To derive genuine pleasure from generosity, one needs to be properly motivated.
In her presidential call to action for the 2015-17 biennium, Cathy Catrambone, PhD, RN, FAAN, called all members of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) to "Influence to Advance Global Health & Nursing" in four areas: 1) advocacy, 2) policy, 3) lifelong learning, and 4) philanthropy. In this article, No. 6 in a six-part series on President Catrambone's call, the author addresses influence through philanthropy.
"Believe deeply in who you are as a person and nurse, and in the profound impact you have to influence the health and the lives of others and the nursing profession."
What kind of gift would make you feel truly thankful and appreciative? What would make you feel happy, blessed, and important? And what kind of gift would you like to share with others? Most of us are delighted to receive a gift from a giver who is motivated by love and passion rather than a sense of duty or obligation. When it comes to giving, motive matters. To derive genuine pleasure from generosity, one needs to be properly motivated.
Recently, I was lucky and felt very special to speak with Cathy Catrambone, PhD, RN, FAAN, president of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI), in a brief conference call. She started the conversation by joking, "You are the king of social media," and we both laughed. (Follow me on Twitter at @ilove_echo1987.) She then reviewed her purpose for the call: to request my participation in contributing to a series of articles in Reflections on Nursing Leadership that would focus on the four major themes of her presidential call to action: influence through advocacy, policy, lifelong learning, and philanthropy. In this last of a six-part series on President Catrambone's call, I am privileged to share my story—how I became a philanthropist at my young age and why I strongly support STTI.
I grew up in Malabon City, located just north of Manila in the Philippines. Its low-lying, flat terrain is prone to frequent flooding, especially high tides, heavy rains, and overflowing dams. Funny thing is, you're not a true-blooded Malabonian if you don't know how to swim—literally—in floods. In fact, I earned a perfect grade of 1.0 (out of 5.0) in my physical education swimming class back in college! I spent my entire childhood in the always-flooded—but lovely—fishing town of Malabon. Today, our town is a little more progressive than before. I still live in my hometown.
I was not born into wealth, nor did my siblings and I taste the privileges accorded scions of the rich and powerful. My mother, Ednalyn Badua Gamiao, a homemaker, and my father, Dominador Pardillo Alicante, an electric motor rewinder, were both high school graduates but never earned college degrees. They were "born poor," as they say, but demonstrated for me the importance of discipline and hard work. I saw examples of it daily. I have three siblings—an elder sister and two younger brothers. All of us siblings are products of public-school education. My sister, Jonalyn Gamiao Alicante, was the breadwinner of the family for a time when my father lost his job, thus compromising his ability to earn a regular income. She is now an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Hong Kong, employed by a nurse. She is also my hero. I will never forget the day when she gave way for me to be able to study in college instead of her. She is one of the reasons I am a nurse today.
I was able to go to college through the collaborative efforts of my parents and close relatives. My aunt, Elsa Badua Gamiao, a registered public-school teacher in Vintar, Ilocos Norte—my mother's hometown—pledged to support my college expenses. Another aunt, Nilva Gapuzan Gamiao, who has been a nurse in New Jersey, USA, for nearly two decades, promised to shoulder my college tuition fees. I still remember how I needed to squeeze the very little budget I had to make it through each week and not miss classes, but I managed to stay at the top of my class. I was a very competitive, hardworking, and diligent student. But there were failures that I experienced along the way. Those initial setbacks became my springboard to move forward and reach for my dreams. As an aspiring nurse, I learned that I needed to have passion and conviction to achieve my goals. I am fortunate to have a very supportive family environment and to have had two aunts—Elsa and Nilva—who assisted and encouraged me, always reminding me that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
As the first in my family to earn a college degree, I value those who worked hard to give me a brighter future. I knew poverty, and I understood how to be poor, but I saw wealth in education.
Early in my career as a nurse, I struggled to maintain a decent, good-paying job. Nurses in the Philippines can tell you a lot of stories—from being unemployed to being underpaid and unpaid for one's services, from false volunteerism to job mismatches and being undervalued as a healthcare professional. Only in the Philippines! I once entertained the idea that my family would have a splendid life because of my profession and that nursing could bring me to a greener pasture. But one day I realized that if I stuck to that mentality, I probably would go nowhere.
I sought advice from a former professor, who told me, "I've known you as a student since college, and you have very strong potential, so go ahead and get a master's degree." After acquiring sufficient practice experience in a hospital, I began working toward a Master of Arts in Nursing at University of Santo Tomas, majoring in advanced nursing administration, while, at the same time, teaching in a university BSN program. I also started taking on various leadership roles. As a result, my nursing career has evolved, and I am now on the right path. In the process, I've encountered many industry leaders, some of whom are nursing pillars in the Philippines. I never expected that they would be my professors in graduate school.
Because I excelled in my master's degree program, I was inducted into the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Alpha Eta Chapter, at the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.
After my 2014 induction into Alpha Eta Chapter, I immediately felt the need to give back, both to Alpha Eta Chapter and to STTI. I consider my induction into STTI as one of the most important and life-changing events in my budding career as a nurse and am personally indebted. I wondered how I could show my gratitude to the prestigious organization that recognized my academic and leadership successes. I wanted to give back to the organization that showed trust in my abilities and potential. It was then that I came across the STTI Foundation for Nursing.
The Sigma Theta Tau International Foundation for Nursing supports STTI through active fundraising and conscientious stewardship. If you are looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the future of Sigma Theta Tau International and the nursing profession, consider giving to the Foundation. You will find yourself amazed by the number of ways you can support and positively influence the advancement of global health and nursing. One of those ways is the Virginia Henderson Fellowship Program.
I am a proud Virginia Henderson Fellow, which makes me part of the Heritage Society. As a Heritage Society member, I am able to support advancement of nursing science through research and leadership development of future generations of nurses.
The power of giving is in its selflessness. Giving from your heart and making a contribution because you want to share what you have and show your deep appreciation have dramatic impact. For that reason, I am honored to donate to STTI's Research Grant and Leadership Education Grant programs. By giving to these programs, you touch the lives of those who receive these grants. I urge you to consider making such a gift.
A few months after giving to the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, I wondered how I could be of greater help to my chapter. Realizing that serving as a board member is a great way to help the chapter while further developing my leadership skills in a supportive environment, I volunteered to join the board of Alpha Eta Chapter and was thankful when I was elected to the leadership succession committee for a two-year term.
I also decided to become a Billye Brown Fellow. The Billye Brown Fellowship is one of the major gift opportunities offered by STTI Foundation for Nursing, one that significantly impacts nurses and nursing. My gift to the fellowship's 21st Century Permanent Fund supports emerging initiatives such as the Global Advisory Panel on the Future of Nursing & Midwifery (GAPFON) and Institutes for Global Healthcare Leadership. By giving to this fund, I also give back to my chapter by designating that it receive 10 percent of my gift. In these and other ways—through the generosity of members, chapters, and other friends of nursing—the honor society is clearly positioned to carry out its vision to be the global organization of choice for nursing.
To build capacity for influence through philanthropy, President Catrambone suggests that we, as nurses, embrace two major strategies to guide our actions: 1) Contribute time and talent, and 2) make charitable donations.
Younger-generation nurses can help by advocating on behalf of the STTI mission and by sharing how they have benefited professionally from chapter and international involvement. If you have been inspired by a nurse colleague, professor, or nursing leader, consider honoring him or her by donating to the STTI Foundation. In 2015, on International Nurses Day, I made a commitment to make an annual donation to STTI Foundation for Nursing on behalf of my two loving aunts who supported my college education. Consider honoring your loved ones by giving to the Foundation.
There are so many things you can do to use your influence to advance global health and nursing. Your commitment to achieving the vision and mission of STTI—whether it be a gift of time, talent, or money—will positively influence our future and that of many others.
For a comprehensive list of strategies to achieve these worthy goals, click here to download Influence to Advance Global Health and Nursing, a brochure outlining President Cathy Catrambone's call to action. Let us join her in expanding STTI's influence through philanthropy.
Jerico G. Alicante, RN, CNN, resident of Malabon City, Metro Manilla, Philippines, is a Virginia Henderson Fellow and a Billye Brown Fellow.


BREWSTER – The Save Blueberry and Sol's Pond Association is welcoming bargain hunters from around the cape to their 5th annual Yard Sale Fundraiser set to take place later this month.
There is still time to contribute to the cause as well. The group is looking for contributions of small appliances, furniture, art, books, luggage toys, sporting and exercise equipment, jewelry, and tools, provided that they are clean and in good condition.
The Save Blueberry and Sol's Pond Association was formed several years ago as a small group of concerned area residents seeking to improve the water quality at Brewster's Blueberry and Sol's Pond.
High nitrogen and phosphorus levels had led to algal blooms, weed overgrowth, and low water clarity, which the organization now seeks to combat through education and community outreach.
The Save Blueberry and Sol's Pond Association's 5th annual Yard Sale will take place rain or shine at the Brewster VFW on August 12th from 8 AM to 3 PM, and August 13th from 9 AM until noon.


