Latest news with #Surtees
The Sun
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Germany's ex-F1 driver Jochen Maas dies aged 78
GERMANY's former Formula One driver and Le Mans 24 Hour winner Jochen Mass died on Sunday aged 78, his family reported. Mass began his F1 career with Surtees before moving on to McLaren. Mass's sole F1 win came in Spain in 1975. But he only picked up half points for his landmark success as the race was cancelled following a crash involving his teammate Rolf Stommelen which killed several fans. In 1982 he left F1, winning the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1989. 'It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the death of Jochen Mass today following complications after a stroke in February,' his family reported.
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Former F1 driver, Le Mans winner Jochen Mass dies at 78
PARIS, May 5 — Germany's former Formula One driver and Le Mans 24 Hour winner Jochen Mass died yesterday aged 78, his family reported. Mass began his F1 career with Surtees before moving on to McLaren. Mass's sole F1 win came in Spain in 1975. But he only picked up half points for his landmark success as the race was cancelled following a crash involving his teammate Rolf Stommelen which killed several fans. In 1982 he left F1, winning the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1989. 'It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the death of Jochen Mass today following complications after a stroke in February,' his family reported. — AFP
Technical.ly
14-04-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Startups with public sector DNA compete at George Mason investor breakfast
A recent pitch event proved once again that an overwhelming number of startups in the DMV and Baltimore have ties to the federal government, either through contracts or being a former employee. Five entrepreneurs in the region on Friday got to pitch their company in front of nearly 200 people, including many investors, as part of the Accelerate Breakfast series. Companies in space technology, financial technology and veterinary medicine showed off their advancements and asked for capital. The quarterly event is in part put together by George Mason University (GMU), and is sponsored by several Virginia counties including Fairfax, Arlington and Prince William, plus big corporations like JPMorgan. This is a resurgence of a similar event in the region from the late 90s into the early 2000s, per Dave Harvey, the event's executive director. Between 2023 and 2024, capital flow was mixed across Virginia, per Paula Sorrell, the associate vice president of innovation and economic development at GMU. That makes getting founders in front of investors even more key to their success. According to the university's measurements, state funding was down by 54% and federal funding was down by 62%. Venture capital was down by 32%, but angel investing was up by 10%. 'It is even more important to do the things that we're doing,' Sorrell told the crowd. 'What we're doing here is helping to diversify the economy, and we're going to continue to move in that direction.' Keep scrolling to meet the founders who pitched, including the event's winner determined by the crowd — Baltimore veterinary medical tech firm Kubanda Cryotherapy. Kubanda Cryotherapy wins people's choice Diagnosing pets with tumors is simple, but treatment options are limited, explained cofounder and CEO Bailey Surtees. Surgeries are not always the answer, and can be pricey. That's where Kubanda Cryotherapy comes in, which produces cryotherapy technology to treat animals, she explained. This treatment has existed in human medicine for a handful of years — it's the practice of using extreme cold to get rid of damaged tissue. It's often used for pain management, arthritis and other cases. Instead of a scalpel, a needle is used to treat large and small masses, benign or malignant. Kubanda Cryotherapy sells 'CyroNeedles' to veterinarians, and they just got their patent a few weeks ago. No anesthesia needed when using this device, which is another perk, Surtees explained. 'Our favorite thing we hear from our pet parents is they don't seem to know anything happened,' Surtess said to the crowd. 'That's perfect. That's what we want.' The team has had 20 sales to date, including with rural independently owned shops and major vets. They also plan to deploy the tech at schools to make it more well known among veterinarians. Surtees and her team are raising a $2 million dollar seed round to help scale the product, she said. Tech to prevent financial crimes FraudOptics helps financial institutions, law firms and government agencies to prevent financial crimes like laundering and fraud. It provides these clients with data insights about cryptocurrency wallets including names and other identifiable information. Cryptocurrency usage has grown a lot over the last few years, and that means there's more opportunity for corruption, per former FBI financial crimes unit chief and CEO Ren McEachern. The firm is raising $2 million to build out its team in sales and marketing, and to apply resources to find more data sources. John Hrivnak, an investor at Red Cell Partners and on the panel at the Accelerate Breakfast, brought up that many people look to crypto for anonymity. 'There has to be a compromise,' McEachern told investors. He believes there is legislation incoming that will restrict anonymity when it comes to cryptocurrency wallets. 