Tags: Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, Meryl Streep, movie
Iron Lady Posted on January 31st, 2012
Everyone should see the movie Iron lady. Not just people who admire actress Meryl Streep but people who know remember former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher – Iron Lady. In the seventies, I faintly remember the state of chaos in Britain, the precursor for Margaret Thatcher’s arrival at number 10 Downing Street. Labor unions were demanding unrealistic wage increases, more people than necessary were engaged in performing menial jobs and tea-breaks and feather bedding was the order of the day. Margaret Thatcher was a shop-keeper’s daughter. She knew from an early age that you could only spend as much as you earned. Margaret Thatcher’s political career has been one of the most remarkable of modern times. Born in October 1925 at Grantham, a small town in eastern England, she rose to become the first (and for two decades the only) woman to lead a major Western democracy. She won three successive General Elections and served as British Prime Minister for more than eleven years, a record unmatched in the twentieth century. Let’s hear it for woman power!
With dogged determination, during her term of office Thatcher reshaped almost every aspect of British politics, reviving the economy, reforming outdated institutions, and reinvigorating the nation’s foreign policy. One of few women in the British House of Commons, she challenged and did much to overturn the psychology of decline which had become rooted in the country since the Second World War, pursuing national recovery with striking energy and determination.
Margaret Thatcher became one of the worlds’ most influential and respected political leaders, as well as one of the most controversial, dynamic, and plain-spoken, a reference point for friends and enemies alike. The Iron Lady is the subject of a controversial new film starring Meryl Streep. The film, is shown through the lens of an elderly and nostalgic Margaret Thatcher, and tells the story of her rise and fall in British parliament through a series of flash-backs. Streep’s performance is so compelling, that you almost believe, that you are witnessing the actual Margaret Thatcher on the screen. Lady Thatcher, now age 87, increasingly frail and forgetful after suffering a series of minor strokes, lives out her declining years in her elegant home in London’s Belgravia district. I wonder what she would think of the film?
Tags: Pico Iyer, quiet, relaxation
A Quiet Weekend Posted on January 24th, 2012
Have you been longing for a quiet weekend? Are you hankering to unplug and get away from electronic input? You are not alone. It seems that more and more people are taking breaks from the constant distraction of emails, texts, tweets, postings, faxes and the flat screen. Life is precious, and if it does not rejuvenate, it must be adjusted to create the balance we all crave. People in large numbers are turning to yoga, tai chi, Pilates, and other forms of exercise that include a meditative perspective. My favorite sans-electronic get-a-way is boating. A quiet afternoon on my boat, feeds my soul. I know people that adhere to a “laptop shut” policy at 5pm. When they get home, they make a commitment to leave i-Phones and Blackberrys in a basket by the front door, and conversation is the order of the day at the dinner table. Our high-tech and high-speed lives leave little time for human interaction. One of my favorite authors, Pico Iyer wrote eloquently about electronic input and the choices that people are now making: long walks without cell phones, visits to museums and libraries, pursuits like golf, cross-country skiing and sailing that require focus and a connection with the healing powers of nature. Such choices are becoming more and more necessary in our electronic age. Much of the stress about which we complain, is related to the never-ending barrage from our techno world. But would anyone want to trade it for the horse and buggy or the plough?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/opinion/sunday/the-joy-of-quiet.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all
Tags: Al Roker, bypass surgery, Degestive Lymphatic Hormonal, DLH, Mystery Novelist, weight problems
Al Roker – Mystery Novelist Posted on December 15th, 2011
America’s favorite weatherman has just released a new book The Morning Show Murders: A Novel. This is the first in a planned series of murder mysteries for Al Rocker. His recent interview with Piers Morgan was quite revealing. Who knew that Roker had invoked the murder-mystery muse – in a prolific way! Roker, went under the knife for bypass surgery in 2002, and he shed 100 pounds. But he still claims to have “challenges” with weight and why wouldn’t he? As a medical intuitive, I can often intuitively sense the potential causes of weight problems. All of my “Body Knows” books are focused on the fascinating subject of medical intuition. Al Roker and many African Americans like him (to use my “system type” analysis) is a Digestive Lymphatic Hormonal type (DLH). DLH types don’t tolerate milk or milk-based products because they lack the digestive enzymes to break down the proteins found in milk. Even Lactaid milk remains “intolerant” to them. Dairy products, in some people, tend to affect the lymph system and trigger histamine reactions that could contribute to fluid retention – thus increasing weight. Along with falling into this DLH category, Al Rocker would benefit significantly from specific hormone balancing, now that he is “of a certain age.” And, has anyone identified his thyroid imbalance? I see that as a significant factor in Roker’s continued weight challenges. Nice man, good for him – being a writer is fun!