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Drug Res
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Pharmacopsychiatry
Planta Medica Letters
Drug Res (Stuttg) 2020; 70(04): 131-136
DOI: 10.1055/a-1070-8783
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York
Effects of Additional Administration of a Selective Inhibitor of Sodium Glucose co-transporter-2 Inhibitor on the Glycemic Control in Japanese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients Receiving Treatment with a Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor
Masataka Kusunoki
1 Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
2 Department of Biomedical Information Engineering, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata, Japan
Takahiko Sakazaki
3 Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Fukui University of Technology, Fukui, Japan
Tetsuro Miyata
4 Sanno Medical Center, Vascular Center, Tokyo, Japan
Kazuhiko Tsutsumi
5 Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
Yoshiharu Oshida
6 Medical Checkup Center, Minami Seikyo Hospital Nagoya, Japan
› Author Affiliations
Dr. Masataka Kusunoki
Research Center of Health, Physical Fitness and Sports
Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku
Email: info@tonyo.jp
received 30 September 2019
accepted 17 November 2019
12 March 2020 (online)
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Study patients
Administration methods
Measurement of the HbA1c level, body weight, body mass index (BMI), blood lipid profile and other biochemical parameters
DPP-4 inhibitor monotherapy (MT group)
Administration of an SGLT2 inhibitor in addition to a DPP-4 inhibitor (CT group)
Comparison of treatment outcomes between the MT group and CT group
We conducted this study to determine whether additional administration sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor might provide further improvement of glycemic control and also to explore any advantages in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients showing relatively good glycemic control under treatment dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. We divided the patients in two groups, MT group and CT group. The MT group were continued on the DPP-4 inhibitor treatment for 6-months, and CT group were additionally administered an SGLT2 inhibitor treatment for 6-months. The MT group showed a significant decrease of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), but a significant increase of body weight, body mass index and serum uric acid, compared to the baseline values, while the CT group showed a significant decrease of HbA1c, body weight, BMI, and serum uric acid, and also a significant increase of serum HDL-cholesterol and decrease of serum triglyceride levels. Furthermore, this group showed a significant decrease of serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), which are markers of liver function. These results suggest that the combination therapy is useful, in particular, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with hyperlipidemia and liver dysfunction. Among the SGLT2 inhibitors added to the DPP-4 inhibitor treatment, the decreases of serum levels of AST, ALT and γ-GTP were particularly significant in the group receiving luseogliflozin, suggesting that the combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor with luseogliflozin is particularly effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with liver dysfunction.
sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor - dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor - type 2 diabetes, hemoglobin A1c
Combination therapy with 2 or more hypoglycemic agents with different mechanisms of action is sometimes used in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus not showing sufficient glycemic control. While many combination therapy options are available for patients showing poor glycemic control and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels because these patients do not easily develop hypoglycemia episodes, the options are more limited in patients showing relatively good glycemic control, because drugs that do not easily cause hypoglycemia need to be used in these patients.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone secreted by the gastrointestinal tract in response to fool intake, and active GLP-1, when it reaches the pancreas, stimulates insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels, resulting in a lowering of the blood glucose levels. However, GLP-1 is rapidly degraded by the degrading enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). Therefore, DPP-4 inhibitors, which inhibit DPP-4 activity and suppress rapid degradation of active GLP-1, are useful hypoglycemic agents that are effective for lowering the blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [1] [2].
Sodium-glucose co-transporter2 (SGLT2) is a transporter expressed in the proximal tubules of the kidney and is responsible for reabsorption of approximately 90% of the glucose filtered via the glomeruli [3] [4]. SGLT2 inhibitors are thought to exert hypoglycemic effect by selectively inhibiting SGLT2 and increasing the urinary glucose excretion [5]. In addition, treatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor is thought to be associated with a low risk of hypoglycemia, because drugs of this class are not known to stimulate insulin secretion. Thus, DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitor are hypoglycemic agents with different mechanisms of action.
The purpose of this study is to study the DPP-4 inhibitor treatment in Japanese patients additionally administered an SGLT2 inhibitor. In the study, we investigated whether the additional treatment might improve the glycemic control further without causing hypoglycemic episodes, and explore any novel advantages compared to the DPP-4 inhibitor monotherapy group. We also investigated which combination of agents of two drug classes might be the most effective.
Investigators explained the purpose of the study to all the patients who participated in the study and obtained their informed consent for participation in the study. This clinical study was officially registered as an open-label study (ID: UMIN000021584).
The study was conducted in 199 registered Japanese outpatients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (142 males and 57 females) whose HbA1c levels were 6.5% or higher. The study subjects were divided into a DPP-4 inhibitor MT group (n=66, 46 males and 20 females), in which patients who were receiving a DPP-4 inhibitor were continued on the DPP-4 inhibitor during the 6-month study period, and a group in which patients who were receiving a DPP-4 inhibitor additionally received an SGLT2 inhibitor during the 6-month study period (CT group) (n=133, 96 males and 37 females).
Both groups received a DPP-4 inhibitor for 6 months; then, the DPP-4 inhibitor MT group continued to receive the same DPP-4 inhibitor for an additional 6 months. On the other hand, the CT group additionally received an SGLT2 inhibitor during the 6-month study period while the DPP-4 inhibitor was also continued.
The patients of this study received any one of 5 DPP-4 inhibitors: sitagliptin, vildagliptin, alogliptin, anagliptin, or linagliptin.
The CT group, which additionally received an SGLT2 inhibitor, received one of the three following drugs of this class: luseogliflozin, dapagliflozin or empagliflozin. These DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors were administered orally once daily before or after breakfast. The doses of all the drugs are shown in [Table 1]. In the MT group, each patient received one of the DPP-4 inhibitors. In the CT group, each patient received one of the DPP-4 inhibitors plus one of the SGLT2 inhibitors.
Table 1 Dose levels of drugs.
Name of drug
Dose level
DPP-4 inhibitor
100 mg/day
100 mg/day (50mg×2)
25 mg/day
200 mg/day (100mg×2)
5 mg/day
SGLT2 inhibitor
Luseogliflozin
2.5 mg/day
Dapagliflozin
Empagliflozin
In both groups, after 6 months of DPP-4 inhibitor treatment, the baseline body weight was measured and blood samples were collected for the measurements to be conducted at the baseline (baseline values in both groups). Subsequently, the MT group continued to receive a DPP-4 inhibitor for another 6 months; and then, the post-treatment body weight was measured and blood samples were collected for the post-treatment measurements (values after 6 months of treatment). The CT group additionally received an SGLT2 inhibitor for 6 months while the DPP-4 inhibitor was continued; then, after 6 months of treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor, the post-treatment body weight was measured and blood samples were collected for the post-treatment measurements (values after 6 months of treatment). Non-fasting blood samples were collected, and serum for measurement of the blood biochemical parameters was separated from the samples and stored frozen at −80 ℃ until the assays. Measurement of the serum levels of HbA1c, lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) and uric acid using an autoanalyzer (JCA-BM8000 series, JAOL, Tokyo, Japan) was entrusted to Handa Medical Association Health Center (Aichi, Japan). HbA1c was measured using an automated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system (HLC-723GX, Tosoh Corporation, Tokyo, Japan).
Data are shown as the means±standard deviation. The comparison of pre- vs. post-treatment data was conducted using the two-way ANOVA and Student's t-test. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.
[Table 2] summarizes the data of patients who received one of the 5 DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP-4 inhibitor administration significantly decreased the HbA1c value. It also significantly increased the body weight, BMI and serum uric acid.
Table 2 Responses to combined DPP-4 inhibitor plus SGLT2 inhibitor therapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
DPP-4 inhibitor monotherapy
Combined DPP-4 inhibitor + SGLT2 inhibitor therapy
n=66 (male: 46; female: 20)
n=133 (male: 96; female: 37)
Age (yrs.)
Duration of illness (yrs.)
6 months of therapy
Body Weight (kg)
71.8±15.3
72.5±15.9*
73.7±14.7**
BMI (kg/m2)
26.2±4.7*
26.7±4.4**
HbA1c (%)
6.8±0.8**
AST (U/L)
23±12**
ALT (U/L)
γ-GTP (U/L)
Uric acid (mg/dL)
5.4±1.5*
Total-cholesterol (mg/dL)
182±33*
HDL-C (mg/dL)
LDL-C (mg/dL)
Triglycerides (mg/dL)
165±115
SGLT2 inhibitors: luseogliflozin, dapagliflozin, and empagliflozin DPP-4 inhibitors: sitagliptin, vildagliptin, alogliptin, anagliptin, and linagliptin. Data are expressed as means±SD. *: P<0.05, ** : P<0.01.
[Table 2] summarizes the data of patients who received one of the 3 SGLT2 inhibitors for 6 months in addition to one of the 5 DPP-4 inhibitors. The combination therapy significantly decreased the HbA1c. There were no reports of hypoglycemia episodes. In addition, the treatment also significantly reduced the body weight and BMI. In regard to the effect of the treatment on the blood lipid profile, significant increase of the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and decrease of the serum triglyceride levels were observed; however, the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol levels increased significantly. Furthermore, the serum AST, ALT, γ-GTP, and uric acid levels decreased significantly.
[Table 3] shows the effect of additional treatment with an SGLT2 inhibitor in the patients who were receiving one of the DPP-4 inhibitors.
Table 3 By-drug comparison of the responses to combined DPP-4 inhibitor plus SGLT2 inhibitor therapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin, Alogliptin, Anagliptin, Linagliptin
n=66 (male: 40, female: 26)
n=36 (male: 31, female: 5)
23±9**
38±30*
132±75**
Data are expressed as means±SD. *: P<0.05, ** : P<0.01
Combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor and luseogliflozin was associated with a significant decrease of the HbA1c, body weight and BMI. In addition, the serum AST, ALT, γ-GTP, and uric acid levels decreased significantly. Among the components of the blood lipid profile, the serum HDL-C level increased significantly.
Combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor and dapagliflozin was associated with a significant decrease of the HbA1c, body weight and BMI. The serum ALT, γ-GTP and uric acid levels also decreased significantly. Among the components of the blood lipid profile, the serum HDL-C level increased and the serum triglyceride level decreased.
Combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor and empagliflozin was associated with a significant decrease of the HbA1c, body weight and BMI. In addition, serum γ-GTP and uric acid levels also decreased significantly. Among the components of the blood lipid profile, the serum HDL-C level increased significantly.
Type 2 diabetes patients not showing sufficient glycemic control sometimes receive additional hypoglycemic agents that act through a different mechanism(s) to exert their hypoglycemic effect (combination therapy).
DPP-4 inhibitors are considered to stimulate insulin secretion through suppressing the rapid metabolism of GLP-1, which is one of the incretins, and increasing the availability of active GLP-1, and not via any effect on the pancreatic beta cells; in addition, it has been suggested that inhibition of DPP-4 may also yield other effects than that on the blood glucose levels, i. e., extrapancreatic effects [6] [7].
SGLT2 inhibitors are thought to selectively inhibit SGLT2, which is the transporter mainly responsible for reabsorption of the glucose filtered via the glomeruli [3] [4]; therefore, they exert their hypoglycemic effect by increasing urinary glucose excretion [5]. In addition to exerting a hypoglycemic effect, SGLT2 inhibitors have been reported to decrease the body weight, lower the blood pressure and improve lipid and uric acid metabolism [8]. Due to these pleiotropic effects, SGLT2 inhibitors have been reported to also significantly suppress the risk of cardiovascular death and cardiac failure as compared to placebo in patients at a high risk of development of cardiovascular disease [9].
In this study, to Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were receiving treatment with a DPP-4 inhibitor, we additionally administered a SGLT2 inhibitor and investigated whether the additional treatment might improve the glycemic control further. In addition, we compared the outcomes in this CT group with those in the DPP-4 inhibitor monotherapy group to explore any new advantages of this combination regimen. We also investigated which combination of agents of these two drug classes might be the most effective.
[Table 2] shows a comparison of the outcomes in the MT group and CT group. In the MT group, which had already received a DPP-4 inhibitor for 6 months and was continued on the same drug for another 6 months, during this study period, the HbA1c decreased by a further 4.2% after the latter 6 months of treatment. That is, extension of the DPP-4 inhibitor treatment period by 6 months yielded a further decrease of the HbA1c value. On the other hand, in the CT group, which had received a DPP-4 inhibitor for 6 months prior to the start of the study and a combination of DPP-4 inhibitor and SGLT2 inhibitor for 6 months after the start of the study, decrease of the HbA1c value by a further 4.1%, as compared to the baseline, was observed at the end of 6 months of the combined drug therapy. There were no hypoglycemia episodes reported during the study period. There was no difference in the rate of decrease of the HbA1c, as compared to the value at the study baseline, between the groups, suggesting that additional SGLT2 inhibitor administration in patients already receiving a DPP-4 inhibitor exerted no additional beneficial effect on the degree of glycemic control.
