June 1, 2006 Vol. 05 No. 06, Ed. 06    

The Near-Death Newsletter is a free monthly newsletter from www.near-death.com. The mission of this newsletter is to provide the latest news on the subject of near-death experiences and related phenomena and to promote IANDS (International Association for Near-Death Studies), near-death researchers, experiencers, events, and multimedia resources. Although this newsletter is not affiliated with IANDS, the author of this newsletter, Kevin Williams, is a member of IANDS and is dedicated to the IANDS mission. IANDS is the premier organization for near-death research. Membership gives you access to their prestigious Journal of Near-Death Studies and Vital Signs newsletter. You can join IANDS at their website.
 

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

(1) News from P.M.H. Atwater
(2) News from IANDS
(3) NDEs in the News
(4) The NDE-Sleep Study
(5) Q and A with P.M.H. Atwater
(6) New Books on the NDE
(7) IANDS in the Spotlight
(8) Odds and Ends
 

(1) News from P.M.H. Atwater

(June 1, 2006)
Dr. Atwater is back on tour promoting her latest book, Beyond the Indigo Children: The New Children and the Coming of the Fifth World. There will be a delay while she looks over her accumulated e-mail. But she will try to keep up with her correspondence. She is available for consultations, readings, talks, workshops, or her Prayer Chaplaincy service.

--- An Incredible Documentary About the New Kids
--- Memorial to Dr. William G. Reimer
--- Schedule: April 15 - The Hanover Writers Group, Mechanicsville, VA
--- Schedule: April 17-20 - Spiritual Retreat in Missouri, sponsored by
IANDS, Mercy Center, St. Louis, MO
--- Schedule: May 12-16 - Evanston, Illinois. Meeting of IANDS/Chicago

Ebook Freebies From P.M.H:

(2) News from IANDS

(June 1, 2006)
IANDS' mission is to build global understanding of near-death and near-death-like experiences through research, education, and support. IANDS' goals are (1) to encourage thoughtful exploration of all facets of near-death and near-death-like experiences; (2) to provide reliable information about near-death and near-death-like experiences to experiencers, caregivers, researchers, educators, and the public; (3) to serve as a contact point and community for people with particular interest in near-death and near-death-like experiences.
--- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Near-Death Experience"
by PMH Atwater, available from IANDS at 40% off sale price ($9.95)
http://tinyurl.com/kfxsr

--- "Expanded Version of Research Bibliography on CD-ROM"
http://tinyurl.com/z82m8

--- "IANDS Preparing Online Educational Units for Healthcare
Professionals on NDEs" http://tinyurl.com/qq74r

--- 2006 IANDS Annual Conference: "30 Years of Near-Death Experience
Research: Integrating the Past, Anticipating the Future"
http://tinyurl.com/kmajj

--- IANDS Online Store: http://iands.org/shoppingcart/

(3) NDEs in the News

Archive of NDEs in the News - Read all the major news articles concerning the NDE and related phenomena from 1995 to current. This is a permanent archive to ensure that these news articles will always be available on the internet. The Near-Death News section of this Near-Death Newsletter will soon be available in syndication so stay tuned!
-- Author's mission at local VA hospitals
http://www.kxly.com/index.php?story_id=2681

-- Human Brain Waves Control Robot
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=2002824

-- Woman With Perfect Memory Baffles Scientists
http://tinyurl.com/r6c2t

-
- "Mind over matter" no longer science fiction
http://www.physorg.com/news69039322.html

-- Signs: gifts from dead? Scientists study question; many bereaved believe
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,640185709,00.html

-- How Lena's Dream Saved Tony's Life
http://tinyurl.com/zeqt7

-- Remote viewing: The experiment that was too successful
http://www.alternativescience.com/remote_viewing.htm
          - A National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book:
            http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB54/
          - The Scientific and Spiritual Implications of Psychic Abilities
            http://www.espresearch.com/espgeneral/doc-AT.shtml

-- Woman Hit By Lightning While Praying
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/9293414/detail.html

-- Lightning kills 5 Mexican children in prayer
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12467604/?GT1=7938

--
Woman visiting husband's grave killed by own car
http://www.azcentral.com/offbeat/articles/0501cemetery-death01-ON.html
 