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2009-11-23-roker23_CV_N.htm
Tags: Barack Obama, Blagojevich, Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, Rod R. Blagojevich
Bad Blagojevich Posted on December 6th, 2011
Justice was served when former Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich found out that lying does not pay. Blagojevich was indicted on charges of political corruption and now faces a 17 year prison sentence. He is charged with attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat that was vacated by then President-elect Barack Obama. This “pay to play” scheme stood to net Blagojevich and his cronies, a new job and plenty of perks. The combative Blagojevich brazenly declared his innocence right up to the day of reckoning. He now faces 16 felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy and lying to federal agents. The fallout from Blagojevich’s lack of judgment is far reaching – 17 years of incarceration, loss of home and status, possible implication for his wife Patti, and humiliation for his two daughters to endure. But what does the Blagojevich story have to do with health? A lot! The body knows when you are lying and so does everyone else. There is a certain “energy” emitted from the body when you are emotionally clear or conversely, “clouded” with deception. There is a certain level of health that is the natural by-product of balance or homeostasis. If you lie, your body becomes weak, and so does your immune system. On a larger scale, lying has global consequences – famine, poverty, corruption, violence, war are all consequences of lies, from the top down. Do the right thing! Square with your conscience! Don’t lie; tell the truth – even if it hurts. People make mistakes, and own up to them, that takes courage but wins respect. Bad Blagojevich is now reaping what he has sown – 17 years behind bars because he forgot what his parents taught him – tell the truth!
http://articles.latimes.com/2009/apr/03/nation/na-blagojevich3
Tags: Marie Noe, Post Partum depression
Post Partum Depression Hopelessly Unchecked Posted on December 3rd, 2011
Marie Noe, the notorious woman accused of killing eight of her ten children, is now 81 years old. Between 1949 and 1968, Marie Noe and her husband Arthur, lost 10 of their children, all 14 months of age, or younger. Two died of apparent natural causes, the rest died at the hands of their mother, when Noe, admitted to smothering eight of her babies over a 19-year period. In a 12-hour interview with police in March 1998, the then 71-year-old woman gave details of her crimes:
“He was always crying. He couldn’t tell me what was bothering him. He just kept crying. . . . There was a pillow under his face . . . I took my hand and pressed his face down into the pillow until he stopped moving,” Noe said of the murder of her first born, Richard, who was only a month old.
She killed again two years later, giving police these details of her daughter Elizabeth’s demise:
“She was in the bassinet. I put her on her back, and then I took a pillow from the bed and put the pillow over her face and suffocated her. She was fussing. Elizabeth was a lot stronger than Richard was, and she was fighting when the pillow was over her face. I held the pillow over her face until she stopped moving.”
What makes a mother kill her own children? Noe did not give insight to this terrible question.
Noe was sentenced to five years house arrest and 20 years probation, with the justification that she must be studied by experts so that society can understand, and perhaps prevent women killing their own children. There was no conclusive information following the psychological investigation in 2001, more than two years after Noe’s conviction.