The body weight and BMI increased significantly in the MT group. In contrast, the body weight and BMI decreased significantly in the CT group. SGLT2 inhibitor treatment has been reported to result in a decrease of the body weight and BMI [8], suggesting that in the CT group, the SGLT2 inhibitor suppressed the increase in the body weight and BMI that were observed in the patients receiving the DPP-4 inhibitor treatment.
Parameters of liver function, namely, the serum levels of AST, ALT and γ-GTP, were not affected in the MT group, while significant decreases of the serum AST, ALT and γ-GTP were observed in the CT group. Kusunoki et al. [10] reported that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment was associated with a significant decrease of the serum AST, ALT and γ-GTP levels, that is, with improvement of the liver function. Therefore, the results of the present study suggest that combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor and SGLT2 inhibitor is particularly useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with liver dysfunction.
In regard to the effects on the blood lipid profile, no effects of the treatment on the blood lipid profile was observed in the MT group. On the other hand, significant increase of the serum HDL-C and decrease of the serum triglyceride level was observed in the CT group. The combination therapy also significantly increased the serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels. Inagaki et al. also reported that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment increased not only the serum HDL-C level, but also the serum total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, although the underlying mechanism remain unknown [11].
In regard to the treatment effect on the serum uric acid, the serum uric acid level increased in the MT group, while it decreased significantly in the CT group. SGLT2 inhibitors are thought to increase the excretion of uric acid in the urine by osmotic diuresis associated with the increase in the urinary glucose excretion, thereby decreasing the blood uric acid levels. Elevated blood uric acid is known as an independent risk factor for heart disease [12], and decrease of the serum uric acid level may suppress the risk of heart disease, suggesting that combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor and SGLT2 inhibitor might be useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who are at a high risk for the development of heart disease.
Merovci A et al. pointed out that since SGLT2 inhibitors stimulate glucagon secretion and increase endogenous glucose production, administration of an SGLT2 inhibitor in combination with a DPP-4 inhibitor, which stimulates insulin secretion, would be effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus [13].
The present study revealed that additional SGLT2 inhibitor administration to patients who were receiving DPP-4 treatment had no additional beneficial effect, as compared to continued DPP-4 treatment, on the HbA1c. According to previous studies, combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor and an SGLT2 inhibitor proved more effective for lowering the HbA1c than monotherapy with an SGLT2 inhibitor or DPP-4 inhibitor [14] [15]. However, the patients in these studies had HbA1c levels of 8–9%, with poor glycemic control prior to the treatment.
In the present study, the HbA1c levels of the study patients ranged from 6.8–7.5%, suggestive of relatively good glycemic control. The results of the present study suggested that additional administration of a SGLT2 inhibitor over a DPP-4 inhibitor had no additive effect on the HbA1c in the patients with HbA1c values of approximately 7% showing relatively good glycemic control. However, combined administration of the 2 drugs was associated with beneficial effects on the body weight, BMI, serum uric acid, serum lipid profile and parameters of liver function.
In the present study, one of 3 SGLT2 inhibitors, luseogliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, was used in the patients. Combined use of a DPP-4 inhibitor plus luseogliflozin significantly improved all the parameters of liver function, namely, the serum AST, ALT and γ-GTP, suggesting that the combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor with luseogliflozin is particularly effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with liver dysfunction.
The results of this study revealed no difference in the effect on the HbA1c between continued administration of a DPP-4 inhibitor and additional administration of an SGLT2 inhibitor in patients who were receiving treatment with a DPP-4 inhibitor at the study baseline. However, significant beneficial effect of addition of an SGLT2 inhibitor was observed on the body weight, BMI and serum uric acid (decrease of all), serum HDL-C (increase), and serum triglycerides (decrease). In addition, significant improvement of the parameters of liver function, namely, the serum AST, ALT and γ-GTP , was also observed. These results suggested that combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor and SGLT2 inhibitor is particularly useful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with hyperlipidemia and liver dysfunction. Of the three SGLT2 inhibitors, luseogliflozin, dapagliflozin and empagliflozin, used in the study, addition of luseogliflozin, in particular, to DPP-4 inhibitor treatment, was associated with a significant improvement of the liver function, namely, decrease of the serum levels of AST, ALT and γ-GTP, which are indicators of liver function. The above findings suggest that the combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor and luseogliflozin is particularly effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with liver dysfunction.
The authors report no conflict of interest.
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9 Zinman B, Wanner C, Lachin JM. et al. Empagliflozin, cardiovascular outcomes, and mortality in type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2015 26 373. 2117-2128
10 Kusunoki M, Sato D, Natsume Y. et al. Luseogliflozin, a sodium glucose co-transportet-2 inhibitor, alleviates hepatic impairment in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Drug Research 2016; 66: 603-606
11 Inagaki N, Kondo K, Yoshinari T. et al. Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week study. Diabetes Obes Metab 2013; 15: 1136-1145
12 Zoppini G, Targher G, Negri C. et al. Elevated serum uric acid concentrations independently predict cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. Diabetes Care 2009; 32: 1716-1720
13 Merovci A, Solis-Herrera C, Daniele G. et al. Dapaglifrozin improves muscle insulin sensitivity but enhances endogenous glucose production. J Clin Invest 2014; 124: 509-514
14 Rosenstock J, Hansen L, Zee P. et al. Dual add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes poorly controlled with metoformin monotherapy: A randomized double-blind trial of saxagliptin plus dapagliflozin addition versus single addition of saxagliptin or dapagliflozin to metformin. Diabetes Care. 2015 38. 376-383
15 Scheen AJ. DPP-4 inhibitor plus SGLT-2 inhibitor as combination therapy for type 2 diabetes: From rationale to clinical aspects. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12: 1407-1417
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Kivu Security Blog
Mapping and analyzing the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in real time.
Towns in the Kivus Hit by a Spate of Armed Robberies
KST	on July 3, 2020
Joint patrol by the United Nations Police, Congolese National Police and Congolese Army in Goma on May 20, 2020. Photo Monusco / Kevin Jordan
The decision was not taken lightly. In the month of May 2020, the new coronavirus had been spreading through the DRC for several weeks, and the town of Beni, like the rest of the country, had been placed under a public health emergency outlawing any gatherings of more than 20 people (in French). However, there was a something of greater concern in the eyes of militants of the citizens' movement, the Struggle for Change (LUCHA). "Drastic steps have been taken to fight this epidemic, yet no cases have been recorded here," recalls Steward, one of the collective's members. "However, Beni residents are suffering much more from insecurity, which doesn't seem to worry anybody," he recalls.
For years, this town in North Kivu has lived under the menace of armed groups and particularly of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a Ugandan Islamist uprising, which regularly commits abuses against civilians and plagues the region. However, in recent weeks, a new phenomenon has made the already dire situation worse: over the course of the first three weeks of May, at least six armed robberies were committed in the town.
For LUCHA, it had become unbearable. So on May 20, the citizens' movement wrote to the Beni municipality to inform it of its intention to organize "peaceful demonstrations" to denounce "the upsurge in insecurity and the wave of killings in Beni town." The protests organized for the following day were severely repressed. One of the protesters, Freddy Marcus Kambale, a 19-year-old schoolboy, was shot by police and 21 of his classmates were arrested. The trial of the police officer suspected of this killing is still ongoing (in French).
Beni is far from being an isolated case. For several weeks, the exasperation of locals living in the large urban centers of the Kivus has been growing in the face of a perceived increase in crime. The police, sometimes suspected of complicity with the criminals, are finding it difficult to contain social unrest. In Butembo, on May 27, taxi drivers also took to the streets. The day before, one of them had been killed by armed men. Once again the protests degenerated: one of the protesters was shot and wounded by the police.
The rise in urban insecurity does not appear to be limited to the Kivus. In Lubumbashi, on May 19, Mgr Jean-Pierre Tafunga warned of the upswing in "indescribable" insecurity (in French). And the same day, National Assembly members of the Defense and Security Commission challenged the Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Gilbert Kankonde, on the increase in insecurity in the country's cities (in French). "We have received calls from nearly everywhere in our electoral districts alerting us to this phenomenon," explained its rapporteur, National Assembly member for Walikale, Juvénal Munubo, to KST. The phenomenon has different names in different towns: "40 voleurs" in Goma, "Kasuku" in Butembo, "Kuluna" in Kinshasa… However, the general trend of a rise in urban violence is clear to see."
It remains difficult to come up with a precise number for this increase due to an absence of statistics on insecurity in the DRC. The lengthy reply penned by the Vice-Primeand Minister of the Interior to National Assembly members provides no statistics, even though it acknowledges the issue.
Data collected by KST nevertheless appears to confirm this trend: an increase in the number of armed robberies was recorded from April in the towns of the Kivus (Beni, Butembo, Goma, Bukavu, Uvira, and Baraka). Twenty incidents of this kind were recorded in April and 24 in May, compared with a monthly average of 11.7. This is unprecedented since March 2018.
The town of Butembo was particularly impacted with 11 such incidents in May (compared with 1.7 in average). This is unprecedented since KST began logging such data in June 2017.
Why is there such a rise? According to Juvénal Munubo, the public health crisis COVID-19, the steps taken to contain it, and the economic crisis are all possible obvious candidates.
Elsewhere in the world, however, isolation measures have inversely caused crime to drop. But it is possible that the consequences of the pandemic are different in the DRC. Except for rare exceptions, such as the Gombe neighborhood in Kinshasa, and the Ibanda neighborhood in Bukavu, residents of Congolese towns have not been ordered to observe strict self-confinement. Most criminals have therefore been free to roam towns, like the rest of the population.
The economic crisis on the other hand has not left DRC cities unscathed and could partly explain this upswing in robberies. On international markets, the Congolese franc has lost approximately 11% of its value since March, dropping from 1700 francs for one dollar to nearly 1900 today, eating into the purchasing power of the Congolese paid in national currency.
In Kinshasa, deadly clashes took place between the police and protesters calling for the reopening of the large market located in the town of Gombe, where food is available at affordable prices (in French). In total, the Central Bank of Congo has revised its 2020 economic forecasts downwards to -2.4% (against -1.9% previously) and now estimates inflation at 9% against the planned 7% (in French). According to the Central Bank, the crisis is essentially due to the "both internal and external population isolation measures."
Since March, towns in the Kivus have been particularly impacted by border closures with three neighboring countries (Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi) with which traditionally there is intensive trade.
Traffic between the towns of North Kivu (Goma, Butembo, and Beni) was also suspended for three weeks in April, as it was between Goma and Bukavu.
The fact that the town of Butembo, usually a thriving trade hub, has been the most impacted by an upsurge in armed robbery may also point to a link between the slowdown in trade and the increase in urban insecurity.
Tag: 40 voleurs, ADF, Armed robbery, Baraka, Beni, Bukavu, Butembo, coronavirus, covid19, crime, DRC, Freddy Marcus Kambale, Gilbert Kankonde, Goma, insecurity, Juvénal Munubo, Kasuku, Kivu, Kuluna, Lucha, Robbery, Uvira
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Divisions between Tshisekedists and Kabilists Paralyze the State in Eastern DRC
Why Violence in the South Kivu Highlands Is Not 'Ethnic' (And Other Misconceptions About the Crisis)
[Guest blog] The NDC-Rénové Kicks Out Guidon, Who Kicked Out Sheka
Why were the Virunga National Park Rangers Killed?
xy on Divisions between Tshisekedists and Kabilists Paralyze the State in Eastern DRC
Fabien Mayani on Why Violence in the South Kivu Highlands Is Not 'Ethnic' (And Other Misconceptions About the Crisis)
Fatuma on Atrocities, Populations Under Siege, Regional Tensions: What is Happening in Minembwe?
Felix on Atrocities, Populations Under Siege, Regional Tensions: What is Happening in Minembwe?
KST on Foreign Troops Enter DRC: Why the Goma Meeting Failed
About Kivu Security
The Kivu Security Tracker (KST) is a joint project of the Congo Research Group, based at New York University's Center on International Cooperation, and Human Rights Watch.
The goal of the Kivu Security Tracker is to map violence by state security forces and armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to better understand trends, causes of insecurity and serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law.
The Kivu Security Tracker (KST) is a joint project of the Congo Research Group.