(4) The NDE-Sleep Study

Timeline of Biological NDE Explanations
1955 - Temporal Lobe stimulation might explain the NDE.
Penfield, W. 1955. “The Role of the Temporal Cortex in Certain Psychical Phenomena.” Journal of Mental Science 101: 451–465.
1958 - Hypercarbia might explain the NDE.
Meduna, L. J. 1958. "Carbon Dioxide Therapy: A Neurophysiological Treatment of Nervous Disorders". 2nd Ed. Springfield, IL, Charles C. Thomas.
1966 - Ego regression might explain the NDE.
Prince, R., and Savage, C. 1966. "Mystical States and the Concept of Regression." Psychedelic Review, 8, 59-75.
1971 - Freudian reductionism might explain the NDE.
Rank, O. 1971. "The Double: A Psychoanalytic Study." Chapel Hill, NC: University of North Carolina Press.
1972 - Life-threatening situations might explain the NDE.
Noyes, R., and R. Kletti. 1972. “The Experience of Dying from Falls.” Omega 3: 45–52.
1976 - Depersonalization might explain the NDE.
Noyes, R., Jr., and Kletti, R. 1976a. "Depersonalization in the Face of Life-Threatening Danger: A Description". Psychiatry, 39, 19-27.
1978 - Anoxia might explain the NDE.
Halgren, E., R. D. Walter, D. G. Cherlow, and P. H. Crandall. 1978. “Mental Phenomena Evoked by Electrical Stimulation of the Human Hippocampal Formation and Amygdala." Brain 101: 83–117.
1978 - Enkephalin might explain the NDE.
Frenk, H., B. C. McCarty, and J. C. Liebeskind. 1978. “Different Brain Areas Mediate the Analgesic and Epileptic Properties of Enkephalin.” Science 200: 335–337.
1979 - Birth-recall models might explain the NDE.
Sagan, C. 1979. "Broca's Brain: Reflections on the Romance of Science". New York, NY: Random House.
1980 - Psychological response to death might explain the NDE.
Badham, Paul. 1980. "Death-bed Visions and the Christian Hope." Theology, 83, 269-275 (pp.270-271).
1981 - Endorphins might explain the NDE.
Carr, D. 1981. “Endorphins at the Approach of Death.” Lancet (February 14): 390.
1984 - Drug-induced hallucinations might explain the NDE.
Rogo, D. S. 1984. "Ketamine and the Near-Death Experience". Anabiosis: The Journal of Near-Death Studies, 4, 87-96.
1986 - Oxygen deprivation might explain the NDE.
Rogo, D. Scott. 1986. "Life After Death: The Case for Survival of Bodily Death." Wellingborough: Aquarian Press, pp.74-75.
1988 - Cortical disinhibition might explain the NDE.
Blackmore, S. J., and T. Troscianko. 1988. “The Physiology of the Tunnel.” Journal of Near-Death Studies 8: 15–28.
1989 - Abnormal temporal lobe firings might explain the NDE.
Saavedra-Aguilar, J. C., and J. S. Gomez-Jeria. 1989. “A Neurobiological Model for Near-Death Experiences.” Journal of Near-Death Studies 7: 205–222.
1989 - The serotonin model might explain the NDE.
Morse, M. L. et al. 1989. Comments on "A Neurobiological Model for Near-Death Experiences". Journal of Near-Death Studies, 7, 223-228.
1990 - Anoxia might explain the NDE.
Whinnery, J. E. 1990. “Acceleration-Induced Loss of Consciousness: A Review of 500 Episodes.” Archives of Neurology 47: 764–776.
1992 - Neuroplasticity might explain the NDE.
Mauro, J. 1992. "Bright Lights, Big Mystery." Psychology Today, July 1992.
1992 - Neurological/chemical response might explain the NDE.
Smythies, J. R. 1992. "On the Dying Brain Hypothesis of NDEs." Psi Researcher, 7: 2-3 (p.2).
1993 - The experience of selflessness might explain the NDE.
Blackmore, S. J. 1993. "Dying to Live: Science and the Near-Death Experience". London: Grafton.
1993 - Non-epileptic seizures might explain the NDE.
Appleton, R. E. 1993. “Reflex Anoxic Seizures.” British Medical Journal 307: 214–215.
1994 - Hyperventilation followed by valsalva maneuver might explain the NDE.
Lempert, T., Bauer, M., Schmidt, D. 1994. "Syncope and Near-Death Experience." Lancet; 344:829-830.
1995 - The memory of birth might explain the NDE.
Sagan, C. 1995. "The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark", New York: Random House.
1997 - The ketamine model might explain the NDE.
Jansen, K. L. R., 1997. "The Ketamine Model of the Near-Death Experience: A Central Role for the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor. Journal of Near-Death Studies, 16, 5-26.
1997 - Hallucinations might explain the NDE.
Blackmore, S. 1991. "Near-Death Experiences: In or Out of the Body?" Skeptical Inquirer, 16, pp. 34-45
1997 - Limbic lobe dysfunction might explain the NDE.
Guevara, Patricia and Sotelo, Julio. 1997. Letter: "Could Endorphins Participate in the Limbic Pathways Responsible for NDEs After Acute Cerebral Hypoxia? Journal of Near-Death Studies,15(3):225-226 (Spring).
1998 - Darwin's theory of evolution might explain the NDE.
Murphy, M. 1998. "On Evolution and Transformative Practice." In Rothberg, D. and Kelley, S. (eds.) Ken Wilber in Dialogue. Wheaton, IL: Quest.
2001 - DMT-induced hallucinations might explain the NDE.
2002 - Shamanic experiences might explain the NDE.
2004 - The neurotransmitter agmatine might explain the NDE.
Thomas, S. 2004. "Agmatine and Near-Death Experiences". Online article.
2004 - Temporal lobe epilepsy might explain the NDE.
Britton, W. B., Bootzin, R. R. 2004. "Near-Death Experiences and the Temporal Lobe." Psychological Science.
2005 - The compression of the optic nerve might explain the NDE.
Woerlee, G. M., 2005. "Mortal Minds - The Biology of Near-Death Experiences." Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2005.
2006 - REM intrusion might explain the NDE.
Nelson, Mattingly, Lee, Schmitt. 2006. "Does the Arousal System Contribute to Near Death Experience? Neurology 2006; 66:1003-1009.
2011 - No matter what Body problem it is, the mind will transcend it.