Post Partum depression is very real. Anyone having eight babies in rapid succession is bound to have endocrine imbalances. Psychologists were quick to study Marie Noe’s psychological profile, but did anyone take a look at her hormone or nutritional deficiencies? It is well known that low-levels of progesterone can manifest as depression. In the U.K., all post partum women are prescribed 90 days of progesterone as a prophylactic measure to prevent the occurrence of post-partum depression. For women in general, more focus on hormone imbalance is necessary. Women are often prescribed anti-depressants when a simple hormone evaluation should be done along with conventional treatment. Marie Noe’s case is isolated and scary. Clearly, what she did is a heinous crime. But she is not the first woman who has rejected, or even killed a child in the throes of depression following delivery.
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Mother-Who-Killed-8-Babies-Dying-in-Philly-83473587.html
Tags: celiac disease, gluten, gluten intolerance
Gluten-Free Goes Big! Posted on November 28th, 2011
After 30 years in the food-allergy business, it’s nice to see big food giants on the gluten-free bandwagon. From my observation, almost 90% of the population over the age of 50, has gluten intolerance, not celiac disease (which afflicts 1 in 250 people) but intolerance, which means a negative reaction to wheat flour products. This is the result of over-consumption or over-exposure to wheat, said to be “the staff of life.” Gluten intolerance can manifest as digestive issues, bowel issues, poor absorption, foggy thinking, fatigue, arthritis and inflammation. Avoiding wheat just makes good sense. Barley, oats and rye also contain gluten but, unless a person is full-blown celiac, these grains rarely cause reactions, thanks to infrequent exposure. General Mills and other packaged food producers are aware of the increasing interest in gluten-free products. Ten years ago, products made from rice, sorghum, tapioca and even manioc root were impossible to find. Now it is a different matter. In the last three years General Mills, makers of Cheerios, Betty Crocker and the Pillsbury Doughboy, has slapped gluten-free labels on over 300 products. Amy’s Kitchen, Glutino, Bob’s Red Mill and Udi’s Gluten Free Foods are reporting incredible growth. Notice the Gluten-Free Expo, recently held in Utah, where nearly 6,000 people attended the no-wheat Mecca. Nice to see food companies, finally, catering to our needs. It’s a big, ready, market, and a trend that is not going away any time soon. Should we all go gluten-free – you bet!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/27/magazine/Should-We-All-Go-Gluten-Free.html?pagewanted=all
Tags: Lady Gaga, Thanksgiving
Lady Gaga Drops Jaws Posted on November 25th, 2011
There is no question that Lady Gaga is one of the most creative young women on the planet but did she go too far with her Thanksgiving Special on ABC last night? We stare in wide-eyed wonder at her outrageous costumes and over-the-top, ankle twister shoes, but was the flesh-colored dildo microphone really necessary? Young and old alike are intrigued with the real “Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta” otherwise known as Gaga. Even my 3-year-old grandson knows about Lady Gaga when he exclaims, “Lady Gaga in Mommy’s car, Lady Gaga in Mommy’s car.” Every time Gaga’s hit “Born This Way” rolls off the airwaves. But apparently the flesh colored, sex-toy mic had a few jaws dropping – as far away as India!
In more ways than one, the world has gone Gaga! Barney’s, the tony, upscale NYC retailer recently launched a “12 Days of Gaga” promotion, with different limited-edition items ranging from jewelry to candy and toys available each day at “Gaga’s Workshop.” A set of acrylic Gaga rings is priced at $18, while $285 will get you a pair of spiked, leather, fingerless gloves. For those in a seasonal mood, there’s a 21-inch stiletto boot-style holiday stocking for $65. And a generous 25 percent of sales generated by Gaga extravaganza will go toward the singer’s “Born This Way” foundation, which focuses on youth issues such as self-esteem and anti-bullying – all very noble.