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Q: Move GRUB from USB to HD When I installed
Linux debian 2.6 and GRUB I managed to install it, the boot loader, on a usb flash drive. Right now, If the USB drive is plugged into the computer, the GRUB and the OS starts, otherwise, if the usb is out, nothing happens.
There are some grub files in /boot/grub/ and /usr/lib/grub/i386-pc/ but there's no e.g. menu.lst in these directories, but a lot of other files.
To be honest, I don't know if I actually installed GRUB on the flash drive or not, but I can't start the OS without having the Flash drive inserted.
Well, what I would like to do is to be able to start the OS without having the USB plugged-in.

A: While in the OS, try installing GRUB:
grub-install /dev/sdX
update-grub
Where /dev/sdX is the HDD where the bootloder should be installed.
This will move GRUB to your disk and set it up as to boot without the need of the LiveUSB.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


This photo was taken at St Stephens Church of Walbrook in the City Of London, featuring the architecture designs of Sir Christopher Wren. I had the privilege of shooting a charity event there in December 2016 for International Animal Rescue, an award winning charity who save animals around the world who are mistreated, in particular bears and orang-utans. Also playing live at the Carol Concert were Massive Violins, a fun ensemble of singers and musicians and I had complete freedom in this stunning church before, during and after the event.
I arrived very early in the evening and set about looking for as many different angles and focal points for the night ahead, before all the guests arrived, including the choir and Massive Violins. The photo was taken before the concert began and took a few attempts to get the final shot, and I'm very happy with the result, as well as some other notable snaps on the night.
There was an array of different lighting, from the candles around the church, to he Christmas lights and of course the normal lighting of the church. The architecture helped reflect the light and crate some other images but with this shot I was able to keep it simply and get the Christmas Tree lights behind where the band were setting up and sound-checking.
I think a combination of the building, the occasion, the festive time of year and the cause helped make the whole evening inspirational. Throughout the night, there was singing in different forms and guest speakers from the charity, all rising money for a truly meaningful cause that you could tell everyone was passionate about and I wanted to do my part by providing the best photos I could to help promote the charity.
On this picture I don't believe I did any post processing as it seemed just right how it was.


