Donny, Fran knows that I only kid him 'cause I like him. We all know that you guys are good friends (a wonderful thing, btw) but I don't think that even HE feels as though you need to respond every time his name is mentioned. I don't think Fran needs ANYone defending him; a quick scan of the archives will show that he can dish it out as well as he can take it
.
I was up Philly way this past weekend to visit a gravely ill friend. If I'd had more time, I would have tried to hook up with Fran, maybe meet him over at Cintioli's and have lunch (provided he was buying, of course
). That is still something I hope we can do in the future.
chas