12,986 includes every single thing in @INC that looks like a module with 1,851 CPAN distributions installed. 1,578 of those only contain pod (like AnyEvent::FAQ) plus 11,408 code modules. Obviously 12,986 sounds more impressive than 1,578 so I went with the hyperbole.

I can't reply directly to jdporter's completely accurate accusation of *stealing*. I have definitely seen the signature before but must have forgotten that and actually thought I came up with it! I was going to leave out the "and greatest" part because it seemed more fluent but included it for unknown reasons. I guess my unconscious mind values accuracy. The human mind is amazing and most of what it does is totally unconscious. Please excuse my inadvertant theft of your awesome quote.