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Home > Products > My Long & Winding Road - Hardcover Autobiography
My Long & Winding Road - Hardcover Autobiography
Angie McCartney was born in Liverpool in 1929 and grew up during World War II, spending childhood nights in the Anderson Air Raid Shelter in the back garden of their Norris Green home. She would take a penny tramcar ride along the Liverpool Docks and dream of going to America, which she finally did in her 60's, via London, Sydney, Germany, Austria, Russia, Siberia, and many other points. Her book: Angie McCartney, My Long and Winding Road, (the first 82.7 years), includes the 12 years she was married to Jim McCartney, Father of Sir Paul, leading to many interesting adventures with The Beatles and other luminaries. It was launched with a 2 night extravaganza in her home town of Liverpool, at the famed Philharmonic Hall featuring Beatle bands from as far away as Tokyo and Eastern Europe. Angie is a weekly contributor to the Pete Price late night talk show on CityTalk.FM in Liverpool at 1am local time each Wednesday. Angie is currently touring with the retrospective evening stage show "The Magical History Tour" produced by son-in-law Martin Nethercutt, and also featuring her daughter, Ruth, their anecdotes, stories behind the songs and the best darn Beatle Tribute band you ever will see.
Add the Family 8x10 to your cart and enter the discount code you got from Beatlefest on checkout and it will deduct the price of the picture.
Angie will personally autograph each book. Please tell us to whom it should be made out.
Good Morning ! British Breakfast Tea
Mrs McCartney's Organic Teas $ 12.99
50 Shades of Earl Grey
Penny Lane Peppermint
Rockstar Rescue


How many cool cars have your heard of overseas that never seem to make it to North America? There are tons, actually—too many to go through. Those darn Europeans and Japanese often keep the best ones for themselves, but occasionally, one makes it across the pond to our shores much to the delight of enthusiasts. The Hyundai Elantra GT is one of those cars.
Essentially a rebadged European Hyundai i30, the Elantra GT is far different from its sedan sibling. It gets its own wheelbase, a unique engine option, a spicier interior and a standard eight-inch touchscreen to control the infotainment system. It also just looks sportier than the sedan and can match wits with any of its competitors such as the Ford Focus, Mazda3, Volkswagen Golf or Honda Civic hatchbacks.
From the minute I got into the vehicle I was impressed with it. Our tester was the top-of-the-line GT Sport Ultimate with the 1.6-litre turbo engine and dual-clutch automatic transmission, so having all the bells and whistles does help with the "wow" factor. Things like LED headlights, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and cooled premium leather seat surfaces with red stitching, flashy red dash trim, red seatbelts and all the safety features you could imagine make for an enticing package.
The interior quality of the Hyundai is good and the seating position is both natural and very comfortable. There are a few things which didn't quite meet the level of expectation that they should have. For instance, the volume control dial is too high up and out of reach. I realize many people would respond with "just use the steering wheel mounted controls," but I reject that. The volume knob should be well within reach no matter what.
Another aspect that needs changing is the door lock/unlock button location. Seemingly impressed by BMW's asinine habit of placing this button in the centre of the dash (rather than say, on the door where is should be) the Elantra GT will most definitely cause you headaches when entering or exiting the vehicle with your family.
Enough nitpicking now, let's get to the good stuff because there is plenty. I mentioned I was impressed with the Elantra GT from the minute I sat in it and I wasn't lying. The infotainment system was a breeze to operate and I was able to pair my phone, set the satellite radio stations and off I went.
The 201-horsepower, turbo 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder engine hauls the compact hatch like a pro. In addition to being fast, the GT sticks to the road like glue. I don't know whether it was because my expectations were a bit off coming into this road test, but the entire seven days I had the Elantra, I just kept thinking how amazing it felt to drive. It was effortless, precise, solid and thorough in its operation in every aspect except for the transmission. While I liked the DCT unit, it hesitated a little too often when asked to accelerate more forcefully from a stop. One other thing to note is that the multilink independent suspension is found on the Sport trims only, so if you opt for the base model, the ride may not be as exciting.
If you're on the fence between this and the Elantra sedan I think the choice is clear. The hatchback offers a better ride, a jazzier interior and more cargo space. It is a bit more expensive, so obviously this has to be factored into the decision.
The least expensive GL trim level with a manual transmission and a 162-horsepower, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will run you $20,449 before freight and delivery charges. You can move up the ladder with the GLS ($24,099) or Sport manual ($26,999) to take advantage of some of its great features. To get all the safety gadgets including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, you need to shell out $30,499 for the Sport Ultimate with the DCT.
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT represents excellent value in a sporty hatch and can compare with the likes of the Golf GTI and Honda Civic just fine. It will also do it a lower price point, which makes it a force to be reckoned with.
6/10	I did only city driving, so it's expected to be higher than normal.
8/10	Very comfortable all around.
8/10	Strong performing engine and suspension.
8/10	Good all-around system that is easy to use.
9/10	Very satisfying to drive and handles the road with ease.
8/10	A fine package that will do well in this segment.
This year, Hyundai is introducing the 2018 Kona, a vehicle that will become the smallest—and most affordable—SUV in Hyundai's Canadian lineup. Positioned under the Tucson, the Hyundai subcompact SUV has one mission: to go after the category's top models, like the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V, Nissan Qashqai and Subaru Crosstrek.


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Democracy Workshops: Empowering Muslim Women
Latest News, NewsBy BMSD Admin 5th March 2017
BMSD's Democracy Workshops is aimed at empower Muslim women to become resilient. We have held several workshops in east London subjects like: Democracy and Political Participation, Policy Making, Visit to a Town Hall, Community Organising, Project Management, Freedoms, Importance of Being Heard. These sessions, have greatly empowered and given confidence to the participants to become…
BMSD Director of Media Tehmina Kazi steps down after seven years – 12.08.2016
Latest News, NewsBy director 12th August 2016
The staff and trustees of BMSD are sad to say goodbye to our Director (then Director of Media), Tehmina Kazi, who has been with the organisation since May 2009. She joined BMSD at a very critical juncture, and played a very important role in raising the profile of the organisation, and getting our message across.…
What role do Muslims have in building a secular UK?
Article, NewsBy director 2nd August 2016
By Tehmina Kazi for Profexus News 29th July 2016 For the last seven years, I have been the director of a registered charity named British Muslims for Secular Democracy. When I tell other people what I do at networking events and dinner parties, most are delighted; a small proportion give me funny looks, and the…
BMSD Director of Media Tehmina Kazi addresses the Central London Humanists – 20.07.2016
Latest News, NewsBy director 25th July 2016
Overturning myths about the Government's Preventing Violent Extremism agenda Tehmina is the Director of British Muslims for Secular Democracy, a group of Muslim democrats working to raise awareness about democracy, particularly secular democracy, within British Muslim communities and the wider public. Tehmina is executive producer of the documentary film Hidden Heart , and was also…
A very happy Eid 2016, from all of us at BMSD
Latest News, NewsBy director 5th July 2016
BMSD staff, its Chair and trustees would like to wish a happy Eid to all our supporters who are celebrating.
VIDEO: BMSD Director of Media Tehmina Kazi appears on BBC1 "The Muslim Pound" documentary – 03.07.2016
VIDEO: BMSD Director of Media Tehmina Kazi and Dr Usama Hasan speak on Islamic reform at the AHS Convention
BMSD signs NSS open letter to Education Secretary: Government must respect children's rights and abolish collective worship requirement – 17.06.2016
Latest News, NewsBy director 1st July 2016
Posted: Fri, 17 Jun 2016 10:49 Thirty campaigners, including academics, MPs, peers, faith groups and educators, have called on the Government to abolish the law requiring Christian worship in English schools, following criticism of the practice from the UN. The signatories to the letter, organised by the National Secular Society, include Ted Cantle, who warned…
External blog post: Tehmina Kazi reading and Muslim LGBT activism at University of Leicester – 29.06.2016
Posted by Alberto Fernández Carbajal in Queering Islam on June 29, 2016 As the final event of the Queering Islam events series for 2015-2016, Tehmina Kazi, the Director of British Muslims for Secular Democracy, visited us at the University of Leicester to do a reading of her story 'The Tulip Asylum', a story about homosexuality…
BMSD Director of Media Tehmina Kazi gives presentation on Islam and citizenship education at Benenden School – 15.06.2016
Latest News, NewsBy director 16th June 2016
This was a presentation given to a group of local Religious Education teachers, from different schools. The Director of Media discussed a number of pioneering projects in this area, and the importance of teaching philosophy and critical thinking skills to students was repeatedly emphasised. The Director of Media recommended some progressive texts for the creation…


Essentials: A. 12 min EMOM 1. Touch and Go Sumo Deadlift x 5 reps 65% or Greater 2. Touch and Go Hang Power Clean Below Knee x 5 reps 3. Single Dumbbell Single Leg RDL x 5 reps per leg B. 12 min EMOM 1. 6 Strict Ring Pull + 6 Incline Push Up 2.


