In the first half, author Gary Grossman was joined by Ed Fuller who enjoyed a 40-year career as managing director of Marriott hotels. Together they discussed security threats and international incidents at hotels all over the world. Their new book, a fictional thriller, starts off when a hotel is bombed in Tokyo-- hotels, the two noted, have become ideal targets for terrorists in real life. Such establishments may have varying levels of security at different times based on possible threats, Fuller said, adding that when there is the highest level of concern, security dogs and metal detectors may be put to use.
It's important to be vigilant, Grossman stressed, being aware of your surroundings and the nearest exits, as well as practicing the adage, "if you see something, say something." Fuller offered additional security tips when checking into hotels, such as not staying higher than the 8th floor (firetruck ladders cannot reach higher than this in many cities). In one instance, bomb parts were smuggled into a hotel in Jakarta by a florist, assembled inside his shop in the hotel, and then lit off by suicide bombers. "As a result of that," said Fuller, we made sure "we had dogs in those high-risk areas that could have smelled the cordite coming in the back dock."
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Hypnotherapist Joseph Sansone has been a member of the National Guild of Hypnotists since 1997. In the latter half, he spoke about his work with bioplasticity-- the mind's ability to alter or heal the body. He described hypnosis as a deep state of relaxation that is paradoxically combined with an increased focus. During this state, people are awake and alert, but through bypassing normal sensory inputs, they can more readily access the subconscious mind for re-conditioning, he explained. Sansone dispelled several myths about hypnosis such as people can be made to do something against their will in the state.
Hypnosis, he said, can be particularly effective for conquering specific fears, such as flying, though treating such things as traumas and weight problems may require multiple sessions (Sansone recommended visiting the Guild's website to find a qualified local hypnotist). Studies show that hypnosis can help with insomnia, and improve slow wave pattern sleep by 80%, he cited. Sansone has also been giving hypnotic suggestions to his clients so that they can use their dream state to help resolve whatever issues they're working on. Interestingly, he's found that some pets can be hypnotized or put into a trance state by getting them to focus on a point, while he makes a sound vibration like OM.
News segment guests: Jeffrey Smith, Howard Bloom, Lauren Weinstein