The recent revelations that the United States President's wife consults astrologers in scheduling important presidential events have embarrassed the U.S. Yet this startling discovery reveals only the tip of the iceberg. Throughout the world people make investments, change jobs, select their mates, and seek medical treatment on the basis of astrological forecasts. Virtually everyone knows the "sun sign" under which he or she was born. Yet very few people understand the origins and tenets of this ancient practice. Especially disturbing is the fact that according to a 1986 Gallup poll, 52 percent of teenagers polled accept astrology as true.

President Reagan has made executive decisions, including the scheduling of a missile treaty signing, based on advice his wife received from an astrologer, according to sources close to the Reagans.

Several members have kindly sent in a copy of Irene's advertisement in the Listener. We have decided not to reproduce it because it will be familiar to many. However, member DJ. Ibell of Birkenhead followed up the advertisement, writing for details of Irene's abilities as a crime sleuth. We are very grateful for this kind of follow-up, it is just the sort of thing needed to keep the society vigorous and challenging. He has kindly sent me the results of his letter.

Astrological betting systems which claim to win on Lotto are bunkum, according to a group which investigates the unexplained.

Reprinted from June 1987 issue of University of Edinburgh Graduates Journal

Radio Clairvoyant: Mary Fry's Own Story (Grantham House, $14.95).

For most individuals the result of a consultation with a psychic is a good laugh. But some get hurt.

The New Zealand Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (Inc.) seeks nominations for its annual journalism/media awards for 1987-1988. Awards will be presented at the annual meeting of the Committee, held this year at the University of Auckland, August 20-21.

Extract From Act of God by F. Tennyson Jesse, a novel published in the 1930's.

During the past few days the world's soothsayers have been trotting out their annual predictions for the year ahead, ranging from massive flooding of low-lying New Zealand to the death of Cuban leader Fidel Castro by swallowing a giant insect. But psychics and stargazers have taken a battering over the accuracy of their predictions — we have been waiting two years for AIDS to claim a world leader for example — with little to commend astral messages.

I have been reading Neil Postman's Amusing Ourselves to Death (Methuen 1987) and very interesting it is too. Postman takes some vicious swipes at Television; although tolerant of Dynasty, Dallas and Sledge Hammer he is unrelenting in his condemnation of its 'best' programmes. His main point is that TV is killing off our abilities to think and express ourselves logically. I will summarise briefly; to catch the full flavour of Postman's invective you will have to read the book.

Head, Department of Geology, University of Newcastle.

The first two NZCSICOP conferences enjoyed such success that they are difficult acts to follow ... but our third conference may prove the most lively of all.