(5) Q and A with P.M.H. Atwater, L.H.D.
An in-depth look at the near-death phenomenon

In this section of the newsletter, P.M.H. Atwater, will answer questions submitted to her from subscribers to this newsletter. Atwater's contribution to near-death studies is considered to be one of the most important as her first two books, Beyond the Light and Coming Back to Life, are considered to be the "Bibles" of the NDE by researchers and enthusiasts. If you have a question that you would like her to answer for this column, just email your question to Kevin Williams at http://www.near-death.com/contact.html for consideration.
  Links of Interest:
  P.M.H. Atwater's Column Archives
  The Official Site of P.M.H. Atwater: www.pmhatwater.com
  P.M.H. Atwater's Marketplace (a public service)
  P.M.H. Atwater's Research on near-death.com

(6) New Books on the NDE

  At the Near-Death Online Store you can find NDE products such as books, documentaries, movies, music, magazines, and journals. More NDE media products are coming.

(7) IANDS in the Spotlight

IANDS Annual Conference Presentations
(available formats: CD-ROM, audio cassette, and downloadable MP3s)
   2006 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/index.php
   2005 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/2005_VAbeach_conf.html
   2004 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/2004_chicago_conf.html
   2003 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/2003_honolulu_conf.html
   2002 IANDS Annual Conference : not available
   2001 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/2001_seattle_conf.html
   2000 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/2000_philadelphia_conf.html
   1999 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/1999_vancouver_conf.html
   1998 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/1998_salt_lake_city_conf.html
   1997 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/1997_san_antonio_conf.html
   1996 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/1996_oakland_conf.html
   1995 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/1995_hartford_conf.html
   1994 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/1994_san_antonio_conf.html
   1993 IANDS Annual Conference : http://iands.org/conference/1993_saint_louis_conf.html
Other IANDS Multimedia Products
    IANDS NDE Research Resources: http://iands.org/resources.php
    IANDS Comprehensive NDE Bibliography: http://iands.org/bibcd.html
    IANDS Selected NDE Bibliography: http://iands.org/bib.html
    Free NDE Brochures (PDFs):       http://iands.org/brochures.html
    The Journal of NDE Studies:        http://iands.org/pubs/jnds/index.php
    Vital Signs Newsletter:                https://www.iands.org/pubs/vs/index.php
    The Complete Idiots Guide to NDEs:  http://iands.org/bib.html#cig

