Jan. 15, 2008 issue

COUNTRY BUMPKIN: John Hett, publisher and editor of the Journal of MADness, stands next to a statue of Alfred. E. Neuman, originally built as "The Country Bumpkin Muffler Man" by International Fiberglass Company from 1962-1976. The statue now greets visitors at the Wagon Wheel Inn in Madison, Ohio. The statue is part of the "Alfred, We Hardly Knew Yee" exhibit in Ford Gallery through Feb 9. The exhibit highlights the evolution of fictonal character Alfred E. Neuman, the well-known mascot of MAD Magazine. Hett will return Jan 23 to speak about the history of the character. Hett will be joined by Al Feldstein, editor of MAD Magazine for nearly 30 years, during the 7:30 p.m. discussion in the Halle Library Auditorium.

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