Flagging Libido?

As a middle-aged man, I often have concerns that my libido will eventually wilt....and that a low libido alone would be my internal signal that my eventual demise draws nigh. Have you experienced the same thoughts? Not so fast!

Testosterone therapy may help you regain your interest in sex!

According to Adrian Dobs, M.D., M.HS., an endocrinologist at St. Johns Hopkins University, "A treatment for erectile dysfunction and a flagging libido due to an age-related decline in testosterone usually involves testosterone replacement therapy."

However, and there is ALWAYS a but, before taking one of the testosterone supplements available -- pills, injections, skin patches, gum and gels -- it is extremely important to be medically screened to eliminate causes other than age. An example? Diabetes. Diabetes can cause testosterone levels in the body to plummet. Sleep apnea can as well.

While testosterone therapy might very well assist a few of us with a decreased libido, some studies suggest it might increase our risk of heart attack and/or stroke -- IF we have other chronic heath issues/conditions.

A Funny Joke I Read Today While Taking a Break from Facebook

It's a beautiful day here in Pittsburgh, so I decided to take a break from Facebook. As I thumbed through some old magazines I had lying around, I came across this doozy of a joke in a Reader's Digest. Hope you enjoy it as well.

Every night, Harry goes out drinking. And every night, his wife, Louise, yells at him. One day, one of Louise's friends suggests that she try a different tack. "Welcome him home with a kiss and some loving words," she says. "He might change his ways."

That night, Harry stumbles back home as usual. But instead of berating him, Louise helps him into an easy chair, puts his feet on the ottoman, removes his shoes, and gently massages his neck.

"It's late," she whispers. "I think we should go upstairs to bed now, don't you?"

"Might as well," says Harry. "I'll get in trouble if I go home."

Source:
Reader's Digest, August 2010, p.24

Author Rodney Southern shares his thoughts on fatherhood and boys.

Today, in the United States, it's Father's Day. A colleague of mine published a very heat-felt account of his recent conversation with his daughter. I couldn't resist sharing the short article since I cried reading it thinking of my own daughter, Carmella, who is only 13 and will inevitably ask me the same questions. Here is the link to the article. Enjoy it. I did!
"Teaching my girls about boys."
http://premeditatedleftovers.com/teaching-my-girls-about-boys-from-daddys-point-of-view/

The Voice

The is my first season watching 'The Voice' on NBC and I must say that all of the contestants being featured on the show are really great performers. I was surprised when a couple of them weren't picked despite giving me goosebumps when they sang.

I don't have a favorite one yet, but Holly is high on the list. Are you rooting for a particular singer?

My absence...

In the past few months, I have been too busy  to entertain any rational thoughts on helpful tips, recipes or things relevant for single living. I am dealing with a long-term divorce and unable to always think clearly. I will keep you, my readers, abreast of my situation in the immediate future and look forward to making your lives better through education.

Great marinade

Summertime isn't the only time steak is on the menu and an amazing steak marinade isn't limited to summertime cookouts. Here is a simple steak marinade guide from Bill and Cheryl Jamison, authors of The Big Book of Outdoor Cooking & Entertaining.

Start with an acid to add a bit of bite to the marinade. Then add an oil to balance the taste, carry the flavor, and contribute a subtle nuttiness. Flavor will be provided by the herbs and spices used.

What you'll need

• One part acid.Use lemon juice, white-wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar.
• One part oil. Try olive, canola or grapeseed oil.
• Some flavor. Onions, shallots, ginger, garlic and herbs add tang. Use crushed red peppers for a spicier edge.

What's next

Once you've decided on your choices, whisk ingredients together in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Men's Health Magazine (July/August 2011) recommends seasoning the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to "transfer seasoning to the meat." Then soak your steak for 2 to 12 hours. Remember, longer is better!

Making Great Iced Tea

Tea is, and always has been, a summertime delight. Once you taste this version by Matt and Ted Lee, authors of The Lee Bros. Simple Fresh Southern, you won't look twice at the syrupy swill in the super market.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

6 regular-size bags of orange pekoe tea
1-lb ripe peaches (skin on), pitted and cut into wedges

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. In a saucepan or tea kettle, bring 2 cups cold water to a boil. Place the teabags in a pitcher and pour the boiling water over them. Let stand for at least 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a food processor, puree the peaches until smooth -- about 90 seconds.
3. With a wooden spoon, gently press the tea bags against the side of the pitcher to extract the liquids. Remove and discard.
4. Stir in 4 cups of cold water and peach puree; refrigerate 45 minutes or until well chilled.
5. Strain the tea into a pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
6. Pour the tea into tall glasses filled 2/3 with ice cubes or combine 1/2 cup with an ounce of your favorite bourbon or whiskey to make a julep.