(8) Odds and Ends

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Copyright © 2007 Near-Death Experiences and the Afterlife

 
Recommended
NDE Books
On Life After Death
by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
This is the world-famous best-seller by the woman who popularized the field of thanatology as a subject for general social commentary.
Life After Life
by Raymond Moody
Dr. Moody investigated more than 100 case studies of people who experienced an NDE and in 1975 published this best-seller.
Mindsight
by Kenneth Ring, et al.
Dr. Ring and associates investigated the astonishing claim that blind persons, including those blind from birth, can actually "see" during an NDE . They present their findings in scrupulous detail and include fascinating case histories.
Where God Lives
by Melvin Morse
Dr. Morse presents the scientific evidence of life after death which is being overlooked by skeptics such as the existence of a location in our brains that communicates with God and the universe.
Light and Death
by Michael Sabom
Dr. Sabom combined scientific research and dramatic narrative in the first book to seriously explore the relationship between the NDE and traditional Christian experience.
Lessons from the Light
by Kenneth Ring, Evelyn Elsaesser Valarino
An outstanding book that presents intriguing evidence to support the theory that NDEs are an authentic, objective experience, and not the hallucination of a dying brain.
Blessing in Disguise
by Barbara Rommer
Even the most horrifying NDEs are a spiritual wake-up call that causes the person to stop, look back, and review past choices which makes it the ultimate learning experience.
My Descent Into Death
by Howard Storm
An atheistic professor dies, goes to hell, is rescued by Jesus, is shown the future, returns to life, then becomes a minister.
Ordered to Return
by George Ritchie
This is the profound NDE testimony which inspired Raymond Moody to begin his groundbreaking research of the NDE.
Embraced by the Light
by Betty Eadie
A woman describes one of the most detailed and profound NDE ever documented and becomes a New York Times bestseller.
When Ego Dies
by Diane Corcoran, et al
A compilation of NDE and mystical conversion experiences described in their very own words.
After The Light
by Kimberly Clark Sharp
Kimberly's profound life-changing NDE led her to conclude that death is not to be fear; therefore, a life without fear can be lived to the fullest.
Love Is The Link
by Pamela Kircher
A seasoned hospice doctor shares her experience of near-death and dying in this unique and deeply moving book.
The Truth In The Light
by Peter & Elizabeth Fenwick
One of the world's foremost NDE experts conducted a thorough study of more than 300 NDEs and presents his analysis.
Journey Of Souls
by Michael Newton
A hypnotherapist regressed clients back to a point in time between past lives -- the time before birth and after death -- to discovery what happens after death.
Hello From Heaven
by Bill & Judy Guggenheim
This is the "Bible" of the after-death communication (ADC) phenomenon and the groundbreaking study in the field.
Saved By The Light
by Dannion Brinkley, Paul Perry
Brinkley recounts how his own NDEs brought him before 13 angelic instructors in the "cathedral of knowledge" where he was given visions of the future.
Closer To The Light
by Melvin Morse, Paul Perry
One of the best books on the NDEs of children by a renowned pediatrician and leader in the field of NDE research.
The Place We Call Home
by Robert Grant
"This is the handbook we need to help us prepare for the realms to come." -- George Ritchie, Jr., M.D., author of Return from Tomorrow
Nothing Better Than Death
by Kevin Williams
"If I lived a billion years more, in my body or yours, there's not a single experience on Earth that could ever be as good as being dead. Nothing." - quote from Dr. Dianne Morrissey
God At The Speed Of Light
by T. Lee Baumann
Learn how quantum physics, NDE research, and religious studies share a common central theme: the god-like nature of light.
Otherworld Journeys
by Carol Zaleski
Drawing on modern and historical examples, Carol Zaleski argues that the "otherworld vision" is a key to understanding imaginative and religious experience in general.
The Near-Death Experience: Mysticism or Madness
by Judith Cressy
An examination of three experiencers and their NDEs, including Howard Storm, which makes the case that NDEs are indeed mystical experiences and not "craziness" or brain anomalies as some skeptics claim.
Journeys Beyond Life
by Arvin Gibson
The complete case studies of 32 NDEs, including that of Howard Storm, are provided and includes research statistics for 68 NDEs, together with significant conclusions resulting from analysis of the statistical data. Arvin Gibson was one of the leading researchers in the NDE field.