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Time was up. Heather and I had only days left in the Philippines. Being a bit of a lazy traveler myself, I was more than content to beach-bum away our remaining days on Malapascua. I’m also pretty easily influenced, however, and so Heather didn’t have much trouble convincing me to add just one more destination to our itinerary — Bohol.
We were enticed for a variety of reasons. Bohol was a close jaunt from the Cebu airport we’d be flying out of a few days later, Lovely Planet promised us a “distinct traveler atmosphere,” and it had both a lush jungle interior and a happening beach scene — and neither of us had had a night out together since arriving in the Philippines.
After a near-disastrous day of travel that I promise to regale you with later (note to self: plan ahead when traveling in Christian countries during Holy Week), we finally arrived on Bohol and made it to our destination in Alona Beach. After yet another Holy Week mishap that almost had us sleeping on the beach, Heather saved the day by booking us into a hotel that far exceeded my budget, and we set out to explore.
Photo by Heather Holt
Photo by Heather Holt
Photo by Heather Holt
To be honest, we weren’t wildly impressed. The beach had nothing on the fine sands of Malapascua, and there was none of the charm of dilapidated seaside Donsol. Mainly we found a beach packed towel to towel with families and domestic tourists. We did have a two fun nights out — one of which ended with a wildly successful four person, one motorcycle experiment, proving that good things actually do happen when you hop on the backs of strangers’ motorbikes — but that was more due to our own determination to have a good time than anything really exciting going on around us.
Not enticed to spend two more days paying for overpriced drinks on a so-so beach, we decided to use the rest of our time to explore Bohol’s interior. We snagged a rental bike (600 pesos per day) but were met with blank stares when we asked about map, so we stop at the Tourism Office in the capital city of Tagbilaran to pick one up. They do have a map, but when we ask for a breakfast place suggestion they recommend Jollibee’s, which is basically the Filipino McDonald’s. Next, they ask if we are Catholic, and giggle uncontrollably at our negative response. It is an appropriately bizarre start to another day in the Philippines.
Photo by Heather Holt
We marveled at how quickly we transitioned from beach town to dumpy city to beautiful forest. We drove in silence, drinking up the cool, crisp air and the empty roads.
Can you even spot the tarsier in his habitat here?
Photo by Heather Holt
Hopping back on the bike, we headed towards deeper into Bohol’s interior. I had read about a place called Nuts Huts, a backpacker hideaway with a great view of the Loboc River. When we reached the rocky dirt path that led there, we almost called it quits a few times — we were on a rental bike in the middle of nowhere with no cell phone service, after all — but I’m so glad we forged ahead.
Nuts Huts was not only charming and idyllically located, but exuded a true backpacker atmosphere that I had found to be almost completely lacking in the Philippines. Rooms were basic but the setting provided great opportunities for unique adventures in the nearby area, all marked on a wall-sized map of the river. The only thing I didn’t like about the place was the fact that there was no wifi, and the somewhat pretentious note in the menu that explained that this was on purpose. Okay, I get it — you want me to commune with nature rather than update my Instagram feed. But not everyone can afford to go offline for a few days without lots and lots of preparation — I get that I’m the exception and not the rule, but don’t give me even more traveler guilt. Jeez.
Photos by Heather Holt
Photo by Heather Holt
We left Nuts Huts dreaming of having a few more days to spend there, swimming in the river and exploring the nearby caves. Ah well, hindsight is twenty twenty. Our next stop was spontaneous and unplanned — the best kind. While lazing around at Nuts Huts, we had heard the adrenaline-induced screams of zipliners flying over the river. Following the road along the river, we found Loboc Eco-Tourism Adventure Park. For just 350 pesos (less than $9), we were able to strap in and zip superman-style across the great river gorge and back.
To see us in action, check out my Philippines Highlights video, if you haven’t had the chance.
Photo by Heather Holt
Photo by Heather Holt — can you spot me in the back?
Our next destination was the hyped up Chocolate Hills, prominently displayed on every other tourism poster ever produced in the Philippines. I was suspicious they would be a let down — it’s just a bunch of mounds of dirt, am I missing something? But as we rounded the side of the mountain viewpoint at dusk, I was actually impressed by the endless rows of perfectly formed hills. I was even more intrigued when I read that scientists believe the hills were formed by the
I’m sad to report that not even one person was selling hill shaped chocolates – hello, missed opportunities! However, it wasn’t exactly a serene scene. The place was mobbed with Filipino and Korean tourists who stared shamelessly at us, and a few brave ones asked to take pictures with us. Also, someone who I would really, really like to meet alone in a dark alley someday decided to build a massive gong at the viewpoint, which was rung with fervor and eruptive giggles every seven seconds or so.
Photo on left by Heather Holt
It was a very long drive home in the dark but a peaceful one as we listened to the sounds of the jungle, often the only ones on the road.
Photo by Heather Holt
On the final day of our travels in the Philippines, we rounded up a bike for one last round of exploring. Driving through the small towns of Bohol, I noted how European they felt — most had grassy town squares lined with ornate official buildings and churches. The presence of Christianity and other reminders of imperialism are impossible to ignore in the Philippines.
Photos by Heather Holt
For our final meal, we sought out somewhere by the sea, but away from the crowds of Alona Beach. We settled on Bohol Bee Farm, an organic farm with boutique accommodation and a destination-worthy restaurant. I’m going to give it to you straight and tell ya that from what I experienced, the stereotypes about Filipino food are true — I would describe the national cuisine as Burnt Meat Fat. So when I saw that Heather and I were due for a good meal, I mean that we had basically been living on the Filipino version of Saltine crackers for three straight weeks.
Wow, did Bohol Bee Farm deliver.
I’m not much of a foodie, and yet I’m willing to say that if you come to Bohol and don’t eat a meal here you are out of your mind. Every single thing that I snarfed into my face was fresh, flavorful, and delicious. While we were just moments too late for the last hourly tour of the day, we really enjoyed wandering the grounds as well.
Photo on right by Heather Holt
Photo by Heather Holt
I really enjoyed Bohol, and not at all for the reasons I had expected. My advice to travelers is to skip Alona Beach entirely, and base yourself either at Nuts Huts if you want jungle or Bohol Bee Farm if you want ocean, and spend your days exploring Bohol’s interior. For beach time, head to other, much more beautiful islands like Malapascua.
Can you believe this marks the end of my Philippines posts? Onto Singapore…
Your time on Bohol pretty much jives perfectly with what Tony & I ascertained during our stay there. We really enjoyed the island, but as our first stop in the Philippines, we were seriously concerned about what the beaches would be like with Alona as our introduction! We only stayed a day on the beach before moving to a quieter section of Panglao; one of the best perks of the place we stayed was it was only $12US per night, and although not on the beach (no big loss), had a pool AND free motorcycles for guests! With that at our disposal, we spent days simply exploring the interior of the island like you guys did, which I also said in my post was pretty much the best way to experience Bohol.
I had heard a lot of negative stuff about the Chocolate Hills but I found the ride out to them so enjoyable and beautiful that I found myself happy to be there anyway. When you went were there people taking these weird pictures that made it look like they were flying on brooms? There weren’t nearly so many people during our visit, but the people who were there were really getting excited about those photos. No gong either! I guess that’s one of the perks of visiting during shoulder season… 😉
Yes! I did see people doing the weird broom thing. I was a little baffled by that one. And jealous that your trip was gong-less! Haha. And actually now that you mention it I remember reading your post about Bohol’s beaches… I should have heeded your advice!
Oh the tarsiers are just sooo adorable! The look like little gremlins. 🙂
Ha ha, I know! I also saw them compared to Yoda 🙂
I swear, some drunk monkey saw a sexy frog and out popped a tarsier…
This made me laugh out loud! Although I admit I had to read it a few times…
Some travel blog-basketball networking (the best kind!)::: Rafe Batholomew, author of “Pacific Rims” about Filipino hoops will be reading from his book at “Varsity Letters,” the very cool sports reading series: an intrvw here: https://www.gelfmagazine.com/archives/from_mcsorleys_to_the_philippines_to_grantland.php
Astute AlexinWanderland comments readers (u kno who you are!) will remember the A-in-W post “Hiking the Rice Terraces of Batad” and the pic of the rusted basketball support and the comment with the Bartholomew mention to that effect. (The Hoop game being a national craze in the Phillipines).
From Rafe to Alex … score!
Thanks for the introduction, Steve! There were also some great basketball courts in Malapascua. Along with karaoke maybe it’s the national pastime?
you didn’t dive in balicasag? it’s an amazing dive site in bohol.
I’ve heard that, but we were a bit dive-d out (well at least our wallets were!) and ready for some overland adventures!
I’m catching up on your blog posts and being reminded of how much I enjoy your blog. I love how much you focus on photos (and it doesn’t hurt that they happen to be stunning)!
Keep up the excellent work of recording and sharing these beautiful, inspiring, and happy journeys. I look forward to seeing where they take you! 🙂
Thanks Andy, glad you were inspired to check back in, and that you’re happy with what you found! I appreciate your continued support 🙂
Great post, well-written, with lovely photos! The tarsiers are like… Wow! Your post got me curious about the Chocolate Hills, so:
Enjoying your travels vicariously. Hope to get back out there soon myself!
Thanks Steven! The Chocolate Hills were much cooler than I anticipated. Thanks for reading!
Hi Alex, another great post!
I was just wondering how much time you spent on Bohol and Malapascua each?/what would be a good amount of time now you’ve done both?
I’ve booked to stay at the lovely white sands beach huts on Malapascua for 4 nights and wondering whether to prolong it or prolong my 3 nights on Bohol!
Hi Abi! You can find a total breakdown of my time in the Philippines, including how much time I spent in each place and links to my highlights from each, here. Hope that helps!
Hey Alex. If it’s OK, can I ask where you rented your motorcycle. Me and my wife are going there tomorrow. Thanks. 🙂
Never mind I saw the photo 🙂
Happy travels and safe driving 🙂 Enjoy Bohol!
I stumbled upon your blog and I enjoyed reading about your adventure in Bohol. I just giggled a bit when you mentioned that some people shamelessly stared at you. I understand that some foreigners get offended by this, but the truth is that majority of the Filipinos are just amazed by white people. We find your race beautiful, that’s all. =)
Anyway, I’m glad that you enjoyed the Philippines and I hope you can come by again next time. I also have a blog about travelling to the Philippines and I hope you and your readers can visit it by clicking on my name above. Thanks! – Dee
Haha, well in this case I didn’t mind the staring, though it did make us giggle nervously a bit 🙂
Alex, your smile is so cute and very Special ! it melts my hearth!!! Heinz
Thanks Heinz…. I’ll keep smiling 🙂
did random asian people frequently ask to take a picture with you while traveling around asia?
Indeed they did 🙂 I think it is the blonde hair, but I’ve definitely been stopped to be a photo buddy upwards of 50 times!
Saw that Prem asked about places to go for motorcycles for rent.
Allow me to suggest Island Rentals. I rented from those guys when I visited Bohol in December. http://www.islandrentals.ph
They tend to be slightly more expensive than the rest. But I found that their bikes are in good condition and worth the extra dollar. For me it was important that brakes and headlights a.o. were working – you know PH traffic conditions…. The bikes holds insurrance and copy of the legal reg. papers followed the bike. Cool – especially if you hit one of the many roadblocks in Bohol
Another good place to rent a motorcycle in Bohol is at Alona Beach, but the rental guys don´t seem to be organized in the way, you will find it at Island Rentals.
No matter your choice I do agree that Bohol should be explored on a motorcycle. It will bring you to remote areas where average tourists never go – I had some very cool experiences during my stay, and will surely be back one day.
Hi i agree with you.The owner is a nice guy he has big bikes as well. The price is high but he provide the good service. if you want to rent bike we recommencement https://www.islandrentals.ph.
Glad to hear there are so many options available on Bohol these days!
Found your blog and enjoyed my visit here. The pictures in this post on Bohol are stunning and I enjoyed reading it too.