'The reality is, for the adoption, for the growth of the innovation, for all the advantages that come to a decentralized platform like cryptocurrencies,' he continued, 'you have to give up a little bit.' Boosting security in space AI driven software company Scout Space in Reston is focused on building satellite sensor technology. Satellites in orbit have spiked over the last decade, CTO Josiah Gruber explained. It's expected to keep increasing — an assessment by the Government Accountability Office says there may be 60,000 satellites in orbit by 2030. That would be a 10x increase from 2022, when there were 6,000. With this volume, there's a lack of real-time data about satellites and debris, making scaling the space industry risky, per Gruber. Scout Space is building sensors and software for self-driving satellites. It captures real time information about its surroundings and there are no humans in the loop, he said. Typically, ground sensors are used to monitor satellites. Gruber explained that's not as accurate as having sensors on satellites itself. The startup closed out 2024 with $4 million in revenue, and they are starting the business by focusing on government contracts but plan to work in commercial sectors. Five missions are lined up, per Gruber, and they've flown tech with the sensors twice. He and his team are raising money through a $4 million SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) round to build out its engineering team and nab more government contracts. Delivering data from satellites faster Space technology seems to be a hot topic in the DMV. NOVI in Arlington is a space computing company developing AI-powered satellites. It focuses on delivering data collected by satellites faster to people in the field, cofounder and president Amit Mehra explained. Satellites generate a lot of raw data, but a small fraction of that is actually useful, per Mehra. The data is also very expensive and can be dated by the time it gets to the people who need it — like GPS coordinates for a fire that's starting or tracking missiles, he said. He and his team are building their own satellites in Arlington, and the staff operates the satellites themselves. SpaceX launches the technology, per Mehra. Mehra has been primarily working with the Department of Defense since NOVI's founding in 2017, but he's now branching out into commercial uses. Two satellites are expected to launch early 2026. NOVI is raising a seed round of $3.5 million, and plans to use those funds to deploy the commercial satellites, he outlined. Imaging tech for checking packages Tysons Corner-headquartered tech firm Spectrohm specializes in internal imaging technology. It's used in inspection contexts, like in packages shipped to people by a retailer or searching bags at a concert venue. Founder and CEO Tim Cargol explained the technology isn't like an X-ray. Low frequency radio wave tech is used, and Spectrohm already has eight patents. The goal is to take out the 'stick search' labor at events requiring bag searches, to save time for people but also save money for companies. It can also be used for security — Spectrohm has contracts with the Air Force and Homeland Security for scanning cargo through the SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program. They also worked with Amazon in an innovation challenge pilot to scan returns from customers to prevent scams. Spectrohm is raising a $2.5 million SAFE round, and is gearing up to raise an $8-10 million Series A in 2026.
Telegraph
27-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
I tried a £450 hypnotherapy session to cure my fear of spiders
For as long as I can remember I have been afraid of spiders. The little ones pose no problems, but the large ones, with their fat bodies, beady eyes and long legs, fill me with dread. In late summer, when those mottled garden spiders build their expansive webs across the back garden, I fear getting a face full of arachnid. Autumn is worse, though, when giant house spiders venture indoors, on their long, sprinting legs. If I'm brave enough to catch them beneath a glass, I'll release them 100 yards down the street, so they never darken my doors again. But I'd rather not interact with them at all. I realise my fear is irrational, infantile even. I'm a 6ft 1in middle-aged male. I go camping, I go hiking, I go mountain biking through the woods. Spiders surround me at all times. So why this ridiculous arachnophobia? It's an affliction, I'm sure, inherited as a toddler from my mother, who couldn't be in the same room as a spider. It may have eased off somewhat as I've grown older, but I still harbour a deep-seated fear, which is why, when offered hypnotherapy from a specialist, I leapt at the chance. Might I finally be cured of my ridiculous arachnophobia? Using your mind The expert in question is clinical hypnotherapist Aaron Surtees, director of City Hypnosis, in central London. Pioneer of a mind programming technique he calls the 'Surtees Method', he has treated thousands of phobia sufferers during his 20-year career – the majority of them scared of public speaking. The 47-year-old also cures addictions and procrastination, helps people dispel negative thoughts, and builds confidence and self-discipline. His method combines hypnotherapy with neuro-linguistic programming 'to tap into the power of the subconscious mind, bypassing willpower entirely to reframe clients' mindsets'. Although he can't reveal details of their ailments, several celebrities have laid upon his couch, including Ant McPartlin (of TV duo Ant & Dec), the singer Paul Young, the comedian Robert Webb, singers Perrie Edwards (from Little Mix) and Ashley Roberts (from The Pussycat Dolls), and a serving British MP, who he would rather not name. He has also treated actor Mark Gatiss (famous for comedy show The League of Gentlemen) for a phobia. Again, he can't reveal details. Wrapped in cotton wool My own session with Surtees, in his small treatment room in London's Holborn district, started with a brief history of my arachnophobia. Surtees then had me lying back on his reclining armchair, with