not the content: never plagiarise!). It can also help to write a small amount every day as a form of practice.

- Culled from The Guardian

Health: Drinking alcohol regularly could LOWER your risk of arthritis

Drinking alcohol in moderation could slash the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, according to new research.

                                                        Enjoying a a glass of wine could help prevent rheumatoid arthritis

Some regular drinkers were nearly half as likely to develop the crippling condition as teetotallers or those who rarely drank.

Researchers discovered the connection after carrying out an extensive review of previous studies that looked into the role of alcohol and rheumatoid arthritis.

The results, published in the journal Rheumatology, suggest a few drinks a week could have a protective effect against a disease that affects many people in Nigeria.

Although the latest investigation did not look at the reasons why a regular tipple might offer some protection, earlier research suggested it could be because alcohol appears to dampen down inflammation in the body and also has a mild pain-killing effect.

Rheumatoid arthritis is triggered when the immune system, the body's in-built defence mechanism, goes into action unnecessarily, attacking joints and sometimes other parts of the body.

The reasons why remain a mystery but some evidence suggests exposure to mild infection may be enough to launch this over-reaction.

As a result, joints become inflamed and swollen, causing pain or stiffness, and many sufferers also experience flu-like symptoms

This is not an excuse to get drunk o!

Ray J releases new video for single I Hit It First featuring a look-alike of sex tape partner Kim Kardashian

Not over it: Ray J released a video on Monday for his new song Hit It First that prominently featured a woman who looked like ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian

Ray J is cashing in on his Kim Kardashian sex tape fame.

The 32-year-old rapper released a video on Monday for his crude single I Hit It First that prominently features a Kim look-alike amid provocative scenarios.

Ray J and Kim gained notoriety in 2007 when a sex tape they filmed in 2003 became public.

In his video, Ray J made mention of the sex tape, as well as Kim's fiance Kanye West and her ex-husband Kris Humphries and former boyfriend Reggie Bush.

'She might move on to rappers and ballplayers, but we all know I hit it first,' Ray J crooned.

He later added: 'Wherever she goes, she knows she belongs in my bed.'

Holding on: The rapper lays claim to a former love in the song, stating, 'she belongs in my bed'

First pictures in nine months show Nelson Mandela, 94, looking thin but sitting up and in ‘good spirits’

Nelson Mandela is 'in good shape' and 'good spirits', South African president Jacob Zuma said today.

He spoke as the first footage emerged of the 94-year-old former president since he left hospital on April 6 after suffering from pneumonia.

He spent 10 days in hospital being treated for the illness, which followed an earlier hospitalisation in December when he developed a lung infection and gallstones.

                               Recovering: Nelson Mandela was said to be in 'good spirits' but appeared expressionless on camera

It is the first public image of him since Hillary Clinton visited in her role as US secretary of state in August.

Mandela - also known as Madiba in South Africa - appears to be virtually expressionless and does not seem to react to those around him.

Successful surgery leaves patient with watermelon-sized scrotum 132lbs lighter

A Las Vegas man is 132lbs lighter after undergoing surgery to remove a severely enlarged scrotum.

Wesley Warren Jr. drew international attention last year for the mass that made his day-to-day life a nightmare.

But he is now recovering after a team of surgeons in California spent nearly 13 hours operating on the 48-year-old for free.

'There are a lot of shows about makeovers, but this is a real makeover,' Dr. Joel Gelman, who heads the Center for Reconstructive Urology at the University of California, Irvine, said of the procedure.

'He's basically a new man.'

                            Surgery: Wesley Warren Jr., pictured before surgery, is recovering after his giant scrotum was removed

Walcott swapped shirts with Van Persie in the tunnel to avoid the wrath of Wenger and Gunners fans

Theo Walcott has avoided an Andre Santos-style backlash from Arsenal fans despite swapping shirts with Robin van Persie on Sunday.

                        Avoiding controversy: Walcott in Van Persie's United shirt which he picked up in the tunnel after the match

The Gunners forward was seen giving a post-match interview wearing a United shirt after the 1-1 draw.  

It belonged to his former Arsenal team-mate Van Persie, with the pair exchanging jerseys in the Emirates Stadium tunnel moments after the final whistle.

Santos was the subject of a furious reaction from supporters after making a beeline to Van Persie at half-time of the Gunners defeat at Old Trafford earlier in the season.

Criticised: Santos angered Wenger and Arsenal fans for asking Van Persie to swap shirts at half-time of Arsenal's 2-1 defeat by Manchester   United at Old Trafford last November

He made the approach in full view of TV cameras and Arsenal supporters.

The left back was also criticised by Arsene Wenger for his decision to approach Van Persie for his shirt.

Walcott's wise decision to swap shirts in private has helped avoid a similar storm.

Thieving elephant who targets tourists for their lunches

Would you argue if a five-ton bully wanted to make off with your lunch?

Gemunu the elephant is fast becoming notorious at his home in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka, for ambushing wide-eyed tourists and running of with their food.

A recent spate of thefts where he has used his trunk to search cars as they drive through the park have left visitors alarmed by his unruly behaviour.

Hey! Gemunu pushes over the driver of a car as he scours the interior of the vehicle for any snacks its passengers might be hiding

Mr Singh was just learning about Gemunu's thieving ways from his friend, Mevan Piyasena, when then the 22-year-old elephant ambushed their car.

'First Gemunu pushed our driver, Janaka, off his seat and then he poked his head inside the car looking for food,' he said

'He checked each one of us with his trunk and then poked his trunk all around our Landcruiser looking for food but we didn't have any.

'All that I could think of was to stay calm, keep away from his big tusks and keep the camera steady.

'After what seemed like hours, though it was just a few minutes, he moved on to the next car. We just got out of there as fast as we could.'