Thanks, Carla! The Philippines are stunning and I can’t wait to return someday.
You’re such a whiney, uninformed, somewhat-condescending tourist. In case you didn’t know, you visited a “third-world” country. FYI, that country was a Spanish colony for 300 hundred years, of course they would have some architectural remnants of their past.
Lindsey, I went back to reread this post to see what your comments could possibly be directed to and I came up empty. I loved the architecture of Bohol — it was one of the many things I complimented in this post. The only part I didn’t love was Alona Beach, which I hardly think is the most authentic slice of Bohol.
First things first, I read this whole post and would like to say that I in no way see how saying that Bohol has a European cultural and religious influence that is “impossible to ignore” make you a “whiney, uninformed, somewhat-condescending tourist”. I am pretty sure you said that knowing full well that The Philippines was a Spanish colony for 300 years. Just felt like I needed to put that out there.
With that out of the way, your blog is very helpful as I am in Bohol now and deciding what to do around here. I am excited to travel the island and the places you mentioned.
My question is actually a logistical one about travel by motor bike in general. I want to tour as much of SEA as possible by motor bike. Despite my amazing Tetris skills, I can not fit my computer, camera, toiletries, enough clothes for a few days, and the other essentials into one backpack. Now, I have mastered wearing two backpacks to the airport or on a boat. However, I imagine mastering that skill while on a motorbike would be quite a feat. How did you girls manage to take all your stuff with you? Any advice you could give would be splendid.
Ha, thanks Peter. Glad I wasn’t globally misunderstood 🙂 So glad my blog has been helpful in making your plans for the Philippines! Unfortunately I’m not sure if I’ll be much help — we rented the bikes by the day and traveled from location to location, with all our endless bags of crap, by plain old bus, taxi, train and plane. So while we were out playing during the day all our stuff was safely ensconced in our hotel room, save our small day packs. Sorry that wasn’t much help, but enjoy Bohol!
Hi Alex! I just love your blog. I especially love how photo-driven all of your posts are! I find that a lot of travel blogs are very text heavy, and I hardly make it through the whole post (guilty as charged here, too). I’m planning to take a page out of your book for my next trip to Costa Rica and stock up on the photography! 🙂
Speaking of photos – I’m really curious to know how you got that shot of you riding your motorbike from behind. I love it! Was that a mounted GoPro you used? I saw on your Camera Gear you have one and just assumed. I just got one for Christmas and am trying to decide which mounts to go for!
Thanks in advance!
Ha, I definitely think a lot of people can barely get through mine — I am constantly asked questions that are really clearly answered in my posts 🙂 And actually, I didn’t have the GoPro yet around this trip. All photos were just taken with arms outstretched!
No way! That is some serious skill going on. You managed to snap that AND drive a motorbike at the same time?! Major props. I am not that coordinated. Thanks for the reply!! 🙂
Ha, no, I was on the back of the motorbike! At least I think we are referring to the same photo 🙂 But yup, lots of backseat snapping!
I have just chain read your posts on the Philippines ahead of my visit this year, and as always they were so well written, full of great info and pretty damn funny. I cannot believe I missed this whole section of your blog!
anyway, I’ve now added Malapascua & inland Bohol to my itinerary…thanks Alex 🙂
Aw, thanks Paula! So glad to hear they were helpful. It was a wild trip! I need to go back and see a bit more. The internet is so bad I couldn’t do long term there, but I love little bite size doses 🙂
Love this post. I am headed to Bohol today and planning to do lots of motorbiking around the island, just wondered if you remember the names of any of the towns/villages you went to along the way? They all look great!
Hey Yasmine, navigating the island is really simple 🙂 If you head to all the spots I call out my name in this post, you will pass the same little towns and villages along the way as well. We just stopped whenever something caught our eye. Sorry I can’t be more helpful!
Will it be fine to use 2 of your photos on our website?
If so we can credit your site or the photographer’s name as its sources. If you’d allow we’d like the photo of the chocolate hills – the plain not those with the beautiful girls but if its ok with the girls it would be much better 🙂 and the other one the sta.monica church of alburqurque. Hope to hear from you!
Hi Amy — what website are you hoping to use them on?
I loved Bohol! The scuba diving there was great!
We stayed on dry land while we were in Bohol… sounds like we need to go back!
This article is just perfect! We only have half a day to explore Bohol. Doing so with a motorbike like what you girls did is what we’ll do.
Enjoy, Finne! You can see a lot in a day and a half 🙂
I just recently started following your blog and I find it amazing. By the way, I am from the Philippines. And did I mention I am from Bohol? Yes, I am from Bohol. haha… Whenever you can come back here, I suggest you go to Anda. The beaches there have finer sand than Panglao (Alona). And since you are into diving, you don’t want to miss Balicasag Island. 🙂
Looking forward to your next posts. Cheers!
I definitely plan to return to the Philippines one day, and would love to hit up the places you mention when I do! Thanks for the advice 🙂
Sure. I’ll be happy to help you get around Bohol. And oh, be sure to take more days to spend here in the Philippines. Where you have been was just the tip of the iceberg. Keep safe and enjoy! 😉
Definitely! The three week visa went by quite fast.
haha… next time, make it a year. you’ll not regret it.
hi alex, my name is furqan, it is really nice to see that your traveling, Stories, i have been bohol my self and it was great time and fun, i would like you offer my scooter for free if you come to cebu, i own a scooter rental shop. you can visit my page and contact me if you ever coming to cebu.
That’s very kind Furqan! Glad you enjoyed this story. I do hope to make it back to the Philippines someday!
I enjoyed reading your entry, Alex! This was a lovely post and I am glad you loved your stay in Bohol. It’s a shame that I haven’t tried going to Nuts Huts yet! I need to take a day off and truly experience the place myself!
Please also try to visit Mag-Aso falls the next time you decide to go back to Bohol. 🙂
Thanks for the tip! I will file that away for next time 🙂
Thanks so much for all of the great and informative posts, Alex! Heading to Philippines for 2 weeks with my fiance in December and we are getting SO excited reading all your posts and looking at the gorgeous photos!
We were pretty bummed to read about your less than stellar experience in Alona beach. We were considering there for New Years Eve – we want to stay away from the craziness (and costs!) of Boracay, but still want a beach and a bit of partying; we usually go for the off-the-beaten track route completely when it comes to beaches, but wanted something a little bit more lively for the holiday! Do you have any other suggestions?
Well, I really loved Malapascua but it might be a little too laid-back for what you’re looking for for New Year’s Eve. I don’t know, Boracay might be better — I hear it at least has a bit of a backpacker and independent traveler scene, whereas when I was in Alona it was pretty much exclusively package tourists. Sorry I don’t have better suggestions — three weeks there went quick!
I’m so glad I found your site while I was traveling in The Philippines in Aug ’15! After a couple days in Manila, I booked a flight to Tagbilarin, grabbed a motorbike from the same vendor, and had a similarly awesome time in Bohol. But it wouldn’t have worked out as great had I not stumbled across your site! So Salamat!
That’s so awesome to hear, Michael! I really appreciate you taking the time to write me and let me know after the fact 🙂 I often hear from those in the planning stages but don’t always get to hear about how it went afterwards. Happy travels!
Thanks for sharing your experience in Bohol! I’m planning a trip there in a few weeks and this blog entry has helped so much! How many days in total did you spend on the island? I’m planning to arrive on a Saturday afternoon and leave on Tuesday afternoon for a total of 3 days and I’m wondering if that’s enough time to see and do an itinerary similar to what you guys did.
Hey Dennis, we were there for three days as well! Enjoy your time in Bohol — it’s amazing!
I’m glad i came across a very honest blog site.
You’re definitely one of my favorites.
Thanks for reading and for the kind words 🙂
Did you drive all the way to the chocolate hill from Alona beach? Do you recall how long it took you guys? Thank you for sharing your trip! regards from Barcelona, Spain.
Hey Berta, yes we did do that drive in a day! I don’t remember how long it took except that we were back before dark. Best of luck!
If you ride a motorbike it takes arround 1hour 30mints. Same with the van but their are places you will stop by it is one day trip
Thanks for this informative post and for sharing that funny description about the tarsiers, which is so fitting. I’m a Filipino and I’ve never even visited Bohol yet, which has to be remedied soon. Your the second blogger who’s mentioned skipping Alona beach so I’ll heed that warning. I’ll definitely follow your recommendations too! It’s a shame that you didn’t enjoy most Filipino food! What exactly did you try? Did you not enjoy Jollibee too? I’ve been enjoying binge reading your blog!
Hey Dia! It’s been years now and since I wasn’t really a fan of the food in general I don’t recall the specific dishes I tried, though there were many over the course of my three week stay. Thankfully I loved everything else 🙂
Hi Alex, nice post and nice pictures. I would like to share that now their is website for renting and sharing motorbike in Philippines where people can find the local motorbike rental shops. People can share their bike to other people. It is call book2wheel.com I think this is be good idea to share with your readers. If they are looking for rental shops in Bohol, cebu, Manila, or any other places
Interesting — the share economy comes to motorbikes!
hey there !
first of all its feels really good to read you!!
this small message to ask you if you dont mind if i repost your Bohol & philippines blogs on my Facebook pages?
Hope to read you soon.
Hi Jessy! Thanks for asking — feel free to share my posts anytime!
Found your blogs really useful for tips in the Philippines, I am going in February. I do scuba and have my Padi OW, is Malapascua ok for fairly new divers. I would OVE to dive with the Thresher sharks but from what ive read you have to go down further than OW allows so is it not worth travelling out my way for it?
Also the motobike/scooter hire, did you have a license or previous experience? Ive driven a scooter before once but don’t hold a license for bike just for a car, would you say its still safe to hire?
Hi Caroline! To be honest this trip was a long time ago so I don’t remember the diving conditions perfectly, but I do think there are some very shallow sheltered sights that would be perfect for a new student. Maybe email one of the shops and ask about the thresher dive? Or better yet, go for your advanced while you’re there! Can’t think of a more beautiful place to do it.
As for the motorbikes, we both have lots of previous motorbike riding experience but no, no formal license for it. There is some traffic downtown which could be intimidating for a new driver.
Thanks for your blog, it’s very helpful while I’m preparing a travel to the Philippines.
I plan to go to Bohol as well, and I like a lot to visit places by motorbikes so it seems like a good plan.
As I plan to stay in Panglao (maybe at the Bee farm !) and don’t really want to change hotel every night during my stay in Bohol I was wondering if it is feasible to visit the interior of the island by motorbikes being based in Panglao ?
The island seems quite big so I’m wondering if some places aren’t too far from Panglao to reach during the day ?
Thanks a lot
Hi Thibault! Absolutely. We stayed in Alona, which is actually further away than Bohol Bee Farm, and explored the interior every day. I didn’t love Alona but I LOVED the Bee Farm and the interior — you’ll have a great trip!
I have always wanted to see the Chocolate Hills of Bohol since I was a kid.. I’m so intrigued how they came to be because they look perfect in pictures.. I’m already 25 🙁 I hope I can check it off my bucketlist in a year or two 😀 By the way, love the post, specially your pictures <3
Twenty five! You’ve got plenty of time 🙂 Hope you have an amazing trip! <3
Hi Alex. Fantastic blog! My wife and I are staying in Cebu City for a few days. Do you think it is feasible to do Bohol in one day, exploring on motorcycle?
Hey there! Honestly I’m not sure about the transit times, so it’s hard to say if a day trip is possible. Personally, I’d HIGHLY recommend hopping over to Bohol and staying even for just one night!
We would love to stay in Bohol but we’ve already booked our accommodation in Cebu:( Thanks for your reply!
No problem! Good luck and enjoy your trip!
The food here is freaking terrible.
Ha! I can’t really disagree 😉 Try the Bee Farm!
If you dont mind me asking, where did you stay for $12 ? Pool and free motorbike, cant beat that! Solo traveler:)
Oh, I’m sad to say if it’s not in this post it has long since slipped my mind 🙂 I’m sorry! My bad memory is part of why I write this blog!

