People are very bad at estimating probability or understanding chance and randomness. Such innumeracy could well explain much of the phenomena currently treated as paranormal. This article, adapted from ones appearing in New Scientist and the Auckland Star deals with the illusions of probability that lead to claims of psychic powers.

A couple have had five girls in a row. What is their next baby likely to be? (a) boy, (b) girl, (c) either equally likely.

The Associated Press recently ran an item with interesting implications. Datelined Washington, the story (Christchurch Star, May 4) told of efforts by a panel of geneticists to obtain for analysis samples of cell material from Abraham Lincoln. Because Lincoln was shot, bits of his brain, with samples of blood and hair, were preserved from the surgeons' attempt to save his life.

Information provided by Nelson clairvoyants about the disappearance of a 21-year-old man seven months ago in the Abel Tasman National Park has proved fruitless.

The symbol of infinity is the emblem of those Extraterrestrials who created Mankind using DNA and genetic engineering. The original Hebrew biblical text refers to them as ELOHIM (those who come from the sky) mistranslated in english by the word "GOD". This explanation of the mystery of God and Life is a part of the Apocalypse (Apocalypse in Greek means Revelation) which has been announced by the prophets of all religions. The Elohim would like to be welcomed officially in an Embassy we will build for them on earth.

The Gaia hypothesis is still being debated in scientific circles, but has been enthusiastically embraced by the environmental movement. The question is, is it appropriate to propose a planetary consciousness for Gaia, the Earth Goddess, or is it of more interest as an ecological construct?

Gaia is alive and well in New Zealand, as the following abridged Department of Conservation report shows. It was prepared for a meeting of the Engineers for Social Responsibility by DOC botanist Philip Simpson. The full report is available from DOC.

Denis Dutton travelled up the Sepik River in New Guinea earlier this year to study tribal carving. He couldn't resist teaching the locals a few tricks.

Is a high-fibre, cholesterol-free, non-dairy diet the answer to one's health problems? It may be for some, but for others it can pose a downright danger.

By KINGSLEY FIELD and FIONA BARBER

An attempt at chiropractic consultancy in Southland schools didn't do too well after their dubious practices were debated by the local community.

It's beginning! I have long wondered when our health system would give in to public demands for fringe medicine, and I see that the West Auckland Health District has appointed a part-time naturopath offering alternative or complementary methods for the treatment of smoking, alcohol misuse and high blood pressure and including nutritional advice. This at a time when the Board's own nutrition services are struggling for funding.

Zealand Publishing House, Tauranga

by Peter Neville; Sidgwick & Jackson, 1991; $24.95

by Carole Potter. Michael O'Mara Books. $39.95.

The following is a letter dated May 11, 1991 from magician James "The Amazing" Randi to friends, sympathisers, and the skeptical community. It came to us via the international skeptics computer bulletin board.

Even the most republican-minded skeptic must admit that monarchical feelings sometimes have their uses. New Zealand was recently visited by Jacqueline Stallone. She arrived in a blaze of publicity, widely airing her views on astrology and other psychic matters.

In August 1989, the Christchurch Press published two articles from The Economist which were highly critical of "scientific" creationists and their "discipline". The articles sparked a correspondence under the heading "Evolution", which attained Guinness Record proportions — 118 letters, involving 52 correspondents over 86 days.