In my work as a medical intuitive, I see a lot of people who are out of alignment as far as their creativity is concerned. Creativity keeps us young, healthy and engaged. Take a leaf out of Gaga’s book – switch on those creative juices, but puleeze – leave the flesh colored dildo at home!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/celebritology/post/lady-gaga-titillates-india-with-microphone-choice/2011/11/01/gIQA8gjucM_blog.htmll
Tags: family, loss, November 11, Veteran's Day
Remember Veteran’s Day Posted on November 11th, 2011
Today is November 11th – Veteran’s Day. This is a time that we gather to think about those who have served in the call of duty to defend our country and other countries around the world. Wars have impacted my family in deep and lasting ways. During World War I, my great-aunt lost 2 brothers and her beloved fiancé. The shock and trauma she suffered affected her so deeply that she never recovered. My maternal grandfather was a “gunner” the same war. Like so many other young British soldiers, he was tragically killed leaving my grandmother to fend for herself and raise 2 small children. I can’t imagine the depths of pain she endured.
My father, a surgeon in the British Royal Navy during World War II, was aboard a naval destroyer chasing down German U-Boats when his ship was torpedoed. He was the last man off the ship as the raging, bitter cold waters of the North Atlantic nearly capsized their lifeboat. Imagine his fear, imagine his terror. These are just a few examples of how war affects people’s lives. We have much to be thankful for in our own lives. Think of the freedoms that we enjoy. This is a day to reflect on what sacrifices others have made on our behalf. We are free. Other’s around the world are less fortunate.
Tags: wheat, wheat allergy
Wheat is not the Staff of Life Posted on October 30th, 2011
You have heard the expression that wheat is “the staff of life” and a must-have in everyone’s diet. I thought so too until it was discovered at age 39 that I was highly wheat intolerant. At the time I made homemade wheat bread for my family and being the daughter of a dietitian, I added wheat to my family’s meals and snacks where ever possible. Once my wheat allergy was discovered, my weight dropped, my arthritis went away and my “foggy thinking” cleared up. I was a new woman. As a medical intuitive and health educator I have been preaching the “evils of wheat” for years. But it is nice to have the medical validation. So here it is in black and white from an expert – wheat is a no-no. Next to dairy products in my opinion, wheat ranks a close second on the major food allergen culprit list. If you want to lose weight, stop snoring, stop joint stiffness, improve breathing and digestive problems – stop the wheat! This article link is verification of what I have known and taught for years.
http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/09/20/on-the-evils-of-wheat-why-it-is-so-addictive-and-how-shunning-it-will-make-you-skinny/
Tags: Apple, cancer, pancreas, pancreatic, Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs Leaves a Legacy Posted on October 12th, 2011
I was moved by the recent death of Steve Jobs founder of Apple Computers. I have watched many of his speeches where he would unveil the latest i-inventions. He was a genius who helped usher in the era of the personal computer and led a cultural transformation in mobile communications and music for the masses. But for years, Jobs battled pancreatic cancer a condition that is not known for positive outcomes. Steve lived longer than most with the best treatments available to him.
Over the years, as I watched some of his public appearances I could not help but notice how depleted he looked. As a medical intuitive (a person who has the gift of insight around the physical body) I knew that he needed digestive enzymes. Dr. Nicholas Gonzales a New York based physician who specializes in pancreatic cancer uses high doses of digestive enzymes in his treatment protocol.
One of Steve Jobs friends and mentors was Dr. Dean Ornish famous for his approach to age-related disease namely heart disease using an almost-vegetarian diet. In my opinion, that would not have been the right approach for Steve Jobs. Often a diet that contains a preponderance of whole grain and beans can be indigestible for some people – notably Steve Jobs. Because iron can be low and fatigue can be an issue for many cancer patients, I would have suggested several weekly meals containing organic red meat. This would supported Jobs with added iron and B vitamins thus increasing stamina. I would have also suggested that Mr. Jobs research IPT (insulin potentiation therapy) low-dose, targeted chemotherapy without side effects. Then I would have also suggested intravenous vitamin C and other mega vitamin infusions otherwise known as Meyer’s Cocktails. Might these forms of treatments have saved Mr. Jobs? We will never know but they would have been worth investigating. Steve Jobs fought a brave fight against his cancer but in my opinion, I am saddened by the fact no one recognized that he needed to build his own body’s defenses to do so.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/06/business/steve-jobs-of-apple-dies-at-56.html