domain: travel


text:
At the lush Villa Calypso on the French Riviera, a dying billionaire launches a devious plan: at midnight each day he appoints a new heir to his vast fortune. If he dies within 24 hours, that person takes it all. If not, their chance is gone forever.
Yet these are no ordinary beneficiaries, these men who crossed him, women who deceived him, and distant relations intent on reclaiming the family fortune. All are determined to lend death a hand and outwit their rivals in pursuit of the prize.
As tensions mount with every passing second, retired Scotland Yard investigator Jasper must stay two steps ahead of every player if he hopes to prevent the billionaire’s devious game from becoming a testament to murder...Praise for A Testament to Murder:
‘This is a cracking mystery - a real enigma!’ 5* Reviewerlady
‘Wow, what a ride this book gives - full of red herrings and false leads, that you don't know which way is up’ 5* Reader review
‘Written along the same lines as traditional Agatha Christie novels, this fast paced cozy mystery is worth the time’ 4* Reader review
‘A great story line with brilliant main characters... I read this book in one sitting as I couldn't put it down’ 4* Reader review
‘An unusual and intriguing murder mystery. An easy read and a compulsive page turner! Will be looking out for more from Vivían Conroy’ 4* Reader review
‘Characters are brilliantly defined, setting is absolutely gorgeous and even a scorching summer sun can't warm up the evil that lurks beneath’ 4* reader review
‘It is a real page turner and I'm so happy to discover it is the first in a new series by this talented author - I can't wait to read more from her!’ 4* Splashes into Books
The naked lady was very beautiful and very dead. The police found that she had circled Mac's name in her phone book -- yet Mac couldn't remember her! What's a poor investigator to do -- but investigate?
"A solidly satisfactory story -- fast, believable, well-characterized, a nice balance of restraint and overt violence." -- The New York Times
1975: When Oberleutnant Karin Muller is called to investigate a teenage girl's body at the foot of the Berlin Wall, she imagines she's seen it all before. But she soon realizes that this is a death like no other before it - the girl was evidently trying to escape from West Berlin.
As a member of the People's Police, Muller's power in East Germany only stretches so far. The Ministry for State Security, the Stasi, assures her the case is closed, all they need to know is the girl's name. Yet they strongly discourage her from asking questions. The evidence doesn't add up, and it soon becomes clear the crime scene has been staged. But this regime does not tolerate curious minds, and it takes Müller too long to realize that the trail she's been following may lead her dangerously close to home ...

