Thursday, November 10, 2005

The strange story of Johnny Lechner

Today the Times fronts the strange story of Johnny Lechner, a 12th year student at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. Johnny is a very serious student who has accumulated 242 credits while compiling a 2.9 grade-point average.

According to the Times, some students and adminstrators are are indignant that Mr. Lechner's record is attracting a spotlight. ("The guy's been a student for 12 years, and he's bragging about it?") while others are happy to hype the story. To date, Johnny has appeared on Letterman and countless other talk shows, and he has been hired to endorse National Lampoon, and other products.

Like you, we're wondering what all the fuss is about: A guy who hides from life, avoids working, and stays in school for as long as possible? Big deal. Haven't the suits at the Times and National Lampoon ever heard of kolel?