Very bad news.

I just spoke with Joel Axelrad's girlfriend, Margaret. She informed
me that Joel is currently dying of cancer in a hospital in Altoona,
Pennsylvania. According to Margaret, Joel is very far gone, heavily
sedated, and completely unresponsive.

Joel needs no introduction to any of the long-time regulars here. He
has fished with many of us. He has broken bread with us, he has drunk
martinis with us, he has visited with us and graciously accepted us at
his home.

Losing friends is a hard business.

Wolfgang