domain: library


text:
The Hashbury Safehouse's interior as it appears in Grand Theft Auto San Andreas.
|Appearance(s):||Grand Theft Auto San Andreas|
|House Style:||Hidden Apartment|
|Garage/Parking space Capacity:||Four vehicles|
|Unlocked After:||Are You Going to San Fierro?|
It Has 2 leathered sofas and a big TV (unusable). The safe house appears to be influenced by Hippie style wall coverings.
- The exterior of the safehouse is similar to the Portland Safehouse in Grand Theft Auto III.
- In the safehouse there is a picture of an Idaho from GTA III.
- The save point can also be seen in the Vagos' gang house if you get the camera at an angle through the ceiling. It can also be seen through a skylight in the Jefferson Motel.
- This safehouse contains the largest garage among all safehouses in GTA San Andreas.

domain: game


text:
Carey Mulligan has revealed she went for a hat-trick of auditions for the role of Lisbeth Salander in the Hollywood remake of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.
The Oscar-nominated actress, who had been tipped to star as the troubled computer hacker, tried out for the coveted part in David Fincher's highly anticipated American adaptation of Stieg Larsson's best-selling Millennium novel three times, but lost out to Rooney Mara.
"I auditioned for it three times - I dyed my hair black, got fake nose rings and covered my face in black make-up, so yeah, I would have loved that part," she told Radio Times.
Despite being bombarded with work offers since her award-winning performance in An Education, Carey, who next stars in Never Let Me Go alongside Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield, likes to pick her jobs wisely.
"I haven't worked for nearly a year. Not intentionally, but because I couldn't find anything," she continued.
"I was trying to find something where I'd be freaked out and a bit nervous about doing it. I want that challenge."
The 25-year-old had initially spoken of wanting the part.
"I am obsessed with those books. I would love to do them. I am not going to lie about that. I would love to play Lisbeth Salander," she previously said.

domain: entertainment


text: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) targeting cyclooxygenase-2 are clinically effective. However, they lack anti-thrombotic activity resulting in incidences of adverse effects like myocardial infarction, gastrointestinal and abdominal discomfort which necessitate for discovering new drug candidates with improved therapeutic effects and tolerability. Various recent researches have suggested that many lichens offer a vast reservoir for anti-inflammatory drug candidates which are natural as well as safe for human consumption. Drug discovery is a very complex and time-consuming process; however, in silico techniques can make this process simple and economic. Hence to find out natural anti-inflammatory compounds, we have carried out the virtual screening of 412 lichen compounds by molecular docking with human Cox-2 enzyme and validated the docking score by X-Score followed by ADMET and Drug-likeness analysis. The resulting 6 top-scored compounds were subjected to Molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) to analyze the stability of docked protein-ligand complex, to assess the fluctuation and conformational changes during protein-ligand interaction. The values of RMSD, Rg, and interaction energy after 30 ns of MDS revealed the good stability of these Lichen compounds in the active site pocket of Cox-2 in compare to reference, JMS. Additionally, we have done the pharmacophore analysis which found many common pharmacophore features between Lichen compounds and well known anti-inflammatory compounds. Our result shows that these lichen compounds are potential anti-inflammatory candidates and could be further modified and evaluated to develop more effective anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

domain: medical


text:
Maintaining daily sleep requirement and practicing good sleep pattern is essential for a healthy lifestyle. But did you know that it also plays a crucial role in maintaining body weight? Yes, it does! This is mainly because the quality and quantity of sleep directly influences the hormonal activity that controls appetite.
The link factor & the role of hormones
Poor sleeping habits or sleep deprivation for long periods of time can greatly disturb the balance increasing one’s chance of gaining weight. In fact, researchers at the University of Warwick Medical School have discovered a correlation between short sleep, a higher body-mass index (BMI) and a larger waist circumference. Add to this, even researchers at Columbia and the University of Chicago found that people who sleep for less than 5 hours regularly have 50% more chances of becoming obese individuals.
Further to this, scientists believe that the role of two hormones namely ghrelin and leptin is very prominent. Shorter sleep cycles are connected with elevated ghrelin and reduced leptin. This imbalance increases appetite and slows metabolism.
Sleep well everyday!
When one is sleep deprived, not only does it add to stress levels but also triggers cravings for sugar and high-calorie foods. Study shows that sleep deprivation increases cravings for high carbohydrate, calorie dense foods by 45%.
So do ensure that you get you dose of sleep every single day to avoid putting on weight!


RedCloud, a hiphop artist from Hawthorne, California, was also mentioned in the Tom Barnes Mic article. (Just two left after this.)
It was different in this case because it focused not on one of his recordings but on a freestyle. Drawing attention to missing and murdered indigenous women by saying their names, he broke the world record for longest freestyle rap. There is more about that in this article on HipHopDX:
While RedCloud has a good-sized catalog on his own, it appears that he is currently doing more as part of LightingCloud. Maybe I can review them next year. Actually, the RedCloud albums include a lot of interesting artists, including Pigeon John, Def Shepard, and rocdomz.
RedCloud can do some pretty interesting things with his voice. There is a lowness - almost robotic sounding -- that might count as vocal fry. It is best demonstrated on "Is This Thing On?", which also has an upbeat tempo and the most fun video. The video for "Tapatio" helped me appreciate that song better.
There is a lot of humor in the lyrics. It gets clever on "When Kenpo Strikes", but my favorite track was probably "Koyote Gospel", and that is purely for sentiment and emotion. That being said, Traveling Circus opens pretty strong.
And, if that shows some versatility, then that there is a new band, and new things going on, is a good thing.


Analysts are tentatively suggesting that February could see the first month in nearly two years in which Macau’s casino gaming revenue shows positive growth. This theory primarily hinges not on some dramatic turnaround in China’s economic outlook or government policies, but in fortunate timing.
For one thing, this year’s Lunar New Year festivities kick off on Feb. 7, whereas last year’s holiday didn’t begin until Feb. 19. Lunar New Year is traditionally preceded by a lull in gaming revenue, as mass market gamblers rein in their spending so they can blow their wad during the lucky holiday period.
That means most of this year’s lull took place in January, so February 2016 already has a leg up over last year. And 2016 is a leap year, meaning there’s one extra day in which to earn revenue this month (even if that day is a Monday).
There’s also the fact that Macau’s downturn was already up to full speed last February, which made for some truly horrific year-on-year comparisons with the early part of 2014, which now seems like some mythical golden age of inexhaustible VIP bounty. But from this point forward, the comparisons should get a little easier.
When it’s all said and done, Union Gaming analyst Grant Govertsen suggested this happy confluence of events could produce a 2% year-on-year revenue gain. CIMB analysts were even more bullish, predicting a 5% rise.
But there are no such magic talismans in March, when Govertsen suggests the numbers will plunge back into negative territory before possibly staging a minor rally this summer. Bottom line: the year of the monkey will continue to throw feces at Macau for the foreseeable future.
GALAXY’S LUI BELIEVES THE WORST IS OVER
Joining the ‘think positive’ party is Galaxy Entertainment Group deputy chairman Francis Lui, who offered words of encouragement for Macau’s beleaguered junket operators. Despite the fact that junkets continue to close VIP rooms like Oliver Reed used to close bars, Lui told reporters on Monday that ‘the “worst is already over” for Macau’s gaming industry.
Framing the junket industry in Darwinian terms, Lui said the two-thirds reduction in the number of the city’s licensed VIP gaming promoters since Macau’s heyday had actually done a service by weeding out the weaker operators. Echoing recent comments by Las Vegas Sands’ Sheldon Adelson, Lui insisted that he saw signs that Macau’s gaming market had stabilized and Lui hoped GEG would post positive growth when 2016 was in the books.