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Home » Islam » Islamic Ethics » The Way of Friendship in Islam
The Way of Friendship in Islam
By: M. Torabi
Human Beings in all phases of life, from the very beginning of childhood and youth till old-age, are in need of friendship and association with others. Owing to his social nature, man is compelled to live in society and with other individuals, he must benefit from the aid and cooperation of friends.
Those who have worthy friends, are never lonely and friendless in the world, since in joy and sorrow, their true friends help and support them.
Naturally, a human being feels happy at the companionship of friends, and is sad at being lonely and having no worthy companions.
Imam Ali ibn-e Abi Talib (AS) considers real friends as the treasures of this world and the hereafter, and he says:
"Find friends for yourself from among your co-religionist brethren, since they are the treasures of this world and also the next world."
In another remark, the Imam considers virtuous friends as the equivalent of the noblest parts of the body, and he says:
"He who loses his pure-hearted friend whose friendship he has sought for the sake of Allah, resembles as if he has lost the noblest part of his body."
The point to which the leaders of Islam pay great attention in connection with friendship, is that, it may be considered worthy only if it is fostered for the sake of God, and a reliable friend is the one whose friendship is based on spirituality.
A friendship that is made for the sake of wealth, position, beauty and such things, will disappear automatically when those factors come to an end. No material thing can act as the basis of a lasting friendship or produce happiness.
Another point to which Islam attaches much importance, is the choice of a friend. From the viewpoint of Islamic leaders, one should not make friends with each and every individual, since there are some persons whose friendship is harmful and dangerous.
Without any doubt, every friend affects the material and spiritual affairs of his own companion, and each of them unconsciously influences the ideas, morals and conduct of the other. Experience has shown, too, that many friendships have changed the destiny of individuals and their course of life. Friends influence each other's ways, faith and religion.
The Prophet of Islam (SAW) has said: "The way of each person accords with the faith and religion of his friend and companion." (Wasa'il ash-Shi'a, vol. 4)
"Don't judge anyone's goodness or badness until you see his friend, since a person is recognized by his likes and companions, and is related to his friends." (Mustadrak-ul-Wasa'il, vol. 2)
Friendship with worthy individuals is a great factor of happiness; and friendship and companionship with impure and polluted fellows are a cause of decline and distress.
Socrates says: "Each person values something: someone desires wealth; another wants beauty; a third longs for honor, but in my opinion, a good friend is better than all of them."
Some people are so confident of their own purity and nobility, they imagine that they will not be subject to any harm in their association with wicked persons. They consider their personality as strong enough not to be influenced by vices. However, they forget that cottonwool gets aflame by proximity with fire, and glass breaks when it comes in contact with stones. Unfortunately, corruption and impurity can very quickly affect the human spirit, and easily make it catch fire like gunpowder, and burn the entire world with their flame.
He who is proud of his own excellence and doesn't fear to have contact with the mean persons, is like an individual who builds his house on the course of a torrent, hoping that the force of the torrent cannot affect his house.
An old Arabic saying compares a bad companion with a blacksmith. If he does not burn you with his fire, his smoke will at least hurt your eyes!.
Supposing you are so dignified and noble that you aren't influenced by the wicked persons you associate with. What will people say about you? Will they not consider you as one of the rabble when you associate with them?
The danger of having corrupt friends isn't confined to the worldly life. Such friendships produce repentance on the Day of Resurrection, too!
The Holy Qur'an says about those who are to receive chastisement from God in future life:
"They wish that they had not made friends with the impious, for, it was they who misled them." (5:32)
Imam Ali (AS) has said: "The felicity of this and the next world lie in two things: firstly, keeping secrets; and secondly, friendship with the good. And the miseries of this and the next world are summed up in two things: firstly, divulging secrets; and secondly, friendship with wicked persons." (al-Ikhtisas)
The Holy Prophet of Islam (SAW) says: "The happiest person is he who associates and befriends the magnificent." (Amali Saduq)
A learned woman said to her children: "As our body is nourished by food to gain strength, so also our spirit acquires virtue or vice by association with good or bad friends."
It would be impossible not to be affected deeply in our character by association with those around us, since man is by nature, an imitator, and everyone is more or less influenced by the conduct, manners and ideas of friends and companions.
The Spanish have a saying to the effect that going among wolves will teach you, howling!
Association with biased and selfish people produces great losses since the effect of their character leads to the obscurity and limitation of thought, and to the death of the spirit of manliness and noble qualities. If association with them continues for a long time, the heart becomes heavy and hardened, moral powers are weakened, and will-power, sense of progress and excelling are destroyed in man.
On the contrary, friendship and contact with those who are wiser, more experienced than us, are very valuable since their association breathes a new spirit into us, teaches us better way of life, and reforms our views about the attitude towards others. It appears as if they make us share their wisdom, knowledge and experience.
Thus, for building up morality nothing is more useful and effective than association with learned and active individuals, since such contact enhances our mental powers, adds to our will-power, sublimate to our objective in the world, and prepares us for managing our own affairs and assisting others. (Ethics, Samuel Smiles)
I asked it if it was musk or perfume that intoxicated me with its fine fragrance. It said: "I used to be worthless clay, but kept the company of a flower a while; the perfection of my companion affected me, otherwise, I am still the clay that I was."
The Sixth Imam, Ja'far as-Sadiq (AS) says: "My father, while advising me, said:
"O my son! He, who associates with the wicked persons, will not remain safe from their injury. And he who steps into unsuitable places will become defamed; and he who cannot control his tongue, will become repentant." (al-Khessal, vol. 1, p. 80)


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Randal Johnson: 1938–2010
Remembering Randal Johnson
Randal Johnson's 1993 book, The Slant of Winter Light, begins with a quotation from Peter Matthiessen: "To live right here right now, moment after moment. So simple, and so very difficult." If we take this to be Randal's approach to haiku, we see this reverence for the moment in poem after poem throughout his work. Randal emphasized this stance when he wrote the following in introducing the same book:
I began writing haiku in 1961. One summer afternoon I sat under an apple tree in the garden of the house my wife and I rented in Seattle. I had just finished my BA degree and was working in a bookstore. Rustling leaves interrupted my reading, perhaps of D. T. Suzuki's Zen and Japanese Culture, for this book was an exciting discovery for me at this time. Something about the late summer afternoon, the quiet and solitude of the garden, the discovery of "sabi" and "wabi" and Zen inspired my first haiku:
rustling leaves
plunk! an apple
on the bench beside me
I completed a stint in the army, more study at the University of Washington, and fifteen years of teaching English (sometimes teaching haiku) before I returned to writing haiku in earnest. I would return from walks along the Entiat and Mad Rivers (flowing into the Columbia below Lake Chelan) with pocketsful of haiku. I read all the haiku books I could get. I submitted work to haiku journals. Sometimes, to my great satisfaction, it was accepted. Interest in Haiku and Zen Buddhism went together for me. "Sabi" and "wabi" became not only Suzuki's definitions of the basis for an aesthetic. As much as possible, I tried to make simplicity and aloneness a way of life through Zen meditation and close observation of nature.
The following are four commentaries on haiku that appear with each of four seasonal dividers in The Slant of Winter Light, each one also a comment on his haiku life:
Part of the challenge of writing haiku is trying to break through the traditional form to say something that isn't trite or inane or merely commonplace. Though the subject matter is often commonplace, the haiku succeeds if a new insight or image, an unusual expression elevates it. An irony in this pleases me.
Like the pointillist paintings of Seurat—thousands of dots of various colors—so each haiku is a dot, a lifetime of haiku the portrait of a life.
My path with haiku: recording simple images of nature—plants, animals, water, the earth in every season; trying to accept my place here and now, trusting awareness of this ever-changing process of which I am a part.
My dog listens for nuance to know my meaning—a gentle rising tone, a harsh command. So I look at the trees, the water, the sky.
The following are selections of Randal's nuanced haiku, all but the last from The Slant of Winter Light.
the saxophonist
warms up his keys
before I get the wipers on
cows on a hill top
under their bellies
summer sky
a bee sting throbbing
I lie awake and ponder
the nature of stars
drifting clouds
their shadows bending
change from my pockets
rattles in the dryer
I wake refreshed
the wild bird feeder
empty of seed
slower than the rest
a big flake falls
the pencils sharpened
I stand distracted
the smell of cedar
winter lunch counter
white cups waiting upside down
in white saucers
how perfect the snow
on the river's other side
where no people go
the patch of sunlight
the dog was lying in
has moved on
A simplicity of focus permeates these poems, a suchness of existence that serves to celebrate each observation. Such a simple yet difficult achievement, in his life and in his haiku, to live right here, right now, moment after moment.
—Michael Dylan Welch
The following obituary appeared in The Olympian on January 2, 2011:
Randal Johnson
Beloved Husband and Father
Randal Johnson was born in Hoquiam and received a M.A. degree from the University of Washington. He was a dedicated teacher of English and literature at Wenatchee Valley College. Music was a vital part of Randal's life. He played in local orchestras and small ensembles, was a concertmaster of the Olympia Chamber Orchestra, and first violinist of the Crusma String Quartet. Randal wrote poetry throughout his life. His poems have been published in poetry journals: Frogpond, Modern Haiku, etc.—and he published three books of poetry: The Slant of Winter Light; Kingfisher, Festooning the Snags; and Blackbird Melodies. Randal was also a fine carpenter and built his home in the Entiat and three music and art studios near his home on the Puget Sound. He was a spiritual seeker and a member of the Olympia Zen Center. He loved to hike on Mount Rainier, garden, and take photographs. He is survived by his wife, Ann Storey, and his sons, Ezra and Knute.


