Though we initially declined to mention it, a subject came up on our Comments page that we must now address. See http://www.randi.org/joom/swift/that-silly-doctor-is-back-2.html

Dr. Richard Boylan, Past President of the Valley Psychological Association and formerly Mental Health Director of Calaveras County, California, has been found guilty of gross negligence and misconduct with patients. As a consequence, and based on a two-year investigation of inappropriate behavior, the State has revoked both his license to practice and his clinical social worker license. His practice, consisting of marriage, family, and child counseling, is now shut down.

At http://www.randi.org/joom/swift/weird-exchange-2.html you met Dr. Richard Boylan, a woo-woo artist who at least we cannot accuse of resting on his laurels, because reader Mogens Winther informs us that this PhD now offers a new scenario that establishes his claim to championship in the field. Writes Mr. Winther:

Apparently, this orb-loving Dr. Boylan runs a webpage – impressively – which tells about yet another Disaster from Heaven:

Swift reader Malcom Dodd (and others) brought this wonderful bit of activism to our attention:

Dear Mr Randi

I am sure that you will be interested in this http://www.justgiving.com/atheistbus/ and http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7681914.stm

£51,000 raised in one day (in the time that I have taken to write this the total has risen to £51,850), that is enough for ads on 300 London buses for four weeks!

From reader Mogens Winther, a teacher of physics, astronomy and maths in Sønderborg, Denmark, comes this item, which invoked his brief comment: “Stupidity never stops.” Somone named “Geri” wrote to “UFO Facts” – at UFOFacts@yahoogroups.com – with an inquiry:

Subject: Orbs or raindrops???

Dr. Boylan,

We had a severe storm here last night in Central Florida. It was worse than any storm I have every experienced (with the possible exception of a few big hurricanes). The energy was palpable and the dark cloud cover made it look like night. We had over 2,000 lightening [sic] strikes in one hour (lots of energy), along with rain and hail.

I went outside and took a photo. When I looked at it, it resembled the Orb photos. I was on the front porch and there was no water on my lense [sic] and no hail falling. I have attached the photo and I would like to know... Is this my first photo of Orbs? or are these just raindrops?

I appreciate your expertice [sic].