text:
Cardiorenal complications represent advanced stages of progression for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
These complications are two major drivers of DM-related mortality and morbidity. Results of Cardiovascular Outcome Trials (CVOTs) on some recently developed agents suggest that possible ways now exist to mitigate these destructive cardiorenal vasculopathies.
This review focuses on currently available CVOT findings for two classes of agents in particular: sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
DM and the Deadly Impact of Comorbid Cardiovascular and Renal Diseases
Diabetes mellitus (DM) has come to be viewed as having reached pandemic status worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas, 9th Edition, one of every 11 adults around the world currently lives with this disease, and even more alarmingly, one of every two adults who now has DM is undiagnosed.1
This population requires relevant and appropriate risk cover and support from the insurance industry. However, as DM is highly heterogeneous in phenotype, clinical presentation, metabolic profile, progression, and control, insurers must be vigilant in monitoring its ever-changing epidemiology as well as mortality trends driven by clinical advances.
Over the past several decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality has been decreasing among general populations in high-income countries. A reduction in CVD risk has also been observed among people living with DM in these countries, but as prevalence of DM has risen, so will the number of people with CVD.
CVD is the chief cause of death in DM. Observational studies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and Iceland report an approximate 50% reduction in the relative risk of CVD mortality in the general population, but excess risk of death due to CVD in DM populations is approximately two to four times that of non-DM populations. It is also estimated that about 50% of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) will die of it, with the majority of deaths due to coronary artery disease, followed by stroke.1, 2 The IDF estimates that in high-income countries, prevalence of CVD among those with DM may be as high as 16% in the younger (28-44) age band, and jumps to 41% for those in the 56-66 age band. In study groups where the mean age was 53-67, prevalence of stroke ranged from 3.5% to 10%.3
Insufficient data exists about CVD prevalence among DM populations in low-income countries, but approximately 75% of those with DM are known to live in low- and middle-income countries, and DM prevalence in those countries is known to be accelerating.3
In terms of heart failure (HF) specifically, T2DM confers a two- to five-fold excess risk of its development. For those living with both existing HF and T2DM, the latter confers a 60% to 80% higher risk of death. In addition, the association between DM and HF is bidirectional; among individuals with HF, DM prevalence is four times higher.5
DM also worsens prognoses for individuals who experienced HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and those who experienced preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).4 For people living with DM who are 65 or older with existing HF, risk of death leaps tenfold.5
The coexistence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and DM fuels an additive effect on mortality and morbidity: higher risk for arrhythmia, acute coronary syndrome, and congestive heart failure; and earlier and higher mortality rates during and after hospitalization.4, 7
Globally, diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This microangiopathic condition is found in approximately 30% of those with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and 40% of those with T2DM. As the worldwide prevalence of DM increases, so does that of DN, and its prevalence is further exacerbated by longer survivals of affected individuals due to improved DM management.2 In addition, DN-associated mortality, which rose a dramatic 94% from 1990 to 2012, is now considered responsible for most of the excess mortality risk in DM as well as a significant driver of cardiac mortality.6
ESRD is expected to cause a significant worldwide future disease burden. Although incidence has been declining in Scandinavian countries and Australia, increases have been detected in several other countries, including the U.S., the Republic of Korea, and Singapore.2 As global prevalence of DM is projected to reach a staggering 700 million by the year 2045, the correlating increase in ESRD is expected to be devastatingly high as well.1
Pathophysiological Mechanisms in DM-Related Kidney Disease
Although vascular dysfunction due to ongoing hyperglycemia may be the precipitating event for DN, DN results from a multidimensional and multicellular process. Its progression is driven by hyperglycemia and hypertension, two key risk factors which are exacerbated by oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.8
The pathophysiological development of DN begins with a thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (BM), coupled with tubular and capillary BM thickening. Next comes loss of endothelial fenestration, with mesangial enlargement, glomerular hypertrophy, and loss of podocytes. Subsequent mesangiolysis, associated with exudative obstructions of small arterioles, glomerular capillaries, and microaneurysms, further compromises the integrity of the glomerulus. Late stages in the development of DN are characterized by interstitial inflammation and glomerulosclerosis.6, 8
These processes are accompanied by hemodynamic alterations, including rising intra-glomerular pressures, hyperfiltration, and changes in permeability, leading to progressive albuminuria.8, 9
The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is also implicated in altered kidney function in DM. In early DM, a rise in arterial pressure and renal vascular resistance can be observed, accompanied by increased renin activity.9
The two main characteristics of DN are progressive albuminuria and declining estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Renal damage correlates to the duration and magnitude of hyperglycemia, with incidence beginning to rise after 10 years of DM. DN generally manifests as some degree of proteinuria, which may progress to ESRD. Subsequent renal replacement therapy or transplant are both associated with high morbidity and mortality.8, 9, 10
It should be noted that in DM, proteinuria does not correlate absolutely to deteriorating glomerular filtration. Microalbuminuria (albumin loss of between 30 and 300 mg/day) may regress, as seen in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) and Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) follow-up study of T1DM cohorts after six to 10 years of optimal DM management. Also, in some, DN develops without any preceding albuminuria, as seen in the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS), which looked at clinical and therapeutic implications for people with T2DM.10 In addition, and more importantly, approximately 40% of the T2DM cohort in the UKPDS study did not develop renal dysfunction.
A small long-term U.S. study also showed that in the absence of renal disease, 20-year mortality risk for individuals with T1DM did not increase compared with the general population.11
Pathophysiological Mechanisms in DM-Related Cardiovascular Disease
In CVD, DM is an independent risk factor. The two conditions share many metabolic dysfunctions, including obesity, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.
Multiple health factors can increase CVD risk for those with DM, including:12
- hyperinsulinemia (and insulin resistance)
- oxidative stress
- endothelial dysfunction
These factors are known, collectively and synergistically, to promote atherosclerosis, which leads to macrovascular and microvascular damage throughout the body. Macrovascular disease complications include: ischemic heart disease, which can lead to myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiomyopathy; cerebrovascular disease, which can lead to stroke and paralysis; and peripheral vascular disease, which sometimes requires amputation of affected extremities. Microvascular complications can include retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
Ischemic heart disease may result in cardiomyopathy, but DM can directly alter myocardial function and structure via metabolic mechanisms that are independent of hypertension, valvular disease, or coronary artery disease.
A wide range of metabolic dysfunctions are implicated in DM-associated cardiomyopathy: aberrant insulin signaling; mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium mishandling aggravating the energy mismatch; rise in oxidative stress and advanced glycation products; inflammation; activation of the RAAS; autonomic neuropathy; and microangiopathy.
The characteristic features of DM-associated cardiomyopathy are an initial subclinical phase of myocardial fibrosis and cardiac remodeling, leading to left ventricular hypertrophy, myocyte stiffness, and cell signal alteration. There is then progression to diastolic dysfunction with preserved ejection fraction and later to systolic dysfunction, leading eventually to HFrEF. This process typically results from long-standing and poorly controlled DM.5, 14
Can Cardiorenal Diseases be Treated Effectively in DM?
For many decades, DM management focused primarily on glycemic control. However, the tight glycemic control arm of the UKPDS did not yield significant CVD improvement. Indeed, a meta-analysis of several large prospective randomized controlled trials showed a rise in adverse events as glycemic control was tightened.15, 16 Anti-hyperglycemic agents can cause several adverse effects, such as weight gain, hypoglycemia, and even HF.7 Furthermore, the efficacy of oral agents tends to taper off over time, resulting in an increasing medication burden.
For the past two decades, DN treatment has focused on blood pressure and glycemic control with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, but prevalence of CKD among people living with DM has remained at around 30% to 40%.17
Cardiovascular Outcome Trials (CVOTs)
CVOTs, which were first mandated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2008, were put in place to ensure that newly approved anti-DM agents demonstrated no CV harm compared to standard care treatments. Results of these trials have shown not only cardiac safety with most of these agents, but also, in some cases, a reduction in CVD and nephropathy progression. The strength of the CVOT evidence has resulted in adjustments in international treatment guidelines for T2DM with existing CVD and CKD.18
Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors
The first CVOT that focused on an SGLT-2 inhibitor was completed in 2016 for empagliflozin, a drug first approved for use in 2014 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the FDA. This CVOT, EMPA-REG OUTCOME, conclusively demonstrated that among the T2DM population with established CVD and moderate-to-severe renal dysfunction at baseline, empagliflozin could lower glucose levels safely within the context of standard care, improve CVD mortality, and improve renal outcomes. (Treatments for this population included treatment for hypertension and hyperlipidemia.) The trial also showed the relative risk reduction for cardiovascular death vs. placebo was 38%, and for HF, 35%. In addition, reduction in composite renal outcomes, which included renal function decline, ESRD, and renal death, was 46%.4
CVOTs conducted more recently for two newer SGLT-2 inhibitors, CANVAS Program (for canagliflozin) and DECLARE TIMI 58 (for dapagliflozin), supported the findings for empagliflozin. Relative risk reductions for HF with the two agents were 33% and 27%, respectively, and for renal composite outcomes, 40% and 47%, respectively.4
A meta-analysis of several observational studies that drew from national registries of 12 countries with wide geographic and diverse population representations provided real-world evidence to back the results of these CVOTs. This study supported the conclusions about the beneficial effect of these medications for HF reduction in those with baseline HF and as primary prevention in those with no baseline HF.4, 19
In addition, the results of the recent CREDENCE CVOT demonstrated the additional renal benefits of adding canagliflozin to a baseline RAS blockade in a DM population with moderate to advanced renal impairment. The eGFR of the recruited cohort was 30 to < 90ml/min/1.73m². (An eGFR of 60 or above is considered normal.) CV death or hospitalization for HF for the cohort taking canagliflozin was reduced by 30%. Concerns of limb amputation risk from the earlier CVOTs have been eased by the comparable adverse effect rates between the active and placebo arms.20
A meta-analysis of three SGLT-2 inhibitor studies published September 2019 by Neuen et al. concluded that these medications prevent major kidney damage in T2DM by decreasing dialysis requirement and transplantation, and reduce the likelihood of death due to CKD.21
Hypothesized Mechanisms of Action of SGLT-2 Inhibitors:4, 5, 9, 13
Renal reabsorption of filtered glucose in the proximal tubules of the kidneys is mostly attributed to the action of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2), while SGLT-1 is responsible for the remaining 10%. Inactivation of SGLT-2 by inhibitors has pleiotropic effects.4 It causes glucose wasting, which effectively lowers glucose toxicity and reduces the caloric burden, thus contributing to weight loss.
The correlating diuretic effect also lowers blood pressure, which reduces load on the left ventricle along with myocardial oxygen consumption.
Increased ketone production shifts the myocardial fuel demand away from fatty acids to ketones, which are a more efficient fuel substrate for the myocardium.
The concomitant natriuresis reactivates the renal tubule-glomerular feedback loop, which causes vasoconstriction of the afferent glomerular arteriole, thus lowering intra-glomerular pressure, resulting in reduced albuminuria.
Lowering sodium in the myocyte seems to preserve mitochondrial calcium and reverses an energy mismatch, mitigating oxidative stress buildup.
Reduction in arterial stiffness, inflammation, and oxidative stress have also been observed.
The impact on glucose lowering, however, is only moderate, averaging 0.6% to 1.2%.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs)
CVOTs for members of this class of medications offered reassurance of glucose lowering efficacy, favorable safety profiles, and absence of cardiac harm when compared with standard care.7 Two specific agents, liraglutide and semaglutide, demonstrated in the LEADER and SUSTAIN-6 CVOTs (respectively) added CV benefits such as reduction of CV death, MI, and stroke in T2DM individuals with high baseline risk, including multiple risk factors or existing CVD.7
The primary composite reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) due to these medications ranged from 13% to 26%. Some generated higher reductions in stroke, which was the main driver for overall MACE reduction. These benefits do not correlate strictly to the magnitude of body mass reduction nor of glycemic lowering.7 The findings of the recently published REWIND study, which investigated dulaglutide, have shown favorable stroke reduction but no significant difference in all-cause mortality or HF when compared to placebo.23
The actions of GLP-1 RAs are pleotropic. Receptors for GLP-1 are found in multiple sites throughout the human body. Significant glycemic lowering is seen as resulting from members of this class of agents, but weight loss and blood pressure lowering are variable. 7
The occurrence of renal function deterioration was a secondary outcome of the GLP-1 RA LEADER and SUSTAIN-6 CVOTs. There was a general trend of improvement seen in the progression of nephropathy, driven mainly by reduction in macroalbuminuria. There is, however, no definitive evidence of any impact on the hard outcomes of renal disease such as the need for renal replacement therapy for ESRD.17, 19
The initial exenatide CVOT, EXSCEL, did not show better cardiac outcome in candidates receiving exenatide compared with those receiving standard care, but the composite renal outcomes were meaningfully reduced in the exenatide group.22
Current FDA approved GLP-1 RAs include exenatide, liraglutide, lixisenatide, albiglutide, dulaglutide and semaglutide. The CVOTs for these agents did not uniformly show CV and renal benefits. Where there were benefits, the degree was variable. They did, however, all show effective and safe lowering of hyperglycemia, body mass, cholesterol levels, and blood pressure to varying degrees. These benefits may indirectly contribute toward CV and renal improvements over and above the direct mechanisms.7, 17, 19, 22
Hypothesized Mechanisms of the Action of GLP-1 RAs.5, 9, 17, 22
GLP-1 is released from intestinal cells in response to food ingestion, with a consequent paracrine function that potentiates insulin release commensurate to the rise in the blood glucose level.
Receptors for GLP-1 are distributed throughout the body. GLP-1 RAs display discernable pleotropic influences.
Effects of GLP-1 RAs on the pancreas include increased insulin sensitivity and less beta cell apoptosis. GLP-1 RAs also reduce post-prandial glucagon secretion and hyperlipidemia, slow gastric emptying, and contribute to weight loss.
Other hypothesized cardiorenal protective mechanisms of GLP-1 RAs include:
Reduction of inflammation and the infarct size in the ischemic heart
Restoration of left ventricular function
Improved endothelial function (via reactivation of endothelial nitrous oxide synthase)
Stimulation of tubular natriuresis (which may reactivate tubule-glomerular feedback)
Modulation of cAMP/PKA signaling
Possible minimization of oxidative and inflammatory injuries
Reduction of RAS activity, glomerular atherosclerosis, and renal hypoxia
Cardiovascular outcomes trials have resulted in updates to international guidelines for treating individuals with T2DM where there is also established atherosclerotic CVD, CKD, and HF. The updates recommend, depending on baseline pathology, treatment with GLP-1 RAs and/or SGLT-2 inhibitors after standard first-line treatments.18
Interestingly, cardiorenal benefits observed after administering these agents did not correlate to the magnitude nor the temporal trend of the glycemia lowering effect, thus strongly suggesting that other mechanisms might be at play. Still, other benefits were seen, including weight loss, blood pressure reductions and, in some instances, lipid profile improvements.
It is groundbreaking that, even in individuals with established DM-related CVD, DN and HF, there are now
treatment options that may bring about cardiac and renal improvements. At this time, the effect is known to be mild to moderate. Results of longer therapeutic durations will become available over time. Current investigations are looking into the value of these treatments as primary prevention, with the potential to prevent or postpone cardiorenal complications in T2DM. Indeed, some studies in this area on the T1DM population have also been completed, and more are underway.
These new-generation agents enable profile-specific and individualized treatment methodologies that are approaching those of personalized medicine. For every individual along the multiple points of DM’s treatment path, potential opportunities exist to arrest disease progression and prevent major complications, which may lead to significant improvements in quality of life and survival for people living with DM.