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Color Out of Space (2019), Filmhouse, Review
Submitted by Rory Doherty on Sun, 1 Mar '20 10.10pm
Richard Stanley (Director, co-writer), Scarlett Amaris (co-writer), H.P. Lovecraft (based on a short story by), Simão Cayatte, Mário Patrocínio, David Gregory (co-producer), Daniel Noah, Josh C. Waller, Lisa Whalen, Elijah Wood (Producer), Colin Stetson (music by), Steve Annis (Director of Photography), Brett W. Bachman (Editing by), Danielle Aufiero, Amber Horn (Casting by), Katie Byron (Production Design By), Sérgio Costa (Art Direction By), Patrícia Dória (Costume Design By)
Nicolas Cage (Nathan Gardner), Joely Richardson (Theresa), Madeleine Arthur (Lavinia), Eliot Knight (Ward), Tommy Chong (Ezra), Brendan Meyer (Benny), Julian Hilliard (Jack)
During Color Out of Space, a pulpy psychedelic monster B-movie directed and co-written by Richard Stanley, we spend 20 seconds watching Nicolas Cage slam-dunking peaches into a bin. A teenage boy spends 10 seconds passionately defending naming a cat 'G-Spot'. A full minute is dedicated to an alpaca milking scene. Our time, it appears, is Richard Stanley's for the wasting.
When a mysterious egg/meteor from outer space crashes in the front yard of Nathan Gardner (Nicolas Cage), strange creatures and environmental mutations start secreting forth. The titular colour that the egg/meteor emits is, as Nathan remarks, something he's never seen before. But the problem with making a film about an other-worldly colour hitherto unseen by human eyes is that it's remarkably difficult to put that on a screen. Nathan, you find yourself thinking, you have seen this colour before. It's purple. And I know you've seen purple before, Nathan, because it's the colour of your daughter's hair.
Stanley has obviously been given free rein to be as weird as he wants, without any direction or limitations, and so the members of the Gardner family get high in the woods, practice amateur witchcraft and rear alpacas. The performances are universally wooden and underwhelming, as if Stanley has just politely requested that his cast acted instead of making a firm stance on the issue.
The opening shots of Massachusetts's forest hills and composer Colin Stenson's haunting and dreamy soundscape establishes a brilliantly moody atmosphere which is shattered as soon as the dialogue begins, with the earnest hydrologist Ward (Eliot Knight) happening across the teenage daughter Lavinia (Madelaine Arthur). Co-writers Richard Stanley and Scarlett Amaris have penned a script that is obviously indebted to H.P. Lovecraft (whose short story the film is based on) mixed with the small-town horror feel of Stephen King. There are gallons of B-movie material to spare, with edges of Extro and Re-Animator. Stanley makes no qualms about baring Color's infleunces, and the weirder it gets the more engaging a film it is. But while I'm certainly glad that Stanley has seen The Thing, Poltergeist and The Shining, I'd much rather see something fresh (and no, a new colour doesn't count).
It would be dishonest to say there's no fun to be had. Cage's delivery is, as usual, sublime – making even the most mundane of sentences gleefully unhinged. It's entertaining to watch an oddball farming family from the middle of nowhere deal with an eldritch horror that unpeels their fabric of reality. The problem is it's very hard to become invested in characters we're laughing at, resulting in the most emotionally harrowing scene in the film being completely undermined by someone mentioning the word "alpacas".
There are laughs, but the joke soon wears thin. There is nothing compelling about the characters except for the fact that one of them is played by Nicolas Cage. The stylistic predecessor to this film, 2018's atmospheric and nightmarish revenge flick Mandy, had an explosive performance from Cage anchoring it as we descended into madness. With Color Out of Space we descend into boredom.
Shortcutz Amsterdam International Audience Award Film Night
"The Filmhouse Was My Home From Home": A Personal Recollection
9 Oct, '22
Edinburgh Film Festival and Filmhouse Cease Trading
Edinburgh Short Film Festival 2022
8 Nov, '22
Public Holiday For Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II
19 Sep, '22


I receive lots of requests for sessions and my calendar can book up quickly, so it is important to make a reservation. I request a small retainer to reserve your session date. All of my packages include retouched digital images. Most families invest $400-800 to capture their memories. Contact me for more pricing information and to check availability.
Is it your baby's birthday? Do a Cake Smash!! It's a perfect way to celebrate. I'll do a mini portrait session followed by the cake smash.
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I've been professionally photographing families and seniors since 2008. Thank you for trusting me to capture your memories.
I shoot in natural parks and open fields in the Murrieta/Temecula Valley in CA. I often travel to special destinations for a small fee.
Outdoor sessions take place an hour before sunset to use the best natural light.


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More Anti-Government Protests in Bulgaria
Several thousand people took to the streets of Sofia, the capital, and other cities on Monday, the fourth day of demonstrations demanding that the government resign over the appointment of Delyan Peevski, who has no experience in security, as the head of Bulgaria's national security agency, the Associated Press reported.
Prime Minister Plamen Oresharski, whose government came to power two weeks ago, said the legislature's appointment, made on Friday after no debate, was a mistake, and that he will consult with the public before a new security chief is appointed.
Citing the protests, Peevski announced Saturday that he will resign. Oresharski said Monday that he has accepted that, but the final decision is Parliament's.
On Monday, several thousand people rallied in front of government headquarters in Sofia to demand the government step down. Police stepped-up security, cordoning off the building with metal barriers, but the demonstrations have been peaceful.
Many of the protesters said they have had enough of the "behind-the-scenes" deals involving politicians and powerful businessmen they accuse of corruption. The demonstrators demanded early elections now.
President Rosen Plevneliev said he will convene the national security council on Thursday and called on all parties to come up with solutions to end the political crisis.
Bulgaria's president calls general election on April 4
Bulgaria to support tourism, transport sectors with further 20.5 mln euro
Bulgaria's Health Ministry: 21% of teachers want vaccinations against Covid-19


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Q: Why does my function return undefined, especially the .split()parts? So in essence I get the value of input, then try to divide into into different tags via the comma with this
     var noteTags = document.getElementsByClassName("noteTag").value;
          Tag = noteTags.split(",");

But in console, the split(",") is undefined
Edit: Sorry I forgot to mention that the noteTag element is input, does this change how the code works in any way?

A: There are two issues,

*

*getElementsByClassName returns an array-like collection of elements (a NodeList).

*And instead of value it should be innerText.

Try like below
 var noteTags = document.getElementsByClassName("noteTag")[0].innerText;
      Tag = noteTags.split(",");

A: You are using the split() method on an array. You are also trying to access the value property, whereby you should probably use innerText.

A: You can use querySelector then you dont need using a key[0] to select the element.

const noteTags = document.querySelector("#noteTag");
console.log(noteTags)
Tag = noteTags.innerHTML.split(",");
console.log(Tag)

en,jp,fr


Finding the best UK design agency can be confusing. This is because there are numerous website design companies UK out there today from small one-man bands to multinationals, all of them vying for your business. The tough part is how to find the best website design for small business for your specific requirements. Larger companies perhaps well have a greater pool of resources but they also tend to have the prices to match, with overhead costs to cover, at the same time, the smaller companies may well have more affordable options. If this is what you are looking for, however, it may lack in other aspects. So, how do you finalize?
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Though this aspect does not provide assurance of quality, if a service has been in the business for some time, then usually they are doing something good for sure. Time served so to speak in any industry indicates a level of competency that helps eliminate the risk in different ways.
When looking for the best website design companies UK, it is vital to inquire an established service if they can provide references to their previous clients. Prior clients are a great mark of how a web design agency conducts its affairs. If they have reviews or testimonials from their past, as well as, present clients then it puts a tick on the box for most entrepreneurs.
Website designing can comprise of a broad range of options, from PHP, HTML and e-commerce websites, which are usually manually coded through CMS like WordPress. There are considerable differences between these options, which include cost, with modified coded websites generally proving to be more expensive than the CMS based websites. On the other hand, for clients who eventually want to be able to access, add content and control their website once completed, the learning curve for a CMS system such as WordPress is quite good.
Taking these aspects into account allows businesses to filter the web design services UK that can offer the desired features. Once reviewed, it comes down to analyzing how the process works, timelines in terms of how long the project will take to complete and setting relevant dates when particular elements of website design will be completed. Overall, it is crucial for businesses to ensure that the web design agency they work with can provide regular updates, professional and consistent work and have the ability to deliver an outstanding website within the specified timeline.