my legs extended, almost horizontal. Upholstery and a soft rug made me feel like I was wrapped in cotton wool, while the subtle lighting added to my mood of calm. Speaking to me through headphones, Surtees then started to hypnotise me. This was my first experience of hypnosis, yet, thanks to Surtees's deep, languorous, reassuring, albeit rather croaky voice, I felt totally relaxed at all times. The background sound of gently flowing water coming through the headphones enhanced the effect. My eyes were closed, and my arms and legs began to tingle, feeling heavier and heavier. Surtees encouraged me to breathe deeply, slowly counting down from ten, all the while assuring me with relaxing phrases. I didn't fall asleep, as I expected. I remained conscious for the first half of the 20-minute session, or at least I think I did. I remember Surtees asking me to imagine writing and erasing words on a blackboard; to clear my mind of unwanted images and thoughts; to imagine a deep-rooted tree growing in the soil. There was no mention of spiders until halfway through the hypnosis, and it was at this stage I think I fell unconscious. Having recorded the session on a tape recorder, I later listened back to Surtees' words. 'No fear, no worry. Calm, unaffected, comfortable, near a spider, any time, any place, anywhere,' he said to me ever so slowly. 'Confident, at ease, clear-headed, inner calm, inner peace, effortless, able to manage fear, anxiety.' Then he slowly counted me back into a conscious state. Surtees explained how he uses a method called hypnotic suggestion, based on the theories of a Scottish surgeon called James Braid, who popularised the term 'hypnosis' in the 1840s, and is considered by some the 'father of modern hypnotism'. Turn the negatives to positives Surtees says our brains are able to rewire their neural connections thanks to something called neuroplasticity. He encourages patients to change negative thoughts – such as phobias, anxiety or addiction – into positive ones. 'You may be telling yourself you're going to mess up, or fall flat on your face,' he says. 'You may have a racing heart. My hypnosis will enable you to use that adrenalin positively and to feel confident you can manage panic or anxiety.' Unlike psychotherapists, Surtees does not dwell on childhood trauma or parental influence. Not for him any sort of Freudian psychoanalysis. Instead he focuses on clear, simple suggestions of positivity. 'This takes better effect, more quickly, and lasts long term,' he adds. 'It's easier for the brain to digest.' After my session, on the way home, I certainly felt more confident as I contemplated spiders. Without anxiety, I imagined huge house spiders running across my living-room floor, even across my bedcovers. Later, back at home, I wanted to test my new-found courage. A spider had been living in a dark corner of my kitchen all winter, and I'd been eyeing it suspiciously for months. Might I have defeated my nemesis? I stood on a chair and reached up towards it, touching its web without too much trouble. Then, boldly, I tried to touch the wee beastie itself – something I would never have contemplated before my session with Surtees. Unfortunately, this proved a step too far. I baulked. I think I may need a few more sessions with my hypnotist. How to conquer your phobias The NHS splits phobias into two types: specific or simple phobias, such as the fear of spiders, snakes, heights, germs, flying and injections; and complex phobias such as agoraphobia (fear of public transport or of leaving the house) and social phobia (fear of social situations). Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, sweating, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, trembling and an upset stomach. Some phobias, such as ophidiophobia (the fear of snakes) or acrophobia (the fear of heights) have clearly evolved due to self-preservation. Others are completely irrational. Surtees says several of his clients display extreme fear of pigeons, for example. Causes of phobia Surtees says there are three main causes of phobias. 'Often a phobia is learnt in childhood from a relative,' he says. 'Arachnophobia or ophidiophobia, for example, can be passed on from mother to child.' Sometimes phobias stem from a single traumatic incident. 'Just one scary airplane flight, for example, can result in a lifelong fear of flying,' he adds. Genetics can play a role too, with agoraphobia one affliction thought to be naturally inherited by offspring from parents. Treatments for phobia Surtees uses his method of hypnotic suggestion to treat all phobias. 'While hypnotising a patient, I might say: 'You are starting to feel calmer and much more confident and positive',' he explains. 'I'll say: 'You are starting to manage anxiety and stress easily, confidently and effortlessly.' 'Hypnotic suggestion allows for a healthy, safe, natural and positive reprogramming of the mind with new patterns of behaviour, habits, thoughts and feelings. You're rooting out the weeds in your flower beds and planting new seeds that can grow into nourishing vegetables or beautiful flowers.' Other effective remedies: Write negative thoughts in a journal: 'More often than not, you'll realise the negative thoughts you're experiencing aren't true or useful.' Adopt a daily gratitude practice: 'Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for, focusing on what's good and abundant in your life.' Meditation: 'Taking deep breaths, meditate for a few minutes, engaging with the present moment.' Positive visualisation: 'Spend a few minutes a day visualising positive outcomes for your goals and challenges. Imagine yourself succeeding.' Think of empowering statements: 'Instead of 'I can't do this' or 'I will fail', say, 'I believe in myself', 'I can do this', and 'I will succeed'.'