text:
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please call 1-866-610-8482 or email
Of all the ways to say "I love you," this necklace might just be the most beautiful and unique. Crafted in sterling silver plated with rose gold in an intricate cutout design, this heart-shaped pendant is comprised of the word "love" written in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Hindi, Japanese, Chinese, Yoruba, German, and even braille and American Sign Language. Personalize it with a special engraved message on the back, for a truly one-of-a-kind gift made with love.

domain: design


Activity is no longer simply an American phenomenon
San Francisco, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/23/2013 -- Sara Ishaq's first week offering classes in the Yemen Capital of Sana had her teaching yoga to only four women. By the start of the second week, however, she had more than 25 women all told.
Yoga's overall popularity has increased in the United States within recent years, and a 2012 study showed the number of participants within the country rose from 15.8 million in 2008 to 30.4 million last year. Those numbers indicate that 8% of U.S. Adults now practice yoga. The two largest motivators for the activity is flexibility and overall general conditioning, according to the study.
Now it is becoming clear that the interest in yoga is not merely a United States-based phenomenon. Ishaq notes that she had never seen yoga within Yemen, and furthermore, the few gyms that allowed women to exercise were not accepting of outdoors exercising.
"Women can't exactly put on their running shoes and go outside so yoga appeals to them because it is a full package, they just need a mat and comfortable clothing," Ishaq explained to CBS News.
The Yemeni women that attend Ishaq's classes range from 20 to 50 years of age. Many came to yoga with a weight-loss aspiration, according to the teacher. However, after attending a couple of classes, many state that they feel more calm and posses a new sense of bodily ownership. Yoga provided an outlet for for the physical and the mental, it seems. Within a country that does not always allow such concepts for women, it certainly is a treat for many women.
Ishaq was 13 when she began her venture into the activity. As an preteen she suffered from severe migraines that left her bedridden for nearly three days a week. She was living in Yemen, and moved to Scotland where her migraines continued.
"Doctors came to the house and gave me morphine and explained that the problem was genetic," Ishaq says. But the morphine and other medicines did not help.
She then discovered yoga after finding videos of the activity when she was in Washington D.C. To visit family. She found that a mixture of running and following the yoga instruction assisted her in handling her migraines.
After that, she was determined to bring yoga to Yemen. After she became certified, he brought the practice with her and is now happy to share it with the local women.
Yoga has not simply caught on in Yemen, but has also been seen as a tool for change in other countries, such as Kenya. "We are trying to create a value system around well-being," Paige Elenson, the co-founder and director of Africa Yoga Project (AYP) in Nairobi Kenya, explained.
Elenson has trained many yoga instructors, and also provides 300 free outreach classes in community centers, women's groups, and even prisons. Instructors for the AYP are becoming role models for the children in the poorest parts of the country, as well as those in the richer commercial regions. The wide spread interest in the activity is a possible catalyst for change when it comes to socioeconomic groups.
"We are trying to recreate the yoga industry," explains Paige.
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text:
Monday Nights II, the new Saga
The Empire fell two generations ago. In the intervening years a void of power has grown. City-states have grown from the old centers of power and government but chaos is still the rule. Behind their walls the cities grow and continue on, but outside of the keeps danger lurks and the wilderness has retaken much of what was conquered.
The human city-states dot the territory of the former empire. Integrated into the human communities are small groups of halflings. A few dwarven strongholds remain in the Northern Mountain Range. Since the fall of the empire the Elves have withdrawn to parts unknown and have little contact with the other races. Orcs raiders populate the West but are held in check by the Shield Wall and the men and dwarves who man it. Gnome mounds are common in the hill country. Travelers outside these outposts of civilization must be wary and armed, for neither wits nor swords will be enough to ensure finishing a journey.