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Home » 5 Family Vacation Destinations You May Have Overlooked
5 Family Vacation Destinations You May Have Overlooked
You've been to Disney, stayed at a few all-inclusives, and ventured out on a well-contained beach vacation. Now what? You have vacation time coming up, but the idea of taking the twins on a plane, or driving to a new destination, seems daunting. We are here to help! We've found the top 5 unique family vacation destinations that your twins will not only be entertained at, but you can actually enjoy too.
You can fly directly from most major airports to this "small town in a large city." Rochester, once a manufacturing boomtown, has reinvented itself as a distinctly modern city with plenty of restaurants for you, and unique activities for the little ones.
Strong Museum of Play
The Strong Museum of Play is alone worth a trip to the third largest city in the state of New York. The 100,000 square foot museum of dynamic, interactive exhibit space provides entertaining, educational, and unforgettable fun. It includes exhibits featuring Sesame Street, the Berenstain Bears, and the Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden.
A favorite of both parents and kids is the historical collection of toys and video games, where you can show your kids an Atari, a Cabbage Patch doll, or learn the history of the yo-yo. It's a great contained space with several floors of activities, where you can feel safe to let the kiddos wander and explore.
The Seneca Park Zoo, located on the outskirts of Rochester, brings you face-to-face with wildlife from around the world. Its mission is to connect, care for, and conserve wildlife and wild places. The Zoo began a massive renovation last year, adding a five-acre Animals of the Savanna area to brings guests face-to-face with giraffes, plains zebras, naked mole rats, and many other species native to the African Savanna, including a rare southern white rhino. A favorite stop for little ones is the friendly sea lion named Lilly and her son, Bob. The Zoo leads conservation efforts locally, regionally and internationally. It's a perfect half-day adventure for your crew: not too big, not too small. Unlike zoos in warmer climates; the animals here come out and are active even in the Summer months.
Less than 1.5 hours west of Rochester is Niagara Falls. The Falls can be viewed from both the US and Canadian sides of the Niagara River. You can take in the majestic wonder of nature from one of the many boat cruises that leave from the base of the Falls or find a tour that goes behind the Falls for a one-of-a-kind experience. Check ahead to see which boats can accommodate a double stroller. The evenings offer a spectacular fireworks show over the Falls.
New Orleans has earned its reputation as a party city, but there is more to the cultural Mecca than Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, making it a perfect vacation spot to explore with your twins. New Orleans has over 50+ direct flights daily from most major airports.
Café Du Monde and other Bayou delicacies
New Orleans is known for its unique cuisine. Try a beignet at the famous Café Du Monde in the heart of the French Quarter. The French-style doughnuts are lavishly covered with powdered sugar and served with either hot white or dark chocolate. If your kids are more adventurous, taste the gumbo, jambalaya or po'boy sandwiches at many of the local restaurants.
French QuarTour Kids
French QuarTour Kids offers family-friendly tours written and led by certified teachers. The 1.5 hour tours (for kids 3 and older) feature historical information about the area, all done in an interesting treasure hunt. The hunt supplies unique props and plays native New Orleans music. The tour company also offers a spooky tour, a Creole tour, and one for tweens and teens. Wear comfortable shoes and leave the stroller at home, if you can, as many streets are bumpy and cobblestoned.
Ride A Street Car to the Garden District
Take the St. Charles Streetcar (Canal at Carondelet stop) and ride uptown into the Historic Garden District. The St. Charles line is a famous route that takes you past gorgeous live oak trees and dozens of antebellum mansions, historic monuments, Loyola and Tulane universities, restaurants, and hotels. Kids will love riding in the streetcar and hearing the bell toll at every stop. Just remember to use the bathroom prior as the 50-60 minute ride makes no bathroom stops.
Hop off at Prytania Street and enter one of the New Orleans most prestigious roads in the Garden district. You'll find many of the city's well-preserved and restored mansions along this street, some in the gothic and Greek revival styles. Quite a few homes have historical markers, so you can create your own mini-tour. The roads are wider here and can accommodate strollers.
Milwaukee is the ultimate summer destination for families who love live music, outdoor venues, and soaking in the sunshine. Perched on Lake Michigan, Milwaukee's gorgeous lakefront is the backdrop to many kid-friendly activities and lots of open green space to run and play.
Discovery World Center for Public Innovation
The 120,000-square-foot science center features high-tech exhibits, such as a flight simulator, 3D tour of planet Earth, Les Paul's House of Sound, and a touch tank filled with sharks and stingrays. The center is situated on the lakefront and displays aquatic life from around the world in fresh- and salt-water aquariums. In the summer, a re-created 19th-century schooner serves as a floating classroom and cruises around Lake Michigan on short sails. discoveryworld.org
Sprecher Brewery
The brewery hosts informative tours through the cellar, bottling line and warehouse to demonstrate how beer is made using old-world German traditions. It's fun for adults, but the company also produces flavored soda pop! Bring the kids and let them indulge in unlimited free pop samples at the end of the tour with root beer, orange, ginger ale, and red cream. Reservations required. sprecherbrewery.com
Explore a festival or two
Milwaukee is the "City of Festivals," from the world's largest music festival (SummerFest) to the Wilde Subaru Family Kite Festival and an array of cultural festivals celebrating Hispanic, Italian, Polish, German, Irish, and Scottish heritages, and more.
Las Vegas is driven by tourism, but most think of it as a place for bachelor parties and gambling rather than for family trips. With over 100 daily direct flights from major airports, it is a convenient place to spend a weekend or even a week-long trip.
Las Vegas is fast becoming one of the best destinations for families looking for new experiences. Many hotels have built-in entertainment, like roller coasters and wave pools. You might not even need to leave your oasis away from home, but if you venture out with the kids, here are a few top choices:
High Roller Observation Wheel
At 550 feet above the ground, the High Roller is the tallest observation wheel in the world. With cabins large enough to hold 40 people, it's considered one of the best ways to see Las Vegas, from the mountains to the strip. The High Roller never quite stops moving, with guests hopping on and off as the cabins move through a platform at the bottom. Discounts are available for ages 4-12 while children 3 and under are always free. A full ride takes about 30-40 minutes. The High Roller sits at the end of The LINQ promenade, a noteworthy tourist attraction with shops, restaurants, and activities. https://www.caesars.com/linq/high-roller
The Downtown Container Park
This unique park features shops and restaurants made entirely from old shipping containers. It's a spectacle in itself and fun to walk through, but don't miss trying the unicorn donut at the Donut Shop. In the middle of it all is The Treehouse, an interactive playground with stairs and slides. There's also a grassy area that has games, outdoor movies, and a stage for family-friendly entertainment. The park is within walking distance from the popular Fremont Street Experience and a number of downtown hotels. https://downtowncontainerpark.com
Originally a home for animals that were part of shows and attractions on the Strip, the Lion Habitat Ranch has been around since 1975, but only started welcoming visitors in 2012. It's a kid-friendly and safe environment for families to get up-close with wildlife usually only found in exotic parts of the world.
The ranch currently features 36 lions, a 3-year-old giraffe, ostriches, emus, and exotic birds. Guests are within four feet of the animals, compared to your average zoo where visitors are kept much farther away. Designated areas allow you to take a photo with a lion safely in the background and, depending on the day, you may get to see them fed, which is fascinating entertainment.
Ozzie the giraffe paints one-of-a-kind artwork for guests to take home. As a nonprofit, the ranch depends on donations and admission fees to take care of the animals. Kids under 4 are always free while kids under 14 are free when accompanied by an adult.
The Shore was made famous by reality television stars, but the beaches offer a fun-filled vacation for families too. Situated between the Newark and Philadelphia airports, depending on which beach you visit, you can take direct flights to either, rent a car, and have your toes in the sand within 60-90 minutes. Our two favorites to take younger twins are:
You won't have to worry about space on Cape May's famously wide beaches. Set-up an extra-large beach blanket, sand toys, an umbrella and watch as dolphins swim by, frolicking in the surf. Play old-time carnival games on the lawn of Congress Hall. Keep an eye out for the wandering Blue Pig, the historic hotel's mascot. Visit the Cape May Lighthouse for story time, or catch a movie after dark on the sand, weekly at Stockton Beach. Kids will love stopping at The Original Fudge Kitchen to sample a morsel of salted caramel, mint, or peanut butter fudge. Cape May has many family friendly hotels that offer private and semi-private beaches if you want to contain your kiddos at the beach.
Jenkinson's Boardwalk is about a mile long and plays host to many kid-friendly attractions, including an aquarium, 2 arcades, 2 mini-golf courses, a ropes course, and an amusement park with a whole section that's just right for toddlers and preschoolers. Pizza, boardwalk fries and funnel cake are just some of the yummy treats you'll find on the boardwalk. The beach is public, but you will have to pay for a badge for the day. Venture down during less crowded times, like early morning or later afternoon or splurge on an oceanfront hotel with a private beach.
Becky Bavli is Mom to Charlotte and Jacob her 3-year-old twins, and Alana, her 10-year-old stepdaughter. She lives outside Manhattan in the quiet suburbs of Piermont, NY. It's the kind of town where you know your neighbors and even the annoying "twin questions" are less annoying. Becky invented a natural hair taming product for babies and toddlers that launched in 2018. Find out more at T is for Tame or her Amazon store. Follow on FB and Insta @tisfortame
5 Must-See Kids Exhibits at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry
10 Tips for Easier Twin Travel
We Had So Much Fun at Breakwater Beach


Ghana to ban shisha tobacco - Ghana announced that it will ban shisha, or water-pipe tobacco by the middle of 2018. The Ghana Health Service said it found that one puff of shisha is the equivalent to smoking a full cigarette. Those who are caught smoking shisha in the country could see a fine of up to $490, or a prison sentence of up to six months.
Tanzania calls for legal action against pregnant schoolgirls - Arusha Administrative Secretary Richard Kwitega told a media outlet that law authorities aren't doing enough to combat rising pregnancy rates in Tanzania. Kwitega said legal action needs to be taken against schoolgirls who are pregnant. In 2018, Tanzania President John Magufuli said teenage mothers shouldn't be allowed to return to school.
No word on U.S./North Korea talks yet - President Donald Trump agreed to have direct talks with North Korea, but South Korea says it has not heard anything yet from North Korea. South Korea said Kim Jong-un is prepared to give up his nuclear weapons. South Korea said it believes North Korea is approaching potential talks with the United States with caution, and it's taking time to organize.
Forty-nine die in plane crash in Nepal - At least 49 people died when a plane carrying 71 people crashed while landing at an airport in Nepal. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called for an immediate investigation into what caused the crash. The airline said the crash was caused by air traffic control, but the airport says the plane came in from the wrong direction.
Indigenous women to serve on Chile's Congress - For the first time, two women from the indigenous Mapuche group will serve on Chile's Congress. The women, Emilia Nuyado and Arcely Leuquen, will represent the Araucania region. The region has seen a rise in a conflict between the Mapuche group and the state. Chile President Sebastian Pinera said solving the conflict is one of his top priorities.
FARC presidential candidate drops out of race - Rodrigo Londono led the FARC rebel group in Colombia for years, and he had declared himself as a presidential candidate. He has now announced that he will drop his presidential bid because of health issues. He was hospitalized last month, and had surgery for coronary disease.
Trump comments on new gun laws President Donald Trump tweeted that there is not "much political support" to raise the age from 18-21 for buying semi-automatic rifles. The White House is planning to move along with the idea of arming teachers with weapons. He detailed the plan this past Sunday, and wants to fund programs to train school staff to use weapons.
The newest Virginia-class attack submarine - USS Colorado (SSN 788), will be commissioned at Naval Submarine Base New London, Mar. 17, 2018. It will be the 15th Virginia-class attack submarine to join the fleet.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been replaced - Rex Tilerson has been replaced by Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo amid ongoing disagreements on foreign policy between him and President Trump. State undersecretary Steve Goldstein has disputed the events leading up to Tillerson's firing stating that he was "unaware of the reasoning," contradiction reports from the White House. Goldstein was released shortly after his account.