London-Psychic

Living in the material world

I was completely ignorant about 'the quiet one' of the Beatles, until seeing this kaleidascopic film. Scorsese uses never-before-seen footage from George Harrison's childhood to trace his years with The Beatles; through the ups and downs of his solo career and the integration of eastern 'mysticism' that got him through the joys and pain of his private life. The film shows the arc of George's journey from his birth in 1943 to his passing in 2001, with an accumulated wealth of over £100 million, a long tradition of giving via humanitarian work and philanthropy, a creative legacy that included songs such as 'My Sweet Lord' and 'What is Life' and the funding of films such as Life of Brian, Time Bandits and Withnail and I.

George Harrison Living in the Material World (Lionsgate, 4/10/11)

Psychic readings

"Thank you so much for the lovely session yesterday. It has been very useful and nurturing. I'll contact you soon to book another session for my professional overview since for what I saw yesterday, it seems to be quite interesting." Psychic reading, London, November 2011

"Thank you so much for everything. Felt a heavy weight off my shoulders after seeing you - ready to chose the right path and calm for once in my life. Look forward to seeing you in the next few months." Psychic reading, London, November 2011

Healing revolution

I find some of these 'new age' films are poorly edited with badly illustrated points and annoying special effects which render their arguments incoherent (- sadly, the chaotic, confusing and often boring 'What the Bleep' is a prime example). Yet The Living Matrix (The Science of Healing) is fairly consistently put together with the minimum of distracting storylines. This docu-film attempts to present the latest insights into the body energy-field theory, and links ideas at the frontier of bio- and quantumphysics theory to new understanding about how to get well and stay well. It offers an "up close look at the science of information as medicine" using interviews from academic researchers, biophysicists and health practitioners who share their discoveries on the 'miracle cures' that traditional medicine can't explain.

The Living Matrix movie

Dark Side of the Light Chasers

This is a good introductory book on the concept of 'integration of our shadow' which I would recommend to anyone embarking on a programme of emotional or psycholigical personal development work. Debbie Ford illustrates how by embracing 'our dark side' - whether that's the angry, critical, envious or nit-picking sides for example - we become more accepting and loving towards ourselves and others. She believes that by seeing the strengths in our so-called weaknesses we bring ourselves into balance, uncover the hidden gifts our shadow offers and thereby recover our self-esteem. The author is of the Deepak Choprah
school and it's big font, simple points and dialogue, and lack of in-depth theory will not suit everyone, yet the lack of jargon makes it accessible to all.

Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford

Google doodle for Stanisław Lem

Above: Art inspired by Lem's Cybriad illustrations by Daniel Mroz

Loved these illustrations on Google today! Google celebrates the 60th anniversary of science fiction writer Stanislaw Lem's first book publication, The Astronauts with some interactive doodles. Stanisław Lem (Polish pronunciation: [staˈɲiswav ˈlɛm] ( listen); 12 September 1921 – 27 March 2006).

Psychic reading

"It was delightful to see you again, and to learn more about myself. Thanks a lot for this. I well received and downloaded everything. I took the time to re-listen to it. You are a fantastic reader!" Psychic reading, London, November 2011

"Thank you for my reading – I found it really interested [sic], although rather overwhelming and I felt very emotional the whole way home... I have recommended you to several friends who may well be getting in touch." Psychic reading, London, November 2011

Bill Clinton goes vegan

Former fast-food fan and US president Bill Clinton was recently interviewed by CNN about his journey from omnivore to vegan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3ied_AD4iE

See the full CNN report here:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/08/18/bill.clinton.diet.vegan/index.html

Rare genetic mutation explains lack of fingerprints

Article by Andrew Purcell, published in the New Scientist:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20767-rare-genetic-mutation-explains-lack-of-fingerprints.html

Thanks to a rare genetic mutation, a handful of people have no fingerprints. That's not the implausible premise of a crime story but a real condition, and it's more notable for causing confusion at border control than for baffling detectives. Now, geneticists have identified a mutation that may cause it. It is unlikely to save the fingerprintless any time in airports, but it could ultimately lead to treatments for other, more common conditions.

Fingerprints form roughly halfway through a normal pregnancy. Every individual has a unique set – even identical twins – which makes them an ideal way to quickly and easily establish identity.

The biological function of fingerprints remains a matter of controversy. It has long been thought that the ridges improve grip, but a recent study suggests they actually reduce friction between skin and a surface and perhaps increase the sensitivity of touch.

But not in the members of the five families so far diagnosed with adermatoglyphia – an absence of fingerprints. Eli Sprecher at Tel Aviv University, Israel, and colleagues studied three generations in one of these families and found that everyone with the condition shared a mutation in the gene SMARCAD1.
Genetic fingerprint

Gabriele Richard, who researches dermatology and genetics at genetic testing company GeneDX in Gaithersburg, Maryland, points out that the finding is unlikely to help those with adermatoglyphia to grow fingerprints – but Sprecher says there might be wider implications.

"Without this family, we simply would not know what SMARCAD1 is," he says. Studying the proteins generated by such new genes "may lead to the development of treatments for more common conditions", he says.

Journal reference: The American Journal of Human Genetics, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2011.07.004

Article by Andrew Purcell, published in the New Scientist:
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn20767-rare-genetic-mutation-explains-lack-of-fingerprints.html

Psychic reading

"Thank you for my reading. I wasn't sure what to expect from the session or whether I would come out feeling any different about my personal situation. I found the palmistry reading to be very precise and it was amazing to have a stranger tell me so many things about myself which only I knew about. Also, the reading given to me about a person I was close to was even more amazing given the fact that I gave nothing away. I have come away with a sense of purpose and hope. It left me feeling much better about myself and my hopes for a happy future. I have told everyone about my experience and hopefully they shall be able to be experience the kindness and inspiration of Amber for themselves soon. I look forward to seeing Amber again myself."

Email from private client, November 2011

God and science

Don't you just love BBC radio... Andrew Marr discusses the wonders of the universe with cosmologist Lisa Randall, evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and the Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. They explore how the latest physics may change the way we view the world; the beauty and magic of scientific reality, from rainbows and shooting starts, to our genetic ancestors, and consider whether faith has a role to play alongside science in understanding the human condition.

BBC Radio 4 Start The Week, Listen again:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b015yr4h#synopsis

The Moon

Melvyn Bragg and his guests discuss the origins, science and mythology of the moon. Humans have been fascinated by our only known satellite since prehistory. In some cultures the Moon has been worshipped as a deity; in recent centuries there has been lively debate about its origins and physical characteristics.

BBC Radio 4 In Our Time
Listen again available seven days: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b016lh15

Vera Wang perfume launch

"Thank you so much for such an interesting, insightful and helpful reading. It meant a lot and I was very glad to have waited. Lucky I was there in the morning as am sure you will  be inundated as the day wears on."

Email from guest at Vera Wang Perfume launch, St Martin's Lane Hotel, London WC2

"Thank you again.  I have to say everyone was very, very impressed and they are still talking about it today!"

Email from event organiser, Vera Wang Perfume launch, St Martin's Lane Hotel, London WC2