domain: geography


In Stary Oskol during a high water 67 houses can get to a flooding zone
on February, 16th at session of the Belgorod regional commission on the prevention and liquidation of emergency situations and to maintenance of fire security discussed preparation for a spring high water.
- the Analysis of passage of a spring high water in area territory over the last 10 years shows that warming and fast thawing of snow can lead to plentiful occurrence of water in channels of the rivers. In this connection flooding of the areas in pojme the rivers, including territories of the settlements located lengthways rusel of the rivers is possible, - have told « in a press - service GU of the Ministry of Emergency Measures across the Belgorod region.
Adverse freshet conditions in area can arise on nine sites in several areas of area. So, in a flooding zone in the city of Stary Oskol and settlements starooskolskogo city district can get to 67 apartment houses. Objects of life-support, socially - significant and potentially dangerous in the Belgorod region do not get to a zone of possible deluging. Under Federal Hydrometereology and Environmental Monitoring Service forecast, the high water at us can begin in the end of March - in the beginning of April. The probability of occurrence of floodings is estimated as improbable.


text:
Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2022, $400,000)
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) requests grant funding under FY22 BJA Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr Hate Crimes Program in order to enhance the capacity to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of hate crimes and bring closure to victims. New York City has experienced an alarming increase in the number of hate crimes since the pandemic began, and the number of incidents continues to climb. In CY2021, the NYPD recorded a 96% increase in the number hate crimes that required investigation. The increase has continued into 2022, with the NYPD recording 98% more hate crime incidents versus the same quarter in 2021.
In recognition of the sensitive and complex nature of these types of incidents, the NYPD has a dedicated investigative unit within its Detective Bureau, the Hate Crime Task Force (HCTF), that has citywide responsibility for the criminal investigation and apprehension of persons who have committed hate crimes in New York City. With federal funding, the NYPD will be able to hire an attorney that will be assigned to the HCTF full-time, with the task of enhancing the investigation of hate crimes and working with prosecuting agencies to enhance the prosecution of hate crimes.
The NYPD is seeking $399,840.39 for a project in order to fund the salary and fringe benefits of an attorney over the four-year grant period. The NYPD believes that hiring an attorney to assist HCTF investigators in the identification, analysis, and investigation of hate crimes will substantially improve the quality and efficiency of these investigations, which will lead to improved prosecutions. The attorney will assist investigators in presenting the strongest prosecutable cases to the district attorney offices and the federal prosecutors.
The attorney will be able to expediently address the nuances of the New York State Hate Crime statute and provide legal guidance on the determinants and elements required for probable cause and the appropriate offense(s) to be charged. The attorney will also be tasked with coordinating with the federal prosecuting agencies to identify cases that are eligible for federal prosecution. The attorney will also liaise with the NYPD Legal Bureau and Legislative Affairs Unit to examine the NYS Penal Law Article 485 Hate Crime Statute and quantify if additional crimes can be added, whether existing crimes can be reviewed, and whether sentencing guidelines can be amended.

domain: law


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Young competitive athletes are not miniature elite athletes; they are a distinct client group to whom sport psychology practitioners (SPPs) increasingly deliver services. Interventions with this client group are often undertaken by newly educated SPPs who are in need of good guiding principles. Yet, there is a lack of research informing SPPs’ work with this group. In this current study, semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with four experienced practitioners about their most successful interventions in competitive youth sport. Analysis showed three major themes: (a) young athletes should be equipped with a holistic skills package that enables them to handle a number of existential challenges; (b) young athletes are embedded in an environment (coaches, experts, teammates etc.) that should be involved in the interventions; and (c) interventions with young athletes should maintain a long-term focus. These themes are discussed in the context of current literature on sport psychology service delivery.
Kristoffer Henriksen, Carsten Hvid Larsen, and Louise Kamuk Storm are with the Institute of Sport Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark. Knud Ryom is with the Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen.

domain: psychology


Pour some sugar on it, Hysteria‘s done, now that we get the chance to hear the result of Def Leppard’s Las Vegas residency, during which they played the classic album in its entirety plus other band favorites, rarities, etc. If you’ve heard the album itself a thousand times, there may not seem to be much here you haven’t already experienced, but there’s something to be said for a band still out there killing it live on a regular basis. What wins out isn’t that they wrote such classic rock cuts in the first place. It’s that they can still make it sound easy two and a half decades later.
These songs sound as fresh now as they did back in 1987, soaked in the production gloss of “Mutt” Lange a decade before Shania “country”-fied his signature sound. All the hits are of course here on the first disc, in addition to a full disc of “opening set” performances from the band as Ded Flatbird, playing such classics as “Good Morning Freedom” and “Another Hit and Run.” The band had never played Hysteria straight through, so there’s that to consider, but this live capsule succeeds more on the sheer number of great songs you’ll hear. Few bands from the eighties had this much fun with such abundant success, and even if it’s just for the pure nostalgia, it’s hard to find much wrong with this dose of live Leppard.


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Hi! My name is
Domestic Long Hair
Date of Birth
August 16, 2019
Calgary + Area, AB
Some photos courtesy of Zheng Dou Photography.
Hold onto your catnip, folks, because we’ve got a feline sensation that’s about to whisker her way into your heart and home! Introducing the one and only Midori!
This girl has her priorities straight: food and treats! If you’re craving some fun entertainment, just watch her in action. With lightning-fast reflexes, she’ll snatch that treat right out of your hand, leaving you both amused and slightly impressed by her snacking skills. She loves to play to earn her treats, jumping on couches and running after them if you slide them across the floor!
Now, about Midori’s fascinating quirk—she’s got a case of the “Fear of Feet-itis.” Yep, you heard that right! We’re not sure why she is so averse to feet, but it’s one of her unique charms.
While she’s not quite ready to audition for “America’s Next Top Lap Cat,” Midori is making strides in the affection department. Who can blame her for taking things slow? She is best suited for someone looking for companionship rather than snuggles. Because of this, we’d recommend a home without tiny humans that might be too tempted by her beautiful soft fur! When it comes to her furry pals, Midori would prefer to be your one and only. What can we say? This girl knows what she wants!
Oh, and the cat tree – let’s not forget her royal perch! Midori transforms into the queen of the castle atop her majestic cat tree. She spends hours surveying her domain. She also loves catching bubbles and watching the tv screen! Midori is a quiet kitty. Leave her to her thoughts and you may even forget she is there!
So, if you’re ready to offer your heart, treats, and a cat tree fit for royalty, Midori is ready to consider your application. This quiet, treat-loving, feet-fearing, cat tree-conquering beauty might not be your typical lap cat, but she’s got a personality that’s as unique as a unicorn doing the cha-cha. Apply to meet her today and get ready for a one-of-a-kind feline companion!
Good with Cats?
NO CATS PLEASE
Good with Dogs?
NO DOGS PLEASE
Good with Kids?
NO CHILDREN PLEASE
Do I Need Special Care?

domain: pet


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Championship finale – here we come! *__*
I have great news! ^o^ My friend and me made it to the finale of the German cosplay championship this year! We already thought we didn’t make it but now we were still selected to be among the finalists. I’m very happy about it. It was the first time I took part in a contest and it’s a great motivation to be in the finale. I’m very thankful for this opportunity!
I already wrote it before, but if you want to see our performance you can check it out here:

domain: artistic


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Remember to download for full size -->
Yeah, I use these colors too much lately. Yeah, I'm gonna lay low on them.
Alright so I'm back! After two months of making a wallpaper, I think I'm rested and ready, I just got out of school so time to become productive again. Thank you all for your patience!
And nothing better to start again with than a Rarara wallpaper, right? And trying my hand on some kind of glitch stuff. Special thanks to the guys at #EquestriaDigital for their help.
Vector made by ~PsychoanalyticBrony.
I hope this isn't that terrible!
Oh another thing, my nigga :Turbocharge0 <3 was kind enough to make a game out of this:
Go check it out, it's the shit.
this remind me a lot audiosurf XD
I use your wallpaper as an example of a glitch art if you don't mind
Your art is just pure amazing!
Really cool, nice work.
I find the design of this really interesting. Nice work.
Magnificent artwork !
This is amazing!
All your artworks are perfect for album covers. Mind if i use this one in a video, i'll link back and give credit?? XD
Well that's a lot of praise, thanks! I didn't know my name was misleading, I thought it was just weird.
I love working with Raruty because of her colors, I'm a big fan of purple and colors that go with purple, so expect more Rarity along the way.
see drep. this is how u sex good.
It turned out pretty great after all
This is just... Precious, I would say, like... I find it very delicate for some reason, like that thing (R's cm) is significant to Rarity and it's true because it's her cutie mark and it represents the element of generosity. I love it a lot! <3
Wow, that's some emotional feedback... I'm pretty happy you like it that much. c:
Sorry for the late reply, been busy ;_;
A few parts here and there are too pixelated/distorted for my taste, but like the overall style is really cool! Do like
Heey man, what's up, long time no see! I blame myself because I'm an ass.
Ahem... Thanks for liking it, it's nice how you're always there to support my walls! :v
Gradient Fluttershy has returned
Oh, and obligatory "Hey, look, Drep's not dead."
This is really cool!


