Ver to begin, mein heers und fraus. I'm a tad bit reluctant to defend JFM; he's more than capable of doing so, himself.

Seems to me, it would be the other lurking readers of these posts, (if there are in actuality, any left!), who would best decide as to who is a joke here, and who is isn't.

JFM may well have his faults, but being long-winded sure as blazes isn't one of 'em! Never had the pleasure, meself, but I gather John's a very successful family man, who dotes upon his wife and kids. His fishing adventures are legendary here; and his bona fides are beyond reproach.

Uncle John, well you please tell us the story about the EPA penalty against the Valley business for discharging clean water, again? Please? It's one of my favorites!