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
I'm a hypnotherapist - this tip could help you quit smoking for good
After over a decade of long-term decline, smoking appears to be on the rise in parts of England. Researchers from University College London examined data for more than 350,000 adults in England over an 18-year period, and found that while the overall proportion of smokers has fallen nationally, progress has 'flatlined' since 2020, and smoking is now increasing in some regions. The findings, published in the journal Addiction, revealed that smoking had jumped by 10% in the south of England between 2020 and 2024, suggesting progress in the government's plans for a smoke-free country by 2030 is stalling. In the UK, smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of illness and death, accounting for around 74,000 deaths annually. And while quitting isn't easy, there are plenty of reasons to stick with a plan — smoking is linked to serious health risks like lung cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. If nicotine patches, gum or going cold turkey haven't worked for you in the past, Aaron Surtees, clinical hypnotherapist and author of the book 'Subconsciously' suggests trying visualisation techniques to help kick cravings to the curb. As a clinical hypnotherapist, he has treated many people both in and out of the public eye, including well-known names in sports, music and television. "Dubbed the 'Swish Pattern', the following technique is a powerful way to break habits like smoking," he explains, "with the idea that it can reset your brain's subconscious associations with cigarettes.' "Close your eyes and picture a place where you typically smoke," says Surtees. This could be your own garden or your local pub's smoking area. "Make the image big, bright, and vivid, imagining the smell and feel of holding a cigarette." "Next, visualise yourself as a non-smoker, with healthy skin, smoke-free confidence and breathing fresh air,' he instructs. 'Make this image small and dim in the corner of your mind." "Now, picture the small, dim version of your non-smoking self suddenly growing bigger and brighter, completely replacing the smoking self," says Surtees. "Do this fast, like a flash of light." "Repeat this practice five to ten times, making the shift faster and more seamless each time." To test if the technique works for you, Surtees says you should try recalling your old smoking trigger — "if the craving is weaker, the process is working," he says. The hypnotherapist recommends you repeat the above steps daily for at least a week to see results. Neurolinguistic Programming (or NLP) is a set of mindset techniques designed to change a person's thinking. The idea is that your thoughts, language and habits are all intrinsically connected, so by rewiring your thought patterns, you can eventually change your behaviours — whether that's quitting smoking, overcoming fears or improving your confidence with public speaking. Its origins go back to the 1970s, when it was developed by mathematician Richard Bandler and linguist John Grinder as a way to help people build and break habits more effectively. "NLP techniques work by replacing habitual thought patterns around wanting to smoke with healthier phrases such as 'I don't need to smoke or vape' and 'I am a non-smoker'," explains Surtees. Over time, he claims new thoughts and behaviours can become second nature to us: "The neural pathway in the brain no longer focuses on typical triggers to smoke or vape. Instead, the reaction is an overwhelming feeling of being free from smoking for good." While NLP has grown in popularity over the past 50 years, it's received heavy criticism from the scientific community for lacking robust, peer-reviewed evidence. Anecdotally, however, many fans of the method have found it useful for breaking bad habits, easing anxiety and achieving work-orientated goals. When it comes to nixing cigarettes, some claim that success with kicking the habit is more about developing a quitter's mindset, and less about simply relying on nicotine replacement therapies, although everyone's journey to becoming smoke-free is different. As with any addictive behaviour, alternative therapies aren't recommended as blanket replacement for medical advice from your GP, but since NLP techniques are free, safe and easy to try, it could be worth experimenting ahead of your next work break - especially if other quit methods haven't worked for you so far. Read more about quitting smoking: This is what happens to your body when you quit smoking (Yahoo Life UK, 8-min read) No Smoking Month: Top tips to help you kick the habit for good (Belfast Live, 3-min read) Why it's so hard to quit smoking - and how to boost your chances of stopping for good (Yahoo Life, 7-min read)