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SparingVision Raises €75 Million Series B to Continue Building World-Leading Portfolio of Genomic Medicines for Ocular Diseases
Proceeds to fund first-in-human trials of breakthrough gene therapy products, SPVN06 and SPVN20, and advance CRISPR-based genome editing portfolio in collaboration with Intellia Therapeutics
Series B was co-led by Jeito Capital and UPMC Enterprises, with participation from 4BIO Capital, Bpifrance, the RD Fund, and Ysios Capital
Paris, September 14, 2022 – SparingVision (“the Company”), a genomic medicine company developing vision-saving treatments for ocular diseases, today announces that it has raised €75 million in a Series B financing. The round was co-led by Jeito Capital (“Jeito”) and UPMC Enterprises, with additional participation from 4BIO Capital (“4BIO”), Bpifrance, the RD fund, venture arm of Foundation Fighting Blindness (“FFB”), and Ysios Capital (“Ysios”).
Proceeds from the financing will be used to fund the first-in-human trials of the Company’s two lead gene-independent assets, SPVN06 and SPVN20, as well as the development of genome editing assets through its collaboration with Intellia Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NTLA), a leading clinical-stage genome editing company. The financing extends SparingVision’s cash runway to the second half of 2025.
SPVN06 is a breakthrough gene therapy approach aimed at stopping or slowing disease progression in patients affected by Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs) and dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with an initial focus on mid-stage Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). RP is one of the most common IRDs that affects two million patients worldwide and is the primary target of SPVN06. Regulatory submissions are underway ahead of a first-in-human clinical trial, which is expected to start later this year, with first safety data anticipated in 2023 and initial proof-of-concept data in 2025.
SPVN20, SparingVision’s second asset, is a pioneering gene therapy product synergistic with SPVN06 which is aimed at restoring visual acuity and colour vision in advanced and late-stage RP. SPVN20 is expected to enter the clinic in 2024, with first safety and activity data expected in 2025.
The financing will also enable SparingVision to advance SPVN50, the first genome editing product in development as part of its collaboration with Intellia Therapeutics in an undisclosed ocular target, after the two companies signed a strategic collaboration last year. SPVN50 is in early discovery studies.
Stéphane Boissel, President and Chief Executive Officer of SparingVision, said: “Since our last financing, we have been laser-focused on building the world’s leading portfolio of genomic medicines in the ocular space. With this financing, we are taking a significant step towards achieving clinical validation of our two lead assets and bringing mutation-agnostic genomic medicines to millions of patients affected by IRDs and dry AMD. Our ambition does not stop here, and we remain fully concentrated on our three core pillars of exploration: our mutation-agnostic gene therapies, the genome editing technology toolbox of our strategic partner Intellia Therapeutics and the potential of in-vivo reprogramming in the retina. My thanks go to our investors for their continued support and to everyone at SparingVision for their hard work and dedication to bringing vision-saving treatments to patients.”
Sabine Dandiguian, Managing Partner at Jeito Capital, commented: “SparingVision has the ambition to become the world’s leader in ocular genomic medicines and has built a strong and broad pipeline that is poised to enter the clinic. The company has not stood still, progressing its lead asset SPVN06, signing a strategic collaboration with the world’s most exciting CRISPR-Cas9 company Intellia Therapeutics and adding another novel therapy with the acquisition of GAMUT Therapeutics. Jeito is committed to supporting innovative companies like SparingVision with the potential of bringing ground-breaking treatments to patients in need and we look forward to continuing to support the company’s progress.”
Jeanne Cunicelli, President at UPMC Enterprises, the innovation, commercialization and venture capital arm of the leading health system UPMC, commented: “Over the last two years, the team at SparingVision has made incredible progress in building its pipeline of synergistic genomic medicines that aim to go beyond existing treatments to solve limitations in this field. As innovators focused on the toughest problems in healthcare, UPMC Enterprises is proud to continue supporting SparingVision’s mission.”
President and CEO
Consilium Strategic Communications
Amber Fennell, Genevieve Wilson, Davide Salvi
+44 (0)20 3709 5700
NOTES TO EDITORS:
SparingVision is a genomic medicines company with a mission to translate pioneering science into vision saving treatments. Leveraging its unparalleled understanding of retinal diseases, SparingVision has built the world’s most compelling portfolio of synergistic cutting-edge gene therapy and genome editing treatments for inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Both of its most advanced products, SPVN06 and SPVN20 look to go beyond single gene correction therapies to deliver new mutation agnostic treatments for Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a group of IRDs which are the leading cause of blindness globally. The Company also has a strategic collaboration with Intellia Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NTLA) to develop novel genome editing-based treatments for ocular diseases utilizing CRISPR-Cas9 technology.
SparingVision is a spin-off from the Paris Vision Institute, and is backed by high-quality international investors including 4BIO Capital, AdBio Partners, Bpifrance, Fondation Voir & Entendre, Intellia Therapeutics, Jeito Capital, RD Fund (US), UPMC Enterprises, and Ysios Capital.
About Inherited Retinal Diseases
Inherited retinal diseases are a group of progressive eye conditions that can cause severe vision loss and, in certain cases, lead to total blindness. One of the most common examples is Retinitis Pigmentosa, a type of retinal dystrophy that involves a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina. Retinal dystrophies are caused by mutations in any one of more than 270 genes identified to date (over 70 genes for RP alone) and have become a target for novel genomic medicines.
About Jeito Capital
Jeito Capital is a global leading investment company with a patient benefit driven approach that finances and accelerates the development and growth of ground-breaking medical innovation. Jeito empowers and supports entrepreneurs through its expert, integrated, multi-talented team and through the investment of significant capital to ensure the growth of companies, building market leaders in their respective therapeutic areas with accelerated patients’ access globally especially in Europe and the United States. Jeito Capital has €534 million under management and a rapidly growing portfolio of investments. Jeito Capital is based in Paris with a presence in Europe and the United States. For more information, please visit www.jeito.life, or follow @Jeito_life on Twitter or LinkedIn.
About UPMC Enterprises
UPMC Enterprises is the innovation, commercialization, and venture capital arm of UPMC, a $21 billion health care provider and insurer based in Pittsburgh. With an emphasis on translational science and digital solutions, UPMC Enterprises provides its portfolio companies and partners with capital, connections and resources to develop solutions to health care’s most complex problems. Working in close collaboration with innovators from UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, as well as others worldwide, UPMC Enterprises strives to accelerate science from the bench to the bedside and has committed to investing $1 billion in novel drugs, diagnostics and devices by 2024. For more information, please visit www.enterprises.upmc.com
About Ysios Capital
Ysios Capital is a leading Spanish venture capital firm that provides private equity financing to early- and mid-stage, highly innovative life science companies that develop disruptive therapeutic products and platform technologies to address clear medical needs. Ysios Capital was founded in 2008 and has over €400 million in assets under management through its three funds, with a team of 15 investment professionals, 5 venture partners, 2 operational partners and offices in San Sebastián and Barcelona. For more information www.ysioscapital.com
About 4BIO Capital
4BIO Capital (“4BIO”) is an international venture capital firm focused on investing in advanced therapies, including genomic medicines and other emerging technologies, to unlock the treatments of the future. 4BIO’s objective is to invest in, support, and grow early-stage companies developing treatments in areas of high unmet medical need, with the ultimate goal of ensuring access to these potentially curative therapies for all patients. Specifically, it looks for viable, high-quality opportunities in cell and gene therapy, RNA-based therapy, targeted therapies, and the microbiome.
The 4BIO team comprises leading advanced therapy scientists and experienced life science investors who have collectively published over 250 scientific articles in prestigious academic journals including Nature, The Lancet, Cell, and the New England Journal of Medicine. 4BIO has both an unrivalled network within the advanced therapy sector and a unique understanding of the criteria that define a successful investment opportunity in this space.
Bpifrance is the French national investment bank. It finances businesses at every stage of their development through loans, guarantees, equity investments and export insurances. Bpifrance also provides extra financial services (training, consultancy) to help entrepreneurs meet their challenges (innovation, export). For more information, please visit: www.bpifrance.com and presse.bpifrance.fr. Follow us on Twitter: @Bpifrance @BpifrancePresse
About The Retinal Degeneration Fund
The Retinal Degeneration Fund (RD Fund) is the venture arm of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, and a leading investor in the Inherited Retinal Disease space. It was established in 2018 to serve the Foundation’s mission to rapidly drive research toward preventions, treatments and cures for the entire spectrum of blinding retinal diseases—including retinitis pigmentosa, macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. RD Fund focuses on mission-related investments in companies with projects nearing clinical testing.
About the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Established in 1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is the world’s leading private funding source for retinal degenerative disease research. The Foundation has raised more than $800 million toward its mission of accelerating research for preventing, treating, and curing blindness caused by the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa, age-related macular degeneration, Usher syndrome, and Stargardt disease. Visit FightingBlindness.org for more information.

domain: news